Small Food Business Resources and Guidelines
Maryland Cottage Foods Information
Food products that can be made from home and sold in commerce (farmers markets, retail, e-commerce, etc.) – Please see the Cottage Food Navigation tool.
link: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/pages/cottagefoods.aspx
Commercial Kitchens Near You
To find additional licensed commercial kitchen options, visit the Kitchen Door.
link: https://www.thekitchendoor.com/
Food Business Licensing Needs in Montgomery County, MD
For businesses who want or need to join a Commercial Kitchen the elements below are necessary to obtain in your specific county.
Licensing and Certificate Documentation:
- Maryland LLC License “in good standing” or Foreign LLC Registration
(remember to create a free account)
- Food Managers Certification (ServSafe)
- Food Managers Card (you have to go to Montgomery County Health Dept. in Wheaton to get the card in person)
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- Allergen Certificate
- Worker’s Compensation Certificate and/or Exemption
- (remember to Create a free account)
- HACCP PLAN: MoCo Health Dept. Guidelines
- Kitchen Lease/ Rental Agreement/ Letter of Authorization for Use of Kitchen – provided by Kitchen Administrator
- Food Service Facility License – select Apply for License, then select the type of license you need to apply for which will be either
Food Service Facility License (New) – High Priority —————– $525
Food Service Facility License (New) – Moderate Priority ———- $375
Food Service Facility License (New) – Low Priority —————— $200
(remember to register and create a free account)
Relevant External Resources
Montgomery County Business Center – https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/business/doing-business-in-mc/
LEDC Incubator – https://www.ledcmetro.org/foodventureincubator
LEDC Accelerator – https://www.ledcmetro.org/foodventureaccelerator
Open Access DC – https://aspen-open-access-dc.herokuapp.com/
LifeAsset – https://lifeasset.org