| You enjoy baking cakes so much that you are | | | | Are you equipped to handle a catering business |
| thinking about doing it for profit by starting your own | | | | operated from your kitchen? What additional |
| catering business at home. You have some ideas and | | | | equipment purchases will you need to make before |
| maybe some plans, but you are not quite sure how | | | | startup? |
| to start. Most caterers start on a small scale part | | | | Is your stove adequate? Is its thermostat properly |
| time from their kitchens. However, before you get | | | | calibrated? Can your electric mixer handle heavy duty |
| started there are things to consider and steps to | | | | work? |
| follow to become a successful caterer. | | | | What about your cake pans? You can start out with |
| 1. Things To Consider | | | | two each of the standard sizes for round layer cakes |
| Your Skills | | | | -- 8, 9, and 10 inch by 1 1/2 or 2 inch deep. Then |
| Do you presently have all the necessary skills? And, if | | | | purchase more as you increase your business. If you |
| not, what skills do you need to learn? | | | | plan on catering weddings, you will also need a set of |
| Running a small catering business means having to do | | | | 12-inch round pans -- or larger -- to make the bottom |
| practically everything yourself, including... | | | | layer of tiered cakes. |
| - shopping for, baking, packing, and delivering your | | | | And of course, you will need a sufficient supply of |
| cakes | | | | other equipment such as mixing bowls, measuring |
| - invoicing, banking, bookkeeping | | | | tools, spoons, flour sifters, etc. |
| - practicing and keeping up with hygiene rules and | | | | 2. Initial Steps for Starting Your Business |
| regulations | | | | You will need to... |
| - applying for and renewing business permits and | | | | - Comply with city ordinances. Is it permissible to |
| licenses | | | | operate a food business from your home? |
| - managing hired help, etc. Skills that you need to | | | | - Determine your health department's requirements. |
| learn can be acquired by reading, taking courses -- | | | | What food handling permits will you need? What do |
| online or on campus -- or by working for another | | | | you need to do to pass health inspections of your |
| caterer before you start your own business. | | | | kitchen? |
| Your Ability To Work With People | | | | - Set up your kitchen. What supplies and equipment |
| Do you have the skills to deal with people on many | | | | do you need to purchase? |
| levels without losing your cool? | | | | - Find clients. How will you advertise? |
| You will be dealing with a lot of different personality | | | | - Set up your banking and bookkeeping systems. To |
| types, especially if you plan on doing events such as | | | | summarize, there are many things that need to take |
| weddings, receptions, birthday parties and other | | | | place prior to starting any business. But, you do not |
| celebrations. You will also need to develop good | | | | need to reinvent the wheel or go it alone. Start-up |
| rapport with your suppliers, regular clients, and any | | | | guides are available through the small business |
| hired staff. This requires that you be a good | | | | association or other like organizations in your area to |
| communicator, organizer, planner and problem-solver. | | | | help you. |
| Your Kitchen | | | | |