Our Story
The Hop Forward Society was founded by a group of community members and brewery owners in response to the murder of George Floyd and the global mobilization in support of Black Lives Matter. Our goal is to diversify the Alberta craft beer industry. We are a volunteer-driven, registered society, focused on reducing the barriers that exist within the craft beer industry. We work to provide information, education, and resources to businesses and community members, create and build opportunities for underrepresented groups within the craft beer industry, and help develop safe spaces for people to work, gather, and socialize.
Mission
Empowering underrepresented groups and creating opportunities by eliminating barriers and advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and equity.
Vision
A craft beer industry that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible.
Value Statement
The Hop Forward Society acknowledges the past and present barriers that exist in the craft beer industry that has led to the exclusion of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people, people who are LGBTQ2S+, and those from various underrepresented communities. We denounce racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and sexism in all its forms, and believe it is our obligation to work as individuals and as an organization to create inclusive and equitable spaces within our industry for underrepresented people. We are united with community and business partners in our pursuit to create an Alberta craft beer industry that is diverse, inclusive, accessible, and equitable.
What We Do
Advocacy
Through our collective action, The Hop Forward Society works to create a more diverse, accessible, inclusive, and equitable craft beer industry. We provide valuable resources and opportunities to create meaningful, and lasting change for businesses within the industry.
Our members are committed to creating positive change in the craft beer industry and have all pledged to uphold our values, as well as take action to increase diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. Through this collective action, we help create an open and accessible craft beer industry.
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Community
We are committed to creating opportunities and reducing barriers for underrepresented groups in the craft beer industry. We work alongside our community of members to foster an environment of positive change.
Our collective vision is a craft beer industry where underrepresented groups are present, engaged, visible, and welcomed. Through our events and initiatives, we aim to connect community members who share our love for craft beer, and who see the need for positive change.
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Opportunity
The Hop Forward Society works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. We offer three different grants on an annual basis. These grants are available to anyone who is Black, Indigenous, racialized, and/or part of the LGBTQ2S+ or disability community.
These funds can be allocated towards vocational or educational purposes. They can also be used for projects with the goal of making a meaningful contribution to the Alberta craft beer industry.
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The Folks Who Made it Possible
Hop Forward Society wouldn’t be here today were it not for the generosity and support of community members and partners. These local businesses joined us in the early stages and made this all possible. Their confidence in our vision is integral to the growth and existence of the Hop Forward Society.
We are incredibly grateful to each of them.
Branding
Daughter is a design and advertising studio based in Calgary, Canada. We create brands and we help brands create. We firmly believe that better brands create a better world. Intentional or not, every word and image says something about your business, what it believes, and the world you’re trying to create. When your vision connects with people, you’ve built a brand that means something. And, sure that’s easier said than done, but that’s why we’re here. Sound interesting? We'd love to hear from you.
Society Registration & Legal
DBB is a full-service law firm that has been serving Calgary for over 35 years. We offer a complete range of legal services for individuals, families and businesses of all sizes.
Grant Fund Management & Advising
Up Financial is a Registered Wealth Management and Financial Planning firm that specializes in providing sophisticated investment advice and comprehensive financial planning. We have significant experience advising senior executives, company founders, entrepreneurs, and affluent families about the multiple facets of their financial lives.
Startup Donation
At Canada Malting it’s more than just making malt, it’s being a part of something special. Their roots as a maltster trace back to 1832, as do the knowledge, relationships and values their team continues to cultivate today. The connections they have with growers, brewers and distillers, as well as the people and communities they serve, have made Canada Malting Co. an intrinsic part of this remarkable industry for more than 100 years.