Are you ready to start selling baked goods as a home baker? Perhaps you are a farmer looking for an opportunity to add value to the crops you grow or the livestock you raise? Or maybe you use local produce to add value. Are you an entrepreneur who aims to produce and sell high-quality food products?
If so, the new Food Business Central online course from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to successfully grow your farm-grown and homegrown foods. Helpful. Business in Ohio.
Created by Ohio State University Extension Educators and Family and Consumer Science (FCS) experts, this online course connects participants to information and resources for any type of food they want to produce and sell. It is designed to act as a central hub for. OSU Extension Educator, FCS, Course Development Team Member Emily Marrison said:
“This course is designed for people who want to start a processed food business,” she said. “Many people who want to start a food business don't know where to turn first, so navigating food regulations, establishing a new business, and applying food safety best practices is the key to starting a food business. It can be a challenge for your home.
“Additionally, this course will help you develop a plan of action for your food business and learn what it takes to get started organizationally, safely, compliantly, and strategically.”
The self-paced course includes 10 modules, five of which focus on Ohio food law, food safety basics, legal startups and insurance, and marketing and economics. His other five modules focus on food, including cottage food and other foods such as baked goods, canned goods, meat, poultry, eggs, beverages, dairy products, and syrups.
“Throughout the course, participants will consider important questions and develop action steps to take on their journey to starting a food business,” said Marrison. “Once food entrepreneurs complete the course, they will be able to complete their business plan with support from their local Small Business Development Center.”
The development of this course included input from North Central Extension Risk Management Education through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop resources to help farmers and ranchers effectively manage risks in their business operations. Funded in part by a grant.
The course costs $25 and registration is available at go.osu.edu/foodbusinesscentral.
