A national home for cottage food
is being built.
NCFA is the first national trade association built exclusively for the cottage food industry — advocating for your right to build a business from your own kitchen. Our full site is on the way. Be the first to know when it's here.
We exist to strengthen the cottage food industry through education, business resources, strategic partnerships, professional development, and community support — for producers at every stage of growth. NCFA gives homemade food entrepreneurs the support and infrastructure they've always needed — and the collective voice they deserve.
Built by the community, for the community.
The National Cottage Food Alliance exists because cottage food entrepreneurs deserve more than scattered Facebook groups and state-by-state guesswork.
Founded in Minnesota and organized as a trade association, NCFA is the first organization dedicated entirely to this industry at a national level — representing the collective business interests of home-based food producers across all 50 states. Our goal isn't just to serve our members. It's to elevate the entire industry.
- National trade association
- 501(c)(6) status pending
- Headquartered in Minnesota
Three pillars that move the industry forward.
Everything NCFA does ladders up to making cottage food businesses more viable, more connected, and more protected.
Education
Webinars, workshops, and professional development — practical, industry-relevant learning that helps entrepreneurs confidently start, operate, and grow.
Community
A national membership network, digital forums, and CottageFoodieCon — so no one has to figure this out alone. Local chapters coming in the future.
Economic Opportunity
Pathways that increase profitability, reduce barriers to entry, and unlock tools for long-term success through member discounts and partner benefits.
CottageFoodieCon — The Annual Conference for the Industry
The only in-person national conference built for all cottage food entrepreneurs. Connect with hundreds of makers from across the country, hear from industry-leading speakers, explore a vendor floor packed with products and services made for your business, and leave with strategies you can actually use.
Real people, building a real organization.
NCFA isn't a faceless logo. It's being built by people rooted in the cottage food community — operators, educators, and organizers who have lived the challenges cottage food entrepreneurs face every day.
The founding team includes a military veteran turned shortbread baker, a nationally recognized content creator and SaaS founder, a nonprofit governance expert, and a Food Network competitor turned cottage food business coach.
Meet the Founding Team →"We started NCFA because cottage food entrepreneurs deserve more than scattered Facebook groups and state-by-state guesswork. You built your business from scratch — now let's build the industry, together."— The NCFA Founding Team
Two audiences. One mission.
Cottage Food Entrepreneurs
- You bake, preserve, or create homemade food products
- You want connection, community, and business resources
- You're ready to connect with others who get it
- You want a seat at the table when laws are being made
Businesses & Organizations
- You sell products or services to cottage food producers
- You want to reach an engaged, growing audience
- You believe in supporting small food businesses
- You're ready to be seen as a trusted industry partner
Be the first to know.
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