Grants for gluten-free Businesses

[Ennis-TX]

I was told by one of my customers at a farmers market I should see about getting a government grant, to expand my gluten free snack line and get a trailer to sell seeds, candied nuts, almond butters, and gluten-free granola at events. Being on a tight budget as is, and selling this stuff so I can afford my own consumption of food is hard enough. So needless to say this idea of getting the trailer on a grant and living my dream of providing gluten-free snacks to others to make life easier for them and being able to set up at events, is very enticing. Now how would I go about doing this is my problem....due to the ataxia and brain damage I have looking at and trying to understand the numbers and legal mumbo jumbo is like trying to read a alien language. Can someone simplify this for me and tell me if it is a good idea or just another dream.

[GFinDC]

I don't know if there are any grants specifically for gluten-free products Ennis.  But the SBA in USA deals with small business startups and may have information to help you.   There may be small business incubators in your area also.  Sometimes they are associated with university business schools and the SBA.  Marketing a product commercially and labeling it gluten-free is a possible issue though.  There are now FDA rules on labeling products gluten-free.  So you need to study those before getting to far into it.

[kareng]

 What GEE EFF said!  Look for incubators, some business schools and even community colleges will have classes  about starting your own business & info about financing one.  

There is a lot more to a business then just making and selling and getting someone else to buy the food  Taxes - paying and collecting in different cities or tax zones, health department codes, liability insurance (vehicular and general business ), renting a health dept approved kitchen,  a small business lawyer to help you "become a real company", permits, "booth fees", etc.  You can probably avoid some of it right now, just selling at a local farmer's market.

 

add- You might check with your state.  Some states have funds or low interest loans.  It helps if you are a "minority".  

[kenlove]

6 hours ago, Ennis_TX said:

I was told by one of my customers at a farmers market I should see about getting a government grant, to expand my gluten free snack line and get a trailer to sell seeds, candied nuts, almond butters, and gluten-free granola at events. Being on a tight budget as is, and selling this stuff so I can afford my own consumption of food is hard enough. So needless to say this idea of getting the trailer on a grant and living my dream of providing gluten-free snacks to others to make life easier for them and being able to set up at events, is very enticing. Now how would I go about doing this is my problem....due to the ataxia and brain damage I have looking at and trying to understand the numbers and legal mumbo jumbo is like trying to read a alien language. Can someone simplify this for me and tell me if it is a good idea or just another dream.

Ifyour using local  agricultural products  check into sare.org and your state dept  of ag.  You can  also check grants.gov to see the types of projects that are available.  GOOD LUCK