A lot of people are looking for ways to make some extra cash and one way is by starting a jerky business. The key is to have a good recipe that has been passed down through generations and a desire to work hard at it. A well-thought out business plan will also help you stay on track and secure funding, if necessary.
Research and identify all the costs associated with starting a jerky business including equipment, ingredients, packaging, marketing expenses, permits and licenses. It’s important to know your startup costs in order to manage your budget and accurately project your financial performance.
The cost of purchasing a beef jerky maker and other supplies will take up a significant portion of your startup capital. If you plan to produce jerky on a large scale, then it will be even more expensive and you’ll need to source for more capital.
Cleaning your equipment and workspace is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of your product. If you do not keep up with regular cleaning, your jerky may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E coli that could lead to a serious illness for your customers.
If you are unable to find a commercial kitchen, you can still sell your jerky by setting up a booth at local food festivals and events such as county fairs or city festivals. It’s an effective way to interact with potential customers and hand out samples of your product to interested consumers.