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Meet the 2025 - 2026 Crafted Fellows Cohort

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We’re thrilled to introduce the 2025-2026 Crafted Fellows! This incredible group of entrepreneurs is shaping the future of craft beverages, bringing innovation, culture, and purpose to the industry. Each of these founders is building something unique, and we can’t wait for you to meet them at the Crafted for Action Conference, where they’ll compete in our annual microgrant pitch competition!

​Support Their Journey! Follow these incredible founders and join us at Crafted for Action 2025, where they’ll pitch their businesses in our microgrant competition on Friday, June 20th.

Thank You to Our 2025 - 2026 Cohort Sponsors

About The Crafted Fellows Program

The Crafted Fellows Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerator program that supports and empowers BIPOC owned beverage industry businesses by offering strategic support during the Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference and beyond. This one-of-a-kind program creates space for a small group of entrepreneurs to connect with and learn from one another while offering opportunities for professional development, network building, and mentoring.

We're Here to Serve

We're proud of the work we're doing to serve and support the next wave of change-makers in the craft beverage community! To date, we've supported 14 BIPOC ventures, have awarded $13,500 in microgrants, and have secured over $5000 of in-kind support. And we're just getting started!

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Your Donations Matter!

Your donation helps provide resources, education, and direct support to emerging entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in the industry. Join us in making a lasting impact—every contribution brings us one step closer to a more diverse and inclusive beverage community. Donate today!

Win Big! Apply for the 2025 - 2026 Crafted Fellows Cohort. 

 

The application period for the 2025 - 2026 Crafted Fellows Cohort opens on November 1, 2024 and closes on January 31, 2025.

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Fellowship Benefits

Fellowship benefits include: 

  • Complimentary VIP registration to the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference.

  • Complimentary access to the virtual panels for the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference.

  • Promotional highlight during the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference at the conference venue and on the website.

  • Personalized Crafted Fellows Track of sessions at the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference.

  • Entry into the pitch competition at the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference for a chance to win a microgrant.

  • Ongoing support via the Crafted Cohort convening after the annual conference.

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Program Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

  • Attend the annual conference to participate in a required, tailored track of panels and to compete for a grant and awards package.  

  • Participate in the Crafted Cohort mentoring and peer group meeting virtually on a regular basis for eight sessions. 

  • Provide the Crafted for Action Conference Committee with feedback on the Fellows Program.

  • Permit Crafted for Action to use the Fellow’s name and story for fundraising and other strategic needs.

  • Advise on the future of the Crafted Fellows Program, particularly in regard to the selection of the subsequent year’s Fellows.​

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2025 - 2026 Program Timeline*

  • November 1, 2024: Crafted Fellows Application Period Opens

  • January 31, 2025: Crafted Fellows Application Period Closes

  • February 14, 2025: Crafted Fellows Cohort Selected

  • March - May, 2025: Crafted Fellows Virtual Sessions, #1 - 3

  • June 20, 2025: Crafted Fellows Live Pitch Competition

  • August - November, 2025: Crafted Fellows Virtual Sessions, #4 - 6

*timeline subject to change​

Be a Crafted Fellows Mentor

We're seeking enthusiastic professionals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about supporting startups to pair with each Fellow as mentors. As a mentor, you'll connect with an assigned Fellow on a schedule that you decide upon, offering guidance, sharing your expertise, and helping them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. ​Mentors do not need to have background in the craft beverage industry.​

 

Interested in becoming a mentor? Please complete the interest form and we'll be in touch soon!

Frequently Asked Questions 

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Are travel and lodging accommodations provided for selected Fellows?

No. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the participant(s).​​​

 

Is the program limited to the craft beer industry?

No! Crafted Fellows is open to all adult beverage industry ventures including but not limited to:

  • Beer

  • Wine

  • Spirits

  • Seltzer

  • Kombucha

  • Cider

  • Mead​

 

How many people/ventures are accepted each year?

Up to eight (8) ventures or individuals will be accepted annually.​

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Is Crafted Fellows a nonprofit?

Yes! The Crafted Fellows program is a registered 501c3 organization. All donations made directly to Crafted Fellows, Inc are tax deductible. 

The Crafted Fellows Program supports BIPOC founders in craft beer
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