Have you ever thought of catering in Georgia as a possible career? Do you delight in a well set table? Is your idea of a fun night cooking for friends? Do you enjoy planning and executing parties? Then starting your own company to deliver catering services in Georgia may be the perfect career for you. Of course, catering requires a lot organization, attention to detail and hard work.

Georgia has several metro areas, including Savannah and Atlanta and their surrounding suburbs. These areas represent plenty of opportunities for private catering, from holiday dinners to weddings and anniversary parties. Corporate catering is another area that a new caterer can look to for potential business.

To start a Georgia catering services company, you will need to:

1. Develop a business plan to help you establish a budget and procure financing, if needed.

2. Purchase the proper equipment for your catering company.

3. Establish a niche as a Georgia caterer. Figure out what will set you apart from all the other caterers in Georgia.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop a business plan for your Georgia catering business

The good news about starting a business catering in GA is that you may not need a huge start-up loan. However, in order to compete with larger, more established catering companies in Georgia, you may need a loan for equipment, marketing and staffing. A business loan can be used toward big ticket items, like commercial kitchen equipment or for a van or other transportation. To apply for a small business loan, you'll need a business plan.

I recommend: To help you get that first business loan, the counselors at the Georgia Small Business Development Center will guide you through developingn a business plan and help connect you with a lender. The Georgia Small Business Administration is another good resource for budding business owners. It offers no-cost counseling from other small business professionals in your area.

Stock up on the right equipment for your catering business

Catering in Georgia can be done on a shoestring budget in the early months or even years. Most new caterers can get by with some funky serving platters and utensils as well as a few chaffing dishes. However, if you want your catering business to grow, it is necessary to purchase bigger commercial equipment and supplies, such as commercial coolers, industrial storage units and Cambros for transporting hot and cold food.

I recommend: Atlanta Fixture & Sales Company, Inc., with a showroom in Atlanta, carries an extensive line of catering supplies and equipment. The National Restaurant Association has a list of approved vendors of commercial equipment to buy from.

Stand out from the other Georgia catering services in your area

There is no shortage of catering companies in Georgia, so you need to make sure that your catering company will stand out from all the other Georgia caterers. If you have a specialty area, such as Italian food or barbecue, find out if there are caterers with similar menus. Your menu needs to be unique, but also competitively priced if you want to lure business away from already established caterers.

I recommend: Scope out other Georgia caterers using the list of caterers on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce website. If you live in the Atlanta area, look at the list of caterers at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Once you have the contact information for your competitors, visit their websites to see their menus, services and price ranges. You can also contact the company directly, if you can't find what you are looking for on its website. Keep your eyes open for public catered events where you can see your competitions work up close and personal. This will give you a chance to try their food and also hear what other people think of them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Catering in Georgia includes restaurants as well. In your research for local caterers, be sure to investigate any restaurants in your area and find out if they provide off-premise catering.
• •  Any Georgia catering service will require the proper licenses and insurance to be in place before booking events. Make sure to check with local and state officials to find out what licenses and insurance you need to start a catering company in GA.