Hi - I'm pretty new here, but I LOVE this site! I keep squealing as I find treasure after treasure in ideas, recipes, etc. I have been baking cakes for fun for about 10 years - friends, family, and the like - but my mother-in-law is pressuring me to start my own business. I have read some of the threads and checked some laws and regulations but I am still a little confused. I live 30 miles from the nearest incorporated town and there are no zoning laws or anything out here to regulate water, etc. I don't want to open any kind of building up in town because there are several small unincorporated towns nearby and I will have PLENTY of business in just this area if that is what I decide to do...I guess what I am saying is, how do I open up for business in my home when I don't have the money to open a second building or kitchen??? Please understand that I am so green at this....but I am enjoying cake decorating and you all seem so nice so I thought I would ask!

You need to know what your state laws are, not just local ordinances and zoning (although that is valuable info, too). If you go to the Business Forum, there is a Sticky thread at the very top that lists all the different states and their laws ... it's a good place to get started.

I live in the country too. Here I had to go to the Dept of Health and start there. Then to the Sec. of State for my bus name & stuff.

Check first with your town clerk, they should be able to help a little.

Good Luck!!!