In-Home personal chef for busy families

Busy families, dual-income professionals, older adults and people with dietary needs such as gluten-free, low-sodium or allergy-friendly eating.

A flat fee per cooking session or weekly meal plan, plus the cost of groceries billed at cost. Weekly or biweekly repeat clients bring steady income.

• Confident cooking across a range of cuisines
• Menu planning and grocery shopping
• Food safety knowledge
• Friendly, trustworthy with clients in their homes

• Rules for cooking in clients' kitchens differ by state and county, check with your local health department whether you need a license or permit
• General liability insurance, and ask whether it covers food-related claims
• Allergies and dietary needs, get them in writing before you cook
• Business license and sales tax rules for prepared food, check with your city and state
• Using your own vehicle to carry groceries and equipment, check your auto insurance

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the cookware, containers and transport you need, plus insurance and any permits. These are estimates, so check local prices and requirements before you spend.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take, how often you cook and your local rates. This is an estimate, not a guarantee, and groceries and travel costs come out of it.

Rules for cooking in clients' kitchens differ by state and county, so check with your local health department whether you need a license or permit. Also check business license and sales tax rules for prepared food, and ask about liability insurance covering food claims.