Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Ask a friend to help you outline a modest business plan that will focus on the various aspects of the home bakery you plan to launch. Draft goals and objectives, figure out how much money you’ll need for equipment and supplies and conceive strategies to market your baked goods. Take out a home equity line of credit to pay for your start-up needs.
2

Give your home bakery a name—consider naming it after yourself as tying a personality to a business (think Martha Stewart, Emeril and Mrs. Fields). Purchase a supply of big foil stickers printed with the name of your bakery as soon as you come up with it so you can plaster these inexpensive ID stickers on blank paper, envelopes and other items you’ll need to personalize.
3

Visit local government offices to find out what kinds of permits, licenses and other documentation you’ll need to operate your home bakery. Open a checking account in the name of your business and pay the fees required for these credentials from your new business account. Sit down with an accountant and discuss pricing strategies, write-offs and other essentials you’ll need to track for your at-home business.
4

Audit your recipe file and decide which types of foods your bakery will produce to get started. Lean toward your biggest hits—cookies or bread or perhaps you’re a pro at wedding cakes. Choose a dozen recipes to get going. Shop for a few pieces of used commercial equipment that will allow you to churn out large batches of dough to increase productivity. Keep receipts in a secure place, as you will want to amortize your purchases when you file your tax return.
5

Bake samples of products on your menu. Place them in a bakery bag and use your foil seals in place of expensive imprinted bags so your samples look professionally packaged. Spend a day visiting local cafes, restaurants and grocers. Introduce yourself, talk about your new business and encourage retailers to order from you after they’ve tasted your goods.
6

Become a high-profile community member to promote your bakery business. Network with other home-based business owners. Donate baked goods to select charities to show your philanthropic spirit. Adhere to the highest sanitation standards as you grow your business to avoid food-borne pathogens that can destroy your reputation. Remember to list potential allergens on each product that comes from your bakery so customers stay safe and come back for more.