Startup Seminars for Winery, Brewery and Distillery Offered

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development has partnered for the first time with Grow & Fortify to offer startup seminars to Frederick County for the winery, brewery and distillery industries.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development to host these seminars. They address an incredible desire by Marylanders to grow, produce and sell their own value-added agricultural products, and the seminars will specifically address the planning, licensure, challenges and opportunities to support and encourage new startups,” said Grow & Fortify Founder Kevin Atticks. Grow & Fortify develops and supports organizations specializing in value-added agriculture, ag-tourism, craft beverages and more. Mr. Atticks is also the Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association, Brewers Association & Maryland Distillers Guild.

The first seminar titled “Startup 101” will be held on March 22, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt. Airy. Presenter Kevin Atticks who will cover topics such as planning and zoning, county permitting, federal, state, and local alcohol licensing, trends, legislation and more.

A second seminar titled “Financial, Legal & Insurance” will be held on March 30, 2017 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Miles & Stockbridge, 30 W. Patrick St. #600, Frederick. Presenters Ken Prager, CPA will cover topics such as accounting methods, reporting requirements, agricultural assessments and Hank Abromson, Esq will cover topics related to business structure, forming an LLC, separation of assets, employment law, licensing and regulations. A third insurance provider presenter will cover liabilities and exposures and coverage options.

Each seminar is $40 and discounts are available to members of the Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wineries Association & Maryland Distillers Guild. For more details and to register, visit www.growandfortify.com or call the Frederick County Office of Economic Development at 301-600-1668.