30 Things to Know in 30 Minutes About Starting a Cottage Food Business
Starting a business has never been simple, but when we came together as sisters to chase our love for food and creativity, everything changed. What began as a small spark of an idea grew into a thriving charcuterie business—and along the way, we learned so many lessons that we want to pass on.
That’s why we created 30 Things to Know in 30 Minutes About Starting a Cottage Food Business. Whether you’re dreaming about selling charcuterie, baked goods, or other homemade treats, we believe that sharing knowledge lifts us all.
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Why We Started
We didn’t set out to build a big company. We started with passion—a genuine love for food, presentation, and the joy of creating something others could enjoy. The cottage food path gave us a way to begin without overwhelming expenses or complicated setups. And while the road wasn’t easy, every step was worth it.
30 Things to Know About Starting a Cottage Food Business
Here are the 30 things we’ve learned, shared straight from our experience and research.
Every state has different cottage food laws — always check your local regulations.
Permitted foods are limited — usually breads, cookies, muffins, candies, spice blends, etc.
Health department rules matter — most require a food handler’s card.
A business license may be needed — depending on your state or county.
Kitchen requirements vary — most states don’t inspect homes, but cleanliness is key.
Zoning laws matter — some neighborhoods or HOAs don’t allow home businesses.
Sales limits may apply — some states cap annual sales for cottage food.
Labeling is required — list all ingredients clearly and include allergy warnings.
Insurance is highly recommended — protect yourself from liability.
Taxes still apply — understand sales tax, income tax, and reporting rules.
Marketing can’t be ignored — you’ll need to spread the word locally and online.
Packaging sells your product — clean, professional packaging builds trust.
Pricing matters — don’t undercharge; know your costs and value.
Record-keeping helps — track expenses, sales, and inventory.
Product testing is key — refine your recipes before selling.
Start with a simple menu — less is more, and easier to manage.
Customer feedback is gold — listen and adjust to improve.
Branding builds trust — logos, labels, and consistency make you stand out.
Social media works — Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are powerful tools.
Local events boost visibility — markets, fairs, and pop-ups are great starting points.
Networking helps — connect with other food entrepreneurs for support.
Keep learning — laws, trends, and best practices change.
Don’t skip safety — always follow food handling rules.
Delivery may be restricted — check if you can ship or must sell locally.
Scaling takes planning — moving beyond cottage food may require a commercial kitchen.
Be patient — growth takes time; focus on small wins.
Stay inspired — remember why you started in the first place.
Stay inspired — remember why you started in the first place.
Expect failures — recipes flop, labels misprint, and that’s part of the process.
Celebrate milestones — every sale and every step counts.
Enjoy the journey — building a business from your kitchen should bring joy.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into something bigger, we hope our story encourages you to take that leap. A cottage food business can be the perfect stepping stone. It allows you to start small, learn the ropes, and grow at your own pace—all while doing something you love.
We’ve gathered these 30 insights to save you time, money, and stress. They’re practical, honest, and grounded in real experience.
Join Us on the Journey
We believe in building community through food and through business. Sharing these lessons isn’t just about us—it’s about all of us moving forward together.
So if you’re ready to explore the world of cottage food businesses, grab a cup of coffee, hit play on the episode, and let’s dive into 30 things you need to know in just 30 minutes.
Because sometimes, the right encouragement at the right moment is all it takes to turn a dream into reality.
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