Crossword Genius

Begin with small cake (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

start

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'begin' is the definition.
(I know that begin can be written as start)

'small cake' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'small' could be 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size) and 's' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'tart' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for start that I've seen before include "Outset" , "Begin with sudden movement of surprise" , "Jump suddenly" , "Onset" , "lead" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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