8 Small Business Startup Ideas

Owning your own business is appealing to a lot of people. To start with, it means no more boss telling you what to do every day. Depending on the business, you can also make your own hours to some extent, plus you can choose to go into business doing something you enjoy. 

The list of benefits is long, but many would-be entrepreneurs don’t know where to start. 

What do you do when you know you want to work for yourself, but you’re not sure how? First, you need an idea. You need something that will bring in the revenues you want but that you will also be able to stand doing every day. There’s no point in leaving a job you hate with a steady income to start a business doing something else you hate that has less certainty. 

Always remember that while starting some businesses might seem simple, there are always things you need to consider as you move through the process. One of the most important is having business insurance. You will need insurance no matter what kind of company you want to start. Even the smallest and simplest business will need general liability insurance to protect from lawsuits. 

If you have employees, you must have workers’ compensation insurance. Commercial automobile insurance may be required if you use your personal vehicle for work and will be required if your business owns a vehicle. On top of that, if you own property or equipment, then you will want coverage for that. Failure to have the right insurance could be catastrophic for your business if something bad happens. Here are some small business startup ideas that might appeal to you. 

Handyman

Everyone needs help with their home from time to time. Some jobs are big, and some are small. If you are a jack-of-all-trades, then opening a handyman business might be perfect for you. There are many types of jobs that must be done around the house, such as drywall, fencing, eavestrough repair, and installation, installing fixtures, flooring, carpeting, and everything else under and outside the roof. A handyman can build a strong client base by offering excellent workmanship and customer service. Why do work that you enjoy around only your own home when you can make money doing it at other homes? 

Virtual Assistant

There are more and more people working remotely and opening digital businesses. Unfortunately, not everyone has the skills to be organized or the time to handle all of the daily tasks that might be needed. A virtual assistant can help clients with anything they need. They can answer emails, track calendars, send marketing emails and content, and even answer calls. A VA can do whatever the client can’t and help them grow their business. 

Personal Trainer

If you have a love of fitness and a passion for healthy eating, then becoming a personal trainer might be a great option for you. You can teach inside your own home or at a local park or rent some space from a local gym. All you really need to get started is knowledge of the human body and the ability to customize strategies for your clients. Being able to offer nutrition advice along with fitness will add value and help your clients reach their goals earlier and easier. 

Online Products

More than ever, people are going online for their sources of education and entertainment. You can take advantage if you have a great knowledge of a topic or know how to keep an audience. Online courses are massively popular. They provide the opportunity for people to learn on their own schedule and in their own way. Plus, podcasts are quickly supplanting radio as the top medium for consuming audio. If you’ve got expertise, or even if you can make people laugh, then you can make a living producing them. Many podcasts use crowd-sourcing and advertising to bring in big dollars for a low investment. 

Tradesman

Do you like to work with your hands and solve problems? You might want to go into a trade. Working as a plumber, electrician, or HVAC service provider can be very profitable. You will need some education from your local community college, but once you have your ticket you will be good to go. Just like with handyman work, professionals in vocational trades are needed by every homeowner. There is a big market, and all you need to do is provide good work and be courteous to your customers. 

Cleaning Services

Providing professional cleaning services does not require a big investment upfront. You need some cleaning supplies and a vehicle to get you to jobs, and you are good to go. Advertise online and provide a sparkling clean on every job you do. To get more clients, you can also offer specialized services, such as pet-friendly or eco-friendly cleaning products. Your clients will appreciate the attention to detail and willingness to customize for their needs and beliefs. 

Child Care

Opening up an at-home daycare is not for everyone. You need to have a lot of energy and a love of children. The days are busy and long, but they can be very rewarding. You will most likely need a license, which will involve an inspection of your home. Even if you think your space will not accommodate children, you can take fewer kids or use public spaces, such as parks, as part of your daily programs. Child care is a very valuable service, and working parents are willing to pay a lot for good caregivers. Plus, if you provide great care to a child, then there’s a higher likelihood that their younger siblings will be sent your way too. 

Event Planning

Many people like the thought of holding events and functions but never do because they don’t know where to start. As an event planner, you can help clients with every step of the process. You can provide ideas, order supplies and decorations, help cultivate guest lists, hire contractors, and ensure everything is ready for the big day. If you love being organized and watching a plan come together, then becoming an event planner might be the perfect option for you. 

As you can see, there are a lot of choices when it comes to starting a small business. The key is to find something that you will enjoy and that will bring you some revenue. You don’t need to choose the most profitable, so try to find some balance. Once you do, you can change your life for the better with a successful small business.