Starting a small business can be an exciting prospect but also full of daunting challenges. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the potential risks of starting your own business – developing a viable product or service and finding capital investments can take up much of your time and energy.
But with a solid plan, the right attitude, and some grit, almost anyone can turn their dreams into reality. To help you in this endeavor, we’ve gathered together some of the best small business ideas from successful entrepreneurs across various fields so you can learn what it takes to start and grow a thriving venture. Read on for more!
30 Best Small Business Ideas
1. Online store
Start an online store to sell products and services on your website. This is a great way to make money from the comfort of your home without investing in brick-and-mortar locations or physical inventory.
2. Social media consulting
Leverage your knowledge of social media platforms and networks to help other businesses grow their presence on the web. You can offer services such as setting up accounts, helping with content creation and distribution, and providing analytics reports.
3. Copywriting
If you have a knack for writing words that get people’s attention, consider becoming a copywriter! Work with clients directly or through marketing agencies on creating killer copy for websites, emails, ads, product descriptions, and more!
4. Graphic design
Designers are in high demand! Offer your skills as a graphic designer to create logos, web designs, book covers, and more for both businesses and individuals.
5. SEO consulting
Help businesses optimize their websites for better search engine rankings by offering SEO services such as keyword research, link building, content optimization, and more!
6. Virtual assistant
Help busy entrepreneurs or professionals with tasks such as answering emails, scheduling meetings and appointments, making travel arrangements, transcribing documents, and more.
7. Affiliate marketing
Promote other businesses products and services on your website or blog for a commission. This is an easy way to make extra money without creating or selling anything yourself!
8. Design and sell print-on-demand t-shirts
This is a great way to create and sell custom t-shirt designs without buying or storing any physical inventory. You only need a computer, the internet, and some design software!
9. Create online courses
Harness your knowledge in an area of expertise to teach others through an online course. This is a great way to make money while helping others learn something new!
10. Sell handmade items on Etsy
Do you enjoy making crafts? Start selling handmade items such as jewelry, clothes, home decor, art prints, and more on Etsy!
11. Freelance writing
Put your writing skills to use and become a freelance writer! You can write articles, blog posts, product reviews, or even books for clients worldwide.
12. Mobile app development
Developing mobile apps is a great way to make money in today’s tech-driven world. Create games, productivity tools, entertainment apps – whatever you can imagine!
13. Website design and development
Help businesses create professional-looking websites with user-friendly navigation and features that their customers will love. You don’t have to be an expert coder – plenty of website builder tools make it easy to start.
14. Pet sitting/dog walking
Love animals? Offer your services as a pet sitter or dog walker to help busy pet owners care for their furry friends.
15. Social media management
Help businesses manage their social media accounts and create engaging content for their followers. You can offer strategy advice, design assistance, copywriting services, and more!
16. Cleaning services
Provide residential and commercial cleaning services to help keep homes and businesses looking their best.
17. Accounting/bookkeeping
Help small businesses, freelancers, or entrepreneurs keep track of their finances by providing accounting or bookkeeping services. You don’t have to be a certified accountant – basic knowledge in this field is enough!
18. Virtual event planning & management
Plan and manage virtual events such as webinars, conferences, workshops, and more for companies who need extra help with this task. You can offer everything from creating the event page to promoting it online!
19. Food delivery service
Start your own food delivery business by partnering with local restaurants and grocery stores to deliver meals straight to customers’ doorsteps.
20. Home renovation services
Help homeowners spruce up their homes with your handyman skills! Offer various home improvement services such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, and more.
21. Landscaping/gardening service
Help homeowners and businesses care for their outdoor spaces by providing landscaping and gardening services such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, trimming hedges, and more!
22. Personal training/fitness coaching
Become a personal trainer or fitness coach to get in shape and stay healthy. Depending on what works best for you and your clients, you can offer in-person or virtual sessions.
23. Photography services
Put your photography skills to use and offer to take pictures for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, family portraits, and more!
24. Personal chef/catering services
People love good food! Create custom menus and provide catering or personal chef services for private dinners, corporate events, birthdays, and other special occasions.
25. Interior design/staging services
Provide interior design or staging services to help homeowners create a beautiful living space. You can work with clients to create the perfect balance of comfort and style in their homes.
26. Car detailing service
Offer car detailing services to make cars look new again – inside and out! You can start by promoting your services to friends and family, then gradually expand by networking with local car dealerships.
27. Personal shopper/stylist
Help busy individuals find the perfect clothes for any occasion with your personal shopping or styling services. You can shop online and in person to help clients choose the right outfit!
28. Creative consulting
Share your expertise in a particular area of creativity, such as art, music, writing, fashion design, photography, or more, to provide creative consulting services for businesses and individuals.
29. Home organization/decluttering service
Help people declutter their homes by offering organizing services such as home staging and sorting through items they no longer need.
30. Meal planning/meal prep service
Offer meal planning and meal prep services to help busy individuals or families create nutritious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen! You can provide your clients weekly recipes, grocery lists, and pre-prepared meals.
These are just some of the best small business ideas you can explore. With creativity and hard work, anything is possible.
FAQs
How do I come up with a good small business idea?
To develop a good small business idea, it helps to start by identifying your interests and passions and researching what others in your field are doing.
How much does it cost to start a small business?
The cost of starting a small business can vary widely depending on the type of business you plan to launch and the resources available to you. Some businesses may require significant upfront investments, while others can be started relatively cheaply.
Be sure to research your specific industry before making any major financial decisions so you can make an informed decision.
What are some easy small business ideas?
Some easy small business ideas include freelance writing, blogging/vlogging, selling products online (such as handmade jewelry or home goods), tutoring, offering virtual assistant services, and becoming a personal trainer/fitness coach.
What kind of business can I start with no money?
It is possible to start a business with little or no money by leveraging existing resources such as tapping into your network for advice and mentorship, utilizing free online tools (such as WordPress for blogging), or looking into microloans from organizations like Kiva.
Additionally, many businesses can be started without significant upfront investments through bartering and working on a “sweat equity” basis.
What are some unique small business ideas?
Some unique small business ideas include selling custom-made products online (such as clothing or homemade jewelry), becoming a virtual event planner, offering pet-sitting/dog-walking services, starting a food delivery service, providing creative consulting services, and launching a home organization/decluttering business.
How do I get started with my small business idea?
To get started with your small business idea, it’s important to develop a business plan that outlines your company goals to reach them. It also helps to create an online presence for your business (such as building a website) and start networking within your industry to build relationships and find potential customers or partners.
Conclusion
These small business ideas have inspired you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. Almost anyone can turn their ideas into reality with a strong plan, attitude, and hard work.
