This study proposes a systematic process in the pre-startup stage of establishing independent and franchised catering micro businesses. A questionnaire based on the key success factors (KSFs) affecting the establishment of a micro business was developed. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was performed to determine KSFs that can affect the start of a catering micro business, while interpretive structure modelling (ISM) was used to establish the pre-startup process. Studies show that GRA and ISM results were different in the two types of catering businesses. Therefore, business starters ought to investigate their industry of interest and determine the startup process prior to establishing their respective businesses.