Catering in Maine is a growing industry, as more and more people turn to professionals to cater their special events. Maine caterers work with businesses, organizations and individuals to help create memorable events. Maine catering services are perfect for everything from a causal business luncheon to a lavish, black tie wedding and everything in between.

If you are thinking of starting your own Maine catering business, there are a few important things to consider first. Maine Catering services are highly seasonal. Summer months are the busy time for caterers, as is the holiday season. The rest of the year can be very slow for caterers. Make sure you are prepared financially to survive the long winter months when catering jobs are few and far between. Other things to consider when starting a catering business in Maine include how to:

1. Finance your Maine catering company.
2. Establish your niche as a Maine caterer.
3. Equip your catering business.
   

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

Find financing to start your own Maine catering company

The good thing about starting a catering business is that is requires a fraction of the start-up funds a full service restaurant does. If you can work out of your own kitchen, all you really need is serving dishes and reliable transportation to start. From there you can add items like linen, China, flatware, and commercial equipment.

I recommend: The Small Business Administration of Maine (SBA) is one of the best places to begin looking for financing. Not only can you find help with the paperwork for a loan, SBA staff can also help you draft a business plan. Women caterers in Maine should take advantage of Coastal Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that offers special loans for small businesses operated by women.

Understand how your company fit into the Maine catering services market

Caterers in Southern Maine can (and do) charge higher prices for menus than caterers in more rural areas. It is important to familiarize yourself with the competition in your area. If you live in the Bangor area, don't worry about what caterers in Augusta, Bar Harbor or Portland are charging. Worry about what other Bangor caterers are charging. You want to make a profit, but you don't want to price yourself out of business.

I recommend: A good place to begin researching your competition is with your local chamber of commerce. Check out the competition by visiting the Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Portland Chamber of Commerce, or the Midcoast Chamber of Commerce, depending on where your Maine catering company will be based. This is one of the easiest ways to learn about the competitions' menu and services.

Save money on equipment when starting your own catering services in Maine

When you are looking at commercial equipment for your Maine catering service, used is definitely something to consider. Smallwares, such as plates, flatware, votive holders and salt and pepper shakers can be bought for pennies on the dollar used. Big ticket items such as commercial stoves or coolers are also good deals if bought gently used.

I recommend: C.Caprara in Winthrop and Restaurant Equipment of Maine out of Portland both offer excellent bargains on new and used restaurant and catering equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most people who turn catering into a full-time (or even part-time) career are creative. They enjoy food, entertaining and working with people. Embrace those characteristics, and use them to build a successful catering business in Maine. Use your creativity when designing menus, business cards, and logos. Offer some creative signature dishes that will set you apart from the local competition.