50 small business ideas for anyone who wants to run their own business
If you dream of leaving your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss, you have probably considered various small business ideas. But if you have a lot of passion, it can be difficult to find a direction.
To help you, I have gathered small business ideas for those who want to manage their own business. Use them as a starting point to spark your own unique ideas
If all else fails, live by the words of Airbnb co-founder, Brian Chesky: "If we had tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn't have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution to a problem in your own life."
Ready to take it to the next level? This ultimate guide to entrepreneurship can help you do more than just imagine a good idea. It can help you turn it into reality starting today.
The best small business ideas
1. Handyman
Do you always fix things at home? Are you often on call when friends need help with small jobs? Create a website, determine the value of your time and expertise, and start asking those grateful friends to recommend you.
2. Woodworker
Similarly, if you are passionate about making beautiful furniture or other wooden household items, there is a demand for that. List some of your pieces on websites like Etsy, eBay, or Craigslist. Once you have established a presence, consider creating a website, accepting custom orders, or getting into finishing and upholstery work.
3. Online consultant for dating
Dating consultants are typically billed for their time. They assist people in creating successful online dating profiles, finding potential matches outside of normal online channels, and offer a level of customization that Tinder simply cannot achieve. Think you have a knack for matchmaking? This might be the activity for you.
4. Specialist in sewing and alterations
People will always need their clothes hemmed and their buttons repaired - and you could be the person to do it. If you enjoy sewing, start by offering simple services like those mentioned above, and expand your repertoire to sewing and design as you build a clientele and as needed.
5. Independent Developer
From creating websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. With such technical skills, make sure you can describe what you do and how you will do it in a language that is easy to understand. Test your messages on friends and family members who may not fully understand the work you do.
6. Personal Trainer
Offer home consultations, personalized diet plans and physical exercises, and community training camps to spread the message. Don't forget to fuel an Instagram feed with inspiring quotes, free exercise videos, and ideas for delicious snacks - it's a common way for fitness gurus to build their brands.
7. Independent Graphic Designer
Set your own schedule, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and a business you are proud of. From website design to blog graphics and much more, many companies are looking for experienced graphic designers for all kinds of projects.
8. Life/career coach
If you have some experience, put it to use as a life or career coach. Many of us are seeking guidance in our careers, and it can be difficult to find someone who has the time to guide us. Life or career coaches are not cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intensive and practical training and advice they need to make important decisions in their personal and professional lives. After all, there are times when everyone simply needs uplifting advice.
9. Resume Writer
Sending a resume, a cover letter, and - if necessary - a portfolio for a new job can be difficult and time-consuming. That's why many people seek help. Assist your clients by providing them with customized resumes, beautifully written cover letters, and carefully crafted portfolios that employers cannot ignore.
10. Independent writer
If you have writing skills, there is someone willing to pay you to acquire them. Write blog articles, magazine articles, and website content. Just make sure you have a portfolio to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few samples to have on hand, they will help showcase your work and attract new business.
11. Translator
Do you speak a foreign language? Start a translation service. Consider specializing in a specific type of translation, such as medical or financial translation, as you could fill a niche need in your community.
12. Garden Designer
Many people are willing to do the dirty work in their garden, but few have the necessary expertise to design a space in their garden. Draw up plans for your clients' outdoor spaces and let them do the digging.
13. Owner of an e-commerce store
Do you create, collect, or preserve special objects? Consider creating an online store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need a place to sell all the pottery you have made or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love to find, an online store can allow you to pursue your passion in a financially viable way.
14. Landscaper
Trimming, pruning trees, decorating according to the seasons are all needs of the neighborhood. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative venture.
15. Videographer
Video production requires that you have invested in equipment beforehand, which can be quite expensive. But this is also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure to have a reel of your work to share or create a website with multiple selections of your work available for interested viewers.
16. Photographer
Start by organizing photo sessions for your family and friends. As you build up a portfolio, ask for references. Photography businesses often grow through word of mouth. So, create a Facebook page where you can tag your recent clients, who will also appear in the news feeds of their friends.
17. Travel planner
The era of the travel agent may be over, but people still seek out those who have a knack for coordinating more non-traditional trips. If you still excel at planning perfect vacations, with beautiful hotels, ideal locations, and a plethora of delicious restaurants with lines out the door every night, consider advertising your services as a more modern approach to travel planning.
18. Specialist in car sales
The devil is in the details and so can you. Mobile auto detailing services are highly sought after. Just make sure you have the flexibility, transportation, and necessary equipment to take your business on the road.
19. Home Inspector
This will require a lot of expertise and certification, but it's a job that can give you the flexibility and compensation you've always dreamed of. Confirm the requirements for obtaining the license in your state and consider taking some courses to enhance your knowledge, authority, and expertise.
20. Household cleaning products
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 gaining a few small businesses as clients as well. They will typically pay you a higher wage for a similar amount of work.
21. Personal Chef
We all love to eat, but few of us have the time or energy to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Promote your services to local families and businesses. And consider "segmenting" certain groups of customers - for example vegetarians - so you can cook larger quantities of the same dish to feed them all.
22. Property Manager
Many people own properties that they do not live in - often located in different cities or states. It is useful to have someone who ensures that the property is well maintained, who takes care of small repairs as they arise, and who serves as a liaison with tenants.
23. Packaging services facilitator
Moving is always stressful, and many people hire out the entire packing process. Want to have a steady flow of customers? Partner with a local moving service that will refer new clients to you.
24. Massage Therapist
Soothe sore muscles and promote peace for your clients as a massage therapist. Learn about training and certification courses in your city and state, and invest in a portable massage bed to accommodate clients.
25. Hairdresser or makeup artist
Of course, you can go to cosmetology school and pay for an expensive chair in a salon, or you can offer specialized styling and makeup services directly to your client's door.
26. Bed and Breakfast owner
This is another commercial business that will require you to seek the proper authorization to operate in your state, but it will be worth it to see your dreams come true. Think about the customers who will come to your area and create special packages and themed stays that coincide with their interests in your region.
27. Interior Architect
Just like with landscaping, many people have the opportunity to buy the furniture and decorations they need to fill their room, but few know where to start. Building a portfolio may take some time, but by documenting your projects and sharing them online, you can build a fan base beyond your wildest dreams.
28. Owner of a non-profit organization
If you dream of dedicating your life to a cause you believe in, it may be time to create a non-profit organization. You will need to incorporate your business as a corporation and apply for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3), then you will need to comply with current standards, but the benefit obtained will have a significant impact on a cause you believe in. Want to do good while making a profit? Consider social entrepreneurship.
29. Tourist Guide
Do you love the local history of your city or state? Consider becoming a tour guide. Of course, you will need to do tons of research to do your job well, but that's half the fun. Stand out by offering guided tours that focus on a specific niche of your community's history. Some guides offer historical walking tours of the most haunted places in their city, while others organize food tours so that visitors can get a real taste of the city.
30. Tutor
Whether you are a math whiz, a piano master, or a Shakespeare enthusiast, there is someone out there who needs a little help and is willing to pay for it. Promote your services in schools, universities, and local community centers to advertise your services and build a client base.
31. Consultant
If you have significant experience or knowledge in a specific field, consider becoming a consultant. Perhaps you are an expert in hiring practices, have a knack for SEO, or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. If you are skilled in this area, establish yourself as a consultant and charge the current rate.
32. Owner of a clothing store
If you dream of building your own fashion empire, why not start with a local boutique? Make it stand out with impressive storefronts, inspiring social media accounts, and strong involvement in the community.
33. Event Planner
You can choose to specialize in a specific type of event - such as weddings or corporate meetings - or establish yourself as an event planner for all trades. If you are highly organized, attentive to detail, and have experience in planning large events, it may be time for others to benefit from your skills.
34. Owner of a specialized grocery store
Gourmet foods, cheeses, sake, wine - you name a food, there is a specialized food store for it. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to use and open a store where you offer the kind of expertise and selection that your audience could only dream of getting from their local grocer.
35. Assistant personnel
Once again, if you are an organized and detail-oriented person, the life of a personal assistant could be suitable for you. Do you not want to be tied to an office or a person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which will allow you to benefit from a more flexible work environment.
36. Owner of a supply truck
You have always dreamed of owning a restaurant but you are not quite ready to take the plunge? Test your concepts with a food truck. It is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with food and restaurant licenses in your state, to see what people like and don't like, and to build up a hungry audience before even opening or investing in a brick-and-mortar establishment.
37. Owner of a consignment store
If you have an eye for style but don't want to invest in the inventory of a brand new store, consider going consignment. This will allow you to build a collection of clothes that align with your goals and aesthetic, without the overhead costs of a store selling brand new clothing.
38. Caterer
If this personal chef position is too demanding for your schedule, consider a catering position instead. Choose your projects, work less but on larger events, and truly excel in managing your time.
39. Gym owner
Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by opening your own gym.
40. Daycare owner
Childcare services continue to be in high demand. While babysitters and nanny shares are popular right now, a good daycare is hard to come by. Fill a need in your neighborhood by opening your own. And, as always, make sure you are meeting your city and state's requirements for zoning, licensing, insurance, and inspection.
41. Owner of a boutique agency
What is your specialty? Whether it's marketing, social media, or public relations, it may be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help, but do not have the resources or volume to require a full-time position. Consider putting together a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their own agency, like Duane Brown from Take Some Risk.
42. Cafe owner
Transform your caffeine addiction into something a little more profitable. Opening a franchise or purchasing an existing store are less risky entry points into the coffee world, but they typically require a bit more money upfront. Starting a store from scratch requires more planning and a lot more work, but it also allows you to maximize your earnings potential in the future.
43. Moving company
A truck, moving equipment, manpower, permits, and appropriate insurance are the basic elements of starting your own moving business. But before investing in a fleet of trucks, start small with a single moving truck and keep your costs low. If the initial investment still seems too high, consider offering only packing services, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry.
44. Home staging
If you have a passion for interior decoration, a staging service could serve as a creative outlet and professional calling for you. You can build a portfolio with minimal initial investment by staging homes using the owner's existing furniture and decor. Most staging agents end up building a furniture inventory as they establish themselves and work in collaboration with real estate agents in the area.
45. Walker, groomer or dog trainer
Licenses and insurance will be the two most important factors for opening a dog walking, grooming, or training business, but your canine companions will surely make up for the initial paperwork. To test the waters before diving in, consider having your dogs walked by companies like Rover or Wag. Are you ready to embark on this adventure? Consider a franchise like Dogtopia.
Home Business Ideas
These home business ideas offer you some additional options that are either home-based or online.
1. Independent worker
In the world of freelancing, you can work from home and be your own boss. Use your skills to win business in the field you desire
Writing
Search Engine Optimization
Transcription
Conception
Illustration
Coding
Consultation
2. Social Media Manager
Do you have a talent for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts of companies and even individuals. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencers turn to marketing agencies or employees to help them manage their social channels.
3. Data Entry Clerk
Many companies are looking for data entry clerks to help them enter information into their computer systems and spreadsheets. If you have excellent computer and typing skills, this job may be for you.
4. Animal caretaker
Do you have a passion for pets? Consider becoming a pet sitter. While pet owners are on vacation, you can either host their pet at your home or visit them. Join a pet sitting service like Rover or Care.com to get started.
5. Holiday host
Have you ever used a home-sharing service instead of a hotel? You could earn a living by hosting visitors in your own home or renting out a room. Consider becoming a host with companies like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Homestay.
How to create a small home-based business
Identify your small business idea.
Start as a side business or a hobby.
Create a business plan.
Decide whether you will be a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship.
Create a business bank account.
Decide on your software.
Determine if your business idea is working well from home.
Install a desk...
At work!
1. Identify your small business idea.
Whether you choose an option from the list above or have another idea up your sleeve, it is important to have the experience, training, or necessary skills to succeed. Want to run a nursery but have never visited a successful nursery? Spend time researching to see if it truly aligns with your experience and interests.
2. Start as a side business or a hobby.
Can you start your business as a side job in the evening or on weekends? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand if your idea has a chance of success before quitting your nine-to-five job and losing your main source of income.
3. Create a business plan.
Once you know that your idea has the potential to succeed, it's time to build a business plan. Don't know where to start? Try this business plan template.
Your business plan should include the following elements:
Resume A high-level overview of your company and your market positioning.
Business model Describe what your company does, who it serves, and how your company is structured. You should include a description of the products and services you offer, and how they meet the needs of your customers.
Market conditions A summary of relevant information about competitors. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
Products and services Use this section to describe your products and services in detail and to highlight what sets your product apart from others in the market.
Operations and Management Describe the organizational structure of your company, its main roles and responsibilities.
Marketing and Sales Strategy This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. You will find information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offer, and your sales strategy.
Financial Plan - Create a detailed plan of your company's finances. Include your startup costs, initial financial projections, and how you plan to generate funds.
Annex Once the above sections are completed, finish the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.
Business plans must identify what sets your offer apart from your competitors. They must also be short and achievable. And your business plan must evolve with your company.
4. Decide whether you will be a SARL or a sole proprietorship.
Two common legal structures for small businesses are limited liability companies (LLCs) and sole proprietorships.
An SARL is a more complex business structure than a sole proprietorship and can include individuals, companies, and other SARLs as members. Additionally, SARLs are not subject to a separate level of taxation and offer business owners liability protection and tax benefits. SARLs are formed on a state-by-state basis.
Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and operated by a single individual and are not identified as a separate entity from the owner by the government. Although sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, sole owners are personally responsible for their business.
To learn more about choosing the right structure for your business, visit the Small Business Administration website.
5. Creating a business bank account.
Once you have a legally established business and have received an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. It is essential to have a professional bank account to separate your personal finances from those of your business, which can help you get a clear idea of cash flow and the financial health of your business. Additionally, separating your personal and business finances makes accounting and tax preparation easier.
Many banks offer business checking accounts and business savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically have no limit on the number of transactions that can be made, and come with a debit card that can be used for business purchases. However, these accounts do not earn interest.
Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time, but have a limited number of transactions that can take place each month. When starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a required minimum balance, so you won't be penalized for having low funds while you work on building your business.
6. Decide on your software.
You have a lot of things to do at the beginning. But a crucial step (and often forgotten by new entrepreneurs) is to choose the software that will allow you to be more efficient as your business grows.
Every business is different - but almost all businesses can use software to help them with analysis, project management, accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic daily tasks.
One of the most important software tools that any business should use is a free CRM that allows you to track important information about customers in a central database. It will help you align your team and ensure that you stay organized as your business grows.
7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.
Ask yourself if your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses are simply not suitable for a home-based operation. If you want to run a dog boarding business but live in an apartment without a garden, you may consider a dog walking business instead.
8. Set up a desk.
If your business idea is well suited for home management, it is still important that you have a designated workspace. Even if a home office is not possible, consider setting aside a corner of your living room or placing a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for your success.
Need a more professional space? If you are doing face-to-face work with clients and need to make video calls, no one wants to see your crumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that give you access to conference rooms, offices, etc.
9. Let's get to work!
You have worked hard and I have some good news... it will only get better. But most entrepreneurs will recognize that being your own boss, setting your own work hours, and working on projects that you are passionate about will pay off for the rest of your life.
Choosing a small business idea is a personal decision. But it can be helpful to share your ideas with friends and family. Don't be afraid to ask for help throughout this process - and don't forget to have a little fun while you work.
Are you ready to start your small business today? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to start a business. You can also go back and read this list of high-impact books on entrepreneurship that you can't afford not to read.