Starting a food business:
common questions

It may be possible, depending on your premises and activities. Check with council before you begin. Home-based food businesses still have food safety obligations.

Your council determines the classification. Describe what you will prepare, how you will process and store it, and who you will sell it to.

No. They address different requirements. Ask about both food premises approval and any planning requirements for your proposed operation.

That depends on your activities. Ask your council to confirm what applies before choosing a course. Our food safety training page explains the different requirements and links to official guidance.

Check your proposed collection arrangements with council. Traffic and neighbourhood impacts can matter. A preference for delivery does not remove the need to check planning requirements.

Costs depend on your premises and business model. Allow for equipment, approvals, training, insurance, ingredients, packaging, delivery and your own time. Our pathway page links to a starting-costs resource.

Phase One is in development. Program dates, fees and delivery arrangements have not been confirmed. You can express interest to begin a conversation.

No. An expression of interest is separate from association membership, program enrolment and food business registration.

No. Your council and other relevant authorities make regulatory decisions. The proposed pathway focuses on understanding and preparing for those requirements.

The current focus is Phase One: food enterprise preparation. Phase Two is planned to include an online marketplace to help program participants promote and sell their products to their local communities. The marketplace is not operating yet.

The intended pathway welcomes aspiring food entrepreneurs as well as experienced cooks. Specific program participation arrangements will be confirmed as Phase One develops.

Use the expression-of-interest section. Partners can also read how we hope to collaborate.