Dogfish Head earns SBA distinction

10/3/2011

Launched in 1995, Delaware-based Dogfish Head Brewery faced an uphill battle to compete against larger libation sellers such as Budweiser.

However, WMDT-TV reports that 16 years later, the beer company has created 120 jobs, earning them an SBA 100 distinction from the Small Business Administration.

"In that era (mid-1990s) we were maybe 30, 40 people," owner Sam Calagione told the news source. "Fast forward to today we are one of the fastest growing small breweries in America."

Calagione added that DFH is still a "David in an industry of Goliaths," pointing to the fact that two beer companies sell more than 80 percent of the beer in America. DFH and around 1,700 other smaller breweries occupy just 5 percent of the market.

Beer Street Journal reports that in 1997, after being turned down by multiple banks, the SBA provided DFH with a $200,000 SBA loan in 1997. WMDT reports that the brewery is expected to make approximately $41 million in sales this year.

The Delaware Small Business & Technology Development Center points out that DFH brews extremely unique flavors such as Chicory Stout - made with organic Mexican coffee and St. John's Wort - and Immort Ale, which is brewed with juniper berries, vanilla and maple syrup.