small business plan at home

Credit cards
View all credit cards
Banking guide
Loans guide
Insurance guide
Personal finance
View all personal finance
Small business
Small business guide
View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Home Business Ideas: 40 Remote Jobs to Explore in 2022

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Working remotely and starting businesses from home have grown in popularity over the past decade. Currently, in the United States, millions of self-employed individuals have acted upon home business ideas and work regularly from their home.

There are plenty of compelling reasons to want the flexibility that working from home can offer. If a change in lifestyle is what you’re after, then you’ll want to take a close look at your skills and interests to figure out which of the many work-from-home jobs suits you. To help you in your exploration, we’ve gathered this list of 40 of the best home business ideas.

Home business ideas

Any office worker can probably tell you that they've had a daydream about quitting their job and starting their own business. Luckily, in this technological age, this dream can more easily become a reality. If you have a computer and internet connection, there are home business ideas aplenty, including those with low startup costs (if any) and flexibility for stay-at-home parents.

Here are 40 of the best home business ideas to consider:

1. Freelance writer

If you’re a great writer, then you could make a great freelance writer. And best of all, freelance writers work from all over the world. Whether you want to sit in your neighborhood cafe all day or country-hop all year, this job could apply to you.

Of course, successful writers need to have a firm grasp on grammar and tone, superb editing chops and the ability to do their own research and synthesize content that they might be unfamiliar with. It could help if you become an expert in a few different fields, like technology or small-business finance, and it’s always important for all freelancers to know how to market themselves and network with potential customers.

You might be asked to write anything from a blog post series to an industry white paper, website copy or email newsletters. The more you’re familiar with, the better off you are.

And finally, don’t forego the possibility of writing your own e-books to sell on Amazon and similar websites. With basically zero publishing costs and low design costs, this is another way your writing can benefit your bank account directly. (You could even write an e-book about freelance writing — the possibilities are endless.)

2. Virtual assistant

If all of your friends know you as “the really, really organized one,” then being a virtual assistant might be the home business idea for you.

When busy executives reach a point in their careers where they can't manage all the calls, emails, appointments and smaller responsibilities on their plates, that’s where you come in. As a virtual assistant, you would use your phone, email, computer skills and any number of online tools and applications to handle their online calendars, schedule appointments and meetings, make reservations, purchase tickets, set up reminders, organize events, file documents and more.

If this kind of work isn’t your thing, then it might sound a bit unglamorous. But if you’re the type of person who color-codes their planners and sends out Google calendar invitations for coffee dates, then being a virtual assistant could be a fun and fulfilling job — that you can do from home.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

3. Researcher and fact-checker

From perusing old academic essays or case files to analyzing bibliographies or carrying out some market research, you can establish yourself as a professional researcher and fact-checker. Various types of businesses within several different industries need researchers and fact-checkers. Establishing a niche may help you better market your services.

You need to be organized, meticulous and skilled at communication. If that sounds like you, then add this to your personal list of home business ideas.

4. Social media manager

Today, every business, brand and public figure needs social media to engage with their audience, stay relevant and boost brand awareness.

And as it turns out, many companies pay pretty highly for people to manage their social media accounts well. If you can stay on brand, share content appropriately and reply to customers intelligently — while getting those precious likes, hearts, retweets and upvotes en masse — then you could be a killer social media manager.

5. Blogger and affiliate marketer

While managing a blog in and of itself won’t net you any money — in fact, it’ll cost you to purchase a domain, upgrade the appearance and run marketing campaigns — there are a few ways for you to monetize your blog. You could offer up advertising space, which is a useful but typically minor revenue stream, but a lot more money is often found in sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing, a sort of product placement, will let you receive payment from companies in return for advocating for their goods and services. Although this might sound a bit iffy, if you truly do recommend that your readers try out these products, then it doesn’t need to come across as sales-y or insincere. Readers will understand that you need to make money somehow, and many will appreciate your recommendations if they’re accurate.

6. Freelance designer

If you’re more of a visual person, then the freelance lifestyle can still work wonders. Try your hand at designing posters, flyers, or online advertisements for companies that don’t have the time or talent to do this work themselves.

As a freelance designer, you’ll build an online reputation and eventually have control over the projects and timelines you manage. Try out Behance and other freelance design sites to check out your options.

7. Freelance coder

Becoming a freelance coder is an especially great home-based business idea since it’s already a very commonplace gig. Whether you want the flexibility of being your own boss, enjoy taking on a wide diversity of projects rather than working with a single company, or prefer to travel instead of staying in one place, you've got many reasons to pursue freelance software development — even though technology companies and startups offer their own perks as well.

8. Online thrifter

Have a unique eye and the salesman’s pitch down to a science?

If so, you might want to consider running your own online thrift shop. Whether you focus on fashion specifically, another category of product, or prefer to amass collections of interesting items from all over the internet (but especially eBay), there’s always a strong demand for items with a story .

Give your store a compelling, memorable identity, and it will be seen as much more than a simple consignment store.

9. Data entry guru

It might not be the most lucrative or stimulating job in the universe, but data entry can certainly give you the funds you need to work from home or abroad. Plus, data entry jobs rarely require a lot of time or attention, unlike many on this list of home business ideas. You can listen to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks as you work your own hours.

Moreover, since all you need for data entry is a computer, this is certainly a home business idea with low startup costs — if you already own a laptop and have a reliable WiFi connection, you're pretty much all set.

10. College consultant

If you’re a top-notch editor with a deep understanding of how college admissions works — including standardized test preparation, personal statement requirements, supplemental essay requirements, applicant statistics and even financial aid — then you might be able to snag a rather well-paying job as a college consultant. Some families are willing and able to pay, and pay well, to make sure their kids submit the best possible applications to their dream schools.

This is by no means an easy job, as it requires a lot of knowledge and skillsets, but it can bring in a lot of cash for a home-based business.

11. Online tutor

Whether you’re an expert in a certain subject matter, like calculus or biology, or you’ve secured top scores on standardized tests, like the SATs or MCATs, you may be able to share that knowledge with current students looking to get an edge.

So if you have a passion for teaching, are up to date on the formats and policies of the tests you plan to instruct students on, and feel comfortable handling the content, then it might be time to start an online tutoring business.

And just like with the rest of these online home business ideas, you can easily service customers over the phone or, in this case, a video conferencing program like Skype or Zoom.

12. Translator

If you know multiple languages, then this is the home-based business idea for you. As a translator, you can service businesses and clients in a number of different ways. You can translate articles, press releases, e-books or other written work. You might also translate videos, podcasts or contribute to international closed captions for a variety of visual products. Moreover, you might connect with international businesses to serve as a translator for meetings or phone calls.

With experience in more than one language and access to the internet, you'll be surprised about how far-reaching your home translating business can extend.

13. Cybersecurity consultant

With even the biggest businesses around the world being subject to data breaches, cybersecurity is more important than ever. If you have experience with software and IT, a remote job as a cybersecurity consultant might be one of the best home business ideas for you.

From the comfort of your home, you can work with different companies to test their programs, software, backups, firewalls, encryption and generally assess potential threats to their network and advise them on the best cybersecurity practices. Although this may be one of the home-based business ideas on our list that requires the most training and education, it can be a highly lucrative position if you already have the knowledge, or are willing to work to obtain it.

14. Transcriptionist

Can you type extremely quickly while listening to someone talk? If the answer is yes, you might consider transcription services. Like data entry, this might not be the most exciting of our home business ideas but is certainly low-cost, flexible and you can get started very easily. There are all kinds of companies out there who hire freelance transcriptionists, as well as specific services that employ individuals to transcribe audio for various clients.

15. Travel planner

If you frequent websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp and are well-traveled yourself, you might extend your travel expertise to others as a home-based travel planner. You can use your experience to plan and book trips for your clients — manage hotel reservations, flights, excursions, create itineraries and offer tailored recommendations.

For families looking to go on a two-week vacation or couples planning their honeymoon, hiring someone to handle the details, big and small, of their trip, can be invaluable. Plus, in working with different hotels, resorts and vacation attractions, you'll start to build relationships with the staff — and possibly, receive discounts or perks that will make traveling on your own even easier (you might even start a travel blog while you're at it).

16. Fundraiser

If you have any prior experience managing campaigns and events, or simply have an electric personality, you might consider starting a freelance fundraising business. As a fundraising consultant, you'll have the opportunity to market for a business or cause and talk to prospective donors about how and why they should contribute to your campaign.

This home business idea is great for individuals with a background in nonprofit or government work, as well as former marketers or salespeople. If you have excellent people skills and a drive for meeting goals and getting results, this can easily be the right business for you.

17. Medical billing and coding

Although this job may require some form of medical background or schooling, it can be easily profitable and sustainable. Medical billing and coding connect health care providers, patients and insurance companies. As a medical biller and coder, therefore, you would work with patient records to determine the correct codes that are then verified by doctors and sent to insurance providers.

This career is a great business idea for nurses looking for a change; they can easily utilize their prior experience and relationships to succeed in this kind of self-employed role.

18. Video producing

With the prevalence of video in social media and marketing, the need for video producers and experts has only grown in recent years. Even if you don't have prior experience cutting and editing video, this is an online-based home business idea that you can easily learn and teach yourself with classes, tutorials and general guidance from the online video community.

Moreover, video production can transcend a number of different industries, styles and goals. As a video producer, you'll not only have the flexibility of working from home on a variety of projects, but you'll also have the ability to utilize your creativity on a daily basis.

19. Publicist

Looking for a way to combine your public speaking, communication and writing skills? You might consider serving as a freelance publicist or public relations consultant. You can greatly appeal to smaller businesses or individuals who can't invest in full PR teams or staff, but still need this kind of assistance for their organization.

As a freelance publicist, you may handle press releases, emails, social media — essentially, assisting with all facets of your clients' public-facing presence.

20. Customer service representative

Many companies now outsource their customer service to home-based representatives, so you should have no shortage of potential clients in this field. After all, any service- or product-based organization is more than likely going to have some kind of customer support need.

As a customer service representative, you'll be able to work with individuals online or over the phone and talk them through any issues they're having. If you have a communicative and approachable personality, this could be a great option for you.

21. Pet sitter or dog walker

As a pet sitter or a dog walker, you'll get to spend time with other people’s animals while they’re at work or on a trip. Simply follow your client's instructions, as well as your own experience and expertise, to provide care and comfort to these pets. It’s an easy way to get paid, especially if you’re an organized and trustworthy individual with a reputation for or history of animal care.

22. Arts and crafts master

Consider putting your knack for arts, crafts and design to use as the manager of an online store. So long as you believe your creations can find a market and sell at a profitable price, there’s very little stopping you from signing up as a seller on a site like Etsy and carving out your niche. While it might be a tough business, there’s plenty of wisdom out there to learn from.

23. Accountant

If you’re currently an accountant, transitioning to remote work might be as simple as letting your clients know that you work remotely now for reasons of convenience or perhaps hanging your own shingle out to start your own firm. On the other hand, if you’re looking to enter the industry (virtually or not), you should be aware of the training and certifications necessary.

24. T-shirt designer

The U.S. apparel industry is a $225 billion dollar market, and as it turns out, the T-shirt business is relatively quick, easy and painless to get into.

So if you’re interested in entering the eclectic and diverse T-shirt business with an idea or brand of your own, rejoice: This is certainly one of the best business ideas for setting your own hours and calling your own shots.

25. Cleaning service

If you love — or just don’t mind — cleaning up after others, then starting a cleaning business could give you the flexibility you want without forcing you to sit at a computer all day long.

However, this is an endeavor that could certainly grow into a much larger company if you’re successful, meaning that, eventually, you’d probably have to get an office and hire staff.

26. Massage therapist and wellness expert

Over the past decade, the massage therapy industry has grown nearly 20% with no indication of stopping. If this statistic interests you, then you might want to consider entering this burgeoning field.

After getting your massage therapy certification, along with the business license and massage equipment needed to work from home, you can turn your house into a local massage parlor for clients to come to, relax and improve their health and wellness. Plus, you could combine your massage therapy with a more holistic wellness practice or a nutritionist practice — but make sure to check your state’s licensing laws before offering dietary advice or supplements to customers.

27. Personal trainer

As a personal trainer, you could make house calls, visit a gym or let clients come to you (if you have the necessary equipment). You need to be very knowledgeable about everything from proper exercises for different body types to how to motivate people who want to get healthy. You should feel comfortable getting close to your clients in order to learn what works best for them.

Although a certification may not absolutely be necessary, it’s not a bad idea to find out if you can get one in your state before starting up, just in case.

28. Interior decorator

If you have an eye for composition, organization and feng shui, think about starting an interior design business . Partner with local furniture stores and design businesses (with your clients’ knowledge) to get good deals, help decorate public spaces and business interiors as well as houses and apartments, and let everyone in and outside your network know that your services are available.

29. Event planner

Everyone plans events — but not everyone lives and breathes it. Do you love coordinating food and drinks, invitations, scheduling conflicts, music, gifts, goody bags and every other aspect of the parties or events you’ve set up?

From birthdays to weddings, corporate get-togethers and local conventions, the world is your oyster when it comes to events to plan. If you’re passionate about logistics, then this could be the home business idea for you.

30. Caterer

If nobody you know can stop talking about your cooking, then maybe it’s time to charge for your services and talent and start a catering business .

While you won’t necessarily be able to do all of your catering work from home — you may need to use a commercial kitchen and will likely have to hire some part-time employees to help during events — much of the organization, planning, marketing and actual business work can be done wherever you like.

31. Bed-and-breakfast manager

This idea is for the folks who live in popular tourist locations, or would like to move to one. With some preparation, planning, tidying, cooking and a dash of advertising (made easier by services like Airbnb), you can convert your home into a bed-and-breakfast for weary travelers to rest in.

Keep in mind that you need spare bedrooms or a guest house for your customers, and you might want to invest in your cooking and decorating skills to leave a lasting positive impression. Good reviews go a long way in booking out your house for the future.

32. Florist

With a green thumb and a knack for crafts, you might consider opening a floral business to sell flowers and floral arrangements. Depending on your location, you could grow your own flowers, sell and arrange them at home; or, you can outsource the flowers, but still manage the whole of your operations from your own house.

33. Day care manager

Provided you have space, you can start a day care business by supervising a few children during the day — and expanding with staff to accommodate more kids as your business expands.

A day care can be an important business in a local community, especially if your town doesn't already have one. Plus, if you have any experience with teaching or kids, getting into this business will be quick, easy and rewarding.

34. Rideshare driver

Although not home-based per se, becoming a rideshare driver, with Uber or Lyft can offer the same flexibility and freedom as a business that's physically based in your home. As a rideshare driver, your business will more or less be based in your car, and you'll be able to choose your own hours and be your own boss. With the popularity of ridesharing apps continuing to grow, there's no shortage of clients looking for rides, especially if you live in a tourist area or near a big city.

35. Photographer

By starting your own home photography business, you can manage the operational side of your endeavor right from home and travel as needed to meet clients. If your home is particularly picturesque, you might even consider bringing clients there to take photographs or set up a home studio for portraits.

If you want to venture into event photography, you can market your services and look for clients who need professional photography for weddings, graduations, engagements or other events.

36. Landlord

If you have an extra room or guest house on your property, you might consider renting the space — or even investing in a separate property that you can market to renters. As a landlord, you'll be responsible for the upkeep of the property and dealing with any issues that arise with your renters, but you'll generally have flexibility in your business and be home-based.

37. Hair stylist or makeup artist

Are you the person that your friends come to for help with hair and makeup? If so, you might decide to start a home-based salon or makeup artistry business. You can set up a small place in your home with good lighting and the tools you'll need to service your clients, as well as create an on-the-go kit to offer hair and makeup in your clients' homes.

You may find that your hair or makeup business is particularly busy during prom and wedding season, which will be the perfect time to continue to market to new customers. If you have downtime during seasons, you might consider starting a hair or makeup blog or YouTube tutorial channel as well.

38. Eldercare

If you're passionate about helping people and have any experience in personal care, you might consider starting an eldercare business. Nursing homes can be expensive and people are often hesitant to put their family members in full-time care facilities. Therefore, you might decide to offer freelance care, traveling to your clients' homes and caring for them as needed. Keep in mind, you'll want to make sure you have any certifications and the proper training you need.

With the growing popularity of craft and local beers, you might consider brewing beer in your own home. Although this home business will require research, training and equipment, it can be sustainable if your properly market and sell your product.

Or, if you're particularly attracted to the brewing process but don't want to get involved in all of the other areas involved in selling beer, you might look into contract brewing, where you help beer companies make and package their beer. Either way, this can be a great hands-on business, especially if you like experimenting and figuring out how the best beer is made.

Even with all of the different brands and clothing stores out there, people are still going to have those moments where they need a piece of clothing fitted or repaired. If you have any skill with a needle or sewing machine, you might want to open up your own home tailor shop. As a tailor, you can perform fittings and alternations for dresses and suits, as well as repair damaged clothes.

Moreover, you might find there's a market for sewing personalization that you could capitalize on as well, especially for sports teams uniforms, wedding gifts, company swag and more.

Start Your Dream Business

Tips for starting a home-based business

Owning a home-based business is a dream that many people have. The good news is, the process is much more straightforward than you might think. If you're already working from home, contracting or freelancing, you may be able to turn your marketable skills into your own home business. Consider the following steps:

1. Craft a business plan

All businesses are born from a solid plan. Your home-based business is no different. Decide your company's purpose, figure out what service or products you will offer and set measurable targets and goals. You should also determine business financing options if you need initial capital to get started. Your business plan may adapt as your company evolves, but it's the foundation your company will grow upon.

2. Carve out a dedicated workspace

If you're new to working from home, you may think the kitchen table or couch makes for a perfect workspace. Unfortunately, when you're running your own home-based business, you may need a designated space to manage your business. This space does not have to be large and can always grow with time, but it should be separate from daily distractions in your home. If you don't have a second room to utilize, consider setting up your workspace in a spare bedroom or another less-trafficked room. You'll appreciate the privacy when you're taking work calls.

3. Choose a business entity

When planning home business ideas, you need to decide what type of business you want to form. Each business type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you do thorough research before deciding on one.

You don't have to form your own business to work from home, but doing so can be beneficial when filing your taxes and separating personal and business expenses.

The bottom line

If you're exploring small-business ideas from home to find the one that will be cost-effective, fit your skills and inspire you—we hope you found the right idea on our list; or, if not, you at least came up with a brilliant home business idea of your own.

The market for working from home (and home-based businesses) continues to grow, especially in small communities and niche markets. If you're intent on shifting to a home-based career, then, the opportunity is out there to start, sustain and even grow your own business.

On a similar note...

One blue credit card on a flat surface with coins on both sides.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

72 home based business ideas you can start today

Rebecca Tomasis
Jun 22, 2023
29 min read

Starting a business from home is becoming increasingly popular for new and experienced business owners. With the rise of the gig economy and digital technology, including online retail, there are now more opportunities than ever to launch a business that operates out of your home.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income (see our guide on how to make money from home ) or start an entirely new career, home-based business ideas provide an excellent opportunity to participate in both the passion economy and the sharing economy.

Whether you have a home-based business, travel to your clients, or cram in a few hours at a cafe, the possibilities of avoiding the 9-5 office life are plentiful. In fact, in the U.S. alone, the most recent census (2017) found that 8 million people worked from home .

Starting a business from home is a quick and resource saving way to get a great business idea off the ground. Yankee Candles started off as a small business in the kitchen of Michael Kittredge's family home. Start small, think big.

It takes a self-motivated, highly disciplined person to make a home business successful. Of course you should choose a good business idea that suits you best. Fortunately, there are options available for all skill levels and areas of expertise (including business ideas for stay-at-home moms ). From the lowest overhead costs to the most elaborate ventures, and from freelancers to full-fledged business owners, here are the top 70 home-based business ideas for you to choose from and get started on today:

Pro tip: After coming up with business idea and before you get started putting this into action, take some time to read through the following guides. Begin by reading up on how to start your business , which includes everything from how to create a business website to promote your work. You might also want to check out some business website design inspiration .

Why start a business idea from home

There are many reasons why starting a business from home is a popular choice. Here we go over a few of the key reasons why:

Low startup costs. Starting a business from home can cost from just a few hundred dollars up, depending on which type of business idea you decide to run with. This makes the initial risk of starting a business much more minimal.

Flexibility. Business ideas that work from home allow for more freedom in terms of where you work from. They're often a good self-employment fit for parents with children at home, or for people who live in remote areas. Learn more about how to sell online .

Profitability. Small businesses started from home can grow and with less overhead costs, they can have great potential for profitability.

Easiest business ideas to start from home

Survey taker

Uber driver

Professional organizer

Personal shopper

House cleaner

Data entry specialist

Gift basket arranger

Freelance illustrator

01. Pet sitter

What animal-lover wouldn’t dream of this job? If your friends call you the ‘cat whisperer’ or you light up every time a cute dog passes you by on the street, you’d be crazy not to jump on this business idea . If you’re responsible, caring and organized, it’s worth reaching out to your social circle and online communities to offer your services. This is also an excellent option if you want to earn extra money on the side, or are looking for a job where you can multitask between other projects.

Median annual salary: $30,077

Read more: How to start a dog walking business , Business ideas for kids

02. Survey taker

Did you know that you can get paid for expressing your opinion? As a survey taker you’ll fill out forms with your general sense of the public’s opinions. To get started, create a custom email address specifically for this because you’ll have a cluster of emails coming your way. Then, reach out to a minimum of five trusted companies initially, as invitations from each can be few and far between and each one pays differently. Overall, don’t expect to make tons of money from this, rather consider it as a side hustle .

Median annual salary: $16,000

03. Uber driver

An excellent fit for social people who want to have control over their hours. Uber drivers responsibilities entail picking up passengers and safely delivering them to their destinations, as well as keeping their vehicles clean and inviting at all times. Based on a rating scale, you can become a crowd favorite and earn social respect fast if you do a good job. And with Uber, above other ride-sharing services, you’ll be working with the biggest network of active riders. Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with passengers, you can work with Uber Eats and deliver food instead.

Median annual salary: $34,231

04. Professional organizer

If Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant, is your role model, then getting paid to tidy up others people’s mess could be your calling. Take this a step further and offer your clients tips to improve their organizational methods in the future. Whether it’s apartments or office spaces, the possibilities here are endless. The necessary criteria are communication, motivation and (of course) impressive organizational skills. You can also learn how to make money as a consultant .

Median annual salary: $53,000

05. Personal shopper

Your dream of getting paid to shop has just come true. If you have advanced knowledge of consumer goods and current trending products , you can consult or physically shop for others. From wardrobes to groceries to household interiors and more, take your fashion sense to the market and start making money by helping others.

Median annual salary: $32,808

06. House cleaner

You may not be working from your own home, but you will have a flexible schedule as a house cleaner. Whether you decide to work with one to two houses or set up an entire cleaning service (the choice is yours), the only requirements aside from the basics are that you should be a thorough cleaner and have strong communication with your customers. This can also be a great family business idea as it can be easily arranged around a busy schedule or a popular business idea for students , looking for part time and flexible work.

Median annual salary: $27,339

Read more: How to start a cleaning business

07. Data entry specialist

You’d be surprised that a lot of documentation today is still done manually, rather than online. If you want to be a part of converting the stragglers to the digital world, it’s possible to earn an income by entering information from paper files to online computer files. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the environment by saving some trees along the way. The main requirement here is to be highly detail-oriented in order to make sure that no piece of data is left out from your transfer efforts.

Median annual salary: $34,355

08. Gift basket arranger

Gift baskets have become a popular present option for many reasons. They usually include at least one item everyone will enjoy, they can be highly personalized and you can get pretty creative with the items. Based on your customers’ needs, you’ll be able to craft boxes with different assortments. Start small by working with close family and friends, then you’ll be able to use your baskets as samples to get more clients. Take this a step further sell subscriptions to curated gift boxes on a recurring basis. Be sure to create an eCommerce website to sell your gift baskets around the world.

Median hourly salary: $16

09. Freelance illustrator

Take your creative talents and fly solo. Working as a freelancer in the illustration industry allows you to have more control over your work by spending time on projects that you choose, which ultimately will ensue more motivation. You'll have to create a mesmerizing illustration portfolio website that showcases past projects and experience in the field in order to be able to obtain new clients too. Illustrations can also be sold as digital products for extra income.

Median annual salary: $49,380

Business ideas from home with low startup costs

10. bicycle mechanic, 11. pet groomer, 12. music teacher, 13. college planning consultant, 14. babysitter, 15. elder care provider, 16. private tutor, 17. translator, 19. party entertainer, 21. publicist.

Do you have a knack for fixing things? As most people don’t, your skills are bound to come in handy. This is especially the case with bicycles, where 47.5 million Americans cycle regularly , and the number is continuously rising. You’ll be surprised how many people come your way when you market yourself as the ‘handy-man’ in town. Prior experience required is being able to fix bikes from multiple brands, weights and sizes. And if you can work on electric bikes, that’s an added bonus.

Median annual salary: $21,000

From cutting fur to nail trimming, shampooing and brushing, you can be in charge of helping man’s best friend to look fresh, clean and ready to strut their stuff when they walk through their neighborhood. This job is meant for individuals who consider themselves animal lovers, have a lot of patience and know how to care for pets properly.

Median annual salary: $38,033

If you’re gifted at making beautiful, rhythmic sounds come out of an instrument or your vocal cords, this is a way to channel your strengths and spread them to others. From piano to vocals, solfeggio and more, you could become a music teacher. Note that teaching is a skill of its own, so it will require patience, care, communication and fundamental knowledge of your craft in order to start a career or a side gig in this area.

Median annual salary: $46,744

One of the most stressful responsibilities for a high school student is figure out all the answers to their burning questions about college and their future. ‘Will they be able to afford it?’ ‘How will they get into their dream school?’ ‘What will they study?’ If you consider yourself organized, motivating and connected in these areas, your ability to help students navigate their futures can earn you a sufficient income.

Median annual salary: $41,735

If you’re good with kids, toddlers, or newborns, taking on this job is a great way to make a meaningful living. Whether you decide to work as a full time nanny or spend a few hours after school watching your neighbors’ kids, there is always a never-ending demand for work in this field. On top of having the skills and diplomas to work with kids, if you also take a first-aid and CPR course, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from the market by being a more trustworthy care provider.

Many day care centers often start from a home environment, before expanding and moving into specialized facilities. We love examples like this one . Make sure to do your research before starting a business as either a babysitter or daycare provider—always take legal advice and be sure to comply with local, State and Federal laws and regulations involving the care of children within a private home.

Median annual salary: $33,722

Read more: How to start a babysitting business

If you’re looking to step into a growing field, the senior care industry is it. Approximately 24% of the total U.S. popular will be 65 years or older by 2060 . And just like working with kids, this job involves being responsible, being trustworthy and having a knack for helping others. Here, you will need to provide hands on assistance with large responsibilities, such as meal prep, giving out daily pills, bathing, trips to the doctors and more.

Median annual salary: $23,874

Read more: How to start a home care business

Here’s an opportunity to provide assistance in a field you consider yourself gifted in, as well as able to communicate the process. From mathematics to grammar, languages and more, tutors are always needed at all levels of education, from grade school through post graduate studies.

You can choose to run online tutoring completely from home, and hold all of your lessons online. This also allows you to tap into a global demand for online tutors. Teaching English online for example, or music lessons, are always in high demand.

Median annual salary: $23,345

Read more: How to start a tutoring business

As more business and communication is going global, language barriers are one of the major obstacles in correspondence. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, this skill will serve you wonders in the job industry. Your assistance has most likely been requested before, whether on the job or through family and friends. Yet, now it’s time for you to start earning from it by taking on tasks from companies and individuals that demand these services to function.

Median annual salary: $47,190

This is a job that’s always in demand for individuals looking to mend their precious clothing, from fixing holes and loose threads to hemming skirts and pants—and so much more. It takes skill to work with different fabrics and lines of stitches, as well as sometimes redesigning or creating items from scratch. So, if you’re a needle and thread guru, this could be a great ‘fit’ for you.

Median annual salary: $32,560

The popularity of the entertainment industry is on the rise because having fun is a serious matter. Considering this, if your comic level or vibrant personality make you the life of the party, you might consider becoming a party entertainer. Whether you’re a clown, magician, balloon artist, cartoonist, comedian or something else, your talents will be requested in all areas of fun - just like this versatile performer, Shelley Siller .

Median annual salary: $23,290

If you’re unfamiliar with this term, you might recognize it under other names like ‘birth companion,’ ‘birth coach’ or someone that provides both emotional and physical assistance throughout and after pregnancies and birth. From breathing techniques to birthing plans, and communicating all of the procedures and processes involved, you can be a vital aid in helping women get through this incredibly exciting and stressful life-changing experience. Aside from the necessary training and skills, being a supportive, patient and responsive caregiver is crucial.

Median annual salary: $42,000

This job entails getting media coverage and managing the publicity of businesses, brands or public figures. If you enjoy working with the media, crafting promotions and consider yourself an excellent networker, you can make a living out of it from home (versus being employed at a big PR firm). Some of the duties and responsibilities you can expect with this job include helping each of your clients create a press kit, pitching stories to publications and following up consistently.

Median annual salary: $51,385

Unique home based business ideas

22. personal chef or caterer, 23. party planner, 25. video editor, 26. freelance photographer, 27. freelance graphic designer, 28. interior designer, 29. home staging professional, 30. florist, 31. voice over artist, 32. jewelry designer.

Are you a cooking or baking enthusiast? If so, your work can stretch further than delivering your neighbors fresh baked cookies or impressing dinner guests to a plentiful spread. You can start a business straight out of your kitchen by providing meals and goodies to individuals, households and events. Cooking skills, some basic business skills and a food-related website are required to kickstart your career here.

You can also take this to the next level by extending your home based cooking into the realms of Youtube and TikTok. Take inspiration from Chef Joshua Weissman whose cooking videos and cheap eat recipes have earned him a large social media following.

Go one step further again and combine cooking from home with a food delivery service, to make sure you really offer next level service to your customers.

Median annual salary: $45,929

How to start a food business

Food business ideas

If you thrive on planning events, set your goals on turning it into your own business. From weddings to birthday parties, corporate outings and more. Most people don’t have time in their own lives to deal with all of the operational details required in order to make their events as extravagant as they wish for them to be. This is where you come in, with basic planning skills, organization, communication and more. You could be organizing caterers, hunting down event spaces, creating wedding websites and more.

Median annual salary: $33,092

Read more: How to start a party planning business

24. DJ (disc jockey)

Do you have an eye for crowd-pleasing music? If you know how to mix songs and beats into flowing sessions that can keep a room full of people entertained for hours, this could be a great fit for you. And if you don’t have the skills but love the idea, you can take classes and practice with different DJ softwares to get started and feel it out. This is your chance to turn your hobby into a realistically paying job, just like this DJ did.

Median annual salary: $56,779

Writer focused business ideas to try from home

34. resume writer, 35. blogger, 36. journalist, 37. freelance business writer, 39. copywriter, 40. grant writer.

If you feel strongly about your writing skills and have ideas for novels, it’s possible to take on writing your very own books as a profession. A job like this certainly requires strong grammar, organization and creativity, but also a lot of motivation to get past the rotating stages of writer’s block. If you set your mind to it, like almost anything else, it’s definitely possible.

Median annual salary: $62,170

Writing a resume is vital if you want to land a job in most fields today. Yet, many people claim to have trouble crafting their own. If you consider yourself an expert in spewing out marketable paperwork to attract employers, then this online business idea will prove itself beneficial to many eager job seekers.

Median annual salary: $35,000

There are many facts and stats that will tell you why starting a blog with a free blog maker is the way of the future. These reasons include generating more engagement and sales for businesses. It’s also become the norm for researching and consuming information online today (look at what you’re doing right now). And what’s in it for you? 45% of marketers outsource content creation , which is a justifiable reason to sit at your favorite café or on your sofa in your PJs and crank out excellent content for the Web. If you have the research and writing skills, along with prior experience, you can get started.

Not sure what to blog about? We recommend starting with something you love, start writing and go from there. We love how this blogger combines her love of wine and her dogs into one really interesting blog.

Affiliate Marketing is often used by bloggers to earn commissions from promoting other people’s products or services. It involves creating content around a product or service, and including an affiliate link in that content. When a customer clicks on the link and purchases the item, you earn a commission, making it a popular choice with bloggers and other content creators.

You can also consider turning your content into ebooks, that can be sold online or used to generate leads to a product or service. Self publishing is a great way to create and promote your own content online.

Median annual salary: $42,170

Beauty and wellness home business ideas

41. hairstylist, 42. fashion stylist, 43. beautician, 44. health coach, 45. wellness instructor, 46. massage therapist, 47. virtual therapist, 48. personal trainer, 49. fitness instructor.

Coloring, highlighting, cutting and styling hair is something you can totally manage from your very own home salon. If you’re passionate about the beauty industry and follow your state’s requirements for opening up shop (licensing, beauty school and certificate, etc.), there’s no doubt you can pamper guests and make them feel more glamorous from the moment they walk into your home.

Median annual salary: $24,850

Does your love for fashion shine through from your clothing choices to recommendations for friends and family? If so, it’s possible to sell your services and start helping others feel more confident about their looks and attire. You can sway this different ways, from high-end fashion to budget-friendly fashion and more. Some go to school for this, which is recommended, yet it’s possible to start a career without proper schooling by finding experience and educating yourself on trends and body types.

Median annual salary: $34,429

Like being a hairstylist, this is also a way to offer your services out of your very own home. This can include manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. If you are able to do one or many of these, clients will come your way. This is because home salons are typically less expensive than other options, and are naturally much more cozy. To make sure that you attract enough business and maintain a professional aura, create a beauty salon website.

Read more: How to start a beauty business , Beauty business ideas

This emerging market has grown to reach revenues over $6 billion in services . So, for those that love to study the most up-to-date nutrition trends and offer their companions advice for living the healthiest lifestyles, it’s possible to make a career out of it. Your job will entail working one-on-one in regular meetings with your clients, where you can help them define health goals and stick to them in order to maintain overall physical and mental wellness. In order to work in this field, you’ll need to take a course or study a nutrition-related degree.

Median annual salary: $48,239

Read more: How to start a coaching business

Meditation is the fastest growing health trend in America, and yoga isn’t too far behind. These and other tools of wellness are starting to spark the interest of more and more individuals as they’ve been proven to help reduce stress, improve concentration and aid in many other health-related issues. Entering this field is a competitive feat, but if you find your niche, you’ll be able to gain a following. In order to work as a wellness instructor, you’ll need to get a certification in the course of your choosing. You can then begin on your own, teach at a gym or studio, or work on a freelance basis with corporations. As you can see, there are many paths to take.

Median annual salary: $37,900

Read more: How to start a fitness business

If giving your time or gifts to others was always something that made you feel warm inside, providing these therapeutic treatments will be right up your alley. On top of just giving massages, you can also work with other doctors, from psychologists to chiropractors, physicians and more to be able to help your patients in multiple ways. In order to work in this field, you will need to obtain your license after taking a course.

Median annual salary: $41,420

massage therapist template for home based business ideas

If you’re already a working therapist but looking for more flexibility in your life, exploring this option is worthwhile. There are several ways were you can offer online therapy, such as through an application, video chat, voice calls, or messages (audio or text). Of course, you would need to be a licensed therapist to provide this kind of assistance, which means that you will need to obtain your degrees first.

Median annual salary: $79,010

If you enjoy working out as well as motivating others, becoming a personal trainer is a great job for you. A course is required to gain certification but after that you’ll be able to work on your own. Or you could apply to work in a gym, health center, or any other place of fitness.

Median annual salary: $33,120

Teaching classes can be even more fun than participating in them if you’re passionate about a sport. By taking a course in a specific sport/genre that you love, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs, you’ll be able to gain the deepest understanding of that sport, then spread your knowledge to your students in the style that you want. It will also feel amazing to motivate others by doing what you love.

Median annual salary: $39,820

how to start a home based fitness instructor business

Successful at home business ideas

50. online store owner, 51. bed and breakfast owner, 52. online micro jobs, 53. bookkeeper, 54. tax preparer, 55. gardening business, 56. landscaping business.

Consumerism is increasingly on the rise. If you live in the U.S., or plan on selling goods there, you’ll be pleased to know that this specific market in the largest in the world. In 2016, it was valued at approximately $292 billion . The types of eCommerce business ideas are endless here, from the resale of consignment and vintage items, to selling handmade jewelry, clothes, wood work and more. With some knowledge of budgeting, marketing and sales, all that’s left to do is open your own online store .

Median monthly salary: Ranges from hundreds to ten thousands of revenue per month.

Read more: How to start an online store , things to make and sell

If you love hosting guests, take it a step further and turn your home into your very own boutique hotel. This is an excellent option especially if you live in a popular tourist destination, from New York to San Francisco and more. To get started, you’ll need to have strong business and marketing skills, as well as make sure that you register your home business appropriately with the government. And lastly, create a hotel website for guests to be able to book a stay.

Dealing with guests not your thing? You can still consider managing vacation rentals or flipping property as other property related home business ideas.

Median annual salary: $30,959

bed and breakfast owner for home based business

This vague description can apply to many small freelance jobs, such as transferring website data, creating logos, building dynamic pages and more. Many experts from various backgrounds can find mini jobs here, such as social media, programming, app development, graphic design, photo editing and so many more gigs. You’ll discover these opportunities across various platforms, from Fiverr to Gigwalk and Mechanical Turk.

Median annual salary: Varies according to tasks.

If you’re a trained and employed accountant but would like to step out of the corporate environment and take on your own clients, this is a great option for you. Bookkeepers are always needed, especially for small businesses who can’t afford one in-house. By picking up a few clients, you’ll be able to turn this into a full-time job. And if you’re not experienced in the field, you can gain background knowledge by taking several bookkeeping courses from an online college or one in your area.

Median annual salary: $39,240

Read more: How to start a bookkeeping business

Filing taxes is a burdensome task to many that’s often delegated to tax preparers. It’s also a job industry that’s not going anywhere, as taxes will always need to be paid. If you have a tax accounting background and you are registered with the IRS as a tax preparer, you can start taking on clients and forming your own business out of this handy skill.

Median annual salary: $38,730

If you love to garden, this is another way to turn a hobby into a business. Profit potentials are high, especially if you specialize in a specific area, like organic farming or native plants. Many people struggle to grow their own plants, which means that they would definitely pay for the help. So whether you’re only setting up a garden for them, or consistently maintaining it, your services will be desired.

Median hourly salary: $25,290

Read more: How to start a lawn care business

Landscaping businesses are very common among suburbs and urban areas. They add an artistic touch to buildings that makes them more inviting. Skill requirements include various tasks, from cutting lawns to planting flowers and trees, and arranging stone sidewalks and other pathways. To get started, you’ll also need to invest in pricey equipment, yet the profits are completely worth it.

Median hourly salary: $27,670

Read more: How to start a landscaping business

Innovative home business ideas

57. web designer, 58. youtube personality, 59. social media influencer, 60. video game tester, 61. podcaster, 62. travel agent, 63. virtual assistant, 64. web developer, 65. app designer, 66. digital marketing consultant, 67. call center representative, 68. webinar instructor, 69. research assistant.

70. Virtual media scribe

If you have a knack for design and are considered tech-savvy, web design for business websites could potentially be something you can get paid for. Website builders like Wix will considerably ease the process for you with drag and drop features and hundreds of website templates which are ready to personalize. And if you’re already experienced in the field, you can hone in on more creative options with Velo . But how will you find business? You can apply to become a partner website designer and from there, obtain access to a community of clients in need of your website building expertise.

Median annual salary: $57,470

If you know how to use a camera and have an eccentric personality, making a name for yourself on YouTube might just be your calling. From tutorials and how-tos to comedies, mini-episodes and more, the options are endless. Use your imagination and hobbies, and see where you can shine. Producing this content isn’t directly what earns you money though, that’s a supplemental process obtained through ads and brand endorsement. In order to gain traction, first read up on this guide to starting a successful YouTube channel .

Hand in hand with being a YouTube personality comes video live streaming and gaming. Video streamers recording themselves playing games online, is how entrepreneurs such as Mr. Beast got their start, and it remains a highly trending business to start from home.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success. Money is generated from the streaming platform, as well as from sponsorships, donations and brand collaborations.

Social media influencers are taking over the Web and replacing the power celebrities once had. This is because they are known for being authentic, which means that consumers can relate to them more. In order to become one, you have to consistently work extra hard at building a community based around your goal, whether it’s to promote fashion, sports, or any of your hobbies. You’ll then be able to start making money in several ways, from promoting products to becoming an affiliate, selling your own products (t-shirts, photos, other merchandise) and more.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success.

If your eyes just lit up when you heard this option, keep reading. It’s no joke, you can make money by playing video games all day. It’s possible to work with video game creators to test out the logic of their games and to look for any bugs in the program. There’s no experience required, except the ability to continuously play video games for hours on end. Yet, knowledge of programming or computer science will give you the upper hand at understanding the game’s functions.

Median annual salary: $22,360

Learn more: How to start a gaming business

The podcast world isn’t that old as the first one was released in 2004. However, since then it’s become a worldwide phenomenon. From commuting to work to cleaning their house and more, many people love to absorb information strictly through an audio medium because it allows them to multitask. So, if you have the right equipment and an interesting topic or theme to discuss, consider learning f reelance and making your own.

Do you love to explore the world and work with people? Travel agents can do all of this virtually from their computers. In this role, you’ll be in charge of booking trips and activities for people. From hotels to flights, restaurants, tours, top attractions and more, you’re in charge of making sure that your clients have a good time and nothing to worry about while they explore. So, if you love planning trips (even when they aren’t your own), give this a try. Although no degree is required, if you decide to major in travel and tourism in college, it will help you earn credibility and have a better chance of finding employment in the industry.

Median annual salary: $36,990

Just like being an office assistance, this job requires answering calls and emails, planning meetings, making travel arrangements and more. Your tasks will vary depending on who you work for, yet the perk of this versus going into the office is being able to work out of your very own home. Although no degree or training is required, employers are looking for candidates that can manage their time well and have good communication and organizational skills. Other opportunities within this field include medical billing and auditing from home.

Median annual salary: $22,000

Learn more: How to start a virtual assistant business

Just like a web designer, one of your roles will be to design websites, however this position goes much further. On top of that, you’ll need to know more about coding and modifying content, from fixing bugs to adding applications and extensions and more. Agile knowledge of different platforms and coding languages ranging from Velo to Python is necessary as you’ll dive deep into the technical side of websites. Typically, web developers go to school for computer science engineering or programming in order to obtain this knowledge.

Also if you have the necessary qualifications and experience you might want to consider ethical hacking. This is where companies pay ethical hackers to hack their systems in order to identify potential weaknesses for less than ethical hackers to attack and exploit.

Median annual salary: $75,487

There were over two million smartphone applications available in 2018 alone. It’s a rising market as consumers are expecting almost all businesses to offer some kind of application. And lucky for you, many of those businesses are outsourcing this job, especially startups that can’t afford to hire someone full time. This is where you come in, if you have a background in app design and programming, which you’d typically obtain through a college degree in a related field.

Median annual salary: $56,737

From social media to email, SEO and more, digital marketing consultants help companies grow and become noticed by their consumers. It’s possible to offer this in house, for an agency, or start your own individualized work. If you have experience in the marketing field and can send your clients marketing plans and meet your quota, then you might consider going freelance and taking on several clients of your own, while working from home on your own schedule.

Median annual salary: $60,714

Learn more: How to start a marketing business

digital marketing consultant home based business

Customer service is an industry in constant demand with most of the employees working online. It’s possible to find a company that will allow you to work remotely. Your job would entail answering customers questions and fulfilling their requests, from solving issues to connecting them to the appropriate departments and more. This requires staying organized, having patience and working at a timely pace. Previous customer experience, problem solving and people skills are among the requirements necessary to work in this position.

Median annual salary: $32,890

Many people are interested in taking courses online to further their knowledge in particular subjects, from software training to language learning, coding classes, online marketing and and endless amounts of other topics. If you have the knowledge and teaching skills, you can offer this opportunity to people for a price by conducting virtual classes by creating a webinar or an online course.

Median annual salary: $58,758

Oftentimes institutions and businesses pay individuals to conduct extensive research for them. Depending on what you’ve studied and what the job requires, your responsibilities can vary. However, motivation, attention to detail, technical and analytical skills are among the most common requirements.

Median annual salary: $29,098

70. Virtual Medical Scribe

This job involves charting physician to patient interactions, especially during medical exams. Oftentimes, medical scribes are hired as it saves physicians the hassle of filling out paperwork and other pertinent tasks. Here, you’ll be in charge of tracking all of the client-related information, managing documents and data, booking appointments and other administrative medical tasks. This is a great position too if you’re in university, working toward a degree in the health field.

Median annual salary: $24,857

eCommerce business ideas from home

71 Dropshipping

72. Print on demand

71. dropshipping.

Dropshipping can be easily started from home. It's an e-Commerce business model where you sell products online without ever actually having to manage inventory or ship the goods yourself. When a customer purchases an item from your store, it's then shipped directly from one of your assigned suppliers. This allows you to start selling products with minimal upfront investment and no risk of inventory or shipping costs. Dropshipping is an inexpensive way to get started with eCommerce.

Median annual salary: $45,500

Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business

Print on demand is an innovative and unique business idea that can be started from home. With print on demand, entrepreneurs can set up a store online for customers to purchase items with their desired design printed on them. The company who you partner with will then take care of the inventory and shipping so that your business can focus on marketing and promotion.

Median annual salary: $55,637

Learn more: How to start a print on demand business

How to start a business from home

Starting a home business is an excellent way to make money and be your own boss. It can be a profitable venture, as long as you have the right plan in place. To become profitable with your business it is important to have a well-defined strategy that includes your planned marketing efforts, effective financial management and a quality product or service offering. With the right planning and idea, you can turn your home-based business into a successful venture. Don't forget your business name , business plan and registering your business . You'll also want. to consider your business financing, and what type of business to start.

How to promote a business from home

There are many ways to help your promote a home based business. Many of these involve tapping into the potential of online sharing and social platforms. Etsy for example is an online marketplace allowing you to connect with millions of potential customers. And then of course there's Amazon too. Instagram and Facebook are also invaluable platforms for home based business owners to market and sell products. Or if you're looking to connect with those looking for freelancers or consultants, Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start.

Your home business and online security

Many home based business ideas are completely dependent on the internet for their execution, management and promotion. This means any online business owner must be aware of the importance of protecting their website and computer from cyber attacks. Malware, phishing and DDOS attacks are common potentially destructive online attacks that can put businesses of all sizes at risk of identity and data theft, as well as interruptions to business continuity and operations. If you're considering a home based business idea, make sure your website builder prioritizes the security of your site and business.

Home business ideas FAQ

What are the 5 most popular home based business ideas.

In the US, 5 of the most popular at home business ideas include - starting an eCommerce store in response to skyrocketing demand for online shopping over the past few years; online education and tutoring, as demand for remote learning has also soared; freelance writing and content creation as many companies push their content marketing efforts; pet care such as pet sitting and walking; home based food businesses, including homemade food and cake creation.

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

What kind of business can i start from home, explore more business ideas.

Part-time business ideas

Craft business ideas

Reselling business ideas

DIY business ideas

Clothing business ideas

Small-town business ideas

Dropshipping business ideas

Business ideas for couples

Rental business ideas

B2B business ideas

Scalable business ideas

Business ideas for teachers

Recession-proof business ideas

How to get started with private label dropshipping in 5 steps

28 best eCommerce tools to power your online store’s growth

How much does a restaurant website cost: an à la carte menu of options

Was this article helpful?

Starting a Business | How To

How to Start a Small Business at Home

Published April 8, 2024

Published Apr 8, 2024

REVIEWED BY: Mary King

WRITTEN BY: Karina Fabian

Get Your Free Ebook

Your Privacy is important to us.

This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

Starting A Business?

Step 1: Find a Winning Business Idea

Step 2: conduct market research, step 3: define your unique value proposition, step 4: test your home business idea, step 5: create your budget, step 6: write a business plan, step 7: handle the legalities, step 8: set up your business finances, step 9: finance your home business, step 10: set up your space, bottom line.

Thinking about starting a small business from home? You’re in good company. Half of all small businesses begin in the home. Some of the most notable are Microsoft and Amazon, but hundreds of thousands of small-business owners are able to make a living working from their own house. They do it to be their own boss, achieve better work/life balance, and make their interests work for them.

We cover how to start a business from home in 10 steps. Some take some work and deep thought; put that effort in now to ensure a greater chance at success later.

Woman with a laptop open checking her phone

Most people choose to start a home business to be their own boss and work on their own terms. (Photo: Pixabay)

If you’ve already done this, excellent! Move on to testing your idea on the market. If not, however, you’ll want to take stock of your skills and interests and match them against business models that work from home.

The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. People have made profitable businesses doing everything from website design to furniture reclamation to being a professional friend. Here are a few just to get you started:

Dropshipping
Handcrafted items
Bookkeeping
IT/website development
Services—home business does not mean being stuck in the home—like pet care or landscaping
Upscaling/Reclaiming

Another good way to brainstorm is to start with what you know and are good at. Think back to the skills you’ve developed in school or at other jobs. Are any of those skills something that you can offer to multiple people or companies? Say, for example, you were a secretary at a small company. Your duties might have been:

Social media campaign
Newsletter creation
Event organization
Creating and maintaining a filing system
Overseeing project progress
Keeping the boss organized and on time

You could start a home business from any of those skills alone, or you could offer yourself as a virtual assistant and do a few of these for multiple clients.

For more suggestions and information, check out our articles:

How to Come Up With a Business Idea
How to Choose a Business to Start
Best Business Ideas to Make Money
Crazy Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Can your business idea be run from home?

As you consider ideas, think about how this business will fit into your home life. Do you have the space? The time for the projects? What safety considerations are there (consider your children—can you keep them away from the chemicals and tools for the home business?). Finally, consider if there are any regulations that prohibit you from doing the kind of business you want in a residential area.

Only 2% of people start a business at home because they saw a need in the market. The majority are pursuing their passions. That said, if you don’t have customers, you don’t have a business. Thus, doing market research before you start can save you some heartache. Here are some quick steps:

Identify your target market: This is the general group of people who will be interested in your product: CEOs of small businesses, indie bookstores, upper-middle-class homeowners, busy parents, people with clogged sinks.
Create your customer persona: Now, you go deep. Imagine your perfect customer: their age, gender, personality and preferences, pain points, reasons they’d need your product, and where you’ll find them. You can make several of these for each type of customer you’ll target. You’ll keep these personas in mind when doing your marketing and advertising.

The more detailed your customer profile is, the more personally you can reach them in advertising.

Identify your competitors: These are the businesses that offer the same kinds of products in your area (whether local or online). You can do an internet search, check with your local chamber of commerce, consult Yelp or other business review sites, and look at ads in your local paper. (Once you start digging in, chances are that ads for competing businesses will also show up on your social media.)
Compare your competitors: Once you’ve identified them, you need to see how your competitors stack up against what you can offer. This can help you find your niche as well.
Check the market saturation: Before you go any further, ask yourself the big question: Do customers already have enough choices? You are less likely to succeed in starting a business from home if the market is already saturated. Look at the number of competitors vs the number of people interested in your demographics. You might also look at success rates for your type of business and consumer trends for your product or service.

As you researched the market and competitors, you should have gotten a good feel for what people want vs what everyone else provides. You may have even seen what you can do differently. Now, you need to clarify that into a unique value proposition. This is something you can do better, faster, cheaper, or in a way that no one else is doing that will appeal to your customer profiles. Don’t forget that you personally can be part of the value proposition.

Some examples:

Hair styling in their home vs at the shop
Custom desserts where the customer chooses the ingredients
Custom training videos narrated by a professional comedian (you)
Refurbished antique furniture at mid-ranged prices
IT solutions that include one-on-one training at a cheaper price point than most large companies
DIY marketing consultations

A key step in how to start a small business at home is testing the waters. This gives you a low-investment chance to make sure your product works, your target customer will like it, and that you will enjoy the work yourself.

When testing your product, aim for your ideal customer rather than family or friends, who may be biased toward praise. This may take some advertising and time but is worth it in the long run. Here are some ideas:

Offer freebies: Consider offering your service or product free to influential clients in your target market. Be sure they understand you are looking for an honest review. This gets you publicity and builds your portfolio. If there are issues, you can learn from your mistakes.
Do a Beta Run: Beta runs are most often seen in software, where a new product or version is offered to a select group to get feedback. In this case, you’re offering your product or service to a select group of people to get their feedback. You can do this as a free service or at a reduced price.
Use the “fail fast” method: This philosophy of business encourages the rapid release of products so that you can learn from your mistakes, improve quickly, and continue on. It can be a risky venture, but many companies have used it successfully. If you want to start a home-based business but aren’t fully sure exactly what you want to do, this can be a quick way to discover a passion that works.
Work part time: You don’t have to quit your day job to start a business at home. Work it part-time while using your current job to pay the bills. Then as you grow, you can transition.
Crowdfund: This is a great way to test the market and raise funds for your business. Learn more in our article on how to crowdfund your business and our article on the best crowdfunding sites for more.

You’ve probably spent or raised some money while testing the waters, but now is the time to create a budget to get your business officially off the ground. The Small Business Administration estimates that you can start a micro business for as little as $3,000, or possibly even less. However, this statistic comes from 2018—pre-COVID-19 and the subsequent inflation. Other statistics say it can run from $5,000 to $40,000 for the first year. The SBA offers a spreadsheet to help you calculate costs.

Here are some expenses you can expect:

Computers: $1,000–$5,000
Internet and communications: $80/month for internet
Website or online store: $30–$200/month, plus development ($5,000–$15,000) if you hire out
Advertising: Usually by pay-per-click with you setting daily limits
Supplies: Varies by business
Tools: Varies by business
Software: Might include point-of-sale software, inventory software, or programs specific to the services you provide
Labor: $7.25–$15+ Check your state or local minimum wage
Storage: Varies by business
Shipping or transportation: Varies by business
Business insurance: Depending on the business, you might need general liability, property, transportation, or (if hiring employees) disability and unemployment insurance

Next, create a financial projection of expenses and potential profits over the next three years. Not only does this help you know what to expect (like can you really quit your day job?) but is also needed for Step 6 below.

Check out our article on how to create a small business budget and our free templates for sales projections .

Dogs on leashes. Photo by 12019 on Pixabay

Whether you’re a dog walker or starting your own line of handbags, you should plan a budget for your business. (Photo: Pixabay)

A business plan lays out all the important aspects of your business: product or service, market, budget, advertising strategy, and management. The good news is, that you’ve already done most of the work! We have an article that details how to create your business plan in seven easy steps . You can also find a lot of small business organizations and even some nonprofits that are glad to help you with this phase of your journey.

A business plan is vital if you are looking for funding. It can help you with advertising, too. Plus, it makes your business clear in your mind.

An important step in how to start a small business at home is to take care of all the legalities. Working from your house does not exempt you from certain state and federal regulations, and indeed, there may be some restrictions on what you can do in a residential area.

Check zoning: Before you officially start a small business from home, consult your local zoning office about what you can and can’t do. For example, you may be able to restore classic cars in your garage as a hobby but not as a business.
Check health code regulations: If you are dealing with food especially, there may be health code regulations you need to follow even in your own kitchen.
Check if you need liability insurance: You may be required to have this kind of insurance if working in people’s homes, for instance.
Check employment laws: If you plan to start a home-based business that includes employees, then you need to know the applicable labor laws.
Get a home occupation permit: Starting a business from home that includes employees, product creation, or customers coming to your home can affect the neighborhood. In this case, you may need this permit that shows you are not adding significant traffic, noise, or harmful environmental conditions to your area.

Get a Business License

Registering your business with the state is vital for tax and legal purposes. There are several kinds of licenses. Visit the Small Business Administration website for an explanation of the different types. Here is a general list with pros and cons:

Learn more in our guide comparing LLC vs S-corp vs C-corp .

Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You need a federal EIN if you have employees or make sales where you pay taxes. It’s easy to do. Once you have your license, file a form SS-4. If you are a sole proprietor, you don’t need this; just use your Social Security number instead.

It’s important to keep business finances separate from personal ones. It helps with taxes and can keep you from feeding too much personal money into your business. Even if you are starting a home business as a sole proprietor, having separate accounts, credit cards, and financial tracking will get you started on the right foot for when your business grows.

Business Bank Account: You definitely should have a business checking account, but a business savings account or Business Certificates of Deposit account are great ideas for putting away money for the future or emergencies. In some cases, you might be able to open one up with your personal bank, even as a personal account under your company name. However, many business accounts come with benefits. Keep an eye out for bank fees, minimum balances, and other “gotchas” that can hurt your profit.
Business Credit Card: Having a separate credit card for small or sudden business expenses keeps the debt off your personal credit score (unless you’re a sole proprietor) and makes it easy to see where your business funds are going. At the very least, have a separate card for this purpose. See options in our roundup of top-recommended small business credit cards .

Most entrepreneurs who start a home-based business get the seed funds from their personal finances. However, that is not your only option. Here are some ways you can get others to fund your business for you. Hint: Here’s where all the work on the business plan pays off!

Ask friends and family : This is a personal choice, but according to Lendio, 12% of SMB owners sought funds from friends and family . If you do this, it’s a good idea to have some legal paperwork to define terms of repayment or ownership if you offer part of your business in return.
Peer-to-peer lending: P2P platforms match investors and businesses for small business loans. You’ll pay interest on these, but can generally get funds quickly.
Crowdfunding: We mentioned this earlier when testing your market, but you can create crowdfunding campaigns for expansion as well as starting a business from home.
Use credit cards: These generally have higher interest than other avenues, but are a quick solution for fast purchases. If you find a credit card with 0% interest for the first year, however, this could be a sound solution.
Rollover your retirement funds into the business: If you are a C-Corp, a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS) lets you invest retirement funds in a new business without paying taxes or early withdrawal penalties. It can cost up to $4,000 in setup fees and you need at least $50,000 in your retirement account to qualify.
Apply for an SBA loan: While the Small Business Administration has loan guarantee programs, it’s hard for a home business just starting to get one. To qualify for an SBA loan, your credit score must be above 680, and you need to be able to put up collateral for the loan like real estate property. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $250,000 but expect to pay an annual interest rate of 6% to 9%. They generally only guarantee loans to businesses that have been running for a few years. Microloans (under $50,000) are your best bet here. Check with your bank or one of the best banks for small business loans .

This may be the most fun, but it can also be time-consuming. Your space includes both physical and online presence; a working area, an office area, and even signage in your yard. It may even include home vs work scheduling. Here are some tips on how to start a home business environment:

Plan for separation: It can get frustrating when the business papers get mixed in with the kids’ homework, so make an area that is truly designated just for your business. At its simplest, it can be a file box where the office paperwork and supplies are left, or you might have a room just for work. (In that case, you can get a tax break on that room!) The same thing goes for supplies, especially for baking or crafting. This also helps you track consumption and helps ensure items are not misused or contaminated.
Create your online presence: The easiest way to make yourself known is with a website. It does not have to be complex—even a simple page with who you are, what you provide, and contact information can work, but be sure it looks professional and is optimized for search so people can find you easily. You should also have a social media presence dedicated to your business that is separate from your personal accounts. Use it only for business promotion, although you can post on-brand memes and casual posts.
Decorate on-brand: If your space will be open to customers, it’s important that it feels like your business and not just another part of your home. Consider decorating for the impression you want to make on your customer: are you all about efficiency? Relaxation? Coziness? Think, too, about your brand colors. Have your logo on the wall where it can be seen. A separate entrance can add safety as well as separation.
Be seen, but be subtle: If you are bringing customers to your home, you need to have signage so they know they’re in the right place. However, check with your city and HOA rules, and regardless, be tasteful in your choice of signage.

Man at computer in his home office. photo by tookapic on Pixabay

Your home office should be where you can concentrate on work. (Source: Pixabay)

Want to learn more? Check out our article on how to start a small business .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are some of the most common questions about starting a business from home.

How can I start my own home business with no money?

There are a couple of different options to start a business if you have no money. Offer services that don’t cost you anything: What skills, software, or tools do you already have? If you have a full set of tools, a handyman business is low-cost. If you already own a computer and have good coding skills, then perhaps website design is for you. Otherwise, scroll up for our list of suggestions to get funding for your business.

What are the most successful home businesses?

Service-based businesses tend to be the most profitable. Here are some examples of the most popular:

Cleaning businesses
Personal trainers
Mobile apps (especially for children)
Newborn and post-pregnancy services
Virtual assistants
Doggy daycare

What are the requirements to start a small business at home?

These depend on the type of business and its location (city, state). You can start a home-based business without any limitations. However, we recommend all businesses file as a legal entity with the state in which they will be operating. This protects the business owner’s personal assets if a lawsuit were to occur against the business.

In addition to registering the business as a legal entity, your state may require a certain license, for example, a cosmetology license if you’re styling hair in your home. Additionally, if you’re seeing customers in your home, you may need an at-home business license issued by your city.

How many people can work in a home-based business?

This may vary by location. In Los Angeles, for example, you can only have one employee who does not live in the home.

Working for yourself can be exciting and relaxing, but unless you know how to start a home business, you can be in for a world of frustration. The 10 steps we provide give you a good foundation, but do your homework! The more care you put into the first steps, the easier it will be for your new business to take off and grow.

About the Author

Karina Fabian

Karina Fabian has more than seven years of experience writing on business topics and reviewing software. Before writing for Fit Small Business, she reviewed business software and services for other online websites. Karina has also worked as a marketing content specialist for Naviga. After her husband started a rocket company, Karina got a crash course on the ins and outs of starting a business and all the work that goes into launching a startup. In her free time, she writes science fiction and fantasy.

Join Fit Small Business

Sign up to receive more well-researched small business articles and topics in your inbox, personalized for you. Select the newsletters you’re interested in below.

Search Search Please fill out this field.
Small Business
How to Start a Business

Starting a Small Business: Your Complete How-to Guide

From market research to managing growth

The U.S. is home to 33.2 million small businesses, which drive over 43% of GDP. If you are looking to start a business, there are key factors to consider—from market research and creating a business plan to scaling your business. These factors are critical to your journey and can make a big difference no matter what stage of the process you are in.

Entrepreneurs who take concrete action can differentiate themselves from competitors, innovate, and grow. For successful entrepreneurs, the execution of the business is often what means the most.

Key Takeaways

Starting a small business involves extensive market research of your target audience, competitors, and gaining a deep understanding of the industry.
It is important to build a comprehensive business plan that includes the product or service description, your target customers, financial projections, and all other key details.
Understanding the legal requirements of starting your business involves knowledge of business registration, permits, licensing, and other regulatory requirements.
There are various types of funding channels for starting a business, including financing it yourself, securing external funding from your network, and applying for government and corporate grants and loans.

The Importance of Market Research

Being clear about your business goals involves doing your research. Successful entrepreneurs often do extensive research on their field. This includes understanding their prospective customers, the technical aspects of the industry, and the challenges other businesses are facing.

Understanding how other players operate in an industry is important. Attending conferences, joining associations, and building a network of people involved in the field can help you learn how decisions are made. Often, comprehensive market research takes six months to a year.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Knowing your target market is critical for many reasons. These are the customers who are most likely to purchase your product, recommend it to friends, and become repeat buyers. Apart from driving your bottom line, having a strong understanding of your target audience will allow you to tailor your offering more effectively, reach your customers more efficiently, and manage customer expectations.

Compiling demographic data on age, family, wealth, and other factors can give you a clearer understanding of market demand for your product and your potential market size.

It’s important to ask, “Why would someone buy this and part with their discretionary income?” or “Will someone love this enough to tell someone about it?” At the heart of these questions is understanding whether your business solves a key problem, as well as whether it delivers the “more” that connects to your audiences’ human emotions.

Assessing Market Trends and Opportunities

To find an advantage in a given market, look at key market trends in customer behavior and the business landscape. Explore the state of business conditions and consumer spending, along with the economic environment and how interest rates may affect financing and business growth.

Several resources are available to dive into market trends across industries, such as Statistics of U.S. Businesses and the U.S. Census Business Builder . To analyze the competitive landscape, and in turn, identify key opportunities, Porter's 5 Forces is a classic model to help businesses build their competitive strategy.

Creating a Business Plan

A business plan is a road map for achieving your business goals. It outlines the capital that you need, the personnel to make it happen, and the description of your product and prospective customers.

There are a number of models for creating a business plan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) , for instance, provides a format that includes the following nine sections:

Executive summary: This should be a description of your company and its potential for success. The executive summary can cover your mission statement, employees, location, and growth plan.
Company description: This is where you detail what your business offers, its competitive advantages, and your strengths as a business.
Market analysis: Lay out how your company is positioned to perform well in your industry. Describe market trends and themes and your knowledge of successful competitors.
Organization and management: Who is running your company, and how is your business structured? Include an organizational chart of your management team. Discuss if your business will be incorporated as a business C or S corporation, a limited partnership, a limited liability company, or a sole proprietorship.
Service or product line: Here is where you describe how your business will solve a problem and why this will benefit customers. Describe how your product lifecycle would unfold.
Marketing and sales: Detail your marketing strategy and how this will reach your customers and drive return on investment.
Funding request: If you're looking for financing, lay out the capital you’re requesting under a five-year horizon and where, in detail, it will be allocated, such as salaries, materials, or equipment.
Financial projections: This section shows the five-year financial outlook for your company and ties these to your request for capital.

Having a coherent business plan is important for businesses looking to raise cash and crystallize their business goals.

Setting Goals and Strategies

Another key aspect of a business plan is setting realistic goals and having a strategy to make these a reality. Having a clear direction will help you stay on track within specified deadlines. In many ways, it allows companies to create a strategic plan that defines measurable actions and is coupled with an honest assessment of the business, taking into account its resources and competitive environment. Strategy is a top-down look at your business to achieve these targets.

Financial Projections and Budgeting

Often, entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of funding needed to start a business. Outlining financial projections shows how money will be generated, where it will come from, and whether it can sustain growth.

This provides the basis for budgeting the costs to run a business and get it off the ground. Budgeting covers the expenses and income generated from the business, which include salaries and marketing expenses and projected revenue from sales.

Legal Requirements

Another important aspect of starting a business are the legal requirements that enable you to operate under the law. The legal structure of a business will impact your taxes, your liability, and how you operate.

Businesses may consider the following structures in which to operate:

Corporation
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Partnership
Sole Proprietorship

Each has different legal consequences, from regulatory burdens to tax advantages to liability being shifted to the business instead of the business owner.

Registering Your Business

Now that you have your business structure outlined, the next step is registering your business . Your location is the second key factor in how you’ll register your business. In many cases, small businesses can register their business name with local and state government authorities.

If your business is being conducted under your legal name, registration is not required. However, such a business structure may not benefit from liability protection, along with certain legal and tax advantages. Often, registering your businesses costs $300 or less.

Before filing, a business structured as a corporation, LLC, or partnership requires a registered agent in its state. These agents handle the legal documents and official papers on your behalf.

Businesses that are looking to trademark their product, brand, or business, can file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Understanding Permits and Licenses

If your business conducts certain activities that are regulated by a federal agency, you’re required to get a permit or license. A list of regulated activities can be found on the SBA website, and includes activities such as agriculture, alcoholic beverages, and transportation.

Exploring Funding Options

There are many different ways to fund a business. One of the key mistakes entrepreneurs make is not having enough capital to get their business running . The good news is that there are several channels to help make this happen, given the vital role entrepreneurs play in creating jobs and boosting productivity in the wider economy.

Self-Funding vs. External Funding

Bootstrapping, the term commonly used to describe self-funding your business, is where companies tap into their own cash or network of family and friends for investment. While the advantage of self-funding is having greater control, the downside is that it often involves more personal risk.

External funding involves funding from bank loans, crowdfunding, or venture capital , among other sources. These may provide additional buffers and enable you to capture growth opportunities. The drawback is less freedom and more stringent requirements for paying back these funds.

Grant and Loan Opportunities

Today, there are thousands of grants designed especially for small businesses from the government, corporations, and other organizations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides a weekly update of grants and loans available to small businesses.

For instance, Business Warrior offers loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to small business owners. As another example, Go. Be. Elevate Fund offers $4,000 to grant recipients who are women and/or people of color business owners to help them grow their businesses.

Crafting a Marketing Strategy

When it comes to marketing, there is a classic quote from Milan Kundera: “Business has only two functions—marketing and innovation." In order to reach customers, a business needs a marketing strategy that attracts and retains customers and expands its customer base.

To gain an edge, small businesses can utilize social media, email marketing, and other digital channels to connect and engage with customers.

Branding Your Business

Building a successful brand goes hand in hand with building a great experience for the customer. This involves meeting the expectations of your customer. What is your brand offering? Is it convenience, luxury, or rapid access to a product? Consider how your brand meets a customer's immediate need or the type of emotional response it elicits. Customer interaction, and in turn loyalty to your brand, is influenced, for example, by how your brand may align with their values, how it shifts their perception, or if it resolves customer frustration.

Digital Marketing and Social Media

We live in a digital-first world, and utilizing social media channels can help your business reach a wider audience and connect and engage in real time. Given that a strong brand is at the heart of successful companies, it often goes without saying that cultivating a digital presence is a necessity in order to reach your customers.

According to HubSpot’s 2023 report, The State of Consumer Trends, 41% of the 600-plus consumers surveyed discovered new products on social media and 17% bought a product there in the past three months.

Managing and Growing Your Business

Managing a business has its challenges. Finding the right personnel to run operations, manage the day-to-day, and reach your business objectives takes time. Sometimes, businesses may look to hire experts in their field who can bring in specialized knowledge to help their business grow, such as data analysts, marketing specialists, or others with niche knowledge relevant to their field.

Hiring and Training Staff

Finding the right employees involves preparing job descriptions, posting on relevant job boards such as LinkedIn, and effectively screening applicants. Careful screening may involve a supplemental test, reviewing a candidate's portfolio, and asking situational and behavioral questions in the interview. These tools will help you evaluate applicants and improve the odds that you'll find the people you are looking for.

Once you have hired a new employee, training is the next essential step. On average, it takes about 62 hours to train new employees. Effectively training employees often leads to higher retention. While on-the-job training is useful, consider having an onboarding plan in place to make the transition clear while outlining expectations for the job.

Scaling Your Business

Growing your business also requires strategy. According to Gino Chirio, executive vice president at the consultancy group Maddock Douglas, there are six ways that companies can grow their business to drive real growth and expansion:

New processes: Boost margins by cutting costs.
New experiences: Connect with customers in powerful ways to help increase retention.
New features: Provide advancements to your existing product or service.
New customers: Expand into new markets, or find markets where your product addresses a different need.
New offerings: Offer a new product.
New models: Utilize new business models, such as subscription-based services, fee-for-service, or advertising-based models.

With these six ways to grow a business, it is important to consider the risk, investment, and time involved. Improving your margins through new processes is often the most straightforward way to grow. Offering new features is also effective since it is tailored to your existing market with products you have already delivered.

By contrast, offering new products may involve higher risk since these have not been tested in the market. However, they may offer higher reward, especially if you have a first-mover advantage and release your product in the market before the competition.

How Do I Start a Small Business for Beginners?

A good place to start building a business is to understand the following core steps that are involved in an entrepreneur's journey : market research, creating a business plan, knowing the legal requirements, researching funding options, developing a marketing strategy, and business management.

How Do I Create a Business Plan?

A business plan is made up of a number of primary components that help outline your business goals and company operations in a clear, coherent way. It includes an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management description, service or product line description, marketing and sales plan, funding requests (optional), and financial projections.

What Are Six Ways to Grow and Scale a Business?

Business growth can fall into the following six categories, with each having varying degrees of risk and investment: new processes, new experiences, new features, new customers, new offerings, and new models.

The Bottom Line

Knowing how to start a small business involves the key steps of market research, setting up a business plan, understanding the legal requirements, exploring funding options, crafting a marketing strategy, and managing your business.

For aspiring small business owners, these steps can help you successfully deliver your product or service to the market, and ultimately grow. While it can take a considerable amount of work, the payoffs are manifold: independence of work, personal fulfillment, financial reward, and following your passion.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. " The State of Small Business Now ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Market Research and Competitive Analysis ."

U.S. Small Business Administration." Write Your Business Plan ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Choose a Business Structure ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Register Your Business ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Apply for Licenses and Permits ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Fund Your Business ."

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. " 52 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business ."

Ogilvy. " Behind Every Brand Is a Great Experience, and Vice Versa—Why Today's Customer Expects Synergy ."

HubSpot. " The State of Consumer Trends in 2023 ."

Training Magazine. " 2022 Training Industry Report ."

Harvard Business Review. " The Six Ways to Grow a Company ."

How to Start a Business: A Comprehensive Guide and Essential Steps 1 of 25
How to Do Market Research, Types, and Example 2 of 25
Marketing Strategy: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Create One 3 of 25
Marketing in Business: Strategies and Types Explained 4 of 25
What Is a Marketing Plan? Types and How to Write One 5 of 25
Business Development: Definition, Strategies, Steps & Skills 6 of 25
Business Plan: What It Is, What's Included, and How to Write One 7 of 25
Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Meaning, Types, Impact 8 of 25
How to Write a Business Plan for a Loan 9 of 25
Business Startup Costs: It’s in the Details 10 of 25
Startup Capital Definition, Types, and Risks 11 of 25
Bootstrapping Definition, Strategies, and Pros/Cons 12 of 25
Crowdfunding: What It Is, How It Works, and Popular Websites 13 of 25
Starting a Business with No Money: How to Begin 14 of 25
A Comprehensive Guide to Establishing Business Credit 15 of 25
Equity Financing: What It Is, How It Works, Pros and Cons 16 of 25
Best Startup Business Loans for May 2024 17 of 25
Sole Proprietorship: What It Is, Pros and Cons, and Differences From an LLC 18 of 25
Partnership: Definition, How It Works, Taxation, and Types 19 of 25
What Is an LLC? Limited Liability Company Structure and Benefits Defined 20 of 25
Corporation: What It Is and How To Form One 21 of 25
Starting a Small Business: Your Complete How-to Guide 22 of 25
Starting an Online Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 23 of 25
How to Start Your Own Bookkeeping Business: Essential Tips 24 of 25
How to Start a Successful Dropshipping Business: A Comprehensive Guide 25 of 25

Terms of Service
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices

Auto Insurance Best Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance Compare Car Insurance Quotes Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers Best Auto & Home Bundles Cheapest Cars To Insure
Home Insurance Best Home Insurance Best Renters Insurance Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Types Of Homeowners Insurance
Life Insurance Best Life Insurance Best Term Life Insurance Best Senior Life Insurance Best Whole Life Insurance Best No Exam Life Insurance
Pet Insurance Best Pet Insurance Cheap Pet Insurance Pet Insurance Costs Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
Travel Insurance Best Travel Insurance Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Best Cruise Travel Insurance Best Senior Travel Insurance
Health Insurance Best Health Insurance Plans Best Affordable Health Insurance Best Dental Insurance Best Vision Insurance Best Disability Insurance
Credit Cards Best Credit Cards 2024 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Rewards Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Best 0% APR Credit Cards Best Business Credit Cards Best Credit Cards for Startups Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit Best Cards for Students without Credit
Credit Card Reviews Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash® Chase Sapphire Reserve Citi Double Cash Citi Diamond Preferred Chase Ink Business Unlimited American Express Blue Business Plus
Credit Card by Issuer Best Chase Credit Cards Best American Express Credit Cards Best Bank of America Credit Cards Best Visa Credit Cards
Credit Score Best Credit Monitoring Services Best Identity Theft Protection
CDs Best CD Rates Best No Penalty CDs Best Jumbo CD Rates Best 3 Month CD Rates Best 6 Month CD Rates Best 9 Month CD Rates Best 1 Year CD Rates Best 2 Year CD Rates Best 5 Year CD Rates
Checking Best High-Yield Checking Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best No Fee Checking Accounts Best Teen Checking Accounts Best Student Checking Accounts Best Joint Checking Accounts Best Business Checking Accounts Best Free Checking Accounts
Savings Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Best Free No-Fee Savings Accounts Simple Savings Calculator Monthly Budget Calculator: 50/30/20
Mortgages Best Mortgage Lenders Best Online Mortgage Lenders Current Mortgage Rates Best HELOC Rates Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders Best Home Equity Loan Lenders Best VA Mortgage Lenders Mortgage Refinance Rates Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast
Personal Loans Best Personal Loans Best Debt Consolidation Loans Best Emergency Loans Best Home Improvement Loans Best Bad Credit Loans Best Installment Loans For Bad Credit Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Best Low Interest Personal Loans
Student Loans Best Student Loans Best Student Loan Refinance Best Student Loans for Bad or No Credit Best Low-Interest Student Loans
Business Loans Best Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit Apply For A Business Loan Business Loan vs. Business Line Of Credit What Is An SBA Loan?
Investing Best Online Brokers Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Best Low-Risk Investments Best Cheap Stocks To Buy Now Best S&P 500 Index Funds Best Stocks For Beginners How To Make Money From Investing In Stocks
Retirement Best Roth IRAs Best Gold IRAs Best Investments for a Roth IRA Best Bitcoin IRAs Protecting Your 401(k) In a Recession Types of IRAs Roth vs Traditional IRA How To Open A Roth IRA
Business Formation Best LLC Services Best Registered Agent Services How To Start An LLC How To Start A Business
Web Design & Hosting Best Website Builders Best E-commerce Platforms Best Domain Registrar
HR & Payroll Best Payroll Software Best HR Software Best HRIS Systems Best Recruiting Software Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Payment Processing Best Credit Card Processing Companies Best POS Systems Best Merchant Services Best Credit Card Readers How To Accept Credit Cards
More Business Solutions Best VPNs Best VoIP Services Best Project Management Software Best CRM Software Best Accounting Software
Debt relief Best debt management Best debt settlement Do you need a debt management plan? What is debt settlement? Debt consolidation vs. debt settlement Should you settle your debt or pay in full? How to negotiate a debt settlement on your own
Debt collection Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages? Can credit card companies garnish your wages? What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
Bankruptcy How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy? What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Can medical bankruptcy help with medical bills?
More payoff strategies Tips to get rid of your debt in a year Don't make these mistakes when climbing out of debt How credit counseling can help you get out of debt What is the debt avalanche method? What is the debt snowball method?
Manage Topics
Investigations
Visual Explainers
Newsletters
Abortion news
Coronavirus
Climate Change
Vertical Storytelling
Corrections Policy
College Football
High School Sports
H.S. Sports Awards
Sports Betting
College Basketball (M)
College Basketball (W)
For The Win
Sports Pulse
Weekly Pulse
Buy Tickets
Sports Seriously
Sports+ States
Celebrities
Entertainment This!
Celebrity Deaths
American Influencer Awards
Women of the Century
Problem Solved
Personal Finance
Small Business
Consumer Recalls
Video Games
Product Reviews
Destinations
Airline News
Experience America
Today's Debate
Suzette Hackney
Policing the USA
Meet the Editorial Board
How to Submit Content
Hidden Common Ground
Race in America

Personal Loans

Best personal loans

Auto Insurance

Best car insurance

Best high-yield savings

CREDIT CARDS

Best credit cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

How to start a small business at home in 2024

Blair Travers

Sierra Campbell

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Published 8:07 a.m. UTC Feb. 16, 2024

path]:fill-[#49619B]" alt="Facebook" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
path]:fill-[#202020]" alt="Email" width="19" height="14" viewBox="0 0 19 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

PeopleImages, Getty Images

Starting a small business at home can help you turn your passions, skills or ideas into financial prosperity. There are some unique perks and challenges to consider when deciding to start a home-based business.

You’ll also want to have a solid plan and follow some key steps to get your business off on the right foot. It’s helpful to know where you can find ideas, answers to your questions and other resources you need to run an at-home business successfully.

Should you start a business at home?

There are many factors to consider when deciding to start a small business at home. On the one hand, it’s important to make sure there is demand for your business. On the other hand, you want to be able to handle the amount of business you receive. Gauging things like demand, profit margins and the ability to scale your business early on can help you avoid trouble down the road.

Across the country, at-home businesses make up a large portion of small businesses. C.E. “Tee” Rowe is the president and CEO of America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), which provides free or low-cost support for small businesses in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Here at America’s SBDC, we have seen an uptick in home-based businesses that started during the pandemic but continues to date,” said Rowe.

Our Partner

Chase business complete checking®, monthly maintenance fee.

New customers who open a Chase Business Complete Checking® account can earn a $300 bonus.

How to get the bonus

To get the bonus, your business must:

Open a new Chase Business Complete Checking account, deposit at least $2,000 of new money into the new checking account within 30 days of enrolling, maintain a balance of at least $2,000 in the account for 60 days from the offer enrollment and complete at least five qualifying transactions within 90 days of offer enrollment. Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, accepting card payments through QuickAccept®, Chase QuickDeposit, ACH credits, credit and debit wires and Chase Online℠ Bill Pay.

After you complete these steps, Chase will deposit the bonus cash into your new account within 15 days.

Pros of a home business

Here are some key benefits to starting a business at home:

Increased flexibility: Set your own hours, freeing you up for other commitments as needed.
Less commuting: Save time and money by skipping the drive to work.
Comfortable work environment: Design your workspace how you want it. After all, it is your home.
Money-saving perks: Pay lower startup costs compared to larger businesses by avoiding costs like renting retail or office space. Take advantage of tax breaks for at-home businesses.
Reduce risk: Protect yourself by limiting your liability and avoiding the cost and risk of maintaining commercial space.
Rewards for your hard work: Work hard for your business, and your business reaps the benefits instead of some other employer.

Cons of a home business

These are some of the disadvantages of starting a business at home:

Limited space: You give up part of your home, and even then, you may still need more space for your business.
Distracting work environment: Crying babies, barking dogs and loud neighbors can all be distracting when running a business at home.
Professional boundaries: Some people may feel awkward about meeting to discuss business at your home or a public location.
Increased mental health risks: Running a home business can feel isolating for some. A lack of social interaction, time outside, work-life balance or effective time management can also threaten mental health.
Growth restrictive: If your home-based business scales too rapidly, you may outgrow your workspace quickly. In this situation, success creates a problem for home businesses to solve.
Increased costs: Whether you’re paying new employee salaries or wages or forking over more money for higher utility bills, you may feel the financial squeeze.

Featured LLC service offers

Zenbusiness.

Via ZenBusiness’ website

Free version available

Lowest published package price

Via LegalZoom’s website

Northwest Registered Agent

Via Northwest’s website

7 steps to start a home business

After considering the pros and cons, does the idea of taking the reins and starting a home business appeal to you? You’re not alone.

“When we work with individuals seeking to start a home-based business, it is frequently based on a desire to control their own circumstance and success, which are great reasons, but it always needs to be thought out carefully,” Rowe explained.

Planning is key. From creating a business plan and determining your business structure to securing funding and setting your marketing strategy, there’s a lot to think through. Follow the steps below to get on the right track to starting a small business at home.

1. Find your niche

Plenty of successful at-home businesses arise from emotion: a passion to do what you love, a frustration with the status quo or excitement to seize on a timely opportunity.

If you’re struggling to find your niche, ask yourself:

What do you love to do that others may find challenging?
What is a need that no business currently has the right solution for?
What are you good at? What do people ask for your help with?
What high-demand skills or services do you have to offer?

2. Draft a business plan

Having a business plan is essential for running your business effectively. As Rowe pointed out, “Every business needs a solid, comprehensive plan to guide them to success. That plan needs to focus on skills, finance, revenue and marketing.”

A business plan outlines the direction of the business — its goals, strategies, structure, ways of measuring success and plans for dealing with things like change and risk. Simply put, it’s the roadmap to success for your business.

When creating your business plan, include key sections such as an executive summary, a business description, market analysis and financial projections. For more on what to cover, check out this step-by-step guide to drafting a business plan .

3. Select a business structure

According to the IRS, the most common business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships , corporations and limited liability companies (LLC) . Each business structure comes with its own set of operational, legal, financial and tax considerations.

A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by a single individual, while a partnership is jointly owned by two or more individuals who share responsibilities.

In contrast, corporations — like C corporations and S corporations — are independent legal entities. C corporations limit shareholder liability but are highly complex. S corporations feature pass-through taxation, distributing income (and losses) to shareholders.

While sole proprietorship is a common structure for just starting out, LLC is another popular option for at-home businesses. It combines elements of a corporation and a partnership, offering limited liability to its members and the flexibility of pass-through taxation. Members of an LLC can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, C corporation or S corporation.

4. Register your business and get an EIN

After you choose a business structure, you’ll need to register your business with state and federal governments. Select a business name , pay fees and provide required documents, which vary by state.

After getting registered with your state, you can then apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive this unique nine-digit number that is essential for all sorts of business purposes, from filing your taxes to hiring employees.

Not all businesses need an EIN, such as sole proprietors and single-member LLCs with no employees.

5. Get any required licenses and permits

Depending on your industry and federal, state and local requirements, you may also need to obtain licenses and permits for your business.

Here are some examples of licenses and permits you may need, depending on your business:

Occupational, professional or trade licenses.
Online business permits.
Sales tax permits.
Health department permits.
Safety permits.
Home-based child care licenses.
Zoning, signage, environmental and other permits to operate an at-home business, as required by local government, HOA or deed restrictions.

6. Obtain funding for your business

Many owners fund their businesses using their own savings. Self-funding is a viable choice if you can get up and running without much money, can come up with the needed funding from your own accounts or can ask for help from family or friends.

You can also apply for a business loan . Banks will likely want to see a rock-solid business plan, strong financial projections, good personal and/or business credit history and any collateral you’ll use for your loan. If you are a good candidate for lending, make sure that shows in your application so that you can get the best funding and terms for your business.

If you don’t have much personal or business credit history, it may be easier to get a business credit card . This gives you benefits like payment flexibility, credit card rewards and essential early or emergency spending power. It will also help your business establish or strengthen its credit so you can get favorable terms on future loans and other credit.

7. Launch and market your business

You’ve planned out your business, defined its structure and gotten your business registered, licensed, permitted and even paid for. Now it’s showtime. For many who seek to start a small business at home, the launch is the most exciting part of the journey. You are now ready to conduct business.

It’s also important to get others excited about your small business — and keep them engaged. Here are some of the most common marketing strategies for small home-based businesses:

Social media marketing: Reach potential customers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) by sharing engaging content and updates.
Business website: More than just a place to sell your products or services online, your business website should help users find what they want to meet their needs. It should also help achieve business objectives by offering features like payment services or e-commerce functionality .
Advertising: Platforms such as search engines and social media can help you reach your target audience.
Content marketing: Write blog posts, produce videos or create helpful graphics to explain what your business offers and to establish trust and authority.
Email marketing: To keep business coming back, build an email list to communicate using promotions, newsletters and updates.
Word of mouth: In the early stages, many small home-based businesses rely on word of mouth. You can also ask for customer reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp.

Weigh the costs and benefits when deciding on your marketing plan, so you choose what’s best for your business.

Top home business ideas

Check out these home business ideas to find the right fit for you:

Retail: Sell products you make — including crafts and customized gifts — or resell products you get for less than what you pay for them.
Case-based services: Open up an in-home daycare, provide home-based care for adults or even take care of pets by offering pet sitting and mobile grooming.
Events: Plan weddings and events. Create the perfect look as a makeup artist or stylist. Play music in a band or take your place on the 1s and 2s as a DJ.
Art and creative services: Capture the moment as a photographer, or maybe you’d rather bring your vision to life as an artist. More of a words person? Write, edit or translate content.
Education: Teach the next generation how to do math, play an instrument or learn a new language. Provide adults with specialized training in arts and crafts, life coaching or test preparation.
Health and wellness: Become a personal trainer to get people in the best shape of their lives or a mental health counselor to help them find their inner peace.
Home and real estate: Transform homes by organizing, decorating or even staging. Produce virtual home tours for real estate agents, or become a realtor yourself.

Resources to start a business

For more resources and guidance on how to start a small business at home, check out these guides and articles:

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to start a business from the ground up.
Learn how to start an LLC if that’s your chosen business structure.
Discover how to start a business with no money so funding doesn’t hold you back.
Skip the overhead that comes with brick-and-mortar stores and find out how to start an online business .
Explore options to accept payments online and start making money in your sleep.
Find the cheapest payroll services to pay your employees and contractors.
Build a successful business by attracting loyal, repeat customers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The cost of starting a business at home varies widely and depends on several factors. Some businesses, including sole proprietorships, can get away with paying little to no money to start their business. Other home-based businesses, including those with manufacturing or inventory expenses, could have considerably higher startup costs.

Yes, you can use your home address to register a business. However, you’ll want to make sure that usage does not go against local laws, HOA bylaws or property covenants. It’s also a good idea to check with your mortgage and homeowners insurance companies to make sure that running a business out of your home does not introduce unforeseen headaches.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Blair Travers is a business writer and content strategist with over a decade of experience breaking down complex problems to help businesses move forward with confidence. He brings a wide range of technology, banking and retail expertise. Blair enjoys helping businesses figure out complex processes and make choices that are right for them. His work has been published in U.S. News & World Report and Carfax.

Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.

What types of small businesses thrive in each state?

business-formation Mehdi Punjwani

Best cities to start a business in 2024

Why incorporate in Delaware? Pros and cons in 2024

business-formation Teresa Bitler

How to start a corporation in 8 easy steps

business-formation Sarah Li Cain

LLP vs. LLC: Which is best for your business?

business-formation Robert Bruce

Member-managed vs. manager-managed LLC: Differences, pros and cons

business-formation Cat McAlpine

Best New Jersey registered agents in 2024

business-formation Jessica Elliott

Free business plan template (with examples)

business-formation Alan Bradley

LLC vs. S-corp: Which is best for your business?

DBA vs. LLC: What’s the difference?

business-formation Gina Ponce

30 top small business ideas for 2024

business-formation Alison Kilian

LLC vs. Corporation: Which is best for your business?

business-formation Brynne Conroy

What is a sole proprietorship? Definition, pros and cons

Best Florida registered agent services in 2024

What is a limited partnership? Definition, pros and cons

212 best farm names

How to Start a Home Business (in 9 Steps)

September 7, 2023

Are you interested in starting a home business? Today, working remotely has become increasingly popular, which provides an abundance of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Starting a successful home-based business can be overwhelming for many people just beginning their journeys. Our guide will help simplify the process with the essential steps and advice from small business owners who have already launched their business ventures from their residences.

We focus on helping you by discussing the following topics. Just click on a link to jump right to the home business information that interests you.

What are some advantages of a home-based business?

What are some disadvantages of a home business, factors to consider when starting a business at home, decide on a home business idea, write a home-based business plan, name your home-based business, get an llc for your at-home business, get business licenses for your home business, get a home business bank account, set up your home office, market your home-based business, serve your customers, what business can i start in my home, how do i start a small home-based business, can a tenant run a business from a rental property, what are the three general rules for qualifying your home office as a business expense, what percentage of utilities can i deduct for home business, what insurance do i need to run a business from home, home business faqs, balancing work and life at home.

Expanding and scaling your home business

Ready to start your own business?

Get ready to start a small business at home.

Short summary

Start a successful home-based business by carefully considering the type of business, creating a comprehensive plan, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, setting up an ergonomic workspace, marketing your venture effectively, and delivering quality products or services.
Identify and focus on specialized market segments to help ensure success in any home-based venture. We show you how.
Learn from inspiring success stories of individuals who have turned their ideas into thriving home businesses with hard work and the right strategies.

What is a home-based business?

Home-based businesses can be any size as long as the primary office is in the small business owner’s home. Small business owners have lots of options to choose from, including:

Local service businesses
Online and dropshipping businesses
Freelance business ventures

Cristobal Mondragon started Queen Bee Cleaning Services as a home-based cleaning business. Now it makes over $1.5 million annually.

Check out Chris Mondragon’s FREE training to kickstart your own cleaning business. You can learn more about his inspiring journey by watching the interview below.

Read on for all the info you need to decide on a profitable home business idea that will work for you based on your skills and interests in combination with the resources available to you.

A home enterprise has several advantages over other small business ideas. Some of the best benefits of a home business include:

Flexible schedule
Lower startup costs
Lower overhead costs
Increased productivity
More opportunities
Less risk than renting a space
More room for personal growth
Tax deductions
Great creative outlet
Reduced personal expenses

Concept of entrepreneur sitting at desk feeling confused about starting home business with dizzy stars and little black cloud over head

When starting a small business from home, many business owners struggle with aspects like:

Self-discipline required
Paying attention to daily tasks
Lack of privacy
Separating work and home life
Lack of space
Not taken as seriously
Lack of coworkers to collaborate with and learn from
Feelings of isolation
Procrastinating or overworking

Many small business owners will attend networking groups that help them overcome these common challenges. Start practicing good habits early to give your home-based business idea the best chance of success.

Starting a home business can be a huge advantage or disadvantage to a business venture. Ask yourself the following questions before starting your own business from home:

What type of business suits your skills, interests, and resources?
Do you have the space for your new business?
Does your neighborhood have rules against certain small businesses?
Will your family be supportive if you start a small business at home?

UpFlip Cautionary Tale

Many local business owners will find that their neighborhood has rules about running small businesses from home. I have lived in neighborhoods that don’t allow local service trucks, ones that won’t allow any small businesses, and ones that will only allow online businesses.

Make sure you understand the rules for your area before you start a service-based business from home.

How to start a home business

Successful home business ideas will normally follow a nine-step process for the best odds of success.

G et an LLC for your at-home business

Keep reading to find some of the best home business ideas.

The first step in starting a home-based company is choosing a business idea. The best small business ideas from home normally fall into the following categories:

Online Business Ideas
Service Business Ideas
Professional Services

We’ll provide you with some home business ideas for each of the three categories next.

Online business ideas

Concept of young man business owner with new idea illustrated by a bright lightbulb over shoulder and laptop in hand

Many successful business owners choose to start an online small business. These make a great new business from home because they don’t require a lot of space and can be started with just the internet and a computer. Consider options like a:

Dropshipping business

This business idea requires creating an online store, finding dropshipping suppliers, and marketing their products. Learn more about dropshipping .

Affiliate marketing business

Woman entrepreneur with megaphone in one hand, cash in the other, and social media icons including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube drawn around her

Small business owners can make a great living through affiliate marketing. You’ll need a marketing and sales plan because you’ll be paid on commission for selling other companies’ products.

Social media business

A social media manager uses digital marketing skills to help other businesses with marketing on social media. Make sure you don’t forget to build your own social media presence, too. Check out our interview with a successful social media manager.

Online store

Whether you have a subscription box business or a dropshipping business, you’ll need an online store. You could even buy an existing eCommerce business.

Check out more online business ideas .

Service business ideas

Check out some of the most popular service businesses that many small business owners run from home.

Car detailing business

Start a small business at home in the car detailing industry. You’ll be washing cars all day. This profitable business can make a ton of money.

Find out how Alan Tursunbaev turned an idea for a summer into a small business that brings in $50K per month.

House cleaning service

You can make a great living when you start a small business that’s a house cleaning service. Just ask Chris Mondragon, who started Queen Bee Cleaning, which makes nearly $2 million per year.

Dog grooming business

There are lots of businesses involving animals. You could start a pet-sitting business, a dog-walking business , or even a mobile grooming business.

Professional services

You can start a professional services small business at home. Consider one of the businesses below.

Renting commercial real estate

Real estate agents can make a great living and work from their own homes. Check out how Thach Nguyen has built a $100M real estate empire.

Consulting business

Whether someone needs a freelance writer, help with social media, inventory management, or financial projections, consulting is a great business.

Learn more about consulting businesses .

Perform market research

Once you have identified the best home business idea, it’s time to research how to make your small business idea work in more detail. This could involve conducting:

Target market research
Competitive analysis
Research on barriers to entry
Opportunities research

Once you’ve selected a small business idea, you should write a business plan.

UpFlip’s How to Write a Business Plan blog loaded on a tablet

Did you know a well-written business plan can help a company grow 30% faster than one with no business plan?

A detailed business plan is essential to any home-based venture’s success. It functions as a roadmap. Plus, the business plan details your goals, strategies, and financial outlook.

Check out our blog about business plans to download a business plan template and learn how to write your business plan.

Next, you’ll want to name your home-based business. Your business name is the foundation of your brand identity and will inspire your logo, marketing, and customer service.

Your unique business name should be easy enough to remember yet reflective of the values held by you and the company. Try our business name generator . You can find a small business name you love and check the availability on Name Cheap .

Home business owner wearing Apple watch sitting at sunlit desk reading UpFlip’s Types of Business Structures blog on a laptop

Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) for your home-based business is an essential step in safeguarding yourself and preserving your individual assets.

An LLC provides its owners with restricted liabilities, meaning you won’t be personally liable for any debts or duties of your organization. They’re easy to create and manage and offer tax benefits for successful businesses.

Establishing an LLC for your at-home business requires registering with the Secretary of State.

By forming this type of legal entity, you protect both your small business and your personal assets. You might also consider a different legal structure like a sole proprietorship or a corporation.

When starting a home-based business, it’s vital to acquire the essential licenses and permits. Depending on where you’re located and what kind of business you’re running, there will be various requirements for

licenses such as general enterprise approvals
sales tax documentation
professional credentials
any local requirements

Check local and state laws for any rules that might apply to your business. You may receive harsh penalties if you do not follow them. Make sure to keep track of your records and renewal periods, too.

All this needs to be done so that your company remains legit during its operations. Complying with legal requirements helps you avoid issues. Just ask Cristobal Mondragon:

For any home-based business, it is essential to open a bank account to separate business finances and personal ones. This simplifies tracking profits and expenses for bookkeeping purposes like tax filing.

To establish such an account, you’ll need your legal paperwork like your LLC registration, Tax ID, business licenses, and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

A dedicated credit card may be beneficial so that you can cover costs while your business builds credit history. All these play into managing your business finances. The better you manage the finances, the easier it will be to identify opportunities for improvement.

Happy man working at home behind a minimalist desk with laptop, tablet, and notebook and cell phone in hand

A dedicated home office is essential for managing your work and keeping up efficiency. Designate an area that provides privacy and limits disturbances so you can focus on running the business from your house. Comfort should be of utmost importance. Get an ergonomic chair and make sure the lighting facilitates whatever type of work you’ll be doing.

You’ll also want reliable, high-speed internet and software that will help you manage your business. The software you need will vary depending on the type of company you’re starting. Check out our HR blog for human resource provider reviews. Other software we suggest is:

Google Workspace: Get a free 14-day Google Workspace trial .
Quickbooks: Get 50% off Quickbooks and manage all your business expenses.
Customer Relationship Management Software: There are a ton of options. Research the ones best for your industry. Two of the best are Monday.com and Asana .

You need an effective marketing strategy to launch and grow a home-based business. It’s essential to have insight into your target audience and research the competitive landscape. Reach potential customers on social media platforms, websites, or by partnering with related service providers.

Track and measure your promotional efforts using key performance indicators (KPIs) like web traffic or customer inquiries to decide where to allocate advertising dollars. Google Analytics is the tool most small businesses use to monitor their success at getting people to their websites.

Most importantly, marketing is a long-term game plan that requires consistency and dedication. Be patient and you’ll stand out from other home-based business owners.

Woman home business owner meeting with clients in her dedicated office space

Successful home-based businesses rely on providing their customers with stellar service. Depending on the type of business you start, this could be anything from offering personalized attention to delivering high-quality products. Practice operating on the old adage “Under-promise and over-deliver.”

Every happy customer will help build strong relationships that lead to loyalty and often positive word-of-mouth referrals. These can help you grow your at-home venture even faster.

Most businesses can be started from home as long as there are no homeowner association rules or local government prohibitions. You probably won’t be able to start home-based manufacturing or energy companies, for example.

Concept of woman feeling confused about starting a home business shown with laptop, coffee, miniature house model, and question mark speech bubble

Beginning a small, home-based business can be achieved by following the essential steps we’ve outlined. First, consider potential ideas and determine if they are suitable for working from your residence.

Consider profitability by creating an organized blueprint of how to move forward. Pick out the right company configuration, give it an apt name, register it with your state authority, and attain an applicable tax ID number and licenses to pave the way for a successful at-home venture.

You may be able to start a home business if you rent. You’ll need to:

Check your CC&Rs or lease.
Talk with your apartment complex manager, HOA, or landlord.
Research zoning laws.
Check for other laws prohibiting home businesses.
Get a landlord permission letter for home business activity.

You may need a signed letter of authorization (see our sample) giving permission to use the property for business purposes.

Smartly dressed woman entrepreneur gesturing to screenshot of IRS home office requirements webpage

According to the Internal Revenue Service , you have to meet three main criteria to claim a home office as a business expense:

Exclusive and regular use : Your home office must be used exclusively for business purposes on a regular basis. It should not be used for personal activities.
Principal place of business : Your home office should be the primary location where you conduct substantial administrative or management activities for your business.
Meeting clients or customers : You must use your home office to meet your clients, customers, or patients, or the office space must be a separate area used exclusively for business purposes.

As long as your home office is exclusively used for work and is where you consistently do admin work, you will normally qualify to deduct 100% of direct business costs and a percentage of indirect but relevant household costs.

According to the Internal Revenue Service , you can deduct utilities using two methods:

Simplified Method : Up to 300 square feet at $5 per square foot for a total of $1,500.
Actual Expenses : This method allows you to use the same percentage of the home you actually use for business. Keep reading to find out how to calculate it.

Using actual expenses, you can either use the percentage based on square feet that are used exclusively for your business, or, if the rooms in your home are approximately equal in size, you can use the percentage of rooms used.

For instance, my office is approximately 15×15 feet or 225 feet out of 1,600 square feet in my home, which equals 14%. I can’t use the rooms method because they are not approximately equal. That calculation would suggest my office space is 33% of the home, which is not a fair representation.

My utilities are around $12,000 per year, which means I can claim 14% of that or $1,687.50 of my utilities. Given my mortgage is $1,700 monthly, 14% of my annual mortgage is $2,856, making my total home office claim $4,543.50—a far better deduction than the Simplified Method’s $1,500.

Insurance agent holding up clipboard with liability insurance form

A home business will normally want a business owner policy (BOP) that bundles together three important coverage types:

General liability insurance
Commercial property insurance
Business interruption insurance

It’s typically cheaper to buy a BOP compared to buying each policy separately and you can add additional coverage types as needed. Simply Business is a great place to get your business insurance because it compares rates from 16 major insurers.

While running a home-based business provides advantages, work-life balance may be compromised. You’ll want to create good rules for yourself to balance your personal time and work time. Here are some rules people suggest (and I wish I followed):

Create a schedule for yourself with regular breaks and start-stop times. This helps keep your work from infringing upon personal time. My wife wishes I’d listen to this one.
Maintain a separate space for your work so you can avoid being in it during personal time. This one is the easiest to follow.
Schedule personal activities including exercise, hobbies, and dates. I try to do this one, but only exercise works flawlessly. My dog and I go for a mile walk every morning.
Send your kids to boarding school if they start plying in your home office (jk).

Expanding and scaling your successful business

Small town concept with wooden block houses, upward-trending arrows, and Scrabble letters spelling out "success"

Once you start a small business at home, you’ll operate the business. As you build success, your business entity will likely need to hire more people, automate systems, or diversify income streams. Careful planning and research are essential for a successful business idea to grow. Some of the best ways to scale a business include:

Introduce new services and products .
Add another market segment .
Explore partnerships .
Upgrade technology .
Add staff members. (This might mean you need to change the legal structure or move the business out of your own home.)
Add new locations .
Create a franchise .
Increase the budget for your marketing and sales plans .

Now you know how to choose a business idea, create a business entity and legal structure, and some of the unique features of a home business. It’s up to you to take the time to create a solid business plan, build your business model, and market your business.

What business will you start from home?

80% of businesses fail... Learn how not to.

Learn from business failures and successes in 5 min or less. The stories, frameworks, and tactics that will make you a 10x better founder.

Brandon Boushy

Best Pressure Washer Guide (2024)

Becoming a successful pressure-washing company requires a combination of customer service, business skills, and having the best pressure washer to get the job done. That’s why we took the time to review the best pressure washers for different jobs.

We talked to Joshua Brown, who started Brown’s Pressure Washing , and Josiah Le Beau, their Operations Manager, to help you choose the best pressure washers for each cleaning job.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] We’ll discuss nine pressure washers and cover all of the following. Click any of the links to jump straight to the pressure washer info you need right now.

What is the best pressure washer to buy?

How we tested the pressure washers, what to look for in a pressure washer.

Do you prefer gas or electric pressure washers? [/su_note]

Brown’s owner holding pressure washer attachment with multiple pressure washer models in the background

We reviewed nine of the best pressure washers on the market to establish what power washer provides the best cleaning power for your cleaning needs. We explain what we like and don’t like about every pressure washer and provide an overview of the performance and stats for the pressure washer. The best pressure washers are:

Honda GX690 8 GPM (Brown’s top pick)
Sun Joe SPX3000-MAX Electric Pressure Washer
Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (best for patios)
Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer (best for cars)
Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless (best Electric Pressure Washer)
WORX Hydroshot 320 PSI Cordless Power Cleaner (best compact pressure washer)
Simpson Powershot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Brushless 2.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Best for first-time users: Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel

You can find most of these in the UpFlip Amazon Store , where we get a percentage of each sale to help bring more content to you.

Get ready to find out about the pressure washer power that puts most pressure washers to shame. Let’s start with one of the best gas pressure washers—the one Brown’s Pressure Washing uses on all their pressure washer trucks.

#1. Brown’s Top Pick: Honda GX690 8 GPM Pressure Washer

Using a Honda GX690 8 GPM pressure washer offers several benefits, but there are of course considerations to remember. Here are some pros and cons.

Why We Like the GX690

High flow rate
Powerful cleaning performance
Professional-grade quality
Versatility in cleaning tasks
Efficient and time-saving

GX690 Drawbacks

Larger and Heavier Equipment: Pressure washers with a Honda GX690 engine and an 8 GPM flow rate tend to be larger and heavier than to lower-powered models. This can make them more challenging to transport and maneuver, requiring additional effort and potentially limiting accessibility to tight spaces.
Higher Cost: Pressure washers with a Honda GX690 engine and high flow rate typically come at a higher price point due to their professional-grade quality and power. The initial investment may be more significant compared to lower-powered or consumer-grade models. However, the cost may be justified for those with demanding cleaning needs.
Noise and Emissions: Gas-powered pressure washers, including those with the Honda GX690 engine, can produce significant noise during operation. Proper hearing protection should be used. Additionally, gas engines emit exhaust fumes, meaning they should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
Requires Fuel and Maintenance: Gas engines, including the Honda GX690, require fuel (gasoline) to operate. This adds an extra step of refueling and increases the potential for fuel-related issues. Gas engines also require regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

GX690 Performance

The Honda GX690 8 GPM pressure washer provides an exceptionally high flow rate of 8 gallons per minute (GPM). This allows for efficient and quick cleaning of large surfaces, making it ideal for commercial, industrial, or heavy-duty applications that require a significant volume of water.

The gas engine makes this one of the most powerful and therefore loudest gas washers on the market, so you’ll need hearing protection, and you can’t use a gas-powered pressure washer in enclosed spaces. Despite that, a Honda gas model is hands-down the most effective pressure washer for getting work done. Other pressure washers just don’t compare.

GX690 Stats

Set of quick connect spray nozzles
22HP Honda GX690 gas engine
Anti-vibration rubber isolators
Battery cables
Electric start
External unloader
Heavy duty general (gp) triplex plunger pump
Powder coated
Skid mounted
Thermal relief valve
V-Belt drive system
28,000 cleaning units

#2. Sun Joe SPX3000-MAX Electric Pressure Washer

Why We Like the SPX3000

Affordability ($200 at time of writing)
Safety features
Compact design
Dual detergent tanks
Lower noise level
Just 15 minutes to assemble
Comes with great instructions
Oversized wheels

SPX3000 Drawbacks

No storage hoses
Limited attachment choices

SPX3000 Performance

The best electric pressure washer we tested is the Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric power washer. This electric pressure washer delivers 2,030 pounds per square inch (PSI) at 1.76 Gallons Per Minute(GPM), which makes it perfect for most tasks.

The Sun Joe SPX3000 electric power washer includes:

Dual soap/detergent tanks
Five quick-connect spray tips
20-foot high-pressure hose
Garden hose adapter
34-inch extension wand
35-foot power cord

The Sun Joe pressure washer is both quiet and effective, especially for a pressure washer at its pricing and size. The dual soap compartments are beneficial for a power washing company that focuses on cars or windows because you can switch the cleaner with ease.

The Sun Joe is one of the most useful power washers on the list, but it doesn’t come with attachments that are good for cleaning wood or concrete surfaces.

SPX3000 Stats

Electric power

#3. Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (Best for Patios)

Greenworks pressure washer on a driveway

Why We Like the Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW

Affordability ($220 at time of writing)
Best pressure washer attachments for large surfaces
Easy to assemble and use
Effective on all surfaces
Comparably quiet
24-minute assembly
Comes with attachment storage

Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Drawbacks

Poorly written instruction manual
Uses an offboard tank for cleaning fluids
Not suitable for regular heavy-duty cleaning
No soap dispenser instructions

Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Performance

Greenworks 2,000 PSI Pressure Washer with an 11-inch surface cleaner is best at cleaning large flat surfaces like cars, driveways, fences, and siding.

The Greenworks 2,000 PSI Pressure Washer includes:

11-inch surface cleaner (great for house siding, driveways, and fences)
Cleaning wand
20-foot hose
Onboard storage

This would be the best portable pressure washer hands down if they improved the instructions and added an onboard soap tank.

Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Stats

Electric power source

#4. Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer (Best Car Pressure Washer)

Karcher pressure washer being used in a commercial garage to wash a yellow car

Why We Like the K5

Affordability ($300 at time of writing)
Great for cleaning cars
Onboard detergent tank
Two spray wands
Onboard hose storage
Lightweight

K5 Drawbacks

Assembly instructions are a bit tricky to implement
Does not seem built for long-term use in a commercial environment
Fewer attachments than other brands

K5 Performance

The K5 is the best pressure washer for detailing cars. The Karcher K5 is the best electric pressure washer for cars because it provides up to 2,000 PSI at 1.4 GPM.

The K5 includes:

onboard soap dispenser
Vario cleaning wand: Use it for lighter cleaning
Dirtblaster cleaning wand: Use for dirty jobs
25-foot high-pressure hose
Water-cooled induction motor to extend useful life

While it’s a little pricier than some of the pressure washers on our list, the dual wands make this the best pressure washer for car detailing.

2,000 PSI pressure

Now you know the best pressure washer for car washing. Let’s look at the most powerful electric pressure washer.

#5. Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless (Most Powerful Electric Pressure Washer)

Joshua Brown holding a pressure washer attachment and crouching down next to a truck in a residential driveway

Why We Like the Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW

Affordability ($449 at time of writing)
Dual speed motor
Good onboard storage
Large onboard detergent tank
Powerful spray nozzles
Easily understood labels

Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW Drawbacks

Damages some surfaces
Comparatively higher electric washer price point

Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW Performance

The Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Brushless Pressure Washer has a great combination of features and usability. It stands out among electric pressure washers because of its unique features, including:

14-amp brushless motor
Large 1-gallon onboard soap tank
35-foot cord
Cord swivel storage
5 nozzles (we love the Turbo Nozzle)
No-leak attachment switching

This is the most powerful of the electric washers we tested and is comparable to some of the gas-powered washers—which most electric pressure washers are not.

The Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless Electric Power Washer propels water at either 3000 PSI at 1.1 GPM or 1000 PSI at 2 GPM. Some attachments are actually capable of damaging wood or cars, so be cautious if you are using the stronger nozzles!

3000 PSI Brushless EPW Stats

1.1 or 2 GPM

#6. WORX Hydroshot 320 PSI Cordless Power Cleaner (Best Compact Power Washer)

Joshua Brown posing in front of his truck bed power washing setup

Why We Like the Hydroshot

Affordability ($129 at time of writing)
Lightest power washer reviewed
Quietest power washer reviewed
10-minute setup
Best supply options

Hydroshot Drawbacks

Low pressure
Not for commercial cleaners
Short battery life

Worx Hydroshot 20V Performance

This is not a commercial pressure washer, but if you have a customer who wants to maintain their space between cleanings, the Worx Hydroshot 20V Power Share 320 PSI Portable Power Cleaner might be the best pressure washer for home use.

Unlike most of the other options, it doesn’t come with nozzles and attachments. It’s just a battery and a sprayer. You can connect the Worx Hydroshot to a:

20-foot water tube and bucket
Garden hose with the included adapter
2-liter bottle

The sprayer has five pressure settings, but at 320 PSI, you’ll still need to remove heavy dirt and grime with something else.

Worx Hydroshot Stats

Battery powered
Cordless wand
5-pressure spray wand

#7. Simpson Powershot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer

Simpson Powershot in a beautifully landscaped backyard

Why We Like the Powershot 4400

Highest cleaning power
5 spray tips
50-foot-long hose

Powershot 4400 Drawbacks

Most expensive on our list ($900 at time of writing)
No built-in detergent tank
Starter is tricky to use
More challenging assembly

Powershot 4400 Performance

Time is money, and a high-powered gas-powered pressure washer saves time because it is more powerful than any electric counterpart.

The Simpson PowerShot Pro Gas Pressure Washer is one of the best gas-powered pressure washers because it delivers up to 4400 PSI at 4 GPM. This gas pressure washer cleared tough stains off of driveways and vehicles without using strong settings.

Powershot 4400 Stats

Gas-powered engine
5 spray nozzle options

#8. Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Brushless 2.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer (Best for Beginners)

Brown’s Pressure Washing owner posing with a Greenworks pressure washer in front of his custom-wrapped truck

Why We Like the Green Works PRO 2300

Very easy to set up and use

Green Works PRO 2300 Drawbacks

Hoses tangle

Green Works PRO 2300 Performance

Beginners will find this the best pressure washer because it’s easy to use without damaging property—unlike more powerful gas pressure washers.

The Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Pressure Washer is quick to set up, gets great gas pressure washer results, and comes with a ton of accessories.

Green Works PRO 2300 Stats

5 nozzles, plus water and detergent tank

#9. Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel (Great for First-Time Users)

Sun Joe pressure washer and coiled green hose on a wooden deck

Why We Like the SPX 3001

Affordability ($168 at time of writing)
Easy to use

SPX 3001 Drawbacks

Handle is a bit flimsy
Not very high-powered

SPX 3001 Performance

The Sun Joe SPX3001 is a great starter powerwasher because it’s relatively quiet and portable. Setting it up is easy and it will work on most surfaces.

For large amounts of dirt and debris, you will probably need something more powerful, though. You might also have challenges if you have to carry the pressure washer across surfaces like sand, which makes the wheels less functional.

SPX 3001 Stats

5 spray patterns

Two Brown’s employees on a residential patio comparing pressure washing equipment

All the pressure washers reviewed were tested by Brown’s team members, who generously provided their input on which pressure washers they would recommend. We featured the gas-powered pressure washer that Brown’s currently uses in our number one spot because it can easily be considered the best pressure washer currently available.

Should Brown’s choose to upgrade their gas engine, we will provide a new review of the best pressure washers with the updated gas engine.

When looking for a pressure washer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get a model that suits your needs and performs effectively. Here's what to look for:

Pressure Level (PSI): PSI stands for pounds per square inch and indicates the pressure output of the washer. 3,000+ PSI values are best for tougher cleaning tasks like removing oil stains from driveways or cleaning large surfaces. Lighter tasks like washing cars or furniture require lower PSI levels.
Flow Rate (GPM): Gallons per minute (GPM) indicates how much water the pressure washer uses. A higher GPM can help you clean faster and more efficiently, but it also uses more water. Brown’s uses an 8 GPM motor .
Power Source: Pressure washers can be powered by electricity or gas engines. Gas-powered models offer more mobility and higher power, making them preferable for professional power washers. Electric models are generally quieter, easier to start, and require less maintenance, but they typically have slightly lower power.
Portability: Consider the weight, size, and overall portability of the pressure washer, especially if you need to move it around frequently. Some models come with wheels for easier mobility.
Nozzles and Spray Tips: A variety of interchangeable nozzles or spray tips allow you to adjust the spray pattern and pressure according to the task. They can range from high-pressure pinpoint streams for tough cleaning to wider fan sprays for more delicate surfaces.
Build Quality and Durability: Look for pressure washers with sturdy construction, preferably with metal components for better durability. Well-built machines are likelier to withstand the demands of frequent use.
Attachments and Accessories: Check if the pressure washer comes with attachments like surface cleaners, extension wands, detergent tanks, and brushes. These can enhance the versatility of the washer and make certain tasks easier.
Noise Level: Gas-powered pressure washers tend to be noisier than electric ones. If noise is a concern, opt for a quieter electric model.
Price: Pressure washers come in a wide price range. While it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a quality machine can lead to better performance and longevity.
Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands with a good reputation for producing reliable pressure washers. Reading user reviews and seeking recommendations can give you insights into real-world performance.
Warranty and Customer Support: A good warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality. Also, check to see if the manufacturer offers responsive customer support in case you encounter any issues. One way to test this is to call or email customer service with a few questions before you buy.
Safety Features: Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off when the trigger is released, as well as features that prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup.
Ease of Use: A user-friendly design with easy-to-access controls and a comfortable handle can make your cleaning tasks more enjoyable and efficient.
Maintenance Requirements: Consider the maintenance needs of the pressure washer, such as cleaning filters, changing oil (for gas models), and winterizing if necessary.

Remember to assess your specific cleaning needs before making a decision. A pressure washer that suits your requirements will ensure that your cleaning tasks are completed effectively and efficiently.

Do you prefer gas or electric pressure washers?

Which pressure washer option do you prefer? What will you use it for? What other information would you like us to include in our reviews of pressure washers?

13 Best Places to Get Cheap Business Cards (2024)

Benefits of Business Cards

Woman holding business card on the table

A printed design helps portray a professional image.
They are a quick way to share contact information.
Business cards are the ultimate networking tool.
All business cards help with lead generation.
Business cards are a branding tool.
It is easy to transport business cards.
Cards are one of the lowest-cost marketing tools. Compare the cost of business cards to your other marketing spending.
Unique business cards stand out and give your new contact something to remember you by later.
Touch builds cooperation and trust . Give potential clients something to hold.
Business cards can get you free stuff.

What Goals are You Trying to Achieve?

Provide your contact information.
Share the company values.
Communicate a specific brand image. Do you want to be viewed as no-frills, a premium product, fun, or another image?
Make it easy to pull up a specific web page.
Provide an easy way to add contact information into phones with QR codes.
Show off your artwork.
Provide a personal business card while job hunting.

How to Make Cheap Business Cards

Size and shape.

Customization
Shipping or Pickup

Paper Stock : The standard material for business cards is paper.
Metal : Typically, stainless steel is used for this style.
Plastic : These are similar to the plastic for drivers licenses and debit cards. You can find ones made out of recycled materials as well.
Fabric : Business cards made of fabric are most commonly used on clothing as labels.
Hemp : Use hemp if you want a more sustainable paper business card. It produces 4 to 10X the paper as trees per acre, but most processing is out of the US, decreasing some of the sustainability.
Recycled paper : Recycled paper is meant to prevent cutting down trees, but it’s more expensive to produce because of the additional production steps.
Cork : Be careful when buying these. Read the materials because it is often just normal paper that is designed to look like cork.
Photostock : If you’re using photos, this stock is similar to what you use for photographs.
Bamboo : Bamboo can grow up to 3.28 feet per year . Unfortunately, most of the production is in China, so the transportation costs offset some of the environmental impact that this plant could make.
Wood: You can make business cards out of Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Cedar, Maple, and other woods using a provider like Cards of Wood .
Magnets: Magnets are a great way to create a business card if you work directly with consumers. They can just slap them on the fridge and they see your logo and name every time they get a snack.
Stickers : Have some fun and create business cards that can also be stickers.

Cheap Business Cards Stock

High gloss UV coating : These slide across the hand better, and are similar to a glossy finish on a photo. They might show fingerprints, though.
Silk printed : These cards use silk to accent the card for a soft smooth texture. You can choose flat or raised silk to create a custom feel.
Foil embossed : Offset your primary material with foil accents to create a different feel. This can be raised or flat with paper stock.
Natural texture : Natural texture cards look similar to a wall’s texture.
Woven : Criss-crossed fabrics give the card a pattern you can feel.
Material’s texture : Many of the materials have a texture that is readily identified. For instance, most people can readily identify the difference between metal, plastic, and wood.
3 dimensional : Die-cutting has made it easy for small business owners to get unique business cards. The die-cut shapes don’t have to be flat. They can have multiple layers to them creating completely new textures and tactile sensations.

Scan and pay? No problem.
Pull up a menu? Sure can!
Send people to your website? You got it!
Automatically input your contact information and branding in their phone? Just scan the code!

Customization

Illustrator
Text should be larger than 8 pt.
Lines must be .5 pt or larger.
300 dots per inch (DPI) are needed.
File size should be smaller than 50 MB.
QR codes should be as large as possible, but no smaller than ½ inch and should be high contrast. They won’t scan if they aren’t done right.

Same Day Business Cards, Bad Customer Service

Don’t procrastinate : A business card printing service will provide the lowest price if they have time to print them and complete the delivery. GotPrint.com lets you know how fast they can provide their products Typically, around 7 to 10 business days will give you the cheapest price for online business cards.
Local Printing Companies : Find a great local printing company to print business cards and other marketing materials. You might pay more, but if you go with a big box store, be aware of their reviews. (They are often not desirable unless you find an employee who cares.) Local business owners want every customer to leave happy because it’s their business and livelihood at stake.
Staples Business Cards : Many call Staples the best for same-day business cards. If you order before 2 pm, Staples prints the same day. They often have free delivery for orders over $50. Their Trustpilot score is miserable at 1.6 stars, but 250 cards start as low as $12. When you need cheap business cards printed fast, it’s an option.
Office Depot Business Cards : You can get a box of 50 for about $12.00 (or take advantage of their sales for better values. I found eight coupons for the site). The best thing about Office Depot is they have Canva built-in. They also have a miserable 1.5 star Trustpilot Score. I have ordered print products from them and have had no issue, however.
FedEx Business Cards : It’s official, big box corporations are not ideal for printing cards. FedEx also has a ton of bad reviews and a 1.3 Trustpilot Score. They also don’t offer same-day orders online. Their pricing starts at $10 for 100 business cards, though.

Where Can I Get Cheap Business Cards?

GotPrint: Best cheap business card design and printing service
MOO : Best place to get business cards
Zazzle : Best for custom business cards
Print Place : Best for business card designers
PsPrint : Best for custom shapes
Vistaprint : Best design templates
PrintRunner.com : Only provider I found with a free shipping coupon
Elite Flyers : Best for bulk orders
UPrinting: Worst of the white label providers others might rate
Overnight Prints: Best for technical problems, they try to cover with great prices
Staples : Best to print business cards the same day
Office Depot : Second Best same day business card printer
FedEx : Lower ratings than Office Depot, but at a much lower cost, does not offer same-day business cards for small business owners

Rating Methodology of a Business Card Printing Service

Gotprint: 9.64/10, best cheap business card design and printing service.

MOO Business Cards: 8.93/10

Best place to get business cards.

Screenshot of moo reviews from trustpilot website

Zazzle: 7.86/10

Best custom business cards .

Print Place: 7.79/10

Best if you design business cards, psprint: 7/10, best for custom shape business cards.

Vistaprint Business Cards: 6.21/10

Best custom design templates, printrunner: 5.36/10, fast cheap business cards, free shipping over $39 (subject to change)., elite flyers 5/10, fast bulk order business cards .

UPrinting 4.93/10

They had more bad reviews than the others.
Shipping is the only category where they outperformed competitors.
The free shipping deal for over $39 (subject to change) made Printrunner a much better deal.

Overnight Prints: 4.71/10

Get your cheap business cards printed.

Product features
Timeliness of the order
Rounded corners
At least 16 pt. stock, but higher is better
Consider magnet, sticker, or other specialty business card options

I Want to Leave You with This…

How to Hire Employees (in 7 Simple Steps)

How to prepare to hire people
How to create a job description
How to screen applicants
How to conduct an interview (and what not to do)
How to provide a job offer
How to onboard employees
How to improve your employee retention

Step 1. How to prepare for the hiring process

Establish what positions you need to hire.
Get an employer identification number (if you don't already have one).
Create an employee handbook.
Establish employee benefits.
Implement a payroll system.
Purchase workers’ compensation insurance.
Get workplace posters.

Establish what positions you need to hire

Should you hire hourly vs salary employees?
Can you hire independent contractors or freelancers?
Is it reasonable to expect one person to have all the specialized skills you need?
What software are you consistently using?
What is your company culture like? What type of person will fit well in it?
Does the employee need to be on-premises, or can you hire remote employees?

Each industry has different challenges

Logistical

Get an employer identification number (EIN)

Create an employee handbook

What to include in a handbook.

Mission statement, company culture, and values
Information required by an HR professional and legal professional
Paid time off, benefits, and non-discrimination policies
Obligations and rights of employees
The company's expectations of employees
Commitments the company makes to employees
Link to the full company policies (I once had to review thousands of pages for an employer regarding complex legal requirements. Major corporations and franchises have a policy for almost everything. If you have contacts within major corporations, ask their HR and legal departments how they handle it.)

Establish employee benefits

Paid time off
Remote work options
Paid leave to care for kids and aging parents
Great insurance and 20 days of PTO per year
No benefits

Implement a payroll system

Purchase workers’ compensation insurance, get workplace posters.

Step 2. How to create a job description

Company Information: Tell people about your company. It helps you find the right candidates.
Job Title: Include the official title the new employee will have.
Salary: Many job boards will autofill this information if you don't include it.
Job Description : Be clear about the activities the new employee will perform.
Essential Abilities : What skills and software should qualified candidates know before starting?
Preferred Qualifications: Give examples of experiences that an ideal candidate would have but aren't essential candidate's skills.
Metrics : How you will measure the performance of the new hire.
Why Choose You : The right candidate will make your company better than it currently is. Work to convince them that what they get from the deal is worth it; otherwise, you get deadbeats who just want to do a job and leave when they clock out.
Locations: Where is the job located? If you want job seekers from a specific location, include it in the description.
Be transparent. You don't want to waste your time or anyone else's. Build it based on search engine optimization best practices.
Write your job descriptions using Search Engine Optimization best practices .
When comparing employee and business desires, employees want to work from home at a rate three times higher than business owners want to allow. If you can, allow remote work. Jessica specifically said:

Step 3. How to find employees to hire

New hire referral programs
Social media

Try referral programs

Four times more likely to be offered the job.
Five percent more likely to accept the job offer.
Nearly twice as likely to stay for over four years.

Post on social media

Don't forget to post on all the standard job boards

Work with recruiters.

Performing a background check
Reporting to each state's labor department
Withholding taxes
Workers’ compensation
Paying the Social Security Administration

Step 4. How to screen applicants

Screenshot of selectsoftwarereviews website

Step 5. How to conduct an interview (and what not to do)

Starting the interview

Good questions to ask
Illegal questions to ask
Arrive early : 15–30 minutes early likely means they believe if you're not early, you are late.
Arrive on time : 15 minutes early to two minutes late means they believe in being on time.
Arrive late : If you are waiting on them, they likely have a diva mindset. They might view their time as more important than yours. I'd thank them for coming out, but I don't appreciate the "fashionably late" mentality.

Ask good questions

Our weekends.
Where the industry is going.
Our interests.
Where the company is going.
How we can create a mutually beneficial scenario.

Ask open-ended questions, but make them meaningful

Congratulations you get to deal with the labor board.

Marital status
Sexual orientation
Transportation (except for a reliable way to get to work)
Health conditions

Step 6. How to hire the right employees

Title : You should have this match the title on the job description.
Start Date : The first day of work is when the employee starts the job.
Pay: Specify the amount and payment frequency. Make sure it is over minimum wage.
Type of employment : Specify whether the offer is hourly, full-time, part-time, contract and duration, or for an independent contractor.
Benefits: List any additional compensation like PTO, health care, etc.
Intellectual property (IP) guidelines : Specify how intellectual property is used. Who owns it, how can previous IP can be used in the company services? These are mostly in tech-related concepts.
Non-compete agreement (if applicable): Use these sparingly. Unless the employee has enough information to destroy your company by selling it to a competitor, you probably don't need these. Here's a non-compete template .
Non-disclosure agreement (if applicable): Use a Form to prevent sharing insider information. Disclosing this information could be a violation of security laws. It also can harm the company. These are fairly standard practice.

Step 7. What to do after hiring employees

W-4 form : Employee fills this out to specify how to withhold taxes. A W-9 is for tax purposes for independent contractors. These are necessary to calculate payroll taxes and income tax and send employment taxes to the federal government.
E-Verify system : Verify employee eligibility in the U.S. without any paper.
State tax withholding form: If your state has an income tax , you'll need to provide employees your state's tax agency form.
Direct deposit form : You'll need to provide a direct deposit form to know how to pay an employee.
E-Verify system : This is not a form but a way to verify employee eligibility in the U.S.

Bonus Step: How to improve your employee retention

Improve your benefits package.
Recruit staff.
Add transparency to the steps of the hiring process.
Perform exit surveys.

Friendly Reminder About Hiring

Frequently asked questions about hiring, how to hire 1099 employees.

Prepare to hire people. (You won’t need to do tax deductions.)
Create a job description.
Find applicants.
Screen job hunters.
Interview potential candidates.
Offer the best candidate a job.
Onboard employee. (You’ll use a W-9 instead of a W-4.)

How to hire your first employees

Establish what you need to hire employees to do.
Get an EIN if you don’t already have one.
Establish a benefits package.
Get a payroll provider.
Purchase workers’ compensation.
Follow the rest of our guide.

How to hire employees for a startup

Prepare to hire people. (Consult a lawyer about alternative forms of payment.)
Create a job description. (Make sure to include information about the alternative payments.)
Find applicants with diverse backgrounds.
Interview potential candidates and make sure they understand the pay. Have a lawyer advise you regarding communications if you plan to offer pay in stock (because you can’t ask about their finances).
Onboard the employee.

How to hire diverse employees

Go to college job fairs.
Use TikTok to find employees.
Ask minority influencers to help you find candidates.

How to hire part-time employees

People spend time getting ready for work, going to the location, and going home. Let them choose how they want to get their hours. They might prefer six 4-hour days or three 8-hour days, and with a little creativity, you can work with that either way.
Make sure to keep their shifts consistent. Unless you are paying them $5K per month for part time work, they need a second job.
The quality of employees is equal to the quality of treatment. They know you are hiring part time to avoid benefits. Be nice. Seriously. Low-paying jobs tend to be customer-facing. That means they deal with rude people all day long. Treat them well. Otherwise, they’ll run away like an ostrich.

How to hire temporary employees

How to hire good employees.

Industry-leading pay : Just disclosing your pay for each position improves your success. In Colorado , job postings dropped by 8.2% while the participation rate increased by 1.5%. If you really want to lead your industry in pay, the average 1-bedroom is $1,326 per month and people have to make three times that ($3,978 or $24.86 per hour). I know that sounds crazy, but at those wages, you’ll be getting much better candidates. Even $2 over the median pay will normally lead to better employees.
Generous time off : People have lives. They have stuff come up. We all know we don’t own our employees, but sometimes we get so focused on our own problems we forget to be compassionate about others. If you fall into this category, it’s your responsibility to train yourself to be more compassionate. It’s hard. I struggle with it every day, but we have to try to be good to those around us. Don’t make them beg for time off.
Remote work when possible : Many positions don’t require people to be in the same space. If they can work from home, let them. You just need systems that make it easy to do so. The additional costs should be made up by better efficiency.
Don’t skimp on benefits : Let people choose the benefits that are right for them. With medical insurance, don’t offer minimum wage employees plans with $10K deductibles. They are unusable.

How to hire international employees

How to hire remote employees

What part of the hiring process do you find most challenging.

Your articles are too damn long and nothing new. Wtf. Cut that crap in 1/4.

Looking for a long term career at an organisation where I can put my skills effectively.

Become a business owner in less than 90 days

Start your 10-day free trial of the UpFlip Academy and learn how to start your own business from scratch.

Get business advice straight to your Inbox

Home Office

How to Set Up a Small Business at Home

Running a business from home is a great option for entrepreneurs who need to conserve cash or simply don’t need the inconvenience of a storefront. Home-based businesses tend to keep overhead costs low, offer more flexibility, increase productivity, improve work-life balance, and may even have some tax benefits, depending on where you live. Many of today’s most successful business strategies can be easily done from home.

What businesses can be run from home?

There are some laws and regulations that limit what types of businesses you can run from your home. Most home-based businesses are privately owned corporations , as public companies typically are too large to be led this way.

Finding the right business idea can often seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for business opportunities that can be run from your home. It’s important to consider your skills, interests, and market demand while brainstorming ideas. A home-based business should ideally leverage your existing skill set and passion, while also providing a solution or service that’s in demand. For example, if you’re skilled in graphic design and notice a market need for affordable, high-quality design services, starting a home-based graphic design business could be a viable option. Similarly, if you’re passionate about baking and live in a community where homemade baked goods are cherished, a home bakery could be a lucrative business opportunity. The key is to find a business idea that aligns with your skills, passion, and market needs, making your home-based business not only profitable but also enjoyable.

It’s also essential to find a balance between your passion and the practical aspects of running a business from home. Keep in mind that while you may love what you do, you also need to handle logistics , marketing, customer service, and possibly even shipping. Let’s say you’ve decided to turn your love for baking into a home-based bakery. You’d need to consider practical matters like health and safety regulations, creating a business website to take orders, and figuring out how to deliver your products. Thus, you should be prepared to wear many hats, especially during the early stages of your business. It can be a challenging yet rewarding journey, turning a hobby or interest into a sustainable home business. This route to entrepreneurship is a great way to ensure that you’re spending your days doing something you love, while also serving a market need.

For most entrepreneurs looking for businesses they can launch from their house, great options will be products or services that you deliver or perform somewhere else, whether online or in a client’s space. Some great ideas of small home businesses include:

Online retail ( selling products like clothing and accessories)
Freelance writing or editing
Tutoring and teaching
Pet services
Personal Fitness Training
Yoga Instructor
E-commerce Store for Handmade Products
Home-based daycare
Consulting or coaching
Video or design content creation
House cleaning
Social Media Management Services
Meal Prep and Delivery Services
Virtual Assistance Services

Some businesses aren’t great options to run from home, including businesses that require heavy equipment that can cause noise disturbances, involve hazardous materials and chemicals, generate significant traffic that requires extra parking, involve the storage or sale of a high volume of goods, and those that require specialized permitting like restaurants.

Pros of running a business from home

As with all business ventures, there are pros and cons of running your startup from your house.

Time with Family

When you work from home, you have the unique advantage of being able to better balance your work and personal life. Not being tied to a traditional office or workplace means you can design your work schedule around your personal commitments and family needs. For instance, you might start work early so you can break for a few hours when the kids get home from school, or perhaps you prefer working in the evenings when the house is quiet. You could take longer lunch breaks to walk the dog or enjoy a meal with your partner. In essence, working from home puts you in control of your time, allowing you to prioritize and adjust your work commitments to fit in with your family life. This flexibility can lead to reduced stress and better overall well-being. However, it’s important to establish boundaries and stick to a routine to avoid work seeping into your personal time.

Many people prefer to work from home so that they can be around for the family, as it’s one of the most enjoyable advantages of being in your house. Small business owners can be on-site to keep an eye on older relatives who may need occasional assistance. For parents, you can be at home when children are let out of school, and enjoy flexible hours to quickly leave home and attend kids’ events like after-school track meets or basketball games. Parenting while working from home is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it can be a big plus for entrepreneurs.

Even if you are a “pet parent,” staying at home jobs or starting your own business will be ideal for taking care and sharing more time with the people you love or your furry loved ones.

Zero Commute Time

The average American spends an hour per day commuting to and from work. That adds up to 20 hours per week. Many people spend even more time commuting, enduring the stress of heavy traffic, inclement weather, and crowded buses or trains. There is also the substantial cost associated with work commutes.

Being at home will reduce these extra costs since you will be able to cook and eat at home, avoid traffic, and lower your gas or other transportation budgets. Small business owners are notoriously short on time, so this also presents an opportunity to take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, adding exercise and meditation, or just spending more time doing hobbies at home.

Space Optimization and Creativity

Running a business from home also opens up the opportunity for creativity in utilizing and optimizing your available space. With no need to adhere to the traditional office layout, you can shape your work environment to inspire creativity and productivity. This could mean setting up your office in a space with plenty of natural light or decorating your workspace with items that inspire you. You can arrange your space in a way that caters to your work style and needs, be it a tranquil, distraction-free zone, or a lively area that stimulates innovative ideas. Having the freedom to personalize your workspace could also lead to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and efficiency. By strategically utilizing your home space, you can foster a work environment that promotes both personal comfort and professional success.

No rent cost

When you run your business from home, you can save the cost of rent. If you operate your business in a commercial space, you’d be required to pay rent, utilities, and insurance. You can avoid this type of overhead by operating your business online from your home. You can reinvest the money you save on commercial rent back into your business in some other form, such as digital marketing .

Work-life balance

While it may take some practice to juggle tasks associated with your business and personal life skillfully, you can undoubtedly multitask when running a home business. You can break from your work to throw in a load of laundry or prep for dinner on your lunch break. You can create a daily dynamic schedule that includes tasks related to your business and household needs. Moreover, you may easily fit a wide range of tasks into your day without the commute time.

Increased productivity

Because your business belongs to you, you’re likely to feel a tremendous investment in its success – it’s not surprising that entrepreneurs are highly productive . Moreover, there won’t be any other employees (unless you decide to hire them) or a boss around to distract you from your tasks. This usually means you can more easily stick to your workday plans.

The environment where you work can significantly influence your productivity. By designing a space that is dedicated solely to your business, you can encourage a more focused and productive work environment. This might involve having a separate room in your home, with a comfortable chair, a large desk, and all the necessary technology . It should feel distinctly separate from your living area to promote a mental switch between your personal and professional life.

Additionally, cultivating daily routines can also boost your productivity. It’s not just about the physical separation of your work and living areas but also about the psychological separation. Establishing routines like having a morning ritual before starting work, or setting specific hours for deep work can reinforce the boundary between work and home life, prevent burnout and enhance your productivity. It’s all about finding what works best for you and making it a habit, as consistent routines can lead to increased productivity over time. The freedom to design your work environment and routines is one of the unique advantages of running a business from home.

When you run your own business , you can set your own goals in terms of productivity and develop strategies to achieve them. A great way to get started is to create a schedule you know you will follow every day. It must have realistic metrics so you can stay motivated throughout this new journey. While making your schedule, you might add some household activities or maybe just take an outdoor walk to maintain balance. Choosing to be your own boss affords you this flexibility, but you have to be intentional about taking advantage of it.

To further increase productivity and maintain a structured workday as an entrepreneur, you might consider the use of tools like a job description generator. This can help you break down your daily tasks and responsibilities into manageable bits, ensuring nothing is overlooked or neglected. Moreover, if you do decide to expand your team, a job description generator can come in handy to clearly define roles and expectations for potential hires. Thus, not only will it increase your personal productivity but will also lead to a well-organized business structure, a vital ingredient to the growth and success of your business.

Cons of running a business from home

Limited space.

Limited space can make launching a business from home hard because many businesses require space for equipment, inventory, or workstations. If you don’t have enough space in your home to accommodate these needs, it can be difficult to get your business off the ground. It can also lead to disorganization and make it difficult to find the materials or equipment you need to run your business efficiently. This can result in wasted time and decreased productivity.

Lack of professionalism

Running a business from home may not project the level of professionalism or credibility that a traditional office setting can provide. This is especially true for business plans that require consistent phone calls and Zoom calls, or if you’re someone who is easily distracted and late for appointments.

Running a business from home can be isolating and lonely at times, particularly if you don’t have regular face-to-face interactions with colleagues or clients. Isolation may happen for a variety of reasons, like a lack of workplace culture, routine, or work-life balance. Some entrepreneurs envision constant phone calls and business deals when creating their small business alongside their household duties, but usually, the first weeks and months are very quiet.

Potential distractions

The familiarity of home can create distractions that may negatively impact productivity. This is particularly true for businesswomen who are also juggling family duties.

If you want to stay productive, there’s a list of things you should avoid:

Putting your desk in your bedroom. Your room should only exist for the purpose of relaxing and sleeping. Adding work to a place of relaxation might confuse your brain and interfere with your sleeping schedule, taking productivity away when you want to work.
Working without an agenda. Building an agenda will boost your productivity by organizing your tasks in days and hours. Following your agenda will improve your time management and will make you focus on what’s important instead of working on activities that are not actually important at that time.
Neglecting your personal morning routine. Get up, take a shower, clean your face, and get dressed for success. This plays an important role in how we interact with others and ourselves. Feeling clean and dressing nice will definitely make your day more productive.
Eating at your desk while working. Many people do this thinking they can work while eating and not waste any time but this actually affects more than you think. First of all, the brain doesn’t process what you are actually eating since it’s concentrated on working. Second, you are actually dividing your mind into two tasks which interferes with your capacity for problem-solving. Third, your desk should be used only for its main purpose, work.
Sacrificing your health. Building your own business and selling products online is such a time-consuming practice that we often forget we need to drink water, stand up and stretch or take a walk to freshen up our brain and open up to new business ideas . Pay attention to how you are feeling and take small breaks from time to time.
Using old, uncomfortable furniture. If your home office needs a refresh, be sure to buy a comfortable ergonomic desk and chair to avoid body injuries or discomfort while working.

Establishing your business

Developing your business plan

Creating a business plan is a crucial step for developing your home business. It can include every aspect of your business, guiding its launch and operation. Hiring a business coach at this stage can be highly beneficial, as their industry knowledge and experience could help streamline your business plan, highlight potential gaps, and provide strategic guidance tailored to your business needs. Some key elements of your business plan should include:

Company description: provide a summary of what your company does. Company descriptions give an overview of key aspects of your business, such as what you do and what sets you apart from the competition . Your business description should clearly explain what you do.
Breakdown of your products and services: The product or service section of your business plan should emphasize the value you offer clients or customers.
Executive summary: provide a formal business summary, one that could appear in professional business directories.
Marketing and sales plan: describe how you intend to market your company and promote it (i.e., digital and traditional sales measures)
Competitive analysis: analyze the marketplace you intend to operate in; know how you fit in and who your competitors are.
Operating plan: describe how you plan to run your business and list company departments and managing personnel.

Cover your insurance, legal, and financial bases

Insurance considerations.

Typically, standard homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage for business-related losses, including those that occur within a home-based business. However, some insurance companies offer endorsements or riders that can be added to a homeowners policy to provide some coverage for a home-based business.

These endorsements or riders are often referred to as “home business insurance” or “in-home business insurance” and can provide coverage for things like business equipment, inventory, and liability related to the home-based business. It’s important to note that coverage limits and exclusions may apply, so it’s essential to review the details of the policy carefully.

Alternatively, business owners can consider purchasing a separate business insurance policy to ensure that they have adequate coverage for their home-based business. An insurance agent or broker can provide more information about the options available and help determine the appropriate coverage for a specific home-based business.

In the realm of safeguarding assets, while it’s crucial to secure your business belongings and liabilities, one shouldn’t neglect the foundational layer – the home itself. Home insurance plays a pivotal role in protecting the structure of your house and its contents from unforeseen events like fires, theft, or natural disasters. Especially when running a business from home, any damage or loss could have a ripple effect, affecting both personal and professional realms. So, alongside securing your business, it’s wise to periodically review and, if necessary, upgrade your home insurance policy. This ensures that both your living space and your workplace are adequately shielded from potential risks.

Financial considerations

You’ll need to carefully evaluate your finances and develop a budget related to your startup expenses and business operation. Don’t forget to add in costs for items like marketing, insurance, and other necessary business expenses associated with the types of products or services you’ll sell. Taking these budget process steps will help ensure a comprehensive financial plan for the success of your business.

Determine whether or not you’ll need to apply for a business loan. For entrepreneurs who are starting new businesses, personally funded venture capital is often the first thing they consider. While this is common at the beginning, it is essential to separate your personal and professional funds when your business is growing and earning cash, not only for tax purposes but also to protect your credit and eliminate unnecessary stress.

Legal considerations

Take time to determine your business’s legal stature and structure . Do you intend to own your business as a private proprietor or to create a corporation? Learn about the different structures and decide which is best suited for you and your business.

Be sure to calculate the cost of your license into your startup costs. Although there are general business licenses, there are also specialty licenses that may apply to your business.

Branding and marketing your business

Starting a business is an exciting prospect, but there are a lot of details to address. By staying organized and tackling all necessary tasks, you can set your business model up for a successful launch.

Craft your business strategy

Take time to define your business clearly for making a proper customer buying journey . Will you sell products, services, or both? Although you may already have a good idea of what you want to do, you’ll want to think in terms of specifics once you’re serious about starting a small home business.

Take time to think through some ideas and make a list of the possibilities you’re most interested in pursuing. Invest in visual identities such as logo design , website, etc., and prepare for business branding . Once you have a shortlist, you can research your options and take a look at the marketplace to determine if there’s a need for your offerings.

Take into consideration also what are you good at, baking, cooking, singing, tutoring, numbers, dropshipping , etc. This will help you to keep motivated and have a business project that you will enjoy and won’t feel like a boring work task that you just have to perform.

Choose a great name

Take time to choose a business name carefully. Coming up with a business name can be a fun and creative process, but it’s important to consider several factors when choosing a name that will represent your brand effectively. You’ll want to choose a name that’s easy for customers to spell and remember.

It makes sense to select a web-friendly name in this digital age and nothing too similar to your competitors’ names. Your business name will be used on your website, social media channels, brand marketing efforts , and will even appear on review websites. So be sure it’s easy to spell and remember for all your future satisfied customers.

While there are business name-generating apps available that you can try, you might also want to make a list of possible names for your business and run them past family and friends to get their thoughts. You can even ask your close friends and family to suggest options as a way of helping you brainstorm .

Identify your target audience

To ensure the success of your marketing campaigns, it’s crucial to employ effective marketing tactics that resonate with your target audience. By understanding the preferences, needs, and behaviors of your target market, you can tailor your strategies to effectively engage and attract potential customers. Utilizing various marketing tactics allows you to reach your audience through multiple channels, maximizing your brand’s visibility and impact.

From utilizing social media platforms to implementing email marketing campaigns or even employing influencer partnerships, a well-rounded approach to marketing will enable you to connect with your target audience in meaningful ways.

However, it’s important to note that not all marketing tactics will be equally effective for every target audience. Experimenting with different strategies, analyzing data, and adapting your tactics based on the results are essential steps in refining your marketing approach. By staying abreast of industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies, you can stay one step ahead of the competition and continuously improve your marketing tactics to deliver compelling messages that resonate with your target audience.

Who are you trying to sell to? Defining your target audience, whether it’s local homeowners or teenagers nationwide, will help you market your business effectively. When you have a target demographic in mind, you can create more targeted strategies for engaging potential customers. Therefore, you must identify your product or service’s target audience before you begin marketing efforts for the brand. The group will include existing customers as well as potential customers.

Understanding and catering to your target audience can also play a pivotal role in reducing customer acquisition cost. By focusing your marketing efforts on a well-defined group, you ensure that your resources are utilized efficiently. Tailored campaigns that resonate with your audience’s specific needs and preferences are more likely to convert, eliminating the wastage of funds on broad, unfocused strategies. Over time, as brand loyalty builds within this group, referrals and word-of-mouth promotions can further decrease the need for expensive marketing efforts.

Your target market does not necessarily consist of everyone who may be interested in your products. It’s important to identify the people you want to reach through your brand marketing efforts, whether you’re using digital marketing campaigns or advertisements on social media channels.

While defining your target audience and refining your marketing strategies, it’s equally vital to determine your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets your product or service apart from competitors in the eyes of your target market. It could be exceptional customer service, an innovative product feature, a commitment to sustainability, or competitive pricing. Understanding and articulating your USP is crucial as it guides the direction of your marketing campaigns, ensuring they highlight the aspects of your offering that are most appealing to your target audience. An effectively communicated USP not only attracts attention but also fosters brand loyalty by aligning your values and benefits with the needs and desires of your customers.

Plan your marketing campaigns

Marketing is essential for any business but definitely a home business. You won’t have the benefit of being in a commercial area where you can post commercial signage. Here are some basic types of marketing initiatives you should consider, depending on your strategy:

Building a website: Building a website is a critical marketing tool for any small business. It provides an online presence and enables customers to find and learn more about the business. You’ll need to learn more about SEO best practices to make the most of your website.
Creating a Google My Business listing: Google My Business is a free online tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including search and maps. A digital marketing agency can also help with optimizing your web presence.
Social media marketing: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide a cost-effective way to connect with customers and promote products or services. By weaving a compelling narrative around your brand through a well-crafted social selling strategy , you can foster deeper connections with your audience, turning casual browsers into loyal customers.
Email and SMS marketing : Email marketing can be an effective way to stay in touch with customers and promote products or services. It’s important to build an email list of interested subscribers and create engaging content that will resonate with them. You can also use business texting software to follow up with potential clients over text, which younger generations tend to prefer.
Utilizing promotional products: Don’t underestimate the power of tangible promotional products in your marketing arsenal. Items like custom-branded pens, mugs, or tote bags can serve as constant reminders of your brand in your customers’ daily lives. These items can be given away at local events, included as freebies in customer orders, or used as rewards in social media contests. Promotional products not only increase brand visibility but also help in building a loyal customer base. They act as a physical connection between your business and your customers, making your brand more memorable. Remember to choose products that align with your brand image and are useful to your target audience to maximize their impact.
Creating a business promo video: A compelling business promo video can be a game-changer for your home business. Videos are a powerful way to showcase your products or services, tell your brand’s story, and engage with your audience on a more personal level. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are ideal for sharing your video content. By incorporating elements such as customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage, or a sneak peek into your product creation process, you can create an authentic and engaging narrative that resonates with your audience.
Networking: Networking with other business owners and industry professionals can be a valuable way to build relationships, generate referrals, and promote the business.
Exploring automation options: Alongside traditional marketing methods, embracing modern tools like Automateed, Hootsuite, and Mailchimp can significantly enhance your marketing efficiency. These platforms offer various automation capabilities, from scheduling social media posts with Hootsuite to creating targeted email campaigns with Mailchimp. Automateed can further analyze customer interactions and provide insights for more effective strategies. By diversifying your tools, you can automate repetitive tasks, ensuring a consistent and engaging online presence, which is invaluable for a home business navigating the digital marketplace.

In addition to planning your marketing campaigns, consider leveraging dispatch tracking solutions to streamline your business operations. These tools can enhance the efficiency of your delivery processes by providing real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities. With dispatch tracking solutions, you can ensure timely and accurate deliveries, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize your overall logistics management. These solutions enable you to track packages, manage routes, and monitor delivery progress, empowering you to provide a seamless customer experience. By incorporating dispatch tracking solutions into your business model, you can enhance your operational efficiency and build a reputation for reliable and efficient delivery services.

Incorporating traditional marketing methods can provide a robust complement to digital strategies for your home business. Engaging in local events, distributing business cards, and utilizing print media such as flyers, brochures, and even a creative flipbook can significantly boost your brand’s visibility. A flipbook, with its interactive and visually appealing format, can serve as a unique and memorable take-home material for potential customers. Direct mail campaigns, despite the digital age, continue to have a tangible impact, offering a personal touch that electronic communications often lack. Furthermore, local newspaper advertisements and community bulletin boards provide additional platforms to reach a broader audience. By intertwining these conventional strategies with your online efforts, your marketing campaigns can achieve a balanced and comprehensive reach, ensuring you connect with your community both online and offline.

Navigating startup costs

Approximately 61% of Americans have thought of establishing a business, and 34% have had more than one idea. Despite this, due to financial limitations, it is still only a fantasy for many. In fact, 63% of Americans have abandoned their plans to launch a business because they lack the necessary resources, according to Zapier.

Even if you have a successful business idea but no money to start it, you can still become an entrepreneur. There are numerous ways to launch a business without any funding . Most of the time, all you require is an entrepreneurial attitude, which includes perseverance, diligence, inventiveness, and a willingness to try new things.

You must pick the correct kind of business to launch without any capital. Numerous business concepts need little to no initial funding. You’ll probably still need to pay for some expenses, though. However, the methods listed below can help you start generating cash flow and launch your business.

Opt for a service-based business . Service-based businesses don’t need a lot of cash flow to get them off the ground. Service providers create offerings for target customers after identifying significant demand gaps. Find a market where customers may benefit from your unique knowledge and expertise to offer an intangible service.
Consider a startup fund . Consider putting together a startup fund for your company if you’ve got an idea for a business but aren’t quite ready to launch it just yet. To get things rolling, you need to establish a second bank account and give it the name of your desired company. Then, every time you send money, you will be reminded of the purpose behind your savings. You can contribute money to the account in several ways, such as setting away some money from each paycheck, using your tax refund or bonus at the end of the year, and so on.
Research small business grants and local funding . Finding and receiving grants for small businesses is not always the easiest thing to do. But once you get your company up and going, you can begin your search for free money in earnest, no matter how little it is. Remember that grants will typically have specific requirements to be met to apply. If you satisfy those conditions, you will be entered into a drawing for a sum of money that is entirely yours to keep if you win.
Apply for a small business loan . Even if getting a small company loan should not be your priority when looking for ways to finance a new venture, doing so is not out of the question. Several loan programs are available to first-time business owners to assist them in getting their company off the ground and running. Start your search for a loan by contacting the Small Business Administration (SBA), which manages the many lending programs made available by the United States government. Before your application for a loan can even be evaluated for funding, you will need to fulfill all of the requirements.
Consider crowdfunding . If you want to finance your business but don’t want to deal with bank loans or venture capital firms, crowdsourcing may be an alternative worth looking into. This route requires a low initial investment but does rely on your networking and salesmanship skills to secure financing.

Top home-based business ideas for inspiration

Choosing the right type of home-based business to start requires careful consideration of your skills, interests, and market demand. First, make a list of your strengths, talents, and passions. Then, research the market to determine what products or services are in demand and which ones align with your strengths and interests. Look for gaps in the market that you could fill, and consider how your business could provide value to your potential customers.

Understanding the l role that fervency and zeal play in your entrepreneurial journey can pave the way for a business brimming with authenticity and joy. Embracing the belief that passion is important for success not only nurtures creativity but can also help forge a deep connection with potential customers, who can sense the love and dedication in your offerings. Picture a kitchen bustling with the aroma of freshly baked goods as you initiate a home-based bakery, or visualize a serene corner of your home transforming into a vibrant studio space where you bring colors to life on canvas. These aren’t just businesses; they are extensions of what you hold dear. So, as you stand on the threshold of this exciting journey, keep in mind that intertwining your business essence with your passions can be your north star, guiding you towards a path not just of financial gain, but of fulfillment and heartwarming success.

You should also consider the startup costs, potential revenue, and scalability of each business idea. It is important to choose a business that you are passionate about and can realistically manage from home. Here are some of the most popular business ideas that might work for you.

Passion-based businesses

Passion-based home businesses are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek to turn their hobbies and interests into a viable source of income. These types of businesses are built around the founder’s personal passions and skills, and often involve providing a service or teaching others a particular skill. These can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about what they do, and can offer a flexible working schedule and the ability to work from home. However, starting a passion-based business needs careful planning and consideration of the unique requirements , challenges and opportunities that come with working from home.

Music teacher. Teach an instrument such as guitar, violin, or piano. Plan to offer your services on different teaching platforms and offer private lessons as well as group lessons.
Art teacher . Teach drawing and illustration, painting, or sculpture. Define which are technique you are best at and create a schedule of all the different hours available you have.
Language instructor . Teach Spanish, Chinese, Latin, or French. Be sure you completely dominate the language you are planning to teach.
Yoga instructor . Teach virtual yoga and meditation techniques.
Freelancing photography . Consider the type of photography you want to do and what are the most popular requirements needed from your potential clients.
Online course creator . Develop, create, and sell an online course that teaches people how to do something you’re really good at, including any of the items listed above!
Copywriting . A copywriting career can be exciting and challenging, with a wide range of opportunities and job types available. Copywriters are responsible for creating content for various types of media, including websites, social media, email marketing campaigns, advertisements, and more. These professionals typically represent companies, so ensuring your content is high quality makes this different from personal blogging.

Digital marketing businesses

Blogging can be a successful home-based business as it provides the opportunity to create content on a topic that you are passionate about and share it with the world. With a consistent blogging schedule, quality content, and effective promotion, a blogger can attract a loyal following, generate traffic to their website, and monetize their blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and product sales. Blogging requires minimal startup costs and can be done from the comfort of your own home, making it an attractive option for those looking to start a home-based business.

There are several styles of website that can help you make money blogging . The most common ways to monetize a blog are through display advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital or physical products. Display advertising involves placing ads on a blog and earning revenue based on impressions or clicks. Affiliate marketing is when a blogger promotes a product or service and earns a commission for any sales made through their unique affiliate link. Sponsored content is when a blogger is paid to create content that promotes a brand or product. Finally, small business bloggers can sell digital or physical products such as e-books, courses, or merchandise related to their blog’s niche. Each type of blogging monetization requires a different approach, but with dedication and effort, it is possible to earn a substantial income from a successful blog.

Embracing eCommerce and online selling is essential for reaching a broader audience and capitalizing on the convenience and accessibility that online shopping offers to consumers. Running an e-commerce site from home involves setting up an online store to sell products or services. To start, you need to decide what products or services to sell, and then source or create them. You will also need to set up a website or use a platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce to create an online store.

Before diving into the marketing aspects, it’s imperative to understand the importance of an intuitive, user-friendly design for your e-commerce platform. Whether you’re building your website from scratch or using a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, the usability of your online store plays a significant role in customer acquisition and retention. Ensure that your site has a clean, attractive design, simple navigation, and a smooth checkout process. High-quality images and detailed product descriptions will give customers a clear understanding of what they’re purchasing, reducing the likelihood of returns or dissatisfaction. Incorporating customer reviews and ratings can also enhance trust in your products and your brand. Your site should be optimized for mobile devices, as an increasing number of customers are shopping on their smartphones. In essence, a well-designed website can significantly contribute to the success of your e-commerce venture.

Once you have set up your e-commerce site, you will need to focus on marketing and driving traffic to your site to generate sales. This can involve strategies such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, paid advertising, or hiring an Amazon agency . It is important to have a clear understanding of your target audience and how to reach them effectively. You will also need to handle order fulfillment, including shipping and handling, and customer service. You can purchase products in bulk and sell them online , but then you’ll also need a plan to handle that inventory. With dedication and hard work, running an e-commerce site from home can be a successful and lucrative business.

In the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, the role of AI is becoming hard to ignore. The integration of AI in eCommerce is becoming increasingly prevalent and can be a game-changer for your online store. When integrated properly, AI has the power to transform your online store into a highly personalized and efficient shopping experience. Just imagine the possibilities – personalized product recommendations crafted from detailed customer behavior analysis, predictive analytics steering your future strategies, and chatbot services providing instant customer support.

AI doesn’t just create a customized shopping experience that aligns with customer preferences; it also builds customer loyalty by making interactions seamless and personalized. From a business perspective, AI’s ability to take over repetitive tasks leaves you more time to focus on strategic decisions and growth plans. And it’s not just about enhancing the customer journey or easing operations. By providing insightful analytics, AI helps you make data-driven decisions. In the realm of e-commerce, embracing AI isn’t just a good move – it gives you a critical edge over the competition.

An essential part of running a successful e-commerce site is having a robust and efficient order fulfillment system in place. Think about it – a customer’s journey doesn’t end with a click on the “Buy” button. The experience they have after making a purchase is just as important, influencing their overall satisfaction and future loyalty. Efficient packaging, reliable shipping and handling, and prompt customer service are all key components of this. Especially if you’re selling products in bulk, a well-organized inventory management system becomes indispensable. The ability to keep an eye on stock levels, predict future demand, and get timely alerts for restocking can help avoid those dreaded “out of stock” scenarios. Automation tools can take the heavy lifting out of these processes, minimizing human error and increasing overall efficiency. So, don’t overlook the impact of a smooth and reliable order fulfillment process – it can greatly enhance your customers’ shopping experience and be a real boon to your e-commerce success.

Implementing discount pricing strategies for eCommerce business can be an essential part of your marketing and sales plan, organically attracting customers and encouraging purchases. Discount strategies involve temporarily lowering the price of your products or services to stimulate sales. This can be done in many ways, such as offering limited-time promotions , seasonal sales, or discounts for buying in bulk. A well-planned discount strategy can not only attract new customers but also incentivize repeat purchases and larger orders. However, it’s important to carefully balance your discounts to ensure they do not undermine your profitability or the perceived value of your products. Furthermore, promoting these discounts effectively, through channels like email marketing and social media, is crucial to maximizing their impact. In essence, discount pricing strategies can play a significant role in the growth and success of your eCommerce business.

Selling homemade products

Selling homemade products from home can be a profitable and rewarding business venture. To get started, you will need to create a product that you are passionate about and that there is a market for. Once you have created your product, you will need to set up an online store or sell your items through an online marketplace like Etsy. You will also need to consider packaging and shipping costs , and ensure that you are complying with any regulations related to selling food or other items.

Marketing your homemade products is also an important aspect of the home-based business. You can use social media and other online channels to reach potential customers and build a following. It may also be helpful to participate in local craft fairs or farmers markets to promote your products and connect with customers in person.

Fun home-based business ideas include the following:

Candles . A candle company may be the best business for anyone passionate about wicks, soy blends, and achieving the perfect scent. You can offer soy candles, scented candles, beeswax candles, paraffin candles, and more.
Books . Selling books online is a great way to get started, also consider selling e-books through social media or your website.
Cooking and baking . Bakeries have been around for a long time, but recently they have grown in popularity. Entrepreneurs have taken their cakes, cupcakes, and cookies from home and open regular bakeries and restaurants, and even franchises that make.
Jewelry . Making people’s personalities come alive through jewelry is a very fulfilling creative pursuit. Think about creating beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings. etc.

Running a service-based business from home involves providing a specific skill or service to clients from the comfort of your home. To start a service-based business from home, you first need to identify your area of expertise and determine what services you can offer. Once you have a clear idea of the services you can provide, you can create a website or online portfolio to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.

You can also use social media platforms to promote your services and network with other professionals in your industry. As you build your client base and reputation, you can continue to grow your business and offer additional services to meet the needs of your clients.

Makeup tutorials . Teaching how to properly use makeup and providing some confidence tips might be a loving activity, not only for you but also for your potential clients. Even showing how to apply lashes properly would be a great way to get started.
Dog walking . Taking care of furry babies and just having a long walk outdoors could definitely bring you great benefits.
Personal training . While training for your own personal goals, you are also helping others to achieve theirs.
Virtual assistance . if organizing and scheduling your day is a passion of yours, you should definitely offer these services to people that don’t have that same passion or patience as you do.
Personal shopping . Clients of personal shoppers usually buy clothing and accessories for themselves. A personal shopper may work directly for a client or their stylist; other personal shopper employment is available through boutiques and departments stores.
Housecleaning . This is a great opportunity if you are passionate about cleaning and decluttering. These services have a high demand.

Home Office Essentials

When developing your business, you’ll want to create a home office where you can ‘set up shop’ and manage all the important aspects of operating your business. Here are some home office essentials to consider:

Be sure that you have good lighting so that you can work without straining your eyes. You may want to have better overhead lighting installed by an electrician. Or, you can add more lamps to the space to ensure that you have great lighting even on dark and dreary days.

Adjustable workspace

An adjustable desk is ideal for a home office. You can use your desk for various tasks that may be related to your business. A standup desk is also a great feature if you’re concerned about fitness. You’ll burn more calories by standing up to work.

Comfortable furniture

Try to invest in a quality ergonomic office chair. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, so be sure to have comfortable and supportive furnishings for yourself and anyone else who may be working with you. You may also need filing cabinets, a workbench, or other furnishings related to the type of work you perform.

Decor and plants

Office decor may not seem essential, but it can enhance your mood each day. Remember, your office is your place of work. Decorate it in a way that inspires and motivates you to be productive. Although you don’t want to add much in the way of clutter, some thoughtful decorative pieces will add personal warmth to your office.

House plants can make your home office feel cozy and welcoming. However, that’s not all. Many house plants feature air-purifying properties. Add plants to your office space like aloe vera or spider plants to keep the air smelling clean and fresh. Consider plants of various sizes to add a dynamic look to the space.

You’ll likely need basic office equipment and may require other equipment or gear related to your products or services. For instance, if you perform sewing services, you will need a high-quality sewing machine. Typically, you’ll need office equipment such as:

Computer or laptop
Internet (consider business internet service)
Business Phone
Copy machine
Headphones
Adding machine/calculator
Postage scale

These are just a few ideas. You’ll need to brainstorm to ensure you have all the equipment you need for your operation.

Final thoughts

Setting up a small business from home can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. By considering factors such as legal and financial considerations, home security, data protection, and marketing strategies, you can successfully launch and grow your business from the comfort of your own home. Remember to prioritize your passion and skills, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance and support from experienced professionals in your field.

You might also like:

10 Profitable Home Business Ideas to Make Money From Home (2024)

Looking for work-from-home business ideas? Good idea.

Renting commercial real estate, warehousing, or office space can put massive financial strain on a new business. In contrast, many home business opportunities are quick and easy to start.

But there are so many home-based business ideas out there — which one should you consider?

Some work-from-home business ideas require an upfront investment to get the ball rolling — and some require just $39. Also, some home-based businesses are easier to start if you can turn a spare bedroom into an office or workshop — others are easy to run from your dining table.

So, what's the best work-from-home business idea for you? In this article, we'll explore 10 of the best home business ideas that you can start quickly and easily.

(Disclosure: This website is a part of Shopify inc. media properties. Although we strive to publish objective, accurate, and factual content, this article may contain biased opinions.)

Start selling online now with Shopify

10 Profitable Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today

While there are countless ways to start a home-based business, here are 10 of the most approachable home business ideas to consider:

Sell handmade products
Purchase products in bulk and sell them online
Start a dropshipping business
Start a print-on-demand business
Purchase an existing ecommerce business
Start a subscription box business
Teach online classes
Start a service-based business
Sell digital products online
Build an online following that you can monetize

1. Sell Handmade Products

Do you love to create things at home? If you love crafts or art, why not sell your handcrafted products online? For example, you could:

→ Click Here to Launch Your Online Business with Shopify

Make candles
Create jewelry
Create pieces of art
Make homemade food
Design and sew clothing
Knit clothes and blankets
Craft wooden furniture

Whatever you like to create, selling handmade products is a great way to turn a passion into a work-from-home business opportunity.

There are two main ways to start selling handmade products online:

Sell through a marketplace such as Etsy
Create your own online store using a platform like Shopify

That said, you could also sell via both channels with Shopify's Etsy integration .

If this home business idea has caught your eye, start by writing a list of everything you could create. Then, do some online research to see what other people are selling.

2. Start a Dropshipping Business From Home

If you like the idea of running an online store, but you're not sure what to sell, consider starting a dropshipping business from home. Plus, this is a home business idea with low startup costs.

Dropshipping is a type of ecommerce in which sellers don't need to purchase or store the products they sell. Instead, sellers partner with dropshipping suppliers who manage the inventory and ship products directly to customers on the seller's behalf.

Check out the image below to see the dropshipping business model in action:

Pretty cool, right?

The best part is that starting a dropshipping business from home is as easy as 1-2-3 thanks to dropshipping apps like DSers .

Here's why: You can use DSers to start selling dropshipped products online today — just sign up for Shopify , install the Dsers app , and search for products to add to your store.

3. Start a Print-on-Demand Business From Home

Similarly, if you like to create art and eye-catching designs but don't want to make products yourself, you could start a print-on-demand business from home.

Print-on-demand is a type of dropshipping in which you can sell products that are customized with your designs, such as:

Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings, yoga pants, etc.
Footwear: Sneakers, boots, flip flops, etc.
Accessories: Jewelry, watches, phone covers, bags, bottles, face masks, notebooks, stationery, etc.
Homeware: Mugs, towels, bedsheets, cushions, blankets, throws, etc.
Art: posters, wall hangings, stickers, magnets, etc.
Electronics: Headphones, speakers, etc.

Check out some common print-on-demand products in the image below from Printful :

To start this work-from-home business idea, sign up for a Shopify account and choose a print-on-demand app to install , such as:

4. Purchase Products in Bulk and Sell Them Online

Another way to sell products online is to buy products in bulk — also known as 'wholesale' — and sell them individually.

When you purchase products in bulk, you can get a lower cost-per-unit than if you buy them individually. Then, when selling the products one-by-one, you're able to increase the prices to create a profit margin.

So, where can you buy fantastic goods in bulk?

Start by researching products on business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce marketplaces like Alibaba and DHgate.com .

You can then create an online store with Shopify to sell your products to consumers.

Plus, instead of selling products individually to consumers, you could also purchase products in bulk and sell them to retailers in smaller quantities — this is called wholesaling.

5. Purchase An Existing Ecommerce Business

If you don't have the time — or the inclination — to set up a home-based business from scratch, you could always buy an existing home business opportunity via the Exchange marketplace .

This website facilitates the sale of ecommerce businesses in a range of niches. Plus, you can buy an established business or a relatively new business.

This may sound pretty complicated at first, but in practice, it's pretty straightforward.

Start by browsing the home business opportunities listed on Exchange. When you find a business you like, consider reaching out to the buyer to find out more information. Then, if you decide to purchase the business, Exchange will facilitate the… well, exchange.

On the other hand, if you want to start businesses but you're not interested in growing them to their full potential, you could create and sell ecommerce businesses on Exchange.

It's also possible to 'flip' businesses — or to put it another way, buy a business, improve it, and then sell it for a profit.

6. Start a Subscription Box Business From Home

Why sell one product at a time when you can sell a bundle of products every month to the same person? This is what subscription box businesses like Birchbox do.

Plus, Google Trends shows how interest in subscription boxes has boomed in recent years:

This home business idea is a fantastic way to grow a sustainable income, thanks to the recurring revenue generated by ongoing purchases.

You can sell almost anything as a subscription box, too, such as:

Fashion accessories
Indie records
Homeware and kitchen gadgets
Information products (such as up-to-date industry reports)
Food, such as snacks or sauces

What's more, you don't necessarily have to sell products — you could also rent them. For example, Haverdash rents clothes.

To get started with this home business idea, sign up for Shopify and use the built-in subscription management tools.

7. Teach Online

If you have in-demand skills or knowledge and a talent for teaching, consider sharing your knowledge via online video calls

Popular subjects taught online include languages, maths, science, and business. But there are no limits to what you can teach, so you could also teach things like music, sewing, or even DIY!

According to PayScale , most online teachers earn between $10.18 and $39.87 per hour, depending on their level of experience.

There are countless online teaching marketplaces that will help you to connect with students and manage your classes, such as:

Plus, there are plenty of feature-rich online teaching platforms to help you create incredible virtual learning experiences, such as:

8. Start a Service-Based Business From Home

The need for digital services is rampant — from designers and developers to digital marketers and doodlers, there's a need for virtually every talent.

If you're wondering what service you can offer, here are 20 service-based home business opportunities to consider:

Graphic designer
Web designer
Transcriber
Marketing writer
Resume writer
Photo or video editor
Social media manager
Digital advertising manager
Data entry clerk
Virtual assistant
Career coach
Marketing consultant
Management consultant
Finance consultant
Calligrapher

Some of these home business ideas offer more income potential than others. So, make sure to do your research to choose the right service-based home business idea for you.

To get started, consider signing up to a freelance marketplace like People Per Hour , Upwork , or Fiverr .

You could also create a website and then find clients independently by networking and pitching.

9. Sell Digital Products Online

If you've mastered a particular skill or subject and don't want to teach online or provide a service, you could package your knowledge and experience in a digital product.

Selling digital products is a fantastic home business idea because — like dropshipping — there's no need to source or manage inventory or ship products to customers. Plus, once you've created a digital product, it doesn't cost anything to replicate.

So, what types of digital products can you sell? Here are 20 to consider:

Written templates (résumés, scripts, marketing emails, etc.)
Spreadsheets
Illustrations
Graphic templates
Editing presets (for videos, images, or audio)
Online tools
Membership sites
Audio (music, samples, podcasts, etc.)
Research (statistics, reports, etc.)

For example, Gabriella and Andrew Morrison sell courses and house plans to help people build tiny houses on their website Tiny House Build .

10. Build An Online Following That You Can Monetize

If you love creating content, you could build an online following around a particular topic or niche and monetize your audience.

If you're interested in this home business idea, you need to choose a way to build an audience. Now, there are many ways to create a following online — for example, you could:

Grow an Instagram following
Build a YouTube audience
Create a blog and grow your readership
Grow a Twitch following
Build a TikTok following

Once you have a relatively large following or plenty of website traffic, how can you make money? In essence, there are three ways to monetize an online audience:

Brand sponsorships: Get paid to promote a company's products (also known as ' influencer marketing .'
Affiliate marketing: Promote a company's products or services and earn a commission.
Sell products: Create and sell physical or digital products to your audience.

For example, Adam Enfroy built a blog that reviews many software products. In the image below, you can see his blog post reviewing the Shopify platform:

This blog post contains Adam's affiliate link to Shopify . As a result, whenever someone reads the post, clicks the affiliate link, and signs up for Shopify, Adam will receive a small sales commission.

FAQs About Home Business Ideas

How do I start a small home business?

Wondering how to start a small home business? Here are 8 steps to starting an online business:

Choose an online business model that suits your business
Identify your target market
Identify the problem that your business is solving
Know your competitors and how you are different from them
Choose a sourcing strategy that your customers will love
Set up your payment system so you can get paid
Test your business idea in the simplest way possible
Create your marketing strategy to start promoting your business
How do I make money from home business ideas?

There are many ways that online home business ideas make money. You could charge per product, create subscriptions, build affiliate links, and so much more. Once you have decided your business model you can start brainstorming the exact home business idea for you and get started.

Choose A Home-Based Business Idea and Get Started Today

There are tons of profitable home business ideas out there to choose from. So, if you're wondering, "What business can I start from home?" Here are 10 of the best home-based businesses to consider:

Sell products you make at home online
Start dropshipping products with Dsers
Sell print-on-demand products
Buy products in bulk and sell them online
Purchase an existing business on Exchange
Sell subscription boxes
Teach online
Sell digital products
Build and monetize an online following

When deciding which home business opportunity to pursue, try to capitalize on any skills and experience you have — and consider following your interests or passions.

Which home business idea has caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to Learn More?

How to Use Shopify: A Quick and Easy Shopify Tutorial for Beginners
What is Dropshipping: Things You Need To Know Before Getting Started
Shopify Pricing Plans: Which Shopify Plan is Best For Me?
Do You Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit? Find Out Here (With Quotes)

56 Small Business Ideas To Make Money in 2024

Find a list of 56 small business ideas that’ll make you money in 2024. Thousands of entrepreneurs have implemented them…

43 Amazing Examples of Ecommerce Website Design (2024)

Your ecommerce website design is important when your business relies on making its revenue from online sales. We explai…

31 Best Online Jobs (With Salaries and Platforms to Apply)

Here's a list of 31 best online jobs that you can start in 2024. We've also shared hourly earnings and some websites wh…

Oberlo uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and improve your experience. By using our website, you agree to our privacy policy.

70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business

Published: March 19, 2024

A good business idea may seem hard to come by, but with some planning and preparation, you can easily launch a small business to supplement your income — or become your own full-time boss.

Small business ideas symbolically showing the spirit of a small business

Maybe you already have an idea of the business you’d like to start. But while you might feel ready for a new venture and passionate about your idea, you might be looking for some direction.

To help get you started, here's a list of small business ideas separated into a few sections:

What makes a good small business?

Best Small Business Ideas

Best businesses to start with little money, home business ideas.

Online Businesses Ideas

Easy Businesses to Start

Business ideas for students, creative small business ideas, how to start a small business at home, starting a small business: faq.

The first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur is finding a business idea that works for you. In this article, you’ll find dozens of small business ideas you can start from home and scale up as your clientele grows. Let’s get started.

What makes a good small business idea?

Not all small business ideas are made equal: Some require more effort and funding than others, while some can be launched with few resources — or resources you already have. As a potential small business owner, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on training, rent, supplies, and other necessities.

Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:

Requires little to no training . A good small business idea will ideally leverage your existing field of expertise and require little to no training. That will not only shorten your time-to-launch, but also lessen your expenses, since training courses can cost a significant amount of money. Plus, you’ll be more confident offering services that you feel prepared to deliver.
Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management . A great business idea needs few supplies and little inventory management. If you want to sell physical goods, you can either try drop-shipping and manually make goods in small batches.
Is based online . The best small business ideas are based online and can be carried out from your personal computer. This will automatically lower your commuting costs and give you greater flexibility over your personal and work life.
Can sustainably be managed by few people . As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.

Free Business Startup kit

9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.

Business Name Brainstorming Workbook
Business Plan Template
Business Startup Cost Calculator

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Airbnb Co-founder, Brian Chesky, said, “If we tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn’t have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution for a problem in your own life.”

If you’re like Brian and you’ve already thought about a solution for a problem you encounter in your life — or you’re on the path to doing so — then starting a small business may be in your future. It may also be for you if you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss.

Below, we include the best ideas for you to start your small business — with resources and examples to help you get started.

1. Handyman

8. Life/Career Coach

If you have experience navigating career, personal, and social transitions successfully, put it to good use as a life or career coach. Many of us are looking for guidance in our careers — and finding someone with the time to mentor us can be tough.

Life/career coaches don’t come cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intense and hands-on training and advice they need to make serious moves in their personal and professional lives. After all, everyone needs some uplifting advice from time to time.

To start your life/career coaching business with confidence, you can look for a certification program (like the Life Coach School’s or Diane Hudson’s ), then apply your skills as you acquire new clients.

A resume writing business is economical, has few overhead costs, and has few educational requirements. We still recommend having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and a few resume samples on hand. If you still feel that you need to brush up on your resume writing skills, you can take a course like Coursera’s or LinkedIn Learning’s .

Once you’ve gotten resume writing down, you can expand your business to include cover letter writing and even offer career coaching services in conjunction with these services.

10. Freelance Writer

If you have writing skills , there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore — just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business.

To become a freelance writer, it’s essential to choose a specialty. For instance, you might choose to only write for publications in the healthcare industry (maybe because you were previously a healthcare worker) or focus on lifestyle publications. Whatever the case, specializing will help you find your niche market and gain confidence as a new freelancer writer.

There are no educational requirements for freelance writing, but you do need strong writing skills. It also helps to enjoy writing. While certification may be beneficial, getting practice and writing every day is more important. Try these writing prompts to start.

11. Landscaper

Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair. It’s also a great choice if you enjoy doing it for your own home and have a good eye for landscape design.

The good news is that you can start small. For instance, you could offer your neighbors seasonal planting services and start with a few perennial plants, or simply offer mulching services.

To grow your landscaping business, you should consider taking some formal training. The following organizations offer courses:

New York Botanical Gardens

After completing a course and getting enough experience, you can apply for a certificate from a landscaping organization. While a certificate isn’t necessary to work in the field, it can build your credentials and help you make industry connections to take your landscaping business to the next level. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers offers one potential certificate you could pursue.

Some states require licensure, especially if you’ll be using pesticides and fertilizers. Be sure to review the requirements for your state.

Learn some of the basics now with this video on landscape design from Lowe’s:

12. Videographer

Video production requires you to have invested in the equipment up front, which can be quite expensive. But that’s also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or create a website with several selections of your work available for interested viewers.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a video production business. As with writing and other creative arts, though, it pays to specialize. Real estate videos differ radically from wedding videos, and wedding videos differ radically from in-studio interviews and testimonials. By specializing, you target a highly specific customer who’ll benefit the most from your services, and you can also skill-up more effectively in one shooting style.

While you can find general classes on videography, you should consider taking a class in the type of videography you’d like to do. For instance, you could take The Complete Wedding Videography Course .

Hot tip: If you’re interested in specializing in video marketing, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing and download our starter pack below.

13. Photographer

Start by conducting photo shoots for your family and friends. As you build a body of work, ask for referrals and reviews. Photography businesses often grow by word of mouth, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients. Photos where you tag those clients will show up in their friends’ newsfeeds, where they can view your work. You can also ask them to leave reviews on your Facebook business page.

Like with a video production small business, you’ll want to specialize. Will you do product shoots or portraits? How about wedding or fashion photo shoots? Once you specialize, you’ll be able to create a body of work that most accurately represents your strengths.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a small photography business. Still, we recommend investing in a few photography courses, especially if you haven’t used your camera in a while. Some courses you might start with include:

Cornell’s Digital Photography Certificate Program
New York Institute of Photography’s Course

From there, seek courses that help you build skills in your chosen specialty.

If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.

14. Bed and Breakfast Owner

Some consulting industries are more competitive than others, so be sure to complete your research before starting a small consulting business. One way to find out how competitive a consulting niche is by doing keyword search . If your target niche is highly searched or is already dominated by big companies, you may have a harder time breaking in. You can use keyword research tools to uncover keyword volume and local demand.

If there’s room for you to enter the market, the next step is to land your first clients. Be sure to participate in local networking events covering your niche and reach out to potential prospects through cold calling and emailing. Investing in dedicated sales software can also help measure and improve your emailing strategy, as well as keep track of worthwhile leads.

12. Event Planner

An event planning business is an excellent choice if you have great organizational and interpersonal skills, and it’s relatively cheap to start. You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades.

The good news is that event planners are always in demand. It’s not an easily automated job, so this small business idea is set to thrive regardless of the digital landscape. To start, you’ll want to look for a platform that will easily allow you to advertise your availability, such as event planner directories like Eventective and WeddingWire .

If you’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and have experience planning large events, it might be time for others to benefit from your skills.

13. Personal Assistant

Personal assistants help business owners and executives take care of administrative tasks. To launch a freelance personal assistant business, you should leverage networking opportunities on LinkedIn and attend small business events at local chambers of commerce. Most local business owners might not even know they need a personal assistant until you market your services to them.

If you’re an organized, highly-detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

To become an assistant, choose a niche — will you be helping women business owners specifically? Do you have a specific field of expertise, like bookkeeping? A website can also go a long way, and be sure to print business cards for you to hand out during networking events.

14. Consignment Shop Owner

If you have an eye for style but don’t want to invest in the inventory of a brand-new boutique, consider starting a consignment shop. It will allow you to curate a collection of clothing that matches your goals and aesthetic without the overhead of a boutique selling entirely new garments.

The beauty of a small consignment business is that you can now start one online. You can sign up on a platform such as Poshmark , Depop , and even Etsy , then easily start selling your own used fashion from home.

Once you’ve defined your niche — such as vintage clothing, unique locally made art, or colorful shoes — you can begin sourcing new products from your local stores and thrift shops.

15. Caterer

If the personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work on fewer but larger events, and hone in on your time management skills.

Becoming a caterer is a natural step for those who are used to cooking for large events — for instance, you may have already catered your friend’s wedding or brought a 20-person meal to a potluck (that counts, too!).

It’s essential that you have enough temperature-regulated storage for the meals prior to each event, and that you arrange for reliable, temperature-controlled transportation to and from your home kitchen. Alternatively, you can lower your costs by inviting customers to pick up their order at your home.

16. Gym Owner

Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by creating your own gym — start one from the ground up, become an affiliate, or open a franchise location.

Available franchise opportunities include Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and more. Be prepared to take out a loan to finance your franchise — most agreements start with fees upward of $20,000. But the payoff can be tremendous due to brand recognition. You’ll have no trouble recruiting new members as long as you use local marketing strategies .

Alternatively, you can create a local studio, but ideally, it should be for a specific activity instead of general fitness. Yoga, pilates, bootcamp-style gyms, and martial arts perform well as independent fitness studios.

17. Boutique Agency Owner

What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position.

To start an agency, you would ideally have worked in your specialty for a number of years. You should also be prepared to interface directly with clients, fulfill their requirements, and temper their expectations (if they want results in an unreasonably short amount of time).

Consider building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk .

18. Coffee Shop Owner

Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game, but they usually require a little more cash upfront. Starting a shop from scratch requires more planning and work — but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.

A coffee shop is an excellent fit if you already have a full-time remote job and wish to supplement your income with a small business. You can manage the coffee shop as you work at one of the tables, but be sure to have the budget to hire an experienced barista who can pick up the slack.

If you would like to open a coffee shop and run it full-time on your own, you’ll need to undertake barista training, understand worldwide coffee sources, and have excellent customer service skills.

19. Moving Company

A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company . Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low.

Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry. You can partner with moving companies and offer to do their packing, or have them refer clients to you.

You could even take a niche approach to the industry as Astro International has by offering international moving services.

2. Vending Machine Owner

Since 2015, the growth rate for vending machine businesses has increased 1.4%. Even as social distancing restrictions are still in place, this business can still be lucrative if you choose the right locations. High-traffic is key — places like hospitals, schools, and community centers are smart places to start placing your machines to generate enough revenue to cover cost and turn a profit.

3. Social Media Manager

Do you have a knack for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts for companies and even individual people. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencers rely on marketing agencies or employees to help them run their social channels.

Online Business Ideas

If you want a business idea that you can run entirely online, check out the ones below. These ideas are ideal for those looking for a passive income stream. In other words, you shouldn’t need to do too much manual work to launch these businesses from your home or preferred business location.

1. Become an online reseller.

To become an online reseller, all you need is some business savvy and some funds to invest in product stock from manufacturers — or, of course,the willingness to sell your own used items. Generally, this is a low-touch but high-performance way of creating a passive income online business.

Online resellers usually use a platform, such as Facebook Marketplace or Amazon Sellers, to sell either their own or manufacturers’ stock. The benefit of using Facebook Marketplace is that you can begin today with your own Facebook account, and simply list items that you already own.

Interested buyers typically drive directly to your home for pick-up — but if you’re not interested in human interaction, you can leave it outside and have the buyer pay via an online platform.

Blogging is one of the most accessible small businesses to start, and there are countless niches to choose from. That said, because there are many blogs online, you’ll need to learn blog SEO and keyword research to ensure your audience finds you. That way, you actually make money out of your blogging efforts.

The great news is that a small blogging business has a ridiculously low overhead. All you need is a custom domain and your time for writing blog posts. Although finding the right topic ideas and outlining your posts may seem challenging at first, especially if you’re new to writing, you can let a blog ideas generator do most of the grunt work for you.

These tools leverage Artificial Intelligence to help you brainstorm ideas and set up your content structure. That way, you can kickstart your creative juices and begin writing about what you love right away.

5. Home-Baked Goods Seller

Warehouse-made, store-bought chocolate chip cookies will never compare to a batch made with love in someone’s home. Simple desserts can be easily baked and packaged to sell at local events or around your neighborhood. Use custom labels and watch the word spread about your goods!

You can begin a baked goods business easily by opening a Facebook and Instagram profile. Facebook and Instagram are both excellent platforms to market your goods, show pictures of your previous baked products, and even showcase happy clients.

Build a loyal following slowly, and save on costs by asking clients to drive to your home to pick up their order. Choosing a niche can be helpful here, or baking in a specific style that can’t be found at grocery store bakeries. The overhead can be especially low if you already have most essential baking supplies.

6. Ecommerce Store Owner

Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an ecommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down, an ecommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.

hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '5ec543ea-d1bb-42de-a97d-4ab1f00cc69b', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

Starting an ecommerce store is simple and easy. You can set up a shop using an ecommerce website builder , all of which start at a minimal monthly subscription (some even start at free). Be sure to take good photos of your products and write descriptive product pages .

If you don’t have inventory, you can always own an ecommerce store by using dropshipping . Instead of creating and shipping your products yourself, you’ll instead partner with a dropshipping website and have them mail out the orders directly to your client.

7. House Cleaner

With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.

To become a house cleaner, you should be prepared to invest in cleaning supplies and accessories, or be willing to use your own. If you plan to serve small businesses, you should buy industrial janitorial supplies so you can get work done more effectively.

Need some inspiration? This small business cleaning service grew virtually overnight on Instagram after their content went viral during the pandemic.

Learn more about choosing the right structure for your business from the Small Business Administration.

6. Create a business bank account.

Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your business’s cash flow and financial health.

Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.

Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interest.

Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When you’re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.

Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to be based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office.

If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, it’s still important you have a designated workspace. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success.

Need a more professional space? If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space, and more.

9. Get to work!

You’ve put in the hard work, but I’ve got bad news — it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree that the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects that you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

What are the types of small businesses?

The types of small business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

Sole Proprietorship — The simplest type of business structure is a sole proprietorship, which is also the easiest to start. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for the business's liabilities and profits, and you have complete control over your business. If you are a solopreneur, you are automatically considered a sole proprietor.
Partnership — A partnership is a business model involving two or more individuals who agree to share the business‘s profits and liabilities. Each partner contributes to the business and shares the risks and rewards. It’s essential to have a partnership agreement that defines each partner's roles and responsibilities to ensure clarity and prevent potential misunderstandings.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) — An LLC, or limited liability company, is a common option for small businesses because it protects its owners by separating personal assets from the company's liabilities. To form an LLC, the business owner must file the required paperwork with the state.
Corporation — A corporation is an independent legal entity distinct from its owners. It provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, who are not held personally accountable for the company's debts. Corporations have formal requirements and often raise capital by issuing stocks or shares.

Which business type is best?

The best business type is a limited liability company (LLC). Operating as an LLC means that your personal assets are separate from your business assets. If your business goes bankrupt, your personal holdings won’t be affected. That said, it’s also one of the costlier types, requiring a fee paid to the state.

The easiest business type to start is a sole proprietorship. The main downside is that there’s no differentiation between you and your business.

It's crucial to seek advice from legal or accounting professionals to determine the best business structure based on your unique needs and objectives. Each structure has advantages, legal requirements, tax implications, and flexibility considerations.

How do I create a business idea?

To create a business idea, determine your skill set, work preferences, startup budget, and available resources. It’s important to strike the right balance between what you can feasibly offer and what you can feasibly afford in the short and long term.

We recommend starting with your skill set so that you can easily determine the niche in which you can effectively compete. For instance, if you have ample experience as a writer, you might consider starting a freelance writing business. But if you know you’d prefer to work with clients face-to-face, you might choose to start a ghostwriting business instead. That’s why it’s so important to take your work preferences into account, as well.

After that, take a look at your budget and determine the type of business you can start based on the resources at your disposal. For instance, you might not be able to afford a physical office or location, so a location-based business will likely not be a good fit. In that case, starting an online business is your best option.

What resources or tools can I use to refine and validate my business ideas during the brainstorming process?

Online market research tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and SEMrush can provide insights into market demand, competition, and keyword trends related to your business niche. Industry reports and market analyses from reputable sources such as IBISWorld, Gartner, Statista, and industry-specific publications can offer valuable data and trends to inform your decision-making. Ensure you know the industry risk before embarking on your small business venture.

→ Download Now: Market Research Kit [Free Download]

Additionally, joining entrepreneurial communities, forums, and social media groups can provide opportunities to seek feedback, network with like-minded people, and gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs. Finally, consider conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather feedback and validate your business concept before investing significant time and resources.

What are some of the most successful small businesses?

Every small business has the potential to be successful and profitable, provided it’s backed by a strong product-market fit and a robust business plan . These two elements are essential. Maybe postnatal services are one of the most successful small businesses to launch, but if you live in an area with declining population or a large elderly population, then that small business idea won’t yield a high return on investment.

Think carefully about the market where you’re launching your business, and you’ll be more than likely to see lasting success.

What are the top growing small businesses?

Don't forget to share this post!

A Complete Guide to Successful Brand Positioning

How to Start a Business: A Startup Guide for Entrepreneurs [Template]

Door-to-Door Sales: The Complete Guide

Amazon Affiliate Program: How to Become an Amazon Associate to Boost Income

How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

Product Differentiation and What it Means for Your Brand

The 25 Best PayPal Alternatives of 2023

The First-Mover Advantage, Explained

Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship: What's the Difference?

What Are Current Assets? Definition + Examples

Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

Small Business Trends

How to create a business plan: examples & free template.

This is the ultimate guide to creating a comprehensive and effective plan to start a business . In today’s dynamic business landscape, having a well-crafted business plan is an important first step to securing funding, attracting partners, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This guide has been designed to help you create a winning plan that stands out in the ever-evolving marketplace. U sing real-world examples and a free downloadable template, it will walk you through each step of the process.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or launching your very first startup, the guide will give you the insights, tools, and confidence you need to create a solid foundation for your business.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Business Plan

Embarking on the journey of creating a successful business requires a solid foundation, and a well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone. Here is the process of writing a comprehensive business plan and the main parts of a winning business plan . From setting objectives to conducting market research, this guide will have everything you need.

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary serves as the gateway to your business plan, offering a snapshot of your venture’s core aspects. This section should captivate and inform, succinctly summarizing the essence of your plan.

It’s crucial to include a clear mission statement, a brief description of your primary products or services, an overview of your target market, and key financial projections or achievements.

Think of it as an elevator pitch in written form: it should be compelling enough to engage potential investors or stakeholders and provide them with a clear understanding of what your business is about, its goals, and why it’s a promising investment.

Example: EcoTech is a technology company specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable products designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Our mission is to create innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

Our target market includes environmentally conscious consumers and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We project a 200% increase in revenue within the first three years of operation.

Overview and Business Objectives

In the Overview and Business Objectives section, outline your business’s core goals and the strategic approaches you plan to use to achieve them. This section should set forth clear, specific objectives that are attainable and time-bound, providing a roadmap for your business’s growth and success.

It’s important to detail how these objectives align with your company’s overall mission and vision. Discuss the milestones you aim to achieve and the timeframe you’ve set for these accomplishments.

This part of the plan demonstrates to investors and stakeholders your vision for growth and the practical steps you’ll take to get there.

Example: EcoTech’s primary objective is to become a market leader in sustainable technology products within the next five years. Our key objectives include:

Introducing three new products within the first two years of operation.
Achieving annual revenue growth of 30%.
Expanding our customer base to over 10,000 clients by the end of the third year.

Company Description

The Company Description section is your opportunity to delve into the details of your business. Provide a comprehensive overview that includes your company’s history, its mission statement, and its vision for the future.

Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) – what makes your business stand out in the market. Explain the problems your company solves and how it benefits your customers.

Include information about the company’s founders, their expertise, and why they are suited to lead the business to success. This section should paint a vivid picture of your business, its values, and its place in the industry.

Example: EcoTech is committed to developing cutting-edge sustainable technology products that benefit both the environment and our customers. Our unique combination of innovative solutions and eco-friendly design sets us apart from the competition. We envision a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, leading to a greener planet.

Define Your Target Market

Defining Your Target Market is critical for tailoring your business strategy effectively. This section should describe your ideal customer base in detail, including demographic information (such as age, gender, income level, and location) and psychographic data (like interests, values, and lifestyle).

Elucidate on the specific needs or pain points of your target audience and how your product or service addresses these. This information will help you know your target market and develop targeted marketing strategies.

Example: Our target market comprises environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Our ideal customers are those who prioritize sustainability and are willing to invest in eco-friendly products.

Market Analysis

The Market Analysis section requires thorough research and a keen understanding of the industry. It involves examining the current trends within your industry, understanding the needs and preferences of your customers, and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

This analysis will enable you to spot market opportunities and anticipate potential challenges. Include data and statistics to back up your claims, and use graphs or charts to illustrate market trends.

This section should demonstrate that you have a deep understanding of the market in which you operate and that your business is well-positioned to capitalize on its opportunities.

Example: The market for eco-friendly technology products has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an estimated annual growth rate of 10%. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise.

Our research indicates a gap in the market for high-quality, innovative eco-friendly technology products that cater to both individual and business clients.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis in your business plan offers a comprehensive examination of your company’s internal and external factors. By assessing Strengths, you showcase what your business does best and where your capabilities lie.

Weaknesses involve an honest introspection of areas where your business may be lacking or could improve. Opportunities can be external factors that your business could capitalize on, such as market gaps or emerging trends.

Threats include external challenges your business may face, like competition or market changes. This analysis is crucial for strategic planning, as it helps in recognizing and leveraging your strengths, addressing weaknesses, seizing opportunities, and preparing for potential threats.

Including a SWOT analysis demonstrates to stakeholders that you have a balanced and realistic understanding of your business in its operational context.

Innovative and eco-friendly product offerings.
Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Skilled and experienced team with expertise in technology and sustainability.

Weaknesses:

Limited brand recognition compared to established competitors.
Reliance on third-party manufacturers for product development.

Opportunities:

Growing consumer interest in sustainable products.
Partnerships with environmentally-focused organizations and influencers.
Expansion into international markets.
Intense competition from established technology companies.
Regulatory changes could impact the sustainable technology market.

Competitive Analysis

In this section, you’ll analyze your competitors in-depth, examining their products, services, market positioning, and pricing strategies. Understanding your competition allows you to identify gaps in the market and tailor your offerings to outperform them.

By conducting a thorough competitive analysis, you can gain insights into your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to develop strategies to differentiate your business and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Example: Key competitors include:

GreenTech: A well-known brand offering eco-friendly technology products, but with a narrower focus on energy-saving devices.

EarthSolutions: A direct competitor specializing in sustainable technology, but with a limited product range and higher prices.

By offering a diverse product portfolio, competitive pricing, and continuous innovation, we believe we can capture a significant share of the growing sustainable technology market.

Organization and Management Team

Provide an overview of your company’s organizational structure, including key roles and responsibilities. Introduce your management team, highlighting their expertise and experience to demonstrate that your team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.

Showcasing your team’s background, skills, and accomplishments instills confidence in investors and other stakeholders, proving that your business has the leadership and talent necessary to achieve its objectives and manage growth effectively.

Example: EcoTech’s organizational structure comprises the following key roles: CEO, CTO, CFO, Sales Director, Marketing Director, and R&D Manager. Our management team has extensive experience in technology, sustainability, and business development, ensuring that we are well-equipped to execute our business plan successfully.

Products and Services Offered

Describe the products or services your business offers, focusing on their unique features and benefits. Explain how your offerings solve customer pain points and why they will choose your products or services over the competition.

This section should emphasize the value you provide to customers, demonstrating that your business has a deep understanding of customer needs and is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that address those needs and set your company apart from competitors.

Example: EcoTech offers a range of eco-friendly technology products, including energy-efficient lighting solutions, solar chargers, and smart home devices that optimize energy usage. Our products are designed to help customers reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

In this section, articulate your comprehensive strategy for reaching your target market and driving sales. Detail the specific marketing channels you plan to use, such as social media, email marketing, SEO, or traditional advertising.

Describe the nature of your advertising campaigns and promotional activities, explaining how they will capture the attention of your target audience and convey the value of your products or services. Outline your sales strategy, including your sales process, team structure, and sales targets.

Discuss how these marketing and sales efforts will work together to attract and retain customers, generate leads, and ultimately contribute to achieving your business’s revenue goals.

This section is critical to convey to investors and stakeholders that you have a well-thought-out approach to market your business effectively and drive sales growth.

Example: Our marketing strategy includes digital advertising, content marketing, social media promotion, and influencer partnerships. We will also attend trade shows and conferences to showcase our products and connect with potential clients. Our sales strategy involves both direct sales and partnerships with retail stores, as well as online sales through our website and e-commerce platforms.

Logistics and Operations Plan

The Logistics and Operations Plan is a critical component that outlines the inner workings of your business. It encompasses the management of your supply chain, detailing how you acquire raw materials and manage vendor relationships.

Inventory control is another crucial aspect, where you explain strategies for inventory management to ensure efficiency and reduce wastage. The section should also describe your production processes, emphasizing scalability and adaptability to meet changing market demands.

Quality control measures are essential to maintain product standards and customer satisfaction. This plan assures investors and stakeholders of your operational competency and readiness to meet business demands.

Highlighting your commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction underlines your business’s capability to maintain smooth, effective operations even as it scales.

Example: EcoTech partners with reliable third-party manufacturers to produce our eco-friendly technology products. Our operations involve maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality control, and managing inventory.

We also prioritize efficient distribution through various channels, including online platforms and retail partners, to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner.

Financial Projections Plan

In the Financial Projections Plan, lay out a clear and realistic financial future for your business. This should include detailed projections for revenue, costs, and profitability over the next three to five years.

Ground these projections in solid assumptions based on your market analysis, industry benchmarks, and realistic growth scenarios. Break down revenue streams and include an analysis of the cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and potential investments.

This section should also discuss your break-even analysis, cash flow projections, and any assumptions about external funding requirements.

By presenting a thorough and data-backed financial forecast, you instill confidence in potential investors and lenders, showcasing your business’s potential for profitability and financial stability.

This forward-looking financial plan is crucial for demonstrating that you have a firm grasp of the financial nuances of your business and are prepared to manage its financial health effectively.

Example: Over the next three years, we expect to see significant growth in revenue, driven by new product launches and market expansion. Our financial projections include:

Year 1: $1.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $200,000.
Year 2: $3 million in revenue, with a net profit of $500,000.
Year 3: $4.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $1 million.

These projections are based on realistic market analysis, growth rates, and product pricing.

Income Statement

The income statement , also known as the profit and loss statement, provides a summary of your company’s revenues and expenses over a specified period. It helps you track your business’s financial performance and identify trends, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Regularly reviewing and analyzing your income statement allows you to monitor the health of your business, evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize profitability and growth.

Example: The income statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Revenue: $1,500,000
Cost of Goods Sold: $800,000
Gross Profit: $700,000
Operating Expenses: $450,000
Net Income: $250,000

This statement highlights our company’s profitability and overall financial health during the first year of operation.

Cash Flow Statement

A cash flow statement is a crucial part of a financial business plan that shows the inflows and outflows of cash within your business. It helps you monitor your company’s liquidity, ensuring you have enough cash on hand to cover operating expenses, pay debts, and invest in growth opportunities.

By including a cash flow statement in your business plan, you demonstrate your ability to manage your company’s finances effectively.

Example: The cash flow statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Operating Activities:

Depreciation: $10,000
Changes in Working Capital: -$50,000
Net Cash from Operating Activities: $210,000

Investing Activities:

Capital Expenditures: -$100,000
Net Cash from Investing Activities: -$100,000

Financing Activities:

Proceeds from Loans: $150,000
Loan Repayments: -$50,000
Net Cash from Financing Activities: $100,000
Net Increase in Cash: $210,000

This statement demonstrates EcoTech’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, maintain sufficient liquidity, and invest in growth opportunities.

Tips on Writing a Business Plan

1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.

2. Conduct thorough research: Before writing your business plan, gather as much information as possible about your industry, competitors, and target market. Use reliable sources and industry reports to inform your analysis and make data-driven decisions.

3. Set realistic goals: Your business plan should outline achievable objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Setting realistic goals demonstrates your understanding of the market and increases the likelihood of success.

4. Focus on your unique selling proposition (USP): Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. Emphasize your USP throughout your business plan to showcase your company’s value and potential for success.

5. Be flexible and adaptable: A business plan is a living document that should evolve as your business grows and changes. Be prepared to update and revise your plan as you gather new information and learn from your experiences.

6. Use visuals to enhance understanding: Include charts, graphs, and other visuals to help convey complex data and ideas. Visuals can make your business plan more engaging and easier to digest, especially for those who prefer visual learning.

7. Seek feedback from trusted sources: Share your business plan with mentors, industry experts, or colleagues and ask for their feedback. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your plan before presenting it to potential investors or partners.

FREE Business Plan Template

To help you get started on your business plan, we have created a template that includes all the essential components discussed in the “How to Write a Business Plan” section. This easy-to-use template will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you don’t miss any critical details.

The template is divided into the following sections:

Mission statement
Business Overview
Key products or services
Target market
Financial highlights
Company goals
Strategies to achieve goals
Measurable, time-bound objectives
Company History
Mission and vision
Unique selling proposition
Demographics
Psychographics
Pain points
Industry trends
Customer needs
Competitor strengths and weaknesses
Opportunities
Competitor products and services
Market positioning
Pricing strategies
Organizational structure
Key roles and responsibilities
Management team backgrounds
Product or service features
Competitive advantages
Marketing channels
Advertising campaigns
Promotional activities
Sales strategies
Supply chain management
Inventory control
Production processes
Quality control measures
Projected revenue
Assumptions
Cash inflows
Cash outflows
Net cash flow

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a strategic document that outlines an organization’s goals, objectives, and the steps required to achieve them. It serves as a roadmap as you start a business , guiding the company’s direction and growth while identifying potential obstacles and opportunities.

Typically, a business plan covers areas such as market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and organizational structure. It not only helps in securing funding from investors and lenders but also provides clarity and focus to the management team.

A well-crafted business plan is a very important part of your business startup checklist because it fosters informed decision-making and long-term success.

Why You Should Write a Business Plan

Understanding the importance of a business plan in today’s competitive environment is crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are five compelling reasons to write a business plan:

Attract Investors and Secure Funding : A well-written business plan demonstrates your venture’s potential and profitability, making it easier to attract investors and secure the necessary funding for growth and development. It provides a detailed overview of your business model, target market, financial projections, and growth strategies, instilling confidence in potential investors and lenders that your company is a worthy investment.
Clarify Business Objectives and Strategies : Crafting a business plan forces you to think critically about your goals and the strategies you’ll employ to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for success. This process helps you refine your vision and prioritize the most critical objectives, ensuring that your efforts are focused on achieving the desired results.
Identify Potential Risks and Opportunities : Analyzing the market, competition, and industry trends within your business plan helps identify potential risks and uncover untapped opportunities for growth and expansion. This insight enables you to develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, positioning your business for long-term success.
Improve Decision-Making : A business plan serves as a reference point so you can make informed decisions that align with your company’s overall objectives and long-term vision. By consistently referring to your plan and adjusting it as needed, you can ensure that your business remains on track and adapts to changes in the market, industry, or internal operations.
Foster Team Alignment and Communication : A shared business plan helps ensure that all team members are on the same page, promoting clear communication, collaboration, and a unified approach to achieving the company’s goals. By involving your team in the planning process and regularly reviewing the plan together, you can foster a sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability that drives success.

What are the Different Types of Business Plans?

In today’s fast-paced business world, having a well-structured roadmap is more important than ever. A traditional business plan provides a comprehensive overview of your company’s goals and strategies, helping you make informed decisions and achieve long-term success. There are various types of business plans, each designed to suit different needs and purposes. Let’s explore the main types:

Startup Business Plan: Tailored for new ventures, a startup business plan outlines the company’s mission, objectives, target market, competition, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision, secure funding from investors, and create a roadmap for their business’s future. Additionally, this plan identifies potential challenges and opportunities, which are crucial for making informed decisions and adapting to changing market conditions.
Internal Business Plan: This type of plan is intended for internal use, focusing on strategies, milestones, deadlines, and resource allocation. It serves as a management tool for guiding the company’s growth, evaluating its progress, and ensuring that all departments are aligned with the overall vision. The internal business plan also helps identify areas of improvement, fosters collaboration among team members, and provides a reference point for measuring performance.
Strategic Business Plan: A strategic business plan outlines long-term goals and the steps to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for the company’s direction. It typically includes a SWOT analysis, market research, and competitive analysis. This plan allows businesses to align their resources with their objectives, anticipate changes in the market, and develop contingency plans. By focusing on the big picture, a strategic business plan fosters long-term success and stability.
Feasibility Business Plan: This plan is designed to assess the viability of a business idea, examining factors such as market demand, competition, and financial projections. It is often used to decide whether or not to pursue a particular venture. By conducting a thorough feasibility analysis, entrepreneurs can avoid investing time and resources into an unviable business concept. This plan also helps refine the business idea, identify potential obstacles, and determine the necessary resources for success.
Growth Business Plan: Also known as an expansion plan, a growth business plan focuses on strategies for scaling up an existing business. It includes market analysis, new product or service offerings, and financial projections to support expansion plans. This type of plan is essential for businesses looking to enter new markets, increase their customer base, or launch new products or services. By outlining clear growth strategies, the plan helps ensure that expansion efforts are well-coordinated and sustainable.
Operational Business Plan: This type of plan outlines the company’s day-to-day operations, detailing the processes, procedures, and organizational structure. It is an essential tool for managing resources, streamlining workflows, and ensuring smooth operations. The operational business plan also helps identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and establish a strong foundation for future growth. By providing a clear understanding of daily operations, this plan enables businesses to optimize their resources and enhance productivity.
Lean Business Plan: A lean business plan is a simplified, agile version of a traditional plan, focusing on key elements such as value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure. It is perfect for startups looking for a flexible, adaptable planning approach. The lean business plan allows for rapid iteration and continuous improvement, enabling businesses to pivot and adapt to changing market conditions. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for businesses in fast-paced or uncertain industries.
One-Page Business Plan: As the name suggests, a one-page business plan is a concise summary of your company’s key objectives, strategies, and milestones. It serves as a quick reference guide and is ideal for pitching to potential investors or partners. This plan helps keep teams focused on essential goals and priorities, fosters clear communication, and provides a snapshot of the company’s progress. While not as comprehensive as other plans, a one-page business plan is an effective tool for maintaining clarity and direction.
Nonprofit Business Plan: Specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, this plan outlines the mission, goals, target audience, fundraising strategies, and budget allocation. It helps secure grants and donations while ensuring the organization stays on track with its objectives. The nonprofit business plan also helps attract volunteers, board members, and community support. By demonstrating the organization’s impact and plans for the future, this plan is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability within the nonprofit sector.
Franchise Business Plan: For entrepreneurs seeking to open a franchise, this type of plan focuses on the franchisor’s requirements, as well as the franchisee’s goals, strategies, and financial projections. It is crucial for securing a franchise agreement and ensuring the business’s success within the franchise system. This plan outlines the franchisee’s commitment to brand standards, marketing efforts, and operational procedures, while also addressing local market conditions and opportunities. By creating a solid franchise business plan, entrepreneurs can demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and grow their franchise, increasing the likelihood of a successful partnership with the franchisor.

Using Business Plan Software

Creating a comprehensive business plan can be intimidating, but business plan software can streamline the process and help you produce a professional document. These tools offer a number of benefits, including guided step-by-step instructions, financial projections, and industry-specific templates. Here are the top 5 business plan software options available to help you craft a great business plan.

1. LivePlan

LivePlan is a popular choice for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It offers over 500 sample plans, financial forecasting tools, and the ability to track your progress against key performance indicators. With LivePlan, you can create visually appealing, professional business plans that will impress investors and stakeholders.

2. Upmetrics

Upmetrics provides a simple and intuitive platform for creating a well-structured business plan. It features customizable templates, financial forecasting tools, and collaboration capabilities, allowing you to work with team members and advisors. Upmetrics also offers a library of resources to guide you through the business planning process.

Bizplan is designed to simplify the business planning process with a drag-and-drop builder and modular sections. It offers financial forecasting tools, progress tracking, and a visually appealing interface. With Bizplan, you can create a business plan that is both easy to understand and visually engaging.

Enloop is a robust business plan software that automatically generates a tailored plan based on your inputs. It provides industry-specific templates, financial forecasting, and a unique performance score that updates as you make changes to your plan. Enloop also offers a free version, making it accessible for businesses on a budget.

5. Tarkenton GoSmallBiz

Developed by NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, GoSmallBiz is tailored for small businesses and startups. It features a guided business plan builder, customizable templates, and financial projection tools. GoSmallBiz also offers additional resources, such as CRM tools and legal document templates, to support your business beyond the planning stage.

Business Plan FAQs

What is a good business plan.

A good business plan is a well-researched, clear, and concise document that outlines a company’s goals, strategies, target market, competitive advantages, and financial projections. It should be adaptable to change and provide a roadmap for achieving success.

What are the 3 main purposes of a business plan?

The three main purposes of a business plan are to guide the company’s strategy, attract investment, and evaluate performance against objectives. Here’s a closer look at each of these:

It outlines the company’s purpose and core values to ensure that all activities align with its mission and vision.
It provides an in-depth analysis of the market, including trends, customer needs, and competition, helping the company tailor its products and services to meet market demands.
It defines the company’s marketing and sales strategies, guiding how the company will attract and retain customers.
It describes the company’s organizational structure and management team, outlining roles and responsibilities to ensure effective operation and leadership.
It sets measurable, time-bound objectives, allowing the company to plan its activities effectively and make strategic decisions to achieve these goals.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the company and its business model, demonstrating its uniqueness and potential for success.
It presents the company’s financial projections, showing its potential for profitability and return on investment.
It demonstrates the company’s understanding of the market, including its target customers and competition, convincing investors that the company is capable of gaining a significant market share.
It showcases the management team’s expertise and experience, instilling confidence in investors that the team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.
It establishes clear, measurable objectives that serve as performance benchmarks.
It provides a basis for regular performance reviews, allowing the company to monitor its progress and identify areas for improvement.
It enables the company to assess the effectiveness of its strategies and make adjustments as needed to achieve its objectives.
It helps the company identify potential risks and challenges, enabling it to develop contingency plans and manage risks effectively.
It provides a mechanism for evaluating the company’s financial performance, including revenue, expenses, profitability, and cash flow.

Can I write a business plan by myself?

Yes, you can write a business plan by yourself, but it can be helpful to consult with mentors, colleagues, or industry experts to gather feedback and insights. There are also many creative business plan templates and business plan examples available online, including those above.

We also have examples for specific industries, including a using food truck business plan , salon business plan , farm business plan , daycare business plan , and restaurant business plan .

Is it possible to create a one-page business plan?

Yes, a one-page business plan is a condensed version that highlights the most essential elements, including the company’s mission, target market, unique selling proposition, and financial goals.

How long should a business plan be?

A typical business plan ranges from 20 to 50 pages, but the length may vary depending on the complexity and needs of the business.

What is a business plan outline?

A business plan outline is a structured framework that organizes the content of a business plan into sections, such as the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

The five most common business plan mistakes include inadequate research, unrealistic financial projections, lack of focus on the unique selling proposition, poor organization and structure, and failure to update the plan as circumstances change.

What questions should be asked in a business plan?

A business plan should address questions such as: What problem does the business solve? Who is the specific target market ? What is the unique selling proposition? What are the company’s objectives? How will it achieve those objectives?

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan focuses on the overall vision, goals, and tactics of a company, while a strategic plan outlines the specific strategies, action steps, and performance measures necessary to achieve the company’s objectives.

How is business planning for a nonprofit different?

Nonprofit business planning focuses on the organization’s mission, social impact, and resource management, rather than profit generation. The financial section typically includes funding sources, expenses, and projected budgets for programs and operations.

Image: Envato Elements

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Start a Small Business in 10 Steps

A woman learns how to start a small business in a floral shop.

Learn how to start a small business from scratch with expert guidance. Get essential tips and steps for launching your dream journey successfully.

Brett Grossfeld

Share article.

Do you have a killer idea that you think would be perfect for launching a small business? If you believe what you see on TikTok, becoming an entrepreneur is just about as easy as posting a 30-second video. But in the real world, launching a small business can be a bit more challenging.

Starting a small business may seem daunting, but if you ask those same business owners if it’s worth the risk — few would trade the opportunity to shape their own destiny.

But where to start? Thankfully, you don’t need to have everything figured out before going out on your own. Successful small business owners are constantly learning from their mistakes — and improving their ideas and dreams along the way.

If you’re ready to take the leap and become a small business owner, keep reading.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

What is a small business, how much does it cost to start a small business, how to start a small business in 10 steps, what do you need to start a small business, start small — but think big.

Small businesses are generally defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as independent operations having fewer than 200 employees. And the majority of small businesses in the United States have fewer than five employees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

But the number — or lack — of employees doesn’t necessarily define a “small business.” A business’s size can also be determined by the number of sales, the range of individual business locations, and other factors.

Along with size requirements, the SBA considers a company to be small if it’s:

Independently owned and operated
Not dominant in its field
Physically located and operated in the U.S. (or a U.S. territory)

If your company meets the SBA’s definition of a small business, many government programs offer resources and local assistance for you to turn your dreams into reality.

Start Your Small Business With Big Things

A small business owner uses technology and AI to prepare her inventory of boxes all around her in her office home.

Grow Your SMB All In One Platform

DEMO: See For Yourself For Free With Starter Suite

Illustration of girl shopping / Keep Your B2C Commerce Platform Secure During Peak Shopping Seasons

Build Your SMB Marketing Strategy With This Free Guide

Graphic representation of a sales rep commission plan

TRAILHEAD: Starter Suite Quick Look

If you’re skilled in a certain trade — say, bookkeeping — you can launch a business with almost no money . But if your idea needs to be fleshed out and developed by researchers, scientists, and engineers, your startup costs can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and beyond. But most startup costs fall somewhere in the middle.

Factors that influence cost

A sole proprietor working from home is going to have very different startup costs than a Silicon Valley startup flush with venture capital funds. But it doesn’t matter if you have $1,000 or $1 million to launch your small business — you’ll need to have a budget.

Are you moving the clutter out of your garage to make room for a desk? Or are you going to hire an architect to remodel a warehouse space in a trendy neighborhood? Obviously, both businesses are going to have wildly different expenses.

Think about your budget and what you can afford to get started. And it’s good to assume that unexpected expenses will pop up along the way — especially in your first year of business.

What kinds of costs to expect

The SBA has a worksheet that will help you calculate typical expenses for a small business, including one-time expenses such as:

Rent : This includes security deposit, first month’s rent and utilities. If you’re working from home, you can deduct a percentage of your rent or mortgage on your taxes .
Improvement costs: Anything that you might spend on your physical place of business to make it suitable for work.
Inventory : If you’re selling a product, you’ll need goods to keep up with customer demand.
Employees : This includes payroll, payroll taxes, and health insurance.
Professional services: Accountants, lawyers, and consultants will all need to be paid
Supplies : Think office supplies, such as paper and pencils, and operating supplies, like computers and printers.
Marketing: Business cards, stationery, flyers, and advertising all fall under this category.
Miscellaneous : This includes licenses, permits, legal fees, signage, technology, and accounting software. Everything else — liability insurance, repairs, maintenance, and dues.

The most difficult part of starting a small business is committing to your vision. It’s easier if you break down the process into small, achievable goals. Here are 10 steps that will get you on your way:

1. Do your research

If you don’t do basic market research before you launch your business, you may be down for the count before you even get started. Ask neighbors, friends, and even your barista if they would be interested in your product or service — and ask how much they’d be willing to pay for it.

Conduct competitor research, local and global searches, and even offer surveys to consumers to see what the need versus want ratio is.

2. Write a business plan

A business plan is your roadmap; it helps guide you as you start and grow your company. If you need capital to get started, most investors will want to review a business plan before they commit to any financing.

To organize your ideas, download and fill out a business plan template . A well-written business plan provides clarity, confirms the math, and helps you establish goals so your business has the best chance of success.

3. Choose a business name

Finding the perfect brand name is a vital step in launching a new business. But hiring a professional naming company doesn’t come cheap — it can cost as much as $100,000 , according to Fast Company.

If that’s outside your budget, there are countless AI-powered business name generators available online, and Fiverr has entrepreneurs who will help brainstorm business names for three figures or less.

4. Decide on your location

Take a look at the taxes, zoning laws, and regulations in your location. You may find that operating your business in a different location could offer financial advantages. Review the fees, costs, and tax benefits of each state to see which location makes the most sense for your business . A strategic move may put you ahead of the game before you even open the doors.

5. Get your finances in order

Startup costs discourage many would-be entrepreneurs, but the reality is that many successful businesses got started with little more than a vision, discipline, and hard work. However, if you really need cash for that newly opened business bank account, here are four ways of getting that money:

Self-funding: If you have the means, you may use your own earnings to kickstart your business or see out financial counsel to work it into your budget.
Outside investors: For a stake in your company, relatives or venture capitalists may be willing to invest in your business.
Small business loans: If you want to keep full ownership of your business, a small business loan may be the way to go.
Crowdfunding: If you’re feeling creative and confident, try sites such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe to generate capital.

6. Take care of the legal stuff

Register your business in the state where it was formed — and make sure that you’re set up to pay state income and unemployment tax. Review whether your local municipality requires filing for a license or permit to operate your business.

To satisfy Uncle Sam, apply for an EIN from the IRS . Confirm that no one else is using your business name by contacting your state filing office or online database. Some business structures require using a doing business as (DBA) name, and you may be required to open a business bank account.

7. Develop a marketing plan

Once you have a terrific name for your company locked down, you’ll want to create an online presence for your business. Be consistent on your social media channels , ideally creating accounts on the channels — meeting them online where they are.

Develop a website that’s intuitive and filled with all the information your customers need. Your marketing may also include advertising campaigns and public relations.

8. Set up your CRM software

To enhance your marketing efforts and grow your small business, try customer relationship management ( CRM) for Small Business . This will be your solution for storing and managing prospect and customer information such as contact information, accounts, leads, and sales opportunities — all in one single source of truth.

With Salesforce’s Starter Suite , you can start in minutes and easily manage your marketing, sales, and customer service as your business scales.

9. Launch your product or service

Congratulations: You’ve done all the hard work and you’re ready to introduce your product to the world. Make sure to announce your launch on social media — and consider throwing a media-friendly bash to celebrate.

10. Keep your customers happy

When you use CRM software, you can keep track and personalize support for all your customers. And happy customers are good for business — 80% of them say the experience a company provides is just as important as its products or services .

The United States has more than 33 million small businesses, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , and that number represents 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. And most of those small businesses started the same way — with an entrepreneur and an idea. But it takes more than just a dream to launch a small business.

So, where to start?

It’s time to take some notes. First, start outlining your business plan. If you’re stuck, ask yourself these four questions when developing your plan :

Goals : What do you need to accomplish to achieve your vision?
Methods : What are the steps you need to follow to get you there?
Measurements : How will you determine when each objective has been met?
Obstacles : What could throw you off course along the way?

Once you’ve written a business plan and are feeling confident, you’re ready to establish:

A name for your business

A great business name should succinctly identify your company and its audience. Brainstorm and get feedback from friends, family, and potential customers. And before you fall in love with your new company name, make sure that an established business in your industry isn’t already using that name.

A location for your business

Choosing where to conduct business is one of the most important decisions you can make for your small business. While staying close to home may be your first instinct, a change of venue may prove to be financially advantageous.

A business structure

For tax purposes and protection of personal assets, you need to choose a business structure that offers the right balance of legal protections and benefits. Common business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, and cooperative.

A legal presence

If you want personal liability protection, legal protection, and tax benefits for your company, you’ll need to register your business with state and local governments.

Federal and state tax ID numbers

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) works like a personal Social Security number, but for your business. You need an EIN to pay state and federal taxes for your company.

Licenses and permits

Whether your business needs to apply — and pay for — licenses and permits depends on your business activities, location, and government rules. Review regulations from city, state, and federal agencies.

A business bank account

Opening up a bank account exclusively for business use will help keep your personal finances separate, making life easier at tax time. There are several banks that will allow you to open a business checking account with a zero balance, but traditionally banks will require an opening deposit of anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000.

Start-up funds

Even if you open a business checking account with a zero balance, you’re going to want to have some funds to cover basic operating expenses. The SBA offers guidance on obtaining funding for your small business, including loans, grants, and investors.

Starting a new business may feel like a gamble, but business insurance will help you cover your bet. The right insurance policy will help protect you against accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits.

You should also consider:

Customer relationship management

A CRM platform keeps your customer data organized and provides the foundation to build connected customer experiences (that can be made even better through artificial intelligence). Starting with a suite of sales, service, marketing, and commerce tools is easy.

Invoice and billing software

While it is possible to keep track of your financial records on a traditional paper ledger, modern invoice and billing software makes the process much, much easier.

A graphic designer

A well-designed logo can make or break a business. The Nike “swoosh” was created by a graphic design student — and the $35 Nike initially spent paid for itself many times over.

Many small businesses exist with just a presence on social media, but having a professionally designed website adds legitimacy to your business.

Marketing experts

Like graphic design, marketing expenses are costs that many small business owners initially want to avoid. But strategically investing in a marketing campaign can be a boon for a small business that wants to make noise in a crowded marketplace.

A Human Resources department

Once your business grows to a certain size, it’s time to create a human resources (HR) department — or, at least, to hire an HR professional. This professional can focus on things such as labor law compliance, employee recruitment, employee engagement and development, and compensation and benefits management while you manage your business.

An assistant

For most small businesses starting out, hiring an assistant to perform administrative and clerical duties is something of a luxury. If your budget is tight, consider a virtual assistant .

What are some popular small business ideas?

If you have a unique idea for a small business, great. But some of the best small business ideas build on your strengths and experience. What do you love to do? What lights you up when you are helping the community? Do you have a pull to do something more?

What are the odds that my small business will succeed?

Starting a small business is no guarantee of success. Approximately 80% of small businesses survive their first year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The survival rate decreases to 50% after five years and 30% after 10 years.

What are some Fortune 500 companies that started small?

Not all big companies started with millions of dollars in venture capital. Some of America’s biggest brand names had far more modest beginnings . Apple famously got started in a Silicon Valley garage, while Mattel was building dollhouse furniture from picture frame scraps in its early days.

What are the most business-friendly states?

Before setting up shop in New York or California, consider launching your small business in North Dakota, Indiana, Arkansas, South Dakota, or North Carolina. These states offer the best conditions to start a business , according to Forbes Advisor.

What can I deduct for my small business at tax time?

(Almost) everyone knows that you can deduct entertainment and travel expenses as a small business owner. But you can also deduct software subscriptions, office furniture, and interest on small business loans, according to NerdWallet .

Taking the leap to start your own small business is just the first step on your entrepreneurial path. But you’re in good company. Nearly half of all U.S. employees are employed by a small business — and more than 80% of those small businesses are solo ventures , according to Forbes Advisor. There’s no better time than the present to start turning your dreams into reality.

Want to grow your new small business? Sign up for a Salesforce free trial .

Just For You

What Is ERP? (A Beginners Guide)

An illustration depicting a business plan in detail at a computer

How To Write a Business Plan in 9 Steps

Explore related content by topic

B2B Commerce
Best Practices
Future of Work
Sales Fundamentals
Sales Strategy
Salesforce CMS
Small Business

Brett Grossfeld is a Product Marketing Manager supporting Salesforce's CRM, data, and AI tools. He's written for multiple websites across various industries and interests, including tech, wellness, and modern customer experiences.

Get the latest articles in your inbox.

Generative AI Regulations – What They Could Mean For Your Business

AI For Small Business is Here — Get Ready With These Tips

Two women reviewing a business proposal for SMB over a desk.

How to Write a Business Proposal for Small Businesses

Male employee in a flower shop, wearing a pink stress shirt and an apron, takes a photo of some flowers in his store / digital marketing for small business

Digital Marketing for Small Business: Here’s How You Can Do It

27 Top Sales Influencers You Should Follow in 2024

A woman who is a small business owner, stocking shelves for inventory.

What Is an SMB and What Do You Need to Know to Be Successful?

Illustration, with a pink background, of a customer receiving online customer service from a service agent / contact center AI

4 Ways Your Contact Center Can Get Started With Generative AI

A young woman, working in her coffee shop and dressed in a white shirt and a dark blue apron, checks her laptop on the counter. / email marketing for small business

Email Marketing for Small Business: Here’s All You Need to Know

360 Highlights

Yes, I would like to receive the Salesforce 360 Highlights newsletter as well as marketing emails regarding Salesforce products, services, and events. I can unsubscribe at any time.

By registering, you confirm that you agree to the processing of your personal data by Salesforce as described in the Privacy Statement .

Thanks, you're subscribed!

New to Salesforce?

What is Salesforce?
Best CRM software
Explore all products
What is cloud computing
Customer success
Product pricing

About Salesforce

Salesforce.org
Sustainability

How to start a business from home

Learn about different ways of starting a home business, with a step-by-step guide to make your home business a reality.

A person sitting at their desk planning to start a business from home

What kind of business can you start doing at home?

Past research has shown over two-thirds of new business start off in the home. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a full-time job or to become an entrepreneur, there is a home business idea for you.

Popular businesses to run from home include creative fields (copywriting, content writing, graphic design), IT (web design, developing apps) and ecommerce (handmade products, drop shipping , selling products on marketplaces such as Etsy).

A home-based business is any business where your own home is the principal place of business.

You may need to check the laws in your location for starting a home business, as some places control this via zoning regulations. If you’ll have business visitors in your home, you may also want to familiarise yourself with laws about safety and liability insurance.

How to start your own business from home: a step-by-step guide

Develop your business idea
Write a business plan
Create a financial plan
Decide on a name, business entity and legal structure
Set up the business licence and bank account
Set up your home office
Set up small business accounting
Create a marketing plan

1. Develop your business idea

The first step is to determine what type of business you want to start. If you don’t have any obvious ideas, try the following:

Choose a home business idea that fits your talents and skills

Do you have years of experience or qualifications to use to your advantage? Do you have a special talent? For example, if you are good at baking, you might consider a home baking business, or you might be specifically interested in making homemade cookies.

Find ideas you are passionate about

Does the business idea excite you? If you are wildly excited about your business, you’ll have more energy and focus.

Make sure your idea is viable and that you can make money from it

Not every talent or skill can become a successful business idea. You’ll need to make a plan to turn your idea into revenue. You can begin by researching the market – and your potential competition.

Consider if you can run your idea from home

You'll need to think about zoning laws. For example, if you want to run a catering business, you may not be allowed to, but you may be able to run a home baking business. Home bakeries are cottage industries and are permitted to make low-risk foods; catering businesses can produce high-risk foods and require more regulation and facilities that may not be allowed in a residential area.

When you’re brainstorming ideas, don’t discard anything. Your ideas are allowed to be wild or simple.

Once you’re satisfied that you can pour your energy and skill into it and make a financial return from it, you’re ready for the next step.

2. Write a business plan

Small business experts like accountants and bookkeepers say it really helps to have a plan. Even if it’s a really short one.

Your plan will describe your product or service, identify who will buy it and why, and explain how those purchases will filter down into profits for you.

Start with a one-pager

Begin with a simple one-page business plan. Keeping it short will help you focus on what’s important – plus it'll help make sure you actually finish the plan.

Besides answering big questions about your product and how it fits into the market, a plan will also cover practical things like funding needed, sales goals, marketing plans, and who your team will be.

Download a one-page business plan template .

3. Create a financial plan

A financial plan will help you understand how your business will make money. Hint: it probably won’t be profitable straight away so definitely budget for a lean beginning.

Your budget will estimate costs and income to help you understand when the business might become profitable. It'll also help you see if you need to borrow some cash to make things happen.

Learn about small business budgeting .

You’ll need to strike a balance between affordability for the customer and profitability for you.

Get the scoop on common pricing strategies .

How will you pay for everything? Do you need a loan (or investment) to start up your business?

Find out how small business finance really works .

How to pay yourself

Work out what you can afford to pay yourself. And learn how to do it without getting a surprise tax bill. Quick reality check: most small business owners only take modest pay to begin with.

Figure out how to pay yourself.

4. Decide on a name, business entity and legal structure

After you’ve written your business plan, you will want to name your business. That’s if you’re not going to operate under your own legal name. When deciding, it’s a good idea to make it memorable and something that makes it clear what you do.

Check that your chosen name is available. Start with a simple Google search to see if the name is taken. And also check the intellectual property office .

There are several different ways to make your business name official:

Trading name: This allows you to trade with a name other than your own. This doesn’t give you legal protection, but can help distinguish different areas of your business if you want to sell certain products or services under a separate name.
Trade mark: This protects your business name, goods and services at the national level.
Domain name: This protects your business web address.

You'll also need to choose a suitable business structure. This can affect how you’re taxed and how much you’re personally liable for the business.

There are four main types of structure to consider:

Sole trader
Partnership
Limited liability partnership
Limited company

The government will automatically assume you’re a sole trader unless you choose to be something else. To choose the correct entity for your business, consult with an accountant.

Related articles : Types of business structure explained and Registering a business

5. Set up the business licence and bank account

You’ll need a UTR number from HMRC. This is a tax number that will identify your business with HMRC. Depending on your business status, you might have a UTR number as an individual, as well as a separate UTR number for your business entity. You may also have to apply for VAT registration with HMRC .

After you have completed your business and tax registrations, you may need to apply for a business licence depending on your industry. These are generally issued by local authorities. Some common licences include:

Home occupation licence: If you’re planning to get lots of customers or deliveries or advertise outside your home you may need to get permission with your local council.
Alcohol licences: You’ll need to check what local licences apply to you if you’re planning to sell or supply alcohol. It’s likely you’ll require a premise based and personal licence.
Food business registration: If you’re planning to prepare and sell food you’ll have to register for this licence for each of your outlets, with the corresponding local authority.

It’s a good idea to review your home-based business insurance needs. Typical insurance includes home coverage, public and professional liability, key person and shareholder.

Related article: Registering a business and VAT guide for business

6. Set up your home office

Designate a specific area or room that will be your home workspace. Consider if you need any extra room for inventory or work tools.

Try to keep your workspace as distraction-free and roomy as possible. Being stuck in a noisy spot or a cramped corner will diminish your productivity.

Once you have your space, invest in suitable furniture, tools and technology. You may not be able to afford everything you’d like all at once, so rank things in order of priority.

Related article: Practical tips for a mobile office

7. Set up small business accounting

Once all your registrations, licences and permits are arranged, you should open a dedicated business bank account. This is crucial for bookkeeping and tax filing because it prevents confusion between your personal and business finances.

Record receipts for all your business purchases as you may be able to deduct them from your taxes. Also keep records of all your sales. List all of these incomings and outgoings together in one place so you can see how the business is doing.

Get a tax advisor onboard as soon as you can. They will help you claim all the deductions you’re entitled to and submit an accurate return. Plus they’ll do things like estimate your tax bills so there aren’t any nasty surprises.

Related article: An intro to small business accounting

8. Create a marketing plan

Writing a marketing plan can help you define your marketing strategy and identify the best channels to market your products or services.

To create your marketing plan, you should:

Analyse the market

Do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to determine where your business fits in the market.

Set your goals and objectives

Make them SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound).

Outline your marketing strategies

Choose marketing activities to suit your target audience. For example, will you reach them online ?

Set your marketing budget

Knowing how much you have to spend is critical to the success of any marketing campaign.

Keep your marketing plan up to date

Analyse your campaigns and tweak or change your plan as needed. Track how much business you get in return for each pound spent. When you see something isn’t working, invest your money and energy in other ideas.

Useful marketing tools for home-based businesses include setting up social media accounts and a website.

How to start an online business from home

Starting an online business is easier than ever. They generally cost less to run and are easier to run as a side hustle. Plus, online businesses give you the flexibility to work from anywhere and access to a worldwide market.

Learn the pros, cons and how-to’s in the guide to starting an online business .

Overcoming possible barriers to setting up a home business

All new business owners face barriers. Resilience and planning will help to solve many problems that you'll face. Some common barriers include:

Lack of financial resources: Be sure you can afford to start a business and meet your regular expenses. Consider taking a loan or partnering with someone if you need to.
Regulations and red tape: Ensure you obtain the correct permits and licences to run your business from home. Consult with experts to help you understand requirements.
Interruptions from family and friends: You need to establish boundaries so that your family or friends know not to interrupt you during business hours . You also need to avoid working around the clock just because you happen to live in your office.
Feeling isolated: You may feel lonely working on your own. Join some professional groups and try working in a shared space or café occasionally.

Resources and tips for running a successful home business

Setting up a home-based business is difficult. The following resources can help you run a successful home business.

Business plan template – download this free template (with a how-to guide) to help put your idea together.
Cash flow forecast template – use this free template to track expected costs against your cash reserves to help see if you need a loan.
Small business trends – check out this stat-packed report on the issues affecting small businesses around the world.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

Included Safe and secure
Included Cancel any time
Included 24/7 online support

Or compare all plans

How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Determined female African-American entrepreneur scaling a mountain while wearing a large backpack. Represents the journey to starting and growing a business and needi

Noah Parsons

24 min. read

Updated May 7, 2024

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a business plan that’s detailed enough to impress bankers and potential investors, while giving you the tools to start, run, and grow a successful business.

The basics of business planning

If you’re reading this guide, then you already know why you need a business plan .

You understand that planning helps you:

Raise money
Grow strategically
Keep your business on the right track

As you start to write your plan, it’s useful to zoom out and remember what a business plan is .

At its core, a business plan is an overview of the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy: how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow.

A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It’s also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals.

After completing your plan, you can use it as a management tool to track your progress toward your goals. Updating and adjusting your forecasts and budgets as you go is one of the most important steps you can take to run a healthier, smarter business.

We’ll dive into how to use your plan later in this article.

There are many different types of plans , but we’ll go over the most common type here, which includes everything you need for an investor-ready plan. However, if you’re just starting out and are looking for something simpler—I recommend starting with a one-page business plan . It’s faster and easier to create.

It’s also the perfect place to start if you’re just figuring out your idea, or need a simple strategic plan to use inside your business.

Dig deeper : How to write a one-page business plan

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

What to include in your business plan

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally just one to two pages. Most people write it last because it’s a summary of the complete business plan.

Ideally, the executive summary can act as a stand-alone document that covers the highlights of your detailed plan.

In fact, it’s common for investors to ask only for the executive summary when evaluating your business. If they like what they see in the executive summary, they’ll often follow up with a request for a complete plan, a pitch presentation , or more in-depth financial forecasts .

Your executive summary should include:

A summary of the problem you are solving
A description of your product or service
An overview of your target market
A brief description of your team
A summary of your financials
Your funding requirements (if you are raising money)

Dig Deeper: How to write an effective executive summary

Products and services description

This is where you describe exactly what you’re selling, and how it solves a problem for your target market. The best way to organize this part of your plan is to start by describing the problem that exists for your customers. After that, you can describe how you plan to solve that problem with your product or service.

This is usually called a problem and solution statement .

To truly showcase the value of your products and services, you need to craft a compelling narrative around your offerings. How will your product or service transform your customers’ lives or jobs? A strong narrative will draw in your readers.

This is also the part of the business plan to discuss any competitive advantages you may have, like specific intellectual property or patents that protect your product. If you have any initial sales, contracts, or other evidence that your product or service is likely to sell, include that information as well. It will show that your idea has traction , which can help convince readers that your plan has a high chance of success.

Market analysis

Your target market is a description of the type of people that you plan to sell to. You might even have multiple target markets, depending on your business.

A market analysis is the part of your plan where you bring together all of the information you know about your target market. Basically, it’s a thorough description of who your customers are and why they need what you’re selling. You’ll also include information about the growth of your market and your industry .

Try to be as specific as possible when you describe your market.

Include information such as age, income level, and location—these are what’s called “demographics.” If you can, also describe your market’s interests and habits as they relate to your business—these are “psychographics.”

Related: Target market examples

Essentially, you want to include any knowledge you have about your customers that is relevant to how your product or service is right for them. With a solid target market, it will be easier to create a sales and marketing plan that will reach your customers. That’s because you know who they are, what they like to do, and the best ways to reach them.

Next, provide any additional information you have about your market.

What is the size of your market ? Is the market growing or shrinking? Ideally, you’ll want to demonstrate that your market is growing over time, and also explain how your business is positioned to take advantage of any expected changes in your industry.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write a market analysis

Competitive analysis

Part of defining your business opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage is. To do this effectively, you need to know as much about your competitors as your target customers.

Every business has some form of competition. If you don’t think you have competitors, then explore what alternatives there are in the market for your product or service.

For example: In the early years of cars, their main competition was horses. For social media, the early competition was reading books, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

A good competitive analysis fully lays out the competitive landscape and then explains how your business is different. Maybe your products are better made, or cheaper, or your customer service is superior. Maybe your competitive advantage is your location – a wide variety of factors can ultimately give you an advantage.

Dig Deeper: How to write a competitive analysis for your business plan

Marketing and sales plan

The marketing and sales plan covers how you will position your product or service in the market, the marketing channels and messaging you will use, and your sales tactics.

The best place to start with a marketing plan is with a positioning statement .

This explains how your business fits into the overall market, and how you will explain the advantages of your product or service to customers. You’ll use the information from your competitive analysis to help you with your positioning.

For example: You might position your company as the premium, most expensive but the highest quality option in the market. Or your positioning might focus on being locally owned and that shoppers support the local economy by buying your products.

Once you understand your positioning, you’ll bring this together with the information about your target market to create your marketing strategy .

This is how you plan to communicate your message to potential customers. Depending on who your customers are and how they purchase products like yours, you might use many different strategies, from social media advertising to creating a podcast. Your marketing plan is all about how your customers discover who you are and why they should consider your products and services.

While your marketing plan is about reaching your customers—your sales plan will describe the actual sales process once a customer has decided that they’re interested in what you have to offer.

If your business requires salespeople and a long sales process, describe that in this section. If your customers can “self-serve” and just make purchases quickly on your website, describe that process.

A good sales plan picks up where your marketing plan leaves off. The marketing plan brings customers in the door and the sales plan is how you close the deal.

Together, these specific plans paint a picture of how you will connect with your target audience, and how you will turn them into paying customers.

Dig deeper: What to include in your sales and marketing plan

Business operations

The operations section describes the necessary requirements for your business to run smoothly. It’s where you talk about how your business works and what day-to-day operations look like.

Depending on how your business is structured, your operations plan may include elements of the business like:

Supply chain management
Manufacturing processes
Equipment and technology
Distribution

Some businesses distribute their products and reach their customers through large retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains.

These businesses should review how this part of their business works. The plan should discuss the logistics and costs of getting products onto store shelves and any potential hurdles the business may have to overcome.

If your business is much simpler than this, that’s OK. This section of your business plan can be either extremely short or more detailed, depending on the type of business you are building.

For businesses selling services, such as physical therapy or online software, you can use this section to describe the technology you’ll leverage, what goes into your service, and who you will partner with to deliver your services.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write the operations chapter of your plan

Key milestones and metrics

Although it’s not required to complete your business plan, mapping out key business milestones and the metrics can be incredibly useful for measuring your success.

Good milestones clearly lay out the parameters of the task and set expectations for their execution. You’ll want to include:

A description of each task
The proposed due date
Who is responsible for each task

If you have a budget, you can include projected costs to hit each milestone. You don’t need extensive project planning in this section—just list key milestones you want to hit and when you plan to hit them. This is your overall business roadmap.

Possible milestones might be:

Website launch date
Store or office opening date
First significant sales
Break even date
Business licenses and approvals

You should also discuss the key numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common metrics worth tracking include:

Conversion rates
Customer acquisition costs
Profit per customer
Repeat purchases

It’s perfectly fine to start with just a few metrics and grow the number you are tracking over time. You also may find that some metrics simply aren’t relevant to your business and can narrow down what you’re tracking.

Dig Deeper: How to use milestones in your business plan

Organization and management team

Investors don’t just look for great ideas—they want to find great teams. Use this chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire . You should also provide a quick overview of your location and history if you’re already up and running.

Briefly highlight the relevant experiences of each key team member in the company. It’s important to make the case for why yours is the right team to turn an idea into a reality.

Do they have the right industry experience and background? Have members of the team had entrepreneurial successes before?

If you still need to hire key team members, that’s OK. Just note those gaps in this section.

Your company overview should also include a summary of your company’s current business structure . The most common business structures include:

Sole proprietor
Partnership

Be sure to provide an overview of how the business is owned as well. Does each business partner own an equal portion of the business? How is ownership divided?

Potential lenders and investors will want to know the structure of the business before they will consider a loan or investment.

Dig Deeper: How to write about your company structure and team

Financial plan

Last, but certainly not least, is your financial plan chapter.

Entrepreneurs often find this section the most daunting. But, business financials for most startups are less complicated than you think, and a business degree is certainly not required to build a solid financial forecast.

A typical financial forecast in a business plan includes the following:

Sales forecast : An estimate of the sales expected over a given period. You’ll break down your forecast into the key revenue streams that you expect to have.
Expense budget : Your planned spending such as personnel costs , marketing expenses, and taxes.
Profit & Loss : Brings together your sales and expenses and helps you calculate planned profits.
Cash Flow : Shows how cash moves into and out of your business. It can predict how much cash you’ll have on hand at any given point in the future.
Balance Sheet : A list of the assets, liabilities, and equity in your company. In short, it provides an overview of the financial health of your business.

A strong business plan will include a description of assumptions about the future, and potential risks that could impact the financial plan. Including those will be especially important if you’re writing a business plan to pursue a loan or other investment.

Dig Deeper: How to create financial forecasts and budgets

This is the place for additional data, charts, or other information that supports your plan.

Including an appendix can significantly enhance the credibility of your plan by showing readers that you’ve thoroughly considered the details of your business idea, and are backing your ideas up with solid data.

Just remember that the information in the appendix is meant to be supplementary. Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section.

Dig Deeper : What to include in your business plan appendix

Optional: Business plan cover page

Adding a business plan cover page can make your plan, and by extension your business, seem more professional in the eyes of potential investors, lenders, and partners. It serves as the introduction to your document and provides necessary contact information for stakeholders to reference.

Your cover page should be simple and include:

Company logo
Business name
Value proposition (optional)
Business plan title
Completion and/or update date
Address and contact information
Confidentiality statement

Just remember, the cover page is optional. If you decide to include it, keep it very simple and only spend a short amount of time putting it together.

Dig Deeper: How to create a business plan cover page

How to use AI to help write your business plan

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can speed up the business plan writing process and help you think through concepts like market segmentation and competition. These tools are especially useful for taking ideas that you provide and converting them into polished text for your business plan.

The best way to use AI for your business plan is to leverage it as a collaborator , not a replacement for human creative thinking and ingenuity.

AI can come up with lots of ideas and act as a brainstorming partner. It’s up to you to filter through those ideas and figure out which ones are realistic enough to resonate with your customers.

There are pros and cons of using AI to help with your business plan . So, spend some time understanding how it can be most helpful before just outsourcing the job to AI.

Learn more: 10 AI prompts you need to write a business plan

Writing tips and strategies

To help streamline the business plan writing process, here are a few tips and key questions to answer to make sure you get the most out of your plan and avoid common mistakes .

Determine why you are writing a business plan

Knowing why you are writing a business plan will determine your approach to your planning project.

For example: If you are writing a business plan for yourself, or just to use inside your own business , you can probably skip the section about your team and organizational structure.

If you’re raising money, you’ll want to spend more time explaining why you’re looking to raise the funds and exactly how you will use them.

Regardless of how you intend to use your business plan , think about why you are writing and what you’re trying to get out of the process before you begin.

Keep things concise

Probably the most important tip is to keep your business plan short and simple. There are no prizes for long business plans . The longer your plan is, the less likely people are to read it.

So focus on trimming things down to the essentials your readers need to know. Skip the extended, wordy descriptions and instead focus on creating a plan that is easy to read —using bullets and short sentences whenever possible.

Have someone review your business plan

Writing a business plan in a vacuum is never a good idea. Sometimes it’s helpful to zoom out and check if your plan makes sense to someone else. You also want to make sure that it’s easy to read and understand.

Don’t wait until your plan is “done” to get a second look. Start sharing your plan early, and find out from readers what questions your plan leaves unanswered. This early review cycle will help you spot shortcomings in your plan and address them quickly, rather than finding out about them right before you present your plan to a lender or investor.

If you need a more detailed review, you may want to explore hiring a professional plan writer to thoroughly examine it.

Use a free business plan template and business plan examples to get started

Knowing what information to include in a business plan is sometimes not quite enough. If you’re struggling to get started or need additional guidance, it may be worth using a business plan template.

There are plenty of great options available (we’ve rounded up our 8 favorites to streamline your search).

But, if you’re looking for a free downloadable business plan template , you can get one right now; download the template used by more than 1 million businesses.

Or, if you just want to see what a completed business plan looks like, check out our library of over 550 free business plan examples .

We even have a growing list of industry business planning guides with tips for what to focus on depending on your business type.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re writing your business plan. Some entrepreneurs get sucked into the writing and research process, and don’t focus enough on actually getting their business started.

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not talking to your customers : This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s easy to assume that your product or service is something that people want. Before you invest too much in your business and too much in the planning process, make sure you talk to your prospective customers and have a good understanding of their needs.

Overly optimistic sales and profit forecasts: By nature, entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. But it’s good to temper that optimism a little when you’re planning, and make sure your forecasts are grounded in reality.
Spending too much time planning: Yes, planning is crucial. But you also need to get out and talk to customers, build prototypes of your product and figure out if there’s a market for your idea. Make sure to balance planning with building.
Not revising the plan: Planning is useful, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. As you learn more about what’s working and what’s not—revise your plan, your budgets, and your revenue forecast. Doing so will provide a more realistic picture of where your business is going, and what your financial needs will be moving forward.
Not using the plan to manage your business: A good business plan is a management tool. Don’t just write it and put it on the shelf to collect dust – use it to track your progress and help you reach your goals.
Presenting your business plan

The planning process forces you to think through every aspect of your business and answer questions that you may not have thought of. That’s the real benefit of writing a business plan – the knowledge you gain about your business that you may not have been able to discover otherwise.

With all of this knowledge, you’re well prepared to convert your business plan into a pitch presentation to present your ideas.

A pitch presentation is a summary of your plan, just hitting the highlights and key points. It’s the best way to present your business plan to investors and team members.

Dig Deeper: Learn what key slides should be included in your pitch deck

Use your business plan to manage your business

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it gives you a tool to manage your business better. With a revenue forecast, expense budget, and projected cash flow, you know your targets and where you are headed.

And yet, nothing ever goes exactly as planned – it’s the nature of business.

That’s where using your plan as a management tool comes in. The key to leveraging it for your business is to review it periodically and compare your forecasts and projections to your actual results.

Start by setting up a regular time to review the plan – a monthly review is a good starting point. During this review, answer questions like:

Did you meet your sales goals?
Is spending following your budget?
Has anything gone differently than what you expected?

Now that you see whether you’re meeting your goals or are off track, you can make adjustments and set new targets.

Maybe you’re exceeding your sales goals and should set new, more aggressive goals. In that case, maybe you should also explore more spending or hiring more employees.

Or maybe expenses are rising faster than you projected. If that’s the case, you would need to look at where you can cut costs.

A plan, and a method for comparing your plan to your actual results , is the tool you need to steer your business toward success.

Learn More: How to run a regular plan review

Free business plan templates and examples

Kickstart your business plan writing with one of our free business plan templates or recommended tools.

Free business plan template

Download a free SBA-approved business plan template built for small businesses and startups.

Download Template

One-page plan template

Download a free one-page plan template to write a useful business plan in as little as 30-minutes.

Sample business plan library

Explore over 500 real-world business plan examples from a wide variety of industries.

View Sample Plans

How to write a business plan FAQ

What is a business plan?

A document that describes your business , the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy, how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

What are the benefits of a business plan?

A business plan helps you understand where you want to go with your business and what it will take to get there. It reduces your overall risk, helps you uncover your business’s potential, attracts investors, and identifies areas for growth.

Having a business plan ultimately makes you more confident as a business owner and more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.

What are the 7 steps of a business plan?

The seven steps to writing a business plan include:

Write a brief executive summary
Describe your products and services.
Conduct market research and compile data into a cohesive market analysis.
Describe your marketing and sales strategy.
Outline your organizational structure and management team.
Develop financial projections for sales, revenue, and cash flow.
Add any additional documents to your appendix.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a business plan. However, these are the 5 most common that you should do your best to avoid:

1. Not taking the planning process seriously.
Having unrealistic financial projections or incomplete financial information.
Inconsistent information or simple mistakes.
Failing to establish a sound business model.
Not having a defined purpose for your business plan.

What questions should be answered in a business plan?

Writing a business plan is all about asking yourself questions about your business and being able to answer them through the planning process. You’ll likely be asking dozens and dozens of questions for each section of your plan.

However, these are the key questions you should ask and answer with your business plan:

How will your business make money?
Is there a need for your product or service?
Who are your customers?
How are you different from the competition?
How will you reach your customers?
How will you measure success?

How long should a business plan be?

The length of your business plan fully depends on what you intend to do with it. From the SBA and traditional lender point of view, a business plan needs to be whatever length necessary to fully explain your business. This means that you prove the viability of your business, show that you understand the market, and have a detailed strategy in place.

If you intend to use your business plan for internal management purposes, you don’t necessarily need a full 25-50 page business plan. Instead, you can start with a one-page plan to get all of the necessary information in place.

What are the different types of business plans?

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan: The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used when applying for funding or pitching to investors. This type of business plan follows the outline above and can be anywhere from 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix.

Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

One-page business plan: This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business. You’ll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences. It’s most useful for those exploring ideas, needing to validate their business model, or who need an internal plan to help them run and manage their business.

Lean Plan: The Lean Plan is less of a specific document type and more of a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, test, review, refine, and take action based on performance. It’s faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan covers the “who” and “what” of your business. It explains what your business is doing right now and how it functions. The strategic plan explores long-term goals and explains “how” the business will get there. It encourages you to look more intently toward the future and how you will achieve your vision.

However, when approached correctly, your business plan can actually function as a strategic plan as well. If kept lean, you can define your business, outline strategic steps, and track ongoing operations all with a single plan.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

Start your business plan with the #1 plan writing software. Create your plan with Liveplan today.

Table of Contents

Use AI to help write your plan
Common planning mistakes
Manage with your business plan
Templates and examples

Owner of a life coaching business works on writing their business plan.

5 Min. Read

How To Write a Business Plan for a Life Coaching Business + Free Example

Bakery business owners look over their bakery business plan

7 Min. Read

How to Write a Bakery Business Plan + Sample

Female entrepreneur sitting at her desk doing manual calculations with a calculator trying to understand what her return on investment will be.

1 Min. Read

How to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

Overlapping files, folders, charts, graphs, and documents. Represents the information included in a business plan appendix.

3 Min. Read

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix

The Bplans Newsletter

The Bplans Weekly

Subscribe now for weekly advice and free downloadable resources to help start and grow your business.

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

Intermedia Unite review May 2024: Features, call quality, integrations and more

With the company reporting over 125,000 business users in 2021, Intermedia Unite is clearly shown it can deliver needed tools to its customers. Specializing in voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) and unified communications as a service (UCaaS), the provider has internet-based options for a variety of communications needs. With a subscription, you’re provided VoIP calling and texting, video conferencing, chat, business email, and file sharing and backup.

Fortune Recommends ranks Intermedia Unite as one of the best VoIP services for small businesses. With that in mind, what businesses will Intermedia Unite best serve? In this guide, we walk you through some of the features of this provider and help you understand if the service is a good fit. All rates and fees are current as of April 26, 2024, and are subject to change.

Intermedia Unite

Mix and match plans
Unlimited international calling to 33 countries
99.999% service-level agreement (SLA)
Lacks integrations
No annual or volume discounts offered
Mobile app is required when syncing contacts

Intermedia Unite service plan overview

Unlike many modern VoIP providers, which offer three plans or more, Intermedia Unite only offers two: Unite Pro and Unite Enterprise. Still, with both plans, a wide variety of important features are included, such as caller ID, unlimited domestic calling, call park, call transfer, an auto attendant, and even a free IP phone. The primary differences between the two plans are high-definition (HD) video conferencing attendee counts, file backup space, and the number of supported integrations.

Best Intermedia Unite VoIP plan for small businesses: Unite Pro

It’s important to note that both plans from Intermedia Unite have relatively similar features with the exception of the differences we listed above. As a result, for the average small- to medium-sized business (SMB), the Pro plan is more than enough. Intermedia Unite doesn’t offer volume or annual discounts, so without add-ons, the price for this plan is $27.99 per user, per month.

Like Unite Enterprise, Unite Pro allows for five concurrent endpoints. A VoIP endpoint is a device or app that utilizes the service, which could be an IP phone, desktop app, smartphone app or, in the case of this provider, a Chrome extension. The number of endpoints is perfect for many small businesses and allows up to five agents to be on calls with customers at a time. Intermedia Unite also includes the majority of features in both plans. These include:

Call park pickup
Three-way calling
Call transfer
Usage reports
Voicemail box
Call history
Business short message service (SMS)
Call recording
Receptionist mode
Auto attendant

Other services Intermedia Unite offers

Aside from VoIP calling features, Intermedia Unite offers a large variety of unified communications (UC) features and other services. Some of the notable additional services include:

Contact center tools: Intermedia Unite also provides some light contact center as a service (CCaaS) features for businesses. Offered as an integrated service with Intermedia Unite, its contact center solution upgrades the auto attendant to an interactive voice response (IVR) system.
Presence detection: This feature helps relay the availability of your agents within the Intermedia Unite app. For example, under the name of the employee, Intermedia Unite will label their position within the organization as well as if they are offline, online, busy, working under a do not disturb (DND) status, on vacation, and more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) assistant: With Intermedia’s Spark AI solution, voicemail, video conferences, and customer call recordings are automatically transcribed. These transcriptions are complete with notes as well as action items. Spark also provides users with an AI assistant that will answer queries.
Video conferencing: Intermedia Unite offers video conferencing in both its plans. Pro provides support for 100 attendees and Enterprise has support for 200.
Business email: Intermedia Unite’s business email is very robust and even features an AI Guardian that weeds out spam and potentially dangerous emails. Some other included features are regulatory compliance, the option for unlimited storage, email archiving, and calendar sync.

The Intermedia Unite platform and customer support

Insofar as the interface of Intermedia Unite, we found it to be very intuitive and easy to use. The icons and the accessibility make it user-friendly and, if there is information lacking during the setup process, the knowledge base has detailed instructions to help clarify. There is also training available to help you through the process.

Customer support is available 24/7, regardless of the plan you subscribe to with Intermedia Unite.

The viable channels to reach this provider are phone, chat, email, forums, and knowledge base. We also found that the support team is quick to respond to inquiries via phone, chat, and email.

Is Intermedia Unite secure?

This provider uses several technologies to keep its customers’ information secure. To protect data while it’s in transit, the provider uses transport layer security (TLS), but this has to be enabled by the user for IP phones and softphones. With most modern providers, AES 256-bit encryption is the standard, and Intermedia Unite is no different in this regard. AES 256 protects your data while it’s at rest on local and cloud-based servers.

In addition to this, Intermedia Unite also protects customer data using geo-redundancy. Since Intermedia Unite’s servers are positioned on three continents, this means that when one goes down as a result of natural disasters or attacks, the others will pick up the slack. Each of these data centers also employs ISO 27001 certifications and is routinely audited for security.

Intermedia Unite user reviews

Overall, the user reviews for Intermedia Unite are overwhelmingly positive. Many users boast about how intuitive the app is to use and many also compliment how responsive the support staff is to inquiries. One of the biggest complaints is that there is not a plan available that is less of a cost commitment. However, if you need a full-fledged virtual phone system , Intermedia Unite seems to check off all the right boxes.

Compare Intermedia Unite alternatives

Is intermedia unite right for you.

Intermedia Unite stands out as a VoIP/UCaaS provider that provides its customers with just about all the tools they need to get started. It has integrated business email, AI tools, unlimited domestic calling, and the always-important video conferencing. For small businesses looking to get started quickly with a nice selection of ready-made tools, Intermedia Unite delivers the goods.

Frequently asked questions

Is intermedia unite health insurance portability and accountability act (hipaa)-compliant.

Yes, Intermedia Unite is compliant with HIPAA. This ensures that patient-protected health information (PHI) is encrypted against cyberattacks and is audited by a third party to ensure compliance. Intermedia Unite also executes business associate agreements (BAAs) with covered entities.

How does Intermedia Unite work?

Intermedia Unite serves as a full-fledged unified communications system. It folds in voice calling, video conferencing, texts, chat, and email to provide small businesses with an easy way to build their communication stacks.

Does Intermedia Unite record calls?

Intermedia Unite does record calls. With the Automatic data capture features, Unite users can capture calls, video conferences, and text messages for later review. These recordings are backed up in data centers in the U.S., Canada, and multiple European locations, and are backed up for up to 10 years.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Converse to cut jobs as part of Nike's cost-savings plan

Medium Text

A man walks wearing a limited edition of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Õ70 sneakers at the KICKIT Sneaker e Streetwear Market in Rome

Reporting by Juveria Tabassum, additional reporting by Savyata Mishra and Ananya Mariam Rajesh; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Business Chevron

Exclusive: Bank of America banker who died had sought to leave, citing long hours, recruiter says

The 35-year-old Bank of America investment banker who died from a blood clot earlier this month wanted to leave the U.S. bank because he was working more than 100 hours a week, according to an executive recruiter who spoke with him about seeking a new job.

IMAGES

A Complete Guide On Small Business Plan Examples (2022)
One-Page Business Plan: The Step-By-Step Guide
Free Small Business Plan Templates
Small Business Plan Templates
FREE Simple Business Plan Template
FREE 31+ Simple Business Plan Templates in PDF

VIDEO

Small business ideas || earn 30,000 per month
How to Start a Business in 2024
Internet Marketing For Small Business
Business Plan Examples
Business Plan Competition
New small business plan // very low investment business in telugu

COMMENTS

How To Start A Small Business At Home (2024 Guide)
File IRS Form SS-4 To Obtain an EIN. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is needed for businesses that have employees or have excise tax reporting obligations. The process of obtaining an EIN ...
40 Home Business Ideas for 2024 (+ How To Get Started)
40 best home business ideas. 1. Buy products in bulk and sell them online. When you're starting your first home business, don't reinvent the wheel. Instead, try an existing, reliable small business model, such as importing popular products in bulk and selling them individually for a profit.
How to Start a Home Business
4. Register your home business. If you decide to form your business as an LLC or C corporation, you'll need to register with your state to start and run your business from home legally. The exact ...
Home Business Ideas: 40 Top Remote Jobs in 2022
Here are 40 of the best home business ideas to consider: 1. Freelance writer. If you're a great writer, then you could make a great freelance writer. And best of all, freelance writers work from ...
72 Home Based Business Ideas You Can Start Today
21. Publicist. This job entails getting media coverage and managing the publicity of businesses, brands or public figures. If you enjoy working with the media, crafting promotions and consider yourself an excellent networker, you can make a living out of it from home (versus being employed at a big PR firm).
How to Start a Small Business at Home
Step 7: Handle the Legalities. An important step in how to start a small business at home is to take care of all the legalities. Working from your house does not exempt you from certain state and federal regulations, and indeed, there may be some restrictions on what you can do in a residential area.
How To Start a Small Business at Home: 30 Ideas for 2023
Best of all, producing your own products doesn't have to be overwhelming. When you're ready to scale, you can establish a process and onboard new employees to help with production. 3. Start a dropshipping store. So far, we've covered business ideas that require you to hold inventory in your home.
7 Steps to Start a Home-Based Business in 2024
Build a strategy. 2. Identify a business idea that works remotely. There are specific qualities that make for a good business idea. The idea solves a problem, shows clear market demand, and fits your goals. However, even if an idea meets the criteria above it doesn't mean it will work as a home-based business.
How to start a business from home: 15 steps, ideas, and tips
Securing a marketing plan. 1. Weigh the pros and cons. According to a 2020 QuickBooks survey, 28% of those who already planned to start a business say COVID-19 accelerated their plans. Another 42% of those who started a new business or planned to start a business said they were finally taking their side gig full time.
Starting a Small Business: Your Complete How-to Guide
The U.S. is home to 33.2 million small businesses, which drive over 43% of GDP. If you are looking to start a business, there are key factors to consider—from market research and creating a ...
How to start a small business at home in 2024
4. Register your business and get an EIN. After you choose a business structure, you'll need to register your business with state and federal governments. Select a business name, pay fees and ...
How to Start a Home Business (in 9 Steps)
Get ready to start a small business at home. Short summary. Start a successful home-based business by carefully considering the type of business, creating a comprehensive plan, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, setting up an ergonomic workspace, marketing your venture effectively, and delivering quality products or services.
How to Set Up a Small Business at Home
Running an e-commerce site from home involves setting up an online store to sell products or services. To start, you need to decide what products or services to sell, and then source or create them. You will also need to set up a website or use a platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce to create an online store.
10 Profitable Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today (2024)
While there are countless ways to start a home-based business, here are 10 of the most approachable home business ideas to consider: Sell handmade products. Purchase products in bulk and sell them online. Start a dropshipping business. Start a print-on-demand business. Purchase an existing ecommerce business.
70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business
Remember, the goal is to start a business for cheap, and a certification can have a high ROI after you book your first few clients for garden design. 3. Travel Planner. The time of the travel agent might be passing, but people are still looking for those with a knack for more nontraditional travel coordination.
Write your business plan
Common items to include are credit histories, resumes, product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, patents, legal documents, and other contracts. Example traditional business plans. Before you write your business plan, read the following example business plans written by fictional business owners.
How to Create a Business Plan: Examples & Free Template
Tips on Writing a Business Plan. 1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. 2.
Start a Small Business With These 10 Steps
2. Write a business plan. A business plan is your roadmap; it helps guide you as you start and grow your company. If you need capital to get started, most investors will want to review a business plan before they commit to any financing. To organize your ideas, download and fill out a business plan template. A well-written business plan ...
How To Start a Business From Home
Create a financial plan. Decide on a name, business entity and legal structure. Set up the business licence and bank account. Set up your home office. Set up small business accounting. Create a marketing plan. 1. Develop your business idea. The first step is to determine what type of business you want to start.
550+ Sample Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own
The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea. The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template.
How to Write a Business Plan: Guide + Examples
Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow. A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It's also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals. After completing your plan, you can ...
10 great small-business ideas for 2024
7. Construction and contractor services. Starting a small business as a contractor taps into the construction sector's current labor shortages, offering a promising landscape for new entrepreneurs.
Is Intermedia Unite the best VoIP for small businesses?
As a result, for the average small- to medium-sized business (SMB), the Pro plan is more than enough. Intermedia Unite doesn't offer volume or annual discounts, so without add-ons, the price for ...
Why Is Inflation So Stubborn? Ask Your Local Small Business
Small-business owners say these are just a few of the reasons they plan to raise prices again this year. "We have death by a thousand paper cuts," said Reid Baker, president of SuperGraphics ...
Walmart to cut jobs at headquarters, relocate others
Walmart Inc announced on Tuesday that it plans to cut hundreds of jobs at its corporate headquarters and relocate a majority of its U.S. and Canada-based remote workforce to three offices, a shift ...
Converse to cut jobs as part of Nike's cost-savings plan
Footwear brand Converse will cut jobs as part of parent company Nike's on-going $2 billion cost savings plan, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Small Business Internet Service
T-Mobile Small Business Sweepstakes OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS OPEN TO SMALL BUSINESSES AND IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Timing: The T-Mobile Small Business Sweepstakes (the "Sweepstakes") begins on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time ...

You’re our first priority. Every time.

Home Business Ideas: 40 Remote Jobs to Explore in 2022

Home business ideas

1. Freelance writer

2. Virtual assistant

How much do you need?

3. Researcher and fact-checker

4. Social media manager

5. Blogger and affiliate marketer

6. Freelance designer

7. Freelance coder

8. Online thrifter

9. Data entry guru

10. College consultant

11. Online tutor

12. Translator

13. Cybersecurity consultant

14. Transcriptionist

15. Travel planner

16. Fundraiser

17. Medical billing and coding

18. Video producing

19. Publicist

20. Customer service representative

21. Pet sitter or dog walker

22. Arts and crafts master

23. Accountant

24. T-shirt designer

25. Cleaning service

26. Massage therapist and wellness expert

27. Personal trainer

28. Interior decorator

29. Event planner

30. Caterer

31. Bed-and-breakfast manager

32. Florist

33. Day care manager

34. Rideshare driver

35. Photographer

36. Landlord

37. Hair stylist or makeup artist

38. Eldercare

Tips for starting a home-based business

1. Craft a business plan

2. Carve out a dedicated workspace

3. Choose a business entity

The bottom line

72 home based business ideas you can start today

Why start a business idea from home

Easiest business ideas to start from home

01. Pet sitter

02. Survey taker

03. Uber driver

04. Professional organizer

05. Personal shopper

06. House cleaner

07. Data entry specialist

08. Gift basket arranger

09. Freelance illustrator

Business ideas from home with low startup costs

Unique home based business ideas

24. DJ (disc jockey)

Writer focused business ideas to try from home

Beauty and wellness home business ideas

Successful at home business ideas

Innovative home business ideas

70. Virtual Medical Scribe

eCommerce business ideas from home

72. Print on demand

How to start a business from home

How to promote a business from home

Your home business and online security

Home business ideas FAQ

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

Related Posts

How to Start a Small Business at Home

Starting A Business?

Step 1: Find a Winning Business Idea

Can your business idea be run from home?

Get a Business License