Food Business Development

We partner with other Extension programs and state and national organizations to connect small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs with business services providers and research-based training. We provide resources on topics such as food safety and licensing. Our goal is to provide programs and resources that are  linguistically and culturally relevant.

2023 FEED Webinar Series

The UW-Madison Extension Community Food Systems Program will provide no-cost virtual workshops for small-scale food and farming business start-ups every week from March 9th to April 24th.

The text "2022 Feed Summit: Be a thriving food entrepreneur" is placed over a background of produce.

The 2022 FEED Summmit

The 2022 FEED Summit is a two-day, virtual program for food business start-ups and entrepreneurs. We provide talks, workshops, and consulting sessions so that you get the information, connections, and resources you need to help you launch and sustain your food business.

Two people discussing food production while cooking in a business kitchen.

Food Business Innovation Network

The Food Business Innovation Network (FoodBIN) is an informal collaboration of public and private organizations who provide access to facilities and technical assistance for food and farm entrepreneurs and those interested in food processing.

The FoodBIN curriculum will be revised in 2021. Please contact us if you need current information regarding any of the resources.

Food Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (Feed) Project

Learn tips for starting or expanding a successful food business from Wisconsin based specialists and entrepreneurs! These trainings are for people who are interested in starting or expanding small-scale food businesses in Wisconsin.

Extension Food Business Development Resources

Young man buying food at a food truck

Food Cart and Truck Vendor Resource Guide

This resource guide was designed to help licensed Wisconsin food cart and food truck vendors implement best practices in safety, identify new business opportunities, and utilize resources, such as grants, loans and childcare support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy Retail Access Program Evaluation Report

This report evaluates the City of Madison’s Healthy Retail Access Program (HRAP) which provides small grants to food retailers to improve access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods in low food access areas of the city.


Cover of the publication titled Wisconsin Food Processing Guide - An Handbook for Entrepreneurs and Managers

Wisconsin Food Processing Guide

The Wisconsin Food Processing Guide presents a comprehensive array of topics that must be considered by the food entrepreneur. It provides a point of reference and reflection for those starting up, scaling up, or even those who are just dreaming

Variety of fresh vegetables of many colors

Food Safety

Learn the latest food safety concerns and best practices for safe food handling and preparation from an Extension food safety specialist.

Vegetable Farm

Beginning Farm & Enterprise Development

Explore Extension resources and networking opportunities for farmers new to the business and those looking to increase revenue streams.

More Resources

Small-scale food processing

Idea to Reality: Starting a Food Business in Wisconsin – a 3-page guide on how to get started with your food business in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Food Business Roadmapa guide to getting started as a food processor in the state of Wisconsin *This site is currently under construction

Wisconsin Food Processing Guide –  a comprehensive array of topics essential to food entrepreneurs starting up, scaling up, or just dreaming

Community, shared-use, incubator kitchens

WI FoodBIN – a network of Wisconsin co-packing facilities, shared-use kitchens and food business incubators that help farmers and food entrepreneurs get value-added food products to market without investing in costly food processing infrastructure. These facilities are often used as a stepping stone for new food/farm businesses before they develop their own food processing capacity.

Food Corridor – updated and useful resources for the shared use kitchen community

Food Business Incubation Network – a global network of food incubators, accelerators, and shared-use kitchens, developed in partnership with the USDA and the Rutgers Food Innovation Center

Food safety, licensing, and regulation

Starting a Food Business in WI: Keeping Food Safety in Mind

Dr. Barbara Ingham, Food Safety Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, provides answers to basic questions about the types of licenses a food business may need and standards for a food production facility. She provides tips on developing food safety plans and offers hints for locating resources and support so small food entrepreneurs can get their businesses licensed in Wisconsin.

Additional assistance is available through the UW-Madison Extension. Call 608-263-7383 or email bhingham@wisc.edu for:

  • one-on-one support for food businesses with food safety questions
  • support for small food businesses trying to meet licensing requirements
  • resources to assist with product development and production/packaging questions
  • support with training, record-keeping, etc.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Division of Food and Recreational Safety is responsible for enforcing food regulations and inspecting food establishments.

Many people dream of transforming their favorite recipes into the next profitable taste sensation.  After all, it seems like plenty of well-known people have done it and become household names. So, if starting a food-oriented small business is more than just a dream, make sure you are licensed, know the rules and follow them.

Licensing Specialists Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): by phone 608-224-4923 or email datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov

Food Research Institute

The portal to food safety at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Housed within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, FRI operates its own laboratories and administers its own research and service programs.

Business development and financing

UW Center for Cooperatives

Start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or convert an existing business to the cooperative structure. Cooperatives can diversify and strengthen their local economic communities because of their local ownership, control and operations. Profits tend to remain in the local economy because they are returned to members, or reinvested in the locally based cooperative business. When members patronize their local cooperative, they are supporting employment and business activity in their communities.

Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Wisconsin 

Entrepreneurs, businesses and economic development professionals across the state can achieve their goals through expert consulting, educational resources and a dynamic statewide network.

  • The Food Finance Institute (FFI), a partner of the Institute, leverages and supports a collaborative network of professionals focused on building and funding profitable businesses in the food, beverage and value-added agriculture sector.
  • The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), also a partner of the Institute, is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

WI Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) – sponsors several programs intended for inventors, entrepreneurs and researchers.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation – provides targeted individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and financial education.

They focus on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources in pursuit of their dreams and economic well-being … in particular women, people of color, veterans and low-income individuals.

Legal support

Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, University of Wisconsin-Madison – provides free legal services to emerging entrepreneurs and early stage companies through the work of law students supervised by faculty and private sector attorneys.

Marketing

Explore resources for local food business marketing.

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