The Sweet Spot of Baking and Business

Life just got a little bit sweeter for home bakers and confectionary hobbyists in New Jersey. For years, New Jersey was the only state in the Union that, technically, did not allow home baked goods to be sold for profit. In October of 2021, this ban was finally lifted, paving the way for hobbyists to supplement their household income with cottage businesses and enabling entrepreneurs to get their start before committing tens of thousands of dollars to a commercial kitchen.  But it’s not as simple as “great! Grab a permit and let’s get cookin’!” There remain limitations - health and safety regulations, training obligations, and more. Without these essential ingredients, you may find yourself feeling the heat and getting pushed out of the kitchen.

The Middlesex County Office of Career Opportunity’s Business Solutions Team, partnering with the NJ Home Bakers Association, Rutgers Food Innovation, and Piscataway Public Library, has cooked up something special just for you. “The Sweet Spot of Baking and Business Workshop” features a carefully curated menu centered around a workshop and panel discussion covering the ins and outs of the new NJ Cottage Food Law and what it means for home bakers and entrepreneurs. Rutgers Food Innovation will also take this opportunity to discuss the ServSafe Managers Edition Course/Test, their food incubator program, and how they can assist with getting your item(s) on store shelves – for when you want to take your side project to the next step!

You can register for this program by clicking here.

This free virtual workshop is part of the monthly SkillUp Connections series. For information about this and other community entrepreneurship initiatives, including more upcoming SkillUp Connections Workshops, please call the Middlesex County Office of Career Opportunity today at 732-745-3955 (general) or 732-293-1341 (youth 16-24).