I've received many e-mails on this subject. I've also consulted with bakers who are ready to start their baking businesses (preferably at home); but they're walking around in a fog of confusion about what should be done first, second and thereafter. Having been there myself, I know the feeling.
So, to hopefully clear the fog and confusion for you, I created a check list of simple steps that will help you focus and get your baking business started. At a minimum, these steps will assist you with the process of finding out if a home-baking business is doable for you, or, if you need to search for inexpensive alternatives to starting and operating your baking business from home.
Before I begin the list of steps, please understand that not all cities, counties and local agencies will allow a food preparation business to be operated from the home. With that said, here are your steps...
1) Find out if a home-baking business is allowed in your area. When I say "area" I'm referring to your city or county. This will require a little research. More guidance will be provided later in this article.
2) If a home-baking business is allowed and you've decided to work from home, follow carefully the guidelines that are provided to you by the business license office, the zoning department and the department of agriculture.
3) If you are not allowed to start a baking business from your home, then look for an alternative place to start the business. There are several good and cost effective alternatives that you might consider. These alternatives should not require the traditional retail bakery startup or cost. Research in your local area will provide you with enough information to decide which option is best for you. To help you start the search, here are a few suggestions for alternatives: restaurants and caterers that will share space with you, cooking schools that have kitchen rental agreements, commercial kitchens, etc.
4) Once you've done the necessary research and made a decision on where your business will be operated, write a detailed plan for your business that includes: a startup budget, how you plan to proceed with renovations (if necessary) for the home bakery, operation and management of the business, a descriptive list of your products, a description of your potential market, price structure and more.
5) Before spending any money on the start-up of your baking business, make sure you've done all of the necessary research and planning. Make sure that the startup place and procedure that you've chosen is best for you. Not everyone's choices and decisions will be the same. Sometimes personal considerations can color and form decisions more than laws, rules and regulations.
6) Follow the business.educationeasy.net business plan that you created for your business. The economic climate and your potential market can change. Be prepared to make changes or adjustments to your plan as needed.
Starting a home-baking business is simple in terms of understanding procedure (what has to be done). Getting it done, so that you are licensed and approved, can be more a little more challenging.
So, ask yourself...Am I up to the task? Do I have the necessary skills for research (which includes asking questions and talking with people)? Do I have the ability to put together a simple workable plan? Do I have the focus, dedication, patience and passion to execute my plan? How badly do I want this business?
Only you can answer these questions. The only way to get answers is to get started and give it all you've got. As the saying goes, "The Proof is in the Pudding". What will your end product be?
For more information on starting your home-based baking business PLUS, low cost alternatives to starting a baking business outside of the home, creating a budget, writing a business plan, purchasing equipment, marketing, setting prices, turning your baked goods into gourmet gifts and more visit bringinghomethebaking.com BringingHometheBaking.com
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