Commercial Food Business
March 7, 2024 - Questions about this information? Contact us.
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Key Information
The transition from Cottage Food to becoming a commercial food business entails new regulatory requirements and business model considerations. To be successful, food entrepreneurs must also learn and apply industry standards for distribution, food retail, manufacturing, marketing, and financing to their business plan. The MSU Product Center offers a self-paced online course designed to give food entrepreneurs the information needed to start a successful food business, as well as to guide registrants through completing an optional business plan. Additionally, you may also want to consider becoming a client at the MSU Product Center – where trained counselors are able to assist with one-on-one services tailored to your business needs.
Regulatory Body and Contact Information
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): (800) 292-3939
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): (833) ONE-USDA
- Local Health Department
Helpful Links
- MSU Extension
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
- Local Health Department
Useful Resources
Important Note
All food and beverage products (even similar items) may have different regulations depending on what ingredients are used, the location or facility in which it is being produced, the packaging materials used, the distribution or shipping methods, as well as a variety of others. Licensing and regulation for food and beverage production in Michigan is administered by Local Health Departments, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local zoning regulations, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
To guide you through the process of launching your food or beverage business, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center is an organization that brings together on-campus expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture, and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. Field-based innovation counselors advise entrepreneurs on a variety of services, including business planning, packaging and labeling rules, licensing and regulatory requirements, marketing, branding, distribution, product testing, and other product development needs.
To access business development assistance from the MSU Product Center staff, select the “Become a Client” button on the MSU Product Center website. There is a $100 application fee to join, which grants clients access to unlimited counseling hours. We also ask that clients sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their information.
If you have specific questions about how your product will be regulated, you may reach out to your Local Health Department or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).