Business ownership is an integral part of the America dream. But if entrepreneurship calls your name, you may be wondering what kind of business to start.
The best business to start depends on several factors, including your budget, time, experience, and skills.
To help you kickstart your dream, here are 51 ideas for starting your own business.
Most searched business ideas
A helpful starting point is exploring business ideas that have proven successful for other entrepreneurs. Based on Google Trends data, the most frequently searched business ideas are:
- Real estate agent: Real estate is hugely popular due to the flexibility and independence it offers business owners. There are no formal education requirements to being a realtor, but you must first obtain a license in the state where you operate or reside.
- Notary public: Although not a big money earner, many states offer a defined pathway for notaries to earn a decent wage. To become a notary, you will need to comply with your state’s eligibility requirements, including taking a training course, undergoing a background check, and filing a surety bond.
- Travel agent: Travelers often seek the assistance of travel agents or travel advisors to organize dream vacations, especially those involving overseas or luxury travel, making this a sought-after business model.
Easy businesses to start with little or no money
Many businesses have high startup costs such as payroll and real estate. However, there are lots of businesses you can start with little or no capital (especially if you work from home). Consider the following:
- Business consultant: If you have expertise in a specialized field, such as law, finance, technology, graphic design, and more, you can build a very profitable consulting business.
- Drop shipping business: Drop shipping is a product fulfillment model that involves outsourcing shipping and handling to a third party. Drop shipping has low overhead and operating costs, but you will need to build an ecommerce website and market for your business.
- Tutor:Tutoring is a great way to start a business on the side and move into full time as your client base grows.
- Virtual assistant: A virtual assistant offers administrative services to other businesses, usually from home. Beyond administrative tasks, virtual assistants can also provide social media, marketing, content development, and other services.
- Bookkeeper: Bookkeeping businesses can be started with little investment – and can prove to be very profitable.
Passive income business ideas
Passive income is income that requires little effort to generate. It can be a great way to supplement your income or start a side gig. Below are examples of passive income business ideas:
- Affiliate marketing: In affiliate marketing, people like website owners, social media influencers, or bloggers promote products made by other companies. They do this by sharing links on their websites or social media profiles. Amazon is a well-known company that offers affiliate partnerships. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also popular places where people can gain followers and advertise products.
- Airbnb/short-term rental: Short-term rentals can generate higher profits than long-term rentals. However, do your due diligence regarding the legality and complexity of operating a rental business.
- Self-storage: If you've got extra room in your home or property and want to make some money, you can rent out storage space to others using platforms like Neighbor or StoreAtMyHouse. This can be particularly lucrative in cities where storage space is hard to come by.
Businesses leveraging technical skills
Demand for technology skills is constant, here are a few tech jobs you can start from home with little financial investment:
- Tech consultant
- App developer
- Software developer
- Computer repair
- Web developer
- UX design
Physically active jobs
If you don’t want to be tied to a desk all day, these businesses are a great option:
- Cleaning company
- Moving company
- Delivery company
- Childcare
- Handyman or contractor
- Landscaper
- Personal trainer
- Pet sitting and walking
Business ideas for creative people
From web design to food service, there are many business ideas to suit your creative side:
- Copywriter (especially if you can occupy a niche)
- Graphic designer
- Handmade goods maker
- Photographer
- Video production
- Animator
- Makeup artist
- Personal chef
- Event planner
- Hair stylist
Food and retail
While online shopping has hit Main Street and America’s malls hard, there is still strong demand for traditional brick-and-mortar stores and food service businesses. Creating an online ecommerce presence can also help you compete with online-only businesses. Consider the following ideas:
- Food truck
- Coffee shop
- Ice cream parlor
- Bakery
- Specialty food store
- Clothing boutique
- Consignment store
- Bookstore
- Liquor store
Tried and true businesses
Although not entirely recession-proof, these businesses tend to be more resilient than others and a good option for new entrepreneurs:
- Laundromat / dry cleaning
- Auto repair
- Car wash
- Franchise business
- Trucking
- Plumbing
- Appliance repair
Are you ready to start your own business?
BizFilings is dedicated to making business easier so you can focus on doing what you love. For more information check out our Incorporation Wizard or contact us today.
