i am interested in running some inexpensive cake decorating classes- I was thinking I could target different organizations to help me to run them as fundraisers for their respective organizations and just have a flat fee which would cover my time and supplies. Or, i could even teach some one-on one classes at home, which some of dh's coworkers have inquired if id be willing to do for their wives, etc. i want to register a trade name, etc but can't figure out if i can do something like this legally in NJ. I know I can't sell cakes out of your home in NJ, which is fine, because that isn't what I am looking to do, but how about something like this? and what would would i put as the nature of the business? Any advice/help would be appreciated. And im not talking about doing Wilton Classes- I have some other things I's like to teach which i think would be outside what wilton teaches in their classes.

You'll need to file a DBA (doing business as, or doing business under an assumed name) with your county clerk's office. Ask them what other licensing is necessary in your area. In NY, my county/municipality has no other requirement for your type of business but it's different in every locality. Nature of your business? Culinary Arts Education, something like that. Good luck!

The same here in CA. Can't sell cakes, but I can teach. I went to my city offices to the county clerk to register my business. They will have a list of requirements for you to do (publishing the buisness name, Sales tax, etc....) but your codes and requirements will probably be different than mine. The main thing for teaching privately (which I also do) is zoning. The city is worried about traffic and neighbor complaints so go to them first. I did not need a health cert since I am only teaching and not selling. What a coincidence, I'm going to be in Reading PA teaching cake classes in a month. Good luck.

I seem to recall it was a tough choice, since nothing really described what I was doing, I think I registered it as a 'service' and I did list my home as the primary place, no employees, since that was their biggest concern with zoning. And some business is conducted over the internet. They seemed fine with it, but I live in a small city too. Hopefully your city hall will be as good and organized as mine. They had all the steps, in the order requed, and forms all online. The state board of equalization was the toughest, had to have it even though my 'service' doesn't require I charge tax.

Make sure to charge enough to cover prep time. We offered baking classes for a while, and there is a LOT of prep involved in putting together a curriculum, recipes, preparing ingredients, etc. We charged ~$70/hour to cover this.

You'll also want to get liability insurance, the policy may differ from a traditional bakery policy so be sure your insurance agent really understands what you will be doing and where.