The Crafted Fellows Program supports BIPOC founders in craft beer

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.

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.

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.

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

Apply Today!

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!

Be a Mentor

Meet the 2024 - 2025 Crafted Fellows Cohort Representing Six Craft Ventures

Crafted Fellows is an annual 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 are proud to announce the 2024 - 2025 Crafted Fellows Cohort, representing six BIPOC owned craft beverage brands.

Kaila Davis, CrazySexyCraft

CrazySexyCraft is on a mission to celebrate diversity within the craft beer space and introduce people from all walks of life to the rich and flavorful world of craft beer.

Darren Armstrong, Deuce & A Quarter, LLC

Our mission is to shine a light on and grow the unTAPped by curating craft beer experiences that foster community, celebrate diversity, the richness of originality, culture, and craft beer education.

Michelle Turner, Excited to Feast, LLC

Excited to Feast is dedicated to enriching the beer industry by promoting diversity through food and cultural education and experiences. Our mission is to foster a more inclusive community by highlighting and celebrating global culinary flavors. Through curated events and educational programs, we aim to elevate underrepresented voices, expand cultural appreciation, and inspire a deeper connection to beer.

Angel Hobbs, KRAVE

Krave’s mission is to promote convenience through ready to drink cocktail seltzers, utilizing simple ingredients to achieve a flavorful taste at an affordable price.

Damon Arredondo, Rizoma Liquid Creations

Rizoma's mission is to sustainably, justly, and equitably create quality & consistent products, while using our platform to amplify voices, and empower through effective community engagement, and emotional storytelling.

Caitlyn Jordan, StellaTripp Brewing Company

Our mission is to make unique and exceptional beers, while fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages and motivates our community. We also aim to support businesses owned by women, non-binary individuals, and other minorities. Our ultimate goal is to become a model of inclusivity in the craft beer industry, and provide a gathering place where all people can come together and savor the best of craft beer. And why not bring home some trophies by 2030 while we're at it?

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

At this time, not more than eight (8) ventures or individuals will be accepted annually.

Apply for the 2025 - 2026 Crafted Fellows Cohort

Be a Crafted Fellows Mentor

Meet the 2024 - 2025 Crafted Fellows Cohort Representing Six Craft Ventures

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Frequently Asked Questions