Starting a New Business

• VAAFM New and Beginning Farmer Resources
• What New Business Owners Need to Know About Federal Taxes
• Steps to Start a Business in Vermont
• Steps to Register a Business in Vermont

Understanding Cheese Production Regulations

To ensure you are meeting regulations and ensure you get the right licenses you need, we recommend talking with VAAFM's Dairy Section as soon as possible when you first start thinking about building a creamery or starting a cheesemaking business. They are wonderful educators and partners to our cheese producers in Vermont. Contact VAAFM by email or at 802-828-2433.  

• VAAFM Guide to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance 
• VAAFM Checklist for Startup Processors
• Vermont Milk Handler License

Best Practices Guide for Cheese & Milk Production

This guide, compiled by the American Cheese Society, covers multiple topics including, but not limited to, milk production, milk handling, product sampling/testing, cheesemaking, product packaging and handling, GMPs/hazard analysis/preventative controls, and food safety planning.

• ACS Best Practices Guide for Cheesemakers

MARKET Research & Startup Costs

• NE-DBIC Market Research Studies
• SBA Guide to Funding Your Business

CREATING PROJECTIONS FOR Production Rates & Sales 

• SBA Guide to Market Research and Competitive Analysis
• PennState Extension Video: Choosing a Pricing Method
• NE-DBIC Market Research Studies

Helpful Documents for Business Planning

• Farm Business Planning SWOT Assessment (UVM Extension)
• Sample Dairy Farm Business Plan (UVM Extension)
• Mark-Up and Margins to Set Prices (UVM Extension)
• Farm Viability Financial Workbook - Excel Download (UVM Extension) 
• Break-Even Calculator - Excel Download (UVM Extension)

Acronyms We Use

ACS = American Cheese Society

ATTRA = Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas

CALS = College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell)

GMPs = Good Manufacturing Practices

NE-DBIC = Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center

SARE = Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

SBA = U.S. Small Business Administration

SCORE = Service Corps of Retired Executives

SWOT = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

USDA = U.S. Department of Agriculture

UVM = University of Vermont

VAAFM = Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets

VCC = Vermont Cheese Council