Foreword by Nell Newman, Newman’s Own Organics
Introduction: Cottage Food Freedom
Key Elements of Cottage Food Laws
1 Navigating Your State’s Cottage Food Law
Tips for Understanding a Cottage Food Law
Where Can You Sell Your Products?
How are You Allowed to Sell Your Products?
How Much Can You Sell of Your Products?
What Products do You Want to Sell, and Which are Worth Selling?
3 Ideas in the Oven: Identify Your Business Goals
Section 2: Selling Your Story: Marketing
4 Product Development: Design, Name, Logo and Packaging
6 Moving Your Product to Market
Stay on Target for a Bull’s-eye
7 Promotion: Persuading Customers with Advertising and Public Relations
8 People, Partnerships and Purpose
9 Proving the Market and Getting a Plan
Market Feasibility: Testing the Market
Section 3: Organizing, Planning and Managing the Business
10 Ready, Set, Go: Organize Your Kitchen
Five Steps for Setting up Your Home Processing Facility
11 Make It Legal: Establish Your Business in 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: Do a Local Zoning Check
Step 2: Get Licensed by Your State’s Department of Agriculture
Step 3: Set Up Your Business and Structure It Wisely
No Personal Liability Protection
Distinct Legal Entity Offering Personal Liability Protection to Shareholders
Step 4: Secure a State Business License
Step 5: Get a State Sales Tax Permit
Step 6: Get a Local Business License (If Needed)
Step 7: Manage Risk with Insurance
12 Day-to-Day Financial Management
Day-to-day Financial Management
Income Statement and Balance Sheet
Casting Off the Shackles of the Cottage Food Law
State Prerequisites for Wholesale and Mail Order
Three Options for a Licensed Food Production Facility
14 Multiple Markets and Money Matters