On Monday morning, Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Co., paid a visit to the WSJ's Manhattan offices. Between beer tastings, the conversation focused on a new twist to the "Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream" program, a philanthropic initiative that supports small businesses.

Boston Beer, maker of Sam Adams, is pledging $100,000 this year to small breweries to help them with start-up costs. The program will be announced Tuesday. To supplement the lending, Boston Beer employees, including Koch, will also volunteer...