Professional Development
TEQUILA INTERCHANGE PROJECT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
TIP is glad to announce that we were selected as one of the winning proposals for the 2025 Slow Food Negroni Week Fund Innovation Award. This grant program is dedicated to funding networks, individuals and programs that cultivate community, foster equity and justice, and seek a better world for all through food and beverage.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SLOW FOOD NEGRONI WEEK FUND
Through this grant, TIP is able to launch our first-ever Professional Development Program! This program is dedicated to helping hospitality professionals with a love of agave explore the category in profound, experiential ways. We have developed three different tracks for applicants to pursue: production/ecology, writing, and hospitality. Below you will find more information on each track and how to apply!
Production/Ecology
This program is a collaboration between the Tequila Interchange Project and Zinactantan Agave Spirits. Based in the town of San Diego la Meza Tochimiltzingo, Zinacantan has put together an incredible work study opportunity for hospitality professionals! Selected applicants will spend 9 days working with mezcalera Fabiola Torres Monfil, learning about mezcal history in the region, how they produce mezcal working with the natural environment, and their holistic approach to resource management.
Through funds received through the Slow Food Negroni Week Fund, TIP will be awarding one applicant travel reimbursement for up to $700 as well as $1,500 to compensate for missed wages while participating in the residency.
Tequila Interchange Project Writer-in-Residence
For the first time ever, The Tequila Interchange Project will have their very own in-house writer. As the second phase of our Professional Development Program, TIP will be selecting one hospitality/beverage professional who has wanted to venture beyond the bar and explore the world of beverage journalism.
Through this program, the selected applicant will have the opportunity to research and write bimonthly pieces to be published on the Tequila Interchange Project website. To help hone their skills TIP has also assembled a team of beverage media professionals that will graciously donate their time to provide periodic office hours to help mentor the TIP Writer in Residence to learn how to do things like build their network and pitch stories as a freelance writer.
TIP WRITER IN RESIDENCE APPLICATION GOES LIVE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2026!!!