Questions About Small Business Catering?

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Question by J B: Questions about small business catering?
Hello, my wife and I are thinking of starting a very small-scale catering business in southern California. It would be strictly a weekend thing, not even every weekend, just once in a while, maybe 1-2 events per month. Eventually we might like to make it a larger scale business, but to start, it would be smaller parties. My question is, what are the laws regarding business license? Does it depend on how much money generated? Will we need insurance? Any info is appreciated. Also, if we need legal paperwork done, where do we go and whats it called?

Best answer:

Answer by Ed Atun
When you start there is almost no paperwork required. You can pay $ 10 at the Secretary of States Office to buy a name. But you don’t have to do that. Since you won’t be making much money in the beginning, the city and state don’t worry about a license. You can visit City Hall and register as a business…. or you can wait to see if this business is a success.
The Health Department is swamped and understaffed. They don’t care about you unless they get a lot of complaints. At some time you can register with them and they will send someone out to check that you don’t have ant poison stored in the food shelves (don’t laugh… this is common) and you don’t have mouse droppings on the floor.
You probably don’t need insurance unless you are providing a tent and chairs for a wedding or party. Once again, worry about this later when you get busy. Too many people spend weeks getting “ready” then never actually get any jobs.
You don’t need legal paperwork. You don’t need to incorporate or form a partnership. There are no assets to shield since you aren’t investing $ 1Million in the business.

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