Local food businesses will have two opportunities to take part in the annual Food Business Conference sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The event, aimed at helping small-business owners grow their food businesses, has expanded to include two conference locations in Raleigh and Burnsville.

 

Conference East will be held at the James G. Martin Building at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh April 11. The registration deadline is April 2. Conference West will be held at the Burnsville Town Center in Burnsville April 19. Registration deadline for the Burnsville event is April 10.

 

“I’m pleased we were able to offer the conference in two locations this year, so more food entrepreneurs can benefit from these resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Food businesses are a tremendous asset to North Carolina’s $72-billion agriculture economy.”

 

Each conference will feature workshops and seminars with food entrepreneurs and marketing specialists. Topics include demystifying your financial statements, getting a loan, environmental sampling and food safety, customer demographics and building a Web-based business.