Proper Planning Can Turn Baking Talent Into Business|01-28-12

Your cookies, cakes and pies are the hit of every party – your family and friends providing constant praise of your baking abilities. After years of politely brushing off the praise you are seriously considering taking the leap into mass producing your goodies for public consumption and profit. You have some pretty good marketing ideas in your head, but you know little about putting together a larger scale production facility. Getting the right type of production equipment for your baking facility is important – you want equipment that can expand production as your business grows. You can quickly find a list of machinery companies to research by doing an Internet search for your equipment need (i.e. bulk storage silo). The makers of the equipment may be able to offer equipment financing. If not, ask your local lender about SBA loan options. You also need to keep abreast of food manufacturing guidelines established by the federal government, to minimize legal hassles. The USDA, FDA and local regulators provide helpful information on production and packaging guideline requirements for baking facilities. It helps to have the guidance of people already in the industry, so you don’t have to repeat some of the more common mistakes in the business. By joining a trade organization (such as the American Bakers Association – www.americanbakers.org) – you can network with similar professionals that may be able to provide advice. Consultation with experts and proper planning can go a long way to ensuring your passion for baking can turn into profit.

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