Samuel Adams and ACCION USA Brewing the American Dream

A unique program helping the food, beverage and hospitality entrepreneurs of New England with the tools they need to help their small businesses succeed:

• Small business loans from $500-$25,000: Food and beverage entrepreneurs can get the capital needed to expand or start a business, purchase inventory or eqipment, market a business, pay licensing fees, and more!
• Financial and business education seminars (view calendar) and one-on-one assistance: Through free seminars, ACCION USA and The Boston Beer Company give top-line guidance, answer questions and help solve small business challenges unique to microentrepreneurs.
• Speed coaching events: Take advantage of the opportunity to meet in small groups with The Boston Beer Company's marketing, public relations, and distribution experts.

Many small business owners choose to work with ACCION USA because they:

•  Look beyond credit scores to criteria that banks often don't consider including character, potential of entrepreneur and his or her business, and references;
• Have interest rates that are fair and competitive with banks and are well below those of credit cards and finance companies
• Help clients establish and grow their credit scores laying the groundwork for future loans from banks and other traditional business finance sources
• Are committed to their mission of helping independent businesses succeed and treat every client with respect - offering assistance in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Visit the "Brewing the American Dream" Website

Success Story

Carlene O'Garro
Delectable Desires

Carlene O'Garro grew up in an inner city Boston neighborhood. She attended the Boston Public Schools and then went on to college in Florida. After college she opted for an office job while she searched her true path but remained frustrated that she wasn't building anything for herself that would ultimately "be hers". Listening to her inner voice and passion for baking, she enrolled in the newly created Pastry Chef program at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.

 After graduating she worked grueling 10-14 hour days at a Boston restaurant "for scraps." She began taking some small baking orders but soon became overwhelmed juggling her day job with her private baking. Recently Carlene decided to make the jump to full business ownership financing it all on her credit cards and paying exorbitant interest rates. Realizing this was not a sustainable business model, she applied for a loan from the Samuel Adams Brewing The American Dream^TM Fund. She is baking in a kitchen incubator where she has found natural mentors and a caring, supportive community. "All of us are struggling in one way or another with barriers to starting our own businesses. Some are personal, some are financial, but all are standing in the way of us realizing our dreams. But with this loan, I am really on my way!"