Beer Unlocked:

Our Bursary Scheme

Beer Unlocked is our bursary scheme which removes financial barriers so women can access careers, learning, and community across the beer industry.

With thanks to our headline partner:

Also supported by:

Can you support our bursary scheme so we can unlock opportunities for more women? Get in touch.

What is Beer Unlocked?

Beer Unlocked is a bursary scheme designed to remove financial barriers preventing women from accessing opportunities across the beer and brewing sector. Building on a successful early 2026 pilot, we're scaling up support for women seeking to access learning, development, networking, and career experiences.

You can apply for up to £100.00 within each scheme year to cover or subsidise costs that would otherwise prohibit you from participation.

Applications are open now. The 2026-27 scheme will close 31.03.27 or sooner if all available funds are allocated before this date.

The core features of the scheme are:

Broad Eligibility: Access opportunities identified or created by us and through our industry partnerships, or apply for self-identified opportunities that meet our eligibility criteria (You'll need to reserve a place or know there's space for you before you apply)

Trust-Based Approach: Simple, non-intrusive application process. We don't require detailed financial disclosure

Consistent Support: Beer Unlocked relaunches each June (subject to ongoing support)

Eligibility and How to Apply

  • Women On Tap centres the experiences of women in beer careers. We welcome bursary applications from women and from non-binary and gender-diverse people who face the same barriers in the industry.

    To be eligible for Beer Unlocked support, you must meet all of the following criteria:

    • You are a woman, non-binary or otherwise gender-diverse

    • You are seeking to access a learning, development, networking, or career opportunity in beer or the brewing industry

    • You face genuine financial barriers to accessing this opportunity

    • You are 18 or over

    • You have not previously received Beer Unlocked support within the current scheme year (June 2026-March 2027)

  • Beer Unlocked supports a broad range of experiences that build careers and community in beer, including:

    • Industry events, conferences, and festivals (e.g., International Women's Collaboration Brew Day)

    • Training, certifications, and formal learning (brewing courses, beer sommelier programs, business training)

    • Networking events, masterclasses, and mentoring opportunities

    • Travel costs to access industry events or learning

    • Childcare or dependent care costs to enable your attendance

    • Loss of income due to having to take time away from your usual paid job

    • Other opportunities that demonstrably support your entry or progression in the industry

  • When you apply for a self-identified opportunity, we ask: Does this opportunity help you develop skills, build industry connections, or progress your career in beer? Is it a genuine barrier that financial support would unlock?

    We trust your judgment. If the opportunity matters to you and furthers your involvement in the beer industry, it likely fits.

    1. Find your opportunity - Identify a learning, event, or career experience you want to access

    2. Check eligibility - Does it fit the criteria above? Are you eligible?

    3. Apply - Complete our simple application form with details of the opportunity and financial support needed. You’ll need to have a confirmed reserved place or know there’s space for you to book before you apply

    4. Receive support - We'll review your application within 7 days and confirm the outcome of your application

  • Contact rachel@womenontap.co.uk

Apply Now

The Application Process

Find your opportunity

Identify a learning, event, or career experience you want to access

Check eligibility

Does it fit the criteria above? Are you eligible?

Apply

Complete our simple application form with details of the opportunity and financial support needed (You'll need to reserve a place or know there's space for you before you apply)

Receive support

We'll review your application within 7 days and confirm the outcome of your application

  • "The Women On Tap CIC bursary made it possible for me to take part in IWCBD without financial pressure, but beyond that it felt like genuine, meaningful support."

    Former Bursary Recipient

  • "I hope the scheme can be available to more people next year, as it allowed me to participate and would be so helpful to many more."

    Former Bursary Recipient

  • "This wonderful scheme has helped to further ignite my passion for the wonderful world of brewing."

    Former Bursary Recipient