From Start-Up to Scale-Up
We’ve Got You Covered, 360°
BevAlc360° is the leading incubator and accelerator for start-ups, early stage, and emerging brands in the beverage alcohol industry. Our 360-degree approach provides comprehensive support every step of the way.
By joining the BevAlc360°community of founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs, you tap into our vast network of notable industry experts across all three-tiers and in all industry sectors.
BevAlc360° Consulting Services
One-on-One Coaching
Personalized sessions specializing in marketing, sales, and operations to enhance business skills and strategies.
Distribution & Scaling Support
Assistance in scaling production, managing logistics, and positioning the brand for broader market distribution.
Strategic Consulting
Tailored business strategies designed to align with the brand’s goals and growth stage.
Exchange360° Events
Participate in exclusive networking events for industry exposure, connecting with buyers, wholesalers, and enhancing brand visibility.
Boost Visibility to Buyers and Wholesalers
Integrate BevAlc360’s centralized B2B directory into your marketing and sales strategy and position your brand in front of decision-makers.
Submit to National Accounts Request for Proposals
Integrate with IMI’s Marketing Agency Request for Proposal (RFP) platform to submit brands for RFPs for national accounts.
Access the Resource Hub & Educational Videos
Access to a growing library of expert-led sessions, white papers, and recordings for continuous learning.
Join Expert Live Chats & Master Classes
Participate in interactive discussion groups and hands-on learning experiences.
Our Founder, Deborah Brenner
As a Social Entrepreneur, and Founder of multiple companies, Deborah Brenner measures success on the positive impact a business makes on society.
Prior to entering the wine industry, Deborah spent 20 years in the male-dominated television and film technology industry. It wasn’t until a fortuitous trip to Napa and Sonoma, that Deborah discovered another male-dominated industry, one where women were under-recognized. Compelled to tell the stories of these pioneering women in wine, Deborah authored a bestselling collection of profiles titled Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine, which Wine Spectator named a Critical Read in 2006. Through the process of writing the book and championing these incredible women, Deborah became inspired to enter the wine business herself in 2007 and launched a wine brand from a first-of-its-kind collective of seven artisan women winemakers from Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles, CA.
Deborah learned the business inside and out, however, ultimately, she could not foster women in the wine industry the way she had hoped, which led her to dissolve the wine brand and return to the drawing board. in 2015, Deborah launched the Women of the Vine & Spirits global membership organization, bringing women and male allies together to focus on actions the beverage alcohol industry could make to change the status quo. Today, with over 160 Corporate Members and over 11,000 active individuals, Women of the Vine & Spirits has become a catalyst for creating a positive impact in the alcohol beverage industry by giving women worldwide a platform and a voice to thrive.
To further foster education and increase pathways for more women to enter or excel in the industry, Deborah launched the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation 501(c)3 in 2017. To-date, the Foundation has awarded 373 individuals with more than $959,620 in scholarships.
Deborah is also the Founder of Diverse Powered Brands™ - the premier centralized B2B global digital catalog connecting diverse suppliers, buyers, supplier diversity managers, wholesalers, importers, and investors across the entire beverage alcohol and hospitality industry. Launched in April 2023, Diverse Powered Brands addresses the importance of sourcing from diverse suppliers which in turn supports economic empowerment and inclusion, building strong economics and communities.
She is also the creator of Badass Bartender™, the first-of-its-kind community, worldwide, for women bartenders to unite, be empowered and stay inspired. As of today, there are over 55,000 members.
In 2024, Women of the Vine & Spirits launched a new key initiative called 86 Harassment - a collaborative effort within the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries to combat sexual harassment and gender-based violence, uniting industry association partners under a single, comprehensive initiative. The initiative emphasizes a collective commitment to fostering safer environments for employees and customers alike.
Deborah has received a Rising Star Award from Women for WineSense (2008), a New York Small Business Administration Women in Business Champion of the Year (2009), a New York City National Association of Women Business Owners Signature Award (2010), the Lillian Vernon Award for Outstanding Community Service by the Women's Enterprise Development Center (2011), a NY Women in Communications Rising Star Award (2013), the Rockland Business Women's Network Woman of the Year Award (2014), American Cancer Society Dr. Louis Berger Award (2017), Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award Person of the Year Nominee (2017), Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award “Social Visionary of the Year” Recipient (2018), University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship Honor Circle of Inspiring & Innovative Women (2021) Wine's Most Inspiring People by Wine Industry Advisor (2024), Mike Keyes Ally of the Year Finalist (2024), and SevenFifty Daily Drinks Innovator (2024).
Deborah resides in New York with her husband, Jack. Having been the spouse of a life long restaurateur, Deborah is passionate about supporting hardworking hospitality professionals who are fundamental to the on-premise sector of the alcohol beverage industry.