by If you want to start a food business, these tips of how to do that recommended by the well known entrepeneur and businessman Felipe Antonio Bosch Gutiérrez are for you.
Register Your Food Business For Tax Purposes.
Regardless of whether you plan to collect sales tax or have paid employees, all businesses must “Register for Tax and Employer Purposes.” To register, go to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Business Registration page and select “Register a Business Entity” or “Register a Partnership or Proprietorship.”
Note: LLCs and Corporations must register using their New Jersey Business Entity ID and EIN and General Partnerships or Sole Proprietorships must provide either an EIN or the business owner’s Social Security Number.
Obtain A Food Safety Certification.
The State of New Jersey requires that the person in charge, owner, or manager of a food establishment obtains a food manager certification by successfully passing a food safety certification exam that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP). Some local health departments also may require that food establishment employees receive a Food Handlers Certification.
There are many organizations, like ServSafe that offer food safety training. Check with your local health department to ensure that the course and certification that you are considering is recognized by your city or municipality.
Get Properly Insured.
The type of insurance that you need will depend on the type of products that you sell and where you plan to sell your products. And, as your business grows, your insurance needs may change.
At a minimum, general liability insurance protects businesses against claims of bodily injury or accidents on their property and property damage to someone else’s premises. Be sure to consult an insurance broker or online insurance programs like FLIP about your specific food business insurance needs.
Find A Licensed Commercial Kitchen.
Check out the TheKitchenDoor.com’s list of community kitchens in the area. In addition, reach out to churches and synagogues as well as independent restaurants in your area. They may be open to renting their space to entrepreneurs to make additional revenue during their off days.
Also, learn more about Hudson Kitchen’s membership options for consumer packaged goods manufacturers, bakers, food service providers, caterers, meal delivery services, and food trucks. TIP: Bakers and confectioners may have the ability to produce from home with restrictions under New Jersey’s Cottage Food law.
Obtain a Health Department License.
When you are ready to sell your food or provide food services within the State of New Jersey, you will need to obtain a license.
The specific license that you will need depends on how and where you are selling your products. Contact your local health department for information on their specific requirements. To find the health department in your city, use the Directory of Health Departments in New Jersey.
Find Places to Sell Your Food Products.
There are many ways to get your name and product on the minds and lips of your customers and money out of their wallets. But you don’t want to run before you can walk.
Start slow and steady, methodical, and thoughtful. When you are just starting out, farmers markets and festivals are cost-effective ways to sell your food products and services, while getting immediate feedback from customers on your product.
Get the Word Out About Your Food Business.
Now that you have taken the steps to get your food business up and running, it’s time to start spreading the word. Get tips on promoting your new venture in the Five Essential Marketing Tools for Food Businesses.
Hudson Kitchen is a food business incubator that boasts 8,000 square feet of production, storage, and co-working space for brands ready to start, grow, and scale their business.
Members can access a growing list of bespoke amenities in our fully-licensed and FDA-registered kitchen 24/7 to think big, dream big, and do big things. Driving the industry forward, join both members and nonmembers for education, mentorship, and a community of culinary innovators.
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