I want to know what are the details about me starting a home based baking business. I am a cake decorator, and a current pastry arts major in culinary school. I make wedding cakes birthday cakes cookies and all sorts of pastries and baked treats. I would like to know if anyone has had success with starting this type of business from my home kitchen. I live in Las Vegas, has anyone started a baking business from their home in Vegas?

First and foremost, you will likely need to have your kitchen inspected for health code. Your state may require a business license, it may not. Check with your state attorney general’s office or your state’s official website to find out if you need a license to operate a baking business from your home kitchen. If you do, expect periodic inspections and regulations to be enforced.

after making sure all the legal things are taken care of, it’s time to start planning and marketing.

Decide what kinds of baked goods you will supply. Your decision may weigh upon the baking facilities available to you, your baking experience and the amount of time you have to dedicate to the business.

Think of a name for your home baking business and register it. The cost of licensing is usually minimal and it will allow you to maintain a business bank account as well as take advantage of wholesale supply discounts.

Reel in customers. Bring sample baked goods to local offices, civic clubs, delicatessens, restaurants and even catering firms and give samples, discounts and incentives to get them to try you. These are the types of accounts that result in consistent orders and high volume profits.

Keep up with needed supplies. You’ll likely want to replenish perishables weekly and staples monthly, preferably through a food co-op or a wholesale baking supply vendor. You’ll also need to keep extra cake pans, spatulas, and other bake ware in case of mistakes or mishaps.

You’ll need to keep close track of money circulation. This process also includes tracking the cost of supplies to do business, advertising fees and other direct or indirect operating expenses that you may be able to deduct at tax time to reduce your tax liability. Without adequate records at the time such expenses are incurred, you won’t be able to make these claims later on. Good, straight books are worth their weight in gold! They help keep you organize and protect you from audits.

I’d also look into insurance, especially if you plan to run it out of your home.

I’d check with your city’s website:
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/default.htm
or
http://www3.lasvegasnevada.gov/Bus-license/

and also your state’s site:
http://nv.gov/DoingBusiness_nevada.htm