If you enjoy working with food in a creative manner, and you like working with the public then a career catering in Wyoming may be perfect for you. There are many areas of expertise needed by most caterers. Wyoming food caterers have a good eye for details, be organized, flexible and possess excellent communication skills. You need to be comfortable working with people, as well as working alone. Discipline and self-direction are both essential in the catering industry.

Wyoming, with its natural beauty and pioneer heritage offers many catering possibilities. With a population spread out over a large area, Wyoming has several urban hubs, including Casper, Laramie and the state capital of Cheyenne. The demand for food catering services in Wyoming centers largely around private functions, such as weddings and birthday parties.

Some of the things you'll need to do to start your own catering business in Wyoming include:

1. Financing your Wyoming catering company.
2. Starting your catering company on legal ground.
3. Establishing your niche catering in Wyoming.

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

Establish and expand your catering services with a small business loan

Start up costs aren't too big for a new catering company. Wyoming caterers can often start right out of their home kitchen for the price of food and some disposable containers. However, as your business grows you will need a way to buy bigger pieces of equipment, such as a van for transportation, warming ovens and coolers. You may opt to add linens and China to your catering inventory as well. The quickest way to buy the bigger items you need to expand your catering business is with a small business loan.

I recommend: The Small Business Development Center of Wyoming provides free consulting to small businesses. They can help you draft a business plan and get you ready to present your ideas to a potential lender. The Small Business Administration of Wyoming can guide you through the process of opening a business in Wyoming as well as connect you with a lender.

Get the right permits and licenses for your catering company in Wyoming

Not just anyone can serve food to the public. You need to be licensed and hold special permits as well. As the owner of a Wyoming catering company, you will also be responsible for paying taxes, wages, and carrying insurance to protect both your customers and your employees, should you hire any.

I recommend: Permits and licenses vary county to county in Wyoming. Find out which permits and licenses you need to start your Wyoming catering company in your county at the State of Wyoming website. If you plan on serving alcohol, you can find the information you need to apply for a liquor license at the Wyoming Department of Revenue's website.

Carve a niche for your Wyoming catering business

Before you start printing menus or booking events, you must first a niche among food caterers in Wyoming. Will you have a specific type of menu, such as organic, Tex-Mex or Italian? What other services will you offer your clientele? Remember, established caterers already have name recognition and a clientele, so your services need to be unique while at the same time remain competitively priced.

I recommend: Look for a list of WY catering companies in your area at the Cody Chamber of Commerce, the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce and the Casper Chamber of Commerce, all of which have a full list of area caterers. From there, you can link to your competitors' websites to examine their menus and prices. If you aren't able to locate a particular website, call the company directly and ask for information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When potential customers look for food catering services in Wyoming they more often than not start that search on the Internet. Developing a website for your catering business is a good way to reach a broader customer base.