Food business support program in Victoria

Program availability

The full program is in development and depends on funding. Places, start dates, fees, delivery format and the level of support available will be confirmed before you enrol. You can express interest now without committing to participation.

1. Develop your food business plan

Start with your cooking experience, goals and the time you can realistically commit. We would guide you through defining your products, customers and a manageable way of operating.

The intended support includes developing a business plan and financial forecasts: startup costs, pricing, expected sales, cash flow and the income your idea might generate. This gives you a basis for deciding whether to proceed before committing money to equipment or applications.

business.gov.au: starting costs business.gov.au: starting a business

2. Prepare for council requirements and training

We would help you understand the council application process, organise the information you need and identify questions to take to the relevant teams. Your food, processes and premises determine the requirements; food registration and planning are separate matters.

Support would also include identifying suitable training and preparing for safe food handling, allergen management and appropriate records. You remain responsible for your applications, decisions and operating obligations. Council and other relevant authorities make approval decisions.

Explore Victorian food safety and council requirements →

Understand the training you may need →

Find your Victorian council: address search, map and list Business Victoria: home-based business requirements

3. Plan pricing, records and your launch

Turn the plan into a workable routine. Proposed guidance covers costing each batch, allowing for your time and waste, setting prices, managing cash flow, keeping records and planning orders you can reliably fulfil.

Review insurance, safe transport, customer communication and the effect of your operation on neighbours. Complete the approvals and training that apply before trading. An ABN or a completed Micro Kitchen activity does not itself authorise food sales.

business.gov.au: business insurance

4. Grow your skills with business mentoring

Business mentoring is intended to continue beyond onboarding and council preparation. It would give you a place to discuss decisions, review progress and work through challenges as you put your plans into practice.

Topics could include finding and retaining customers, reviewing prices and cash flow, managing production and deciding whether growth is workable. The aim is to build your judgement and confidence in running your own business.

The format, frequency and duration of mentoring will be confirmed as funding and delivery arrangements are established.

Guidance that keeps you in charge

Micro Kitchen’s role is to help you understand your options, develop skills and prepare your own business. We would work alongside you; you make the decisions and carry out the steps. Starting or growing a business should fit your circumstances, and choosing further learning or a different work pathway is a valid outcome.

Build resilience from the beginning

Plan how you would respond to an ingredient recall, a customer safety concern or an order you cannot fulfil. Identify the contacts and records you need, and check with council when changes to your menu or operations may need reassessment.

FSANZ: food recall requirements

Other support worth exploring

The Australian Government’s Self-Employment Assistance program offers separate business support. Ask a contracted provider about your eligibility. Micro Kitchen is not a contracted Self-Employment Assistance provider and does not promise access to its benefits.

Self-Employment Assistance

Proposed program · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · Delivery subject to funding.