35 Small Business Ideas You Can Start Today

Starting your own business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time venture, there are plenty of profitable business ideas that require minimal investment. Here’s a list of 35 small business ideas you can start today!

Online Business Ideas

1. Freelance Writing ✍️

• Offer content writing, blogging, or copywriting services.
• Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour.

2. Virtual Assistant 💼

• Help businesses with admin tasks, email management, and scheduling.
• Platforms: Belay, fancy hands, time, etc.

3. Social Media Management 📱

• Manage Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for brands.
• Ideal for creative individuals who love content creation.

4. Graphic Design 🎨

• Create logos, business cards, and social media graphics.
• Use tools like Canva and Adobe Illustrator.

5. Web Design & Development 💻

• Build websites for small businesses.
• Learn WordPress, Shopify, or Wix.

6. Affiliate Marketing 🔗

• Promote products and earn commissions from referrals.
• Programs: Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, ShareASale.

7. Print-on-Demand Business 👕

• Sell custom t-shirts, mugs, and posters without holding inventory.
• Platforms: Teespring, Printify, Redbubble.

8. YouTube Channel 🎥

• Start a channel about tech, finance, gaming, or DIY.
• Market with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

9. Podcasting 🎙️

• Create a niche podcast and monetize through sponsorships.
• Tools: Anchor, Buzzsprout.

10. E-Book Writing & Selling 📚

• Write and sell e-books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

E-Commerce & Product-Based Business Ideas

11. Dropshipping Business 🚀

• Sell products online without handling inventory.
• Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce.

12. Handmade Crafts & Etsy Store 🎁

• Sell handmade jewelry, candles, or home decor.
• Best for artistic and creative entrepreneurs.

13. Subscription Box Service 📦

• Curate monthly boxes for beauty, food, or hobbies.

14. Buy & Resell Products 📢

• Flip thrift store finds or wholesale products on eBay, Amazon, and Poshmark.

15. Digital Products Business 🖥️

• Sell printables, planners, templates, or stock photos.

Service-Based Business Ideas

16. Personal Trainer & Fitness Coaching 🏋️

• Offer virtual or in-person fitness coaching sessions.

17. Online Tutoring 🎓

• Teach languages, math, or coding online.
• Platforms: VIPKid, Wyzant, Chegg Tutors.

18. Resume Writing & Career Coaching 📄

• Help job seekers craft professional resumes and cover letters.

19. Photography Business 📸

• Offer professional photoshoots for events, businesses, or families.

20. Event Planning & Coordination 🎉

• Organize weddings, corporate events, or birthday parties.
  

Home-Based Business Ideas

21. Meal Prep & Catering Service 🍽️

• Cook healthy meals and deliver them to busy professionals.

22. Home Baking Business 🍰

• Sell cakes, cupcakes, and cookies from your home kitchen.

23. Gardening & Landscaping Services 🌱

• Offer lawn care, garden design, or plant maintenance.

24. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking 🐶

• Take care of pets while owners are away.

25. Airbnb Host 🏡

• Rent out a spare room or property for passive income.

Creative & Niche Business Ideas

26. Voiceover Acting 🎤

• Provide voiceovers for audiobooks, ads, or animated videos.

27. Handmade Soap & Skincare Business 🧼

• Sell natural soaps, body scrubs, or essential oil blends.

28. Personal Styling & Fashion Consulting 👗

• Help clients upgrade their wardrobe and fashion sense.

29. Language Translation Services 🌎

• Translate documents, websites, or books.

30. Car Detailing Business 🚗

• Offer mobile car cleaning and detailing services.

Tech & AI-Based Business Ideas

31. AI-Powered Content Creation 🤖

• Use AI tools to create blogs, social media posts, and copywriting.

32. Chatbot Development 💬

• Build AI chatbots for businesses to improve customer service.

33. Mobile App Development 📱

• Create and sell simple apps for businesses.

34. Tech Support & IT Consulting 💻

• Help individuals or businesses with IT and cybersecurity issues.

35. 3D Printing Business 🖨️

• Print custom models, tools, or prototypes for clients.
  

Final Thoughts

Starting a business in 2025 is easier than ever! Whether you're looking for a low-cost online business, a service-based gig, or an e-commerce store, there are countless ways to make money.