Whaler’s Brewing Company

South Kingstown, RI

It’s no secret that craft brewing is a booming industry, and Whaler’s Brewing is poised to be the next big player on that stage here in the smallest state. What began as a hobby for its founders has grown with passion into a unique and highly regarded microbrewery start-up. Walk into the converted space in the old Palisades Mill in Peace Dale on any weekend and you’ll find a lively crowd enjoying samplings of their flagship ales and their newest creations on tap.

But the Whaler’s team faced the same challenge as many burgeoning start-ups: how to finance growth to meet booming customer demand. That’s when they came to the RI Small Business Development Center. Working with RISBDC Southern Regional Director Josh Daly, Andy and Wes were able to successfully understand and navigate the funding landscape, exploring various options before finding an investor and negotiating a deal. The RISBDC has been there through each step, helping to develop and refine solid financial projections, translating financial jargon and investor-speak, and ultimately helping them feel confident that they’ve found a strong footing for growth.

On a recent Tuesday morning, the lively crowd was absent, but the excitement was palpable. The investment they secured was tangible as Andy drew back a curtain on one end of the room to reveal the new barrels that will allow Whaler’s to increase its capacity by five times. It’s not hard to imagine the ripple effects in the local economy: for restaurants and bars, for their local service and supply businesses, and for the growing brew tourism movement that draws crowds from outside that state.

The success story is only the beginning for Whaler’s Brewing, and the Whaler’s team is looking forward to working with the RISBDC for years to come to manage and grow their business.

1070 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879  *  Phone:(401) 284-7785