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What is C.R.A.F.T. Brewing and Distilling?

C.R.A.F.T. (Coalition to Represent American Foundations & Traditions in Brewing & Distilling) is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and first responders across the brewing, distilling, and beverage supply chain. Founded by U.S. military veterans, C.R.A.F.T. empowers members of the military community to build meaningful careers, launch businesses, and thrive as leaders, creators, and innovators in the adult-beverage industry. Through scholarships, mentorship, technical training, community partnerships, and nationwide tasting events, C.R.A.F.T. connects veteran talent with opportunities in brewing, distilling, fermentation science, hospitality, and beverage entrepreneurship. C.R.A.F.T. also hosts The People’s Pour Awards™, the nation’s first consumer-judged tasting competition that raises funds for veteran education, industry advancement, and small-business support. Above all, C.R.A.F.T. exists to preserve and elevate the foundations, craftsmanship, and traditions of American brewing and distilling—while opening doors for those who have served.

What makes C.R.A.F.T. different from other veterans groups?

C.R.A.F.T. is unlike any other veterans group in the brewing and distilling world because it was built specifically to support veterans as creators, founders, and industry leaders—not just as consumers. Most veteran organizations in the beverage space focus on community, networking, or honoring service. C.R.A.F.T. goes further by creating direct pathways into the industry and measurable outcomes for veteran-owned and veteran-founded beverage businesses. Here’s what makes C.R.A.F.T. distinctly different: 1. We focus on industry development, not just recognition. C.R.A.F.T. invests directly in training, scholarships, mentorships, and education programs that help veterans enter—and excel in—the brewing, distilling, and beverage supply chain. This is not just a social club. It is a workforce and entrepreneurial development engine. 2. We support the entire adult-beverage ecosystem. Brewers, distillers, blenders, bottlers, cooperages, hospitality teams, marketers, distributors, suppliers—C.R.A.F.T. supports every part of the industry pipeline, creating opportunities from grain to glass. 3. We are the only nonprofit to verify and certify Veteran-Owned, Veteran-Founded, and Veteran-Connected brands. Businesses receive an official digital badge and certification, ensuring transparency and authenticity for consumers, partners, and retailers. 4. We operate consumer-driven tasting competitions that fund veteran programs. The People’s Pour Awards™ is the first national competition voted on entirely by consumers—not judges or panels—making the results real, transparent, and representative of what people actually drink. Revenue from these events directly fuels scholarships, grants, and industry training for veterans and first responders. 5. We create business visibility and growth opportunities that no other group provides. Member brands gain: Access to national tasting events Highlighted placement in The Bar Book (a discovery platform built by veterans) Market exposure through C.R.A.F.T. storytelling and media partnerships Industry-specific mentorship through experienced veteran entrepreneurs No other veteran nonprofit integrates technology, consumer engagement, and industry education at this scale. 6. We are built by veterans who understand the challenges of transitioning into this industry. C.R.A.F.T. was founded by veterans who have lived the experience—navigating licensing, branding, compliance, production, distribution, and market entry. Everything we build is practical, realistic, and mission-driven. 7. Our mission is long-term: creating generational impact. We are not here just to host events. We are building: A sustainable training and scholarship pipeline A verified directory of veteran-owned brands A national tasting ecosystem that generates ongoing revenue for veteran advancement A legacy of opportunity for future generations of military families No other veteran group in the distilling and brewing space is building infrastructure like this.

How does C.R.A.F.T. define "Veteran-Owned"?

A Veteran-Owned business is an organization in which at least one owner is a U.S. military veteran, as defined by federal standards. The veteran maintains an active ownership stake in the business at the time of registration with C.R.A.F.T. C.R.A.F.T. will verify Veteran-Owned status and provide an official digital badge and certification for all approved member brands. Contact us for details.

How does C.R.A.F.T. define "Veteran-Founded"?

A Veteran-Founded business is an organization that was originally established by at least one U.S. military veteran, even if the founding veteran is no longer involved in daily operations. Ownership may have transitioned within the veteran’s family or successors, but the company’s origins remain rooted in veteran entrepreneurship. C.R.A.F.T. will verify Veteran-Founded status and provide an official digital badge and certification for all approved member brands. Contact us for details.

How does C.R.A.F.T. define "Veteran-Allied"?

A Veteran-Allied member is a non-veteran individual or organization that actively supports the mission of C.R.A.F.T. by contributing to the success, visibility, or development of veteran-owned or veteran-founded businesses. This category recognizes partners, supporters, and allies who demonstrate meaningful commitment to advancing veteran entrepreneurship within the brewing, distilling, and beverage ecosystem. C.R.A.F.T. will verify status and provide an official digital badge and certification for all approved member brands. Contact us for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about C.R.A.F.T. and the veteran beverage industry

Please reach us at connect@supportcraft.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

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