Becoming a master baker takes years of training and practice. You have to work for other people as you learn the trade and build your skills. Eventually, though, your goal may be to go into business for yourself and open your own bakery. If this is the case, then you want to make sure you have everything you need before you open so you can hit the ground running. From equipment to licenses, there are lots of things you need to do.
- A Space for Your Bakery
Choosing a location for your bakery is an exciting step towards opening your bakery. Make a list of all your requirements for the kitchen and the sales area. Pay attention to the neighborhood and surrounding businesses. See if there are enough people moving around to support your business. Don’t settle for the first place you see. Shop around and compare the features of each location. Take your time and you won’t end up in a dead location with not enough kitchen space to make your treats.
- Equipment
The food industry requires a lot of equipment. For your bakery, you will need not only the tools to make your products, like ovens, mixers and trays, you also need the retail equipment. This includes things like food display cases and seating for customers. Write a business plan and include in your budget the equipment you’ll need. Comparison shop to find the right price and see if it’s possible to find some items secondhand. Setting up a business from scratch is extremely expensive so look for ways you can save money without compromising on your needs. You may even qualify for financing for some of the larger purchases.
- Licenses and Permits
Anyone setting up a small business needs to register with their state and get their legal status in order. In addition to registering, you will need to work with your local government and Department of Health to get the correct licenses and permits to open up. The food industry has strict rules they need to follow to keep their customers safe. You should prepare for multiple site inspections as you get your business set up.
Going into business for yourself and introducing your community to your products is an exhilarating time. If you follow these steps and consult with real estate and banking professionals, you should be in good shape to have a successful bakery denver co.
