Starting Your Own Business

All of us have dreamed about starting our own business at one time or another. But transforming dreams into reality takes thoughtful planning, careful analysis, and hard work.

What are your motivations?

Take a good look at your own motivations for starting a business. Why do you want to start your own catering business?

• I want to be free from the daily 9 to 5 routine.
• I want to be my own boss.
• I want to improve my standard of living
• I'm bored with the job I have now.
• I can provide a service that's in demand

There are no right or wrong answers. Starting a successful business takes persistence and dedication. If you start out knowing why you want to succeed, it will help you later when you're asking yourself why you wanted this in the first place.

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has some excellent publications available at no cost. Visit their website and take advantage of this information. One document that's especially helpful to review early in your planning process is the Checklist for Starting a Business.

If you're an American taxpayer, you've already paid for these SBA resources. Use them!

Go to Lesson 2: Is the Catering Business for You?