How to Write a Business Plan for a Catering Business

There is more to the catering business than just preparing the food. Writing a business plan is essential to the success of your catering business. If you need to secure funding, you cannot do this without a business plan. Another reason to write a business plan is to make your goals more tangible and keep your perspectives clear.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Describe your catering company in your business plan. Use the company name that you picked and whether or not it is incorporated or a sole proprietorship.
2. Focus on what you are selling to the customer. Be specific, for example, stating that this is a catering business to prepare and deliver food to weddings.
3. Research data about your business. For instance, find out how many other catering businesses are in your area and how many of those cater exclusively to weddings. Specify the needs of the area and how you can fulfill those needs.
4. Implement your business plan by stating specifically how you plan to use the money. "John Doe, the manager, oversees rental of commissary to prepare the food" or "Rent cannot exceed [certain dollar amount] per month" are examples.
5. List the key people who are involved in your operation, with their full names and experience measured in years. Make sure your key people have catering experience, or prepare to explain how their experiences relate to catering.
6. Summarize in your business plan by stating how you plan to cope with issues and challenges. Make sure you list specific examples. For example, "If I do not reach $10,000 in revenue by June 1, 2008, I will exit my catering business" is a pertinent statement.