How to Start a Catering Business in 10 Easy Steps

These days, catering companies are popping up just about anywhere you can think of. By being one of the fastest growing trends in start-up companies, a catering business has a lot to live up to. If you are wondering how to start a catering business for yourself, it can be quite easy to do if you have the right know-how and drive.?

1. Health Regulations - Every catering business needs to conform to the local health regulations. You will need to contact your state and local government agencies about any inspections, training, permits, etc. that are required on how to start a catering business in your local area. If you are going to run your business from home, you will need to read up on the specific requirements to do such.


2. Insurance - No business should operate without insurance under them. You will want to look into insurance companies that are specific to food industries and catering companies.


3. Research the Task - Before you even plan on starting your business, you should research catering companies in the area. Look at your competition and learn the local market. You will want to determine that there is a need for a caterer in the area prior to actually starting up as one. You should also research any local suppliers in the area since purchasing locally is cheaper than regionally.


4. Have the Experience - A lot of people that are looking to start up a catering business will enjoy cooking food, but never have done any commercial food. In order to prepare yourself, try working in a restaurant or for another company so that you can learn just what it is like to serve over 200 people instead of your family of four.


5. Cooking from Home - There is a lot of first timers that will cook out of their home, rather than a commercial space. Though this is acceptable practice, be sure that your home kitchen meets all regulations prior to doing such.


6. Create a Menu - You cannot start a business that serves food without a menu. Sit down and think of items you can cook, recipes that make you unique, etc. Create a full menu that you would use to offer to customers. This should include breakfast, lunch, dinner, wedding and holiday menus as well as appetizers.


7. Do a Trial - Before you actually open up the business, try doing a trial run for a family member or good friend. See if they will contribute towards some of the costs and try to cater to at least 20 guests. If you seem to handle it just fine, then maybe this is the industry for you.


8. Find the Funds - As with any start-up you will need to find the funding in order to get started. Look for SBA loans, use your own money and even look for partnerships. When running your company out of your home, you may benefit from the use of your own money, rather than a high-interest loan.


9. Advertise - You will want to create a name that is eye-catching and then think about how you are going to market yourself. Create a logo, a slogan, and find local places that will allow you to hand out business cards, flyers, or even just post your company information. Advertising is one of the biggest and best ways to get your business known.


10. Business Plan - In order to start any form of business, you have to have a business plan. Follow guidelines set up by the SBA to create an effective plan prior to writing one up.