Starting a small business is exciting. It offers a chance to pursue your passions and be your boss. However, it is challenging if you don’t know where to begin.
A quick tip for starting a small business is to know your skills and passion. Whether you are a creative individual, a skilled technician, or a natural-born entrepreneur, you can do business out of that.
In this article, you will learn 39 of the best small business ideas to make money in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- When choosing a small business idea, consider your skills, interests, and the demand for your product or service in your area.
- Handmade businesses offer unique, personalized products that can stand out in a crowded market.
- Service-based businesses provide essential services that people need and often require minimal startup costs.
- Online businesses offer flexibility and the ability to reach a wider audience.
Handmade Small Business Ideas
If you’re a crafty person looking to turn your hobby into a profitable business, then handmade small business ideas are a great place to start.
You can start these small business ideas at home and sell most of your handmade items through online shops like Etsy and eBay. You can also sell them at craft fairs or nearby local markets.
1. Make Candles
One of the most popular handmade small business ideas is making candles. With a few basic supplies like wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and containers, you can create candles for any occasion.
However, marketing your candles to fit every occasion may be challenging.
2. Sell Bath Products
Handmade bath products like soap, bath bombs, and body scrubs are always in demand. You can create your own unique products using natural ingredients.
However, you need to ensure that your products are safe for all skin types or specific skin types.
3. Make and Sell Food or Snacks
If you love cooking, you can turn your passion into a business by starting a catering business. You can also make and sell your own unique food or snacks at farmers’ markets or local events.
The downside of selling food as a business is the fact that food-grade items are delicate. They can easily go bad or trigger allergies in some people. They also require extra careful handling and storage conditions.
4. Handmade Jewelry
Jewelry-making is another talent that you can use to make money. You can start a handmade jewelry business.
Try creating unique and beautiful pieces using various materials, such as beads, wire, and stones. You can also do customizable pieces.
5. Crochet/Knitting Business
The popularity of crocheted and knitted items has resurfaced nowadays. If you enjoy crocheting or knitting, you can start a business selling your handmade creations. You can make blankets, scarves, hats, bags, clothing, toys, and other items.
However, with popularity comes competition. Therefore, you need to ensure that your creations and your marketing strategy can stand out from others.
6. Handmade Cards
If you have a design talent, you can start a handmade card business. You can create cards for various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.
The advantage of this business is that you can create personalized cards, which are unavailable in stores. However, it can be challenging to market your business because there are a lot of competitors online.
7. Home Decorations
If you have a passion for interior design, you can start a business making and selling handmade home decorations. You can create unique pieces using materials like wood, fabric, or even recycled items.
The downside of this business is that it can be time-consuming to create intricate pieces. However, you can charge a premium for custom-made items.
8. Pet Accessories
Pet owners are always looking for unique and personalized accessories for their furry friends. You can start a business making and selling handmade pet accessories like collars, leashes, and toys.
The advantage of this business is that it’s a niche market, and you can charge a premium for personalized items. However, you need to ensure that your products are safe for pets.
9. Children’s Clothing
If you enjoy sewing, you can start a business making and selling handmade children’s clothing. You can create unique and personalized pieces using high-quality fabrics.
The disadvantage of this business is that children grow out of clothes quickly, so you need to keep up with the latest trends and sizes.
Unique Small Profitable Business Ideas
Besides creativity, there are other assets you can utilize to start a successful business, such as your talents, hobbies, and skills.
Running a service-based small business has several benefits, including working independently, setting your own rates, and offering high-demand services. However, marketing your services effectively is crucial to your success.
Below are examples of unique small profitable business ideas that you can start.
10. Handyman
A handyman business is an excellent option for those who are skilled in various trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
You can offer repair and maintenance services to homeowners and businesses, which can range from fixing leaky faucets to replacing light fixtures.
You can market your services through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth.
11. Sewing Specialist
If you have expertise in sewing, you can start a sewing business where you offer custom-made clothes, alterations, and repairs.
You can start by advertising your services to family and friends and gradually expanding your business. You can also sell your designs online through platforms like Etsy.
12. Landscaper
A landscaping business involves designing and maintaining outdoor spaces. You can offer services like lawn mowing, tree trimming, and garden design to residential and commercial customers.
You’ll need to invest in essential tools like a lawn mower and a weed trimmer and promote your business through flyers, ads, and referrals.
However, being a landscaper requires physical labor and high-quality equipment. You will also encounter competition from other landscaping businesses.
13. Photographer
Photography is a great business if you love capturing beautiful images. You can specialize in wedding photography, portrait photography, or commercial photography.
To succeed in this business, you need to invest in quality equipment, build a portfolio, and promote your business through social media and referrals.
Check out these best photo-selling apps and websites to make money.
14. Open a Food Truck
A food truck business is a popular option for entrepreneurs who love cooking and want to take their cuisine to the streets.
You can offer a wide range of food options, including fast food, gourmet meals, and healthy snacks.
To start this business, you’ll need to invest in a food truck, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and promote your business through social media and food festivals.
15. Travel Planner
A travel planner is a business that involves organizing and arranging travel itineraries for clients. You’ll need to research popular travel destinations, hotels, and activities and offer personalized travel plans to your clients.
To succeed in this business, you must have excellent organizational skills, a passion for travel, and knowledge of different cultures and languages.
16. House Cleaner
A house cleaning business involves offering cleaning services to homeowners and businesses. You can offer services like deep cleaning, regular cleaning, and move-in/move-out cleaning.
17. Interior Designer
If you have a passion for design and a talent for creating beautiful and functional spaces, you can start an interior design business. This business requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as knowledge of materials, colors, and trends.
However, you also need to expect to work with clients who may have different tastes and preferences.
18. Tour Guide
A tour guide business involves leading tourists through historical and cultural sites. You can offer guided tours to museums, parks, and other tourist attractions.
To succeed in this business, you need to have excellent communication skills, a passion for history and culture, and a deep knowledge of the local area.
19. Vending Machine Owner
Being a vending machine owner is a great way to make money if you want a passive income. You can offer a wide range of products, including snacks, drinks, and personal care items.
As a vending machine owner, you must keep up with changing consumer preferences. Lastly, be ready for potential theft or vandalism.
20. Pet Sitter and Dog Walker
A pet-sitting and dog-walking business is a unique and profitable small business for those who love animals and want to provide a valuable service to pet owners.
Typically, clients look for pet sitters and dog walkers with experience and the ability to provide reliable and trustworthy care.
21. Sell Baked Goods
Share your love for baking while making money by putting up a business to sell baked goods.
You can start selling to your relatives and friends and let the word of mouth do its job. You can also advertise your business through social media.
However, you need to dedicate a lot of your time to baking goods, especially when orders start coming in and your customers start to pile up.
22. Personal Shopper
A personal shopper business is a great idea for those who have a keen eye for fashion and enjoy shopping.
As a personal shopper, you’ll work one-on-one with clients to curate outfits that fit their style and budget. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about fashion trends and have a good understanding of your client’s preferences.
23. Personal Trainer
If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health goals, you can start a business as a personal trainer. You can work independently, offer group sessions, or partner with gyms and fitness centers.
However, you will need certification and invest in basic fitness equipment.
24. Personal Chef
If you’re passionate about cooking and creating delicious meals, you can start a business as a personal chef. You’ll be responsible for creating menus, shopping for ingredients, and preparing meals for clients in their homes.
Additionally, You’ll need to have culinary expertise, a professional kitchen, and relevant certifications.
25. Event Planner
The event planning business is for an organized and creative individual who enjoys planning parties.
As an event planner, you’ll be responsible for planning and executing events such as weddings, corporate events, and parties.
You will need to have strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle unexpected challenges.
26. Car Detailing
If you love cars and have an eye for detail, you can start a car detailing business. You’ll need to invest in some equipment, such as a pressure washer, waxing machine, and cleaning supplies, as well as some marketing materials.
27. House Painter
Start a house painting business if you’re skilled in painting and enjoy transforming spaces with a fresh coat of paint.
You’ll need to invest in some equipment, such as brushes, rollers, ladders, and tarps, as well as some marketing materials. Additionally, this business can be seasonal, so you’ll need to plan your workflow and pricing accordingly.
Online Small Business Ideas
The rise of the internet has created a vast landscape for entrepreneurs to take advantage of. If you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can start your own online small business with a little bit of hard work and determination.
Typically, to start an online small business, you will need clients who are willing to hire your services. You can find clients from online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and more.
Below are 12 unique business ideas you can do online.
28. Web Developer
One online business idea is becoming a web developer. With a keen eye for design and coding skills, you can create stunning websites for clients who want to establish their online presence.
You can work with various clients, from small businesses to corporations. You can also customize each website to fit their specific needs.
Web developers can earn a comfortable income. You will have the potential to earn more with experience and specialized skills in web development.
29. Copywriting
Copywriting is a versatile field that involves creating engaging, persuasive, and informative content for various clients. You can work with businesses, websites, and marketing agencies to write everything from website copy to product descriptions to social media posts.
Copywriters can earn a good income and work from anywhere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a flexible and creative career.
30. Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you can help businesses and individuals build and maintain their social media presence. This involves creating and curating engaging content, responding to comments and messages, and analyzing analytics to optimize social media strategies.
Related: Ways To Make Money On Social Media
31. Life Coach
As a life coach, you can help individuals improve various aspects of their lives, such as careers, relationships, and personal growth. You can offer one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching, and online courses to reach a wider audience.
32. Fitness Instructor
As an online fitness instructor, you can offer virtual workout classes, personalized fitness plans, and nutritional guidance to clients from around the world.
You can work with individuals or groups and specialize in various fitness disciplines, such as yoga, pilates, HIIT, and more.
As a fitness instructor, you can help your clients achieve their health and fitness goals from the comfort of their own homes.
33. Resume Writer
Your job as a resume writer is to help job seekers create compelling and professional resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
You can work with clients from various industries and levels of experience. You need to tailor their application materials to fit their desired roles.
34. Flip Clothing
Flipping clothing involves buying secondhand clothes, upcycling and redesigning them, and reselling them for a profit.
You can sell your clothes on various online platforms, such as Etsy and eBay, or create your own online store.
Flipping clothing allows you to showcase your creativity and fashion sense while earning a profit.
35. Flip Furniture
Like flipping clothing, flipping furniture involves buying secondhand furniture, restoring and redesigning it, and reselling it for a profit.
You can sell your furniture on various online platforms or create your own online store.
Flipping furniture lets you showcase your DIY skills and creativity while earning a profit.
Discover these best things to buy and sell for profit.
36. Voiceover Artist
As a voiceover artist, you can lend your voice to various projects, such as commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, and more.
You can work with clients from around the world and specialize in various types of voiceover work, such as character voices or narration.
37. Online Tutor
As an online tutor, you can teach students from around the world in various subjects, such as Math, Science, English, and more. You can work with students of all ages and levels, from elementary school to college.
Online tutoring allows you to work from home, set your own hours, and help others succeed in their studies.
38. Virtual Event Planner
A virtual event planning business involves helping clients plan and execute various types of events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties.
Aside from working with clients worldwide, You can also collaborate with vendors and venues remotely.
39. Online Course Creator
As an online course creator, you can develop and sell courses in various subjects, such as business, marketing, coding, and more. You can work with students worldwide and offer courses in various formats, such as video, audio, and written materials.
FAQs
What is the easiest business to start?
The easiest business to start will depend on your skills, interests, and resources. However, some low-cost and low-risk business ideas include starting a cleaning service, mobile car wash, personal shopping service, or language tutoring business.
What is the cheapest small business?
Some of the cheapest small businesses to start to include freelance writing, pet-sitting, house cleaning, and lawn care services. These businesses require minimal startup costs and can be started with just a few hundred dollars.
What business can I start with no skills?
If you don’t have any specific skills, you can start a business that doesn’t require specialized knowledge or experience. Some ideas include starting a cleaning service, pet-sitting, or lawn care business.
What business can I start with no money?
If you don’t have any money to invest in a business, you can start a service-based business that requires little or no startup costs. Some ideas include starting a cleaning service, pet-sitting, or lawn care business. You can also offer your skills and services as a freelancer or consultant.
