What Will I Learn?

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of launching, managing, and scaling a small food business in Idaho. Key topics include:

• Food Safety & Sanitation: From foundational safe handling practices to advanced compliance and microbial control.
• Processing & Manufacturing: Small-scale methods tailored to local producers.
• Packaging & Labeling: How to make your product retail-ready.
• Sourcing: Leveraging local and regional ingredients for value-added products.
• Marketing & Distribution: Strategies for getting your product into the hands of customers.

Each session includes expert instruction, hands-on activities, and templates designed for immediate real-world application.

Description

The Idaho Food Business Foundations series is an 8-part workshop developed for current and aspiring food entrepreneurs in Idaho. It offers step-by-step guidance from food safety to customer outreach, helping small businesses navigate the complexities of food manufacturing. With expert-led lessons, industry guest speakers, and engaging activities, this program empowers participants with the tools and confidence to grow their businesses responsibly and successfully. Subsidized by a grant, this $20,000+ program is offered at a significantly reduced cost for a limited time.

Walk Away With:

• Actionable templates for food safety, sanitation, packaging, and marketing
• Hands-on experience through in-person or virtual activities
• Clear understanding of regulatory and customer compliance
• A roadmap for scaling your food product from home-based to wholesale
• Bonus: 4 hours of 1-on-1 consulting (if attending 5+ sessions)
• A network of peers and local food industry professionals

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring or current cottage food producers
• Small food processors looking to scale or go to market
• Entrepreneurs developing value-added food products
• Local food producers exploring retail or wholesale opportunities
• Any Idaho-based small food business owner seeking a clear and practical roadmap—no formal food processing experience required 

Costs and Discounts:

• $50 per participant per class
• Special Offer: Sign up for the full series and get 50% off — just $200 for all 8 classes! (Discount automatically applied at checkout when you register for all 8.)
• Remember if you attend 5 or more classes – receive 4 hours of consulting for free.

Class Coordinator

Classes will be coordinated by Food Processing Specialist Dr. Janna Hamlett of TechHelp and the University of Idaho. Dr. Hamlett has 20 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry.  She brings a wealth of qualifications, expertise, and experience as a Food Processing Specialist at TechHelp and Assistant Professor at University of Idaho Extension.  Before joining TechHelp and UI Extension, Janna worked at the College of Southern Idaho developing the Food Processing Technology program and the first Technical Bachelors at a Community College in Idaho.  Prior to academia, Janna worked in various management positions, including Quality Manager and Production Manager at large-scale cheese and whey processing facilities in the Magic Valley.  As an independent Food Safety and Production Consultant, she has helped local companies with their food safety, production capabilities, and troubleshooting challenges to be more successful.  She has numerous industry certifications in safety, food safety, and operational efficiencies; including a Black Belt in Six Sigma. She is an OSHA 10 and 30-hour instructor, FSCPA PCQI and IAVA instructor, SQF Approved Training Center, and an approved HACCP curriculum from The International HACCP Alliance.