Are you excited about the possibility of launching your own food or farm business? Whether your dream involves hitting the streets with a food truck, serving up delicious brews at a coffee stand, sharing cherished family recipes, transforming your passion into a thriving enterprise is not just a dream, it’s a pathway to success!
The food industry is brimming with opportunities, but succeeding requires more than just tasty flavors or creative concepts. Strategic planning, solid financial know-how, and a deep understanding of your target market are vital components of your journey.
The silver lining? You don’t have to navigate this path alone. With practical resources like Business Impact NW by your side, you gain a reliable partner in your entrepreneurial endeavors. We offer free, customized one-on-one business coaching, mentorship, and expert guidance through training and networking opportunities. We also provide lending resources specifically tailored to small businesses.
Expert Insight
Devra Gartenstein, King County Farm Business Support Specialist with Business Impact NW, provides insightful guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs starting their business journey. Devra helps to equip entrepreneurs with the essential tools and strategies needed to thrive in the competitive food business landscape. Check out her interview below!
5 Important Questions for Starting a Food Business
What permits and licenses do I need to operate my food business in my city/state
“It depends on what you plan to sell and which sales channels you plan to use. If you’re selling directly to consumers, like at a farmers’ market, you’ll be licensed by your county. If you’re selling wholesale, you’ll be licensed by your state’s agriculture department as long as your product doesn’t contain more than 3% uncooked meat or 2% cooked. If your wholesale product uses more meat than that threshold, you’ll be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is a long and complicated process.”
What are the best strategies for securing funding or grants for a startup food business?
“Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of grants available for start-up food businesses. You should be able to get a loan if you have a strong business plan and some skin in the game. Business Impact NW has funding resources and capital readiness support to help get you loan ready.”
How can I develop a strong business plan that includes financial projections and a marketing strategy?
“Work with a Business Impact NW coach! And don’t think of it as a chore; think of it as a way to gather information that will make your life easier and your business more successful. We are here to support you!”
What are the most cost-effective ways to source quality ingredients and supplies while maintaining profit margins?
“Some business owners are very specific about where ingredients come from and what suppliers they use. In that case, you may have limited options for lowering food costs, although you can design products and menu items based on less expensive quality ingredients, like cabbage. (I happen to love cabbage, by the way.) However, there’s always room for improving profit margins by working on your operational systems and lowering labor costs. No matter how good your systems are, businesses can always improve.”
Is there anything else that I should know or have ready before starting my business?
“It’s not for the faint-hearted because of all the expense and regulatory challenges, but if it’s your dream, it’s wonderful work.”
How Can Business Impact NW Help
What does the Food and Farm Business Services offer, and how can it help me?
“We offer everything from help with business planning and financials to access to marketing and bookkeeping resources to connecting you with other free resources throughout the region.”
Are there funding opportunities that Business Impact NW offers start-ups?
“Business Impact NW offers loans to startups and coaching on creating a business plan and getting loan ready. We also host the annual IMPACT Pitch competition, an opportunity to win money to invest in your business.”
What networking opportunities, workshops, or events are offered through the Food Business Resource Center that could help me connect with other food business owners and potential partners?
“Food Biz Week (coming right up) is an opportunity to learn the backstories of local food entrepreneurs and connect with other founders at our in-person networking event at 21 Acres in Woodinville. We also offer a bi-monthly Food Biz Basics class and plenty of relevant on-demand content. If you’re making a packaged food product using primarily locally sourced ingredients, our 21 Acres Incubator Kitchen program might be a great fit for you as well.”
What should I have ready when I contact Business Impact NW? Do I need to have anything prepared?
“We work with food businesses at all stages and all degrees of readiness. You don’t need to have anything prepared, but you’ll get more from the coaching session if you come up with a clear idea of what you want to get from it or a thoughtful list of questions.”
Food Biz Week
Join us as Business Impact NW proudly hosts Food Biz Week, an exciting annual celebration of food and farm businesses! This vibrant event inspires and educates small business owners through captivating stories from industry founders, insightful interviews, and access to valuable resources.
The week’s activities culminate in a lively in-person networking and tasting event, with light bites and refreshments, at 21 Acres, where you’ll have the chance to connect with local entrepreneurs and vendors while savoring tasty, local treats. 21 Acres is a leader in sustainable and regenerative practices, serving as an agroecological education center and living laboratory for people who want to learn about solutions to climate change.
With Food Biz Week just around the corner, don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Register here to secure your spot for a week filled with fresh ideas and connections at the networking event at 21 Acres.
Sign Up Today!
At Business Impact NW, we are passionate about empowering you on your entrepreneurial journey. We understand that starting and scaling a business comes with unique challenges. From guidance on licensing and permits to working in an industrial kitchen to effective packaging to refining your marketing and branding strategies, we are here to provide the support and resources you need to thrive.
If you’re ready to take the next step and have a dedicated partner, don’t wait any longer. Turn your dream into reality today! To connect with a coach and enjoy free business coaching tailored to your company, click here!
About the author
Emma Seymour is a Communications and Public Relations professional specializing in storytelling, relationship building, and content development. A military spouse and former small business owner, she advocates for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, and has delivered keynote speeches on workforce development, military programs, and childhood trauma.