Here in this article we will tell you about small business ideas. It may seem difficult to come up with a solid business idea, but with little thought and preparation, you may easily start a small business to supplement your income or work for yourself full-time.
Perhaps you already have a plan for the company you want to launch. Although you can be enthusiastic about your concept and feel prepared for a new endeavour, you might also be looking for some guidance.
Download Now: Business Startup Kit [Free Templates]
To help get you started, here’s a list of small business ideas separated into a few sections:
- Best Small Business Ideas
- Best Businesses to Start with Little Money
- Home Business Ideas
- Easy Businesses to Start
- How to Start a Small Business at Home
Finding a business idea that works for you is the first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur. You’ll find a tonne of home-based small business ideas in this post that you can expand as your clientele increases. Let’s get going.
Also Read: The 18 Most Creative Ad Campaigns in History
What makes a good small business idea?
Small company concepts are not all created equal. Some can be started with modest resources, or those you already have, while others demand more time and money than others. You’ll want to spend as little money as you can on supplies, rent, training, and other needs if you’re thinking of starting a small business.
Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:
- Requires little to no training. Idealistically, a good small business idea will build on your area of expertise and require little to no training. Due to the high cost of training courses, doing so will not only reduce your time to launch but also your costs. Additionally, you’ll have more confidence in your ability to provide the services you promise.
- Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
- Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management. A brilliant company idea only requires a few materials and minimal inventory control. You have two options if you wish to sell tangible products: drop shipping or small-batch manual production.
- Is based online. The most effective small company concepts can be carried out from your computer and are based online. As a result, you’ll immediately pay less for transportation and have more flexibility in managing your personal and professional lives.
- Can sustainably be managed by few people. As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.
Best Small Business Ideas
Brian Chesky, a co-founder of Airbnb, said: “We would have failed to come up with a good idea if we had attempted to do so. To solve a problem in your own life, all you have to do is look within.
” Starting a small business might be in your future if, like Brian, you have considered a solution to a problem you have encountered in your life or are on the way to doing so.
If you want to quit your nine-to-five job for good and work for yourself, it might be the right choice for you. The very finest suggestions for you to launch a small business are provided below, together with tools and starters’ guides.
1. Handyman
Do you frequently make repairs around the house? Are you frequently available to help pals with little projects? Make a website, evaluate the value of your time and talent using a competitive analysis, and ask the folks you’ve already assisted for recommendations. If you’ve already developed a strong set of talents to assist others in fixing up their homes, starting a handyman service is a good choice. Consider focusing in a skill you are well-equipped to perform. For instance, if you are familiar with the inner workings of a sink and its water supply, you might start by giving sink repair services before expanding your scope as you gain more knowledge.
No certifications are needed to become a handyman, and there are no special education requirements. You might need, however, a license if you’re planning to undertake jobs worth more than a certain dollar amount. Some states might not require this license.
To start your handyman business, we recommend the following resources:
- Handyman License Requirements by State
- The Most Requested Handyman Services
- Association of Certified Handyman Professionals
2. Woodworker
Similar to this, if you enjoy making beautiful wood furniture or other home goods, that can be a suitable small business specialty for you. Start by adding a handful of your items to online shops like Etsy. Once you get a following, you can think about launching a website, taking on special orders, or going into upholstery and refinishing. If you already have a love for woodworking and the equipment necessary to start filling orders as they come in, starting a small business as a woodworker is great. You don’t want to be “training” when you make a custom shelf or a custom storage box because providing a well-made product is essential to maintaining your customers’ satisfaction.
To start a woodworking business, there are no special education requirements, but there are a wide range of woodworking training certifications online, so we suggest starting with a certification. The Woodwork Institute, YesTomorrow, and The School of Fine Woodworking are potential places to start.
3. Online Dating Consultant
For their time, dating consultants typically charge a fee. They assist people in building effective online dating profiles, find potential matches outside of the usual internet channels, and provide a level of personalisation that a site like Tinder cannot. Consider yourself to be a natural at this game? You may want to get into this line of work.
Online dating consultants need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as heightened levels of empathy. The good news is that there are no special education or licensure requirements, though we recommend getting a certification such as IAP College’s relationship coach certification or Hart Academy’s online dating coach certificate.
You’ll need a website that features information about you and offers free dating materials that your clients might find useful if you want to start an online dating consultant business. You can invite them for a free consultation once they download a material.
4. Sewing and Alteration Specialist
You may be the person who fixes buttons and hems clothing because people will always need these things done. If you enjoy sewing and have a sewing machine at home, start by providing basic services like those listed above and then as your clientele and demand grow, broaden your range to include dressmaking and design.
To start a sewing and alterations business, you don’t need a particular licence or degree, but it’s important to develop your talents so you can take on more challenging assignments. High-value customers will desire intricate apparel items like suits, slacks, gowns, and dresses customised. You’ll see the most potential for profit there.
Altering these items require special skills, however. A few courses you might consider include:
- International Open Academy’s Tailoring Course for Beginners
- Jackson Sewing Academy’s Basic Alterations Course
- American Bespoke Tailoring Academy’s Programs
You’ll also need to shop for sewing supplies of all colors to accommodate your clients.
5. Freelance Developer
From building websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. As a web developer, you’ll naturally have a technical skill set. Distill your knowledge and expertise so customers who don’t have your experience are able to understand what it is you’ll be helping them achieve.
To help with this, test your messaging on friends and family who don’t have a firm understanding of the work you do. If they’re able to summarize what you do, your messaging is likely effective among people outside of your industry. You can start finding your first freelance contracts by visiting different freelance websites.
As opposed to a few other possibilities on this list, a freelance developer does require training in order to create a profitable business and accept tasks, but if you’re just starting out, don’t worry. There are numerous boot camps available to introduce you to full-stack or front-end web development. Even reputable IT schools provide some of these boot courses.
Some boot camps you might consider include:
- Coding Dojo
- Fullstack Academy
- Georgia Institute of Technology Coding Boot Camp
These vary in price, so be sure to do extensive research to find one that fits you and your budget.
Also Read: Ultimate Workout Routine for Men (Mens Workout Plan)
6. Personal Trainer
To spread the message, provide in-home consultations, individualised diet and activity plans, and neighbourhood boot camps. Don’t forget to fill your Instagram feed with motivational sayings, cost-free workout videos, and delectable snack suggestions as well; this is a frequent strategy used by fitness experts to establish their businesses in the digital age.
If you choose to go this route, it’s OK to start small at first, then scale up. For instance, MOURfit is a personal training business in Indianapolis that started in a shared gym, then grew to a private gym that offers group fitness, personal training, and nutrition services.
To start a personal training business, you’ll need a certification. If you already earned a degree in an unrelated discipline, we recommend starting with the NASM-CPT certification, which is nationally accredited and only requires a high school diploma or GED. You can also get a Bachelor’s degree in physical and exercise science — here’s one example from Emory & Henry College.
7. Freelance Graphic Designer
Create a portfolio and business you’re proud of, set your own hours, and decide which projects to work on. Many businesses go to skilled graphic designers for assistance on a range of initiatives, including website design, blog graphics, and more.
The good news? There are no special education requirements for becoming a freelance graphic designer, though we recommend seeking a credential (like SAIC’s graphic design certificate or RISD’s graphic design certificate) or an Associate’s degree in design so you can confidently present your portfolio and complete your first few projects.
If you’re just starting out with graphic design, try these tips and tricks that are ideal for beginners. If you’re more experienced but need to build your portfolio to attract clients, these prompts will get your creativity flowing in no time. We also recommend reviewing other people’s work on portfolio websites to get a feel for what is “trendy” and receive feedback as you grow your small business.
Free Download: How to Hire and Work with Freelancers
8. Life/ Career Coach
Consider working as a life or career coach if you have expertise in successfully handling professional, personal, and societal changes. Many of us are seeking career assistance, but it can be difficult to locate a mentor who has the time to help.
Although life/career coaches aren’t cheap, they can provide their clients with the intensive, practical instruction and guidance they require to make significant progress in both their personal and professional lives. After all, we could all use a little inspirational guidance now and then.
To start your life/career coaching business with confidence, you can look for a certification program (like the Life Coach School’s or Diane Hudson’s), then apply your skills as you acquire new clients.
Looking for inspiration? Nariah Broadus has dedicated more than 20 years to helping people create better working environments and navigate change successfully as a career and leadership coach. Check out her story for more inspiration to get started with this small business idea.
9. Resume Writer
It can be challenging and time-consuming to put together a résumé, cover letter, and portfolio when applying for a new position. That’s why many individuals use assistance. Help customers by creating resumes that are customised, cover letters that are well edited, and meticulously curated portfolios that are impossible for employers to overlook. Additionally, if you’re hesitant to create a resume from scratch, you can utilise the templates below as a starting point:
→ Download Now: 12 Resume Templates [Free Download]
A resume writing business is economical, has few overhead costs, and has few educational requirements. We still recommend having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and a few resume samples on hand. If you still feel that you need to brush up on your resume writing skills, you can take a course like Coursera’s or LinkedIn Learning’s.
Once you’ve gotten resume writing down, you can expand your business to include cover letter writing, and even offer career coaching services in conjunction with these services.
10. Freelance Writer
There is someone out there who will pay you for your writing abilities. Write as much website copy, magazine articles, and blog entries as you like, but make sure you have a portfolio of your work that you can show prospective clients. Even a small number of sample pieces will help you showcase your work and draw in new clients.
Selecting a speciality is crucial if you want to work as a freelance writer. For instance, you might decide to concentrate on leisure publications or solely write for journals in the healthcare sector (perhaps because you have experience in the field). Whatever the case, specialising will assist you as a beginner freelance writer discover your specialised market and build confidence.
There are no educational requirements to freelance writing, but you do need strong writing skills. It also helps to enjoy writing. While a certification may beneficial, getting practice and writing every day is more important. Try these writing prompts to start.
Also Read: 52 Fun Things You Can Do This Weekend
11. Landscaper
Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair. It’s also a great choice if you enjoy doing it for your own home and have a good eye for landscape design.
The good news is that you can start small. For instance, you could offer your neighbors seasonal planting services and start with a few perennial plants, or simply offer mulching services.
To grow your landscaping business, you should consider taking some formal training. The following organizations offer courses:
After completing a course and getting enough experience, you can apply for a certificate from a landscaping organization. While a certificate isn’t necessary to work in the field, it can build your credentials and help you make industry connections to take your landscaping business to the next level. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers offers one potential certificate you could pursue.
Some states require licensure, especially if you’ll be using pesticides and fertilizers. Be sure to review the requirements for your state.
Learn some of the basics now with this video on landscape design from Lowe’s:
12. Videographer
You must initially invest in the necessary equipment for video production, which can be rather expensive. But it’s also the reason why your services are so highly valued. Make sure you have a reel of your work to show others or make a website with a number of your work samples accessible to potential customers.
Starting a video producing company has no educational or licencing requirements. But specialisation is advantageous, much like in literature and other creative fields. Wedding videos and real estate videos are very different from in-studio interviews and client testimonials, respectively. By specialising, you can more efficiently develop your skills in one shooting style and target a very specific client who will gain the most from your services.
While you can find general classes on videography, you should consider taking a class in the type of videography you’d like to do. For instance, you could take The Complete Wedding Videography Course, if that’s the route you’d like to take.
Hot tip: If you’re interested in specializing in video marketing, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing and download our starter pack below.
→ Access Now: Video Marketing Starter Pack [Free Kit]
13. Photographer
Start by organising picture sessions for your loved ones. Ask for recommendations and evaluations as you develop your body of work. Create a Facebook page where you may tag recent clients as photography firms frequently expand through word of mouth. When you tag those customers in photos, your work will be visible to their friends in their newsfeeds. Additionally, you can request that they post reviews on your Facebook company page.
You should specialise, just like in a small business for video production. Will you take on portrait or product shoots? What about a fashion or wedding photo shoot? You’ll be able to produce a body of work that best reflects your strengths once you’ve specialised.
There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a small photography business, but we recommend investing in a few photography courses, especially if you haven’t used your camera in a while. Some courses you might start with include:
From there, seek courses that help you build skills in your chosen specialty.
If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.
If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.
14. Bed and Breakfast Owner
You will need to research the appropriate licencing from your state for your business endeavour as well, but it will be well worth it to see your goals come true. Create unique packages and themed vacations that correspond with the kind of visitors who will be coming to your area.
You’ll need a real location for your bed and breakfast business, as well as a small staff for upkeep, maintenance, and customer care. Because of this, if you have startup money for your business, we advise you to do it. (You lack any? Here’s how to begin using crowdfunding to start your new company.)
A successful bed and breakfast business will also need an SEO-optimized website with a hotel booking system. If you create your website on the WordPress platform, you can easily create a B&B website using a hotel booking plugin — so there’s no need to code the booking form from scratch.
With Airbnb and hotels stealing market share, the competition is tough in the bed and breakfast space, so we recommend providing a unique angle to the stay. As mentioned, the stays can be themed — maybe your B&B is a vintage home with all original furniture, or maybe you offer traditional fare from your homeland.
15. Clothing Boutique Owner
Why not launch your fashion empire with a neighbourhood shop if you have dreams of doing so? Create buzz with eye-catching dress choices, motivational social media profiles, and active community involvement. While it is possible to create a physical business, you can also do so quickly online. If that is successful, you may then build a local store.
There are various ways to launch a clothes store. First, if you have fashion design knowledge or know how to sew, knit, and choose colours and designs, you can make the clothing yourself.
Alternatively, you can design certain aspects of the clothing — such as a graphic or a logo — then send it to be printed on-demand at a local print shop when orders come in.
Lastly, you can dropship the items from a warehouse you’ve partnered with. This method is less reliable because there’s less quality assurance for each item, especially if you never visit the warehouses yourself. Regardless of the method you choose, starting a clothing boutique is highly doable, and you don’t need to have a fashion degree (though it certainly helps).
Take some inspiration from Sleep Ova, a luxury loungewear boutique based in Los Angeles, CA.
16. Specialty Food Store Owner
Gourmet foods, cheeses, sake, wine — you name a food, there’s a specialty food store out there for it. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to good use and open a store like American Provisions where you offer the kind of expertise and selection your audience couldn’t dream of getting from their local grocer.
You should choose the products and vendors you wish to sell in your specialised food store by loving and relying on them. Find local producers of the food you want to sell by asking around in your neighbourhood. These producers are likely open to a cooperation, especially if they receive a share of the earnings.
If a physical site is too expensive to start with, you can start by setting up stalls at local markets and food festivals when it comes time to sell. Alternately, you might use your website to conduct e-commerce and sell the goods while taking special care to wrap perishables well.
17. Food Truck Owner
Ever wanted to open a restaurant but weren’t quite ready to make the leap? Use a food truck to test out your ideas. Before opening or making an investment in a brick-and-mortar shop, it’s a terrific opportunity to learn about cuisine and restaurant licencing in your state, see what people like and dislike, and develop a rabid following.
Although purchasing a food truck may demand a higher investment, you can hire the actual truck; two prospective lessors to consider are the Food Truck Group and Roaming Hunger. We advise renting one in advance of an event like a food festival or concert because the cost would be considerable. There, you may gauge the level of interest in your food and determine.
Taco Nganas, a taco truck in Memphis, TN, started with one food truck and expanded to three, building a loyal customer base along the way.
18. Car-detailing Specialist
Details are where the devil is, and you can be there too. For busy folks who lack the time to run through the car wash, mobile automobile detailing services are convenient. Your customers will only need to make a payment with this firm, and the service will be completed for them right away. Just make sure you have the adaptability, means of transportation, and tools necessary to take your company mobile.
Although there are no formal schooling requirements for auto detailing, you should still enrol in a course like Auto Finesse’s detailing training to refresh your knowledge and master the fundamentals.
To get your car detailing business off the ground, you’ll need an SEO-optimized website and a way for customers to book online with you. Before you take that step, however, consider listing your services on websites like Angi, Thumbtack, and even Nextdoor.com so you can get your first local clients.
Best Businesses to Start with Little Money
Don’t have a lot of money to start your business? Check out the ideas below.
1. Translator
Speak a foreign language? Start a translation service. Consider specializing in a specific genre of translation, like medical or financial translation, as you might be able to fill a niche need in your community.
2. Garden Designer
Many people have the willingness to do the dirty work in their backyards, but few have the know-how to complete the first part of this process — designing and planning the backyard space. Draw up the designs for your clients’ outdoor spaces and let them do the actual digging.
3. Ecommerce Store Owner
Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an ecommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down, an ecommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.
Download Now: Ecommerce Planning Templates + Kit
4. Travel Planner
Even though the days of the travel agent may be over, there is still a demand for people who can plan unconventional travel itineraries. Consider marketing your services as a more contemporary approach to trip planning if you consistently organise the ideal vacations with stunning hotels, the appropriate location, and a variety of delectable restaurants lined up for every evening.
5. Home Inspector
Although it involves certification and extensive experience, a career as a home inspector can provide a flexible work schedule and reliable income. Before beginning this kind of small business, check your state’s licence requirements. By having all of your credentials in order, you can guarantee that you’re giving your clients the greatest service possible.
6. House Cleaner
With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.
Need some inspiration? This small business cleaning service grew virtually overnight on Instagram after their content went viral during the pandemic.
7. Personal Chef
We all enjoy food, but very few of us have the time or energy to prepare wholesome meals. Promote your services to both local companies and families. To reduce start-up expenses, think about booking specific clientele together—for example, vegetarians—so you can prepare more of the same meal.
Chef Paul’s mouth-watering dishes are available to clients across the country. His clientele niche consists of athletes, corporate businesses, and local gyms.
8. Property Manager
Many people maintain properties they don’t live in — often based in different cities or states. As a property manager, you can help a property owner ensure their home is being well taken care of, handle small fixes as they arise, and serve as a liaison to renters.
9. Packing Services Facilitator
Moving is never easy, therefore many people pay someone to do all of the packing for them. Want a consistent flow of customers? Join forces with a neighbourhood moving company that will recommend new customers to you.
10. Massage Therapist
Soothe aching muscles and promote peace for your clients as a massage therapist. Look into training and certification courses in your city and state and invest in a portable bed to take on client visits.
11. Crafter
Handcrafting novelty items is a fun and distinctive way to launch a small business. No matter what you produce—jewelry, knitted blankets or even personalised wigs—there is undoubtedly a market for it. Utilize social media marketing that is original to connect with your audience, and use keywords related to your manufactured goods to improve the search engine optimization of your website.
12. Interior Designer
Similar to landscape design — there are many people who have the ability to buy the furniture and home decor they need to fill their rooms, but few who know where to start. It might take some time to build a portfolio but documenting your projects and sharing them online can build a fanbase beyond your wildest dreams.
Need inspiration? Check out Sandra Cavallo’s interior design Instagram account.
13. Nonprofit Owner
If you dream of devoting your life to a cause you believe in, it might be time to start a nonprofit. You’ll need to incorporate your business and file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status — and then you’ll be required to meet ongoing standards of compliance, but the payoff is making a meaningful impact on a cause you believe in.
14. Tour Guide
Love the local history of your city or state? Consider becoming a tour guide. Sure, you’ll need to conduct plenty of research to be able to do the job well, but that’s half the fun. Set yourself apart by offering tours that speak to a specific niche of your community’s history.
Some tour guides, like the ones at Freedom Trail in Boston, offer historical walking tours of their town’s most haunted spots while others curate guided foodie tours for guests to get a true taste of the city.
15. Tutor
There is someone out there who needs a little assistance in your field of expertise and is prepared to pay for it, whether you are an expert in arithmetic, piano, or Shakespeare. To spread the word and create a clientele, promote your services at neighbourhood schools, community colleges, community centres, and even on social media.
16. Consultant
If you have significant experience in or knowledge of a specific subject, consider becoming a consultant. Perhaps you’re an expert at hiring practices, have a knack for SEO, or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. Identify your expertise and market yourself as a consultant and charge the going rate.
Download Now: Free Consultant’s Success Kit
17. Event Planner
You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades. If you’re highly organized, are detail-oriented, and have experience planning large events, it might be time others benefit from your skills.
18. Personal Assistant
Again, if you’re an organized, highly-detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.
19. Consignment Shop Owner
Consider going consignment if you have a sense of fashion but don’t want to spend money on the inventory of a brand-new store. You can create a wardrobe that complements your objectives and style without incurring the costs associated with running a boutique that sells only brand-new goods.
20. Caterer
If that personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work on fewer but larger events, and hone in on your time management skills.
21. Gym Owner
CrossFit, yoga, and kickboxing gyms, oh my! Create your own gym – from scratch, as an affiliate, or by opening a franchise site — and turn your love of fitness into a community for others.
22. Boutique Agency Owner
What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position.
Consider building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk.
23. Coffee Shop Owner
Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game but they usually require a little more cash upfront. Starting a shop from scratch requires a little more planning and a lot more work — but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.
24. Moving Company
A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company. Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low.
Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry.
You could even take a niche approach to the industry as Astro International has by offering international moving services.
25. Home Staging
A staging service could be your creative outlet and line of work if you have an eye for interior design. By staging properties utilising the owner’s existing furnishings and décor, you can establish a portfolio with little upfront expenditure. Most stagers gradually amass a collection of furniture as they gain experience and connect with local realtors.
26. Makeup Artist
Many people prefer to have a professional do their makeup because they may lack the proper products or just the skills. It may be for a special occasion, photoshoot, or video shoot, or another event. Being able to do a variety of different looks will make your business more attractive to more customers.
27. Professional Organizer
Many people deal with clutter or disarray in their homes and places of business. The development of routines and procedures for ongoing organisation can be a significant task. Take a number of storage containers and a label maker, then start organising!
Meg Golightly, founder at Gosimplified has made this small business idea into a successful career.
Home Business Ideas
These home business ideas give you a few more business options that are either based at home or online.
1. Coding
This talent doesn’t necessitate face-to-face communication with your clients and covers frontend, backend, and every form of code in between. But for this kind of business, active listening is a talent you’ll want to keep from the offline world. It can be easy to lose focus while creating a product, but connecting with the client is just as crucial as writing the website’s code.
You can make sure that your coding job is meeting the client’s development needs if you maintain them at the forefront of your thoughts even when you aren’t physically present.
Download Now: 35 Free HTML & CSS Code Templates
2. Vending Machine Owner
Since 2015, the growth rate for vending machine businesses has increased 1.4%. Even as social distancing restrictions are still in place, this business can still be lucrative if you choose the right locations. High-traffic is key — places like hospitals, schools, and community centers are smart places to start placing your machines to generate enough revenue to cover cost and turn a profit.
3. Social Media Manager
Do you excel in using social media? You can utilise your abilities as a social media manager to handle the social media accounts of businesses as well as private users. Influencer marketing has grown in popularity, and many rely on marketing firms or in-house staff to manage their social media networks.
→ Free Download: Social Media Calendar Template [Access Now]
4. Data Entry Clerk
Many businesses seek data entry clerks to help them enter information into their computer systems and spreadsheets. If you have strong computer and typing skills, this might be the business for you.
5. Audio or Video Editor
As of March 2021, there are 1.75 million podcasts available to listeners. For this reason, brands are turning to audio and visual content to connect with consumers. The catch is that many don’t have the time to invest in the production of this content, or they don’t have the skills to do it. Audio and video editors are in demand when it comes to producing quality content for hungry audiences.
6. Voiceover Artist
Regarding podcasts and videos, a lot of content producers are aware of the value and degree of professionalism that a skilled voice actor can bring to a production. There are jobs available for narrating explainer videos, podcast intros and outros, and even audiobook narration. Below, Kat Theo explains how to get started without any prior knowledge.
7. Dog Walker, Groomer, or Trainer
Licensing and insurance will be the two most important factors in opening a dog walking, grooming, or training business, but your canine colleagues will surely make up for the initial red tape. To test the waters before jumping in, consider walking dogs through companies like Rover. Ready to run your own show? Consider a franchise like Dogtopia.
8. Candy Seller
If you grew up in a close-knit, southern neighborhood, you’re probably familiar with the “Candy Lady“. This home business can be started by anyone who’s trustworthy in the community. Aside from selling the most popular snacks, a candy seller can provide the neighborhood with fresh fruit and produce that may be harder to find if you live in a food desert.
9. Online Class Instructor
Tutoring is frequently conducted in-person, one student at a time. Giving a class remotely gives you more flexibility because you can do it from your home while still instructing several people. The popularity of English as a subject for online learning makes it a popular choice. But everything that you are an expert in could be turned into an online course.
10. Small-Batch Goods Seller
Although more expensive, using organic, all-natural foods is worthwhile. You may learn how to create a variety of goods at home that are free of toxins, chemicals, and preservatives. Custom smells can be used to manufacture and customise a variety of products, including candles, soaps, shampoos, and moisturisers. Try producing soap for the first time using this comprehensive beginner’s guide:
Easy Businesses to Start
Whether you’re looking to start your venture today or you simply don’t want to jump through the normal hoops of launching a small business, the below ideas are extremely easy to start — so easy, all you’ll need to do is sign up on a website or tell your friends about your services.
1. Vacation Host
Have you ever used a home-sharing service instead of a hotel? You could make a living by hosting visitors in your own home or renting out a room. Consider becoming a host with companies like Airbnb.
2. Pet Sitter
Do you have a passion for pets? Consider becoming a pet sitter. While the pet’s owners are away on vacation, either host their pet at your home or make visits to their home. Join a pet sitting service like Wag to get started.
3. Daycare Owner
Childcare continues to be in high demand. While nannies and nanny shares are popular right now, a good daycare is hard to find. Fill a need in your neighborhood by opening your own. And, as always, make sure you’re complying with your city and state’s zoning, licensure, insurance, and inspection requirements.
4. Blogger
There is always an audience out there who has a strong interest in whatever subject you are writing about. A blog can be used to create a web community whose participation can be paid for. After your blog gains a following, you can start earning money through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and co-marketing.
→ Download Now: 6 Free Blog Post Templates
5. Home-Baked Goods Seller
How to Start a Small Business at Home
- Identify your small business idea.
- Start as a side business or hobby.
- Decide on your software.
- Create a business plan.
- Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
- Create a business bank account.
- Determine if your business idea works well from home.
- Set up an office.
- Get to work!
1. Identify your small business idea.
Whether you select a solution from the aforementioned list or have another idea up your sleeve, it’s critical to possess the knowledge, expertise, and abilities required for success. Have you ever even been to a good daycare facility yet want to establish one yourself? Spend some time researching to see if your experience, hobbies, and target market actually align with this.
2. Start as a side business or hobby.
Can you get your business off the ground as something you do in the evenings or on the weekends (a.k.a. a side job)? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand whether your idea has legs before you quit your nine-to-five job and lose your primary income.
3. Decide on your software.
When you initially start out, you have a lot on your plate. But choosing the software that can help you become more productive as your firm expands is a crucial step that many first-time business owners overlook.
Although every business is unique, practically all businesses may benefit from using software to assist with basic daily chores like email marketing, accounting, and project management.
One of the most important software tools every small business should utilize is a free all-in-one CRM platform to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.
4. Create a business plan.
No business plan? No business. Particularly if your small business idea requires investors, you’ll need to draft up a business plan to provide an overview of your market positioning, your financial projections, and your unique competitive advantages. You can download HubSpot’s free business plan templates for free to get started.
Your business plan should include the following elements:
- Executive summary — A high-level overview of your company and market placement.
- Business model — Describe your company’s mission, target market, and organisational structure. Include a description of the goods and services you provide, along with how they satisfy your clients’ demands.
- Market condition — A summary of pertinent competitor information. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
- Products and services — Use this section to describe your products and services in detail, and outline what differentiates your product from others in the market.
- Operations and management — Outline your business’ organizational structure, key roles, and responsibilities.
- Marketing and sales strategy — This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. Include information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offering, and your sales strategy.
- Financial plan — Create a detailed outline of your business financials. Include your start-up costs, your initial financial productions, and how you anticipate generating funding.
- Appendix — Once the above pieces are complete, end the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.
When you initially start out, you have a lot on your plate. But choosing the software that can help you become more productive as your firm expands is a crucial step that many first-time business owners overlook.
Although every business is unique, practically all businesses may benefit from using software to assist with basic daily chores like email marketing, accounting, and project management.
One of the most important software tools every small business should utilize is a free all-in-one CRM platform to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.
5. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
Limited liability corporations (LLCs) and sole proprietorships are two typical legal structures for small businesses.
A limited liability company (LLC) has more members than a sole proprietorship and is a more complicated corporate form. Additionally, LLCs give the business owner liability protection and tax benefits while not being subject to a different type of tax. State laws govern how LLCs are created.
Businesses that are solely owned and operated by one person are not recognised by the government as being different legal entities from the owner. Even though a sole proprietorship is the most basic form of business organisation, the owner is directly responsible for the operation of the company.
Besides an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options for you to consider.
Sean Flannigan, Sendle’s Content Manager, says, “While many small businesses might be best served by choosing an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options.”
“Partnerships are excellent for companies run by numerous people. The fact that the individuals assume corporate obligation and pay personal taxes makes it most similar to a sole proprietorship.”
Adds he, “Small enterprises may decide to organise as a corporation, S corporation, or B Corp in order to totally eliminate personal liability. While B Corps are required to achieve a minimum standard for public benefit and accountability, S companies are exempt from corporate taxation.”
Additionally, Flannigan says, “There are tons of great reasons to become a B Corp beyond just doing good business. All that said, many small businesses that aren’t aimed at super-fast growth choose to go with an LLC to keep things simple while shielding owners from too much liability.”
Learn more about choosing the right structure for your business from the Small Business Administration.
6. Create a business bank account.
Open a bank account exclusively for your business once you have a duly registered business and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). In order to maintain financial segregation between your personal and business affairs and to accurately assess the cash flow and financial health of your company, you must have a business bank account.
Separating your personal finances from your business finances also simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation.
Many banks provide checking and savings accounts for businesses. The amount of transactions that may normally be made with a business checking account is not restricted, and the account typically comes with a debit card that can be used for business transactions. These checking accounts do not, however, earn interest.
Business savings accounts typically have a monthly transaction cap but generally accrue interest over time. In order to avoid being penalised for having insufficient cash while you expand your firm, seek for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement when you’re just getting started.
7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.
Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to be based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.
8. Set up an office.
Even though your business concept can be successfully conducted from home, it’s still crucial that you have a dedicated workspace. While a home office may not be feasible, you should think about designating a spot in your living room or adding a desk to your bedroom as a place that will motivate you and foster achievement.
A more formal setting is required. Nobody wants to see your wrinkled sheets in the backdrop when you undertake client-facing work that necessitates you being on video conferences. For memberships that grant you access to conference rooms, desk space, and other amenities, look into nearby coworking locations.
9. Get to work!
You’ve put in the hard work and I’ve got good news — it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree that the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects that you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
Starting a Small Business: FAQ
What are the types of small businesses?
The types of small business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
Which business type is best?
A limited liability company is the greatest sort of business (LLC). When you operate as an LLC, your personal and company assets are kept apart. Your personal assets won’t be impacted if your company files for bankruptcy. It is also one of the most expensive sorts, necessitating payment of a charge to the state.
A single proprietorship is the easiest business structure to launch. The biggest drawback is that there is no distinction made between you and your company.
How do I create a business idea?
Determine your skill set, preferred types of work, startup budget, and available resources before coming up with a business plan. Finding the ideal balance between what you can realistically give and what you can realistically afford over the long and short terms is crucial.
To quickly identify the market segment in which you can successfully compete, we advise starting with your skill set. If you have a lot of writing expertise, you might think about beginning a freelance writing business. But if you are aware that you enjoy working with clients in person, you can decide to launch a ghostwriting service instead. Because of this, it’s crucial to consider your preferences for employment as well.
After that, take a look at your budget and determine the type of business you can start based on the resources at your disposal. For instance, you might not be able to afford a physical office or location, so a location-based business will likely not be a good fit. In that case, starting an online business is your best option.
What are some of the most successful small businesses?
If a small business is supported by a solid product-market fit and a solid business plan, it has the potential to be both profitable and successful. These two components are necessary. Even if post-natal services are among the most profitable small companies to start, they won’t be profitable if you reside in a region with a rapidly ageing population or a diminishing population.
Think carefully about the market where you’re launching your business, and you’ll be more than likely to see lasting success.
What are the top growing small businesses?
Healthcare assistance, technology, personal care, food preparation, and community and social service are the top-growing industries. As a result, starting a small business in any of these industries is sure to produce a good return on investment, but keep in mind to consider your target market.
For each of the sectors, below are some small business ideas:
Healthcare Support
- In-home care assistant
- In-home elderly care provider
- Psychological care provider
- Pre-natal and post-natal support specialist
Technology
- Freelance programmer or web developer
- Freelance IT support specialist
- Freelance cybersecurity expert
Personal Care
- Hair stylist
- Nail technician
- Beautician
Food Preparation
- Personal chef
- Food truck owner
- Food delivery
Community and Social Services
- Non-profit owner
- Education specialist
- Nursery
Brainstorm Your Next Small Business Venture
The decision of which small company concept to pursue is up to the individual. Although money is vital, you’ll need more than money to stay motivated. To find the ideal solution that fits your schedule, satisfies your life’s passion, and makes financial sense, bounce ideas off your friends and family. Throughout this process, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Also, don’t forget to enjoy yourself a little while working hard.
