I would like to start my own home bakery in northwest oregon but don't have an approved kitchen. My goal is to have an approved kitchen with in the year. So what can i do until then. Should i registar a business name and start to get my name out? or should i just keep the baking on the down low until i have the kitchen?
Since i don't have an approved kitchen do i need to be careful about advertising and such? Sorry for all the questions!

I am in Salem. I used to have a domestic bakery license, until I built a commercial kitchen in my garage. An approved kitchen is pretty easy. Dept of Agriculture does the inspection and license (about $75). You cannot have pets. If you have a well, you need annula water testing. You also need separate storage for your ingredients, a separate refrigerator (I had one of those little 4 cu ft ones. You need paper towels for your hands, and a place to wash and drain dishes. (no towel drying) the inspectors are nice and helpful. they don't want to hinder you.

The state of Oregon requires a business registration. I think it is $50 for two years- you can do it online very easy.

If you are not legal- don't advertise in any way. they do watch for those things. PM me if you have more questions. I would be happy to help.

I can't speak specifically for your area, but I wouldn't advertise at all until you are licensed. If you pass out business cards, be sure they only have you're name and contact info, don't refer to yourself as a decorator. If you have a website, just show a gallery of cakes and present it as a hobby, don't list prices or give out any information that would prove you are running a business from home. Just play it safe.

I mention to people that I meet that I do cakes and have made up cards that have my name and address, phone numbers, email and list my blog address where I have some of my cakes, but on the site it is represented as hobby only. I don't state anywhere on the card that I'm a decorator.

By word of mouth you should be able to get some business, but you need to really be careful. Maybe someone from your area will know the specifics for where you live. I think as long as you're only doing a few cakes here and there no one is going to notice you, but I've always been concerned that if I made a cake... like let's say a wedding cake and someone had an issue with it for whatever reason, whether or not valid, they could turn me in and I'd be fined. I've heard the horror stories before.

Best of luck! Hope you're able to get a business going within the year like you want to!