Starting a small business can be a fulfilling experience for people who enjoy being their own boss and turning their ideas into reality.

As a small business owner, you’ll have the chance to create your products or services while managing key business tasks such as scheduling, marketing, bookkeeping, and hiring. Ultimately, you have the final say in how your business operates.

Being a small business owner is often ideal for those with a strong drive to learn, a passion for innovation, or a desire to work toward personal definitions of success. According to Zippia, there are 33.2 million small businesses and startups in the United States as of 2023 [1]. Every one of these businesses began with a single idea.

This article explores 16 profitable small business ideas. Whether you enjoy working with technology, being creative, collaborating with others, or working independently, you’ll find options to consider. At the end, you’ll also discover tips for starting your own business and details on affordable online courses to help you gain the skills you need to succeed.

16 Small Business Opportunities

The first step to starting your own small business is identifying the type of business you want to create. Use this list as a starting point to spark your creativity. Consider these questions as you read:

• What skills do you already have, and what would you like to learn?
• What tasks do you enjoy?
• Are there any challenges, like time constraints or startup costs, to consider?

1. IT/Computer Consultant
IT consultants help small businesses set up and maintain their computer systems. They often assist companies that don’t have an in-house IT team and may also handle hardware repairs or system upgrades.

• Best for people who enjoy: Building and fixing computers.
• Requirements: Tool set, local travel, some physical effort.
• Average annual salary (US): $101,166.

2. Repair Specialist
Repair specialists fix issues in homes or workplaces, such as clogged gutters, leaky faucets, or broken gates. They may handle basic tasks or more complex repairs like HVAC maintenance or water heater installations.

• Best for people who enjoy: Hands-on work and solving problems.
• Requirements: Toolkit, local travel, physical effort, flexibility.
• Average annual salary (US): $47,769.

3. Landscaper/Gardener
Landscapers help maintain outdoor spaces by mowing lawns, planting flowers, and handling minor pest issues. They work with homeowners or businesses to improve the appearance of yards and gardens.

• Best for people who enjoy: Outdoor work and creative landscaping.
• Requirements: Landscaping tools, local travel, physical effort.
• Average annual salary (US): $47,312.

4. Cleaning Service Provider
Cleaning service providers help clients maintain their homes or businesses by performing tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and deep cleaning.

• Best for people who enjoy: Cleaning and organizing.
• Requirements: Cleaning supplies, local travel, mobility.
• Average annual salary (US): $44,196.

5. Professional Organizer
Professional organizers help clients manage clutter by sorting, organizing, and disposing of unneeded items. Some specialize in working with seniors or people with disabilities.

• Best for people who enjoy: Organization and helping others.
• Requirements: Organizing tools, local travel, mobility.
• Average annual salary (US): $65,192.

6. Personal Chef
Personal chefs prepare meals tailored to clients’ dietary needs and preferences. They may work for individual clients or prepare meals for multiple people weekly.

• Best for people who enjoy: Cooking and meal planning.
• Requirements: Cooking tools, local travel, ingredient access.
• Average annual salary (US): $67,317.

7. Interior Designer
Interior designers decorate and furnish homes or offices. They may work with contractors to manage renovations or collaborate with local artisans to source furniture.

• Best for people who enjoy: Designing and styling spaces.
• Requirements: People skills and organization.
• Average annual salary (US): $84,579.

How to Start a Small Business

1. Understand Your Costs:
   • Startup costs: Initial investments like equipment, office space, and insurance.
   • Operating expenses: Recurring costs such as utilities, transportation, and salaries.
2. Set Your Service Value:
   • Research your competition to determine pricing.
   • Highlight quality, speed, or other unique features to attract customers.
3. Build Your Brand:
   • Create a niche. For example, a photographer might specialize in weddings or promotional events.
   • Use online platforms, websites, and social media to market your services effectively.