MISSISSIPPI STATE – As the economy continues to present challenges, an upcoming workshop will help new food business owners learn how to increase their chances at success.

“Food as a Business” is a day-long video conference Sept. 28 with satellite locations at Mississippi State University, Hattiesburg, Raymond, Verona and Cleveland. The $40 registration fee covers snacks during breaks, lunch and conference materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 20.

Topics to be covered include business plans, legal issues, marketing, Internet sales, food processing and labeling regulations, funding sources, and product costing and pricing. Speakers will address how to work with retailers and the “Make Mine Mississippi” program. During lunch, several speakers will tell of their experiences starting food processing businesses.

“This conference is for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning and operating their own food processing business,” said Anna Hood, MSU Extension professor. “Participants can learn firsthand what is required for basic start-up in a food manufacturing or wholesale distribution business.”

Go online to http://www.fsnhp.msstate.edu/ for additional information and a registration form.

The workshop is sponsored by MSU’s Extension Service; MSU’s Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion; the Small Business Development Center at MSU; and the Mississippi Development Authority.