Pan-seared seabass, Israeli cous cous and roasted broccolini by Eco Caters, Los Angeles

Catering is one of the fastest-growing segments of the food-service industry; low start-up costs, a flexible schedule and the potential to work from home make it an excellent choice for home cooks who want to capitalize on their passion for sustainable food.

1. What is an organic caterer?
Catering services provide food and drink for events such as weddings, celebrations, and conferences. As an organic caterer you will ensure that the food is healthy, supplied from sustainable/local sources, and prepared with the environment in mind.

The catering industry is described as highly fragmented; in other words, no large businesses dominate the market. A roughly $5 billion dollar industry, its 50 biggest companies only account for about 15% of total gross sales. Catering includes both on-site and off-site services, with on-site services also incorporating facilities rental to the client. Along with event planning, this industry continues to grow as events get more complex and companies outsource more and more of their work. The combination of these trends with the trend toward healthier eating and concern for food industry waste create a terrific opportunity in this field for the aspiring eco-entrepreneur.

Prep time at Ciao Thyme - chef Mataio Gillis (center) with farmers Kim and Mike Finger of Cedarville Farm, Bellingham, WA

Ones we like:
Back To Earth Organic Catering - Berkeley, CA
Ciao Thyme - Bellingham, WA
Divine Nourishment Organic Catering - Los Angeles, CA
Eco Caters - Los Angeles, CA

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
Catering requires a love for cooking with a high degree of organizational skills. You will need to be able to source fresh and delicious food, estimate costs accurately, and deliver food you prepare in time for your customers' needs. If you enjoy cooking natural and organic meals, this business could be right for you.

3. How much money is required to start?
$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

You can start a catering business from your kitchen and even do it on a part-time basis. The biggest mistake in the catering business is underestimating the time you will need to prepare food or misjudging the cost of ingredients.

4. What is the income potential?
$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

Spicy black bean and watercress cilantro shooters by Eco Caters, Los Angeles

5. What is the best location for an organic caterer?
Best locations for catering are residential areas (social catering) or business districts (commercial). Partnering with an existing delicatessen store is a good way to ensure a customer base with little marketing.

As long as your kitchen is well equipped, you do not necessarily need to have a commercial kitchen. Ensure you comply with all food safety requirements.

6. Best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to both, this business might be a good fit for you):

Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who are your target customers? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.