Joining the Craft Breweries in Ontario Network connects your brewery to a collective voice dedicated to supporting and promoting Ontario’s independent craft beer scene. In a competitive and ever-evolving marketplace, visibility, collaboration and advocacy matter more than ever. Our network is built to help breweries strengthen their presence while aligning with an independent-first movement that champions local producers across the province.
Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about membership benefits, promotional opportunities, partnerships and industry support. Discover how becoming part of the network keeps your brewery visible, connected and top of mind with consumers, fellow brewers and key industry stakeholders throughout the year.
The Hot Spots Ontario Network is an exclusive, members-only platform created to give qualified businesses a priority-level presence within a curated provincial, national and international media ecosystem. Unlike open directories or listing sites, this is a selective network designed to promote, profile, and position businesses through strategic cross-promotion, editorial exposure, and alliance partnerships.
A subscription is typically transactional — you sign up, receive access, and renew when it expires.
Our membership is relationship-based. Membership keeps your business actively engaged within our network. It ensures ongoing communication, positioning opportunities, and priority consideration for editorial features, interviews, and promotional initiatives.
Your membership fee functions as a participation and maintenance investment that supports:
Maintaining accurate, curated, and fact-checked information requires continuous oversight. Your membership helps support these operational costs, particularly during our growth and expansion phase.
We are currently offering a discounted “founders” rate of $30 per month. Our goal is to build a strong, supportive founding network. Keeping the fee accessible allows quality businesses to participate without financial strain — while still contributing to the platform’s operational integrity. Approved members at the introductory rate are guaranteed that rate for two consecutive years.
As a “founding member”, you receive:
These incentives represent approximately $860 in value — more than double your annual membership investment. Additional services and opportunities are outlined in the Membership Package and available to members in good standing.
During the introductory period, members receive 50% off the standard rate card for advertising across:
In most cases, a single advertising placement of any size can offset the cost of an annual membership
Membership is open to established businesses that align with our curated list of craft brewery operators and related services. Each application is reviewed based on:
Approval is granted to businesses that meet our professional and reputational standards.
Our local reach strategy includes:
Members are encouraged to identify themselves as official Hot Spots Ontario Network Members in their own marketing efforts utilizing a badge.
Through JCO Communications Inc.’s 50+ years of publishing and media relationships, the network benefits from:
These relationships form the foundation of our international outreach and exposure strategy.