Top 10 Business Ideas for Starting a Small Business

The Top 10 Small Business Ideas

These are the most popular small business ideas to start right now. They vary with degree of skill needed, startup money needed, amount of competition, etc – and each listing has suggestions as to where to find your first customers with these top business ideas.

Best advice to help you succeed: Research. Learn. Study. Watch YouTube videos. Google for information.

Do everything you can to learn more about the business you’re thinking about before you get too far along. You’ll soon understand how important this is.

1. Online store or e-commerce business:

With the increasing use of technology, starting an online store is a great way to reach a large audience with minimal overhead costs. Selling online is one of today’s top business ideas without a doubt.

Money needed to start: Depending on the type of product you plan to sell, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
How much competition is there: There is significant competition in this field, with many established e-commerce sites and new businesses entering the market regularly.
Computer skill level ability needed: A basic to intermediate level of computer skills is required to set up an online store, manage it, and handle online transactions.
Where to find your first customers: Social media, Google and Bing Ads, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) are effective ways to reach potential customers and promote your business.

2. Freelance writing, graphic design, or web development:

Another top business idea, if you have a skill set in these areas, you can offer your services to individuals and businesses on a freelance basis.

Money needed to start: This type of business typically requires a computer and relevant software, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition can be intense, especially in fields such as graphic design and web development.
Computer skill level ability needed: A high level of computer skills and expertise in your specific field is necessary to succeed in this business.
Where to find your first customers: Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are good places to start, as well as networking with friends, family, and professional contacts.

3. Print on demand (POD) – personalized products and gifts:

Offer personalized products and gifts such as custom-made shirts, mugs, and key chains. There are a lot of Print On Demand companies out there who will allow you to upload your designs to create products like tshirts, mugs, keychains, hats, etc and they do all the printing and shipping FOR YOU. You can literally build a POD site in a few hours and begin selling (be sure to start learning how to drive traffic!)

Money needed to start: The cost can vary depending on the type of product you plan to sell, but starting a small online store can be done with a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can be moderate, with many established businesses and new businesses entering the market regularly.
Computer skill level ability needed: A basic to intermediate level of computer skills is needed to manage an online store and handle online transactions.
Where to find your first customers: Social media, Google and Bing Ads, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) are effective ways to reach potential customers and promote your business.

4. Home cleaning or organizing services:

This business is always in demand and can be started with minimal equipment and supplies. This will always be one of the top business ideas because everyone needs something cleaned!

Money needed to start: This business can be started with a small investment for supplies, such as cleaning equipment and supplies, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can vary depending on the area, but there is often moderate competition from established cleaning and organizing services.
Computer skill level ability needed: Basic computer skills are needed to manage scheduling and communication with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as Care.com and TaskRabbit are effective ways to reach potential customers.

5. Pet care services:

With more people working from home, the demand for pet care services such as dog walking and pet sitting has increased.

Money needed to start: This business can be started with a small investment for supplies, such as pet care equipment and supplies, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can vary depending on the area, but there is often moderate competition from established pet care services.
Computer skill level ability needed: Basic computer skills are needed to manage scheduling and communication with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as Rover and Care.com are effective ways to reach potential customers.

6. Food truck or catering services:

If you have a passion for cooking, starting a food truck or catering service can be a rewarding business opportunity.

Money needed to start: Starting a food truck or catering business can require a significant investment, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of food and equipment you plan to use.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can be intense, especially in urban areas with a high concentration of food trucks and catering services.
Computer skill level ability needed: Basic computer skills are needed to manage scheduling and communication with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as GrubHub and CaterCow are effective ways to reach potential customers.

7. Virtual assistant services:

With the growing use of social media for business, managing social media accounts for others is a lucrative opportunity.

Money needed to start: This business can be started with a small investment for a computer and relevant software, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can be moderate, with many established virtual assistant services and new businesses entering the market regularly.
Computer skill level ability needed: A high level of computer skills and organizational abilities are necessary to succeed in this business.
Where to find your first customers: Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are good places to start, as well as networking with friends, family, and professional contacts.

8. Personal training or fitness coaching:

With many parents looking for child care options, starting a home-based daycare service can be a profitable business.

Money needed to start: This business can be started with a small investment for equipment, such as workout gear and supplies, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can vary depending on the area, but there is often moderate competition from established personal trainers and fitness coaches.
Computer skill level ability needed: Basic computer skills are needed to manage scheduling and communication with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as Thumbtack and TaskRabbit are effective ways to reach potential customers.

9. Personal chef or meal delivery services:

Many people, especially in busy metropolitan areas. are choosing to hire personal chefs to save their time, while also guaranteeing a high quality diet of foods they enjoy.

Money needed to start: This business can require a significant investment, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of equipment and supplies you plan to use.
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can be intense, especially in urban areas with a high concentration of personal chef and meal delivery services.
Computer skill level ability needed: Basic computer skills are needed to manage scheduling and communication with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as GrubHub and CaterCow are effective ways to reach potential customers.

10. Event planning or coordination:

With the increasing demand for unique and memorable events, starting an event planning and coordination business can be a lucrative opportunity.

Money needed to start: This business can be started with a small investment for equipment, such as event planning supplies and a computer, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars
How much competition is there: Competition in this market can be moderate, with many established event planning and coordination businesses and new businesses entering the market regularly.
Computer skill level ability needed: A basic to intermediate level of computer skills is needed to manage event planning and coordination tasks and communicate with clients.
Where to find your first customers: Word of mouth, local advertising, and listing your services on websites such as Thumbtack and TaskRabbit are effective ways to reach potential customers.