AHi Everyone,

I'm interested in starting a small cupcake business from home in Westchester County, NY. Now I've read that it's virtually impossible to do run a baking business from home and am confused on what licensing is needed. From what I understand there are 2 options: 1. Obtain an exempt license which would only permit me to sell at farmers markets and 2. Rent commercial kitchen space. I guess my questions are what is the best way to go about this? As I said it's small I'm not even sure if it will take off so I don't want to go crazy with licensing and what not, but at the same time I want to be able to legally sell my product. If anybody has any insight that would be really helpful.

Under the NY cottage food law you're allowed to bake from home. But there are certain restrictions, as you are aware. I teach the NY specifics of starting and running a home-based food business. Please click on the CLASSES link below to read about this. (My class this Saturday at Dutchess Community College is full.) Best of luck to you.  

AThank you so much!