How Much Does It Cost to Start a Brewery / Microbrewery in Mississippi?
Starting a Brewery / Microbrewery in Mississippi typically costs between $85,000 and $850,000, with a median estimate of $340,000. Mississippi’s cost of living is 15% below the national average, which helps reduce operating expenses like commercial rent and labor. LLC formation in Mississippi costs $50 to file. Most brewery / microbrewery businesses take 6-18 months to launch.
Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Brewery / Microbrewery in Mississippi?
Low
$85,000
Medium
$340,000
High
$850,000
National average: $100,000 – $1,000,000
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Brewery / Microbrewery in Mississippi
Options
One-Time Costs
$352,750
Monthly Costs
$0
First Year Total
$352,750
Full Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Low | Medium | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing Equipment | $42,500 | $127,500 | $340,000 | A 3-barrel (93-gallon) system costs $30,000-$75,000. A 15-barrel system runs $200,000-$400,000. Size determines production capacity. |
| Facility Lease & Build-Out | $25,500 | $68,000 | $170,000 | Breweries need industrial zoning, floor drains, and large utility access. Taproom build-out adds $30,000-$80,000. |
| Licenses & Permits | $1,700 | $8,500 | $25,500 | TTB Brewer's Notice is free but takes 60-120 days. State brewery licenses cost $500-$5,000+. Taproom liquor license varies widely. |
| Initial Ingredients & Supplies | $8,500 | $25,500 | $68,000 | Malt and hops are commodities with volatile pricing. Buy forward contracts for malt when possible. |
| Insurance | $4,250 | $12,750 | $34,000 | Craft breweries need both product liability and liquor liability coverage. Taprooms add assault/battery risk. |
| Marketing & Branding | $4,250 | $17,000 | $51,000 | Beer label design and TTB label approval cost $500-$2,000 per product. Strong branding drives taproom traffic. |
| Working Capital Reserve | $17,000 | $68,000 | $170,000 | Breweries typically take 12-24 months to reach profitability. Taproom revenue accelerates timeline. |
| Taproom Furniture & Equipment (optional) | $8,500 | $25,500 | $68,000 | A 20-tap draft system costs $8,000-$20,000 installed. Seating and bar furniture add $5,000-$30,000. |
| Total Startup Cost | $103,700 | $327,250 | $858,500 | Required costs only |
Licenses & Permits in Mississippi
Licenses & Permits in Mississippi
General Business License
Mississippi does not have a statewide general business license. Businesses must register their entity with the Mississippi Secretary of State and register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax purposes. Individual cities and counties in Mississippi issue their own business licenses — Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and other municipalities have their own licensing programs. Mississippi offers an online business registration portal through the Secretary of State's website.
Industry-Specific Licenses
- Food Service Establishment Permit — Mississippi Department of Health — Bureau of Environmental HealthCost: $50-$300 • Renewal: Annual
- General Contractor License — Mississippi State Board of ContractorsCost: $200-$800 • Renewal: Annual
- Cosmetology Shop License — Mississippi Board of CosmetologyCost: $50-$150 • Renewal: Annual
- Real Estate Broker License — Mississippi Real Estate CommissionCost: $100-$300 • Renewal: Annual
- Child Care Facility License — Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Facilities LicensureCost: $50-$200 • Renewal: Annual
- Retailer's Package License — Mississippi Department of Revenue — Alcoholic Beverage ControlCost: $400-$2,000 • Renewal: Annual
- Gaming Operator License — Mississippi Gaming CommissionCost: $5,000-$50,000 • Renewal: Annual
- Pesticide Business Registration — Mississippi Department of Agriculture and CommerceCost: $50-$150 • Renewal: Annual
Home-Based Business Rules
Home-based businesses in Mississippi are regulated by local city and county ordinances. Mississippi's many rural areas outside incorporated municipalities generally have no restrictions on home-based businesses. Cities like Jackson and Gulfport allow home occupations with standard restrictions on commercial signage, customer visits, and business activities that could disturb neighbors. Mississippi's cottage food law supports home-based food production and direct consumer sales.
Monthly Operating Costs
After launch, plan for these ongoing monthly expenses for your Brewery / Microbrewery:
Low
$15,000/mo
Medium
$40,000/mo
High
$100,000/mo
Revenue Potential
Annual Revenue Range
$150,000 – $3,000,000 (annual)
Profit Margins
5-15%
Break-Even Timeline
24-48 months
How Mississippi Compares to Neighboring States
Mississippi is one of the more affordable states for launching a Brewery / Microbrewery, with a cost-of-living index of 84.7 (national average is 100). Compared to neighboring Tennessee ($368,000 median startup cost), Mississippi offers lower costs for a Brewery / Microbrewery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1
Underestimating TTB and state licensing timelines — budget 6-12 months for all permits before opening
- 2
Launching distribution before the taproom is profitable — wholesale beer margins are low
- 3
Buying a larger brewing system than cash flow supports — start small and upgrade
- 4
Not having a head brewer with commercial experience before opening
- 5
Underestimating utility costs — brewing is water and electricity intensive
Next Steps to Launch Your Brewery / Microbrewery
- 1
Register your Brewery as an LLC with the Mississippi Secretary of State ($50 filing fee)
- 2
Obtain a Federal Brewer's Notice from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) before producing beer
- 3
Apply for a Mississippi liquor manufacturer's license from the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverages Control board
- 4
Obtain a Mississippi taproom or retail beer license to sell directly to customers on-premises
- 5
Pass the Mississippi health department and fire marshal inspections for your production facility
- 6
Procure brewing equipment: fermenters, brite tanks, canning/kegging lines, and glycol chiller ($50,000–$500,000)
- 7
Get commercial property, product liability, and liquor liability insurance for brewery operations ($5,000–$12,000/year)
- 8
Establish wholesale distribution agreements and obtain any required Mississippi beer distributor permits
Frequently Asked Questions
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Start a Brewery / Microbrewery in Other States
See the national overview for Brewery / Microbrewery or browse all businesses you can start in Mississippi.