Chicago’s Funkytown Brewery has been announced as the winner of Samuel Adams Brewing’s 12th Brewing & Business Experienceship.

Founders Rich Bloomfield, Zack Day, and Greg Williams claimed the top prize on June 23 at the Crafting Dreams Beer Bash in New York City. The Crafting Dreams Beer Bash showcased other Black-owned businesses, including Harlem Chocolate Factory, Bridge's Kitchen, Jikonikwenu, SAMBUXA and more.

"Winning Brewing the American Dream's Brewing & Business Experienceship feels amazing at this stage of our business as we are taking the next steps to expand operations and increase awareness of our brand," Bloomfield, Funkytown co-founder, said in a statement. "We've been around since October 2021, so working directly with Sam Adams provides validation, exposure, and mentorship that will help us successfully transition Funkytown to the next level,” Bloomfield said.

The founders of Funkytown Brewery will soon travel to Boston to learn from a team of brewers and mentors and collaborate on a specialty beer with Samuel Adams.

Inspired by 90s hip-hop and R&B, the trio started their business in a garage. The brewery was launched in 2021 with a mission to market craft beer to underserved communities and educate them about different beer styles, tasting notes, aromas and colours. Now the brand is targeting national expansion.

Bloomfield, Day and Williams will also travel to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. The event will be held from Sept. 21-23, a statement reads.

"We are so proud to announce Funkytown Brewery as our latest Experienceship winner," said Jim Koch, Founder and Brewer of Samuel Adams. "Not only was their signature 'Hip-Hops and R&Brew' a standout among voters at the Crafting Dreams Beer Bash, but their mission of expanding the craft beer community to underserved groups resonated with us. When I started Samuel Adams, educating drinkers was key, and the dedication Rich, Zack and Greg show in sharing their knowledge with all is a reminder of the passion that will always keep the movement alive."