E-Malt.com News article: USA, WI: The Bonsai Brewing Project turns a business dream into reality

In Whitefish, a new Shopko department store booted the Bonsai Brewing Project - and several other businesses - from the Whitefish Mountain Mall, NBC Montana reported on March 25.

Bonsai was ready for an expansion, and thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, the owners could afford one after only a year of business.

Now Bonsai operates out of a bigger space on Wisconsin Avenue, on the way to Whitefish Mountain. The new location opened its doors on March 13.

Graham Hart, who owns the Bonsai Brewing Project, claims the expansion would have been unlikely if his mother hadn't convinced him to turn to internet crowdfunding.

The Whitefish resident said by the time Bonsai opened for business in 2014, he had raised almost $18,000 from about 70 different backers. He had only counted on $15,000.

Hart offered backers rewards through his Kickstarter campaign. When they donated money, he promised them t-shirts and hoodies or access to a special pub club that offers discounts.

According to Hart, Bonsai has seen success in its new location, and all began with internet crowdfunding.

"It gave us the boost we needed to be successful quickly," he said.

Experts say crowdfunding sites are a great option for entrepreneurs who need a financial boost to put their ideas into action.

"A few have taken advantage of it here," said Chris Parson from the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. "And more and more in the local area. It just gives an opportunity to someone who is starting out."

Bonsai took that opportunity when they first opened up. What began with the kindness of strangers has developed into a successful business.


27 March, 2015