Brewing success with sustainability

Ill Intentions - grant recipient

Recipient: ill-intentions.

Grant: $5,000

Purpose: Solar power system upgrade to support sustainable brewing

Small businesses are foundational to thriving communities. They create local jobs, support the economy, and bring character and vibrancy to our neighbourhoods. 

Annual grants are one of the ways that the City of Onkaparinga assist local businesses to succeed and support a resilient economy.  

Eli Moore, a Cherry Gardens resident with a PhD in nanotechnology, changed direction after becoming disillusioned with a science career. A trip to the USA in 2019 introduced him to bold, complex craft beers that sparked a new passion. 

In 2022, Eli and his wife purchased land and began building a microbrewery – ill-intentions. – inside a converted shipping container. But it was a $5,000 Local Business grant that gave the fledgling business a crucial early boost. 

With the grant, Eli was able to install a solar power upgrade, supporting his commitment to environmental sustainability while also reducing costs. The additional power allowed him to increase production capacity, grow revenue, and future-proof the business for expansion. 

“Receiving this small business grant has played a critical role in our ability to keep to our sustainability mandate on a tight budget,” says Eli. 

ill-intentions. is now an outstanding example of circular economy principles in action: 

  • Solar energy powers the brewery.
  • Rainwater is collected for brewing.
  • Spent grain feeds chickens and neighbouring livestock.
  • Waste hops and yeast are composted to improve soil.
  • Waste from brewing is reused in the gin-making process. 

Since launching, ill-intentions. has gone from producing small kegs for a single pub to featuring on tap at well-known Adelaide venues. The brewery also made a splash at the Adelaide Beer & BBQ Fest and has plans to expand into packaged products and open a taproom in Cherry Gardens. 

Eli’s advice to other local businesses? 

“Let your passion come through in your grant application. Be clear about how the funding will benefit your business and the wider community. Even small changes can have a big impact.”

 

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