Please contact staff at the Culinary Center for more information.

There is no cost to consult with Culinary Center staff about business practices, how to obtain requirements such as licenses and insurance, or to ask questions about opening or managing a food business.

It can vary depending on the needs of each client’s business, as well as the number of customers who are using a space or scheduled to use one. Typically, the time can range from a few weeks to several months.

The licenses and permits required to operate out of the Culinary Center will vary depending on the type and scope of the business. The following is a list of common registrations, licenses, certifications, and insurance you will need to use the commercial kitchens at the Culinary Center. Please reach out to Culinary Center staff for your specific business.

• Register your business with the Missouri Secretary of State.  
• Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number. 
• Register for a State of MO Retail Sales Tax License (includes state of MO tax ID number).  
• Get a zoning clearance letter from KCMO. 
• Depending on your business, apply to be regulated by either the local health department, State of MO, FDA, and/or USDA. 
• Acquire a KCMO Biz License. 
• A ServSafe Manager’s Certification in food safety and sanitation is required. 
• General Liability Insurance: MCPL has a guide with specifics. Please reach out to Culinary Center staff for details. 

There are programs that can help you finance start up fees for your food business. A couple of options to research are AltCap and Justine Petersen.

There are more than 200 KC area organizations that are dedicated to helping small businesses. Some great places to get started are: 

KC SourceLink
Resources to start and grow small businesses. 

SCORE
Offers classes and business mentors.

Square One Small Business
Mid-Continent Public Library’s in-house specialists help support local entrepreneurs through access to information, programs, and opportunity.