It might be easier than ever for anyone to start a business, but most of those fantastic entrepreneurial ideas still need some cash investment to launch. Fortunately, there are plenty of business ideas out there that require much less of an investment, and you could be earning money as your own boss much sooner than you think. You don’t need any special skills either! While none of these business ideas are get-rich-quick schemes, they could be very lucrative if you put the work in.
If you’re on the lookout for a new career direction or simply want to earn a little extra money on the side, here are some business ideas that anyone could do in 2021.
Pet Sitter.
If you’re good with animals and time management, then pet sitting is an increasingly popular side-hustle that could quickly become a full-time business. Your responsibilities are, generally, very simple. You will walk, feed, and play with a variety of pets while owners are either at work or on vacation. If you do decide to launch a pet sitting business, remember to sign up and register with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. You’ll need to make sure that you get the appropriate insurance, too, but once everything is in place, you can start advertising and taking on clients.
Cleaning Services.
There are lots of ways to launch a professional cleaning company, and for residential and commercial properties alike, there is a constant demand. It used to be that only the rich could afford to have someone clean their properties, but that hasn’t been the case for decades. You could start small with some basic cleaning equipment and an advertising strategy, or you could get straight down to business by looking at options like this commercial cleaning franchise. A key requirement for setting up a cleaning business of any kind is going to be your skills at attracting and keeping staff. If you’re as good with a mop as you are with people, this could be an excellent option.
Selling on eBay.
Ever bought something or sold something on eBay? If you have, then you know how it works, and you know how easy it is to turn that selling into a business. The eBay business model is incredibly popular, and that’s because it has become very profitable. You don’t need to sell a specific product either. Start with the clutter in your home, and use the money that you make from selling that on eBay to buy low-cost products wherever you can find them. Yard sales, Craigslist, and even thrift shops can all be a goldmine for eBay sellers!
Event Planner.
This will take a very specific type of person. If you have the organizational skills, the communication skills, and the attention to detail that this kind of business demands, then it couldn’t be easier to launch. You’ll need to be cool and calm in a crisis, and it will take time to build up a client list, but it’s a fantastic small business that could serve a wide range of clients. Look at corporate events, hotels, municipalities, and even government organizations for business clients so that all of your events aren’t just weddings and birthday parties.
Blogging.
Yes, blogging can very easily become a business if you know how the internet works. There are an estimated 4.4 million blog posts posted online every single day, and that number keeps on growing. That means that you will have competitors, but if you have a way with words and something to say, then blogging can become very lucrative indeed. Choose your niche, set up a website (which has never been easier), make sure that you know something about basic digital marketing, and sign up for Adsense. If you want to try your hand at affiliate marketing once you’re established, then this too could become a revenue stream that will make you wonder why you haven’t already started blogging.
Caterer.
You will need a bit more start-up cash than other business ideas on this list, but if you have access to a good kitchen, then that’s a good start! Start small until you can invest in the more expensive kitchen equipment that will increase the number of meals that you can prepare at once. If you’re a dab hand in the kitchen, this could be a very quick and easy business to set up, but it’s not without its challenges. Finding reliable, regular customers will be the key, so make sure that you have a plan for who to sell to.
Photographer.
If you know the basics of composition and have access to a good DSLR camera (no, your phone won’t be good enough), then you have a lot of options for setting up a photography business. There are lots of ways to make money as a photographer, with nightclubs and weddings being the priority when it comes to making regular money. As more people become aware of your skills with a camera, you’ll be attracting more clients. Once you’re in a good financial position, think about hiring out a professional photography studio so that you can also offer professional portrait sessions for families, newborns, or even pets! Don’t forget that if you own the pictures that you take, then you can also upload them to sites like Shutterstock and could earn additional money that way, too.
Gardening.
If you enjoy nothing more than working hard in the garden, getting muddy, and getting a real sense of satisfaction at a job well-done, then a gardening business could be easier to set up than you think. You could start this business right now if you have some basic gardening equipment, and as you get clients, you can use your profits to invest in more professional gear that will make your job much easier. Marketing is going to be vital, so start by talking to your friends and family and posting on social media.
It used to be that setting up a business was reserved only for the rich and privileged. Now, anyone with the right mindset can start their own business. Choose the business idea that’s right for you, keep up with the latest trends in that industry, and you could be your own boss before you know it.
