17 Business Ideas For Craft Beer Lovers [2024]
If you love craft beer and dream of turning that passion into a business, you're not alone. The craft beer industry continues to grow, offering numerous opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're looking to start something small or dive into a larger venture, 2024 could be your year to make it happen.
Think about what excites you the most in the world of craft beer. Maybe you could launch your own small brewery or partner with local businesses to create unique beer experiences. There are also options like starting a craft beer blog, opening a beer-focused food truck, or creating beer-related merchandise.
In this article, we'll explore various business ideas that could turn your craft beer passion into profit. Each idea offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Get ready to explore the possibilities and find the perfect fit for your ambitions.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other craft beer lover businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a craft beer lover, starting a subscription box business could be an exciting and profitable way to share your passion with others while generating extra income. By curating a monthly selection of unique beers, brewing kits, or beer-related merchandise, you can create a loyal customer base eager to discover new brews. Such a business not only allows you to delve deeper into the industry you love but also opens up opportunities for partnerships with breweries and beer artisans.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could capitalize on the growing demand for personalized and exclusive products within the craft beer community.
- Subscription boxes provide a recurring revenue stream, contributing to financial stability and growth.
- Your expertise and enthusiasm for craft beer allow you to source and offer high-quality, unique items that can’t be found in regular stores.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog dedicated to craft beer can be an enjoyable and profitable venture, especially if you have a deep passion for the subject. Through blog posts, video content, and social media, you can share your insights on beer tasting, brewing techniques, brewery reviews, and the latest craft beer trends. By identifying a specific angle—like local microbreweries or beer pairing recipes—you can attract a loyal audience and monetize your blog through affiliate links, brand partnerships, or even selling your own line of beer-related merchandise. For more tips on starting and growing a niche blog, you can check out these success stories.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You’ll engage with a passionate community who shares your love for craft beer.
- You can monetize your blog through various streams, including affiliate marketing and brand collaborations.
- Sharing your own beer experiences and knowledge can establish you as an authority in the craft beer community, opening doors to speaking gigs and sponsorships.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a craft beer lover makes perfect sense because it allows you to share your passion with a like-minded audience while creating a platform to discuss everything from brewing techniques to tasting notes. This venture doesn't require substantial initial investment, making it an ideal side business or supplementary income stream. With the growing popularity of podcasts, this niche offers a unique opportunity to build a community, attract sponsors, and potentially turn your love for craft beer into a profitable endeavor.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- You could connect with a dedicated audience who shares your passion for craft beer, creating a loyal listener base.
- Crafting your own podcast provides the freedom to explore various topics such as beer reviews, interviews with brewers, and brewing tips.
- It offers potential revenue streams through sponsorships, advertisements, and listener donations as your audience grows.
For inspiration and more tips on how to get started, check out Starter Story's podcast success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel can be an exciting way for craft beer lovers to share their passion while supplementing their income. By creating content focusing on beer reviews, brewery tours, homebrewing tips, and pairing suggestions, you could build a loyal audience and monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Craft beer enthusiasts already understand the nuances of flavor and brewing techniques, essential elements that can resonate with viewers. To maximize your channel’s potential, consistency in uploading high-quality videos and engaging with your audience is key. Learn more about successfully launching a YouTube channel.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You have the opportunity to turn your craft beer knowledge into a source of income while doing something you love.
- Building a community around your passion can lead to opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations with breweries.
- Sharing your expertise could inspire others and establish you as a respected voice in the craft beer community.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a craft beer lover, starting a niche website dedicated to craft brews could be a highly rewarding venture. Your passion and expertise in the field allow you to create targeted content that resonates with like-minded enthusiasts, ranging from beer reviews and brewing tips to the latest brewery trends. By leveraging this specialized knowledge, you could generate consistent traffic, opening multiple avenues for monetization such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling your own digital products. Explore how others have found success with niche websites on Starter Story.
Why consider a niche website?
- You could turn your passion for craft beer into a scalable side business or even a full-time venture.
- You could build a community of fellow beer enthusiasts, creating a platform for sharing and discussing all things craft beer.
- Monetization opportunities are vast, allowing you to make passive income through various streams once your website gains traction.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
6. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you're a craft beer lover with a knack for technology, developing a mobile app could be a lucrative and exciting side business. Imagine creating an app that helps fellow beer enthusiasts discover new breweries, track their tasting experiences, or even locate nearby brewpubs and beer festivals. With demand for craft beer continuing to grow, an app tailored to this niche audience could gain significant traction and generate substantial revenue.
Why start a mobile app business as a craft beer lover?
- You could turn your passion into profit. Craft beer enthusiasts are always looking for more ways to engage with their hobby, and your app could fill that need.
- You already know the market. Your deep understanding of what fellow craft beer lovers seek puts you in a prime position to create a successful app.
- The barriers to entry are lower than you might think. With basic coding skills or a hired developer, you can bring your app idea to life and start seeing returns.
Think you have a winning idea for a craft beer mobile app? Dive deeper with inspiring success stories.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a craft beer lover with a passion for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business presents an exciting opportunity to combine your interests. By enabling breweries, beer influencers, and related businesses to automate their social media presence, you could not only generate additional income but also contribute to the rich and diverse craft beer community. Imagine providing automation tools and services to schedule posts, increase engagement, and analyze social media trends, making it easier for clients to connect with their audience and grow their brands.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could help craft breweries and influencers save time, allowing them to focus on making great beer and content.
- Your specialized services could enhance the online engagement and brand presence of businesses within the craft beer industry.
- This business model can turn your combined passion for craft beer and marketing into a thriving side hustle or full-fledged enterprise.
For more tips and insights, check out the Starter Story guide on starting a social media automation business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
8. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution as a craft beer lover offers the perfect blend of passion and technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could develop tailored solutions that enhance brewing processes, optimize inventory management, and personalize customer experiences, all while supplementing your income or creating a full-fledged business. You don’t need extensive technical knowledge, as many platforms provide user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support to get you started.
The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, giving you the opportunity to enter a high-impact and expanding market. Imagine providing breweries with tools to predict market trends, automate repetitive tasks, and gain valuable customer insights—all using cutting-edge AI technology. For more insights on launching an AI-based business solution, check out this page on profitability.
Why Consider an AI-Based Business Solution?
- AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing processes.
- You could provide valuable customer insights and personalized marketing solutions, making breweries more competitive.
- Leveraging AI allows you to tap into an expanding market with a high demand for innovative business solutions.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
9. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
If you're a craft beer lover with entrepreneurial aspirations, creating an email marketing tool could be a great business idea. With your passion for craft beer, you could design a tool that caters specifically to breweries, beer festivals, and beer enthusiasts, helping them connect more effectively with their audiences. Given the effectiveness of email marketing in driving engagement, generating leads, and boosting sales, you could turn your side hustle into a thriving business.
Learn more about how to get started with an email marketing tool.
Why starting an email marketing tool?
- You could help craft breweries enhance their marketing efforts and growth.
- There’s high demand in the booming email marketing industry, with a projected market size of $2.53B by 2028.
- You could turn your love for craft beer into a profitable business opportunity by creating a niche product.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
10. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Starting a lead generation tool as a craft beer lover could be a highly profitable side business or even a primary venture. This technology harnesses your marketing skills and passion for craft beer to develop an application that gathers potential customer leads for breweries, beer festivals, and craft beer events. By automating the arduous task of finding new clients, you could help breweries focus more on crafting exquisite beers while you generate an income stream.
The demand for efficient lead generation is growing, with businesses always eager to streamline their marketing efforts. If you have a knack for technology and an understanding of the craft beer scene, this business idea could seamlessly align with your interests. Looking for a way to combine your love for craft beer and technology? Learn more here.
Considering a lead generation tool?
- Craft beer businesses constantly seek new customers. Targeting this niche could fill a specific market need.
- Automate lead capture to save breweries time and enhance their marketing efficiency.
- Use your industry knowledge to tailor your tool specifically for craft breweries, providing high-value leads that convert better.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
11. Start a price monitoring service ($180K/month)
As a craft beer lover, starting a price monitoring service makes sense because it allows you to capitalize on your passion for the industry while providing a valuable service. By tracking prices and market trends for craft beers, you could help breweries, retailers, and consumers make informed purchasing decisions and stay competitive. This business can not only supplement your income but also position you as an expert in the craft beer market.
Why consider a price monitoring service?
- You’ll stay ahead of market trends, helping breweries and retailers identify the best times to purchase or stock up on particular beers.
- You’ll aid craft beer enthusiasts in finding the best deals, making you a trusted resource in the community.
- With automation tools, your service can run with minimal ongoing effort, offering a high potential for passive income.
For more information, check out how to get started with a price monitoring service here.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)
Power Target LLC, with an average growth rate of 20%, is a successful energy company that developed an online energy comparison marketplace called ElectricityRates.com, which has an excellent, 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot with over 1000 reviews, and allows users to compare competitive energy offers from providers and enroll through their fast, simple, and secure process.
12. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a craft beer lover, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a unique way to supplement your income or even launch a side business. If you've identified a specific need or solution within the craft beer community or online space, you could develop a specialized plugin tailored to meet that requirement. This approach allows you to merge your passion for craft beer with the booming world of WordPress, creating a niche product that serves other beer enthusiasts or related businesses. You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your blog, or a dedicated website.
Why consider starting a WordPress plugin business?
- Bridge your passion and technology: Develop plugins that cater to the craft beer niche, combining your love for beer with your technical skills.
- Unlimited earning potential: Once developed, your plugin can be sold repeatedly, generating a stream of passive income.
- Serve a community: Craft beer lovers and businesses need specialized solutions, and your plugin could become an indispensable tool for them.
For further insights on starting a WordPress plugin business, check out some detailed success stories.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
13. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be an excellent way for a craft beer lover to supplement their income, make extra money, or even create an entirely new side business. By capturing high-quality images of vibrant craft beers, rustic breweries, and engaging events, you can build a portfolio that appeals to businesses in the beer industry looking for authentic marketing materials. With the right photography gear and an online presence, you could turn your passion for craft beer into a profitable venture.
Check out some success stories for inspiration.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Knowledge of the craft beer scene places you in a unique position to capture photos that resonate with the industry.
- High-quality images are always in demand by websites, bloggers, and marketing agencies, providing a steady income stream.
- This business allows you to combine your hobby with entrepreneurship, turning your love for craft beer into a revenue-generating project.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
14. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is a great way for craft beer lovers to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business without the need to manage inventory. By choosing a niche related to craft beer—such as beer accessories, glassware, or brewing equipment—you can tap into a market of fellow enthusiasts. Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, find reliable suppliers, and focus on marketing to grow your customer base.
With no need to hold inventory, you can operate your dropshipping business with minimal overhead. Consider browsing through Starter Story's success stories to see how others have created profitable dropshipping businesses: Dropshipping Business Success Stories.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Low startup costs make it accessible for anyone to start.
- You can focus on marketing and customer engagement rather than inventory management.
- It's easy to scale your business as you grow, allowing for potential significant profits.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
15. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
A print-on-demand business makes perfect sense for craft beer lovers looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Imagine creating unique, beer-themed merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags that capture the essence of your craft beer passion. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, you could design trendy products without worrying about inventory costs, all while reaching a global audience.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Tap into a niche market by designing items that resonate with fellow craft beer enthusiasts.
- Minimal startup costs mean you can focus on creativity and experimentation rather than financial risk.
- Flexibility to run your business from home, at your own pace, making it easy to balance with other commitments.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
16. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
For craft beer lovers intrigued by both health and wellness, starting a health and wellness app offers a unique business opportunity that marries your passion for craft beer with the growing wellness industry. Imagine creating an app that not only helps people achieve their health and wellness goals but also educates them about the balanced enjoyment of craft beer. You can incorporate personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans (perhaps including a surprising number of healthy beer recipes), and mental well-being exercises, while tracking progress seamlessly.
By starting this business, you would be offering users a virtual coach that integrates the joys of craft beer in a health-conscious manner. This entrepreneurial venture involves market research, collaborating with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. For more details on how to kick off this journey, check out the successful stories of health and wellness app startups.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- Combine your passion for craft beer with wellness to create a unique niche, setting your app apart from conventional health apps.
- Cater to a growing market of health-conscious consumers who also enjoy craft beer, tapping into a dual-interest audience.
- Leverage your existing knowledge and love for craft beer to curate specialized content, fostering an engaged and loyal user base.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
17. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a craft beer lover, starting an ecommerce reselling business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income or launch a side business. Instead of brewing your own beer, you could focus on curating a selection of craft beer-related products like unique glassware, home brewing kits, or limited-edition merchandise. This allows you to share your passion for craft beer without the overhead of production costs, and you can start selling right away using social media platforms before scaling to a full ecommerce website.
Check out some success stories of ecommerce reselling to get inspired by others who’ve made it work: /ideas/ecommerce-reselling-business/success-stories.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- Lower barriers to entry with no need for initial production—a plus for first-time entrepreneurs.
- Opportunity to explore and support niche craft beer products that reflect your passion.
- Scalability that lets you expand from social media platforms to a dedicated ecommerce site as your business grows.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
