Hi there everyone!

I have an idea that Id like to turn into a business but Id like to do some reseach and get some help and advice first. Ive ran my own business before but it died through no fault of my own (long story short I got all my stuff nicked and the police wouldnt help). This means I have recieved goverment funding before so I dont think I am eligble for it again (Im 22 and a new mum by the way so not sure if that entitles me to anything).

Basically I want to sell cake. Everybody loves cake right? Cupcakes to exact, since theyre both pleasing to taste and to the eye. I'd eventually like to set up a market stall cupcakery on my local indoor market but I'm not sure what licenses, certificates, insurance and equiptment I would need. Obviously food hygeine certificate, sneeze guard and running water would be a must, but since cake is classed as a perishable would I need refridgeration and such?

Obviously I'm not going to shout tally ho and go jump off into the deep end. I plan on going back to college to do a course in baking (because I like having proper certificates for things, it makes you appear more professional) and sugar craft. During this time I'm going to start exploring local events such as coffee mornings and similar indoor events then look into setting up a small table there selling my goods and collecting market research. I think my biggest problem will be not having a car.

If I get to market stall stage I'd like to expand, which would be a sensible idea rather than just selling cake. I'm thinking I could sell drinks and other refreshments OR sell baking supplies.

I think that this would be a great idea and would especially apeal to kids and young people. Customers would be drawn in by the colours (and cake! woo!) and there will be a range of flavours and sizes to choose from. I chose cupcakes because as earlier mentioned they are pleasing to the eye and there are so many combinations and decoration possibilities. As expansion I have a range of other ideas including larger cakes, cake-in-a-jar, homemade premade cake mix and home made cake edible cake toppers (thats a few of my ideas anyways).

Please let me know what you think and if you can give me any help and advice about things I mentioned or other grants (I have recieve a NES grant and a Princes Trust grant) then it would be much appreciated
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