Starting a small business offers the chance to develop your products or services while managing behind-the-scenes tasks like scheduling, marketing, bookkeeping, and hiring. With your own small business, you’ll ultimately have the final say on how everything runs.

Successful small business owners often have a drive to learn, an interest in new ideas, or motivation to work toward their goals. In the U.S. alone, there are over 33 million small businesses and startups, each beginning with one thing: an idea.

In this guide, you’ll discover 16 promising business ideas. Whether you’re interested in tech, creativity, working with others, or working alone, there’s an idea here for you. You’ll also find practical tips on starting your own business, plus budget-friendly online courses to gain the skills you need.

Small Business vs. Side Hustle

A small business is defined as an independent business with fewer than 500 employees. For some, running a small business is a full-time commitment, while others run it alongside their primary job, making it a “side hustle.”

This article focuses on small businesses that people often treat as full-time work.

16 Small Business Ideas

The first step in starting your own business is figuring out what type of business to create. Use this list to spark ideas, and consider these questions as you explore:

  What skills do you already have, and what are you interested in learning more about?

  What types of tasks do you enjoy?

  Do you have any restrictions, such as limited time or budget?

1. IT/Computer Consultant

   Helps other businesses set up and troubleshoot computer systems. Often works with
  clients lacking in-house IT support and may coordinate with vendors for equipment.  

     Best for: People who enjoy building and fixing computers  

     Requirements: Tool set, local travel, some physical strength  

     Average Salary: $101,166 per year  

2. Repair Person

     Fixes things around homes or workplaces, from clogged gutters to leaky faucets.  

     Best for: Those who enjoy working with their hands  

     Requirements: Tool kit, local travel, physical strength, and flexibility  

     Average Salary: $47,769 per year  

3. Landscaper/Gardener  

     Maintains yards by mowing, planting, and managing pests.  

     Best for: Physical work outdoors and yard design  

     Requirements: Landscaping tools, local travel, and physical strength  

     Average Salary: $47,312 per year  

4. Cleaning Service

     Cleans homes or businesses on a regular basis, often with a predictable schedule.  

     Best for: Those who enjoy cleaning and organizing  

     Requirements: Cleaning supplies, local travel, and maneuverability  

     Average Salary: $44,196 per year  

5. Professional Organizer  

    Helps people declutter and organize their living spaces, and may assist with downsizing or 
    relocating.  

    Best for: Sorting and organizing tasks  

    Requirements: Organizational supplies, local travel, and maneuverability  

    Average Salary: $65,192 per year  

6. Personal Chef 

    Prepares personalized meals for clients based on their tastes and dietary needs.  

    Best for: Working in the kitchen and focusing on nutrition  

    Requirements: Cooking tools, local travel, access to ingredients  

    Average Salary: $67,317 per year  

7. Interior Designer

    Furnishes and decorates homes, coordinating with contractors for renovations.  

    Best for: Those with a talent for design and styling  

    Requirements: People skills, organization  

    Average Salary: $84,579 per year  

8. Photographer  

    Captures important events or personal milestones, sometimes specializing in specific
    types of photography.  

    Best for**: Artistic expression and capturing moments  

    Requirements: Camera equipment, local travel, and maneuverability  

    Average Salary: $67,219 per year  

9. Event Planner 

    Organizes events like weddings and conferences, handling everything from vendor
    coordination to permits.  

    Best for: Creating memorable experiences  

    Requirements: Organization, people skills, travel  

    Average Salary: $79,736 per year  

10. Bookkeeper  

     Manages finances for businesses, handling payroll, invoicing, and balancing bank
    accounts.  

     Best for: Math and budgeting  

     Requirements: Ability to work independently  

     Average Salary: $76,113 per year  

11. Personal Trainer  

     Offers fitness guidance and training, either privately or in group sessions.  

     Best for: Physical activity and client interaction  

     Requirements: Certification, physical strength, and fitness equipment  

     Average Salary: $62,526 per year  

12. Life/Career Coach  

     Guides clients through personal or professional changes, often requiring emotional
    intelligence.  

     Best for: Helping others navigate change  

     Requirements: Empathy and active listening  

     Average Salary: $67,477 per year  

Home-Based Small Business Ideas

For those who prefer working from home, here are some great options.

13. Graphic Designer

     Designs logos, flyers, and other graphics for brands. Requires collaboration and
    creativity.  

     Best for: Visual storytelling and collaboration  

     Requirements: Computer, design software  

     Average Salary: $57,979 per year  

14. Website Developer

     Builds websites with a mix of IT and design skills, helping clients establish an online
    presence.  

     Best for: Coding and design  

     Requirements: Computer with internet  

     Average Salary: $96,994 per year  

15. Writer  

     Writes for various clients, from editorial work to content creation for brands.  

     Best for: Writing and storytelling  

     Requirements: Computer  

     Average Salary: $75,762 per year  

16. Virtual Assistant/Administrator 

     Helps clients stay organized with digital tasks like email management and scheduling.  

     Best for: Organization and collaboration  

     Requirements: Computer with internet  

     Average Salary**: $67,827 per year  

Starting Your Small Business

1. Understand Your Costs

Every business has expenses, divided into start-up costs (like equipment and office space) and ongoing expenses (like utilities and wages). A business plan will help you calculate the total cost to launch and maintain your business. You can fund your business through loans, savings, or investments.

2. Determine Your Value

Your ability to make a profit depends on the value of your services. Consider your expertise, location, and the demand for your offerings. Doing market research will help you set competitive prices.

3. Build Your Brand

Identify what makes your business unique, and promote it through social media, a website, or other marketing channels. Find your niche and target audience, then tailor your marketing to reach them effectively.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to launching a successful small business that brings you both personal satisfaction and financial rewards.