Catering in PA offers the right person the chance to work in a creative environment as their own boss. The ideal caterer not only enjoys cooking, but also working with the public. You should be highly detail-oriented, flexible, reliable and organized. Above all, you should not be afraid of hard work.

Catering in Pennsylvania covers a wide array of events, from simple luncheons to elegant, lavish, black tie affairs. Corporate catering is another avenue for business. Employee picnics, fundraisers and meetings are all potential catering gigs. To help you get started with your own PA catering business, do the following:

1. Secure financing for your new Pennsylvania catering company.
2. Buy the right equipment for a Pennsylvania catering business.
3. Develop a niche among other Pennsylvania caterers.
   

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

Get a low-interest-rate business loans to expand your Pennsylvania catering business

The advantages of a PA home catering business is the low start-up price. However, expanding a catering business takes money. In order to grow as a business and take on bigger clients, you may need a commercial size oven, more cooler space or even a whole commercial kitchen. Reliable transportation is also another big concern for catering companies looking to grow. A business loan is the quickest way to purchase the items your catering business needs to grow.

I recommend: The counselors at the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center can help you draft a business plan and then help connect you with a lender. The Pennsylvania Small Business Administration is another great resource to help you with the initial start-up or expansion of your catering business, offering advice and counseling from other small business professionals.

Stock up on equipment for your food catering company in Pennsylvania

As a new caterer the main pieces of equipment that you need are serving dishes and utensils, along with bins and crates for transportation. As your Pennsylvania catering company grows, you will need to add bigger pieces of equipment, such as commercial stoves and coolers, linens, China and flatware.

I recommend: If you are brand new to catering, Pennsylvania is home to United Restaurant Equipment, Inc., out of Harrisburg, PA. A Galasource showroom is located in Philadelphia. Both of these companies feature large and small catering supplies and equipment.

Make your catering business stand out from the competition

When catering in PA, it is important to understand your local competition. You will be competing with established caterers that have name recognition and a strong customer base. When you sit down to draft your catering menu, first decide what will set you apart from your competitors.

I recommend: Wedding websites such as Pennsylvania Bridal Guide are a great place to find a list of catering services in Pennsylvania. If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce for a list of the cities caterers. Once you have your competitors' contact information, visit their websites, check out their prices, menus and even pictures of their food. If you can't find a website, call the caterer and ask for information on their services. Also try to attend as many catered events as possible, to see the competitions work firsthand.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When catering, PA catering and event professionals can be a big help spreading the word about your company. When you work any jobs catering in PA, always introduce yourself to the DJ, photographer, bartender, or any other vendor. Swap business cards with them. It is a small circle you work in and these people will often work with the same clients, so help them put in a good word for you.