All of us dream of owning a business. Until some point, we can work under authority because of the knowledge. But once we have expertise in the specific field of work, we tend to start working towards owning a business. Now, starting a business from the bottom is more difficult than it sounds. You have to go through loads of hassle to officially own it.
You have to go through everything. Not only the business world is about time and effort, but it also has to do with money and investment. You will need capital, a legal advisor, staff, property, tableware, the help of technology, etc. With the correct guidance, you can reach your destination.
9 Steps to Starting Your Catering Business:
There are 9 basic steps for you to go through to start your catering business. These are the best ones we could shortlist. But, you have to keep in mind that to choose the type of catering business according to your choice for the smooth running of your business.
Yes, there are several types of catering businesses you can opt for. Some of them are starters like cocktails and finger food, buffets, served catering like in huge events like weddings and birthdays. So, you need to choose the one you want to go ahead with before following the below-mentioned steps.
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Step 1: Name and entity of the business
Once you decide the type of catering business to start with, you can choose the name of your business and set your entity. Choose a unique name for your business and check if there is no similar named business or franchise available in your state.
You can easily check the availability of your business name on the web with the Secretary of State. After the name, you have to choose the business entity. This depends on how you want to start the business, individually or partnership or joint-stock.
Step 2: Business plan
After you have chosen the name and entity for your business, the next step is business planning. Business involves a lot of risks and profits. Both of them can be pretty high at times but low as well. So, you will have to plan what to do when a certain thing doesn’t work out.
You have to manage and bring substitutes. When you own a business, you will notice that you will have to improvise many decisions that sometimes can be irrational. Business planning can be difficult and time-consuming but you will have the benefits in the long run.
Step 3: Business registration and EIN
There are many times where your business is named after you chose your business entity. This happens by default. You will need a ‘doing business as (DBA) to change the by-default business name to the real business name.
You have to register your business and its name in the state you plan on promoting from. The health department will visit your business to inspect the place. You have to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for it online from the IRS.
Step 4: Licenses and clearances
Any kind of business needs licenses and clearances. When you start a catering business, you will need two basic licenses, namely: food handling license and a trade license. You will also need insurances like worker’s compensation insurance and certain permits to smoothly work at different venues.
Step 5: Price determination
You have to determine the prices of your services and commodities. It depends on the locality and the type of catering business you choose to go with. These prices differ from other catering businesses. You can fix your prices by determining other similar catering businesses.
Step 6: Staff
These are all different features of a business. But some details differ from one another. Of course, you can’t cater an event all by yourself. You need more than assistance. You have to hire a couple of people based on the profession and job you require from them.
You will need staff from chef to waiter. Hiring staff also depends on the size of work you have been assigned. Now, how to find these people? Nowadays, you can find anything on the web. Also, you can spread the news in newsletters and through friends.
Step 7: Spread the news
You have to spread the news about your business through all kinds of marketing. You can hire a marketing agency for the promotion of your business. You can give out templates and put up stories in the newspaper. Moreover, you can use the help of technology and promote the business yourself through social media platforms.
Step 8: Funding
You have to collect funds. Starting a catering business can be pretty hard when it comes to money and catering supply. You might have capital arranged, but in most cases, capital can never be enough. Investing is hard, and you can be insolvent in no time. So, you have to find ways to collect funds to secure the future of your business entity.
Step 9: Emergency planning
As we mentioned earlier, capital can never be enough, and you will not know when you are left with no money. You have to plan out emergency cases because you can’t improvise decisions regarding money. There are considerable expenses at catering, and some of them can cost from your pocket. Spend your money wisely and keep a budget plan. So, to avoid these unnecessary expenses, you need emergency planning for the future and the smooth running of your catering business.
Conclusion:
If you choose to start your catering business alone, your business will be solely owned by you and your probable spouse. Starting a business in partnership has advantages and disadvantages as well. There are different types of collaboration in a business, so you will have to register your business as that specific type of partnership and partner.
From legal paperwork to business strategy, you have to learn and prepare a lot of things. The catering business is not accessible, and the thought of starting it needs a lot of courage. You can create your business if you have the potential. Go through these steps to stay on the right path for your goal.
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