Can anyone give me advice about how to start such a business?? Anyone know of any business loans or funding?? I've tried the SBA office, but they were not helpful. Does anyone have a checklist of things I need to consider? Thanks in advance.

I would find a job and get enough experience in the field to at least answer these and all the other questions. It really sounds like you are going about it backwards.

depends on the operation as well. Do you mean running around in a "roach coach" or do you mean pulling a vending trailor? or do you mean an actual catering business? All three have different requirement...

To answer your question to snuffaluff it would be a roach coach with a route and to do outdoor events premade food no cooking on site.

then contact the health dept in your area. They'll have some info for ya.