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

Oregon has several distinct regions, including the greater Portland area, its coastal communities and the Willamette Valley. Each of these places offer a strong market for a new catering company. Here are a few areas to consider to help you get started as an Oregon caterer.

1. Secure financing for your new food catering company in Oregon.
2. Get off on the right legal foot with your Oregon catering company by obtaining the proper permits, licenses and insurance.
3. Purchase equipment for your Oregon catering company.

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

Finance your catering services in Oregon

You may not need a huge start-up loan to open your own catering business. However, in order to compete with larger, more established Oregon catering companies you may need a loan for equipment and marketing. A business loan can be used to purchase big ticket items, such as commercial kitchen equipment or a van or other form of transportation.

I recommend: The Oregon Bizcenter and the Oregon Small Business Administration are both good resources for learning about your financing options and developing a business plan to use during your loan application process for your Oregon catering business.

Start your Oregon catering company on solid legal ground

Catering companies in Oregon require permits and licensing in order to serve food to the public. Depending on how many employees you plan to hire, you will need some sort of business insurance as well. Insurance can help protect your personal assets from a potential lawsuit by either a customer or an employee.

I recommend: Use the State of Oregon website to identify the licenses, permits and fees you will need to start your Oregon catering business. The Small Business Administration can help you decide what type of insurance is best for your particular catering operation.

Stock up on the right equipment for your catering business

Catering in Oregon can be done on a shoestring budget in the beginning. You can get by with some funky serving platters and utensils as well as some chaffing dishes. As your business grows, you can add larger pieces of equipment, such as commercial coolers, industrial storage units and insulated containers called Cambros for transporting hot and cold food.

I recommend: Curtis Restaurant Equipment with locations near Eugene and Portland and Gold Star Restaurant Equipment & Supply in Portland both offer small and large catering equipment. Don't be afraid to buy used equipment, especially smallwares. It can save you a lot of money in the early stages of starting your catering business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you sit down to draft your menu, first check out the menus and services of other catering companies in OR. Visit your competitors' websites, or call and request information about their menu and services.