Labor intensive

Catering

Prepare and serve food for events, offices and private parties.

Last updated

Startup budget$2,000–$20,000 FormatLocal Revenue modelProject

01 / Why it can workThe upside

Orders are booked ahead with deposits, so purchasing is planned and waste stays low.

02 / Watch forThe hard part

Peak days cluster on weekends, and one bad event can damage your reputation.

03 / CostsWhat the first budget covers

Commercial kitchen rental, permits, transport equipment, serving gear and insurance. Expect roughly $2,000–$20,000 for a lean first version, before your own living costs.

04 / First customerYour first paying step

Cater one office lunch or small event from a licensed kitchen and record food cost per head.

05 / GrowthHow it grows

Build repeat corporate accounts and a standard menu so events are easier to staff.

Business snapshot

Catering scores

Startup difficulty4/10
Operating difficulty8/10
Economic potential5/10
Scalability4/10
Resale potential4/10

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