Black Rock Events realizes that there a many hurdles owning a small business. Having been in business since 2001 and owning a variety of establishments and home businesses, there has been a wealth of knowledge gathered over the years. We’re addidng the information here to help our fellow business owners navigate the world of self employment. Please note that the information shares here is not legal advice and should always be followed up by an attorney when applicable.
If there are any things you’d like to see added here, if you have any questions or anything that’s been helpful to yourself you’d like to share please let us know by emailing [email protected]
Craft Food Vendors
Craft food vendors are vendors selling food that is pre-packaged and is NOT prepared on site. This includes things such as baked goods, candies, spices, sauces, jellies and jams. These foods are considered non-potentially hazardous foods, meaning they do not require refrigeration and are generally shelf stable. until opened. Black Rock Events requires ALL of our food vendors to be liscenced and insured for our protection and yours. If you are not in compliance with the PA Dept. of Agricultures guidelines for food production, we have provided a list of resources below that can help you gian the proper documentation needed to conduct business safely and legally.
PA Department Of Agriculture Website
Phone Number: (717)-787-4737
PA Dept Of Ag: LIMITED FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Guidelines and application (Non-Potentially hazardous foods and home bakeries)
PA Dept Of Ag COMMERCIAL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Guidelines (Potentially hazardous foods & Canning)
Do you use an incubator or liscenced kitchen other than your own for your preperation? PA Dept of Ag SHARED FACILITY AGREEMENT pdf download. Download the form, have it filled out and register it with your local Dept. of Agriculture office.
Vendor & Business Insurance
Insurance not only protects you against the inevitable loss but some events and venues require it for participation. There are a several ways to go about insuring your interests and they vary depending on what type of business structure you have.
Many crafters start out as Sole Proprioters meaning that work as an individual and any liability is yours directly. In this case, if there is damage or loss, you are personally responsible for the cost of damages. To protect yourself you can take a Personal Liability Policy that covers your Sole Proprioter business activities as well as other personal liabilities you may have or an inividual business policy
You can seperate yourself from your business liabilities by registering as an LLC. This is free and makes your business it’s own entity therefore any liability incurred by the business is the responsibility of the buisness only, not you personally. You can insure this with a business policy in the name of the business only.
There are other ways to insure your business, these are just the most basic. For new vendors starting our this is more than adequate in most cases. You can purchase an annual policy which typically requires a lump sum or monthly payments or you can purchase a per diem policy so you can work events requiring a policy to attend.
For those of you who do not have contacts, I will list two contacts who specialize in business insurance below.
Seltzer Insurance Group, Karen Traver- Specializing in annual policies: (610) 507-2797
Event Helper: Affordable per diem vendor insurance purchaced in minutes over the web HERE.