RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering a free workshop for food-business owners Nov. 5.

The workshop, “Growing Your Food Business,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wake County Center, 4001-E Carya Drive.

“North Carolina has a wealth of food entrepreneurs who are ready to take that next step in growing their business,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our goal with this workshop is to provide these early-stage business owners with information they can use to expand, market and protect their brands.”

The workshop will cover the following topics:

— Special loan programs for expanding businesses;

— Marketing opportunities;

— Trademarks and branding;

— Food safety and recall prevention.

Registration is open to existing food businesses, and seating is limited. Registration deadline is Oct. 29. For more information or to register, contact Annette Dunlap at 919-707-3117 or annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov, or go online to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agribiz.