Do you have an idea for a home-based cake decorating business? You are not the only one thinking about starting a cake decorating business from home. People are also becoming more interested in the cupcake industry. As with all business ideas, dreaming is just one part. Working with food requires a lot more preparation, licensing, and health department requirements before you can open your doors.
People who are looking to start a cupcake decorating business or a small business with cupcakes from their home can find it difficult to navigate the licensing, regulations and zoning requirements. For someone who has never done it before, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry. You can learn from the many people who have done this before you.
These are some tips to help you get started before you start shopping for equipment or business cards.
Blueprint or Business Plan
You should never start a cake decorating company from home, or any other type of business. Before you do anything else, make sure you have a business plan. The Small Business Administration can help you with your business plan. You can also read a variety of books about the topic. Paula Spencer is a well-known cake designer and has written a book on the topic. Below is more information.
What is Licensing?
First, let’s get to the point. First, get in touch with your local government to discuss your interest in starting a cake decorating business. You should let them know if your plan is to rent or use your home. Ask them what you should do and what regulations they will require.
Every state and every city are different. It is important to get off to the right tools to build an effective outdoor gym start. These resources can help you make a step-by-step plan.
Is my kitchen big enough?
A lack of a commercial-style kitchen is a problem that many people face. This is where you should look if this is your greatest problem. Many towns already have commercial kitchens, including churches and other organizations.
Ask the directors of these organizations to let you use their kitchens part-time for a donation or a donation of your creations for their events. You can also pay a flat fee.
It’s possible to be surprised by how welcoming some of these places can be.
Here are some ideas to help you get started once you have confirmed that your business can legally be opened and has all the permits required.
Start small.
You probably already have some experience in cupcake and cake decorating.
If your budget doesn’t allow for large purchases, it is best to start small and build your business before you spend a lot of money on supplies. These resources can guide you to the essentials you will need before you open your doors. These are some inexpensive ways to test the waters. Day cares and elementary schools can be notified that you are available for making cupcakes or cake pops for school events or parties.
A theme party can be set up. You could bring cupcakes or unfrosted cake pops and let the children dip them in toppings. Or you could have a “cupcake bar”, where they can tell you the frosting they would like on their cupcakes. If they are old enough, and there is enough supervision they can frost their cupcakes.
You can be a cupcake or cake decorator with a little creativity and not spend thousands of dollars.
Learn how to correctly price cakes, prepare orders and contracts and what size cake to order for each job. Don’t worry! You can find formulae that will help you do this.
You can find many resources at this site, such as Paula Spencer’s “Start a Cake Business Today” and Cupcake and Cake Decorating Business Guides. Paula Spencer’s book includes many forms and examples to help you get started.
