70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

Starting your own business allows you to take control of your professional life, set ambitious financial goals, and achieve a better work-life balance. If you’re eager to launch a business but unsure of the direction to take, here’s a comprehensive list of 70 small business ideas to consider:

Financial and Business Services:

1. Accounting and Tax Services – Requires experience or licensing. Offer services from basic bookkeeping to complex tax strategies.
2. Business Consulting – Help businesses with strategy, growth, and restructuring.
3. Financial Planning and Advising – Become a Certified Financial Planner to guide clients on investments and savings.
4. Buying a Franchise – Less risky with a proven business model, some franchises can be launched for under $10,000.
5. Notary Public Services – With minimal startup costs, you can provide essential legal document services.

Manual Labor Businesses:

6. General Construction – Turn your construction skills into a business, offering services from framing to finishing work.
7. Landscaping – From lawn care to garden design, there’s always demand for green space maintenance.
8. House Painting – Interior and exterior painting can be a lucrative seasonal business.
9. Carpentry – Create or repair wooden structures, from custom cabinetry to furniture.
10. Electrical Work – After obtaining necessary licenses, offer electrical installation and repair services.
11. Moving Services – Start small with local moves and potentially expand to larger operations.

Creative Work:

12. Content and Editorial Contracting – Write, edit, or produce content for various businesses.
13. Graphic Design – Design logos, advertisements, or digital content for brands.
14. Web Development – Build websites for businesses looking to establish or enhance their online presence.
15. Marketing or Public Relations Agency – Help businesses with their marketing strategies and brand management.
16. Photography – Specialize in areas like wedding, portrait, or editorial photography.
17. Videography – Create video content for brands, events, or personal milestones.
18. Audio Editing – Support podcast creators with editing and production services.
19. Social Media Management – Manage social media accounts for businesses to enhance their online visibility.
20. Art – Sell your art or offer custom illustrations and design services.
21. Music Lessons – Teach music from home or at clients’ locations, or via online platforms.
22. Start a YouTube Channel – Monetize through ads, merch, or sponsorships after building a following.
23. Create an Online Course – Share your expertise by creating educational content for learners worldwide.
24. Write an E-book – Write and sell books on subjects where you have authority.
25. TikTok Creator – Leverage TikTok’s platform for income through sponsored content and merchandise.

Repair and Maintenance:

26. Mechanic Shop – Fix vehicles, potentially specializing in certain types like classic cars.
27. Appliance Repair – Repair household appliances, either on-site or from a dedicated space.
28. Bicycle Repair – Tune up bikes or even sell refurbished ones in bike-centric communities.
29. Boat Cleaning – Offer cleaning services for boats, which is seasonal in many regions.
30. Car Cleaning & Detailing – Provide thorough cleaning services for cars, which can be done on-site or at a shop.
31. Electronics Repair – Repair gadgets, from smartphones to home electronics.
32. Furniture Restoration – Revive old furniture with your upholstery or carpentry skills.
33. Rug Cleaning – Specialize in cleaning and potentially restoring rugs, especially valuable antiques.
34. Jewelry Making and Repair – Craft new pieces or repair existing jewelry for clients.

Property and Real Estate:

35. Real Estate – Help clients buy, sell, or invest in properties after getting your license.
36. Property Management – Manage properties for owners, dealing with tenants, maintenance, and finances.
37. Cleaning Service – Clean homes, offices, or commercial spaces, starting with a niche market.
38. Professional Organizing – Help individuals or businesses declutter and organize their spaces.
39. Home Inspection – Conduct thorough inspections for home buyers or sellers, requiring ongoing education.
40. Home Energy Auditing – Advise on energy-saving home improvements, possibly including installation services.
41. Interior Decorating and Design – Use your design skills to help clients beautify their spaces.

Planning, Training, and Coaching:

42. Event Planning – Plan events from corporate gatherings to private celebrations.
43. Wedding Planning – Specialize in creating memorable weddings, managing every detail.
44. Vacation Planning – Curate travel experiences for clients, especially for niche markets or group travel.
45. Private Coaching – Offer one-on-one coaching in sports, music, or other skills.
46. Personal Training – Help clients achieve fitness goals with personalized training sessions.
47. Nutritional Advising – Guide clients towards healthier eating habits, potentially including meal planning.
48. Life Coaching – Support clients in achieving personal goals, requiring strong interpersonal skills.
49. Career Coaching – Assist in career transitions, resume building, or professional development.
50. Tutoring – Teach subjects you’re proficient in, either one-on-one or in small groups.
51. Paid Membership Business – Offer exclusive content or services via a subscription model.

Hospitality:

52. Private Chef Service – Cook for clients in their homes or cater private events.
53. Bed and Breakfast / Airbnb – Utilize your property for short-term rentals or guest stays.
54. Catering – Provide food for events, from small gatherings to large corporate functions.
55. Food Truck – Serve your culinary creations from a mobile kitchen at various locations.
56. Brewery – If brewing is your passion, start your own with the right training and market analysis.

Other Business Ideas:

57. Dog Walking – Offer pet care services like walking, which can expand into other pet services.
58. Pet Sitting or Boarding – Care for pets when owners are away, providing a home-like environment.
59. Pet Grooming – Groom pets professionally, which can be done from home or in a salon setting.
60. At-Home Daycare – Provide childcare services from your home after obtaining necessary certifications.
61. Making Gift Baskets – Create themed baskets for various occasions or niches.
62. Hair Styling / Barber Shop – Start your own salon or barber shop with the right training and licenses.
63. Nail Technician – Offer nail care services, requiring cosmetology training.
64. Massage Therapist – Provide therapeutic massages after completing certification courses.
65. Storage Facility – Use available land to offer storage for vehicles or build a facility for personal storage.
66. Independent Car Service / Ride-Sharing Driver – Serve clients who prefer a personal touch over app-based services.
67. Online Reselling Business – Sell items online that you’ve sourced from various places.
68. Interpreting or Translating Services – Use your language skills to assist in communication barriers.
69. Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and earn commissions through various online channels.
70. Dropshipping – Sell products without holding inventory, managing orders through third-party suppliers.

How to Get Started:

• Create a Business Plan: Outline your vision, market analysis, operational structure, and financial projections.
• Decide on Legal Structure: Choose the right business entity and register accordingly.
• Keep Finances Separate: Manage finances strictly for business to maintain clarity and legality.
• Plan Operational Needs: Assess what you’ll need in terms of staff, location, and tools.
• Develop a Brand and Marketing Strategy: Establish your brand identity and plan how to reach your audience.
• Operate Within the Law: Ensure compliance with all local and state regulations.
• Build a Support Network: Connect with mentors, advisors, and peer networks for support and growth.

By considering these ideas and strategies, you can find the path that best suits your skills, interests, and market demands in 2025.