40 Best Small Business Ideas for Beginners to Start Today
Best Small Business Ideas - There are 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S. and growing, making it a great place for entrepreneurs to get started.
Every day, more new business owners turn up, so there's plenty of opportunity to get in on the action. These businesses can help you make money and even build wealth in many cases.
There are plenty of great business ideas out there. How do you know if an idea is a good one? It’s important to do your research and see what others in the industry are doing. You also need to make sure the idea is something you’re passionate about.
Small Business Ideas for Beginners
Make sure your business ideas are well thought out before implementing them. It’s important to do your research and plan accordingly, no matter what size your business happens to be. Without this initial groundwork, you may find yourself in a difficult situation down the line.
When choosing a business idea, it's important to consider your personality, skillset, and goals. Here are some tips to help you find the right fit:
When looking for a small business ideas, it is important to focus on your strengths and what you are good at. What activities make you happy? Thinking about your skills and preferences can help you find a career that is a good fit for you.
Narrow down your list. Look into different types of businesses that interest you, and research them online. Ask people in your local community and businesspeople if any of those businesses match what you’re looking for.
Starting a business can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
Consider what resources you have and what you will need to get started. Can you afford to start the business? Are you able to do most of the work yourself to keep costs down? Are your personal and business finances in order? Have you written a business plan? The Small Business Administration has a free business plan template that can help get you started.
There isn't one definitive answer to this question. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide what's best for you.
Some things you may want to consider are the amount of start-up capital required, the amount of time you'll need to devote to the business, and your skills and experience.
There are pros and cons to working for yourself. The good news is that you can often set your own hours. The bad news is that you might be working 60+ hours a week, especially during the startup phase.
If you believe in balancing business with time for you and your family, then it is important to find a small business idea that will allow for this.
40 Small Business Ideas List
Now that you’ve decided to start a business, it’s time to get down to business. Here are 40 best small business ideas for beginners.
There are plenty of business ideas to get you started below. Whether you want to be a virtual assistant or own a specialty supermarket, you'll find what you need here. So take a look and get inspired to start your own successful business.
1. Virtual Assistant
If you have strong organizational skills and a knack for detail, becoming a virtual assistant may be the perfect way to start your own business. As a VA, you can support business owners who are too busy or don’t have the time to do everything themselves. You can perform tasks such as managing schedules, booking travel, answering emails and more.
2. Childcare
If you’re good with children and have some education certificates or training in early education development, starting a childcare business could be the right choice for you. It requires minimal startup costs and is easy to get started—usually, all you need are some educational certificates or training in early education development. You can begin by offering daycare services for infants, toddlers, school-aged kids and even special needs children.
3. Social Media Consultant
Trying to stay ahead of the curve in social media? Become a social media consultant! By knowing Facebook, Twitter and Instagram inside and out, you can help businesses develop their social media presence and execute a social media strategy. This could include helping businesses create or manage profiles on various platforms, developing and implementing campaigns and more.
4. Instagram Influencer
If you have a large following on social media, you may want to consider becoming an influencer. As an Instagram influencer, you can promote products and services to your followers in exchange for money. You’ll typically be paid per post or by commission for the products you sell. Before starting this online business, be sure to read up on the FTC’s Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers.
5. Etsy Seller
Starting an Etsy shop is a great way to showcase your creative skills. For those unfamiliar, Etsy is a platform where artists and crafters can sell their handmade or vintage items. In order to get started, you’ll need to create a profile with photos of your products, set up payment and shipping information, and write a description of your items. Once someone buys something from your shop, you’ll need to ship it out.
6. Dog Walking Business
Dog walking can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you enjoy being around dogs. It's also a great opportunity to be your own boss.
7. Event Planning Business
If you love to plan events, consider starting your own event planning business. As an event planner, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of the event planning process, from budgeting to coordinating vendors to designing invitations. This can be a fun and rewarding business to own, and there’s always a need for talented event planners!
8. Hairdresser
If you love hair and styling, starting your own hair salon could be a great business venture. It’s not too difficult to get started—just invest in some basic equipment and supplies. Plus, there are plenty of online courses to help you get started.
9. Yoga Teacher
If you’re a yoga teacher, you can build a studio and make money while doing something you love. Keep in mind that starting a yoga studio can be expensive—you’ll need to invest in equipment and rent or purchase space. However, if you have the right connections and are willing to put in the time and effort, you could be looking at a profitable business venture.
10. Landscaping Business
Starting your own landscaping business can be a great way to make some money if you’re handy and love nature. As a landscaper, you’ll be responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes and gardens. Some of the tasks you’ll be doing include mowing lawns, planting flowers, trimming trees and more.
11. SEO Consultant
There are many great small business ideas out there, and a consulting business is definitely one of them. If you have expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), then becoming an SEO consultant is a very wise move.
SEO consultants analyze their clients’ websites in order to suggest ways to improve search engine rankings. You could offer your services to businesses who need them, or even start an agency that provides these types of services.
12. Web Development
There are many great online business ideas to choose from, but web development is definitely a top contender. Web developers design websites, create content for them, test their functionality and make sure they work properly. This makes web development a great side business, especially if you’re tech-savvy. But it can also be a great business to own and do full-time.
13. Digital Marketing
Another business to consider is digital marketing. Business owners in this field are responsible for building and promoting websites. They use channels like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. to market their sites. Managing online advertising campaigns and updating collateral are also part of the job.
14. Professional Photography Business
If you have some starting capital, consider investing in photography equipment and offering your services online. You can specialize in concert photography or professional Linked In photos. You can also upload your pictures to photo-sharing sites for royalties and sell prints or merchandise with your photos on it.
15. Visual Artist
Graffiti artists and spray paint artists will find this to be a great business opportunity. You will not have to worry about going hungry or being penniless if you are good at your craft. There is money to be made, with rates for services ranging from $16 to $70 per hour. All it takes is mastering the art of spray painting.
16. Sign Company
Today, there is a big push to make older neon signs more environmentally friendly. This is being done by replacing them with LED-powered signage. Thankfully, this is creating a big niche, especially in California, where they are trying to reach a decarbonized electric grid. So, if you have a knack for business and design, consider starting your own sign company.
17. Acting Coach
If you want to be an acting coach in the United States, you need proper training. This usually means completing at least two years of college or conservatory-level courses. Once you have fulfilled the necessary requirements, you can become certified by the state.
18. Accounting Business
There are a lot of opportunities for accountants who want to start their own businesses. Services like bookkeeping, tax preparation, and consulting are always in high demand. If you have the skills and experience to offer these services, starting your own accounting firm could be a great way to make money.
19. Bookkeeping Business
If you love numbers and are good at bookkeeping, consider starting your own bookkeeping service. You can offer bookkeeping services for small businesses as well as for individuals. This business is perfect for those who want to do accounting without the hassle of tax preparation and consulting.
20. Personal Chef Service
If you have a passion for cooking, starting your own personal chef service can be a great way to use your skills. As a personal chef, you’ll be responsible for preparing meals for your clients—either in their homes or yours. This could include anything from breakfast to dinner to a whole week of meals.
21. Blogger
Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas if you have a way with words and an eye for style. You’ll need to get a domain and your own website, but the rest is up to you. When you create an online presence, you can monetize your blog and generate revenue from ads and affiliate links.
22. Online Store
If you have an eye for fashion or design, consider starting your own e-commerce store. You can sell anything from clothing and accessories to home decor and furniture. With online stores, you have the advantage of reaching a larger audience than you would if you were selling through brick-and-mortar stores. So start building your brand today!
23. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts for companies to help with their marketing. In order to become a graphic designer, you need to have a degree in graphic design or have some mad skills in Photoshop and Illustrator. Talent is also a key factor for any successful graphic designer.
24. Personal Trainer
If you have a passion for fitness and helping others reach their health goals, consider becoming a personal trainer. You’ll be responsible for designing custom workout programs and helping your clients achieve their fitness goals.
25. Catering Business
Starting your own catering business can be a lot of fun – and it can also be a great way to make some money. As a caterer, you’ll be responsible for preparing and serving food at events such as weddings, corporate functions, and birthday parties.
26. Ice Cream Shop
Starting an ice cream shop is a great small business idea for anyone with limited startup funds. Most ice cream shops require a relatively small initial investment, so it’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. If you ever want some inspiration, read about kid CEO “Beau” Tracy Shell.
He's been in the ice cream catering business Lil' Ice Cream Dude since he was a mere 8 years old. Come 2019, this enterprising young lad opened his very own ice cream shop Lil' Ice Cream Dude's Cool World, and he's only 15!
27. Clothing Boutique
If you have a flair for fashion and want to start your own clothing boutique, you can sell anything from accessories to clothes and shoes. You’ll need to find a great location and market yourself well to get started.
28. Coffee Shop
There are plenty of opportunities to start your own coffee shop or café. With a little extra effort, you can set yourself apart from the competition. Starbucks is a great example of a successful coffee chain, but there’s still room for new businesses to thrive.
29. Hot Spot Owner
Starting a hot spot can be a great way to make money anywhere—you just need a space, Wifi and some laptops or desktops. You can then start charging people for access to your space (co-working), listening to music or just hanging out. Combining this with a coffee shop can provide an additional source of revenue.
30. Health Coach
Starting your own health and fitness business can be a fulfilling way to help others achieve their wellness goals. As a coach, you can provide customized exercise regimens and nutritional advice to help clients reach their targets. With your passion for health and fitness, you can make a real difference in the lives of others.
31. Car Detailing Business
Detailing cars is a great way to make money on the side. It’s a relatively low-cost business to start, as you can get started with just some cleaning supplies and your own labor. You can make a lot of money doing this, especially if you have a lot of customers.
32. Asphalt Maintenance Company Business
If you own a van or large truck, consider starting your own asphalt maintenance company. Sealing and repairing cracks in parking lots and driveways with asphalt sealants like epoxy resin crack fillers is a critical part of the job.
33. Pressure Washing Company Business
Starting a pressure washing business is a great idea if you’re looking for something relatively low-cost and easy to get started. You can start by buying a pressure washer, some cleaning supplies and getting insurance.
34. Junk Removal Business
If you're not afraid to get your hands dirty, junk removal can be a great business for you. It's a relatively low-cost business to start and you only need a few tools and supplies.
35. Food Truck Business
Starting a food truck is a great business idea. It’s profitable and you get to do something you love (cooking). There are some things you’ll need to consider, such as startup costs, equipment needs, location requirements, and how much you’ll need to charge for your food. But overall, it’s a great opportunity.
36.Specialty Supermarket
If you’re tired of the same old supermarket chains, know that you’re not alone! That’s why starting a specialty supermarket can be a lucrative business venture. Specialty supermarkets focus on selling unique and hard-to-find product that you won’t find at your local Walmart or Safeway.
37. Home Contractor
If you have experience in home repairs or remodeling, consider starting your own home contractor business. As a contractor, you’ll be responsible for repairing and renovating homes and apartments. This can be a great way to make money, but it’s important to remember that it can be challenging as well. Make sure you’re ready for the hard work involved before you start your business.
38. Handyperson Service Provider
There is high demand for handypersons for home repairs. If you're interested in becoming a handyperson, consider starting your own small business so you can offer additional services like closet and garage organization.
39. Raise Honeybees
Starting a honeybee farm is a sweet home business idea! Honeybees are in high demand, and with a little bit of startup capital and know-how, you can start your own honeybee farm. Before you can start a bee hive, you’ll need to purchase supplies like hives, bees, pollen patties, smokers and special apparel.
40. Flea or Farmer’s Market Vendor
If you’re crafty and like making money from your creations, consider becoming a flea market vendor. It can be a great way to make some extra cash, and you’ll have the freedom to sell whatever you want!
Start a Small Business
There you have it—40 small business ideas to get future small business owners started! Meanwhile, if you want more chances to enjoy a successful business, make sure to create a business plan and get your business finances in order before you launch it.
Starting a business can be difficult, but there are plenty of options out there if you’re looking to get started. This guide provides information on several businesses that are relatively low-cost and easy to start, so you can feel confident that you won’t be breaking the bank. With a little bit of effort, you might just find your next million-dollar idea!