Are you searching for the best small business ideas? Whether you want an online business you can run from home, an in-person venture, or something else, there are plenty of options to consider.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S., and 81% of them (25.7 million) have no employees. If you’ve ever dreamed of being one of those 30 million-plus people who work for themselves, this list is for you!
Many of these businesses are affordable to start and require minimal equipment. You might be surprised to find that you already have what you need to get started with many of these top small business ideas.
I’ve been running my blog for over 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey. Even though I’ve made seven figures, it’s still a small business at heart. What I love most is the flexibility: no commute, being my own boss, setting my own schedule, and the freedom to travel whenever I want.
There are many other small business ideas that offer similar benefits. Today, I’ll share a variety of small business ideas you can start this year. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect one that suits your interests and needs.
### 36 Small Business Ideas
1. **Blogging**
Blogging is my favorite small business idea. It’s great for beginners because you don’t need prior experience. I started with no knowledge and learned through trial and error. Since starting my blog, I’ve earned over $5 million through affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, display advertising, and online courses. Blogging allows for a flexible schedule and the ability to work from anywhere.
2. **Selling Printables from Home**
Selling printables on Etsy is a profitable business idea with low startup costs. Printables are digital products customers can download and print at home, like budget planners and invitations. You only need a computer and internet connection to start.
3. **Litter Cleanup Business**
Business owners pay to have their properties cleaned up before opening hours. Litter cleanup is simple and can pay $30 to $50 an hour. It’s ideal for early risers or semi-retired people who enjoy morning work.
4. **Virtual Assistance**
Virtual assistants help businesses with tasks like social media management, scheduling, and email management. It’s a growing field, and you can start earning $15 to $20 per hour, with potential to earn much more.
5. **Selling Stickers from Home**
Creating and selling stickers on Etsy is a fun and low-cost business idea. My friend Mim turned this into a $100,000+ yearly business without any graphic design skills.
6. **Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business**
You can earn money by pet sitting or walking dogs. Dog walkers can make $20 an hour, and pet boarding can bring in $25+ per day.
7. **Bookkeeping**
Bookkeepers manage financial records for businesses. My friend Ben helps people start their own bookkeeping businesses, even without prior experience. New bookkeepers can make a significant income.
8. **Reselling Items**
Reselling items can be very profitable. Melissa’s family earned $133,000 in one year by buying and selling items, working only 10-20 hours per week.
9. **Freelance Writing**
Freelance writing doesn’t require a background in writing. You can write for various clients, including websites, blogs, and magazines.
10. **Selling Items on Amazon**
Selling on Amazon can be lucrative. My friend Jessica made over $100,000 profit in her first year, working less than 20 hours a week.
11. **Proofreading**
Proofreading is in demand and pays well. You need a laptop, internet connection, and proofreading skills.
12. **Creating and Selling Canva Templates**
Canva templates can be created once and sold multiple times. My friend Maliha earns $2,000 each month working a few hours a week.
13. **Podcast Virtual Assistance**
With the growing number of podcasts, there’s a demand for virtual assistants to handle tasks like editing and marketing.
14. **Freelancing**
Freelancers offer services like graphic design, web development, and personal training. Platforms like UpWork and Fiverr can help you find clients.
15. **Help Google Evaluate Search Engine Results**
Search Engine Evaluators rate websites to improve search results. It’s a beginner-friendly job that doesn’t require technical experience.
16. **Voice Over Acting**
Voice over actors work on YouTube videos, radio ads, and more. No special skills are needed, just the right voice.
17. **Managing Facebook Ads for Small Businesses**
Small businesses pay for Facebook ads, and you can earn around $1,000 to $1,500 extra a month per client by managing these ads.
18. **Transcribing Audio or Video Files into Text**
Transcriptionists convert audio and video to text. Beginners can start at around $15 an hour.
19. **Scoping**
Scopists edit legal documents for court reporters. They can earn $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
20. **Starting a Home Dog Bakery**
You can make dog treats and earn an extra $500-$1,000 a month or more.
21. **Food Photography**
Food photographers take pictures for bloggers and websites, earning $50,000 to $100,000 a year.
22. **Start an Online Store**
Starting an online store doesn’t require much experience or money. Jenn Leach earns an average of $19,000 per month from her e-commerce stores.
23. **Social Media Management**
Manage social media accounts for businesses, helping them grow their online presence.
24. **Real Estate Agent**
Real estate agents help people buy and sell properties. They earn commissions based on the sale price.
25. **Event Planning Business**
Plan events like weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. This role requires attention to detail and organizational skills.
26. **Airbnb Experience Host**
Host activities for travelers, such as cooking classes or walking tours. These experiences can be in person or virtual.
27. **Vending Machine Business**
Running a vending machine business can bring in $1,000+ a month.
28. **Rental Real Estate Business**
Owning and renting out properties can be highly profitable.
29. **Rent Out Your Garage**
Rent out your garage or storage space through platforms like Neighbor.
30. **RV Rental Business**
Rent out your RV through RVShare and earn $100 to $300 a day.
31. **Affiliate Marketing Business**
Earn money by promoting products or services through referral links on your website or social media.
32. **Selling an Online Course**
Create and sell online courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about.
33. **Writing a Book**
Self-publish a book and earn money from sales.
34. **In-Home Daycare Small Business**
Run a daycare from your home, which is great for parents who want to stay home with their kids.
35. **Cleaning Houses**
Earn $25 to $50 per hour cleaning homes. You can start with minimal investment.
36. **Handyman Services**
Offer handyman services for tasks like fixing grout or installing fixtures. Charge between $60 to $100 per hour.
### What Else Can I Do to Make Extra Money?
There are countless ways to make extra money, such as:
– 12 Passive Income Ideas That Will Let You Enjoy Life More
– 17 Best Online Jobs To Make $1,000+ A Month
– How To Make $100 A Day
– Ways To Make An Extra $1,000 A Month
### Which Business is Best for Beginners?
The best small business ideas for beginners are flexible and have minimal startup costs. Freelancing, where you can use existing skills, is a great place to start.
### What Small Business Ideas Are Successful?
Success depends on your expertise, interests, and whether you want to work full-time or part-time. Some of the best ideas include:
– Blogging
– Selling Printables from Home
– Litter Cleaning Business
– Virtual Assistance
– Selling Stickers from Home
– Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business
– Bookkeeping
– Reselling Items
– Freelance Writing
– Selling Items on Amazon
– Proofreading
– Creating and Selling Canva Templates
– Podcast Virtual Assistance
– Freelancing
– Helping Google Evaluate Search Engine Results
– Voice Over Acting
– Managing Facebook Ads for Small Businesses
– Transcribing Audio or Video Files into Text
– Scoping
– Starting a Home Dog Bakery
– Food Photography
– Starting an Online Store
– Social Media Management
– Real Estate Agent
– Event Planning Business
– Airbnb Experience Host Business
– Vending Machine Business
– Rental Real Estate Business
– Renting Out Your Garage
– RV Rental Business
– Affiliate Marketing Business
– Selling an Online Course
– Writing a Book
– In-Home Daycare Small Business
– Cleaning Houses
– Handyman Services
Are you interested in starting a small business? What is your favorite small business idea?