Small Business Ideas (for When You Don’t Know What Business to Start)
Maybe you’re ready for a career change.
Maybe you’re still unsure what career to pursue in the first place.
Maybe all you really know is that you want to run your own business, but are fresh out of small business ideas.
While looking at the booming industries year by year can be tempting, it’s also a good idea to look to your strengths. What is your skill set? What are you great at? This can be an excellent jumping-off point for coming up with the best business ideas.
These suggestions should give you somewhere to start.
Did I miss your skill set? What are you great at? Share with me in the comments, or on Twitter, and we’ll continue brainstorming!
If you’re Mr. or Ms. Fix-It:
Does your ideal career involve getting your hands dirty—or, at the very least, working with your hands, as opposed to sitting in an office?
There are, of course, a million possibilities here; however, I’ve researched a few to get you started.
Start a plumbing, electric, or “handyman” type business
If you’re a fan of tinkering and solving a problem, starting a plumbing, electrician, or general handyperson type business might be a good fit for you.
While it’s not as simple as, hey, go start plumbing, if you’re looking for a hands-on career, you might want to consider seeking out a vocational degree in one of these fields and building a business around it. I’ve also linked our free sample plans below, including one specific to starting a plumbing business.
Start a construction business
Similarly, a construction business could be a great fit for someone who enjoys hands-on work.
While you’ll probably need to complete either an apprenticeship or a trade program to get started, if you’re already an amateur or have worked construction in the past (or simply have interest in seeking the education), this might be a great fit.
Start a mechanic business
Do you love working on cars? Would you like to do it for a living?
Like most other suggestions on this list, trade skills need—you guessed it—a trade or vocational degree before you get started.
However, don’t write off your interest as merely a hobby; it could make a great small business idea.
For more information:
Your local community college is a great place to start when it comes to vocational training
Searching trade schools in your area is another way to get started
How a Self-Employed Handyman Earns $3,000 a Week
How to Start a Small Construction or General Contracting Business
Auto Repair Shop Business Plan
Construction and Engineering Sample Business Plans
Construction Sample Business Plan
Plumbing Sample Business Plan
Start a sewing and alterations business
If you enjoy sewing, you might like a business specializing in altering or repairing garments.
While you don’t need a specific degree or training, you’ll need a certain level of skill to get started with this one. However, if you’re already a great sewer, an alteration business could be a great fit.
For more information:
Check out your local community college for sewing classes; your local community center may offer classes as well
Love to Sew? Start a Side Business Offering Clothing Alterations
The Best Sewing Blogs of 2015
If you’re a whiz with numbers:
Start an accounting business
Do you enjoy bookkeeping, preparing taxes, and generally managing money? Consider starting an accounting business. However, unlike many suggestions on this list, becoming an accountant and opening your own firm will require the right education—generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll also likely need to be licensed as a CPA.
Start a financial planning business
Like starting an accounting business, you’ll want to look into the requirements for starting a financial planning business. However, if you have a background in finance, or would like to pursue the schooling, starting a financial planning business might be the right small business idea for you.
If you’re great at motivating people:
Start a personal training business
If you’re into some aspect of fitness, a personal training business could be a great small business idea. From general fitness coaching to becoming an instructor (think Zumba or Pilates)—if you’re more motivational than Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec, a personal training business might be a successful route for you. After all, the best business ideas for you will be the ones that play to your strengths.
Bear in mind that like many options on this list, you’ll need certification. NASM, ACE, and ACSM are a few of the most common and well-respected certifications, but the path you choose will depend on your specific focus.
Start a life coaching business
Did you successfully navigate a difficult situation against all odds, and come out stronger on the other side? Do you see the best in people, and want to help them reach their full potential? If so, you could consider building a small business around life coaching.
If you’re a strong writer:
Start your own freelance writing business
Sites like Elance and Upwork are great places to get started freelance writing, and you can easily build a small business around your skills as a freelance writer, or potentially expand to include other writers (or graphic designers, web designers, and so on) down the road.
Another great thing about starting a freelance writing small business? You can tailor it to your strengths. Whether you’re interested in copywriting, technical writing, or writing for trade publications, writers are always in demand.
Start an editing and proofreading business
Similarly, editing and proofreading services are always needed, and would make a great small business idea. You can begin by taking on freelance work, and go from there (and surprise—you’re already a sole proprietor!).
Start a resume writing and help business
If you have an eye for detail (read: don’t let mistakes go unnoticed!) your skills might be put to good use helping job-seekers perfect their resumes.