For those seeking to begin a business in the fiercely competitive metropolis of New York City, a recent partnership may help get their idea off the ground.
The recent partnership between Samuel Adams Brewing Company and ACCION USA, a not-for-profit microlending organization, has extended an opportunity for many to achieve success within the food, beverage and hospitality sectors. Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program recently extended its resources to New York City, as well as Ohio and the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, expecting to provide loans totaling at least $250,000 to small businesses within the city. The program's ultimate goal is to loan $1,000,000 by the end of 2011.
"Jim Koch is very passionate about this," a spokesperson for the founder of Samuel Adams Beer said. "This is the situation he went through, not being able to get loans through traditional means. He believes that there is room for everyone to be successful. Boston Beer and Sam Adams now have a strong imprint making a difference for a lot of people. A lot of people aren't aware that there is this money out there - and our main message is we want to share."
Starting out as a struggling entrepreneur that hatched a beer brewing empire from his kitchen, Koch is aware of the many challenges people face when managing a business. That is why he has also implemented a speed-coaching program, arming potential entrepreneurs with invaluable advice key to running a growing business.
While attempting to reclaim his family's place within the brewing industry 27 years ago, Koch's requests for financing were rejected several times.
"I've never forgotten how hard it is for the little guy to get started, which is essentially why we created Brewing the American Dream," Koch has said. "It's our way of giving back and helping other small business owners with a dream."
"If you have a dream - you have to go for it," Riccardo Romero, owner of Arepas Café in Astoria said.

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