Small Business Ideas
Starting a small business is one of the most empowering ways to take control of your future, explore your passions, and generate income on your own terms.
Whether you’re looking to transition out of a 9-to-5 job, work from home, or build something on the side, there are countless opportunities available.
Below is a curated list of small business ideas, along with tips on how to start, basic business plan outlines, and estimated startup costs.
1. Online T-Shirt Store
How to Start:
Design your shirts using free tools like Canva or Procreate.
Use print-on-demand platforms like Printify or Teespring.
Promote through social media, Etsy, or your own website.
Create a Website Visit Printify
Basic Business Plan:
Niche focus (e.g., pet lovers, funny quotes, anime fans).
Marketing strategy: Instagram, Facebook Ads, TikTok.
Customer service and order tracking processes.
Estimated Startup Cost: $100 – $300
Includes domain, design software, and initial ads.
2. Freelance Writing Services
How to Start:
Create writing samples.
Set up a portfolio using a free website builder.
Register on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
Business Plan:
Choose a niche (e.g., blogs, tech articles, product descriptions).
Define your rates and delivery timeline.
Pitch to clients regularly and collect testimonials.
Estimated Startup Cost: $0 – $150
Mainly for website hosting, domain, and portfolio creation.
3. Handmade Crafts Shop (Etsy)
How to Start:
Decide on your product (e.g., jewelry, candles, stationery).
Open an Etsy shop and set up a social media presence.
Take high-quality photos and write compelling descriptions.
Business Plan:
Identify your ideal customer.
Plan production, shipping, and inventory.
Scale with new product launches.
Estimated Startup Cost: $200 – $500
Materials, packaging, Etsy fees, and marketing.
4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service
How to Start:
Offer services in your local area via flyers, Facebook groups, or apps like Rover.
Build trust with reviews and meet-and-greets.
Business Plan:
Service pricing and schedule availability.
Policies for pet emergencies, cancellations, and insurance.
Local marketing strategy.
Estimated Startup Cost: $50 – $200
Leash, waste bags, simple insurance, and ads.
5. Digital Product Shop (eBooks, Templates, Planners)
How to Start:
Use Canva or Adobe to create downloadable content.
Sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own site.
Promote via Pinterest, TikTok, and email newsletters.
Business Plan:
Product creation schedule.
SEO optimization and affiliate marketing strategy.
Customer feedback loop.
Estimated Startup Cost: $100 – $300
Design software, marketplace fees, and initial ads.
6. Home-Based Baking or Catering Business
How to Start:
Choose your specialty (cupcakes, event catering, etc.).
Ensure compliance with local food regulations.
Promote on local Facebook groups and through word-of-mouth.
Business Plan:
Weekly menu or service offerings.
Supply chain (ingredients, packaging).
Budget and price list.
Estimated Startup Cost: $500 – $1,500
Equipment, licenses, ingredients, and branding.
7. Fitness Coaching or Personal Training (Online or In-Person)
How to Start:
Get certified (e.g., ACE, NASM).
Build a presence on Instagram or YouTube.
Offer one-on-one sessions or downloadable plans.
Business Plan:
Define your niche (weight loss, muscle gain, postpartum).
Client tracking and progress tools.
Pricing tiers and memberships.
Estimated Startup Cost: $300 – $800
Certification, basic equipment, and website setup.
8. Mobile Car Wash or Detailing Business
How to Start:
Offer services in your neighborhood or office parks.
Promote via flyers and online local directories.
Business Plan:
Basic vs. premium services.
Schedule and route planning.
Safety, water use, and environmental concerns.
Estimated Startup Cost: $500 – $1,000
Cleaning equipment, supplies, and transport.
Final Tips Before You Start:
- Do market research to make sure there's demand.
- Start small and scale gradually.
- Track your expenses and income from the beginning.
- Stay consistent with marketing and customer service.
Whether you have $100 or $1,000 to invest, there's a small business idea that can work for you.
Choose something you’re passionate about, stay persistent, and build it step by step.
Recommended Products
$ 29
7500
DONE FOR YOU
PLANNERS, JOURNALS
& TRACKER PAGES
345 CANVA TEMPLATES
Full MRR & PLR
RESELL AS YOUR OWN PRODUCTS
$ 37
Ebooks, AudioBooks and Video Courses in Bundle
Includes PLR Products!
Learn and Profit.
Recommended Platforms
Disclaimer
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These commissions help support the maintenance and growth of this website.
I only recommend products and services that I have personally used or researched and believe will add value to my readers.
Thank you for your support!