There are two underlying questions here. Are your needing help on starting a business in general, or are you asking for help regarding the health and labeling information specific to the food industry? If the question is the latter, the answer varies state by state. The most typically place to start, whether you are in Montana or any of the other 50 states, is with your local health department. They are typically the regulatory source for most food-related businesses. There are some other businesses, however, such as meat products, where you may need to get FDA inspection and approval. However, start with the health department; they should be able to direct you to the correct source for your site.
If you are just looking for general information, you can start at eXtension.org. This site will provide basic information for starting and operating your business. It will also suggest you contact your local county agent for information (In Montana, ask for the video and resource guide “Starting a Specialty Food Business: Knowing What Questions to Ask and Where to Find the Answers.” The resource guide is also available on the Web site: www.montana.edu/extensionnutrition/.)
Other sources of information about starting and operating a business can be found at sba.gov, your local Small Business Development Centers, or the Service Corporation of Retired Executives (SCORE). Many community colleges and vocational-technology schools are also involved in helping small business owners.
