Grow & Fortify Launches Maryland Craft Beverages App
The Maryland Craft Beverages app is now available in the Apple and Google Play stores. This free app allows craft alcohol drinkers in Maryland to plan future stops, track visited locations, and participate in the integrated industry passports. The directory in the app includes all active members of the Brewers Association of Maryland, the Maryland Distillers Guild, and the Maryland Wineries Association that currently offer guest experiences. This app puts a curated craft beverage experience in the palm of your hand. “The Maryland Craft Beverages app is a great resource for locals and visitors,” says Kevin Atticks, CEO of Grow & Fortify. “Everyone using the app can view our state’s numerous craft beverage trails, and track the tasting rooms they visit and support via the passport.” In addition to traditional beer, wine, and spirits trails, the Maryland Craft Beverage app includes trails dedicated to highlighting the state’s growing number of cider and mead producers. Grow & Fortify has worked with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Maryland Department of Agriculture and numerous county tourism offices to include additional, locally promoted trail experiences. Events promoted by the three industries will be highlighted in the app and attendees can use the app to browse participating vendors and products. Learn more here.
SMADC Announces Funding for The Southern Maryland Farmer Mini-Grant Program
Development Commission (SMADC) is pleased to announce the 8th Round of the Southern Maryland Farmer Mini-Grant Program. The Mini-Grant closes on September 1, 2021, with awards announced by October 15, 2021. SMADC awards will be up to $2,000 per applicant and is a one-to-one match by the farmer. A total of $40,000 in funding is available. However, it is anticipated that the number of applicants may exceed the amount of funding available, therefore grant applications will be ranked and awards may be less than the requested amount. Grant funds may be used for equipment/services that help transition a farm’s sales strategy (such as online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales, etc.), for other projects that allow the farm business to maintain and/or expand sales, for the purchase of foundation livestock, purchase of plant stock, marketing and promotion of current farm operation, new fencing, hoop house, and materials needed for value-added food production and on-farm upgrades to enhance food safety. “The Mini-Grant program has become very popular with Southern Maryland farmers, and has awarded $157,007 to 101 farm projects over the previous seven rounds”, says SMADC Director, Shelby Watson-Hampton. “The farmers we work with are innovative, creative, and passionate, and we look forward to seeing what new and creative project ideas come through in the applications for this next round.” Learn more here.
