I want to sell gourmet cakes from home (BC). Anyone know where to find out re: legalities/permits/licensing...
826319
There are many ways to go about doing what you are planning. If you are thinking about selling your product at fairs, shows and or events, you might want to go and talk to all the people that are selling their baked goods at these events.\n\nThere is a reasonalbe book out about craft business, published by the self council publisher, available at most decent book stores.\n\nalso the BC government has a very good small business web site , I believe it is at www.smallbusinessbc.ca.\n\nWe started a small business from our basement, not baked goods and found that it is important to keep it simple, to document everything so that you can repeat everything you do. and to not worry about govenrment to too much, and take action as quickly as you can to keep the momentum going.\n\nKeep in mind that in all business, it is most important to figure out who you are going to sell to and to have a "stupid proof" system to prospect for current and new business for ever. Because the best product in the world, will not sell unless you consistantly target and approach the marketplace for your buyers.\n\nBooks for that are things like the E-Myth by Michael Gerber,  and Guerrila Marketing series Jay Conrad Levinson.\n\nGood Luck and send me a cake if any of my suggestions are of benefit to you.
638634
what licensing is required in your area, information on taxes, if you have employees what are the laws in your state for them, etc.  Start by going to the IRS web site to get information on taxes for the feds. Then go to your state website and get the same information.  Call your city to see what they require (some need just a business license some need a food handlers permit and some will require you have a commercial kitchen used for the business exclusively).  Good luck.
952740
Try these:\nWhy are you selling?\nWhat is the weekly turnover?\nHow much S.A.V is included in the sale price?\nHealth certificates for all equipment?\nDate of last health inspection?\nHow many staff and will they stay?\nElectrical equipment certificates\nVAT returns?\nWhich wholesaler do you use\nHow many customers per day do you get?\n\nOff the top of my head, anyway. Depends on where the cafe is, of course, and what your target market is. Hot or cold food? Eat in or take-away etc.\n\nConcentrate on the health and safety part as well as the commercial part. Without one, you cant get the other.\n\nGood luck!
236583
You will need a number of licenses notably a public health license and preferably a liquor license as well. If you are customer with a bank and you have a good relationship with them, you would best off approaching them first. You might also want to read about setting up a business and writing a business plan. Finally, you might want to recruit key staff msot notably a chef if you are not planning to cook yourself. For advice relevant to your area, you might want to speak with your local chamber of commerce as well as your local business advice bureau. If you are a franchisee, the franchiser should provide you with advice about setting up your restaurant.
359094
Ditto.\nI was in Holland visiting a family friend. He told me that you can grow it legally but you cannot sell it.
763110
I don't know the laws in Canada for HSing.  But here is a site to start with:  http://www.flora.org/homeschool-ca/\nTry to find a local group for support, field trips etc.
484351
Try this site out it may be able to help you.\nhttp://www.kiwisdoinit.com\n\nHere is another site that is giving away a report on how to start a business from home. Just click on the gold key to get it for free. \nhttp://www.makingmoney-fromhome.com \nDon't forget to click on the gold key
599300
Details about what kind of business it is would be helpful.  As a generality right now though, it would be good to get the word out by way of word of mouth and flyers.  Explain why your business is worth visiting (i.e. good food, helpful to the community, etc.)
964171
I suspect most of us don't really understand what you are asking, which is probably why you haven't had any responses yet.  You may need to add details or explain what you need.  Are you asking about Oakville, Ontario??  You may possibly have better luck with this question if you post it in a different category such as "Dining Out" or "Food and Drink" or "Business and Finance" or possibly even "Society and Culture".  Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
1028158
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\nCatering Specific:\n* How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, 5th by Denise Vivaldo\n* How to Run a Catering Business from Home by Christopher Egerton-Thomas\n* Start and Run a Catering Business by George Erdosh\n\nBakery Specific:\n* How to Open a Financially Successful Bakery by Sharon Fullen, Douglas R. Brown\n* The Baker's Trade: A Recipe for Creating the Successful Small Bakery by Zachary Y. Schat\n* Baking for Profit: Starting a Small Bakery by George Bathie\n\nIndiana Specific:\n* How to Start a Business in Indiana by Entrepreneur Press\n* How To Incorporate and Start a Business in Indiana by J. W. Dicks\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1048134
Go to your local government offices and ask how you would obtain a business license. There is probably a department of business licensing or a department of professional and trade services... in my area its handled by the office of permits. And if all else fails there is always an office, kiosk, or a phone number for general information. Also the directory from the local phone company will list various departments within the local govt. And sometimes they are listed by topic, (e.g. Business licensing).
233947
I would imagine that you must apply for a raffle permit. You have to in MANY jurisdictions. Your Chamber of Commerce will be able to tell you.
742128
I suggest you first learn more about the coffee shop business and understand its ins and outs. Business license is just an easy step to do, but you have to have all the ingredients to make a coffee shop successful. Here is my previous answer on the topic with great resources on how to start a coffee shop business  http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqV71M7aKJvwxAv.5icv9AsjzKIX?qid=20060906072246AA9oNSl\n\nThe California Business Permitting Database will have all the information you need on the business licenses, requirements and permits a coffee shop business will need http://www.calgold.ca.gov/  - just indicate your business and your county/city and it will show you what and how to get the requirements\n\nFor example, if you live in Pasadena, California, below are some of the requirements in opening a coffee shop http://www.calgold.ca.gov :\n\n- Building and Construction Permit: Required for all new and remodeling construction, including change of occupancy\n- Burglar Alarm Permit: A permit must be obtained from this department for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or security system. \n- Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities doing business within city limits.\n- Fire Department Inspection/Permit: All businesses may be subject to a yearly inspection of facility; and a Business Plan/Contingency Plan if hazardous materials/wastes are on site.\n- Public Health License: Contact the department for a license if your business is in any way concerned with food/restaurant, wholesale or retail market, vending machines, catering trucks, etc.\n- Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable and subject to assessment. \n- Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious name is used.\n- Public Health Operating License: Required of restaurants and businesses manufacturing food, ice or soft drinks\n- Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate: Stationary sources of air emissions from specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents and some consumer products, must be permitted.\n- Alcoholic Beverage License: Any person or entity seeking to sell alcoholic beverages must be licensed. \n- Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.\n- Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit. \n\nI suggest you check out these resources on How to Start a Business in California\n\nCalifornia Business Portal http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/resources.htm \nCalifornia Business Search http://kepler.ss.ca.gov/list.html  \nCalifornia Dept of Consumer Affairs Licensing Information http://www.dca.ca.gov/aboutdca/licnhelp.htm  \n\nHere are the places where you will find information on tax requirements:\n\nSellers Permit – CA Board of Equalization http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm \nCalifornia Tax Service Center http://www.taxes.ca.gov/ \nFranchise Tax Board http://www.ftb.ca.gov/  \n\nIf you want business advice and free mentorship/assistance I suggest you check out the following resources:\n\nSBA California http://www.sba.gov/ca/  \nCalifornia Chambers of Commerce http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/ibrp/chamber_alpha.htm \nSCORE Bakersfield - Golden Empire http://www.scorebakersfield.org \nSCORE Glendale - Los Angeles http://www.scorela.org/ \nSCORE Merced - Yosemite http://www.score556.org \nSCORE Monterey - Monterey Bay http://www.bayscore.org/ \nSCORE Oakland - East Bay http://www.eastbayscore.org/ \nSCORE Oxnard - Ventura http://www.scoreventura.org \nSCORE Palmdale - Antelope Valley http://www.score.av.org \nSCORE Rancho Cordova - Sacramento http://www.sacscore.org \nSCORE San Diego - San Diego http://www.score-sandi
877974
You will need to check with your city & state and see what licenses you  need such a s "food handlers certificate".\n\nYou will need URL equipment\n\nYou will need to be "food / health inspected"\n\nStart with this and the people within these areas will help you go from there!\n\nGood luck from a bake -a-holic !\n\n : )
340095
The state of Georgia has prepared an excellent document for small business entrepreneurs listing all points of contact when starting a business including licenses as well as procedures to follow\n\nhttp://www.sos.state.ga.us/firststop/points_contact.pdf\n\nI suggest you read the free article "How to Start Your Own Highly Profitable Home Based Catering Business" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol25/catering.htm  The article can give you an introduction on how to start your own catering business. It covers information on the demand for catering, startup costs, income potential, and marketing your catering business.\n\nFor detailed information, I suggest you check out the following books:\n\n- How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business \n- How to Run a Catering Business from Home \n- The Complete Caterer: A Practical Guide to the Craft and Business of Catering \n- How to Manage a Successful Catering Business \n- Catering Management \n- Successful Catering \n- Start Your Own Catering Business \n\nYou can also learn a lot from the following associations of the catering industry:\n\nNational Association of Catering Executives http://www.nace.net/\nNational Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org
143542
Try to get a part-time job in a bakery!  That would be a great way to get a 'behind the scenes' look at how the business really works!\n\nYou could also make a few great samples and take them to local bakerys or food stores ... if they like them, you might be able to convince them to buy your product for resale. \n\nIf you can get your products on a few store shelves, make sure your name and contact information is on the wrapping or box, so maybe next time, the customer contacts YOU directly.\n\ngood luck!
394667
All Canadian laws to do with exporting\nAll UK laws to do with importing\nAll UK "FDA" laws\nAll UK business laws \n\nwhole bunch of other ones , I'm sure :)\n\nthere is a Canadian Fed export agency designed to help you, they even have ads on tv but I forget ? ids  edc - something like that, but they are government employees so I wouldn't get too excited about actually getting useful help , after lunch time or before 10 am EST ;);)