Business Starting Grants

I would like to start a business selling cookies made from a recipe of my Grandmother's. ?

I know people sell their homemade salad dressings, jams & preserves, etc. in supermarket chains, and frequently launch a successful business doing this. However, I think in the current economic environment and for my situation, that would be too big a bite (forgive the pun) to ask. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could begin, i.e. who to market to. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. sell your wares in bigger stores for now, get a following then go for it. Sell at fairs and shows too.
2. Send me a free sample and I'll spread the word for you.
3. Find a local coffee shop that doesn't sell enough cookies, and offer the owner a sample. See if they are interested. You can approach other small businesses, like sandwich shops, cheese shops and son on.
4. I would suggest going to your local Farmer's Market, or start setting up a booth first at a local flea market. That way its a smaller scale investment and you can see if you do make enough money to pursue on a larger scale. I actually had a friend do it this way and she now has her own store. Best of Luck
5. To start a food business you must first obtain a business license in the county in which the business is located. Then your facility, kitchen, etc. must be inspected by the county health department and approved. You will then be subject to periodic health inspections. Sometimes the health dept. inspection is first. Then it's up to you to figure out the packaging, marketing and advertising of your product. I wish you luck.
6. Go to all sorts of stores. Not just food stores. You see, people in coffee shops are gonna expect that sort of thing. Start selling your cookies at electronics stores, convenience stores, clothing stores, all stores. Because then you will catch sutomers off guard. "Oh! Cookies! Here? Must be special, I'll buy some" is what they think. Besides what if they are hungry when shopping for whatever, but aren't making their way to Tim Hortons or the nearest supermarket? Well, your cookies can be the answer.
7. Given your current status, you would be best to start small with local affairs like shows, coffee shops, etc. Since you are only considering starting this company it would be safe to assume that you are not supplied well enough to go after a large supermarket or grocery store. Starting small with some sort of feedback avenue (business cards, comment cards, website, etc) to find out the opinions of your small customer base will help you understand what your clients want. Then you can move up in scale based on this information. Just an idea: Go big and small. Try a local sporting event sample give away. Will cost you some money, but make sure that your presentation is professional and you provide some way for them to get back to you. The cookie will be eaten, so you'll need something to go with it. You will have to take some risks, but you cannot succeed without it.