Cosgrave’s Beverage Law Practice Group announces the launch of the Craft Beverage Industry Group (C-BIG), whose founding members comprise respected industry professionals in the growing craft beverage segment.

The mission of the group is two-fold: serve up quality educational events and bridge connections among members in this complex market. C-BIG members are advisers and advocates dedicated to the education, growth and sustainability of Oregon’s craft beverage entrepreneurs.

C-BIG held its inaugural hosted happy hour at Base Camp Brewing during the Craft Brewer’s Conference in April.   Its educational events will focus on important facets of the craft beverage industry.  The first was held on May 20th with speaker Amy Pearl of Hatch Innovation Lab, who spoke about Oregon’s new law allowing equity crowdfunding, or Community Public Offerings (CPOs), in Oregon, and what that means for start-up craft businesses.  Hatch serves in part as a funding accelerator through its initiative “Hatch Oregon.”  Participating businesses have raised over $200,000 since the law’s inception in January.

C-BIG’s summer schedule features pragmatic tips for accessing capital by the Portland Community College CLIMB Small Business Development Center’s Capital Access Team on June 23rd.  University of Portland’s Dr. Sam Holloway will speak on “Crafting A Strategy” in July.  And August will bring an introduction to Oregon Wild’s Oregon Brewshed Alliance. The current schedule is online at www.CBIGOregon.com.

“C-BIG offers something unique in Oregon,” says group co-founder Russ Rotondi of Cosgrave Vergeer Kester. “It’s a dynamic forum for comprehensive guidance and targeted learning opportunities for the craft beverage industry.”

Industry professionals, service providers and ancillary businesses involved in craft beverage are encouraged to learn more about C-BIG, the event schedule and membership by visiting the website and dropping us a note:  www.CBIGOregon.com.