The Best Small Business Ideas to Become Your Own Boss

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By Jacob Maslow

  •  There are various small business ideas to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you.
  • Startup costs for most small businesses are minimal, so getting started is easy.
  • Several small businesses can be operated from home with little or no extra overhead costs.
  • Many small businesses can be run online with little more than an internet connection and a laptop

Whether you want to start a side hustle or become a full-time business owner, there is no shortage of small business ideas. So, unless you already have something in mind, here are a few good small business ideas to get you thinking.

There are several types of small business ideas. Some require no training, others have meager startup costs, some you can do from home, and others are online-based. Additionally, you may prefer a business with no hands-on inventory or one you can do without requiring hire help. Whichever idea suits you best, remember that most great companies rely on providing a solution for a consumer problem.

Whatever small business you decide suits you best, remember that any business, even a small one, requires the correct planning to help it succeed.

Type of person perfect for a small business:

Those who are driven, ambitious, and looking for a challenge will find success in small business ideas. A successful small business owner must be organized, innovative, and financially responsible. It’s also essential to have the right mindset and should understand that there are always going to be outside forces that affect their business.

Benefits of starting a small business:

There are many benefits of having your own small business, such as living out your entrepreneurial dreams, building something from the ground up, and having financial freedom. Starting a small business can also offer personal satisfaction from helping others with problems or services you provide as well as potential job flexibility if you want to work from home or manage your hours. It’s fantastic to see your direct efforts operate a brand and expand into your community. Even if you onboard with one of many franchise opportunities, you are the author of that productivity, and that’s something to be proud of. Additionally, depending on the business, you may be able to create multiple streams of income from one small business venture.

Selecting a Business Idea:

When selecting a small business idea, you must consider your capital and how much time and energy you’re willing to commit. Additionally, ensure your business interests you—you will spend most of your time devoted to it. Lastly, research potential competitors and consider ways to differentiate yourself.

When selecting a small business idea, you must evaluate your options carefully. You should consider what capital is available to invest in the business, how much time and energy you are willing to commit, if the idea interests you and can hold your passion over time, and whether there are competitors already offering similar services or products that you’ll need to differentiate yourself from. Additionally, it may be helpful to research potential target markets for your product or service to understand who your customers might be.

Once you have identified an attractive business opportunity, it is time to turn your idea into reality. To do this, you’ll need to research, create a business plan, and develop a budget. Your research should include the local economic climate, industry trends, and potential customers or clients that could use your product or service. You may also want to consider obtaining any necessary certifications or licenses for your particular business.

Once you have researched and prepared a business plan, you should start executing your idea by investing capital in equipment or materials needed to produce your product or services. You will also need to find suitable locations for conducting business operations depending on the type of small business you have chosen. Finally, taking advantage of digital marketing tools can help you attract and retain customers who can help your business grow.

Conducting a SWOT Analysis:

When crafting a business plan, it’s essential to consider the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) associated with your small business. Take time to evaluate these external and internal factors that can affect your business operations and growth. An honest SWOT analysis will help you identify areas where you may need assistance or additional resources. Additionally, considering potential threats can help you create strategies for mitigating risks as much as possible.

By taking the time to evaluate different small business ideas carefully and plan appropriately for their success, anyone has the potential to become their boss through entrepreneurship. With determination, hard work, and patience, success is inevitable!

Creating a Business Plan

A well-developed business plan is essential to the success of any small business. A business plan helps create clear goals and objectives, assists in obtaining financing, provides direction for operations, and guides efforts toward growth and profitability. Additionally, by including detailed financial projections, you can use your business plan to track progress over time.

There are many online tools available to help create a professional-looking business plan.

LivePlan (https://www.liveplan.com/) offers a step-by-step guide that walks you through creating each section of your project from start to finish.

SCORE (http://www.score.org/resources/business-planning) provides templates about what should be included in a comprehensive plan. Also, free courses and webinars are available to help with business plan development.

Finally, The U.S. Small Business Administration (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide) offers comprehensive information and resources to help entrepreneurs create a successful business plan that will be an invaluable asset for any small business owner.

By creating a thorough and detailed business plan, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success in becoming their own boss. With an understanding of the importance of planning and having access to so many helpful tools and resources, anyone has the potential to become a successful entrepreneur!

Marketing Strategies

Marketing plays an integral role in the success of any small business. A clear understanding of your target audience, being aware of industry trends and understanding what makes your business unique are all critical components to creating effective marketing strategies. Additionally, you need to decide how much money to allocate toward marketing efforts and which channels will be most effective for reaching your desired audience.

There are numerous online and offline resources available that can help entrepreneurs create successful marketing plans. Hootsuite (https://hootsuite.com/marketing-strategies) offers advice on crafting comprehensive digital marketing plans that increase reach while staying within budgets. The American Marketing Association (https://www.ama.org/resources/) provides information about best practices, upcoming trends, and helpful strategies for creating effective marketing plans. Additionally, attending industry events is an excellent way to obtain valuable insights into current market conditions and develop connections with individuals in the same field who can offer assistance or partnerships.

Investing in effective marketing strategies increases brand awareness and leads to higher sales and customer loyalty over time. With the proper planning and understanding of available resources, entrepreneurs can craft successful marketing campaigns that will make them the envy of their competition!

Business Networking

Small business owners understand the importance of networking. Building strong relationships with other entrepreneurs and potential customers is key to long-term success. Additionally, being connected to the right people can help provide insights into new industry trends, and access to valuable resources and open up opportunities for partnerships or collaborations.

There are a variety of online and offline resources available that can help small business owners build their networks. LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/networking) offers tips on creating meaningful connections and specific strategies for successful networking in both physical and virtual environments. Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/) helps entrepreneurs find local groups related to their interests where they can meet like-minded individuals and develop strong relationships. Additionally, attending business conferences and trade shows can greatly expand your network and make lasting connections.

By making an effort to invest in networking relationships, small business owners can position themselves for long-term success while building a strong support system of individuals who have similar goals and interests. With the right resources and dedication to networking, anyone can become a successful entrepreneur!

Financial Management

Financial management is an essential part of any successful small business endeavor. Without proper budgeting, tracking income/expenses, taxes, payrolls, etc., entrepreneurs will likely run into problems and ultimately fail. Fortunately, various online and offline resources are available to small business owners who want to understand better financial management and how it affects their businesses.

The Small Business Administration (https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/financial-management) offers advice for entrepreneurs on budgeting, cash flow management, and tax planning. Money Management International (https://moneymanagement.org/) provides free access to financial literacy courses that teach basic principles of money management and help entrepreneurs make more informed decisions with their finances. Additionally, attending seminars or conferences related to financial management can provide valuable insights into the intricacies of finance and help build connections in the industry.

With an understanding of the basics and access to helpful resources, small business owners can become more knowledgeable about financial management and how it affects their businesses. This knowledge can be invaluable in ensuring long-term success for any company!

By investing in networking, marketing, and financial management, entrepreneurs can create a strong foundation for their small businesses that will serve them well in the future. With the proper knowledge and resources, anyone can become their own boss with a successful business! Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

How to make your small business idea a success:

It is essential to focus on the following steps and take the time to plan your small business venture carefully.

1. Research: Comprehensively research the industry, potential target markets, and competitors.

2. Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan that includes your mission statement, financial projections, and more.

3. Investment: Invest in the necessary equipment, materials, or certifications required to produce products or services.

4. Location: Find an appropriate location for conducting business operations depending on the type of small business chosen (e.g., retail store vs home office).

5. Digital Marketing Strategy: Take advantage of digital marketing tools to attract and retain customers who will help your business grow (e.g., SEO, social media ads).

6. SWOT Analysis: Conduct an honest SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

7. Execution: Put your plan into action and track results for continuous improvement.

By following these steps, you can make your small business idea a reality and make it a success! You can be your boss and create a successful business venture with proper planning and hard work!

Franchise Opportunities

A franchise business is an excellent option for those who want to start a small business without creating a brand or product from scratch. Franchises offer the opportunity to start quickly and with less risk, as all the groundwork has been laid out for you. Many franchises also provide training and marketing support, which can help entrepreneurs learn how to run their businesses quickly.

The pros of franchising include:

• Lower startup cost (in many cases) since most franchises require an initial franchise fee – this up-front cost covers many of the costs associated with launching your own business, such as training and marketing materials. While the upfront cost is often significant, the value is generally worthwhile and it pays for itself over time.

• Access to established brand recognition – customers are more likely to recognize and trust a well-known name than an unknown business

• Access to proven business systems and support – franchisees are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and tools to run their business effectively

• Potential for higher returns on investment – successful franchises often have multiple revenue streams that lead to greater profits

The cons of franchising include:

• Limited creativity – as a franchisee, you’ll be expected to follow certain rules and guidelines regarding branding, logos, products/services offered, etc.

• Royalty fees – most franchises require ongoing royalty fees in exchange for using their name and ongoing support. The amount can vary from franchise to franchise.

• Loss of control – as a franchisee, you are ultimately subject to the decisions made by the franchise headquarters

• Limited locations – depending on the franchise, you may be limited to a certain geographic area for expanding your business

There are many resources available to help people find franchises. The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a great place to start. They provide information about different types of franchises as well as an interactive map that allows you to search for businesses in your local area. Franchising.com is another helpful website that provides advice and guidance on selecting the right franchise. Finally, there are numerous online forums and message boards where entrepreneurs can discuss their experiences with franchises and get advice from others who have gone through the process before them. With the right amount of research and preparation, anyone can become a successful small business owner via franhising.

Read our guide

How to Start a Franchise Business

Examples of Small Business Ideas

Starting your entrepreneurial journey requires a business idea. Here are some inspirational business ideas:

1.     Dropshipping Business

Instead of having the hassle of choosing, buying, storing, packing, and shipping stock, a drop shipping business is a better model if you want to go into retail because you eliminate the need to manage inventory and have low startup costs. In addition, you provide marketing and customer service.

With drop shipping, a third-party supplier fulfills customer orders on your behalf. You make the sales and pass on the orders to all your curated suppliers according to your chosen niche.

Make sure to choose reliable suppliers to ensure your brand maintains a good name with your consumers. Other than that, you have a straightforward business to start and run with low startup costs, low overheads, and highly scalable.

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2.     Handyman Business

If you already have a knack for fixing things and always helping others, use your talent to start your own handyman business. First, determine the services you want to offer according to your skills. Next, you can estimate what to charge for your services according to your experience by conducting a competitive analysis. Then, create a website and ask friends and family for referrals.

Whether you prefer to become a general handyman or specialize in a specific area depends on your skills, e.g., tiling, building, painting, plumbing, etc.

Handymen don’t need certifications, but in some states, you may need a license if your job charges exceed a specific amount.

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3.     SEO Consultant Business

If you have SEO skills and can provide services in search engine optimization, you could deliver your services to businesses and personalities wanting an online presence. In addition, your services will continue to be profitable and in demand in this ever-evolving field as you help bring more organic traffic to websites using the latest strategies and analytics tools.

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4.     Customized Printing Business

If you have designer skills and love creating original designs, you could start a customized printing business for many products. These could include T-shirts, hats, bags, hoodies, phone cases, etc. You won’t need to do the printing yourself because you can find a third-party supplier to provide and print items with your designs in a dropshipping model.

There is also no shortage of online designers (Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs, etc.), so you don’t need designing skills if you want to start a customized printing business.

Remember that ordering bulk from print-on-demand services is cheaper, but you also don’t want to order more items than you can sell.

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5.     Landscaping Business

Consider starting a landscaping business if you love gardening and have a good eye for landscape design. Everyone needs garden services, including mowing, tree trimming, mulching, and seasonal planting.

Start with the basic equipment first, and you can get more as your customer base grows. Word-of-mouth makes landscaping a lucrative business, especially if you have formal training. Check with your state requirements because some require licensing when using pesticides and fertilizers.

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6.     Clothing Business

There are two ways to build a fashion empire with a local or online boutique. Either of these requires a love for clothing and fashion; you will need to know the latest trends in clothing styles.

Some people start their businesses online, opening a local store once the company becomes profitable. Whether you curate clothes from manufacturers, prefer the dropshipping model, design your clothing range, or finish off plain items with your graphic designs, it is easy to start a clothing business.

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7.     Pet Business

Thanks to an ever-growing demand, the $100 billion pet industry provides several types of business opportunities. Whether you sell pet products or services, pets need food and accessories as much as their humans require grooming, walking, or training.

There is also a huge demand for customized pet apparel, accessories, and framed prints to entice your entrepreneurial spirit.

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8.     Videography or Photography Business

You don’t need any particular educational or licensing requirements if you have the right equipment for a videography or photography business and the talent. The best way to start either of these businesses is to create a niche and build a body of work that you display portions of on a website. You will also need a business page on Facebook. Ask people to refer you to others and leave reviews on your website and social media.

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9.     Food Truck Business

Starting a food business by selling off a food truck is a great way to indulge your passion for food. Who knows, it could even lead to greater things like becoming a restaurant owner. You will need quite a large investment to start a food truck, but you could start by renting one and then buying your own as your business grows. Remember that selling food requires special licensing and permits.

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10. Childcare Business

The demand for various childcare services continues to grow, and this is your ideal business, like children. Of course, you will need a proper license and facility to do this, but the federal government has pledged funding thanks to President Biden’s infrastructure bill.

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11. B&B Business

For a Bed and Breakfast business, you need a physical location, employees, property, and the proper permits and licensing. Still, it can prove quite lucrative and rewarding if you have dreamed of entering the hospitality industry. Depending on the attractions in your area, you can create themed packages that attract people to your location throughout the year.

If you can’t get financing and don’t have the startup funds, you can try and get crowdfunding to make your B&B a reality. Despite being a very competitive industry, thanks to Airbnb and hotels, you can create a unique angle (local cuisine, original furniture, day trips to local attractions, etc.) and great marketing to attract people to your establishment.

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12. Organizing Business

Offices and homes have one thing in common; they accumulate clutter that nobody has time to organize. So if you have the tidying-up skills and patience to undertake the job, why not start an organizer business? You don’t need much to make money out of organizing spaces. All you need is a passion for organizing and some basic tools.

You can start off small by helping friends and family, then expand to clients who want their homes organized. You can even specialize in certain types of organization such as home office organization or closet organization. Once your business grows, you can hire assistants to help organize large spaces or multiple homes.

Read our guides

How to Start an Organizing Business

13. Tutoring Business

Given the recent educational changes, tutors are in high demand and can earn good money. You don’t need any special qualifications or business experience to become a tutor; you only need an area of expertise (maths, foreign languages, sciences) and some teaching skills. You can work from home or travel to clients’ homes.

You don’t need to limit yourself to school-going kids; you can also offer adult tutoring services if you have the skills and experience. With all the technological advances, you can even offer online tutoring sessions!

14. Graphic Design Business

Graphic design is one of the most in-demand services today. Whether it’s creating logos, website designs, illustrations, or typography, if you have an eye for design and a knack for visuals, this could be the perfect business for you.

You don’t need special qualifications to start a graphic design business; you only need creativity and a computer. You can launch your website to showcase your portfolio, promote your services, and find potential clients on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. With some dedication and hard work, you can soon become the go-to designer in town!

15. House Cleaning Business

If you enjoy cleaning and organizing, you can start a house cleaning business! Cleaning houses and apartments is an excellent way to earn good money. You don’t need special qualifications or experience; you only need the right equipment and supplies.

You can market your services locally by handing out flyers and using social media to reach potential clients. Word-of-mouth advertising goes a long way too – so make sure your clients are happy with your service! With hard work and dedication, you can soon get regular customers who will pay for the highest standard of cleaning that you provide.

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Bottom Line

These 15 small business ideas are just a tiny sampling of hundreds of ideas. Besides the money, skills, and permits required for these business ideas, you will need passion and motivation to succeed.

FAQs

 

What are the best small business ideas?

The best small business ideas depend on your skills and interests. Some popular options include tutoring, graphic design, house cleaning, pet services, and organizing businesses.

How much money do I need to start a small business?

The amount of money you need to start a small business varies depending on the type of business you decide to launch. Generally speaking, a small business can be created with very little investment. However, you may require more initial capital to some companies, such as restaurants or retail stores. It is essential to research each industry before investing in it.

Are there any grants available for starting a small business?

Yes, there are grants available for starting a small business. Grants can be found from federal and state governments, private foundations, and organizations. It is essential to research each grant carefully to ensure that the grant fits your needs and meets all of the eligibility requirements. Additionally, some grants may require you to match funding or provide proof of income before being awarded. Keep in mind there are relatively few grants out there, so they are highly competitive.

Do I need a business license to start a small business?

Yes, in most cases, you will need to obtain a business license before starting your small business. Depending on the company you are launching, additional permits and licenses may be required. It is essential to research your local regulations to ensure that your business complies with all laws and regulations.

What is the best way to promote a small business?

The best way to promote a small business depends on your target audience and marketing budget. Many companies take advantage of local advertising, word-of-mouth referrals, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, email campaigns can be very effective for promoting your business and providing customers discounts or incentives. Further, networking with local businesses can help spread the word about your business. Lastly, it is essential to remember that online presence is becoming increasingly important – so make sure your website and other online channels are up-to-date!  Good luck!

Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides resources to help small business owners start and grow their businesses. They offer training, counseling, access to capital, and more. https://www.sba.gov/

SCORE: SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses by providing free mentoring services, online tools, and resources. https://www.score.org/

US Chamber of Commerce: This organization works with small businesses to guide starting and growing successful businesses in the US. They provide information on financing, regulation compliance, marketing strategies, and more. https://www.uschamber.com/small-business

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The SBDC provides free business counseling and training to help small businesses start or expand. They also offer online tools, resources, and workshops. https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc​

Local Chambers of Commerce: Most local chambers provide networking opportunities and information about regulations and laws for starting a small business in your area. Many also offer free or discounted services to members. Contact your local chamber of commerce to learn more! https://www.uschamber.com/co/chambers

These organizations and businesses can provide invaluable guidance and support on launching your own small business.

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