The Boston Beer Co. expanded its philanthropic initiative Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream to Chicagoland food, beverage and hospitality small-business owners. The Chicago expansion of the program, which provides access to loans for small businesses, is in partnership with Accion Chicago, a member of the Accion U.S. Network.

Packaging innovations, such as Bud Light’s “My Bud Light” scratch-on bottle, Miller Lite’s Home Draft and Budweiser’s Fourth of July can, highlight the most effective beer ads among beer drinkers for the year-to-date, according to Ace Metrix, a Los Angeles-based TV advertising effectiveness agency.

The Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., reported that craft beer dollar sales increased 15 percent and volume grew 14 percent in the first half of 2011.

SABMiller plc, London, and Molson Coors Brewing Co., Denver, reported that MillerCoors’ second quarter underlying net income, excluding special items, increased 2.6 percent to $400 million compared to the second quarter of 2010.