60 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business
What makes a good small business idea?
When it comes to starting your own small business, the key is finding a niche and a skillset that you're passionate about. You should also consider the demand for the product or service, as well as your ability to stand out among competitors.
Best Small Business Ideas
1. Handyman
Use your fixer-upper skills to help others with handyman services.
2. Woodworker
If you have a talent for woodworking, start crafting unique pieces and selling them online or at local markets.
3. Online Dating Consultant
Help others navigate the world of online dating by providing profile reviews and advice.
4. Sewing and Alteration Specialist
If you have a knack for sewing or tailoring, start your own alteration service for clothing or home decor items.
5. Freelance Developer
Use your coding skills to develop websites and apps for small businesses or individuals.
6. Personal Trainer
If you're passionate about fitness, become a personal trainer for clients looking to get in shape.
7. Freelance Graphic Designer
Put your design skills to work by creating logos, websites, and marketing materials for small businesses.
8. Life/ Career Coach
Help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives with coaching services.
9. Resume Writer
Offer your expertise in writing professional resumes for job seekers.
10. Freelance Writer
If you have a talent for writing, freelance for blogs, magazines, and businesses in need of content.
11. Landscaper
If you have a green thumb, start a landscaping service for residential or commercial properties.
12. Videographer
Create and edit videos for events, businesses, or online markets.
13. Photographer
Capture special moments and memories as a photographer for events or families.
14. Bed and Breakfast Owner
Use your hospitality skills to start your own bed and breakfast business.
15. Clothing Boutique Owner
Curate a unique collection of clothing and accessories and open your own boutique store.
16. Specialty Food Store Owner
Showcase your love for food by opening a specialty store that sells unique and delicious eats.
17. Food Truck Owner
Take your love for cooking on the road and start a food truck business.
18. Car-detailing Specialist
Provide thorough cleaning and detailing services for cars and other vehicles.
Best Businesses to Start with Little Money
1. Translator
If you're fluent in another language, offer translation services for individuals or businesses.
2. Garden Designer
Use your green thumb to design beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for clients.
3. Travel Planner
Help others plan their dream vacations by becoming a travel planner.
4. Home Inspector
Provide thorough inspections for potential homeowners and earn a living as a home inspector.
5. Personal Chef
Use your cooking skills to create delicious meals for individuals or families in need.
6. Property Manager
Help property owners with managing and maintaining their rental properties as a property manager.
7. Massage Therapist
Become a certified massage therapist and offer massage services for clients in need of relaxation.
8. Interior Designer
Create beautiful and functional spaces for clients as an interior designer.
9. Nonprofit Owner
Start your own nonprofit organization and work to make a difference in your community.
10. Tutor
Use your expertise in a subject to help others learn and excel as a tutor.
11. Consultant
If you have specialized knowledge in a certain area, use it to offer consulting services to individuals or businesses.
12. Event Planner
Plan and coordinate special events for clients as an event planner.
13. Personal Assistant
Assist busy individuals with their day-to-day tasks as a personal assistant.
14. Consignment Shop Owner
Buy and sell gently used items as a consignment shop owner.
15. Caterer
Provide delicious catering services for events and special occasions as a caterer.
16. Gym Owner
Use your passion for fitness to start your own gym or fitness studio.
17. Boutique Agency Owner
Start your own boutique agency and offer specialized services such as marketing or social media management.
18. Coffee Shop Owner
Open your own coffee shop and provide a space for people to gather and caffeinate.
19. Moving Company
Provide reliable moving services for individuals or businesses with your own moving company.
20. Home Staging
Help homeowners sell their properties faster by staging their homes as a home staging business.
21. Makeup Artist
Showcase your creativity and talent as a makeup artist for events, photoshoots, or individual clients.
22. Professional Organizer
Help people declutter and organize their spaces as a professional organizer.
Home Business Ideas
1. Coding
Offer coding and programming services from the comfort of your own home.
2. Vending Machine Owner
Start your own vending machine business and place machines in high-traffic areas.
3. Social Media Manager
Use your social media skills to manage and grow the online presence of businesses.
4. Data Entry Clerk
Provide data entry services for businesses in need of organizing their data.
5. Audio or Video Editor
Edit audio or video projects for clients from your home office.
6. Voiceover Artist
Use your vocal talents to provide voiceover work for videos, audiobooks, or commercials.
7. Dog Walker, Groomer, or Trainer
Start your own dog-related business such as a dog walking, grooming, or training service.
8. Candy Seller
Create and sell homemade candies and sweets online or at local markets.
9. Online Class Instructor
Create and teach online courses on platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare.
10. Small-Batch Goods Seller
Create and sell small-batch, handmade goods such as candles or soap.
Easy Businesses to Start
1. Vacation Host
Provide lodging and hospitality services for travelers as a vacation host.
2. Pet Sitter
Offer pet sitting, walking, or boarding services for pet owners in need.
3. Daycare Owner
Open your own daycare business and provide childcare services for working parents.
4. Blogger
Become a blogger and start creating content on a topic you're passionate about.
5. Home-Baked Goods Seller
Create and sell homemade baked goods such as cookies or cakes.
6. Ecommerce Store Owner
Create and sell products through your own ecommerce website or platform.
7. House Cleaner
Provide cleaning and organizing services for homes and businesses.
8. Packing Services Facilitator
Help individuals or businesses with packing, moving, and organizing services.
9. Etsy Shop Owner
Create and sell unique handmade or vintage items on the popular online marketplace, Etsy.
10. Tour Guide
Start your own tour guide business and offer guided tours of your city or town.
How to Start a Small Business at Home
If you're interested in starting your own small business at home, follow these steps:
1. Identify your small business idea.
Find a niche or skillset that you're passionate about and interested in pursuing.
2. Start as a side business or hobby.
Begin by testing the waters and starting your business as a side gig or hobby.
3. Decide on your software.
Choose the software and tools you'll need to run your business, such as an accounting program or website builder.
4. Create a business plan.
Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, and financial projections.
5. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
Choose a legal structure for your business, such as becoming an LLC or sole proprietorship.
6. Create a business bank account.
Separate your personal and business finances by creating a business bank account.
7. Set up an office.
Create a dedicated space in your home for your business, such as a home office or studio.
8. Get to work!
Start growing your business and reaching out to potential clients and customers.
Starting a Small Business: FAQ
What are the types of small businesses?
Small businesses can include anything from service-based industries to product-based companies.
Which business type is best?
The best business type depends on the individual's interests and expertise.
How do I create a business idea?
Create a business idea by identifying a gap in a market or using your own unique skillset.
What are some of the most successful small businesses?
Some of the most successful small businesses include healthcare services, e-commerce, and professional services.
What are the top growing small businesses?
According to Forbes, some of the top growing small businesses include education and training services, financial technology, and healthcare technology.
Brainstorm Your Next Small Business Venture
Use these small business ideas to inspire your next venture and start pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams.