unemployed professional chef needs help

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I used to work in childcare; however, I just lost my job due to school schedule. I am also a professional chef, I mean specialized in Pastry. I am looking for a job, but it has been tough to find something that fits my schedule. So I am thinking to start making pastries, cupcakes, cookies, or maybe meals to people that don't have time to cook. The thing is that I don't know how and where to start from. I don't have much money to invest and need to start doing something soon. Does anybody have any suggestions? I need help. Thanks =)

[Anonymous]

The Small Business Administration has a lot of great resources, including info about financing. http://www.sba.gov/ Maybe you can set up an appt with a counselor?

[Anonymous]

OP,
You will need a business plan. My concern for pastries, etc., is a limited market. Can you find a caterer who might hire you? Businesses often go a year or more with no profit! Not to discourage you, but that's the obvious reality.

[hedgehog]

What is your professional training? Where did you go to school? Are you a certified chef?

You should check out some of the Personal Chef associations for help and information.

[Anonymous]

we are looking for someone who is knows how to cook healthy vegetarian meals for us. Approx 10 hours/week for shopping and cooking in CC. Hours flexible, legal to work here and have excellent references. if interested, contact [e-mail] (Car required)

[Anonymous]

OP, there are also all kinds of licensing/insurance concerns involved in the personal chef business if you're preparing food off-site. Just be aware. If you are degreed from a major culinary school (CIA, Johnson & Wales, etc), you should be able to find something fairly easily. In this town, someone is always hiring.

[Anonymous]

OP, you never came back to answer questions. I do have some good suggestions, but it would be helpful to know more about your background.