The Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP) has announced a significant overhaul of its annual training program, designed to expand access to more participants, modernize the curriculum, and further reduce barriers to entry for aspiring professionals seeking careers in the spirits industry.
Founded in 2020 as part of an effort led by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), STEPUP Foundation has prepared emerging professionals for careers in the craft spirits industry through structured education, mentorship, and hands-on industry exposure. In 2026, STEPUP will celebrate its fifth class of graduates, marking continued progress in equipping participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional connections needed to succeed in the beverage sector.
Now entering its next chapter, the reimagined STEPUP program is designed to create more inclusive, flexible, and employment-ready pathways into the spirits workforce while ensuring the program remains free to all successful applicants.
NEW FOR 2026
The 2026 STEPUP program reflects a comprehensive redesign informed by participant feedback and industry needs:
- Expanded cohort size: STEPUP will select up to 10 trainees through a competitive application process—more participants than ever before—broadening access for underrepresented communities.
- Shorter, more efficient program duration: The streamlined structure allows participants to move more quickly toward entry-level positions in the spirits industry.
- Fully online curriculum: Core coursework is now delivered entirely online, removing time and travel barriers and enabling nationwide participation.
- Industry-recognized certifications: The curriculum now includes WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Spirits, virtual OSHA-10 safety training, and Forklift Certification provided by Industrial Safety & Training Services, helping trainees build tangible, employer-recognized credentials.
- Flexible, self-directed learning: Trainees can immerse themselves in self-study on their own time, accommodating work, caregiving, and other personal commitments.
- Local, in-person exposure: Participants will take part in a two-day shadowing experience at one of up to three host distilleries, ideally located close to home.
- Regional graduations: The Class of 2026 will be honored at regional graduation ceremonies in September, reinforcing local industry connections and community engagement.
- HR training and career support: The updated program includes HR coaching and professional development support to help trainees prepare for interviews, workplace expectations, and long-term career growth.
ENHANCED MENTORSHIP AND OPTIMAL HANDS-ON TRAINING
The 2026 program introduces an expanded mentorship model, with multiple mentors supporting trainees throughout the program and offering dedicated “office hours” for guidance and career coaching. Trainees will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional one-week field training experience with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), providing exposure to the distribution tier and additional career pathways within the spirits industry. STEPUP will continue to cover travel and lodging costs associated with both the distillery and RNDC shadowing experiences.
Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of ACSA and President of the STEPUP Foundation, said, “This program redesign reflects our continued commitment to meeting people where they are. By expanding the participant pool, removing logistical barriers, and strengthening the professional training offered, STEPUP is creating more accessible on-ramps into the craft spirits industry while staying true to our mission of equity and opportunity.”
Chris Montana, Founder and Owner of Du Nord Social Spirits and a founding leader of the STEPUP program, added, “When we helped launch STEPUP, the goal was to open doors that had historically been closed to far too many people. I’m incredibly excited to see this newly revised training program come to life. The changes being unveiled for 2026 build on years of success and position STEPUP to have an even broader impact—creating real pathways into the industry and strengthening the future of craft spirits as a whole.”
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH: APPLY AND LEARN MORE
In conjunction with the 2026 program overhaul, STEPUP has unveiled a new website featuring comprehensive information on the updated curriculum, application process, and opportunities for host distilleries and mentors to get involved. Prospective trainees, mentors, and interested host distilleries can apply and learn more through the new site: www.stepupinternship.org.
The Class of 2026 program will tentatively run from June through August, with graduation taking place in September, celebrating trainees as they complete the program and prepare to enter the industry.
STEPUP LEADERSHIP
STEPUP’s Board of Directors has created an immersive training program for underrepresented individuals in the alcoholic beverage industry. Margie A.S. Lehrman (CEO, ACSA) serves as the organization’s president, working together with Secretary Rebecca Harris (Head Distiller and Co-founder, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. and Past President, ACSA) and Treasurer Julie Kinch (CEO/Founder, JK Leadership Advisors, LLC). They are joined by a seasoned Board of Directors, including Chris Montana (CEO and Head Distiller, Du Nord Social Spirits), Chris Underwood (CEO, Young’s Holdings), David Cid (Owner, Silver Sun Group), and Ingrid Wetzell (HR Director, Bently Enterprises), and Nicole Austin (Director, American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, Diageo). These critical liaisons help identify potential partners, secure financial resources, and develop training materials to ensure the program’s success.