Business Idea: Starting a Bakery Business

The bakery industry was hit by the growing obesity problem and the popularity of low-carb diet. But according to a report by the Business Trend Analysts, the market for bakery products remains quite healthy with the U.S. manufacturers sales in 2005 estimated at around $35.2 billion.

So if your dream is to bake the most wonderful cookies, pies and pastries, here are some resources on how to start a bakery business:

• Starting a Bakery
• How to Start a Home Bakery of Your Own
• Starting a Bakery (Canada regulations)
• Bakery Net Forums
• BakingBusiness.com

I suggest the first step is to write your business plan. This is an essential tool if you are requesting for funding or applying for a loan. But even without planning on getting investors or loans, a business plan can help you think through the business and understand what you are getting into (e.g. market factors, competition, resources you need, marketing strategies, etc.). Here are some examples of business plans:

• Specialty Baker Business Plan (free)
• Coffee Shop and Bakery
• Restaurant – Dessert Bar and Bakery
• Restaurant – Delicatessen and Bakery

You can also get a lot of information from the following bakery associations

• American Institute of Baking (AIB)
• American Society of Baking
• The Bread Bakers Guild of AmericaInternational Cake Exploration Society
• The International Dairy, Deli, Bakery Association

For in-depth information, I suggest you read the following books

• How to Open a Financially Successful Bakery by Sharon Fullen and Douglas Brown
• Baking for Profit: Starting a Small Bakery by George Bathie
• How to Open a Financially Successful Specialty Retail & Gourmet Foods Shop by Sharon Fullen
• Gourmet to Go: A Guide to Opening and Operating a Specialty Food Store by Robert Wemischner