I want to start my own business

[amnda527]

Let me bounce this idea off of all of you! I originally thought of this several months ago, but now I'm thinking about it more seriously. I love to cook, and I would enjoy having it be a part of my career. My daughter is only 14 months, and I currently stay at home with her, and I would like to always stay at home with her, and homeschool her as well as any more children I might have. I don't think financially we would make it on just dh's income, so I would have to find something. Anyway! I was thinking of cooking meals for people in my home. I'm not sure how exactly it would all work. I haven't thought of the details, but so far I'm thinking I would just make dinners, no breakfast or lunch, and probably have people come pick them up. And to make things easier on me, I'm thinking I would have 1 meal that I would make, so I wasn't making 10 different things on 1 day. Like, I would only be making lasagna today, and tomorrow would be roast...etc. So, how do I even get started? What do I need to think of, and do? Does anyone have rec's for a good book to read on starting your own business? What do you think of this idea anyway, is it something that would work? Thanks!

[fek&fuzz]

My first step would be to contact the board of health to find out what the requirements are for a business like that. You might have to rent commercial kitchen space.

[HelloKitty]

I had looked into that at one point, and here in MA the rules are pretty reasonable for cooking at home - you need to have a clean, well ventilated space that is animal free (if you have any pets there needs to be a way to keep them out of the kitchen at all times). They do an inspection to make sure everything is cool. The laws might vary where you are but should be easy to find online.

I would recommend you come up with a business plan including a well thought out budget - how much are the ingrediants going to cost you, marketing, packaging, etc. Then do a little home grown market research by asking people you know what they would pay for that kind of service. With these figures you can start to get an idea of how much you can make and whether the effort will be worth it to you.

If it's a go in your mind then contact the board of Health and make sure you can do the work, then apply for a business liscense so that you can get your ingrediants at a wholesale rate.

[fek&fuzz]

http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/1201.html

It looks like there is a One Stop Business Permit center you can call to get info about what you'll need.

here's another link:
http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/pubs/...ttageindex.stm

A “Cottage Food Production Operation” is not permitted to process acidified foods, low-acid canned foods, or potentially hazardous foods or non-potentially hazardous foods not listed above. Low acid food means any food with a finished equilibrium pH greater than 4.6 and a water activity greater than 0.85. Acidified food means a low acid food to which acids or acid foods are added (Ex. Beans, cucumbers, cabbage, puddings, etc.). Potentially hazardous food means it requires temperature control because it is in a form capable of supporting the rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms (Ex. Raw or cooked animal products, cooked vegetables, garlic in oil, cheese cakes, pumpkin pies, custard pies, cream pies, etc.) Non-potentially hazardous food items/processes not permitted to be made or performed in a "Cottage Food Production Operation"--Snack Foods (potato chips, popcorn, trail mix, etc.); Cereals including granola; Repackaging of Foods; Production of Dry Food Mixes; Drying of foods including Herbs and Fruits, etc.

[nursingmom]

I could've definately used that service while I was pregnant. I couldn't cook for 9 months due to nausea.

There was someone in our area who makes several dishes and bring them to clients' house once a week. But I'm not sure how much he/she made since she drove around a lot to bring food to client's house.

[amnda527]

Well I looked into it a little more. From what I read online, it said that I have to use "commercial" equipment, not my normal stove, fridge, and whatever. I guess it doesn't really matter because I just found out I'm pregnant ( So I won't feel like diving into this right now anyway! I'll check it out again in a couple years. Thanks to everyone who posted.

[kokonutmama]

Congratulations!