Nevada bill supports cottage food businesses with new label review regulations

Small cottage food and cosmetic businesses in Nevada are set to benefit significantly from recent legislative discussions, as the Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services reviewed a bill aimed at easing regulatory burdens. The proposed changes are expected to streamline the process for entrepreneurs looking to enter the cottage food industry, which allows individuals to sell homemade products.

Currently, the process for obtaining approval to operate a cottage food business in Southern Nevada is cumbersome, with only one person managing label design and review for the entire region. This has led to confusion and delays for many aspiring business owners. One farmer's market coordinator highlighted the challenges faced by applicants, noting that even after receiving initial approval, many still struggle with label compliance, causing unnecessary setbacks.

The bill under consideration seeks to address these issues by allowing businesses to bypass certain label review requirements, reducing costs and expediting the approval process. Supporters argue that this change will foster entrepreneurship and enable individuals to turn their culinary passions into viable businesses without the financial burden of renting commercial kitchen space.

Additionally, the current revenue cap for cottage food businesses in Nevada is set at $35,000 annually, which many believe limits growth potential. Advocates for the bill are pushing for an increase in this cap to better support small business development in the state.

As the committee continues to gather input from stakeholders, the implications of this legislation could pave the way for a more accessible and supportive environment for cottage food and cosmetic entrepreneurs in Nevada. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments before the bill moves forward in the legislative process.