Kitchen Incubators And Other Food Related Small Businesses

Kitchen Incubators and Other Food-Related Small Businesses

For laws and regulations on sale of home-prepared foods
"Iowa Laws: Sale Of Home-Prepared Foods" (pdf file)

For basic information on selling food products
"Selling Food Products, A Business From Your Home" (pdf file)

Developing a business plan
Small Business Development Center's (SBDC's) are a resource for individuals wanting to start a food related business. The SBDC's will provide individuals with initial consultations and assistance to help them plan and develop their business. To find a location of the SBDC closest to you: Iowa Business Network

There are five Pappajohn centers in Iowa (ISU, UI, UNI, Drake and NIACC). The ISU Pappajohn Center the SBDC are integrated in a one-stop center.
ISU Pappajohn
Iowa Department of Economic Development

Food safety is a part of your plan
ISU Food Safety and Quality Web site

Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program
Ingredients, packaging and equipment
Marketing Resources
Nebraska Center

How Do I access distribution systems in Iowa?
Direct marketing channels offer small food business an opportunity to develop a close connection with their consumers while keeping distribution and marketing expenses to a minimum. Community Supported Agriculture ventures, Farmers Markets and selling to Iowa institutions are three direct marketing strategies. Field to Family is a project of the Practical Farmers of Iowa and information and assistance on all of these marketing strategies can be found on their web site:
Field to Family
AMS Farmers Market

	Mrs. Clarks Foods, Inc. - 740 S.E. Dalbey Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021
	Contact - Bruce Spurlock, Sales Manager - 515-964-8100
	Details:
	Minimum order required with dollars up front. Bottle liquid products in 12 to 35 ounce plastic. May use their own label or Mrs. Clarks will custom make the labels.
	Todd's Ltd. - 3100 Delaware Ave., Des Moines, IA 50306 - office 4413 N.E. 14th, Des Moines - processing plant
	Contact - Alan Niedermeir, President - 515-266-2276
	Details:
	No charge to convert home recipe recipe to commercial and will help them with product development work for free. Univ. of Nebraska start up program frequently refers start up company to Todd's Ltd. Process & package dry or liquid foods. Aluminum foil bag or plastic bottles. Will help with label.
	Profile Foods - 1824 Industrial Circle, West Des Moines, IA 50265
	Contact - John Spence, President - 515-224-5910
	Details:
	Soups, sauces, gravies
	Hot fill and frozen pouches
	Richelieu Foods, LLC - 701 A Ave. (P.O. Box 276) Grundy Center, IA 50638
	Contact - Rond Grode - 319-824-5426
	Details:
	Sauces & salad dressings