- Small businesses can be easy to start.
- You can start a business with little equipment.
- Determine what skills you have and make a job of it.
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong with a lot of people, but starting a business can be a long and arduous process. However, with the right business idea, you could lay the groundwork and get your first gig in a matter of hours.
Here are some easy-to-start businesses that can help get your entrepreneurial feet off the ground right away.
1. Yardwork
Those who have 9-to-5 jobs don't always want to spend their weekends doing yard work. If you have a more flexible job, you could be just the person for this easy-to-start business. Landscaping companies cut the grass, but they don't necessarily do things like weeding, planting, raking leaves and fertilizing. In the winter, you could switch gears and offer snow removal service.
2. Software training
There's a lot of specialized software out there, and not everyone is inclined to pay the hefty price for technical manuals for programs such as QuickBooks and Final Cut Pro. If you are a master of these programs or others, you could market yourself to those who have these programs and need to learn all the ways to use them. There could be one-on-one sessions or group sessions depending on the interest and program.
3. Homemade soap making
Artisanal products are still all the rage. People love when products are made with care and concern for the environment, nature and the body. If you love soap and are feeling a bit adventurous, why not take on soap making? You can sell the soaps at farmers markets and local craft fairs and even local stores if you make it big.
4. Errand service
Do you love food shopping and wish you could do it more? OK, maybe not, but you could get paid to run errands for other people. Joining a platform like TaskRabbit gives you access to opportunities to earn money by doing chores, pickups and drop-offs in your community.
5. Social media management
Small businesses don't always have a person on staff full time to run their social media because it can be costly. As a social media buff, you could slip in and offer your freelance social media management services to those businesses. You could handle photography and editing and scheduling posts for a flat fee or a package fee. Programs like Hootsuite and Sendible make social media management extremely easy.
6. Freelance services
With so many companies looking for freelance or contract employees of all sorts, it's not hard to imagine that you could build a whole company around providing freelance services of one sort or another. Wherever your skills lie – be it writing, editing, graphic design or coding – there's likely a freelance opportunity for you. Check out the listings on sites like Upwork and Freelancer.com, and get started on a project today.
7. eBay selling
Whether you'd be selling handmade products or stuff you don't use anymore, eBay is a great way to do it. You could list your items and set prices for each one or take bids to try getting the most out of your items. You could easily start an eBay business consigning old clothes, vintage items, handmade products and so much more. Learn more about starting a resale business here.
8. Pet sitting
You might be surprised to know that people are always looking for someone trustworthy to walk, feed and play with their pets while they are away. If you love animals and have enough knowledge to care for them over a short period of time, consider starting a pet sitting business. Pet owners are willing to pay a lot to make sure their pets are cared for well. You do not need much equipment, which makes this an easy business to start. You should be insured and bonded.
9. Cleaning service
There was a time when only the rich had cleaning services. Those days are long gone. People are getting busier and are always looking for ways to make their lives easier. Often, cleaning is what falls by the wayside when people get really busy. You need basic cleaning supplies to get this job off the ground. You should know basic cleaning techniques, and be neat and organized. You also have to be able to maintain and keep a schedule and be reliable.
10. Delivery service
Do you have a reliable car and do not mind driving around? People are willing to pay for the convenience of having items delivered to them. Just because there are many delivery services available, that does not mean there is no chance for you. If you can provide a less expensive and more efficient delivery service than competing companies, this kind of business may be a good fit for you.
11. Hauling
Have you ever tried to shove an item in the trunk of your car? If so, then you know the value of having a vehicle large enough to haul the items you need. In addition, everyone has items around the house that they want to get rid of, but they may not have a large enough truck to haul that stuff away.