There is no better way to start a business than with a small business idea. Developing a small business idea can be a very simple process.
It should be noted, however, that not all small business ideas are equal.
Developing a successful small business idea requires a combination of passion, skills, strategic thinking, and timing.
Here are the best small business ideas you can start right now, without spending a lot of money.
How to Start a Business
Small businesses are typically defined as having a small number of employees, low sales volume, and are privately owned with most of the profits going to the owner, although definitions vary. In addition, these businesses usually serve a small community and see low staff turnover. In spite of the fact that every business has some startup requirements, many of them can be launched in a reasonable amount of time and without significant upfront costs.
Don’t let their size fool you; small-scale business ideas can be very successful. It is important to choose a niche that is profitable while being something that you enjoy so you can get started on your entrepreneurial journey. To get you started on the path to success, here are nearly four dozen ideas.
The Best Small Business Ideas
There are many local as well as online options available to you if you’re interested in starting your own small business on a small scale. To give you some ideas of what you can do online, here are a few suggestions.
Virtual assistant
The process of starting a virtual assistant business is simple and quick. A variety of administrative tasks, from data entry and travel booking to writing blog posts and scheduling content on social media, will be handled by you in this small business.
Take Kayla Sloan’s 10K VA course if you want to fast-track your business as a virtual assistant. Kayla began her business as a part-time virtual assistant and has grown it to over six figures. You will learn how to set your prices, establish your services, and find your first customers in this course.
Proofreader
You could make money by starting a proofreading business if you have a keen eye for typos. When you work as a proofreader, you examine documents from writers, business owners, and other professionals for grammar and punctuation errors.
Proofreader Caitlyn Pyle offers a free training course for potential proofreaders to help them decide if this is the career for them. Learn what proofreading is, how it differs from editing, what industries need proofreaders, and how you can earn $20 an hour or more.
Freelance writer
As a freelance writer, you’ll write blog posts, research documents, white papers, and other types of content. It is possible to work for websites, magazines, online journals, newspapers, and other businesses. If you enjoy writing and research, consider starting this small business. Aspired freelance writers can learn how to do that from writer Holly Johnson, who now offers a course for them.
Among the strategies Holly teaches are how to find high-paying clients, how to work with editors, ideas for pitching, and how to use social media to grow your business.
Social media manager
In the field of social media, social media managers help companies create, schedule, and monitor their social media presence on social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. In addition to managing social media content calendars, you will be responsible for responding to comments and questions, creating images, and performing other tasks related to social media.
Facebook ads manager
The use of Facebook ads is an important component of many business owners’ marketing strategies, and you can start a small-scale company that takes care of Facebook ads on behalf of those companies.
It is up to you to create the ads, manage the Facebook advertising budget, and monitor their performance through the analysis of the data provided in the Facebook Ads Manager dashboard. It would be a wise decision to sign up for a program such as Bobby Hoyt’s Facebook Side Hustle Course if you are interested in starting your own small-scale business.
It consists of nine modules covering everything you need to know about creating effective ads, navigating the Facebook ad system, establishing campaigns, finding your first client, and pricing your services successfully.
Blog writer
A blog is a good choice if you would like to own your writing while still sharing your thoughts with the world. Your articles will be published on your own website, similar to those you would write as a freelance writer.
The possibilities of making money with a blog are endless, from creating courses to selling eBooks.
Resume writer and editor
You can turn your experience working in human resources or reviewing resumes into business writing and editing resumes for job seekers. You’ll assist your clients in writing effective and clear resumes that will stand out to prospective employers. As part of this process, they may also need to have their resumes proofread and formatted.
SEO consultant
The purpose of search engine optimization is to optimize web content so that it can be found by search engines like Google and Yahoo. In order to increase readership, the site must rank higher in search engine results. An SEO consultant analyzes a company’s website content and suggests ways they can improve their search engine rankings and generate more organic traffic to their site.
You can learn how to do this from various resources, but it seems complicated.
Email marketing specialist
A small-scale email marketing business allows you to create marketing campaigns for companies and businesses. It is possible to format newsletters, edit and proofread for clarity and grammar, or design graphics. Managing email lists, analyzing statistics, and writing press releases can also be part of the job requirements.
Low-content eBook creator
Instead of writing a full-scale book, consider creating one with low content. There are a number of in-demand products that are quick and easy to manufacture, such as coloring and activity books, planners, journals, and blank notebooks. It is possible to sell your own low-content eBooks on Amazon, your own website, or even Etsy if you have a low-content eBook generator.
If you are planning on creating a low-content book, take advantage of free web-based design software like Canva, which offers hundreds of images, layouts, and tutorials. The ability to create interesting and professional-quality books is not dependent on expert graphic design skills.
Trading card shop owner
Despite the fact that I am not familiar with this, Ben – our co-founder – sells Pokemon cards online for thousands of dollars every year. Whether you’re into Magic, Pokemon, sports, or any other number of trading card games (TCG), you’ll be happy to know there are opportunities to make serious money buying, holding, or selling your wax.
Pet walker or sitter
It is often necessary for people who work outside the home or have mobility issues to have someone walk their dogs during the day. Dog walking is an opportunity for you to enter the field of business as a neighborhood or apartment building dog walker.
Getting started is as easy as letting your friends know you’re available or registering with Rover, which will connect you with clients looking for reliable dog walkers. Using Rover, you can create a profile that shows your availability and rates, as well as which dog breeds you prefer to work with. As well as boarding pets in your home, you can also make money with Rover.
Vrbo host
It is possible to start a small-scale business renting out space in your home or apartment as long as it is okay with your landlord or homeowner’s association. You will be able to earn money as a Vrbo host by renting out your home to travelers looking for a place to stay.
Using this tool, you can get an idea of how much your property may be worth by answering a few questions about its location, the number of bedrooms, and its availability, and see how much revenue you will be able to expect each month from renting it.
Babysitting
Babysitters are more popular than daycares when parents need someone to watch their children while they’re at work. Many parents prefer to have a reliable babysitter so they can run errands, go to the gym, or have a date night without having to worry about the kids.
Having a flexible schedule and enjoying spending time with children is a great reason to start a babysitting business. If you want to find your first client, you can advertise on social media or register with a website like Care.com.
Computer repair
Since personal computers are a staple in most homes, computer repair is a viable business. Hardware issues, software updates, installing anti-virus programs, and setting up a new computer are all examples of repair issues.
The services you provide are entirely up to you, and if you’re good with computers and have a flexible schedule, this might be a good small business to consider. It is even possible for you to offer phone support as an additional service to your business.
Insurance billing specialist
It is the responsibility of an insurance billing specialist to process claims for health insurance on behalf of medical providers and offices. Having an understanding of medical terminology, a willingness to learn the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and being able to organize yourself are all vital elements of starting a home-based business. It is also possible that you may be able to work as a freelancer in medical facilities such as hospitals or surgery centers.
Transcriber
It is possible to start a business as a transcriber if you have good listening and typing skills. It is your responsibility as a transcriber to listen to audio files and then translate them into text documents. Depending on the client, the format, style, and content of the transcription documents will differ from one to another. It is possible for you to learn more about what is involved in working as a transcriber, as well as where to find your first clients by following some guides online.
Transcribe Anywhere offers a number of courses that might be helpful to you before you start. Taking their free mini-course will teach you the basics of building a transcription business, or you can learn about legal transcription or general transcription.
Housecleaning business
House cleaners perform specific or general cleaning services in other people’s homes. Additionally, you can offer landlords services such as commercial cleaning, construction site cleanup, and move-out cleaning.
Despite its low start-up costs, you’ll need to check with your city or state if you need any licenses, background checks, or special insurance.
Vacation planner
Your job as a vacation planner involves helping clients book their next vacation. You will assist with hotel reservations, airline or train tickets, excursions, special experiences, and dining reservations. The experience is similar to being a travel agent in the old days.
The majority of this is easy for people to do on their own, so specializing in a specific vacation type, like Disney World or cruises, is helpful. As you gain expertise, you’ll be able to save clients time and money by learning insider tips and tricks.
Mobile/in-home dog groomer
Your clients do not have to bring their dogs to the pet salon; rather, you bring the pet salon to them. It is possible to provide the same services, such as baths, nail trimmings, haircuts, and teeth brushing, but in the comfort of their own homes. Pet owners who cannot get to the salon during their business hours or who have elderly pets (or elderly owners) will greatly benefit from this service.
In addition to clippers and a grooming table, you will need some training and certifications to do this job.
Etsy store owner
By selling homemade crafts or products on Etsy, you can turn your hobby of crafting into a small-scale business that you can run from home. Etsy is an easy-to-use platform that offers low selling fees and a quick storefront setup that allows you to sell everything from knit goods to hand-painted glasses, as well as digital products. In fact, you can even link your Etsy store to your Facebook account if you wish to do so. The advantages of this are that it simplifies the process of advertising and selling your products to a larger audience.
Custom gift creator
You don’t have to limit yourself to Etsy to sell your crafts. It is possible to create custom items, such as quilts, t-shirts, board games, or picture frames, and sell them at craft shows or through dropshipping sites like Shopify, where you can sell them for a commission. In this small business model, the start-up costs are low, and most of the supplies you need to manufacture the products are included in the costs of starting.
Graphic designer
Designing visual images, such as logos, social media graphics, magazine covers, book covers, signs, brochures, infographics, and many more, is what graphic designers do.
In the event that you have an eye for design, enjoy being creative, and have access to programs such as Canva, Illustrator, or Photoshop, then owning a graphic design business is an excellent option for you. Getting started is as easy as selling your services on Fiverr or as easy as contacting small business owners and offering your services to them.
Photographer
As a photographer, you may specialize in different aspects of photography such as family or pet portraits, wedding photos, graduation or first birthday pictures, or headshots for resumes or business websites. When your business grows, you might consider renting a commercial space once you have established a studio in your home.
For this small-scale business, you will need professional lighting and camera equipment. It is also possible to make money by taking pictures and selling them on stock photography sites if you prefer not to have a set schedule.
Audiobook narrator
It is possible to start a business as an audiobook narrator for indie authors if you enjoy reading books aloud, have a decent microphone and software for recording, and have a quiet place to work. It is possible for you to improve your skills and reach more clients if you take acting classes, practice public speaking, or learn different accents and voices.
Quilter
If you have a good understanding of how to use a sewing machine, you should be able to offer your services to people who are in need of old T-shirts being turned into quilts. In order to get started, you only need minimal materials, since your customers will send you their shirts, but you will also need a way to ship those shirts back to them. If you want to expand your services, you can even create custom quilts that are perfect for newborns, newlyweds, or for housewarmings.
Book designer
There are many authors who become overwhelmed when it comes to designing the cover art, the layout, and other graphics for their books. A book designer is an occupation that can be a great fit for those with a flair for graphic design. Additionally, you might even be able to offer related marketing services, such as ad campaigns and social media graphics, as an additional revenue stream for your business.
Food delivery driver
In order to start delivering food, you simply have to register with a company like Postmates and begin. You can earn money by working as a courier with Postmates, not only are you going to make money in tips, but you’re also going to get paid for your mileage and the time you spend waiting in line before you pick up the package. In addition, you do not need a car to work for Postmates; you can deliver packages on foot, by scooter, or by bicycle.
You can also deliver for national chains, working in their catering division, or you can deliver for local businesses who are delivering pizza and other foods as part of their deliveries. If you would prefer to have groceries delivered to your home, there is another option called Instacart.
To be able to work as a food delivery driver, you’ll need to have proper insurance as well as a valid driver’s license. In spite of the fact that the start-up expenses for your business are probably going to be low, be sure you take into account fuel costs, car maintenance, and any other associated expenses so that you can deduct them from your taxes.
Event valet
It is important to keep in mind that operating an event valet business involves parking vehicles in small or tight spaces, driving unfamiliar vehicles, and keeping track of keys as well as which cars are parked where.
As part of this position, you will be expected to be organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable driving vehicles with automatic and manual transmissions. Furthermore, you will need proper auto insurance as well as a valid driver’s license in order to drive.
Bike messenger
It is common for many urban businesses, such as law firms, architecture firms, and even restaurants, to use bike messengers to deliver documents and other products to their customers. It is a great small business idea if you enjoy riding your bike, know how to navigate your city’s traffic, and don’t mind working outdoors in unpredictable weather conditions. If you are interested in getting started in this business, you should make sure your bike is in good condition, and you should make sure you have the appropriate safety gear and clothing.
Errand runner
It is possible to start a business running errands for other people if you are willing to do small, everyday tasks. Among the many services you can offer, you can pick up prescriptions and dry cleaning, go grocery shopping, go to the post office, or wait in line to pay a bill or make a purchase. People might even pay you to wait in their house for a repairman while they go to work.
To get started, you will need to create a TaskRabbit profile. Consider working directly with clients if you find this is a service that is in demand in your area.
Fitness Instructor
In your role as a fitness instructor, you’ll help clients meet their fitness goals by creating exercise plans, choreographing routines, and staying up-to-date on the latest fitness trends and advice.
No formal education is required, but you will need some training and certification. Depending on the type of training or instruction you offer, those will vary. It is possible to work as a freelancer or contract worker at a gym, or you can set up a home gym and have clients come to you.
One-on-one wellness coach
Wellness coaches work one-on-one with clients to improve their physical and emotional well-being. The strategies could range from losing weight to quitting smoking to learning healthier coping mechanisms.
You will be working on a variety of projects depending on the needs and goals of each client, as well as your strengths, specializations, and certifications. If you like motivating, helping, and empowering people, then this is a good option for you as a small business owner.
Meal planner & prepper
When it comes to saving money every month, meal planning and prepping is an easy way for busy families and individuals to cut down on expenses. In spite of this, a lot of people do not have time or knowledge to make a meal plan or prepare their own meals in order to maintain a healthy diet.
It is possible to start a business providing meals to busy families. As their chef, you will be taking orders, cooking the food, and delivering it to them every week. Check with your state to see if there are any licenses or certifications you need to be able to sell food from your home. There is also the option to sell meal plans, which include recipes and grocery lists, and to have your clients cook the meals themselves.
Music teacher
You can teach kids and adults how to play instruments if you know how to play one or two. Depending on your clients, you can teach them at their homes, in a music studio, or in your own home. Think about hosting virtual group classes or creating and selling an online course if you want to scale your music teaching business.
Sports skills coach
The demand for specialized coaching in sports is high. Flyers in cheerleading work with flexibility coaches, pitchers in baseball and softball need pitching coaches, and golfers need swing coaches. Sports enthusiasts and former athletes can start a business providing private lessons and clinics to athletes in their area if they’re well-versed in these sports.
Online tutor
Math, history, and physics are some of the subjects that students need help with. It may be a good idea for you to start a tutoring business if you enjoy working with students and are knowledgeable about a subject. If you want to offer your services in person, you can meet with your clients at their homes or in public places. An online tutoring company can be a good alternative if you cannot work as an in-person tutor.
Interview preparation coach
For many people, interviews can be the most challenging part of the hiring process. It is possible to turn your experience interviewing people into business coaching people who are preparing for interviews if you have had success in the interview process, or you have spent a significant amount of time interviewing people.
The services can include teaching them how to answer questions clearly and succinctly, calm their nerves, and recover from a bad answer. Provide this service in their homes or in a public place such as a coffee shop, library, or community center.
Lesson plan creator
Teachers often spend a lot of time writing lesson plans. Try writing and selling lesson plans for other teachers if you have experience writing them and have been praised for their originality or creativity. It is possible to sell your lesson plans directly through your website or through a third-party website such as TeachersPayTeachers.
Translator/interpreter
Working as a translator or interpreter is an option if you’re fluent in another language and don’t want to teach, or if you want to supplement your teaching income. It is possible to find work in courts, schools, entertainment, or by connecting with authors.
A company like Education First might also be a good fit if you teach English as a Second Language.
Education First is a great option for teachers who speak languages like French or Spanish or who want to teach English to non-native speakers. Teacher positions include educational tour guides, foreign language instructors, and camp counselors. There are options for working in person in the U.S. or abroad, as well as remote options.
Genealogy researcher
A genealogy research site like 23andMe was created before it became possible to trace your genetic heritage. They still do so in many cases. Working as a genealogy researcher may be a good option for you if you have good research skills, can meet deadlines, and have access to appropriate records.
It is recommended that you consult the National Genealogy Society if you are interested in learning more about working in this field. For those who are interested, they offer courses, books, and free resources through their website.
Online course creator
It is possible to make money teaching students even if you are not a licensed teacher. The good thing about platforms like Outschool is that it allows you to connect with and create courses for students of all ages, from 3 to 18. It is possible for teachers to create courses on everything from how to play guitar chords to how to make sushi and even how to calculate the square root of 16 on Outschool.
The classes you offer can be live or recorded, so students can watch them at their convenience, and you can earn up to $40 per student per class.
Holiday light installer
It’s a seasonal small business idea, but it can be lucrative. For homeowners or retail stores, offering your services to hang outdoor holiday lights is a good idea if you have a good eye for lighting displays. Since your customers will provide the lights, this business has some of the lowest start-up costs. There are only a few tools and a ladder you need to get started.
Appliance repair
Consider starting an appliance repair business if you’re good at fixing things. In this position, you’ll be called to people’s homes to fix items like washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, or stoves. You might even offer ancillary services such as vacuum cleaning and window air conditioning repair. You should always check with your state to see if you need any licenses, insurance, or certifications.
Lawn care or snow removal
It is not uncommon for many people to have to shovel snow and mow lawns because they don’t have the time, desire, or even the equipment to do them. If you are interested in starting a small-scale business, you can offer these services to homeowners or businesses in your local area. You can also offer your customers additional services such as pool cleaning and landscaping if you have the knowledge to do so.
Tailor/clothing alterations
Alterations are needed for prom dresses, wedding gowns, pageant dresses, suits, and even jeans. You can start a business tailoring clothes if you’re good with a sewing machine or thread and needle. If you are a freelancer, you can provide your alterations independently or contract with some local formal wear shops or dry cleaners.
Home energy auditor
Many people try to reduce their electricity bills to lower expenses. Auditing homes’ energy efficiency, room by room, is part of your job as a home energy auditor. As a home energy auditor, you’ll look at how much energy a home uses, and where energy is being lost, and make suggestions for improvements so that the homeowners can save money and enjoy their homes more.
In order to work as a home energy auditor, you will need some equipment and training, so keep that in mind.
Residential window cleaner
In most cases, homeowners are able to clean the inside of their windows, but they need assistance with the outside panes, especially on higher floors. It is possible to offer your services to clean windows if you have a ladder and the proper cleaning and safety equipment. Consider expanding them to include gutter cleaning, power washing, and chandelier cleaning.
This type of business may require a special license or insurance. Make sure you find out whether you are required to have it.
Small Business Start-Up Tips
Here are the steps you need to take to start your small business:
Focus on honing your idea. The first step to offering services is to determine what you’ll sell. It is possible to do that by evaluating your skills. Consider what you are capable of, what you are not willing to do, how much time you have to build and grow your business, and whether you need any upfront costs or certifications.
Establish your business’s goals. Think about why you want to start your own business and what you hope to accomplish. Do you want to work from home and earn money? How about quitting your full-time job and spending more time with your family? It’s also possible to set goals for your quarterly income, the number of employees you’d like to hire, and the kinds of clients you’d like to work with.
Decide what your prices will be. It’s here that you determine how much you’ll charge your customers. If you sell artwork on Etsy, you can charge per product or per hour for services delivered, such as consulting or babysitting. You can set your price by researching what other business owners are charging for similar products.
Create a financial plan for your business. You will need an invoicing system and a business bank account. As your business grows, you may consider moving to a system like FreshBooks from an Excel spreadsheet and PayPal.
Develop a marketing plan. In order to promote your business online and offline, you’ll need a marketing strategy. To create professional business cards for in-person marketing, you can use a site like Moo. Websites, Google Business pages, and social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all examples of online marketing strategies. Spreading the word about your business is easy and inexpensive with these methods.
Make Sure You Take Care of The Legal Stuff as Well
You may need permits, licenses, certifications, or insurance depending on the type of business you start. Make sure you know the rules and regulations in your state or city before you begin working with clients. Moreover, you should ensure that your business name is not trademarked and that you are properly registered with your state.
It is also important to set up your business as a legal entity, such as a sole proprietorship or an LLC. The use of legal structures by small businesses is common for tax purposes, tracking expenses separately, and reducing personal liability, despite the fact that many small business owners choose not to do it. If you are unsure which option would be best for your business, seek advice from an accountant or attorney.
To research how to register an LLC or partnership in your state, you can use Legal Rocket or LegalZoom. Additionally, they help with the paperwork associated with starting a business.
Start Your Own Small Business
The benefits of owning a small business include earning extra income and working for yourself. Compared to other types of businesses, they have relatively low start-up costs, are easy to market, and you can find clients fairly quickly.
Choose an idea that fits your schedule, and your talents, and has significant earning potential if you go this route. Owning a business should be an exciting and fulfilling experience for you. Consider trying something else if it feels burdensome. You have a variety of options to choose from.
