GOING LEGIT: Forming & Permitting a Legal Food Business

Having your business structure (aka operating legally) is the first step to sell your food or produce openly and in compliance with local laws. Making your business legit and navigating this process does not have to be confusing! 

In this 2-part workshop, you will distinguish the realities of risk versus liability in running a business, compare different business structures, and explore permitting needs for your food or agriculture business. The information for permitting and licensing is within the agencies and laws of Alameda County.

Everyone who attends the workshop will get a checklist to help with completing the steps of permitting your food business. This workshop is hosted by Mandela Partners and East Bay Community Law Center.

 Workshop 1 

Tuesday, Sept 17 • 5:30pm – 7:30pm will focus on reviewing the different types of business entities you can select for you business (Sole Proprietor, LLCs, Corporations etc).

 Workshop 2 

Tuesday, Sept 24 • 5:30pm – 7:30pm will focus on reviewing the different types of permitting needed for your food business in Alameda County (Cottage Food Permit, Catering, Temportary Food Facility etc).

When signing up, select the dates which you want to attend. Both workshops are online and in English. Part I is focused on business structures and part II is on permits for food businesses. We hope you will attend both! Any questions or accessibility concerns, please reach out to Ana Sloan-Stephens at ana@mandelapartners.org.

1 v 1 Legal Support

Following the workshops, you will have the option to sign up for 30 min legal consultations that are either in-person on Wedneday, September 25 from 12pm - 2pm at East Bay Community Law Center's Berkekley office or virtual on Tuesday, October 1 5pm - 7pm. Both sign ups will be available during the workshops.

Any questions or accessibility concerns, please reach out to Ana Sloan-Stephens at ana@mandelapartners.org.