Small Business Ideas (for When You Don’t Know What Business to Start)

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.
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.
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.


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!).
If you have a green thumb:
Start a garden center

If you love gardening, but would rather share your expertise than physically help others with their personal gardens, starting a garden center might be the right small business idea for you. You can advise and educate other enthusiasts on what it takes to make their gardens beautiful.
Start a landscaping business



If, on the other hand, you do love the idea of working hands-on, you might consider a landscaping or lawn care business. While you’ll certainly need the skill set to get started, some lawn care services are ultra-basic to start (think mowing) and you can learn and add on more services over time.

10 Steps to Starting a Small Business SHARE PIN EMAIL

Deciding to start a business can be one of the most exhilarating decisions you make in your life. But there are a lot of moving parts and many different elements to consider.

Here are 10 steps that provide an overview of the basic steps required to start a business successfully. Take one step at a time, and you'll be on your way to small business ownership.

Step 1: Get Inspired

All businesses start from a common point — an idea.

You may have dreamed of starting your own business for years, or inspiration may have hit you unexpectedly. Regardless of the source, the first step of starting your own business is coming up with a business idea.

Step 2: Do Your Research

You've identified your big idea, now it's time to balance it with a little reality. Are you really ready to start a business? Take this starting a business quiz to gauge your readiness and see what you need to prepare yourself for business ownership.

The next stage of research you conduct in your small business start-up process will help you figure out if your business idea has potential.

In order for a small business to be successful, it must solve a problem, fulfill a need or offer something the market wants. There are a number of ways you can identify this need, including research, focus groups, and even trial and error. 

Step 3: Make a Plan

You need a plan in order to make your business idea a reality. If you intend to seek financial support from an investor or financial institution, a formal written business plan is a must.

Even if you don't anticipate seeking financial support, a simple business plan can give you clarity about what you hope to achieve and how you plan to do it.

In general, your business plan should outline your business goals and the motivation behind them, as well as your plan for reaching your goals in terms of marketing and funding.

Step 4: Plan Your Finances

Starting a small business doesn't have to require a lot of money, but it will involve some initial investment. There are a number of ways you can fund your small business, including:

1. Financing
2. Small business loans
3.  Small business grants
4. Angel investors

You can also attempt to get your business off the ground by bootstrapping, using as little capital as necessary to start your business.You can also attempt to get your business off the ground by bootstrapping, using as little capital as necessary to start your business.

Step 5: Choose a Business Structure

Your small business can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. The business structure you choose will impact many factors from your business name, to your liability, to how you file your taxes.

You may choose an initial business structure, and then reevaluate and change your structure as your business grows and needs change.

Step 6: Pick and Register Your Business Name

Your business name plays a role in almost every aspect of your business, so you want it to be a good one. Make sure you think through all of the potential implications as you explore your options and choose your business name.

Once you have chosen a name for your business, you will need to check if it's trademarked or currently in use. Then, you will need to register it. A sole proprietor must register their business name with either their state or county clerk.

Corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships typically register their business name when the formation paperwork is filed.

Don't forget to register your domain name once you have selected your business name.

Step 7: Get Licenses and Permits

Paperwork is a part of the process when you start your own business. There are a variety of small business licenses and permits that may apply to your situation, depending on the type of business you are starting and where you are located. You will need to research what licenses and permits apply to your business during the start-up process.

Step 8: Set Up Your Business Location

Setting up your place of business is important for the operation of your business, whether you will have a home office, a shared or private office space, or a retail location.

You will need to think about your location, equipment, and overall setup, and make sure your business location works for the type of business you will be doing.

Step 9: Choose Your Accounting System

Small businesses run most effectively when there are systems in place. One of the most important systems for a small business is an accounting system.

Your accounting system is necessary in order to create and manage your budget, set your rates, conduct business with others, and file your taxes. You can set up your accounting system yourself, or hire an accountant to take away some of the guesswork.

Step 10: Promote Your Small Business

Once your business is up and running, you need to start attracting clients and customers. You'll want to start with the basics by writing a unique selling proposition (USP) and creating a marketing plan.

Then, explore as many small business marketing ideas as possible so you can decide how to promote your business most effectively.

Once you have completed these business start-up activities, you will have all of the most important small business bases covered, and be ready for small business success.