Hello and summer greetings! As breweries look to take advantage of a busy patio season, financial matters continue to be top of mind for business owners. As we often hear through conversations, surviving and coming out of the pandemic has been difficult for the industry. Lockdowns and supply chain challenges had forced many breweries to pivot and evolve; this caused significant financial strain, which has only recently improved over the past year with ongoing relief efforts. The lessons learned in that time provided us with a way forward and paved the way for BMO’s Business Banking division to develop a Microbreweries Program to provide innovative banking and financing solutions. Our goal is to helps brewers start, manage and grow their business, while also navigating the ever-changing industry landscape.
The craft brewery industry itself is a unique mix of manufacturing, retail and hospitality, continuing to be an integral part of the economic and social fabric of communities across Canada. Working alongside industry partners such as Gorman & Smith Beverage Equipment, we recognize that education and continued awareness of financial options is key to business success. For example, the Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) program makes it easier to get small business funding you need. Geared towards start-ups needing equipment, leasehold improvements and working capital, it gives you the opportunity to access financing where up to 85% of your loan is guaranteed by the Government of Canada. If an established brewery is looking to export their product outside of Canada, the Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP) (in partnership with Export Development Canada) can help secure a line of credit to support working capital and other export activities. Finally, we are able to provide wrap-around services for business bank accounts, credit cards, and offer partner discounts with Moneris Solutions for point-of-sale merchant services. Be sure to visit BMO’s CCBA Supplier Showcase page to learn how we can support your business.
This year, we are excited to participate in the CCBA’s 2nd annual Canada Beer Cup as a trophy sponsor to acknowledge the hard work and dedication brewers put in to make their beer hop! Speak to one of our Business Banking Relationship Managers across the country about our programs and get the advice you need. Good luck to all the participants and we look forward to seeing you this October in Niagara Falls!
Jeffrey Woo
Manager, Industry Programs – Ontario
Canadian Business Banking
