Who does not deeply appreciate an excellent business idea? Not merely a run-of-the-mill idea, but one that ignites a creative spark and imagination – the kind that solves problems, fosters innovation, and, perhaps, most importantly, improves lives. Many people dream of starting their own business venture or startup. It could be a mom-and-pop store selling books or gift items or a disruptive startup, such as Airbnb.
Like many Americans, you may also dream of starting your business enterprise. Perhaps John Tabis and Juan Pablo Montufar inspire you to develop a business like The Bouqs – an online flower delivery service that sources ethical, sustainably grown flowers to create unique bouquets.
No doubt, running your own venture from your garage, home, or even from an office means you can achieve complete control over your exciting professional destiny. You’ve all the decision making-power and are calling the shots.
It is no surprise lots of individuals save funds and spend their days dreaming about novel and ingenious businesses to build. No longer do people need a brick-and-mortar store or significant capital to kick off a new venture. Nowadays, with simply a sprinkle of creativity and a healthy dose of will and determination, you will be able to launch a new startup or commercial enterprise. However, without an excellent business idea for your startup, it is almost impossible or at least incredibly tricky to know where to start.
An idea or concept, small as it might seem at the outset, has the potential to grow and ripple into something impactful and extraordinary. So, let’s get you past the initial hurdle of wondering, “What type of business enterprise should I launch?” These 70 small business ideas are a good entry point for bootstrappers, beginners, or anybody with a busy schedule, letting you start a small side business without dropping everything else.
Small Business Ideas to Create Your Own Destiny
- Social Media Wizard
As a social media manager, you will oversee the daily operations of a brand’s social media accounts on various platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Slay the “algorithm beast” for modern businesses. Create engaging content that converts, schedule like a pro, and watch those engagements soar.
- Event Planner
Are you the go-to person individuals ask to plan the next birthday or big party? Or, maybe because of your meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills, you are often asked to plan and organize important marketing events for work.
You can use your creative flair and inventiveness to transform ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences. Start an event planning firm to help your clients bring their unique event concepts to life.
- Packing Services Facilitator
No doubt, moving is a pain. In fact, it is an agony, and many people outsource the whole hassling cycle. You could help families moving into new homes by transporting and/or packing their belongings. Looking for a constant flow of customers? Consider teaming up with a local moving company. They can refer their clients to you, helping you expand your business.
- Lawn Care and Maintenance
One thing almost all homeowners and families need is their lawns mowed and backyards tended to. So, why not gather up all the tools and yard equipment you need to capitalize on this opportunity? Lawnmowers, edgers, rakes, and the like! Offer to take over these menial and tedious tasks for your local clients.
- Translator/Interpreter
With the world becoming more global and multifaceted, the need for translation and interpreter services continues to increase. And some of that entails translating documents, emails, contracts, and content. So, bridge communication gaps and open doors to new markets with your editorial skills and language prowess.
- Dog Walking Services
It can be challenging to keep up with a Fido or other furry friend, especially high-energy and playful breeds – Siberian Husky or Jack Russell Terrier – with limited outdoor access. Unleash the furry fury and energy, get some exercise and earn pawsitive karma all at once.
If you become a professional dog walker, you will help pet owners in the neighborhood keep their pups healthy, happy, and well-exercised. The best part is that dog walking requires almost no initial investment. You may have to consider business liability insurance – it is just a protective measure in case of bites, accidents, or unexpected lawsuits.
- Nanny
Do you love playing with kids? Hard to say no to that! Use your imagination, and who knows, a nanny business may be perfect for you. You will be pleased to know that sometimes nannying positions provide food, board, and other perks. You could also be a part-time nanny!
- Online Tutor
Tutoring school children or adults who would like to learn a new skill is a great way to rake in extra dollars around your standard working hours. Sites like Tutor.com and Skooli are ideal places to connect with students or adults in need. You may be great at math, speaking Spanish, or playing the guitar, so why not help and teach others?
- Handyman/Handywoman
Touted as the jack of all trades, master of none – however, usually better than a master of one! So, if you are handy around the house and know your way around things like how to fix stuff, a handyman business may be for you. Fix it, build it, make it happen! Your practical skills are valuable and always in demand.
- Boat Cleaning
From winter hibernation to mid-season tune-ups, a clean hull is a happy hull. And depending on the kind of boat, other parts need major cleaning, too– the sleeping quarters, decks, and head. You can start by approaching houses with an idle boat in the backyard. Or consider marketing your cleaning services to the marina.
- Virtual Assistant VIP
Be the organized fairy godmother to busy entrepreneurs and business magnates. From scheduling appointments to managing emails and social media, you’ll be their productivity lifeline.
- Airbnb host
Do you need a fancy second home or huge property to become an Airbnb host? No! Actually, the accommodation platform initially started as a convenient way for average homeowners to rent their spare rooms temporarily for extra cash. Have some extra space in your condo or apartment? Create an account (it takes minutes) with Airbnb and rent the space at weekends and for overnight stays.
- Content Creator
Got the writing bug? Compose blog entries, website copy, and magazine articles galore. You can even spin captivating scripts for that viral YouTube channel you’ve been dreaming of.
Just ensure you’ve a body of work or portfolio built up to share with potential customers.
- Vending Machine Service
Have you contemplated the profitability of vending machines while putting in your crumpled bills and selecting B7 to get your snack or drink of choice? It may seem surprising, but the individuals placing those vending machines (hidden empires in miniature) are turning a handsome profit.
You just have to decide which kind of products you want to market and sell and find suitable locations for these machines.
- Etsy Emporium
Harness your inner artistic skills and flair and fill your shop with handmade treasures, upcycled wonders, or quirky prints. Choose from t-shirts, phone cases, hats, hoodies, and skirts, and rake in serious dough.
- Web Designer
Learning to be a website developer or designer does require upfront schooling costs and training. However, you will find plenty of boot camps to get you up to speed. Develop stunning, intuitive, and user-friendly websites that leave a lasting impression.
- Search Engine Optimization Strategist
If you are skilled at SEO, you can open a business offering your knowledge and expertise as a service. Navigate the complexities of search engines and help businesses and startups climb the rankings.
- Ridesharing Driver
What about getting paid to drive during the free time? It is a great and simple way to make extra money. While it will not likely replace a full-time paycheck, you will find it a profitable extra revenue stream or even a side hustle. Nerd Wallet crunched the numbers, and here’s what it takes to reach ride-hailing riches, $50,000 to be precise. Uber drivers need 60.21 weekly trips, Lyft demands 83.76, and Sidecar (in their heyday) required 72.03.
- Print on Demand
Are you on the hunt for promising and lucrative online business ideas? If so, print on demand (POD) is definitely worth your attention and time. In the POD business model, you craft designs for many items. Phone cases and mugs, to name a few!
However, you don’t have to print anything. This is where your suppliers come in and do the heavy lifting. Printing, packaging, and shipping, and you have to pay after a sale—so no initial costs.
- Antiquities Renovation
Did you know that there’s a niche market for professionals who can restore or reinstall original fixtures in grand, old homes? Some examples include cabinet pulls, bricks, and old or damaged window panes. So, if vintage elegance is your style, you will like this small business idea.
- Virtual Fitness Fanatic
No doubt, after the COVID-19 pandemic, gyms and fitness centers saw considerable drops in membership numbers. Plus, influencers and social media personalities had a field day with loads of DIY at-home videos.
Video fitness trainers are popping up on YouTube, Instagram, and apps like MindBody, building a booming business model that caters to diverse and unique workout preferences. So, get hearts pumping and endorphins racing with personalized training sessions or group fitness classes.
- Errand Extraordinaire
Why not help time-strapped neighbors or colleagues keep up with their grocery lists and dry-cleaning woes? They will sing your praises, and you will get to make some extra cash.
- Interior Decorator
If you’ve a keen eye for interior design, this can be a fun and rewarding way to make money. Transform bland spaces into stunning sanctuaries with your design prowess.
- Home-based Catering
Do you have a knack for cooking and see it as a satisfying and creative outlet? If yes, launching your small business in home-based catering is a fulfilling and profitable venture. Whip up culinary delights and spread joy (and deliciousness) with your catering services. To kick things off, consider setting up a catering website and getting involved in local food markets.
- Kids’ Party Planner
Did you know that the average American spends $500 per party? With a valuable book like Start Your Own Kid-Focused Business, you can learn everything you must know to get your kid business off the ground.
From beverage and food selection to arranging memorable entertainment, spread lots of smiles and receive referrals from satisfied customers.
- Cybersecurity Sleuth
Protect the digital world from lurking hackers and other malicious actors with your watchful eye, technical prowess, and sharp skills.
- Photographer
If you’ve the knack for capturing great candid moments- weddings, portraits, product shots, your lens can tell a thousand stories. You can also become a stock photographer by registering as a sole proprietor.
- Musician/Composer
Have a creative flair or cinematic spark? Let your melodies and tunes move the world – write original music, play gigs, or teach aspiring musicians.
- Data Entry Assistant
Many companies look for data entry clerks. They need assistance with entering data into their computer systems and accounting pages. Assuming you’ve good typing skills (many people do), this may be an ideal business for you.
- Podcast Host/Producer
Did Sarah Koenig’s Serial inspire you to uncover the truth? If so, the world of audio storytelling could be a good choice – host your own podcast or produce riveting content for others.
- Makeup Artist
Ready to flaunt your creative magic? Mastering diverse and unique makeup styles opens doors to endless possibilities and a broad clientele. Consider offering makeup and styling services for memorable events, photo shoots, and video shoots.
- Food Truck Chef
Hit the streets and dish out deliciousness and flavorsome goodies with your unique culinary creations. From jacket potatoes and pizza to Indian and vegan cuisine, people just like picking up yummy eats from local food truck chefs and vendors.
- Sustainability Consultant
If you care about the environment, help businesses and companies adopt eco-friendly practices, lower carbon emissions, and make the world a better and greener place.
- Virtual Reality Experience Creator
Design immersive and engaging VR experiences that transport users to new worlds. Help them witness the eruption of Mount Vesuvius firsthand or walk alongside dinosaurs in the primeval forests.
- Drone pilot/Videographer
If you have an eye for detail, capture stunning aerial footage and provide businesses with a unique perspective so they can make data-driven decisions.
- Life Coach/Motivational Speaker
You can empower and inspire individuals to reach their full potential or communicate better with their partners with your coaching skills and stirring words.
- Financial Advisor/Debt Counselor
Individuals often find it challenging to rein in spending and plan their budget. Some are buried under mountains of debt and student loans. Help people manage their finances wisely and get out of debt.
- Sell on Amazon
Selling online is a convenient way to bring home the bacon. Amazon is the world’s biggest online retailer and the leading e-commerce market in the US. Being so, you can take advantage of all that traffic in order to sell some products and goods of your own.
- Jewelry
If you’ve always had a love for rings, bracelets, and necklaces, perhaps you’ll benefit from getting into the jewelry business. You can take many routes, such as hand-crafted jewelry and high-end designer items.
- App Developer
Dream it, code it, and launch it! Build the next big streaming or ridesharing app that solves a problem and changes the world.
- Instagram Consulting Services
If you’re privy to the secrets to Instagram engagement, you can launch an IG consulting business and make some dough. Clients will likely pay you well for creating engaging captions, attractive bios, responding to comments, and much more.
- Resume Writer
Here’s another business idea that relies on your writing and editing skills. As a resume writer, you will help clients craft compelling and comprehensive resumes that stand out to prospective employers. This service is especially in high demand in today’s saturated and competitive job market. You can extend your services to interview prep and career coaching as well.
- Car Washing Service
Car washing has been an attractive source of fundraising for many high schoolers. However, it may also work as a lucrative business idea for adults too. Have some space outside your home or a nearby yard? Consider offering car washing and maybe valeting services to locals.
- Launch a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is a popular retail fulfillment model where third-party suppliers store and transport inventory to clients on your behalf. As e-commerce is booming, the dropshipping model offers an inventory-free and convenient way to participate in this growing digital marketplace.
- Yoga/Meditation Instructor
Guide others on their journey to inner peace, better health and well-being. It is incredibly satisfying.
- Sewing & Alteration Expert
Have a knack for sewing? You may start a sewing or alteration business, offering various services, from mending apparel to creating customized garments.
- Massage Therapist/Esthetician
Help clients relax, relieve pain, rejuvenate, and feel their best with your skilled touch and various massage techniques.
- Data Analyst
If you are good at number-crunching, you can reveal hidden insights and actionable data for businesses in many sectors, like healthcare and retail.
- Ecommerce Guru
Want to join the ranks of Jeff Bezos? Build an online empire – set up, manage, and market an online store that thrives. You can sell anything from home appliances to antique art pieces.
- Meal Kit Delivery Service
Curate healthy and delicious meal kits that simplify dinnertime and save time for busy families.
- Food Blogger/Instagram Foodie
Share your culinary experiences and inspire others with mouthwatering photos and recipes.
- Pet Waste Removal Service
Offer a clean-up solution for busy pet owners and families and keep neighborhoods clean and fresh.
- Online Cooking Class Instructor
Besides being a chef, you can also teach the world to cook! Host virtual cooking classes and share your culinary expertise.
- Gift Kit Creation
Ever got a box in the mail loaded with customized snacks, gadgets, wine, and knick-knacks? Fortunately, gift kit businesses do not need too much upfront since you can ask the purchaser to pay before buying and drop shipping any products.
- Dog Photographer
Capture the playful personalities and unconditional love of our furry friends through your lens and immortalize memorable moments.
- Coffee Shop Connoisseur
Who doesn’t like a cup of Joe! Brew up happiness and create a cozy space where coffee lovers can chitchat or unwind.
- Bicycle Repair
Do you like fixing old bikes? Start a new business repairing bikes for your neighborhood. As people become more eco-friendly and the cycling trend grows, more individuals will look for repair services in order to get their dependable steeds back on the road.
- Restaurant Consultant
Another great idea if you are a foodie. Help restaurants and cafes elevate their game with your menu-crafting, operational, and marketing expertise.
- Animal Trainer
Shape canine (or feline) behavior with positive reinforcement and exercise and create happy, well-adjusted companions.
- Launch Your Book
You don’t have to be a wordsmith. Cookbooks, comic books, picture books, poetry books, coffee table books, photo books, and novels—if you have creativity and knowledge, there are many original and riveting books and guides you can bring to the market.
- Nutrition Coach/Meal Planner
Help people shed weight and achieve their health goals through personalized nutrition plans and healthy meal planning. However, before you endorse any products, make sure to research.
- Florist
Spread joy and love, one blossom at a time. Become a neighborhood florist, creating stunning arrangements that speak to every occasion, from birthday bouquets to graduation corsages and heartfelt memorials.
- Holistic Health Practitioner
How about offering alternative therapies like acupuncture, Reiki, or herbal remedies? You can promote overall health and well-being and make money doing it.
- Online Dating Consultant
With millions navigating the complexities and nuances of online dating, there’s a growing demand for expert guidance. Offer premium services like profile creation, personalized coaching, and match sourcing to command reasonable fees.
- Pottery Studio/Ceramics Artist
If you are willing to get your hands dirty, you can create functional or decorative pottery that sparks joy.
- Woodworking/Furniture Maker
Turn raw wood into stunning and elegant pieces of furniture – closets and tables – or functional art with your craftsmanship.
- Custom Calligraphy/Lettering Artist
Add a touch of elegance and personalization with your creative flair and beautiful lettering skills.
- Freelance Writer (Specialty)
Focus on a specific niche like travel writing, tech and gadget reviews, or children’s stories, and become an expert in your field. Who knows, you could be the next J.K. Rowling.
- Genealogy Researcher
This is a unique idea. Help families uncover their roots and connect with their ancestors through historical research.
- Tour Guide
If you are interested in the history and culture of your state or city, consider becoming a local guide. No two days are the same. Meet new people from diverse backgrounds and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a comprehensive list of 70 small business ideas for anyone looking to run their own business. To improve your chance of success, concentrate on one business idea at a time until you eventually find one that aligns with your skills and abilities.
