Have you ever dreamt of opening your own food-based business?
We have shared a variety of businesses here at Northern Wilds, from kitchen startups to restaurant chains and franchises, and everything in the middle. Most people who start a business have a dream of some kind: to be their own boss, to contribute to their community, to share something they are passionate about with the rest of the world, and some people just wanted to get their friends and family to leave them alone about opening a business and sharing their product with others…so they did.
Starting your own business can be a scary endeavor, especially a food-based one. There are rules, regulations, and processes that you have to understand, and the task can feel daunting. The good news is you can do it beside other entrepreneurs by participating in one of several local “small business incubators.”
A small business incubator is much like it sounds, except instead of an incubator turning out small fuzzy birds, these guide and nurture new businesses through mentorship, free or low-cost training, and rental facilities that help keep overhead costs manageable. For example, some small business incubator programs maintain commercial kitchens for rent at reasonable fees, thereby eliminating the need for every small business to own their own commercial kitchen. These programs are also hotbeds of collaboration, advice, and community—and we have a few in the area. Duluth-area residents may find the Superior Business Center fits their needs, Cook County folks may reach out to the Cook County Community Kitchen located in Grand Marais, and in Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre is available to support you.
Disclaimer: Rules and regulations vary by state, country, and province, so please check with your local authority to make sure you are abiding by the appropriate governing body for your specific food-based business; my understanding is by no means exhaustive. It is important to be aware of what the guidelines are for your particular niche, as the guidelines for businesses selling meat products will differ from those selling bread or baked goods. For example, in Minnesota the Cottage Food Law allows sellers of non-potentially hazardous food items to operate without a food license. These items include baked goods, some jams and jellies, pickles, and other canned foods with a pH of 4.6 or lower. Similarly, Canada has less restrictive regulations for “low-risk food items” which include breads, baked goods, hard candy and chocolates, and a few other shelf-stable items.
Keeping in mind jurisdictional differences, there are a few guidelines that tend to remain stable across the board, or are just good practice. Here are a few to get moving in the right direction:
Food Safety Training. Food safety or food handler courses will teach you about general safe food preparation, handling, and storage procedures. This is often a precursor to obtaining a food management license. These courses are sometimes offered online.
Food License. Some community kitchens will require you to provide a food license before use of their kitchen. Obtaining this license may include sharing a plan for operating your business in the space you will be operating out of. This often requires an inspection from a public health inspector.
Business License, Insurance. Check with your local municipality to determine whether they require a business license to operate. Talk with your insurance carrier to determine whether insurance is appropriate.
As you continue the path toward food business entrepreneurship, building a business plan, and making your dreams come true, there are groups who would love to come alongside of you and support that journey, and you can learn a little more about three of them here:
Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, Thunder Bay
The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre is a function of the Community Economic Development Commission and this organization seeks to support entrepreneurs from the very beginning of their journey, and guide them to a successful business. They offer workshops and seminars to develop your business skills, as well as in-person mentorship with their small business development officers. Contact information and the current class and seminar schedule is available on the Entrepreneur Centre’s website, along with ways to connect with small business mentors. Visit: gotothunderbay.ca.
Community Center Kitchen Incubator Program, Grand Marais
The Cook County Community Center Kitchen has a Kitchen Entrepreneur Incubator program that serves to support small businesses in the area by providing a low-cost certified kitchen facility to its participants. In addition to providing the physical space necessary to prepare food products for the market, this program connects entrepreneurs, creating a community with shared experiences and advice for new up-and-comers. You can find contact information for this program on the Cook County website, and reach out for an application for the Kitchen Entrepreneur Incubator Program if this is the right fit for you. Visit: co.cook.mn.us.
Superior Business Center, Superior
The Superior Business Center supports many readily recognizable Duluth area businesses. The SBC rents out office and cubicle space, manufacturing and warehouse space, and has a licensed shared-use kitchen that can be used by caterers as well as other food product producers. The SBC provides “flexible, affordable space and low overhead expenses,” even offering entrepreneurial training, meeting spaces, and resources and information about managing and operating a small business. The Superior Business Center’s website has a clear listing of the services they offer and contact information to find the perfect space for you. Visit: superiorbusinesscenter.com.
Growing any business is intimidating, and when it comes to food-based businesses, there are nuances that can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially as you begin. So…have you ever dreamt of running your own food-based business? The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneurship Centre, the Cook County Community Center Kitchen Incubator program, and the Superior Business Center would love to walk alongside you and help make your foodie dreams come true.