Can you give me info on starting a home based cake decorating business? Start up cost?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Starting a Cake Decorating Business from Home by Kathy Moore
* How to Make Money in Cake Decorating: Owning and Operating a Successful Business in Your Home by Del Carnes
* Entrepreneurial Finance: For New and Emerging Businesses by James McNeill Stancill
* The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide: Seize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams! by Stephanie Chandler
* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

The first thing I would tell you to check into is whether or not you can actually do this at home or if you must have a commercial kitchen.
I wanted to do the something similar. I was inspired by the Food Network, but I discovered that in my city it could not be done from the home. A professional commercial kitchen is necessary. Check into it. Different states and cities have different regulations.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

I would recommend purchasing the book "Business Plans for Dummies". It takes you step by step through creating a business plan for whatever you plan on doing, and helps you determine strategies for all aspects such as start up costs and financing.