For many, beekeeping starts as a hobby. It doesn’t take them long, however, to realize what a fascinating and fulfilling career it can be. Beekeeping isn’t just about collecting honey; it’s about getting to know your bees, their behaviors, and their response to the natural environment around them. How rewarding would it be to parlay your passion into a career?
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Start a beekeeping business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Beekeeping Business
- Form your Beekeeping Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Beekeeping Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Beekeeping Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Beekeeping Business
- Get Beekeeping Business Insurance
- Define your Beekeeping Business Brand
- Create your Beekeeping Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your beekeeping business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Beekeeping Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a beekeeping business?
The greatest part of your investment will be the land you house your bees on. You’ll need to purchase or rent land large enough for your bees to forage. If you’re worried about having too much land, keep in mind that larger spaces can be grown into, while smaller pieces of land can stunt growth.
Once you’ve found land for your bees, there are a few additional items you’ll need:
- Bees with queen: $130
- Veil: $10-$30
- Hive tool: $10
- Bee smoker: $16
- Beekeeper’s suit: $15-$170
- Gloves: $10-$40
- Beekeeper’s Boots: $30
- Fully assembled hives: $270 each
- Bee brush: $6
- Escape board: $27
- Honey extractor: $100 to $260
- Electrically heated knife: $30
- Cheesecloth: $7 for 4 yards
- Wintering equipment, for those living in colder climates
Your initial investment should also include launching a website, developing marketing materials, and acquiring an insurance policy, recommended by your attorney or agent.
What are the ongoing expenses for a beekeeping business?
Well-maintained beehives often last for more than 30 years, significantly lowering your ongoing expenses. Annual costs for additional supplies should run between $80-$100 per hive, depending upon your specific needs.
Who is the target market?
You’ll have two different types of customers – those that purchase honey, and those that purchase beeswax products. When first starting out, individual sales will be your bread and butter. As you make a name for yourself within the community, you’ll want to target larger customers. Restaurants and health food stores have the ability to purchase your products in bulk, making the sales process easier.
How does a beekeeping business make money?
Your beekeeping business will earn a profit through the sale of honey and other bee-related products. Depending on their location and demand, some beekeepers also rent out their bees for commercial crop pollination.
How much can you charge customers?
Prices vary depending upon the product, size, and process used to produce the item. Honey is typically sold in pounds, with a 1.5 lb jar of raw honey selling for $11 and 3 lbs for $21. Local bee pollen retails for approximately $10 for 10oz.
How much profit can a beekeeping business make?
Annual profit depends upon a number of factors. What types of products do you plan to sell? How many colonies will you have? What region of the country do you live in and what is the weather like? If the weather is good and the bugs are minimal, 800 colonies could yield a profit of $90,000 annually.
How can you make your business more profitable?
The following are a few strategies other beekeepers have implemented to ensure a more profitable business:
- Rent your bees for commercial crop pollination
- Make and sell a variety of products, including honey, beeswax, lip balm, tinctures, and hand cream
- Selling pollen is a great way to increase your annual profit
- Some beekeepers have found success offering bee sting therapy
- Rear queen bees or sell bulk bees
- Donate honey to a local food bank or kitchen to generate a tax deduction
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your beekeeping business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your beekeeping business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
In most states, it is necessary to obtain multiple licenses pertaining to honey processing. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting the Small Business Administration’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Because honey is being sold as a product of this business, you will need licensing from a local health department. All establishments serving and/or preparing food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspection can be found here.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A beekeeping business is generally run on a property with a honey-processing building called a honey house. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws, and government regulations have been met.
If you plan to purchase or build a honey house on a property:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your Beekeeping Business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Beekeeping Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Beekeeping Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a beekeeping business
One of the best ways to promote your business is through education. Many consumers are unaware of the benefits of consuming local honey, choosing to purchase it from the grocery store instead. Have a website built and publish regular blogs, educating consumers on common myths and misconceptions. Don’t forget to use any small business’ most inexpensive promotional tool – social media.
To further make a name for yourself, get out into the community. Attend local farmers markets and flea markets, and take part in local events. Visit natural stores and restaurants in your area – many of them will invest in your products for resale and for their own recipes.
How to keep customers coming back
If you consistently offer quality products, you’ll develop a loyal following. For a small business in a niche market, word of mouth is often your highest-producing marketing tool, and positive customer experiences speak volumes.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
While beekeeping is an edifying career, it’s also a lot of work. If you’re passionate about being at one with nature, and thrive on continuously learning and growing, beekeeping can be a wonderful business to enter.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a beekeeping business?
Since you can only collect honey from your hives during certain times of the year, your daily activities will vary from season to season. Beekeeping is a form of animal husbandry, so you will spend time providing feed when nectar and pollen supplies are low, preventing infections and parasitic mites, and minimizing the effects of Africanized bees.
When available, you’ll collect honey and honeycomb, turning them into products such as lotion and chapstick. Since this is a very unique profession, you’ll also want to spend a good deal of time marketing, and looking for new opportunities to make a name for yourself and your products.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful beekeeping business?
Except for when you’re out selling your products, much of your time will be spent alone, so it’s important that you enjoy the solitude. Each colony has different behaviors and reacts differently to their surroundings, so beekeepers must be detail-oriented, with a love of constantly learning new things. Patience is critical in this profession. It also doesn’t hurt to have a calm personality – animals feed off our energy and bees are no different. Your reaction to a bee sting or when something else goes awry can directly affect the bee’s behavior.
What is the growth potential for a beekeeping business?
Your business’ growth is heavily dependent on the size of land you have to work with. The more space you have, the more bees you’re able to tend to. More bees equals greater yield.
Not sure if a beekeeping business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a beekeeping business?
The following are some insider tips from experienced beekeepers who have chosen to make a career out of their passion:
- When looking for land for your bees, try to avoid residential areas. Investing in a rural area will reduce complaints of bee stings from neighbors, and ensure a more controlled environment for feeding your bees.
- Prepare yourself for honey processing by establishing a processing facility prior to placing your first hives.
- When purchasing hives, try to get one that’s had bees in it for at least a year. This reduces stress on the bees, which could negatively impact your crop.
- Protect your bees from chemicals as much as possible.
- Don’t get greedy! Remember, these bees are feeding you. Leave enough honey and honeycomb for them to properly feed on. A healthy bee is a healthy producer.
- Make sure they have access to a variety of food sources.
- Find out if there’s a bee club in your community and attend meetings whenever possible.
- Check with your state and local government, as some states require you to register as a beekeeper.
- Before starting your own business, consider apprenticing for a year or two, to really get a feel for what the job entails.
How and when to build a team
Beekeeping is typically a job done in solitude, so you really won’t need a staff to run the business. If you do decide to hire someone to help with special events and on market days, be sure you employ someone who is fully educated on your products, as well as the beekeeping process.
Read our beekeeping business hiring guide to learn about the different roles a beekeeping business typically fills, how much to budget for employee salaries, and how to build your team exactly how you want it.
Useful Links
TRUiC Resources
Industry Opportunities
Real World Examples
Further Reading
- Starting a beekeeping business – Equipment and Supplies needed
- Tips for opening a beekeeping business