Help Mel empower Vermont’s Craft Food & Beverage Makers

Hello, Vermont community and beyond!

Greetings, I’m Tanner, I set up this fundraiser for Mel who I believe is worth supporting in her efforts and especially with this new project of hers, to benefit the community she has truly fallen in love with. There is no one I know who loves Vermont more than Mel (being born in Germany), or someone who is working so hard for the people and communities of Vermont, and to fully become a part of them.

We met in the spring of 2023 at Metta Earth Institute in Lincoln, Vt, where we both attended a program called Earth Responders for the summer. I got to know Mel as someone who is determined, straight forward, hard working while being playful and full of life and love of fine foods and the care it takes to create fine craft.

Please support Mel and her project empowering Vermont’s craft food and beverage makers.

“When I first came to Vermont I discovered a profound passion for artisanal food and beverage making in Vermont's vibrant food scene. The dedication of these makers to sourcing local ingredients and preserving traditions deeply resonated with me from the very beginning.”

-Mel Boehme

ABOUT THE PROJECT

These small businesses aren't just crafting products - they're shaping a community and striving to make a meaningful impact.

Yet, too often, these passionate entrepreneurs find themselves overwhelmed and under-supported in their early years. Many are solo acts, struggling with the complexities of marketing, sales, and social media. They juggle everything from production to market stalls at local farmers markets, often sacrificing personal time and work-life balance in their pursuit of success.

I've witnessed firsthand the challenges they face and the potential they hold. That's why I'm determined to empower these artisans through my fundraising campaign. By providing essential resources and education in marketing, sales strategies, and operational efficiency, we can ensure these businesses not only survive but thrive.

Together, we can strengthen Vermont's local community and preserve its rich culinary heritage. Through professional trainings, culinary experiences and tasting events for you, the consumer, and a supportive online platform, I aim to foster collaboration and skill sharing among makers. 

This isn't just about business - it's about sustaining a way of life and celebrating the flavors that define our region. With your support, I can build a future where artisanal makers flourish and Vermont's unique food culture continues to thrive.

THE GOAL

I’m on a mission to transform Vermont's artisanal food and beverage scene, but I can't do it alone. And alas I don’t have the money to kickstart a project like this.

With your help, I can launch a community platform The Vermont Hive that supports local crafts makers with vital resources and expertise. From marketing to skill-building workshops, your contribution will make a direct impact.

Your support will allow me to do Marketing for my culinary experiences - promoting craft products – to a wider audience. And I’ll be able to recruit local talents as part of my team supporting me in those experiences.

THE FUNDRAISER

Raise $20,000.

$8,000 build The Vermont Hive community on Circle - set up, fees, maintenance, bring in experts

$2,000 hiring 1 person to support the fully trained team certified by Mel for the first three months (10 hours a week)

$2,000 Marketing expenses

$5,000 Personal expenses

$3,000 Estimated taxes and fees

Funding treshold: $10,000. This funding will cover essential setup costs for the community platform and the estimated taxes for this amount of money.

Yet, I wouldn’t be able to recruit a local talent, and cover necessary fees. I also wouldn't be able to spread the word about our mission.

With $20,000 I'd be able to share my message with crafts makers and their customers alike, and reach more people to join this movement. And I'd actually be able to start making a living from this project turning it into a business. 

This isn’t your typical fundraiser, though. I want to give something back. For every $95 donated I’ll offer you:

A FREE ticket for one of my tasting or food pairing events, if you’re here in Vermont OR

A FREE ticket to my Online Masterclass How to make a coffee mocktail from scratch.

Oh, and when we reach the $20,000 I’ll throw a party to celebrate life, good food and community. That’s for sure!

DEADLINE

I need your support latest by September 15th. That’s when I need to hand in my application to legalize this project and turn it into an operational business with an authority called USCIS.

Being German I can’t just start working in my own business here in the US. Without a granted application, I won’t be able to start this project.

Your support means a lot to me. Together, we'll ensure these small businesses not only survive but also thrive.

Join me in preserving Vermont's culinary heritage and empowering its passionate artisans. Your support today will shape the future of our community tomorrow.

I’ll share the link to this fundraiser in myInstagram Bio and on my other channels.

In deep gratitude

-Mel