On Tuesday, October 27 FastStart DC was pleased to host the Craft Beer and Entrepreneurship Event at Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Food (CFF). Over 50 guests attended to sample ales, lagers and stouts produced by local craft breweries from Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), while also celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of the participating producers who are driving the craft beer movement.

Attendees learned how to properly taste and evaluate the beers, which were paired with small bites prepared by the CFF’s culinary students and heard stories of lessons learned from some of the most successful craft producers in Ontario, including Steam Whistle founder Greg Taylor. A craft brewer panel, where each of the other participating brewers discussed their entrepreneurial experiences in starting their small business, also took place.

“This event was a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of these brewers, who have taken their entrepreneurial dreams and made them a reality,” said Chris Gillis, manager, Applied Research Business Development, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). “The lessons learned and struggles these brewers have faced are no different than any enterprise starting out. We hope that when other entrepreneurs face similar challenges, they can draw on the insight and knowledge shared during the event to push themselves to succeed. The event was also an excellent opportunity to sample some of Ontario’s best brews and learn more about the growing craft beer industry.”

For anyone who missed the event but wants to learn more about beer appreciation, Durham College Continuing Education offers the Prud’homme Beer Series. Participants will take an in-depth look at the history, styles and taste profiles of beer as well as cooking with beer and food pairings.

For more information please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/coned or call 905.721.2000 ext. 3330.