Small businesses are more than just side projects. They are the backbone of our economy. Whether you’re looking to escape the 9-to-5 jobs, try to earn extra money, or finally bring your passion to life.

No matter your background or skill set. I’ve put together a list of 48 practical and profitable small business ideas to help inspire your next step and give you the confidence to start something of your own.

Online Small-Scale Business Ideas

If running a local storefront isn’t your goal, plenty of viable online business models exist. Here are some of the more accessible options:

1. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant business can be set up in a short time. You’ll handle administrative work like travel booking, data entry, social media scheduling, and even content writing. Gina Horkey’s VA Foundations course offers solid guidance for those looking to fast-track their success in this field.

2. Proofreading Services
If you’re someone who spots typos instantly, proofreading might be a great fit. You’ll review materials for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Caitlyn Pyle’s free training course is a solid starting point to explore this business model and learn how to charge $20+ per hour.

3. Freelance Writing
Freelance writers create blog content, articles, white papers, and more. Work is available across websites, publications, and corporate entities. Building a portfolio and taking professional writing courses can improve your success rate in this field.

4. Social Media Manager
This role involves managing a company’s presence across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Responsibilities include curating content, engaging with followers, and maintaining a social media calendar.

5. Facebook Ads Specialist
If you’re interested in digital marketing, managing Facebook ads for businesses is an excellent side hustle. You’ll create and analyze campaigns. Bobby Hoyt’s Facebook Side Hustle Course can help you master the basics and land your first clients.

6. Blog Owner
Instead of writing for others, why not launch your own blog? You’ll handle everything from content to marketing and can monetize through ads, products, or services like eBooks and online courses.

7. Resume Writing
Help job seekers craft strong resumes. If you’ve worked in HR or recruitment, this is a great way to use that experience. You’ll edit, format, and enhance resumes for clients across various industries.

8. SEO Consultant
SEO specialists analyze website content to improve its visibility on search engines. You’ll help businesses drive traffic by implementing strategic keyword and structural changes. Plenty of free and paid resources exist to help you learn the ropes.

9. Email Marketing Consultant
This business involves creating and managing email campaigns. Duties may include designing templates, editing copy, formatting graphics, and managing subscriber lists.

10. Low-Content eBook Creator
Design journals, planners, coloring books, or logbooks—products that don’t require much written content. Use tools like Canva to build your products and sell them on platforms like Etsy or Amazon.

11. Trading Card Business
Collectible cards can be a surprisingly lucrative niche. Whether you’re into Pokemon, sports cards, or Magic: The Gathering, this market has active buyers and sellers. People like Ben, a co-founder mentioned in this example, have turned it into a profitable side hustle.

In-Person Small Business Ideas

Prefer to run your business offline? Here are several small-scale ideas suited for face-to-face work:

12. Pet Walking or Sitting
Many pet owners need help walking or sitting their pets. You can offer your services locally or join platforms like Rover to find clients, post your availability, and get paid for caring for animals.

13. Vrbo Host
If your property is eligible, renting it on Vrbo can generate significant side income. Simply list your home or spare room and earn from travelers seeking short-term stays.

14. Babysitting Services
Parents often need babysitters for errands, work, or nights out. If you’re great with kids and have a flexible schedule, this could be a perfect fit. You can register on platforms like Sittercity or Care.com to connect with families.

15. Computer Repairs
From software updates to virus removal and hardware troubleshooting, home computer repair is always in demand. If you’re tech-savvy, you can offer both in-person and remote services.

16. Insurance Billing
Medical providers often outsource insurance claims to specialists. If you understand healthcare terms and can learn coding procedures like CPT, this is a rewarding business to run from home.

17. Transcription Services
Listen to audio files and convert them into written documents. Transcribe Anywhere offers a variety of training programs to help you understand transcription requirements and build a business foundation.

18. Residential or Commercial Cleaning
House cleaning services are always in demand. Expand to include post-construction or rental property cleaning for higher pay. Just check local licensing and insurance requirements before launching.

19. Vacation Planning
Specialize in booking vacations for others—whether it’s Disney, cruises, or all-inclusive resorts. Your expertise can save clients time and money while you build a commission-based business.

20. Mobile Dog Grooming
If you’re trained and certified, take grooming services to clients’ homes. This is particularly helpful for owners with elderly pets or limited transportation. You’ll need grooming tools, a vehicle, and the right skills to succeed in this unique business model.

Best Small-Scale Business Ideas for Creatives

If you have a creative streak or a knack for making things, consider transforming your hobby into a profitable business with one of these small-scale ideas:

21. Etsy Shop Owner
Turn your passion for crafts into a business by opening an Etsy store. This user-friendly platform offers a quick setup and low fees, allowing you to sell handmade items like knitted clothing, painted glassware, or digital designs. You can also connect your store with your Facebook account to market your creations more easily to a wider audience.

22. Personalized Gift Maker
Crafting doesn’t have to stay on Etsy. You can produce personalized gifts—like custom quilts, T-shirts, games, or photo frames—and sell them at local fairs or through e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Start-up costs are minimal, mostly limited to the materials you need to create your products.

23. Graphic Design Professional
If you have an eye for design and can navigate tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva, graphic design might be a strong fit. You could design logos, covers, marketing materials, or infographics. Sites like Fiverr and direct outreach to small businesses are great ways to land your first clients.

24. Photographer
From weddings and baby milestones to pet portraits and corporate headshots, photography offers diverse income streams. You can begin with a home studio and expand as needed. With professional equipment and a flexible schedule, you can also earn by uploading your images to stock photo platforms.

25. Audiobook Voice Talent
If you enjoy reading aloud and can access a quality microphone and sound editing software, audiobook narration is a solid business option. Improve your skills by practicing accents or taking acting lessons, and start narrating for self-published authors or audiobook companies.

26. Memory Quilt Maker
With sewing skills and a basic machine, you can create quilts from clients’ old T-shirts or sentimental fabrics. Customers usually provide the materials, keeping your costs low. Expand your service to offer themed quilts for weddings, babies, or housewarmings.

27. Book Layout & Cover Designer
Authors often seek help with formatting and designing their books. If you’re skilled with graphic tools and book design principles, offer services that include covers, layouts, and promotional graphics. Additional offerings like ad creatives or social media kits can boost your income.

Ideas for Drivers

If you’re comfortable on the road, these driving-related businesses are easy to start and require little upfront investment.

28. Food Delivery Service
Platforms like DoorDash and Instacart make it easy to begin delivering meals or groceries. You’ll earn base pay plus bonuses like Peak Pay and customer tips. Cars aren’t mandatory—biking or walking is acceptable in some areas. Just be sure you’re insured and licensed.

29. Valet Parking Services
Operating a valet service involves handling various vehicles at events, ensuring organization, and navigating tight spaces. You’ll need a clean driving record, insurance, and confidence driving both automatic and manual vehicles.

30. Urban Bicycle Courier
City-based businesses often use couriers to deliver items quickly. If you’re bike-savvy and know your way around traffic, you can deliver documents or products for law firms, design studios, and more. Keep your bike in excellent shape and invest in proper safety gear.

31. Personal Errand Service
Running errands—like picking up groceries, waiting for a delivery, or visiting the post office—is valuable to those short on time. TaskRabbit is a solid place to start offering your services, and you can eventually transition to your own client base if demand grows.

Business Ideas for Health Enthusiasts

If you’re into wellness, these business ideas offer both purpose and profit.

32. Personal Fitness Trainer
Design custom fitness programs and teach classes to help clients meet their physical goals. While formal education isn’t required, certifications will boost credibility. Train clients in your home gym, outdoors, or partner with local fitness centers.

33. Private Wellness Coach
Offer individualized guidance to help people quit smoking, manage stress, or improve physical health. Tailor your services based on your personal expertise, certifications, and your client’s specific goals. This business is ideal if you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.

34. Meal Planning & Prep Services
Busy individuals often struggle with planning healthy meals. Start a service offering homemade meals delivered weekly or create personalized meal plans and shopping lists. Check state laws regarding food preparation licenses before launching.

Small-Scale Business Ideas for Coaches and Teachers

You don’t have to be a certified educator to help others learn and grow.

35. Private Music Instructor
If you play one or more instruments, you can teach lessons from home, a studio, or online. Offer one-on-one coaching, host small group sessions, or sell pre-recorded courses to reach a broader audience.

36. Sports Coach or Trainer
From pitching clinics to cheerleading flexibility sessions, there’s high demand for sport-specific coaching. Use your expertise to offer lessons, either independently or through local clubs and schools.

37. Academic Tutor
Students of all ages need help with subjects like math, science, and history. Tutoring can be done in person or online, depending on your availability. Work independently or join platforms offering virtual tutoring opportunities.

38. Interview Skills Coach
Support job seekers with mock interviews, coaching sessions, and preparation strategies. Help clients manage nerves, craft strong answers, and improve their confidence. Meetings can happen in homes, cafés, or libraries.

39. Educational Content Creator
If you’ve created effective lesson plans, consider selling them online. TeachersPayTeachers and personal websites are great platforms for monetizing your educational resources.

40. Translator or Interpreter
If you’re bilingual, you can work with schools, courts, or publishers as a translator or interpreter. You might also explore online English teaching roles with companies like Education First, offering local and global teaching assignments.

41. Family Tree Researcher
With solid research skills, you can explore family histories and build detailed genealogy reports. The National Genealogy Society provides resources to help you start a career in this field and build your credibility.

42. Online Course Developer
Use platforms like Outschool to create engaging courses for students aged 3–18. Courses can cover nearly any topic and be delivered live or through pre-recorded video. You can earn up to $40 per student depending on your course structure.

Small Business Ideas for Skilled Tradespeople

If you’re handy, there are many in-demand services you can offer.

43. Holiday Light Installation
This seasonal service has strong profit potential. Homeowners or stores provide the lights—you simply hang them. All you need is basic equipment and a creative touch.

44. Home Appliance Repair
Fix household appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines. You can specialize in common repairs or offer niche services like window AC unit maintenance. Make sure you’re properly licensed and insured based on your state’s requirements.

45. Lawn Care & Snow Removal
Offer mowing in summer and snow clearing in winter. These tasks require little more than basic tools, and you can expand into landscaping or pool maintenance as your business grows.

46. Clothing Alterations or Tailoring
Tailoring services are always in demand, especially during wedding and prom season. Work from home or partner with bridal shops and dry cleaners to offer your services independently.

47. Home Energy Efficiency Audits
Help homeowners save on utility costs by identifying inefficiencies. You’ll need training and some specialized tools, but this growing field is perfect for detail-oriented individuals.

48. Window Cleaning Services
Offer residential or commercial window cleaning, including upper-level or hard-to-reach areas. You can also add complementary services like gutter cleaning or pressure washing. Make sure you’re insured and follow local safety guidelines.