I have been racking my brain trying to think of a way that I can get licensed to make cakes so I can legally advertise. I have a church in mind and I am planning to see if I can rent their kitchen to make the cakes. If I am allowed to rent their kitchen what would me next step to getting licensed be? I am so confused, lol.

~Sonya

p.s. I live in North Carolina

Hey Sonya, did you try the link on the CC homepage for how to start a business? It's the second one under "New Articles" and it will lead you to the webpage for your state, which can guide you through the process. I hope this helps!

After I was okay to rent a kitchen I went shopping for liability insurance. But I agree with Melvira, call your health department or department of agriculture to see. Also, see if you have a SCORE near you or a small business incubator.

Apparently, North Carolina does license home bakeries. They are licensed by the Dept of Agriculture. A search found this link

http://www.agr.state.nc.us/fooddrug/homebiz.htm

Once you have a health license, your state may require a business license, usually very inexpensive. You will also need insurance.

So I would need to call the Dept. of Ag. out to inspect the church kitchen, (if it hasnt already been inspected)? Then after the inspection passes I would need to get a business license and insurance correct? Thanks for the links and the help, I am trying to get all my ducks in a row before I start handing out business cards and advertising.

Thank you,
~Sonya

actually, in NC, you can bake right from your HOME kitchen if it meets the requirements and passes inspection by Dept. of Ag.

w/ one exception for some, requirements easy to meet -- that exception -- NO pets of any type!

bigger concern is your local zoning (city/county) and business requirements

I have pets (a parrot and a cat) inside so I cant get inspected. So I was trying to figure out a way I could get legal so I can advertise, and later on if I get enough business I would look into a inspection at home, although I would need to adopt out my pets and my parrot is my baby and I just cant get rid of him


Thanks for the help!

~Sonya