How to Start a Catering Company in NYC
If this is the year that you’ll start a catering company and New York City is your chosen location, then look no further than this article for a great way to learn everything you need to get started. Here, we’ll skip the equipment rental and recipe chat, and get to the heart of what it takes to start a small business, and direct you to the online resources that can make your dream a reality; a catering company in NYC.
Decide What Type of Business Entity You Will Start
Will you operate as a sole proprietorship, or are you starting your catering company with a partner? While sole proprietorships and partnerships tend to have much less red tape to start, both of these types of business expose you to liability if anything happens on your premises or as a result of your cooking. Operating as a corporation or LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) will protect you from this liability. For more information about types of business structures, visit www.nolo.com.
Once you decide on what type of business you will start, you’ll need to come up with a name. If it seems a bit early for this step, it’s because you have to ensure that there are no other businesses of the same type in New York that have the same or a very similar name. In other words, you’ll have to get approval for your business name.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Once you’ve established your business structure and you’ve found space to work in, you’ll need to begin obtaining the licenses and permits that New York requires in order to operate a catering company in NYC. This can be a difficult step since each state differs slightly in their licensing and permit requirements. However, New York’s Department of Health website is well maintained and very helpful when it comes to figuring out the different permits you’ll need.
In order to be granted a food service license in NYC, you’ll have to undergo a health department inspection of your kitchen space. New York Department of Health puts out this guide to the specific regulations you’ll have to follow in order to pass the regular health inspections.
Consult with a Tax Advisor
Not sure how to handle your taxes for your catering company in NYC? Trust us, you’re not alone. That’s why there are tax professionals! It’s definitely wise to seek the help of a qualified tax professional as early in the process as possible to avoid any surprises. After all, there’s no worse surprise than a tax surprise. Get started here.
Come Up With a Business Plan
You may be wondering, “Why do I need a business plan for my catering company? I’m just going to cook food and take it to different locations — it’s simple!” Well, it may be simple, but a business plan is still a good idea to have. According to the website Growthink, “A business plan serves two purposes. It provides a snapshot of your catering company at this moment in time, and it lays out a guided plan for growth over the next three to five years. The business plan defines your goals, identifies potential roadblocks, and details your strategies for reaching your goals. It is a living document that will evolve as your catering company grows and changes.”
Start Cooking!
You’ve got your permits and licenses, you’ve got your tax plan in line and you’ve got some direction thanks to your shiny new business plan. What’s left? Get cooking! Hopefully, you’ve secured some clients along the way and you’ve got some gigs lined up. Now it’s time to showcase your amazing food and get started on your path to owning a catering company in NYC.
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