How to Market the business?

Hey guys,
So we have most of the essentials down- you have recipes, you have funding, you registered your business name but how do you now market your business?

Well let me tell you. As a previous Brand and Sales Manager, I picked up some good knowledge on how to market a product.

You have three choices- Above the Line, Through the Line or Below the Line Marketing.

Above the Line- If you budget permits, this is a very good avenue for marketing your product. This includes Radio ads, television ads, print media (newspapers) or even a billboard. However, this avenue is very costly especially for a start up business.

Below the Line- Again, if your budget permits, this means email marketing, or telemarketing.

Lastly, Through the Line means Social Media or Web Marketing. And I truly believe that for a Small business, this is really the most cost effective way to market your business.

Guys, this is the way to do it! Yes you can hire a Social Media Specialist but you can do it yourself from or where ever has WiFi. This is the method I use to market my business (Little Miss Cupcake Bakery 😊)
Here are a few tips when using social media:

1. Grow Your Audience
2. Analyze Past Content to Improve Posts
3. Deliver Content Consistently
4. Use Hashtags Strategically
5. Use Social Updates to Write Blog Posts
6. Target Website Visitors with Social Ad

I hope this information is helpful with building your business and your brand.'

Until Next time
Your Trini Baker

Competition- Who are the other Bakeries or Cafe's around?

Hey Guys,
So let's talk competition! Competition in any specific industry is real and your business must be a cut above the rest to ensure survival.

Knowing who your competitors are, and what they are offering, can help you to make your products, services and marketing stand out. It will enable you to set your prices competitively and help you to respond to rival marketing campaigns with your own initiatives.

So you may be saying but I am just starting my business why do I need to know who the competition is??? Wrong- you need to know what you are getting into and no business owner wants their business to fail.

Firstly- How do you find out who are your competitors? Easy- local business directories, advertising, searching on the Internet for similar products or services ( Social Media is very powerful my friends!!) , information provided by customers etc. There are so many avenues to choose from.

Ok, so we played "Eye Spy" and found out who the competition is, now we need to know what are the selling. Simple- either visit their store or online page and try their options. If you're a bakery like I am, buy a cupcake and compare the taste, quality and price. 

Now you know what everyone else is offering, then you should offer something different, something trendy, something new! Or if you are a baker like myself, what is the latest trend. You are never too old to learn something new.

Those were just a few tips on how to assess your competition. On another note, if you're looking for a bakery that is a cut above the rest :) Please like my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littlemisscupcakeb/ or you can follow my on Istagram https://www.instagram.com/little_misscupcakebakery/?hl=en

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Funding

Hey guys,
So let's talk money! Everybody needs it right? But how to get for your business? Businesses need startup capital to meet preliminary expenses, purchase of fixed assets and operating or working capital.

There are several avenues where you can get funding. See the listing below:

Personal assets
All prospective entrepreneurs have to be concerned with their savings/contribution to their business.   Once you approach a financial institution for funding, it will require that you make a contribution to your future business. This can be your personal/family savings, fixed deposits, insurance etc.

The National Integrated Business Incubation System (IBIS)

Through the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development- this program provides small businesses capital for clients (from $5,000 to $50,000). However, IBIS will create a facilitative environment so that clients may source additional funding from NEDCO or other financial institutions to fully fund their projects.

National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited -NEDCO’s Loan Ceiling

The company has increased its loan entry ceiling from $100,000 to $250,000 for first-time borrowers, and up to a maximum of $500,000 for second-time borrowers. More info can be sourced from this link ⇒ http://www.nedco.gov.tt/OurServices/LoanServices.aspx

Commercial banks and other financial institutions
Ok, so you have the option of Republic, RBC, Scotia, FCB. Banks require a business plan and collateral to secure the loan. I have included a link to help with writing your business plan ⇓
https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/write-your-business-plan

I have only include three options for funding but there are soooo many more out there. You just have to do you research.

I hope this information was helpful.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

How to register your business!!

Hey guys,
So I shared my recipes, my suppliers now let me share how to register your business name in Trinidad and Tobago. Have you ever wanted to register your business but the whole process just seems to daunting or stressful??

Ok, so let me break it down for you. You can register your business under three categories-Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.

Here are the steps to register your business in Trinidad and Tobago.

Step 1 Business Name Reservation
To register a business name your first step is to fill out an Application for Name Approval/Name Reservation Form and submit it to the address of the Companies Registry listed below. The fee for this process is TT$25.00.

The Business Name Act prohibits the registration of identical names, so you can't register a business name that another company is already using.  You can search the business names public record at the Companies Registry. This will tell you if someone is already using the name you have selected and where the business is located.  There are several different search options you may wish to pursue.  Each name search costs TT$20.00.

Companies Registry
Registration House
72-74 South Quay
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 624-1660
Opening hours:  8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays


Step 2  Registering your Business Name
If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor or a limited liability company, you will need to complete and file the Registration of a Business Name form.  This form is to be submitted to the Companies Registry with the applicable fees.

For a Limited Liability Company (LLC), once you have a name reserved you will have to file Articles of Incorporation.

Just follow my instructions above and or you can visit the link below ⇓
https://www.ttconnect.gov.tt

The link above has all the forms in soft copy which is helpful.

I hope this information was helpful to anyone like myself walking the entrepreneur road!!

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Where to get Supplies??- Utensils & Equipment

Hey guys,
So when starting your business like I did 3 years go ( Little Miss Cupcake Bakery), click on the link right here ⇒ https://www.facebook.com/littlemisscupcakeb/  :) I had to source my equipment from several places and there wasn't anyone really sharing info about it. So I am happy to share this information to anyone who may want to start their food business and looking for equipment and utensils.

Ocaziao
So this place is like Disneyland for bakers. They have two locations- POS and St. James. They have everything ranging from Sprinkles to Fondant to Cake boxes to Cake Boards to everythinggggg!!! You name it.... and they have it! They staff are friendly and very accommodating. I just 💖 this store.
You can click the link below for their facebook page.⇓
 https://www.facebook.com/Ocaziao-193873234051066/


Advanced Commercial Limited
 Advance Commercial is located corner Chootoo lane and Churchill Roosevelt Highway. They have equipment for both home and commercial use. They also have varying baking pans and baking sheets upstairs along with alot of other items. Check out their website below. ⇓
http://www.advancecommercialtt.com/

I hope this info is helpful as well.

Until next time....
Your Trini Baker.

Where to get supplies??- Ingredients

Hey guys,
Some of you may be in the same position like myself where you would like to open a business and are wondering where to source ingredients. The grocery may an option or a bulk type business like Pricesmart however I believe that going straight to the source is always the best option.

My "go-to" companies especially for bakery/cafe type items are Vemco Ltd and Hadco Ltd.  So let me break them down for you one by one.

Vemco Limited. 

Vemco is one of the larger distributors on the island and carries several categories/brands for any potential or existing baker. They carry Dawn ( which is a Food Service Bakery brand) KerryGold Butter and Milk, Cafe Brasil Coffee, Bruggeman Yeast, Quaker Oats, Swiss Pasta, Condiments and Peanut Butter. I use KerryGold butter in all my pastries and cakes.They are situated in Diego Martin.

Hadco Limited

Hadco Limited is also a large distributor located in San Juan, Barataria. They carry Rich's ( which is also a Food Service Bakery brand) among many other brands that you would need for your establishment.

There's a link below ⇓ to there website for further info and their contact.

http://www.hadcoltd.com/

I hope this information is helpful as ingredients costs is a major factor in your overall operational costs and sourcing good quality items at reasonable prices is vital to your operation.

Until next time....
Your Trini Baker.

Equipment Rentals

Hey Guys,
What's the latest trend with events, birthday parties or even weddings? Let me tell you...... Interactive stations. What I'm talking about  are chocolate fountains, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, Hot dog machines, you name it.....people are doing it!

Here at little Miss Cupcake Bakery, we also have equipment that we rent for events. I think it is the novelty of it.....or that fact that persons have the ability to choose and build their own desserts.


Chocolate Fountain
Our Package comes with 2 fruits ( Strawberries, Bananas, Grapes, Pineapple- your choice)
 and 3 biscuits.
Duration: 3 hours

Pop Corn Machine
We provide everything for this rental- Machine, Popcorn, Bags and an attendant to serve the popcorn. This really smells great when popping and children love seeing and hearing the kernels pop.
Duration: 3 hours

Snow Cone Machine
This can be used for either a child's birthday party or even a bachelorette party with alcoholic snow cones. Who wouldn't enjoy a Pina Colada snowcone?
Again we provide everything for this rental- Machine, ice, syrup and an attendant to serve the popcorn.
Duration: 3 hours

So if you are interested in renting these items, please feel free to contact us via Facebook- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery, Instagram- little_misscupcakebakery or via email little_misscupcake@hotmail.com.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Gluten Free, No Flour Brownies

Hey Guys,
So even though at Little Miss Cupcake Bakery (Like my page on Facebook) we do decedent cakes and desserts, we also cater for those that are trying to watch their weight or anyone that is health conscious but still wants to indulge and have an alternative dessert.

You can have a fudgey, decadent chocolate brownie minus dairy, flour, gluten and sugar. And it tastes great too! These brownies taste, look and have the mouth feel of  regular brownies but less calories and no flour! Yes, it’s true!

So I'm willing to share this recipe with you because it's just awesome!

Ingredients.
1 1/4 cups sugar-free chocolate chips
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
2 eggs
1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil, melted
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 tablespoon powdered stevia

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line an 8 by 8 baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
5. Pour onto parchment paper in baking dish.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out perfectly clean.
7. Cool on wire wrack for 10 minutes 
8. Slice and Enjoy!

So, try the recipe and enjoy a guilt-free dessert that's good for your waist line and yummy at the same time.

Until next time.

Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Cassava Pone

Hey Guys,
Does anyone love pone like my best friend Alana does? What is pone you ask? Pone is a gel like baked dessert made from the root vegetables. It can be made with carrots, pumpkin or cassava. I usually make cassava pone.

Even though you don't see it in many bakeries anymore, I think it's a good addition to any menu as it brings a sense of long time goodness.

So let me share my recipe with you.

Ingredients
1 ¼ cups brown sugar
1 lb. raw cassava grated
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp, ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pack dried coconut flakes
2 cups hot water
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 cup raisins


Directions

1. Pre-Heat the oven at 375F
2. Combine cassava with milk, sugar and spices.
3. Add raisins, coconut, hot water and melted butter.
4. Add more sugar if necessary, pour into greased dish.
5. Bake at 375 F for 45 – 50 minutes
6. Cool and cut into slices.
7. Enjoy!!!

Please try my recipe and let me know what your think.

You can follow my facebook page- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery or follow me on Instagram - little_misscupcakebakery.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Recipe- Sweet Bread

Hey guys,
So since I am from Trinidad, I will like to share some of our Trinidadian desserts. Who knows sweet bread ( That's a question for my non-trini audience btw)? Growing up in Trinidad, you couldn't escape the smell of home-made sweet bread from your Granny's or Mummy's kitchen.

So what is sweet bread? It's exactly what it sounds like- Sweet bread. It can be sliced and eaten with butter or cheese, so simply eaten by itself- it's so good! And there's no real season to eat or make it either.

Allow me to share my recipe with you. 😌

Ingredients
4 1⁄2 cups flour
4 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup raisins or 1 cup sultana
3 cups coconut, grated (not dried or sweetened)
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
2 eggs, well-beaten
1⁄2 cup evaporated milk- I use Nestle Carnation Milk
2 teaspoons almond essence
1⁄2 lb butter (melted)- I use KerryGold Butter

Directions

1. Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt four times.
2. Add sugar and fruit; blend evenly.
3. Add coconut, cinnamon and grated nutmeg and stir well.
4. In another bowl combine the whipped eggs, milk, essence and cooled melted butter. Mix well.
5. Make a well in the flour mixture.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the well and stir with a spoon. Batter will be heavy and mixture will be fairly stiff.
7. DO NOT KNEAD or bread will be tough. Mix entirely by spoon, assisted by a knife.
8. Pile into 2 non-stick or greased loaf tins.
9. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

OPTIONAL: When done, glaze with mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar and one tablespoon water. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and Return to the oven for 3 -4 minutes.

I hope you try this recipe and have a taste of Trinidad.

Remember, you can Like my page on Facebook: Little Miss Cupcake Bakery or follow me on Instagram : Little_misscupcakebakery.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker

Recipe-Creme Brulee

Hey guys,
So my favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. It's a five ingredient recipe that if made correctly is just ultimate heaven. So I envision that at my cafe, (Little Miss Cupcake Bakery) :) Creme Brulee would definitely be on the menu. Total yummm!!

Ok, I'm going to share my recipe with you all.

Ingredients
6 egg yolks
6 tablespoons white sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Beat egg yolks, 4 tablespoons white sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until thick and creamy.

• Pour cream into a saucepan and stir over low heat until it almost comes to boil. Remove the cream from heat immediately. Stir cream into the egg yolk mixture; beat until combined.
• Pour cream mixture into the top pan of a double boiler. Stir over simmering water until mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove mixture from heat immediately and pour into a shallow heat-proof dish.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Preheat oven to broil.
• In a small bowl combine remaining 2 tablespoons white sugar and brown sugar. Sift this mixture evenly over custard. Place dish under broiler until sugar melts, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully so as not to burn.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool. Refrigerate until custard is set again.

Guys, I really hope you try this recipe and enjoy the yummyness of this dessert!

Until next time!

Your Trini Baker :)