First Mile Brewing Co. Co-Owners: (Left to Right) David Saucier, Travis Jandreau, Matt Deprey, Rodney Lahren, Travis Guy
Congratulations to First Mile Brewing Co. in Fort Kent for being selected as our spring 2018 Marketing Mini-Grant Recipient in Aroostook County!
A Nano-brewery, their mission is to provide fresh, locally produced, crushable craft beer to the St. John Valley. Patrons can enjoy one of their custom brews in the onsite taproom. Eight different tap lines serve up a beer style suited to a variety of palates.
The $500 in Mini-Grant funds will be used to expand visibility at the Fort Kent Golf Club. Vinyl golf cart wrap and 75 logoed pint glasses will be created to attract interest in the brewery. With over 1,000 individual golfers annually and public access to the clubhouse during meal times, these tools will provide brand visibility. The grant will allow them to venture in a necessary direction, and if successful, justify future endeavors of this nature.
Josh Nadeau (SBDC Director) served on the grant review committee, lending his expertise to the review process. “The Mini-Grant Marketing program through New Ventures Maine is a great opportunity for small business owners. One of the most challenging things to do when you are a small business, especially in Aroostook County, is to attract and retain customers. This grant offers the opportunity for a business to try something different that may have a big impact on the bottom line, or to do something they’ve been putting off due to lack of capital.”
The Marketing Mini-Grant program aims to strengthen access to markets for micro-businesses by supporting the development of marketing tools, materials, and activities. We hold the Marketing Mini-Grant program twice a year at six locations statewide. Stay tuned for more information on the next competition near you!