MARQUETTE — Interested in starting a food business or growing beyond cottage food sales? A free session put on by the MSU Extension staff and the Marquette Food Co-op will include the basics of Michigan’s Cottage Food Law and what it takes to scale into a commercial food business.

Organizers will provide a high-level overview of food safety requirements, cottage food regulations, and the “next steps” for entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond home production. The MSU Product Center will share how it supports food businesses with product development, licensing, packaging and getting products into retail spaces.

The session will also feature a discussion with an experienced food entrepreneur, offering real-world insight into starting and growing a food business. MSU staff will host a Q&A following the presentations and there will be dedicated time for audience questions and open discussion.

This session is designed for farmers market vendors, cottage food producers and anyone interested in turning a food idea into a viable business. Come learn what it takes to move from home kitchen to market–and beyond.

The event will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at the Marquette Food Co-op, 502 W. Washington St., Marquette. There will be no cost.

Light refreshments provided but attendees are encouraged to grab food or a snack from the co-op before the event and bring it downstairs.