| Many individuals are attracted to starting a shaved | | | | Step 3: Contact Your State Heath Food |
| ice business because of low start-up costs and | | | | Department |
| high profit potential. The operation of a shaved ice | | | | You will need to contact your state health food |
| stand is relatively easy to learn. Many retirees | | | | department to obtain a food card. Most state |
| enjoy this type of business because of the | | | | health departments require those serving food to |
| opportunity to interact with community members. | | | | obtain a food handlers card. Contact the |
| But depending on what part of the country you | | | | department and ask what is required. You will |
| live in, this business can be seasonal in nature. | | | | typically need to take a test and pay a nominal |
| Here’s how to start a shaved ice business. | | | | fee. |
| Things you will need: | | | | Step 4: Purchase the Necessary Equipment |
| - Ice Shaver | | | | After you secure the required permits and |
| - Flavors | | | | location, you’re ready to purchase equipment. |
| - Freezer | | | | You will need an ice shaver, flavors, freezer, a |
| - Block Ice maker | | | | block ice maker and shaved ice cups. If you will |
| - Shaved Ice Cups | | | | be running your business from a mobile unit, you |
| Step 1: Find a Location | | | | will need to purchase that as well. Companies such |
| A successful shaved ice business is typically | | | | as Snowie sell these units. |
| located in a high traffic area dense with | | | | Step 5: Make a Plan for Staffing |
| businesses. The location should be close to | | | | While first starting out, most shaved ice |
| schools, special events and have heavy foot | | | | businesses are a one-person operation. However, |
| traffic. | | | | as your business grows, you may need to hire an |
| Step 2: Secure the Proper Permits | | | | extra person to staff your business. |
| All states require that a business be registered | | | | Tip: Focus On Events |
| with their local or municipal governing agency. | | | | Mobile shaved ice businesses have an opportunity |
| Contact the city and county where you’ll | | | | to target community events. Read your daily |
| operate your shaved ice business and ask about | | | | newspaper for concerts, little league games, art |
| obtaining the necessary licenses. The cost for a | | | | festivals and other types of community |
| business license can range from $50 to $100. | | | | announcements. |