When you are a student, you may want to start a business so that you can get a stream of income coming in without having to work as a part-time employee to help fund your studies and living expenses. 

Alternatively, your studies may equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to start your own business and you may like to put what you have learned into practice as soon as possible. 

Of course, as a student, you will not be able to commit all of your time to a business venture. But if you decide to start your own food business, there are various options available to you that you can find the time for alongside your studies. 

After all, running a food business is not confined to things like running a restaurant or running a full-time market stall.  

So, if you are a student who wants to set up a food business, here are four key steps to take.

1. Identify What Kind of Business to Run

The first step is to research different types of food businesses that are suitable. Then, identify which type would be the best for you. 

You could run a weekend food truck, create your own range of sauces or baked goods and sell them online, teach cookery masterclasses (if you have the relevant skills and knowledge), work as a personal chef, sell homemade jellies, or create and sell baby food. 

Choose something that you can manage alongside your studies and something that you are passionate about. 

You may even be able to combine your business with your studies. For example, if you are a design or business student, you may be able to develop a product range for a brief and which you actually develop and sell.

2. Calculate the Startup Costs

You will also need to consider costs before picking the right food business to run. 

Becoming a personal chef will have few initial outgoings. You could need money for marketing, but you may be able to begin your business by working for people via word-of-mouth recommendations. 

If you decide to make and sell homemade jellies, you will need money for ingredients, jars, shipping, and online listings, but such costs will not be extravagant. 

But if you set up a food truck, you will need to cover costs like the vehicle purchase, fuel, ingredients, licenses, and insurance, which can soon mount up. 

If you plan on opening premises, there will be even more costs to consider. For instance, you may need mixing equipment for various applications; though, you can save money by buying used machinery.  

So, look at what your budget is and whether you want to pursue investment before you determine what kind of food business you would like to operate.

3. Write a Business Plan

For any business to succeed, no matter how small or big, a business plan is critical. 

So, make sure you research how to write a business plan in detail. 

The more thought and attention you give your plan, the easier it will be to quickly get your food business off the ground and make it a success.  

Your business plan should include:

• Business description and structure.
• Market analysis and strategies.
• Marketing and sales plan.
• Operating plan.
• Financial projection and needs.

4. Officially Set Up Your Business

Once you have done all the groundwork, and chosen a suitable and noticeable name for your business, it is time to set up your business. 

That means registering it and choosing a business entity. If you are going to be working by yourself, you will probably be a sole proprietor.

You will also need to do things like register for applicable licenses and separate your personal and business finances. You may need to get insurance too. 

Once you have dealt with such things, you can set up a website, market products online or look for clients, and begin the actual operation of your food business.