Rebecca Ortiz4 said:Hey everyone...
I'm looking for some info but I'm hitting a wall here...
I want to start my own small business and open a cafe...
My question is: can I register the business under my own name?
I finished a three-year culinary program...
Do I actually need prior work experience in the field? I know how to run this thing, which is why I want to do it myself...
I have a basic idea about the paperwork for starting a sole proprietorship, but this part is confusing:
Business Types:
1. General Service Business: No specific certification or trade exam required to operate.
2. Licensed Trade: Requires a professional certification...
or a master's license.
3. Privileged Business: Can only be operated if you hold a special permit...
issued by the relevant government agency, depending on the industry.
Which category do I fall into, what can I actually open, and can I go with the first option?
What are the total costs for all the filings and paperwork?
Alright, look. You can run a cafe as either a sole proprietorship or an LLC. Going the sole proprietor route is usually a bit cheaper, and you’ll take your paperwork down to the local Small Business Administration office where the cafe will be located. If you go the sole proprietor route, one requirement is that you—or someone you hire—must have the proper food service certifications. If you aren't certified, you can hire someone who is, provided they're working full-time, and you’ll report that to the Social Security Administration once the business is live. One big tip: before you sign any lease, ask the landlord for the building's permits (ideally a Certificate of Occupancy—it doesn't have to be specifically for your unit, but it needs to cover the building if you're in a mixed-use space) and check if they have the necessary inspections for utilities like electricity, water, HVAC, and gas. This matters because every new food service establishment has to pass inspections to meet minimum safety standards based on its type. Basically, if you want to open a cafe, you've got three main stages:
1. File the application to register your business
2. Submit the request for health and safety compliance checks
3. Submit the final application to officially open for business