5 answers
Eliyah
Student
Boone, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How to start a small business?
Hey, I am planning to open a small business once I graduate college. I am going to specialize in fermented foods from around the world, and I would love advice from food-related business owners on how to get started and what the best way to garner interest from customers would be. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them!
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5 answers
Andrew Brooks
Executive Chef/Nutritionist
4
Answers
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Eliya. I'm excited for you. Already you have received some good answers. Business plans are important and all that but you still have to make food and sell it.
And your recipes need to come out the same every time. It would be bad business for you to sell a fermented carrot one month to a customer, and they buy again but it tastes different. You must standardize your recipes and that means that everything is done by weight, not by measuring cups. You must use a scale.
You must study fermentation. You must understand it and learn how it works by doing it. Some good books to get you started are : Noma guide to fermentation, Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz, and the Fermentation Kitchen by Sam Cooper.
Also, get in touch with your local health department and ask them about fermentation requirements. You can probably start as a "Cottage Business", which is much simpler with less regulations.
Once you are actually set up and legal, try selling at a local Farmers Market. That is a good testing ground and a good place to get feedback. Let me know how it goes!
Read and study
learn local health department requirements
practice with large batch recipes
And your recipes need to come out the same every time. It would be bad business for you to sell a fermented carrot one month to a customer, and they buy again but it tastes different. You must standardize your recipes and that means that everything is done by weight, not by measuring cups. You must use a scale.
You must study fermentation. You must understand it and learn how it works by doing it. Some good books to get you started are : Noma guide to fermentation, Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz, and the Fermentation Kitchen by Sam Cooper.
Also, get in touch with your local health department and ask them about fermentation requirements. You can probably start as a "Cottage Business", which is much simpler with less regulations.
Once you are actually set up and legal, try selling at a local Farmers Market. That is a good testing ground and a good place to get feedback. Let me know how it goes!
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
Anthony Kofi Hene-Amoah
Translation, Editing, Project Management, Research and Evangelism
203
Answers
Jema, Brong Ahafo Region
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Please, note the following, relating to how to start a small business:-
1. Great interest and knowledge in the type of business.
2. Location of the business.
3. The requisite capital for the business.
4. Favourable marketing conditions for the business.
5. Faithfulness and hardworking.
6. Good communication skills.
Best regards.
1. Great interest and knowledge in the type of business.
2. Location of the business.
3. The requisite capital for the business.
4. Favourable marketing conditions for the business.
5. Faithfulness and hardworking.
6. Good communication skills.
Best regards.
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
20
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Starting a small business in fermented foods is exciting, and the best way to approach it is to think in terms of testing, learning, and connecting with the right customers early. One of the most effective steps is to begin small with one or two signature products, rather than trying to launch a wide variety at once. This allows you to refine your process, develop a consistent flavor and quality, and gather feedback quickly. I would recommend starting with market research—visit local farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, and online communities to understand what products are popular, what gaps exist, and what makes your product different. You don’t need a big audience at first; you just need the right one.
Another key step is building interest through education and storytelling. Fermented foods often sell well when customers understand their benefits: natural preservation, gut health, cultural tradition, and unique taste. Sharing the story behind your recipes—whether it’s inspired by your culture, your travels, or your curiosity—creates a deeper connection with customers. Many food entrepreneurs start by offering free samples, hosting tasting sessions, or partnering with small cafés, pop-ups, and local events. It is also helpful to build an online presence early through social media, even before you officially launch, so people can follow your journey and see the behind-the-scenes process.
Finally, take small steps to make it real. Experiment at home, get feedback, and build out your business slowly and intentionally. Food businesses grow well with community: collaborate with local farmers, chefs, or small shops who can help you scale. You don’t need to have everything figured out now; you just need to start learning and connecting. Over time, your customer base and confidence will grow with you.
Another key step is building interest through education and storytelling. Fermented foods often sell well when customers understand their benefits: natural preservation, gut health, cultural tradition, and unique taste. Sharing the story behind your recipes—whether it’s inspired by your culture, your travels, or your curiosity—creates a deeper connection with customers. Many food entrepreneurs start by offering free samples, hosting tasting sessions, or partnering with small cafés, pop-ups, and local events. It is also helpful to build an online presence early through social media, even before you officially launch, so people can follow your journey and see the behind-the-scenes process.
Finally, take small steps to make it real. Experiment at home, get feedback, and build out your business slowly and intentionally. Food businesses grow well with community: collaborate with local farmers, chefs, or small shops who can help you scale. You don’t need to have everything figured out now; you just need to start learning and connecting. Over time, your customer base and confidence will grow with you.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Eliyah. You need to create a simple business plan, and write down what foods you want to sell, who your customers might be, and how much money you need to get started. You should think about costs like ingredients, containers, equipment, etc. Because your business involves food, you also need to look up your state or city health rules to make sure you follow all safety guidelines. A basic business plan will help you stay organized and will be helpful if you want to apply for loans or grants.
Next, you need to practice your recipes until they are consistent every time. You can make small batches and ask friends, classmates, or coworkers to taste them. Their feedback can help you improve flavor and packaging. It will also help you figure out which foods people like the most, so you know what to focus on when you begin selling.
To get customers interested, you should share your work before you officially open. Social media is a great place to begin. Post photos and short videos of your ingredients and the cultural stories behind each food. People enjoy learning how things are made, and this helps them feel connected to your brand. You can also offer free samples at farmers markets or cultural festivals. Talking to people face-to-face is one of the best ways to build early support for a food business. Wishing you all the best.
Next, you need to practice your recipes until they are consistent every time. You can make small batches and ask friends, classmates, or coworkers to taste them. Their feedback can help you improve flavor and packaging. It will also help you figure out which foods people like the most, so you know what to focus on when you begin selling.
To get customers interested, you should share your work before you officially open. Social media is a great place to begin. Post photos and short videos of your ingredients and the cultural stories behind each food. People enjoy learning how things are made, and this helps them feel connected to your brand. You can also offer free samples at farmers markets or cultural festivals. Talking to people face-to-face is one of the best ways to build early support for a food business. Wishing you all the best.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in food business.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. entry criteria, competition status, any alternative, etc.
2. Attend relevant courses and management courses in the college
3. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Start the business online first
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. entry criteria, competition status, any alternative, etc.
2. Attend relevant courses and management courses in the college
3. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Start the business online first
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!