Nestled next to the nation's capital, catering in Maryland can prove to be a lucrative career for someone who loves working with food and people. The perfect caterer is someone who is detail-oriented, organized and not afraid of hard work. You should also genuinely enjoy entertaining and cooking for others.

Maryland may be a small state, land-wise, but it offers big potential for the right Maryland catering company. With a large urban hub around Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the demand for catering is constant. From political dinners to lavish weddings, catering in Maryland offers unlimited business possibilities.

Some of the things you will need consider before starting your own Maryland catering company include:

1. Market niche: How will you make your catering company stand out from all the other catering companies in MD?
2. Financing: Know how to get that initial start-up loan for your Maryland catering company.
3. Equipment: Know what pieces of equipment are essential for any new catering company.
   

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

Find a niche for your catering services in Maryland

Catering is big business in Maryland, so you need to make sure that your catering company will stand out from the pack. For example, if you are planning to offer cakes, be aware that one of the nation's most popular bakeries, Charm City Cakes, is located in Baltimore. You had better make sure that you offer something they don't. The same is true no matter what your menu or specialty is. It needs to better than everyone else.

I recommend: To start scoping out the competition, check out the list of caterers on both the Baltimore County and Washington, DC, chambers 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 each company directly to request that information. Keep your eyes open for publicly catered events where you can sample 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.

Find a loan for your catering service in Maryland

You may be able to start your catering company right out of your home kitchen, using platters and serving utensils you already own. However, if you ever want to cater large affairs, such as weddings or corporate events, you will need a lot more equipment, such as commercial coolers, ovens, linens and China. And that takes money. The quickest route to expanding a home-based catering company is with a small business loan.

I recommend: The Maryland Small Business Development Center can help you draft and write a business plan as well as give you advice on what types of insurance, permits and other legalities you need to know before opening a catering business. It can also guide you through applying for a start-up loan. The Small Business Administration of Maryland can help connect you with a lender. It also offers advice from other small business professionals in the area.

Stock up on all the right equipment for food catering in Maryland

Go beyond aluminium serving pans and paper plates with your catering company. Invest in good quality China, linen, and flatware. As your company expands, you will need commercial warmers and coolers as well as insulated containers called Cambros for transportation. Don't be afraid to pick up used equipment, which can really help stretch a new caterer's budget.

I recommend: Maryland catering companies have been buying catering supplies from Beltway Restaurant Equipment out of Beltsville, Maryland since 1992. It offers everything from smallwares to large commercial appliances. The Restaurant Association of Maryland offers a complete listing of recommended equipment as well as a handy buying guide.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Catering companies in Maryland are held to the same health and safety standards as any restaurant. Make sure you follow safe food handling practices and carry the right licenses for serving food to the public. Otherwise you risk a potential lawsuit from customers.