I am in need of advice in starting a new business. I am trying
to begin a home based food business. I would like to start by
joining a once a week farmer's market and selling there. In
order for me to sell food I need to be insured and it needs to
be prepared in a commercial kitchen. I have no idea even what
constitutes a commercial kitchen. I have sent a request for
information to the NJ dept. of Agriculture and food and drug
admin., but I am wondering if anyone has any advice or has run
into these obstacles. Also, I am wondering if anyone knows of
any community commercial kitchens in the area. I am willling
to travel anywhere from Atlantic City to Philadelphia. I've
read about these in New York and some of them even offer start
up planning advice to new businesses....anyone know about
anything remotely close to this existing??? Somthing like this
could also benefit local growers. Does anyone have any ideas
about government funding or university backing for a project
like this??? Any input or feedback would be so helpful to me
as I am VERY inexperienced. Thank you!

Additionally, you might find some additional resources and free online (by email) professional advice through Score.

www.score.org

I used their online keyword search feature and was given several "matches" - professionals who had background & experience in my field of business. I corresponded by email with one of their volunteer counselors, who helped me formulate my business plan and helped with start-up questions.

Good Luck

I am a registered sanitarian(Food Inspector) for a local health department in Texas. You are on the right path requesting information from the Department of Agriculture, but you also need to contact your state health department as they have requirements such as proper labelling. I can only speak for my state, but in Texas we require quite a bit, but I would be glad to share my 37 yrs of knowledge with you. E-mail me and I will let you know where to start. InspSG@aol.com
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