Many people dream of being able to start a bakery, but just don’t know where to begin. Throwing caution to the wind and starting a new business, whether it’s a bakery or something else, can be an overwhelming experience. It takes a special mindset to be able to navigate the challenges of business ownership, and it takes quite a bit of skill with an oven to be able to bake goods on a commercial scale.
Pastries, cookies, breads and cakes are delicious. There are lots of varieties in types of bakeries or cookie start-up businesses that virtually anyone can begin. The key element is to understand the regulations for business start-ups in your area and to be creative.
Most of locations will not allow someone to start this type of business from your home. Owners are required to follow the FDA guidelines for their communities. It is essential to phone around and determine what the regulations and the laws are in regards to food prep and food selling. New owners don’t want to sink tons of cash into a business to determine later that you aren’t allowed to sell anything from your house.
Equipment
Your home kitchen will do nicely as a starter. Unlike a bakery for people, pet treat bakeries don’t need to be licensed (at this time). One caveat though: Do NOT use meat products in your pet treats unless you plan to be licensed as a food processor. Contact your STATE health department about this and follow their direction. So stay away from fish and meat products unless you are willing to pay the money to support this endeavor as well as the training and licensing required.
Product
What to make? — You can’t go wrong baking for man’s best friend - dogs. Add a few cat treats too. There are horses and hamsters and birds. You decide how extensive you want your pet treat bakery to be. Recipes for pet treats are everywhere. We have developed our own and had them checked by Humane Society personnel as well as our vet.
Write a business plan that include four major sections, a description of the bakery, the marketing plan, the management plan and the financial management plan. Use software such as Business Plan Pro to help you write the business plan.
Obtain financial support to start the bakery. Different sources of financial support include personal credit cards, savings, personal investments, a bank loan, venture capitalists, government grants, small business loans, loans or gifts from family or an investment by an individual who is successful in the field.
Conduct pre-opening activities such as obtaining any necessary licenses, permits and insurance. Open a bank account, contract suppliers, set up utilities, purchase equipment and hire and train employees. Organize these duties and hire individuals that have an expertise in these areas if needed. Keep track of the tasks and their progress in an organizer or spreadsheet.
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