Step Eight: Completion?

I hesitate to even say this, but I think I am finished with my Senior Project. It feels a little bit odd. I just put the final touches on my business plan as I would present it to investors. There are an incredible number of considerations for starting a small business, and quite frankly, I’m not sure I would have the guts. This website was my only attempt to advertise, and it took a considerable amount of time. I cannot imagine the time toll that constantly marketing yourself and your business would require.

I have decided that if I were to launch my own baking business, it would be based from home and I would be more likely to create mixes than finished products. This decision came from reviewing countless websites about starting a small business and reflecting on the limited size of the vegan consumer base. Mixes ship farther than finished products without concerns over spoilage. It would also decrease expenses related to constantly running the ovens and decrease start up costs because there would be no need to buy big commercial baking equipment.

I would also market through the internet, through either this site or a similar site to reach the largest clientele possible. I would also definitely continue offering surveys like the two I completed for this project because classmates still keep asking me if I am bringing more food. It was an easy and effective marketing approach. Not only that, but it reached people who ordinarily would not consider vegan food. If I went out into the community offering surveys and handing out business cards simultaneously, I think I could appeal to a larger range. My most popular recipe was also based around being a slightly more healthful recipe, so I think that could also be a successful promotional approach.

Note: The photo is another from Alon's. These are the recipes used commonly in the bakery.