Craft Brewery Equipment Financing & Leasing
Investing in Quality Production
Starting or expanding a craft brewery requires a major investment in brewing equipment. From brew kettles and fermenters to glycol systems, canning lines, and packaging equipment, costs can range from $100,000 for smaller nano-breweries to well over $1 million for large production facilities. These upfront expenses make it difficult for many owners to grow while maintaining healthy cash flow. That’s why craft brewery equipment financing is often the best solution for keeping your business running smoothly without exhausting capital reserves.
Financing vs. Leasing: Choosing the Right Path
When it comes to acquiring equipment, breweries have two main paths: financing or leasing. Financing allows you to own the equipment over time, build equity, and take advantage of tax benefits like depreciation. Leasing, on the other hand, provides lower monthly payments and more flexibility to upgrade equipment as your production needs evolve. For many breweries, leasing offers short-term savings and the ability to adapt quickly, while financing provides long-term ownership and stability.
Financing Options for Breweries
Breweries can access multiple options designed to meet their unique needs:
- Equipment Financing: Structured loans that use the equipment as collateral, allowing you to conserve working capital.
- SBA Loans (7a and 504 programs): Government-backed loans that offer longer terms, lower down payments, and favorable rates for equipment and facility investments.
- Conventional Loans: Available to established breweries with strong financials, these loans provide larger capital amounts and faster funding.
- Leasing Programs: Flexible agreements that minimize upfront costs and make it easier to budget for expansions and upgrades.
Each option has its benefits depending on your stage of growth, credit profile, and long-term strategy.
Strengthening Your Brewery’s Future
Whether you’re scaling up production, expanding into canning and distribution, or upgrading to meet demand, structured craft brewery equipment financing ensures you can grow without straining cash flow. With the right funding in place, you can focus on developing your brand, brewing innovative products, and expanding your reach while protecting financial stability.
