Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Series

Are you looking to sell your homemade goods? With the new Cottage Food Bill, also known as the California Homemade Food Act, you can now sell low-risk food products that are prepared and packaged in private home kitchens. Most cottage foods include products that don’t require refrigeration and must comply with county health codes. Examples include baked goods, candy, dried pasta, popcorn and more. To see all approved cottage foods, check out the California Department of Public Health’s list here.

Here at the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, we can help you start your own Cottage Food Operation (CFO) and guide you through the licenses, permits, and regulations required to begin operating. Fill out our questionnaire below so we can learn more about your business. Have further questions? Give us a call at 951-781-2345.

Subscribe now

Sign up to stay updated on the latest news and resources!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Series

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.