Bakery is one of the most popular businesses in Nigeria. So many people are moving to this business sector because it is very lucrative compared to other food businesses.
So, do you enjoy baking for your family and friends, and you have received compliments? You can consider turning your baking skill into a business. Selling homemade items such as bread, spring roll, samosa, pie, cakes, and so on can be a very exciting experience.
Below is a guide on how to start a small bakery business from the comfort of your home.
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A Step By Step Plan To Start Bakery At Home
Create a bakery business plan
A good business plan is a bedrock for a successful home-based bakery. The plan should entail important details such as:
The mission and vision of the brand
Your brand should have a mission and a vision statement. Having a mission and vision brings direction and clarity to your company. For example, will your home bakery specialize in certain baked items? Being specific as possible gives your brand direction.
Come up with a business name.
A business name gives an identity to your product. Your business name should be unique, catchy, and fun.
Market Survey.
Identifying your targeted audience will help you know their consumer profile regarding baked items. For example, is your target audience the older generation? The age range would determine what you bake more for your customers.
2. Know the laws of home-based bakeries in your locality
Starting a home-based bakery seems fun, but at the same time, it is not as simple as you think. Make sure health or food laws govern your operation. Therefore, it is important to check your state\’s food and agricultural agency to see if home-based bakery is legalized in your area.
- For example, in Nigeria, a critical inspection of your location is carried out by The National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) and the Association Of Master Bread Bakers (ASBB) to determine if you\’re adhering to the food and health laws established. Also, your business has to be registered with CAC.
- In the USA, home-based bakeries are prohibited. That is why it is important to know the state or local laws guiding home-based bakeries.
3. Get your bakery equipment and supplies
Once you have registered your business and decided on the baked items your home-based bakery will offer to your targeted audience, the next step is getting the necessary equipment and supplies to run the bakery. To save cost, you can consider getting second-hand equipment from thrift shops. The necessary equipment and supplies include:
- Equipment: oven, refrigerator, stove/gas, mixing machine, Kva Generator, pans, spatula, spoons, bowls, e.t.c.
- Supplies: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking soda, e.t.c.
4. Advertisement
Your business will have competitors, which are why advertising and marketing your baked items is very important.
Ways to communicate your brand to its targeted audience:
Put a signpost in your yard
Since your bakery is located at your house, consider putting a signpost with your brand name. Creating a signpost will make people in your environment aware of your brand.
Make use of social media
Social media is the most effective tool for advertising. Open a Facebook or Instagram page for your business. Ensure the page contains your brand\’s name, quality pictures, and videos of your baked items. Also, tell your family and friends to like the business page.
Coupons
Another way to reach your target audience is by offering coupons. You can make people aware of your coupon by posting it on your social media page or in local newspapers.
Your coupon can come in different formats, such as a 50% discount on the first purchase or \”buy two and get one for free.\”
Conclusion
Starting a bakery may not be as easy as you think. To successfully run a home-based bakery, you must have a business plan, know your targeted market, comply with the food and health laws in your state, get the necessary bakery equipment and advertise your baked items.