March 14, 2024 | Backing Small Businesses Grantee Q&A: Tiffany Fixter, Brewability |
Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Co.., used her funding to increase her business‘s visibility and further accessibility efforts. From left to right: Interior of Brewability, business owner Tiffany Fixter, Chris Frederick eating at Brewability with his caregiver Debbie Blair. Photos submitted by Tiffany Fixter.
Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado, was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities to brew craft beer. Brewability was a recipient of an initial $5,000 grant as well as a $25,000 Enhancement Grant, given to grantees for an opportunity to create transformative change within their business and community. In this Q&A, you’ll learn how Tiffany and her team used grant funding to increase their business’s visibility and further accessibility efforts.
About the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program
In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change. The application is now open through Sunday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. CT, or when maximum submissions of 5,000 applications is reached, so early submitting is encouraged. Learn more and apply here.
Tell us about how you used your initial grant funding.
With the grant awarded, we updated our sign from a temporary tarp sign to a permanent light-up sign. This has helped create higher visibility for our restaurant, drawing more customers in at night-time.
How has your project impacted your business and community?
After the sign was installed, one family was drawn in by the light and interested in our story. We found out by the daughter that her dad had just died from Multiple Sclerosis. When she heard that our mission is to make sure everyone is employed regardless of disabilities, she was brought her to tears. A week later we were honored to be able to host her father's celebration of life at Brewability. Without the new lit sign, we would not have been able to connect with this new customer.
The community has commented that the sign has helped increase the professionalism and visibility of our downtown street. The sign has increased of inclusive cause employing adults with disabilities. We have also hosted multiple fundraisers and events including for those with low vision and now people can see where our restaurant is located from the bus stop due to its light up features.
You were one of 25 Enhancement Grant recipients in 2023, awarded $25,000 grants to help further transform your business. Tell us about how you used this funding.
We used the $25,000 grant to invest in a new initiative that will positively impact communities across Colorado. Historically, not having accessible options has prohibited many people from being able to enjoy the dining experiences. So, we are using some of the funds to complete the accessible entrance project started with the illuminated sign, and the rest of the funds will go towards a vision to increase inclusion and accessibility efforts across our state.
Our goal is to help every restaurant have the same accessibility accommodations as Brewability – creating an environment where members of the aging and disability communities can dine at their favorite restaurants with tools that allow for eating independently. We use DineAbility boxes, which contain adaptive equipment to enable diners to eat out independently at their favorite restaurants. Adaptive equipment encompasses a variety of different important tools. The boxes contain the following items: Rocker knifes, which allow individuals who only have single hand use will be able cut their food independently; Weighted utensils, which assist individuals with hand tremors by stabilizing their hands as they pick up food; Two-handed mugs, which assist individuals with shakes, tremors, or weak hands by providing stability and helps with a secure grip; Noise-canceling headphones: Individuals with sensory needs can use noise canceling headphones in environments that may be considered chaotic and loud; Plateguards: Individuals with motor difficulties can use plate guards to guide food onto their utensils, allowing them to experience more independence while eating and decrease messes; Shirt protectors, which helps individuals with motor or other impairments to protect their clothing while eating; Fidgets, which helps individuals with sensory needs, autism, or anxiety disorders self-regulate; Utensil hand straps, which helps those with limited hand strength hold silverware in order to achieve more independence while eating; and ergonomic seating, which helps children with hyperactivity, or other sensory disorders, express their need to move while remaining at the dining table. These seats also help aging adults with more comfort when sitting for long periods of time while dining.
All these assistive devices will help ensure everyone enjoys the dining out experience regardless of disability or age with independence. With the implementation of DineAbility boxes, there will no longer be barriers to enjoying restaurant experiences with family and friends.
What impact have you seen since implementing this project?
The implementation of the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant project has profoundly impacted both our business and community in numerous ways. Through this initiative, we've been able to introduce a range of accessible dining options, significantly enhancing the dining experience for our customers.
The inspiration for this groundbreaking endeavor emanates from a beloved Brewability regular customer, Chris Frederick. Every Saturday, Chris, accompanied by his caregiver, Debbie, would grace our establishment. He would arrive carrying his cherished baby doll, which he held close to his heart and always sat right beside him in a highchair we provided.
To ensure Chris's dining experience was as seamless as possible, we would promptly provide him with adaptive tools, such as an adult bow tie shirt protector, a plate guard, and weighted silverware, allowing him to savor his meal as independently as possible. His regular visits and the bond we shared with him came to an abrupt and tragic end when he was taken from us when he was murdered by a family member. This is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many individuals within disability communities when they are seen as a burden when they are far from it.
One notable aspect of our project is the acquisition of specialized dining tools tailored to accommodate various needs to ensure everyone has the option for accessible dining just like Chris did. These tools include weighted silverware designed to assist individuals with hand tremors, dining scarves aimed at aiding aging individuals or those with disabilities in maintaining cleanliness while eating, and plate guards facilitating easier food transfer onto utensils without spillage. By incorporating these tools into our establishment, we've not only improved accessibility but also fostered a more inclusive environment for all patrons.
One such individual benefiting from these enhancements is Jocelyn, whose dining experience has been greatly enriched by the accessibility options provided. Her use of weighted silverware, plate guards, and dining scarves exemplifies our commitment to empowering individuals with independence and dignity.
Moreover, the impact of our project extends beyond the confines of our own business. We've embarked on a mission to curate these innovative dining solutions into comprehensive packages, which we intend to distribute to local restaurants in our community. This initiative aims to catalyze a broader movement towards accessibility, ensuring that dining establishments across our locality are equipped to cater to diverse needs. By making these resources readily available, we aspire to promote inclusivity and empower individuals of all ages and abilities to dine out with comfort and dignity.
In essence, the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant project has not only bolstered the operations of our business but has also sparked a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community. Through our collective efforts, we're not just improving accessibility; we're championing the values of diversity, equality, and inclusivity, ultimately fostering a more welcoming and accommodating environments for all.
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