Small Business Ideas List

Air Duct Cleaner

A business in air duct cleaning services other business, schools, and apartment complexes. This is one of the small business ideas that makes our list because it is a very niche service that is essential (because people enjoy clean, unblocked air circulation) and has very little competition.

Antique Furniture Sales

Selling antique furniture will always make the small business ideas list because there is always a healthy market for both unfinished and refurbished antique furniture, for collectors and investors.
[/product_feature][product_feature title_color=”#be9f2a” title_font_size=”22″ description_color=”#555555″ description_font_size=”14″ icon=”fa-lightbulb-o” icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_bg_color=”#1a398b” icon_size=”22″ title=”App Developer”]The tools for mobile app development are becoming more accessible and easier to learn. If you can spot needs in any facet of society, then you can develop a very lucrative app.

Appliance Repair Technician

So long as businesses and individuals rely on appliances, and so long as they are prone to breaking as warranties run out, there will always be profitable careers for appliance repair technicians. If you have a knack for fixing things, this might be the ideal small business idea for you.

Aquarium Maintenance

People and businesses are embracing the colorful and soothing world of owning large and custom made aquariums. However, with specialized fish comes specialized care and maintenance. If you enjoy tropical fish of all kinds, and like providing clean and healthy environments for them, there is always room in any market for aquarium maintenance businesses.

Basement Remodeler

Basements are no longer just being used as a catch-all for junk. People are remodeling their basements and turning them into everything from man caves to game rooms, and even converting them into apartments for extra income. This is a new and growing branch of interior design and renovation that is quickly growing, which is why it makes our big list of small business ideas.
[/product_feature][product_feature title_color=”#be9f2a” title_font_size=”22″ description_color=”#555555″ description_font_size=”14″ icon=”fa-lightbulb-o” icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_bg_color=”#1a398b” icon_size=”22″ title=”Blog Consultant”]People in all walks of life are using blogs to write about their interests and make passive revenue on the side. However, not everyone understands things such as social media integration, Google analytics, and how to utilize SEO to drive traffic. As more people embrace blogging for everything from writing about their cats to astronomy, and every topic under the sun, there will always be a need for blog consultants.

Bookkeeper

Whether it is balancing checkbooks for someone’s household finances or taking the burden of accounting responsibilities off of a new business owner, bookkeepers provide a valuable service across the board, and can make consistent revenue. Bookkeeping is a service that never goes out of style, and never it is never undervalued. Bookkeeping always rises to the top of any small business ideas list.

Candle Maker

People love handmade goods, and candles offer a rustic elegance that adds to any décor. Candle makers have low overhead and consistent revenue.

Candy Maker

Few people can turn down homemade candy. If you have a good fudge or caramel recipe, or you dabble in fancy truffles and alcoholic cordials, customers will bet a path to your door.

Carpenter

Whether it is replacing old floors or building a side for an outbuilding, carpenters will always have a place on the list of small business ideas. In fact, we would go so far as to say the work of carpenters has been a timeless and essential business to keep many things moving in this world.

Catering Services

With more people throwing parties and gatherings, as well as businesses holding events and conventions, catering is a very profitable field. By offering menus tailored to the attendees, as well as special dietary needs, a thoughtful catering company can corner the market in a given location.

Childproofing Expert

Childproofing experts serve two purposes – making any space safer for children, and putting parents’ minds at ease. These experts can even expand their operations to businesses and doctors’ offices, heading off any litigious disputes before they can occur.

Cloth Diaper Services

As society becomes more environmentally-minded, more parents are steering away from disposable diapers and embracing the classic cloth. Cloth diaper services offer new, clean, hypoallergenic diapers while removing and cleaning the used ones. With no shortage of babies, this is one service poised for a boom in revenue.

Composting

Very few people realize that the majority of the things they throw away can be turned into good compost. And with the price of nutrient-rich topsoil on a constant rise, composting can service both individuals and businesses throwing away good compost ingredients, as well as earning a decent income by providing great compost to organic farms, gardeners, and agricultural centers.

Computer Repair

If you keep up with computers and personal devices, then you can make a great living by offering computer maintenance services, while still undercutting the competition from the big box stores.

Construction Cleanup

Not many people pay attention to the aftermath of construction projects. Construction equipment makes the list of small business ideas for picking up detritus and dangerous items that are left behind after construction projects.

Customer Services

Large businesses are always looking for affordable alternative to hiring full-time employees to handle the abundance of customer calls and emails. By starting a customer service company, you can land very lucrative contracts with businesses and government agencies alike. Customers prefer to deal with live people over automated menu choices, so this entry should be on everyone’s small business ideas list for its longevity and profitability.

Data Entry

Any industry that uses quantified data and metrics needs data entry specialists. Much like customer service professionals, so long as businesses can generate data points, there will always be a need for data entry.

Desktop Publishing

Do you have an eye for layouts, design, fonts, and images? Then you can start a successful business in the world of desktop publishing.[/product_feature]

Direct Mail Marketing

The postal service will always be invaluable to direct mail marketers, and the lists of customers are prized by businesses. By offering your direct mail marketing services, businesses will come to you, rather than using internal resources to send out brochures, fliers, and other marketing materials.

Disaster Planning and Prevention

Businesses that offer safety services will always make the top 101 small business ideas list, and disaster prevention is no exception. This industry goes well beyond posting emergency exit signs. They offer training courses and teach people and businesses how to prevent and handle disasters and minimize injuries and business losses.

Dog Trainer

Some people have that special something that makes dogs listen to them. If you can make otherwise “spirited” dogs obey your commands, then people will line up and pay you for your services.

Dog Treat Baker

People are becoming more aware of what their dogs eat, and want to keep their beloved pets healthy. Offering gourmet and special dietary dog treats makes our small business ideas list for growing niche markets.

Dog Waste Remover

By offering your services to corporate campuses, apartment complexes, parks, and community green spaces, a business that offers to deal with dog waste can earn a lot through contract agreements.

Doula

Providing care for mothers and their newborns will always be a necessary service, and the personal interaction (as opposed to a hospital setting) should make your small business ideas list.

eBay Consultant

eBay is brings in billions of dollars with people selling everything from rummage sale items to luxury vehicles. However, few people know what keywords to use, how to take attractive pictures, or how to run sales from their eBay accounts. People can make a lot of money by offering their consulting services to sellers online.

eBay Seller

As mentioned above, eBay is a huge industry unto itself. By picking your niche and integrating your store with social media, you can quickly climb the ranks to being a top seller. As this site is not going away anytime in the near future, it should be on everyone’s small business ideas list for part-time or full-time income.

Florist

If you have a knack for pairing flowers with people’s personalities and special occasions, then becoming a florist may be the perfect business for you to launch.

Furniture Mover

People are buying new furniture and relocating all the time, yet no one likes to actually do the heavy lifting. This leaves an entire market open for people who are willing to (literally) take the burden off other people’s hands.

Freelance Writer

From ghostwriting blog posts to putting together technical manuals, individuals and businesses alike are always looking for freelance writers, and are willing to pay a good sum of money for people who can write in a tone that reaches their intended audiences.

Furniture Mover

People are buying new furniture and relocating all the time, yet no one likes to actually do the heavy lifting. This leaves an entire market open for people who are willing to (literally) take the burden off other people’s hands.

Gardener

Some people just have a green thumb. Not all people do, yet the like to have gardens. Others simply do not have the time to take care of their gardens. So long as there are people who enjoy their green space, there is money to be earned by professional gardeners.

Genealogist

If you love researching mysteries, and helping people learn about themselves, then launching a genealogy business is perfect for you. This is another niche field that is on our small business ideas list because of its earning potential and low overhead.

Grant Writer

If you have a firm grasp of what is needed to write grant applications, and see positive results, people will be willing to pay handsomely for your services.

Green Cleaner

People want clean homes and offices, and they want to have clean spaces without using harsh chemicals that hurt the environment. Green cleaners are a growing specialty industry, and should be on your small business ideas list.

Green Consultant

People and businesses alike are making the shift to leaving a small footprint and are interested in everything from environmentally friendly products to renewable energy. For individuals, it is because they want to help the planet. For businesses, there is an added benefit in certain tax incentives. This is a very lucrative small business idea.[/product_feature][product_feature title_color=”#be9f2a” title_font_size=”22″ description_color=”#555555″ description_font_size=”14″ icon=”fa-lightbulb-o” icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_bg_color=”#1a398b” icon_size=”22″ title=”Gutter Cleaner”]People do not like climbing ladders for many reasons, and they do not like the time-consuming job of cleaning out gutters. Combine these two factors, and someone with the ambition to do both can earn a lot of money.

Hair Salon Owner

Hair salon owners have a number of options open to them – from home-based businesses to full-blown franchise operations. This business is always extremely profitable, which is why it is good to include on any small business ideas list.

Handmade Crafter

This is a great field for small businesses, because you can monetize your creativity by making anything from hand-knit sweaters and scarves to hand carved chess sets, and everything in between.

Handyman

Homeowners and property management companies are always on the lookout for independent handymen. By having the general know how for plumbing, electrical work, and home repairs, you can easily make a good living as an independent handyman.

Hauling Services

Whether it is scrap metal left over from a construction site or broken appliances, people will pay good money for people to haul away what they no longer need.

Holiday Decorator

Businesses and managed communities alike will pay for someone who can go all out on decorating homes, offices, and buildings for the holidays.

Home-Based Child Care

By offering a safe environment for children, you can provide daycare while people are away at work. This may involve getting special permits and licenses, but the revenue and low overhead can make this a very successful business idea.

Home Staging

When people are selling their houses, buyers are more inclined to to lay down money on a home with good lighting, clean open spaces, and new furniture. In this robust real estate market, home staging should be on your small business ideas list.

Home Theater Designer

People like the idea of big screens and excellent sound systems, but very few understand acoustics, soundproofing, and wiring. If this interests you as a personal hobby, why not monetize your love of high end equipment and design home theaters for people?

Home Weatherization

No one likes drafts and leaks. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they can run into serious money on heating bills and structural damage from water. If you understand weatherization, then you should put this on your list of small business ideas as a way to make a very comfortable living.

House Painter

Many people want their homes painted – both inside and out – but very few either want to do the job themselves, or know how to do it properly. With a renewed interest in pain that comes in colors other than white or ecru, people everywhere are looking for good house painters.

Ice Cream Shop Businesses

Ice cream is a treat for people of all ages, and whether you open a franchise, or run your own small batch store, people will come to you. The ice cream shop has expanded beyond just a seasonal business, and entrepreneurs can make great money all year round, which is why ice cream shops make our great small business ideas list.

Image Consultant

An image consultant helps people brand themselves, and cover everything from public speaking and attire, all the way up to choosing social function for people to attend in order to “be seen.” With more freedom than a publicist or agent, and image consultant can help people in a variety of areas from the corporate world, to writing, acting, and music. Pick a specialty and focus on helping people create an image to help them reach their goals.

Ink and Toner Cartridge Refilling

Buying ink and toner for home and small office printers can quickly run into money that exceeds the price of the printer itself. People want to save money on ink, but most do not want to go through the hassle of refilling their own cartridges, because it can be very messy if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you know how to refill toner and ink cartridges, you can make a lot of money while still staying well below the cost of new materials.

Interior Designer

Interior designers make out great small business ideas list because this career allows you to help people make their homes beautiful places where they want to stay – taking their imaginations and translating them into real, livable, functional spaces. From painting to furniture, to built-ins and custom designs, an interior designer can make it all happen. Customers pay for materials and labor, your ability to make their vision a reality can bring in a lot of money.

Jewelry Maker

Jewelry making does not have to mean cutting and grading valuable gems. People want those “one of a kind” pieces, and jewelry makers are using everything from ceramics to keys from vintage typewriters to make unique pieces that sell for many times the value of their parts. Jewelry making is a business that can be run from the home, and sold at farmer’s markets, online storefronts, or even out of a home-based shop.

Laundry Services

Laundry services include individual customers with busy schedules who need their laundry washed and folded, on up to contracted services with hotels, restaurants, and other businesses who need clean uniforms cleaned in bulk. A laundry services business can make a lot of revenue in a given area, by offering convenience, delivery, and freeing up time from people’s schedules.

Life Coach

Life coaches are great small business opportunities, which can be run from the home. People seeking advice on how to maximize their time, speak better, get into a good routine, and overcome other obstacles will pay for someone with the knowledge and insight to help them. Part efficiency manager, part therapist, and part friend – life coaches offer great services, and are paid well for helping people get better at life and achieve their goals.

Locksmith

So long as people have keys and locks, locksmiths will never go out of style. From opening car doors for people who have locked their keys inside, to fixing broken lock on doors, and replacing locks on apartments after tenants leave, a locksmith can make a very comfortable living. For these reasons, the locksmith makes out small business ideas list every time.[/product_feature]

Marketing Copywriter

If you have a way with words, and know how to get people interested in products and services, then becoming a marketing copywriter opens up a world of opportunities. Marketing copywriters create the pitches that go on websites, brochures, and other marketing materials to drum up interest and generate sales for other businesses. This is a rare talent, and businesses are willing to pay very well for people who know how to reach audiences.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists help everyone from athletes to dancers, and even private individuals who want to work out the tension of their day-to-day lives. Massage therapists can open their own brick and mortar establishments, run business from their home office, or get the equipment to travel and meet their clients. A society moves toward stress-free living and pain management, massage therapy will keep making the small business ideas list.

Medical Transcriptionist

The medical field does not have a 1:1 ratio of physicians to patients – nor do general practitioners and specialists have the time to document all of their notes on ea patient’s account. If you have excellent listening skills and the ability to document things quickly and efficiently, then becoming a medical transcriptionist might be the right career path for you.

Motivational Speaker

If you can use words to energize and move people – to get them excited about ideas – if people gather around you at parties to hear what you have to say, then you are cut out to be a motivational speaker. Motivational speakers are hired by businesses and organizations to get their members and small teams excited about the work they have to do. The overhead of usually low (sometimes travel is involved), and motivational speakers make our small business ideas list, because who doesn’t want to get paid for talking?

Nutritionist

From young to old, and everyone in between, we need to pay attention to what we put into our bodies. Watching calories and making sure we get the “right” information into our systems is what being a nutritionist is all about. Nutritionists work directly with individuals and design regimens around their specific dietary needs and goals. Some people think they’re too busy and grab the first thing at the drive-thru. Others need high protein and fat diets to help with their workout routines. Others have specific allergies, and need a diet to avoid certain foods. People with the skills and training can become very successful personal nutritionists.

Organic Hair Care Products Seller

There is a growing desire for hair care products that are not made with tons of unpronounceable chemicals that do more harm than good in the long run. Offering gentle, organic hair care products to individuals and salons is a growing and lucrative field, and the organic philosophy helps to put this on our small business ideas list for offering an alternative to industrial hygiene products.

Organic Lawn Care Provider

People are shifting away from pesticides and harsh chemicals to maintain their lawns, and embracing the organic alternatives that don’t harm the environment, animals, and our children. Some have even gone so far as to use goats to eat weeds from fields and lawns. This innovative approach to lawn care is opening doors for motivated entrepreneurs to make a lot of money.

Party Planner

Planning a party takes a mind built for logistics and being able to source the right music, food, and entertainment. From small birthdays on up to wedding receptions, dances, and large corporate events, party planners can have fulfilling and lucrative careers.

Personal Chef

Many people do not have the time or know how to prepare healthy and delicious home cooked meals. A personal chef can provide this service to keep people from “grabbing things on the go” while making a lot of money in the process. Some personal chefs will even take their operations a step further and offer cooking classes for their clients.

Personal Concierge

Becoming a personal concierge does not take much training, and only requires listening skills, time management, and mobility. As a personal concierge, you will be running errands, making appointments, and taking care of those tasks people cannot due to their own busy schedules. This is the evolved version of the personal and administrative assistant, with much higher revenue potential, and the ability to work from a home office. This type of entrepreneurial idea makes our Top 101 small business ideas list for its flexibility, and revenue to overhead ratio.

Personal Trainer

People want to be healthy and stay in shape, but not everyone wants to go to the gym – or has time to do so. Personal trainers work directly with individuals to help them reach their fitness goals. This type of business can be run out of the home office, or you can meet clients at their homes or out in the park.

Pest Control Professional

There are always business opportunities for pest control professionals. Finding quick, efficient, and safe ways to rid homes and other businesses of pest, vermin, and other animals can bring in a healthy revenue, and the ongoing need to pest control specialists places this career on our small business ideas list.

Pet Couture Designer

People love to buy outfits for their pets. Sometimes, they want a holiday-themed outfit. Other times, the pets need that extra layer of warmth. So why not make it fashionable? The field of per couture is growing, with lots of earning potential for someone with a keen eye for fashion, and the ability to bring small-scale designs to life.

Pet Groomer

Even out pets need bathing and brushing, but many people either do not have the time to do so, or – depending on the disposition of the pet – people do not want to put themselves in harm’s way. For people who have a great rapport with pets of all kinds, pet grooming can turn into a big business opportunity, with returning customers. The ability to establish a good reputation and gain repeat business puts pet grooming on our small business ideas list.

Pet Sitter

Do you love animals? Taking care of people’s pets while they are away from home not only helps owners, but it also prevents loneliness and neuroses from developing in the pets, themselves. If you have the means to get around to people’s homes to check in and give their pets food, water, take them for walks, and play a little each day – then this small business idea can turn into a full-fledged career.

Photo Restoration Service

People with photographs from the pre-digital era often find their treasured and historical memories need restoration. Color fades. The paper for older photographs rips and tears. People will pay a lot of money to entrepreneurs with the skills to restore photos to their original glory.

Photographer

Yes, digital cameras are all over the place these days, but not everyone can capture those perfect moments with talent that sets their pictures apart from the usual social media posts. If you enjoy using a camera, and understand how to use imaging software to enhance pictures, then photography could become a great career move. There are some who even use older equipment and dark rooms to breathe life into “classic” photography.

Pizza will never lose its charm, and if you can open a good pizza parlor, you will never run out of customers. Some people like the classic New York style pies, while others prefer more exotic topping, and will pay by the slice. With a twist on a classic business model, opening a pizza parlor makes our list of the best small business ideas.

Pool Cleaning and Maintenance

Pool cleaning and maintenance can be an arduous job for those without the right equipment. Individuals, parks, hotels, gyms, and the like will pay a lot of money for someone who can clean and maintain pools without keeping people from having fun in the sun.

Private Tutor

Whether you are a teacher looking to make money on the side, or if your have a lot of knowledge about a particular topic, becoming a private tutor for young students and adult learners can quickly go from part-time job to full-time career. People are placing a lot more emphasis on education and critical skills, and tutors will continue to make our small business ideas list so long as the trend continues.

Professional Organizer

Being a professional organizer involves a lot more than simply helping people find places for their things. Personal organizers help people streamline their lives, prioritize tasks, and generally make sense of things in order to maximize their free time. Being organized is a big part of feeling less stressed, and that puts personal organizers on our small business ideas list.

Project Manager

Not every business can find an in-house project manager. Many times, the look for outside consultants. If you have experience as a project manager, or have PMP certification, you can become an independent agent to companies and manage small and mulit-tiered projects.

Proofreader

Do you cringe when you read a typo in your favorite books? Do you sigh every time you find a split infinitive or verb tenses that do not match? From informal blog posts to manuscripts, and even technical manuals, people will happily pay for proofreading services.

Public Relations Agency

This is a “Jack of all trades” career. If you like to do a little bit of everything – promotions, events, social media, helping people build a positive reputation so they can achieve their dreams – then opening a public relations agency is a great small business idea.

Resume Writer

A resume writer knows how to make a person’s career history stand out to potential employers, and will sometimes create multiple resumes to fit each job opening. With an eye for detail, low overhead, and great income potential, resume writing is one of the best small business ideas that can help in any job climate.

Sales Consultant

A sales consultant can hire themselves out to one or multiple companies. The goal is to find people willing to purchase products and services. If you are good at sales, but do not want to limit your income potential, work for yourself and become an independent consultant.

Scrapbooker For Hire

There is a big market for scrapbooking, right now. Businesses, families, individuals, amateur genealogists, and more want to preserve special moments and memories. Whether you use the handcrafted “old fashioned” method, or take a modern digital approach with scanning images and compiling video clips, there is a lot of potential grown and revenue to be had in this niche industry.

Senior Care Provider

Aging is an inevitability, and instead of crowding hospitals, enterprising individuals have taken to starting senior care businesses. These businesses can range from helping the elderly with day-to-day activities on up to registered nurses providing in-home healthcare services. The is a great small business idea, and it makes our list for its sustainability, as well as providing a necessary community service.

SEO Consultant

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a highly sought after skill by businesses. Anyone who can go through a company’s website and optimize it for turning up web searches for various key words can make a very healthy living, because web site traffic leads to sales. If you are great with SEO, becoming a consultant for various businesses can build a small empire.

Snow and Ice Removal Services

Much like lawn care, but during the winter months, snow and ice removal is essential in northern states, where not everyone has the physical ability to shovel through heavy snowfall, and some more rural areas need private roads and driveways plowed. This seasonal business makes roads and homes safer, which is why is makes our list of small business ideas.

Soap Maker

This may seem odd at first glance, but many people are inclined to buy handmade soap over mass-produced cleansers with harsh detergents. There are even natural oils and fragrances which can be added, as well as all-natural ingredients, such as shea butter.

Social Media Consultant

Businesses and individuals use social media as their public face to the world and their customers. Social media consultants use various platforms to create an online image for businesses to help them reach their intended audiences, and further brand themselves and their products.

Speech Writer

You do not have to be a public speaker to write speeches, but you must be able to put words together to make people look good, drive home a message, and reach their audiences. There is always room for speech writers – from weddings, to retirements, to large corporate conventions.

Tax Accountant

Tax season is a busy time of year, and if you are familiar with the latest tax laws and revisions, you can help private individuals as businesses alike save a lot of money. Tax accountants have a never ending supply of customers, and the sustainability of this niche career is a great small business idea.

Translation Service Provider

If you are a polyglot, or proficient in even one language other than English, businesses and individuals will seek you out for your translation services. This field even offers specialization in translating speech on the fly, or sticking with written documents.

Tree Farmer

Whether you run a tree farm for the holidays or if you provide trees for home projects and landscaping businesses, this business is always in demand throughout the year.

Video Producer

Whether you work on local commercials, independent films, or a web-based series, being able to produce and edit videos can open many opportunities. Independent video producers are always in demand by private individuals, music artists, on up to large-scale productions. As we continue our shift to a video-oriented society, the need for skilled video producers will only increase.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are entrepreneurs who provide creative, technical, and administrative support for businesses across a number of industries. As the workforce leans more toward outsourcing, virtual assistance are one of the most forward-thinking small business ideas out there, today.

Virtual Call Center

Have you ever talked a friend or relative through a process over the phone, such as troubleshooting a computer? If you can do that, you can open a small business by offering your services to other businesses who do not have in-house customer support. Virtual call centers can be as small as one person, or you can expand and form a team to take on more clients.

Voice-Over Professional

From radio to television, movies, commercials, video games, and public presentations, there are nearly endless opportunities for people willing to lend their voices to projects. As we continue toward a digital marketplace, being able to convey ideas through voice alone with visually-oriented presentations can bring in a very healthy revenue.

Yoga Instructor

If you are proficient at yoga, then our abilities are in demand. Rounding out our great small business ideas list is becoming a yoga instructor. Individuals, groups, and even businesses are using yoga to clear the mind and gain health and fitness benefits. With low overhead – lessons can be given on-site at client’s homes or offices, or out in the park – yoga instructors can open successful businesses where the only real expenses are travel and time.

Web Designer

So long as the Internet exists, there will be a need for people who know how to design visually appealing, easily navigable web sites. Whether it is a single page menu for a restaurant, or a large multi-faceted site for a large organization, people and businesses will pay very good money to those who can save them time by designing web sites based on a little input.