26 Startup Business Ideas Designed to Ease Your Entrepreneurial Venture. Any of these business ideas will only require a credit card processing partner to start, helping you reduce initial costs. Explore these tips for inspiration and discover different business opportunities that can lead you to success.
1. Online reselling
If you have an interest in fashion and sales, starting an online resale business can be a rewarding venture. It takes time, commitment, and a lot of patience, but you can start this journey as a part-time endeavor and eventually turn it into a full-time business. Initially, you can use platforms like Poshmark and Mercari to sell your favorite clothes and items. As you grow, you can set up your own resale website.
By purchasing items at low prices from sources like Alibaba and Amazon, you can find valuables that you can resell for profit online. With careful shopping and a strategic approach, you can build a significant inventory with minimal investment.
2. Pet sitting
About 70% of households in the United States own pets. When these families travel or are away for extended periods, your pet-watching service can provide them with reassurance and peace of mind. As a pet sitter, your role will involve caring for your clients’ pets—such as dogs, cats, or other animals—in their homes. Your responsibilities will include feeding, providing fresh water, playing with the pets, and walking dogs as needed. Keeping clients informed of their pets’ well-being through regular updates will be critical to maintaining satisfaction.
If you have another source of income that only requires a laptop and an internet connection, pet sitting could be a perfect business idea for you. Many pet owners will appreciate that you can handle your other work tasks while taking care of their pets. This allows you to run multiple income streams simultaneously without conflict.
3. T-shirt printing
If you have a flair for fashion or a knack for humor, starting a T-shirt printing business might be a great venture for you. You can either create your own unique designs or obtain licenses to use existing designs, printing them onto blank T-shirts. With some dedicated space and the right equipment, you can set up your own T-shirt printing operation with relative ease.
4. Cleaning service
If you have a knack for cleaning, you can transform that skill into a profitable business. With a small team, essential cleaning supplies, and reliable transportation, you can offer cleaning services to various clients, including homeowners, apartment complexes, and commercial properties. Cleaning services typically charge between $25 and $50 per hour, making them a straightforward business model with low overhead costs. Success in this field hinges on effective planning, commitment, and marketing to attract and retain customers.
To stand out in a competitive market, consider offering premium services such as floor waxing or exterior power washing at an additional cost. These extras can set your cleaning service apart from established competitors who may not provide such specialized options. By focusing on these high-value services, you can differentiate your business and appeal to clients seeking a higher level of cleanliness and maintenance.
5. Online teaching
The rise in demand for online education has created new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Since this is an online business, you have the flexibility to teach any subject you are knowledgeable about, regardless of where you are located. If you lack in-depth expertise in a specific field, you might want to consider teaching English as a foreign language to students from different countries. This approach allows you to leverage your language skills and connect with learners globally.
- Online bookkeeping
Much like advancements in education, technology has transformed bookkeeping services, enabling many tasks to be conducted online. For accountants or bookkeepers seeking the flexibility and independence of managing their own business, modern technology offers a valuable opportunity. By utilizing online tools and platforms, you can establish and run your own virtual bookkeeping service, enjoying the benefits of autonomy while providing essential financial services remotely.
7. Consulting
If you have expertise and enthusiasm in a particular area—such as business, social media, marketing, human resources, leadership, or communication—consulting can be a highly rewarding career path. Starting a consulting business independently allows you to leverage your knowledge and skills while providing valuable advice to clients. As your consulting practice expands and gains more clients, you can gradually scale up by hiring additional consultants to join your team. This approach not only boosts your business capacity but also enhances your service offerings, creating more opportunities for growth and success.
8. Medical courier service
If you have access to a dependable vehicle and possess strong time management skills, you might want to explore starting a courier service, with a focus on medical deliveries. In this role, you would be tasked with transporting essential medical items such as laboratory samples, prescription medications, and medical equipment. You can choose to operate the courier service independently or expand by employing additional drivers to assist with deliveries.
9. App development
If you have expertise and experience in technology, a career in app development could be a great fit for you. With smartphones being an integral part of daily life for many people, the need for mobile applications has grown significantly. Additionally, as virtual reality (VR) technology has gained traction in recent years, there is also a growing demand for VR application development.
10. Transcription service
If you have a keen ear and can type swiftly, starting a transcription service could be an ideal way to work from home with a flexible schedule. This is especially true for medical transcription services, as voice recognition technology becomes more prevalent in healthcare settings for dictation purposes.
You have the freedom to take on as many or as few transcription jobs as you prefer. This flexibility is advantageous if you’re looking to ease into the business or if you wish to maintain a current job. To enhance your business potential and justify higher rates, consider obtaining certification and specializing in niche areas.
Medical transcriptionists usually earn between 6 to 14 cents per line of transcription, which can accumulate rapidly. The standard turnaround time for transcription tasks is typically 24 hours, so it’s crucial to manage your workload effectively. Fortunately, you can start with a manageable number of jobs and gradually increase as you become more experienced. The startup costs and overhead are minimal, requiring only a computer, suitable software, and a secure communication method.
11. Professional organizing
Considering a small business idea that brings real satisfaction? Professional organizing might be just what you’re looking for. Much like Marie Kondo, professional organizers assist people in decluttering and simplifying their lives. In today’s world of excess, many individuals are eager to downsize and regain control over their belongings. While minimalism is gaining traction, people often struggle to let go of items they’ve kept for years. As a professional organizer, your role includes helping clients create effective systems for reducing their possessions.
If you’re a detail-oriented individual who enjoys making spaces both functional and inviting, you might excel at guiding others to achieve similar results. Clients will pay for your expertise in developing methods to minimize their belongings and keep their spaces organized. To market your business, consider asking clients for permission to take before-and-after photos of the areas you’ve organized. These images can serve as a powerful portfolio, showcasing your work on social media and attracting potential new clients.**
12. Freelance copywriting or content writing
If you have a flair for writing and some marketing savvy, freelancing as a copywriter or content writer could be a lucrative career path. Companies are constantly on the lookout for skilled writers to create engaging blogs, compelling web content, or effective press releases. By incorporating SEO techniques, you can enhance your value to clients, helping them develop strategies centered around the specific keywords their target audience uses in online searches.
Freelance copywriting offers significant flexibility, allowing you to work from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you prefer to operate from the comfort of your home or while traveling, this career can adapt to your lifestyle. With a strong network and positive client referrals, you might even transition into a full-time freelance writing career.
13. Home care service
A background in caregiving and hospitality can be highly beneficial when providing in-home support for seniors who are housebound. This type of service is increasingly in demand, as the senior population continues to grow. The Population Reference Bureau forecasts that the number of people aged 85 and older will expand from 6.7 million in 2020 to 19 million by 2060. Additionally, the global count of centenarians has already approached 600,000, with many of these individuals requiring various forms of care, often within their own homes.
Fortunately, you don’t need a healthcare background to assist seniors and build a thriving business. While healthcare skills are valuable, many seniors also need help with everyday tasks such as running errands or managing home repairs. With the right experience, you might also consider expanding your services to support seniors transitioning to assisted living facilities. This could include tasks such as packing, moving, setting up new living spaces, or managing the storage of their belongings.
14. Translation service
According to IBISWorld research, the translation services sector experienced a downturn in 2020, similar to many other industries. However, IBISWorld predicts a significant rebound for the sector in the coming five years. This anticipated growth is expected, given that the internet has expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach English-speaking markets and vice versa.
This shift has created opportunities for multilingual individuals to provide specialized services, such as translating documents and adapting website content for different languages and markets. If you have proficiency in multiple languages, there is potential to establish a successful niche within the translation services industry.
15. Digital marketing
The significance of the internet continues to escalate daily, but so does the challenge for businesses to stand out in the crowded online space and effectively market themselves. Digital marketing services remain in high demand. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises prefer to outsource these services rather than invest in an expensive in-house team. If you have expertise in areas such as SEO, content marketing, pay-per-click advertising, web development, or social media management, you could capitalize on this opportunity to start a business that offers the flexibility to work from home.
Digital marketing is crucial for any brand, requiring you to stay updated with changes in your clients’ marketing strategies. Social media management, for instance, involves monitoring comments and messages around the clock, rather than just scheduling posts and forgetting about them. If you enjoy devising and executing detailed marketing strategies, starting a digital marketing business might be a great fit for you. Additionally, you might explore affiliate marketing as another avenue within the digital marketing field.
16. Owning a food truck
Food trucks offer a diverse array of snacks and cuisines, each with its unique style and charm. If you have a favorite type of food and a passion for cooking, launching a food truck can be an exciting way to bring your culinary creations directly to eager customers. While running a food truck involves hard work, it allows you to operate in a field you love and engage with a community that shares your interests.
Starting a food truck is an excellent small business idea for those with a passion for food. Compared to running a traditional restaurant, the costs associated with operating a food truck are considerably lower, and you benefit from the flexibility of mobility. [Explore our top recommendations for POS systems specifically designed for food trucks.]
17. Lawn care service
If you grew up with a lawn, you might remember being tasked with its upkeep by your parents. While lawn care can be seen as a chore by many, others find it a source of tranquility and satisfaction. Working outside to maintain and enhance the natural beauty of a lawn can be a fulfilling experience. Given that many people view this task as monotonous, it presents a lucrative opportunity.
Starting a lawn care business typically requires only basic equipment, a trailer, and potentially some help, depending on the number of clients and the scale of the work. You can expand a small lawn care operation into a comprehensive landscaping company by offering high-end services and building a reputation for excellence and friendly service. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for crafting beautiful landscapes, this could be the ideal business venture for you.
18. Rideshare driving
If starting your own business feels overwhelming or too risky, consider becoming a rideshare driver. With this option, the rideshare company handles the overhead and responsibilities, allowing you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you choose. Apps like Uber and Lyft offer a way to earn extra income with minimal requirements, primarily needing a car and a willingness to drive and engage in light conversation with passengers.
As a rideshare driver, you enjoy the flexibility of a small business owner but without the demanding tasks of managing business operations and logistics. If other business ventures seem too demanding or require significant initial investment, ridesharing provides a simpler introduction to entrepreneurship.
19. Real estate
Navigating the housing market can be daunting for many individuals. As a real estate agent, you play a crucial role in guiding clients toward their ideal home while ensuring it fits their financial parameters. In several states, becoming a licensed real estate agent typically involves completing a few months of coursework and passing a certification exam. However, it’s important to remember that a certification alone isn’t enough; excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this field. If you’re not comfortable interacting with people regularly, this career path might not be the best fit for you. [Read related article: How to Become a Real Estate Agent]
20. Graphic design
Businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs, require striking promotional materials to stand out. However, not everyone has the design skills needed to create visually appealing content. If you have a flair for design and can arrange content in a captivating way, launching a graphic design business could be an excellent opportunity. You can offer a range of services, including creating flyers, digital advertisements, posters, and other engaging visual materials.
Graphic design is a field that primarily relies on digital tools, so you won’t need many physical resources beyond a computer and a workspace. Your focus will be on using design software to produce high-quality graphics that effectively communicate your clients’ messages and enhance their brand presence.
21. Dropshipping
Not all businesses that sell products keep inventory on-site. Dropshipping is a model where e-commerce operators use third-party suppliers to handle order fulfillment. These third parties are typically wholesale distributors or entities with their own warehouses and shipping infrastructure. The minimal requirement for inventory and operational tools makes dropshipping an ideal startup option, especially if you’re concerned about overhead costs and physical space.
22. Personal training
If the gym feels like a second home to you, consider channeling your fitness expertise into helping others achieve their health goals. As a personal trainer, you can offer personalized in-home workout sessions tailored to each client’s fitness level. Additionally, you can assist clients in creating individualized nutrition and meal plans to support their physical objectives.
Many personal trainers begin attracting clients by using social media platforms to showcase their gym experience and share motivational content. Although having a certification can enhance your credibility and attract more clients, it is not legally mandatory to possess specialized training to launch this type of business.
23. Resume writing
People frequently seek new job opportunities for various reasons, such as pursuing career changes, aiming for higher salaries, or seeking new work environments. Typically, job seekers must submit resumes to showcase their professional experience. As a resume writer, you can assist these individuals in crafting resumes that stand out from the competition.
In addition to resumes, you will help clients develop compelling cover letters and portfolios that highlight their accomplishments effectively. Becoming a resume writer does not require specialized education; rather, it demands strong organizational and proofreading skills. If you understand what makes a resume professional and appealing to employers, you are well-prepared to excel in this field.
24. Host a podcast
Podcasts have surged in popularity, with over 100 million active listeners in the U.S. alone. The beauty of starting a podcast is that you can explore any subject that fascinates you—whether it’s business, history, pop culture, or something else. However, launching a successful podcast demands consistency, commitment, and a fundamental grasp of audio editing (and video editing if you plan to run a companion YouTube channel).
As your podcast gains traction and attracts a sizable audience, you can monetize it by selling advertising slots or forming partnerships with companies for revenue. With continued growth, you might also have opportunities to get paid for speaking engagements or moderating panels related to your podcast’s content. To achieve these milestones, it’s crucial to develop a distinctive business concept that you are both passionate about and well-versed in, and to ensure it resonates with your target audience.
25. Launch a newsletter
If podcasts aren’t appealing to you, but the concept of building a substantial subscriber base and monetizing it through advertising interests you, consider starting an email newsletter instead. Over 90% of Americans are subscribed to email newsletters, indicating a vast potential audience. By capturing the interest of a specific demographic, you can create a sizable following and turn it into a revenue stream.
Begin by selecting a broad topic that you can consistently write about. Develop a unique brand voice and mission to resonate with your audience. Choose an effective email marketing platform that assists in managing your subscriber list and sending out emails. Once set up, start your newsletter and focus on engaging your audience.
Regularly seek feedback to tailor your content to their preferences, ensuring that you provide valuable and relevant information. The ongoing engagement from your subscribers will be crucial in growing your newsletter into a successful business.
26. Event catering
Are you passionate about the culinary arts? If so, starting an event catering business might be an excellent choice for you. There is always a demand for delicious food at various occasions, including parties, weddings, fundraisers, and family gatherings. If you excel at cooking or baking and enjoy serving people, event catering can be a rewarding and profitable way to share your talents.**
To begin, you’ll need to create a menu and pricing sheet, as well as secure the required permits and licenses. Start with smaller events to build a reputation and spread the word about your catering service. As your food earns praise and positive reviews, you may find that your business grows significantly through recommendations and word of mouth.
