EDITORIAL: Cottage food law is recipe for success

A new cottage food law now in effect in Montana will give small business owners and entrepreneurs expanded opportunities to sell their products.

According to the state’s top health official, the new law increases access for consumers to locally produced food in locations throughout Montana while at the same time helps provide new business opportunities in selling low-risk foods such as jams, jellies, dried fruit, dry mixes and baked goods. Homemade foods already are sold at farmers markets and other outlets, but the law allows for other direct sales.

Flathead County Public Health Officer Joe Russell worked on the bill with state legislators and said it will provide more consistency and streamlining in licensing at the county level.

The new law is a positive step forward in helping our local cottage industries thrive and flourish.

Check out Startup Weekend

There’s another big opportunity this weekend to boost local entrepreneurs. The second Glacier Startup Weekend starts tonight at Flathead Valley Community College, and there’s still time to register up until the kickoff at 5 p.m.

Startup Weekends are a 54-hour blitz during which entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas. Whoever has the best business model will win exposure and marketing prize packages. Participants in the weekend event will have valuable access to a number of mentors and business coaches to help turn creative ideas into successful startup businesses. Organizers promise to “demystify” the business startup experience and what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.

Thanks to Montana West Economic Development and all the players involved in offering such a valuable learning experience. Check out the website at glacier.startupweekend.org.