Business is hopping for the Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited.
An now the company is expanding thanks to nearly $865,000 from the federal and provincial governments.
The provincial government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, is providing $360,000 in repayable money towards this project through its Business Investment Program and the Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $481,620.
In addition, the federal department provided the company with $22,500 in non-repayable funding under the Business Development Support Program to assist with marketing initiatives.
“We are so grateful to the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of our business and, in particular, upcoming expansion,” Sonja Mills, co-owner of Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited said in a news release.
“Their investment will provide us with the means to take our business to the next level and make a more meaningful impact on our industry as well as the economic development of our community and region,” she added.
The expansion is expected to create two new jobs in Port Rexton.
In 2019, the company will start work to expand its current operation by adding a new manufacturing facility and a larger processing system, including an automated canning line.
Since launching its open-concept microbrewery in a retrofitted old schoolhouse in 2016, the company has become a successful tourism destination.
Port Rexton Brewing Company continues to grow as brand recognition has increased and demand for its craft beer has outpaced supply.
“With a growing base of dynamic small businesses such as the Port Rexton Brewing Company, the Bonavista Peninsula has become a key destination for exploring and tapping into unique local experiences and hospitality,” Bonavista-Burin-Trinity MP Churence Rogers said in a news release.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support Port Rexton Brewing Company’s latest expansion, which is creating local jobs and contributing to this region’s growth,” he added.
The federal assistance is part of support aimed at helping small- and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize through the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
The provincial government committed to work with craft beverage producers on an industry-wide review to continue growth.
Port Rexton is located along Route 230 between Clarenville and Bonavista and approximately a three-hour drive from St. John’s. It has approximately 350 year-round residents and boasts some of the best coastal views and rugged landscapes, hikes and whale watching opportunities in rural Newfoundland.
What’s on tap
The following is a list of Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited beers:
• Chasing Sun – Northeast/New England style IPA• Horse Chops: West Coast style IPA
• T-Rex: Robust Porter
• Baycation Blonde: American Blonde Ale
• Mixed Opportunity: Saison (mixed fermentation)
• Sweater Weather: Double IPA
• Blazing Sun: Double NEIPA
• Blue Steel: Kettle Sour W/orange peel
• Mr. Wheaty Pants: Amercian wheat
• Next Generation 2018 Series: Double dry-hopped saison
• Drifter: Gose
• Long Trek: Munich Helles
