What makes a good small business idea?

Not all small business ideas are made equal: Some require more effort and funding than others, while some can be launched with few resources — or resources you already have. As a potential small business owner, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on training, rent, supplies, and other necessities.

Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:

• Requires little to no training. A good small business idea will ideally leverage your existing field of expertise and require little to no training. That will not only shorten your time-to-launch, but also lessen your expenses, since training courses can cost a significant amount of money. Plus, you’ll be more confident offering services that you feel prepared to deliver.
• Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
• Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management. A great business idea needs few supplies and little inventory management. If you want to sell physical goods, you can either try drop-shipping and manually make goods in small batches.
• Is based online. The best small business ideas are based online and can be carried out from your personal computer. This will automatically lower your commuting costs and give you greater flexibility over your personal and work life.
• Can sustainably be managed by few people. As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.

Best Small Business Ideas

Airbnb Co-founder, Brian Chesky, said, “If we tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn’t have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution for a problem in your own life.”

If you’re like Brian and you’ve already thought about a solution for a problem you encounter in your life — or you’re on the path to doing so — then starting a small business may be in your future. It may also be for you if you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss.

“1. Handyman

“2. Woodworker”

“3. Online Dating Consultant”

“4. Sewing and Alteration Specialist”

“5. Freelance Developer”

“6. Personal Trainer”

“7. Freelance Graphic Designer”

“8. Life/ Career Coach”

“9. Resume Writer”

“10. Freelance Writer”

“11. Landscaper”

“12. Videographer”

“13. Photographer”

“14. Bed and Breakfast Owner”

“15. Clothing Boutique Owner”

“16. Specialty Food Store Owner”

“17. Food Truck Owner”

“18. Car-detailing Specialist”

“Best Businesses to Start with Little Money”

“1. Translator”

“2. Garden Designer”

“3. Ecommerce Store Owner”

“4. Travel Planner”

“5. Home Inspector”

“6. House Cleaner”

“7. Personal Chef”

“8. Property Manager”

“9. Packing Services Facilitator”

“10. Massage Therapist”

“11. Crafter”

“12. Interior Designer”

“13. Nonprofit Owner”

“14. Tour Guide”

“15. Tutor”

“16. Consultant”

“17. Event Planner”

“18. Personal Assistant”

“19. Consignment Shop Owner”

“20. Caterer”

“21. Gym Owner”

“22. Boutique Agency Owner”

“23. Coffee Shop Owner”

“24. Moving Company”

“25. Home Staging”

“26. Makeup Artist”

“27. Professional Organizer”

Home Business Ideas

These home business ideas give you a few more business options that are either based at home or online.

“1. Coding”

“2. Vending Machine Owner”

“3. Social Media Manager”

“4. Data Entry Clerk”

“5. Audio or Video Editor”

“6. Voiceover Artist”

“7. Dog Walker, Groomer, or Trainer”

“8. Candy Seller”

“9. Online Class Instructor”

“10. Small-Batch Goods Seller”

Easy Businesses to Start

“1. Vacation Host”

“2. Pet Sitter”

“3. Daycare Owner”

“4. Blogger”

“5. Home-Baked Goods Seller”