Seeking Moms Advice in Summerville and Surrounding Areas

Start with a business license from your county. For Dorchester County, the office is in the main county building at 500 N Main St in Summerville. It's not off the main entrance -- you have to go around the north side of the building.

Also you'll need a retail license from the state of South Carolina and get set up to pay sales tax. Check out South Carolina Business One Stop: www.scbos.com -- great site with all the info you need. You can even file online. I just log on once a month and "file" and pay the sales tax I collected from customers.

The Chamber of Commerce also has a mentoring program for small businesses.

I'm not sure why someone below told you it was illegal. You probably wouldn't be able to open a full-out store or cafe in your home -- but just doing some baking on the side should be just fine. Basically they don't want you having customers regularly in and out of your home -- but delivery is fine.

I run a small biz out of my home in Summerville -- I do flowers for weddings (www.SweetMagnoliaFlowers.com).

Hey Jamie

I live in Summerville too! Where are you at? I live in Wescott. I have 2 boys 10 and 13. Do you work? Just thought I would say hey, I love to se people that live in the same town~!

Its illegal. And getting DHEC approved in your home is near impossible. But to get started you have to call DHEC for an inspection.

*update: this is in response to who said she wasn't sure as to why I said it was illegal. I said it because its true. Its perfectly legal to run a business out of your home. Cooking food in a home kitchen and advertising and selling for customer consumption is illegal. There are definitely loopholes. In fact, I do it myself so I'm not saying not to go for it. Just saying you should contact DHEC if you want to be legal. I would hate to see you get a great business off the ground and then have to stop.

Hi Jamie:

I think that is a great idea. Don't really know about a business license. You would need to check with Dorchester County or if you are in Berkeley County need to check with them. You should gauge what charge by what they charge for cakes at Saffron's downtown. They run between $25 & $30.

You best bet is word of mouth to get started. Donate cakes for large events that would get you noticed.