Catering Grants

Give your catering business a jump start by getting a grant.

Catering is one business that has seen rapid growth since before the beginning of the new millennium. Many catering businesses start at home. Launching a catering business from home may not cost you too much initially, but once the business grows you will likely need a professional kitchen outside the home, and also employees. It may be necessary to get a grant to help with the initial expenses. Consider several scenarios whereby you might qualify for a grant to pay for your catering launch or upgrade.

Small Business

Look for organizations locally and nationwide that offer small business grants to start your catering business. If you have a catering business that you started at home and are so successful that you have to now move the business out of your home, your chances of receiving a grant for a small business are good. Donors like to see how you have been working and that you can make money and actually manage that money. Check with the Small Business Administration for available grants.

Minority Grants

If you are a woman or considered a minority and want to start a catering business, look for a grant accordingly. Many organizations offer grants to women and other recognized minorities that want to start a business. Venture Worthy is one network that can help people, especially women, get started in businesses by pointing you toward investors who may be willing to help you get started. Grantsforwomen.com lists many grants available to women for starting catering businesses.

Government Grants

The government gives grants to people who want to start a variety of businesses including catering. When looking to the government for grants, expect to fill out a longer application form than some other organizations. Some grants you receive from the government you don't need to repay, while some organizations give start-up grants for which repayment is expected. When you apply for a government grant, apply for the right type of grant. Read all the fine print on the application and the requirements before filling out any information, to see if you and your catering business are eligible.

Culinary Education

To further your cooking expertise, look for grants to go to a cooking school. Many different culinary schools offer grants for students to attend. When you decide what culinary school you want to go to, see what they offer. Some schools offer a lottery type of grant where they randomly choose students to receive the money. Other schools offer grants based on the financial needs of individual students.

References

• Venture Worthy: Women Starting a Business Grant
• Culinary School Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Culinary School Grants
• Small Business Dynamics: Catering Business Financing -- Loans, Investors Or Grants?; Robert Sutherland
• Grants for Women: 2011 Grants for Women Now Available
• Small Business Administration: Search for Business Loans, Grants and Financing