4 answers
Brooklyn
Student
Payson, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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How can I start a small business as a 10th grader. ?
I am a tenth grader, and I want to start a small bakery so I pay for my car, gas, and food. But I do not know how to start a small food business, I don't know where to begin.
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4 answers
Rolando Caraballo
7
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Rolando’s Answer
Before starting, you need to decide on the type of baked goods you'll be making. It's best to begin with two or three types. Operate on a per-order basis to avoid having leftover products or unused raw materials. To figure out which baked goods to make, spend some time contemplating the recipes. Once you've decided, create a few samples. Seek honest feedback from others, setting your ego aside to focus on improving your product. Remember, no matter how nice you are, if your baked goods don't taste good, people won't buy them. That's just the way it is.
Also, be aware that different regulations may apply based on your state and whether your food requires refrigeration. Make sure to research this before you start selling.
Also, be aware that different regulations may apply based on your state and whether your food requires refrigeration. Make sure to research this before you start selling.
William Wright
Financial Analyst
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
William’s Answer
Hey!
It is great you are looking to start a business! I started a small business when I was in high school for the same reasons. I think figuring out how to start is the hardest part.
I would first figure out what regulations you need to follow. You may need to get a small business certificate or a sanitation certificate. Explore different methods such as selling your baked goods at fairs and events, or online. At the beginning you may find success starting at local events and selling your baked goods.
As you evolve you can possibly explore partnering with a cafe or other local business.
Start small and work each day towards getting your products out there!
It is great you are looking to start a business! I started a small business when I was in high school for the same reasons. I think figuring out how to start is the hardest part.
I would first figure out what regulations you need to follow. You may need to get a small business certificate or a sanitation certificate. Explore different methods such as selling your baked goods at fairs and events, or online. At the beginning you may find success starting at local events and selling your baked goods.
As you evolve you can possibly explore partnering with a cafe or other local business.
Start small and work each day towards getting your products out there!
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Brooklyn,
That's a great idea. You can start small and figure out the details on the way.
It is important that you check the applicable laws. As a food business, you may need a license and you may have to take a course on food handling and storage. You also may need to get your kitchen inspected and approved.
Next up, the business plan. Take stock of what you have and what you need:
What skills do you have?
Where will you bake?
How much can you bake?
How much do you want to work?
What do you want to bake?
Where do you want to sell?
Who are your customers?
What competition is there?
What is the budget?
Cost of ingredients? Price of baked goods? Cost of packaging? Cost of advertising?
Do you have any help, i.e. a parent/guardian/sibling/friend who can occasionally help as backup?
I am assuming you are already a skilled baker. Are your products consistent?
I would start very small and stick to a few items that can be easily baked and easily transported, e.g. cupcakes, brownies or cookies. You can always expand later. You could also make cupcakes that are decorated for special events, e.g. sports themed. I have seen a periodic table made from cupcakes with different flavors and different color frosting for metals, non-metals, gases, semiconductors, and a chocolate label with the element name on top.
Or, you could do a different strategy and learn to make the delicious baked goods you find in Europe. That would set you apart from other bakers, and you could make a name for yourself.
Are you going to bake in the family kitchen? How many cupcakes or cookies can you make in one batch? Is your family supportive or are they rolling their eyes because you'll block the kitchen? Can you make sure it's sanitary and no cats or dogs are jumping in?
You might want to bake every day - which is a lot - or dedicate e.g. just Saturday to baking and selling.
Initially, I would sell in the neighborhood. You can post your offerings on social media or on the neighborhood WA group. Maybe post some flyers in nearby businesses. People are generally impressed and supportive of teenagers who work hard starting businesses. Slowly introduce more variety of products.
If that goes well, you can look for places to sell outside the neighborhood. Do you know any small restaurants who might like to buy in cakes or cookies for desert? Is there a farmers market? Could you team up with someone who does full scale catering and would buy in cakes or cookies? Maybe a school cafeteria would be interested? Just a couple of ideas to start you off.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your business.
KP
That's a great idea. You can start small and figure out the details on the way.
It is important that you check the applicable laws. As a food business, you may need a license and you may have to take a course on food handling and storage. You also may need to get your kitchen inspected and approved.
Next up, the business plan. Take stock of what you have and what you need:
What skills do you have?
Where will you bake?
How much can you bake?
How much do you want to work?
What do you want to bake?
Where do you want to sell?
Who are your customers?
What competition is there?
What is the budget?
Cost of ingredients? Price of baked goods? Cost of packaging? Cost of advertising?
Do you have any help, i.e. a parent/guardian/sibling/friend who can occasionally help as backup?
I am assuming you are already a skilled baker. Are your products consistent?
I would start very small and stick to a few items that can be easily baked and easily transported, e.g. cupcakes, brownies or cookies. You can always expand later. You could also make cupcakes that are decorated for special events, e.g. sports themed. I have seen a periodic table made from cupcakes with different flavors and different color frosting for metals, non-metals, gases, semiconductors, and a chocolate label with the element name on top.
Or, you could do a different strategy and learn to make the delicious baked goods you find in Europe. That would set you apart from other bakers, and you could make a name for yourself.
Are you going to bake in the family kitchen? How many cupcakes or cookies can you make in one batch? Is your family supportive or are they rolling their eyes because you'll block the kitchen? Can you make sure it's sanitary and no cats or dogs are jumping in?
You might want to bake every day - which is a lot - or dedicate e.g. just Saturday to baking and selling.
Initially, I would sell in the neighborhood. You can post your offerings on social media or on the neighborhood WA group. Maybe post some flyers in nearby businesses. People are generally impressed and supportive of teenagers who work hard starting businesses. Slowly introduce more variety of products.
If that goes well, you can look for places to sell outside the neighborhood. Do you know any small restaurants who might like to buy in cakes or cookies for desert? Is there a farmers market? Could you team up with someone who does full scale catering and would buy in cakes or cookies? Maybe a school cafeteria would be interested? Just a couple of ideas to start you off.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your business.
KP
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Brooklyn,
Embarking on a Small Bakery Venture as a 10th Grader
Embarking on a small bakery venture as a 10th grader can be a thrilling and fruitful journey. Here are some actionable steps to guide you through the process:
1. Investigation and Strategy:
Market Analysis: Probe the local market to gauge the demand for bakery items in your vicinity. Pinpoint your potential customers and rivals.
Business Blueprint: Draft a comprehensive business blueprint that includes your business objectives, target market, product line, pricing approach, promotional strategy, and financial forecasts.
2. Legal Prerequisites:
Licenses and Permits: Consult with your local government to acquire the required licenses and permits to legally run a food business.
Food Safety Guidelines: Get acquainted with food safety guidelines and ensure adherence to health department standards.
3. Capital:
Initial Expenses: Calculate the preliminary expenses required to establish your bakery, encompassing equipment, ingredients, packaging, and promotional costs.
Capital Sources: Look into various avenues for financing your venture such as personal savings, loans from relatives, or crowdfunding platforms.
4. Establishing Your Bakery:
Premises: Select an appropriate location for your bakery that is conveniently reachable for customers.
Equipment and Supplies: Procure or lease the necessary baking equipment and supplies to produce your bakery items.
Branding: Craft a distinctive brand identity for your bakery, incorporating a name, logo, and packaging design.
5. Promotions and Sales:
Digital Footprint: Develop a website and social media accounts to publicize your bakery and draw in customers.
Promotional Offers: Introduce promotional offers and discounts to lure new customers and keep existing ones.
Networking: Forge connections with local businesses and community groups to amplify your bakery's visibility.
6. Management:
Manufacturing: Formulate recipes for your bakery items and set up efficient production methods.
Customer Relations: Deliver top-notch customer service to foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Feedback: Gather feedback from customers to consistently enhance your products and services.
Embarking on a small bakery venture demands commitment, effort, and innovation. By adhering to these steps and seeking advice from seasoned entrepreneurs or mentors in the food industry, you can transform your baking passion into a thriving business endeavor.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers invaluable resources and guides for launching and managing a small business, including details on legal prerequisites, financing alternatives, and business strategizing.
Entrepreneur.com: Entrepreneur.com provides advice and articles on entrepreneurship, small business administration, marketing tactics, and success narratives of young entrepreneurs.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): The FSIS furnishes information on food safety guidelines and protocols for running a food business, ensuring adherence to health department standards.
MAY GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Embarking on a Small Bakery Venture as a 10th Grader
Embarking on a small bakery venture as a 10th grader can be a thrilling and fruitful journey. Here are some actionable steps to guide you through the process:
1. Investigation and Strategy:
Market Analysis: Probe the local market to gauge the demand for bakery items in your vicinity. Pinpoint your potential customers and rivals.
Business Blueprint: Draft a comprehensive business blueprint that includes your business objectives, target market, product line, pricing approach, promotional strategy, and financial forecasts.
2. Legal Prerequisites:
Licenses and Permits: Consult with your local government to acquire the required licenses and permits to legally run a food business.
Food Safety Guidelines: Get acquainted with food safety guidelines and ensure adherence to health department standards.
3. Capital:
Initial Expenses: Calculate the preliminary expenses required to establish your bakery, encompassing equipment, ingredients, packaging, and promotional costs.
Capital Sources: Look into various avenues for financing your venture such as personal savings, loans from relatives, or crowdfunding platforms.
4. Establishing Your Bakery:
Premises: Select an appropriate location for your bakery that is conveniently reachable for customers.
Equipment and Supplies: Procure or lease the necessary baking equipment and supplies to produce your bakery items.
Branding: Craft a distinctive brand identity for your bakery, incorporating a name, logo, and packaging design.
5. Promotions and Sales:
Digital Footprint: Develop a website and social media accounts to publicize your bakery and draw in customers.
Promotional Offers: Introduce promotional offers and discounts to lure new customers and keep existing ones.
Networking: Forge connections with local businesses and community groups to amplify your bakery's visibility.
6. Management:
Manufacturing: Formulate recipes for your bakery items and set up efficient production methods.
Customer Relations: Deliver top-notch customer service to foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Feedback: Gather feedback from customers to consistently enhance your products and services.
Embarking on a small bakery venture demands commitment, effort, and innovation. By adhering to these steps and seeking advice from seasoned entrepreneurs or mentors in the food industry, you can transform your baking passion into a thriving business endeavor.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers invaluable resources and guides for launching and managing a small business, including details on legal prerequisites, financing alternatives, and business strategizing.
Entrepreneur.com: Entrepreneur.com provides advice and articles on entrepreneurship, small business administration, marketing tactics, and success narratives of young entrepreneurs.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): The FSIS furnishes information on food safety guidelines and protocols for running a food business, ensuring adherence to health department standards.
MAY GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.