Food
Catering company
Cater weddings, parties and corporate events.
- Start-up cost
- $3k–$15k
- First revenue
- ~2 months
- Time needed
- 20+ hrs/week
- Where
- Local
Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.
Who thrives at this
- People who like working with your hands
- People who stay calm when things get messy
- People who get energy from being around people
- People who are organized and follow through
- People who are comfortable selling and self-promoting
Involves face-to-face work with customers. Physically demanding.
Skills that help
Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.
Your starter kit
The tools and steps most people need to get a catering company business off the ground.
1. Test the idea
- Cottage food & food permits FreeWhat you can legally sell from a home kitchen depends on your state. Start with the licensing guide, then your state health department.
- SBA business guide FreeFree, official step-by-step guide to planning, launching and managing a small business.
- SCORE free mentoring FreeGet matched with a volunteer mentor who has run a business. Free.
2. Launch
- Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
- Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
- Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
- Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
- Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
- Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
- Google Business Profile FreeFree listing so local customers find you on Google Search and Maps. The single best free marketing for a local business.
- Square Take card payments in person with a phone, plus invoices and simple booking.
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