How to Start a Bakery in Connecticut
A bakery manufactures baked goods like breads and desserts and offers them for sale, either wholesale to other venues or retail to customers. Anyone who operates a bakery in Connecticut without proper licensing will be subject to closure and a fine. Home bakeries are permitted in Connecticut, provided they are properly inspected and meet all bakery regulations.
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Instructions
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Determine a location for your bakery. If you intend to sell baked goods at farmers' markets, stores or other places, you may consider adapting your home kitchen for use. A church or school kitchen can sometimes be rented for this purpose as well. If you intend to open a retail bakery location, look for a location in a high foot traffic area or an operating bakery that is for sale.
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Write a business plan for your bakery. Detail the type of baking you intend to do, a description of your bakery, your projected expenses and income, as well as your marketing plan. List any goals you have for the bakery as well.
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Obtain financing for your bakery either through your own savings, investors or getting a loan from a bank or financial institution. Find out if there are any grants available in your city or town for new businesses.
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Obtain your equipment for your bakery either by purchasing it, leasing it or using equipment you already have.
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Adapt your home or commercial kitchen to the bakery regulations stated in the State of Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection Regulations on Chapter 419b, Bakeries. This document, available by calling the Department of Consumer Protection or by download from the site, details the conditions under which a bakery can be approved and licensed in the state of Connecticut.
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Apply for a license through the state of Connecticut. You must have a business trade name, a location for your business and a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be applied for online at the website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov).
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Pay the fee, which varies according to how many workers you have in your bakery, and send in your application. As of 2011 the minimum fee is $20 for 1-4 workers and the maximum is $250 for over 100 workers.
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Open your bakery and market it. Pass out samples at farmers' markets, offer to bake cakes for special events, and sponsor charity fundraisers. Develop a website and print marketing materials. Make sure your web address is on your labels and other packaging and feature your different creations on your site. Let your family and friends know about your business and ask them to refer you when a baker is needed for an event in your town.
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