Life is full of events that people want to celebrate, from weddings to bar mitzvahs. When family and friends get together, they like to eat. If you enjoy cooking and want to make it your career, the catering business is a great one to get into. You can help make peoples’ day special by providing delicious food. When you start a catering business, there are several things you need to do.

1. Get Permits and Licenses

A lot of prospective caterers are shocked to find out that event catering requires more than just showing up at an event with food. When you start your catering business, you need to register as a business with your state and make sure you have all the correct licenses you need to serve food. Just because you are not a restaurant doesn’t mean that there aren’t standards you need to maintain with the state.

2. Buy Equipment

Catering businesses typically supply their own equipment. You want to make sure you stock up enough Skorr wire chafers, trays, cutlery, etc. It is best to have more than you need so you are prepared to cater larger events when you need to. If you work from your home, rent a storage location to keep your supplies when you don’t need them.

3. Write Down Your Business Plan

Writing out your business plan and figuring out the costs required to set up helps you when it comes time to find financial support. Include an overview of your business, a market analysis, the products and services your catering company will offer and the organizational structure.

Congratulations on becoming a small business owner! Many people have found success in the catering world. As you cater more events, your business should grow through word of mouth. Focus on producing the best food to see your customer base expand.