Elaine Ferrier opened Combgrown Mead in Auburn, NY, after relocating from Canada. Specializing in unique meads with a lower ABV, she quickly gained popularity. With the help of the Onondaga SBDC, Elaine secured a $48,400 loan and a $33,000 grant, moving her equipment and launching her business in July 2023. Combgrown Mead has flourished, releasing 12 meads and expanding its seating, with plans for an outdoor patio.
Assistance Provided
SBDC Advisor:
Kellie Greene
Combgrown is Elaine’s second meadery; her first was in Canada. After relocating to Auburn with her husband Michael and their growing family, Elaine realized the local market lacked mead. She contacted the Onondaga Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in July 2022 for assistance. Over the next year, Elaine worked with the SBDC to develop her business plan and secure financing. She was awarded a $48,400 loan through the City of Auburn SBAP program and a $33,000 Craft Beverage Grant from Empire State Development. She also moved her existing equipment from Canada to the U.S.
Combgrown Mead officially opened on July 21, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Elaine showcased her meads at the Wine, Food, and Jazz Fest at Colloca Vineyards, receiving rave reviews. She actively participates in community events, helping her business flourish and grow.
Elaine recently expanded the seating inside Combgrown Mead and has plans to build a small outdoor patio. Her dedication to her craft and her community has made Combgrown Mead a beloved addition to Auburn’s craft beverage scene. With the continued support of the SBDC and the community, Elaine’s meadery is poised for even greater success in the future.
Combgrown Mead’s Story
In a region known for its wineries and craft breweries, a new craft beverage is making waves—mead. Leading this exciting addition to the local craft scene is Elaine Ferrier, who recently opened Combgrown Mead in downtown Auburn, New York.
Mead, often referred to as “honey wine,” is traditionally high in alcohol, but Elaine’s flagship product has a lower ABV of just 5.5%. While their standard product line features honey flavors, Elaine’s creativity shines through with a variety of seasonal and experimental flavors. Since opening in July, she has released 12 different meads, including Elderflower, Strawberry Rhubarb, Cherry, Pumpkin Chai, Peach Sour Session, and the upcoming Blackberry Session called Blackbird.
** Our success stories focus on the work the SBDC has done with our small business clients and does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement by the NYSBDC of the company and/or their products and services.
“The SBDC has been an invaluable resource to turn to for guidance on business matters large and small, from marketing to strategic planning to financing, Their expertise and training covers both start-up and growth phases of any business. I highly recommend their services for any current or prospective business owner.”
Elaine Ferrier
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