I'm an engineer with no food industry experience and no experience running my own business, although I have worked at tiny start-ups and seen how most of it's done. I spend most of my spare time playing in the kitchen, and everyone who's had anything I've made tells me I should do this. Can anybody tell me how to get started, or what my odds of success are?
2007-01-17 03:35:03 · 8 answers · asked by Grizzly B 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
You need to set up a business plan. Do you have your start up cost in order. Do you have a, location, name, supplier list, inventory guesstimate, menu plan, cost break down, and equipment. If you are planning to hire employees do you know how to set up the social security and other taxes. Who is going to keep track of profits, loss, and inventory. If you plan on getting a loan for this business you are to draw up an official business plan for the bank. I would love to start my own business in food someday myself, so I have done some research. There is a lot of info on starting up a restaurant on- line.
2007-01-17 03:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by mommy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, that's not crazy! It's courageous - AND it's possible.
I read an article within the last few months about a guy near Boston (in Natick, MA) who shuttered his construction contracting business and became a chocolatier (chocolate maker). He had ZERO background in food and says his only experience with chocolate was whatever he bought at the store. He found an online course from a school in Vancouver, BC, and just got busy - and he's doing great with only a year, or less, in business!
Here's another article link about six small bakeries in the Boston Globe - JUST TODAY, actually:
http://www.boston.com/ae/food/articles/2007/01/17/success_is_sweet_for_these_bakeries/
(You might have to register to read the article, but it's free to sign up. If you can't open this link, the article is called "Success is Sweet for These Bakeries" - Boston Globe, 1/17/07, Food section.)
GO FOR IT, and good luck!
2007-01-17 03:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd recommend reading the book The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It's a great book for anyone wanting to start up a small business. He uses a Pie Baking business as an example case study so that you might get an idea of what you're getting into.
Best of luck.
2007-01-17 04:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by CA DIVA 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The difference between a dream and a goal is a time line and plan put down on paper. Reach for the stars but don't fall off the ladder!
2007-01-17 03:44:49 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dreams are all we have. To be truly rich is to find your passion and find a way to get paid to do it.
Start researching for grants that the government will give for new small business' and talk to the banks. See what programs are available for you. Consider taking a night course in small business management.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to try.
Best of luck! I hope your ambition pays off!
2007-01-17 03:46:31 · answer #5 · answered by miss bean 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dream all you want...
I am Industrial Engineer, who is opening a jewelry store. No experince in Sales before. But I love jewelry, so I open my own jewelry boutique. I'm applying for a small business loan. If it's your passion, go for it.
2007-01-17 06:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by key715 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I say go for it!!!
If it doesn't work out you have a great title to fall back on. You will never know how it will go unless you tried. And once you have tried, then you won't have to sit there years from now and say " I shoulda done this"
Good Luck!
2007-01-17 03:39:59 · answer #7 · answered by mag 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That's fine go for it
2007-01-17 03:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by selvi 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋