If you are good with people as well as with food, then a career in Ohio catering may be perfect for you. The ideal caterer should have a keen eye for details, both large and small. You should be flexible, reliable, organized and above all, not afraid of hard work.

Ohio, with its several urban hubs and large population, is an ideal place to carve out a niche in the catering business. Places like Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland are all thriving metro areas, offering potential business for a new food catering company in Ohio.

Before you start booking events for your Ohio catering business, you'll need to:

1. Secure financing for your catering company.

2. Purchase the right type of equipment for your catering services.

3. Develop a niche among other catering companies in OH.

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

Get financing for your catering services in Ohio

Catering in Ohio can start small, using a home kitchen as a business base. However, if you want to be able to cater larger events, such as weddings or other corporate affairs, you will need a bigger commercial kitchen, commercial equipment and reliable transportation. The quickest way grow your business is with a small business loan.

I recommend: The Ohio Small Business Development Center is the best place to start when looking to open a new or grow an existing business. It offers free professional counseling and can help you draft a business plan to prepare you to meet with the bank. The Ohio Small Business Administration is another resource for anyone looking to start or expand a catering company. It can help connect you with a lender and let you know about special loans or grants you may be eligible for.

Outfit your catering businesses in Ohio with the right supplies

Ohio catering companies can start with the bare basics of food service, including serving platters and utensils. As your catering service in Ohio expands, you can add larger pieces of equipment, such as commercial stoves and coolers. You may also decide to offer linen, China, flatware and other table service items.

I recommend: Bushong Foodservice Equipment out of Dayton, Ohio offers large and small catering equipment. They also carry used equipment, ideal for a new caterer on a tight budget. The Ohio Restaurant Association has a list of approved food service equipment vendors to help you find the right supplies for your catering business.

Scope out other catering companies in Ohio

As a new catering service in Ohio, you are going up against seasoned caterers that have an established name and reputation. You need to set your Ohio catering business apart from the rest of the caterers in your area. To create the most unique menu while staying within the local price range, conduct a reconnaissance mission of the local competition.

I recommend: Find out what the other catering companies in your area are offering, so you can plan your menu accordingly. If there are already several catering companies specializing in Italian cuisine, how is your menu going to be different (and better)? Find a list of caterers throughout Ohio from either the Ohio Bridal Guide or the Ohio Chamber of Commerce website. From there, you can link to the competitions' sites to check out menus and pricing. For those caterers with no website, call the caterer directly and ask for information. If you get the chance, check out the competition first hand at catered events. Then you can sample their food and compare it to your own.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Never underestimate the power of word of mouth to build your business. Talk to other event workers. It's a good way to expand your Ohio catering company through professional networking. DJs, photographers, wait staff, as well as anyone else you work with while catering an event all provide a chance to network and get the word out about your business. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and swap business cards.