business ideas based on problems to solve

60 Problem Solving Business Ideas To Start In [2023]

Are you interested in problem solving business ideas? If you want to establish a business that solves daily difficulties, there are several areas you might focus on.

This post highlights some creative problem-solving business ideas you can consider.

In this list of ideas, you can find:

• Home-based businesses.
• Low-investment online business ideas that solve problems.
• Unique business opportunities you can start from home.

Here is the full list:

1. Start an appliance repair business

An appliance repair business helps clients install, repair, and maintain common household appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, cookers, etc. An appliance repair technician can specialize in certain lines of appliances or offer general services.

To become an appliance repair technician, apply for the prerequisite training course and focus on acquiring the necessary work experience. You may work under an appliance engineer and kickstart your business when you have relevant skills.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $100,000/month

Case Study Finding and Repairing Retro Radios Turned into a Successful Side Hustle Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year. $4K Monthly Revenue 6 6.69K

2. Start an equipment cleaning & repair business

The equipment repair market is witnessing an upsurge and will maintain the momentum over the next decade.

Given the rise in demand for electronic products and home appliances, there will be an increase in equipment cleaning and repair, services critical to the continued functionality of various equipment. It is only a matter of time before an appliance break needs a bit of upkeep or even some cleaning and greasing.

Thus, if you have basic mechanical or electrical engineering skills and experience, why not take your knack for keeping things running and turn it into a good equipment cleaning and repair business? To start, you may operate door-to-door from your neighborhood and open a physical location as the business grows.

How much you can make: $708,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Case Study This Couple Bought A Cleaning Equipment Business For $535K And Grew It To $8.5M/Year This case study follows the story of a couple who bought a profitable but limited manufacturing company for $535,000, revamped it, and took it in a new direction to grow their annual revenues to approximately $10,000,000 by developing ultrasonic equipment that addressed industrial cleaning using water-based detergents instead of environmentally toxic solvents. $708K Monthly Revenue $700K Startup Costs 13 4.52K

3. Start an auto repair business

Many people just love to tinker with, fix and repair cars. This is an all-consuming hobby for some people. They like to take things apart and figure out how things work. The process of fixing and repairing cars is almost therapeutic for them.

An auto repair business is a rewarding way to make extra money or build an entire business.

You can do it in the comforts of your own home, working around your schedule and getting paid handsomely for it. The United States automotive service market is expected to reach $75B by 2026 .

How much you can make: $415,000/month

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

Case Study I Quit My Full-Time Job & Launched A $5M/Year Towing & Auto Repair Business Finish Line Towing & Auto Repair is Wisconsin's largest roadside assistance provider, bringing in $5 million in annual sales through its dedication to customer service, effective dispatching, and clean service, with a goal of expanding to other markets in Wisconsin and Illinois. $415K Monthly Revenue $200K Startup Costs 14 3.18K

4. Start an ac repair business

Research shows the HVAC market will grow at a CAGR of 6.1% and reach $82.5 billion in the next few years.

The growing construction business in major emerging economies and the ever-increasing end-user markets, such as data center markets, are some of the major factors driving the growth of the HVAC services market.

Like other electrical appliances, HVAC units break often and require regular maintenance. As a result, the demand for HVAC repair is high.

Therefore, starting an AC repair business can be profitable. To start, you need a skilled AC repair technical team. Target commercial and residential customers, and market your business online as most people search for AC repair services through the web.

How much you can make: $200,000 — $1,878,618/month

Case Study How We Started A $1M/Month Business Selling HVAC And Energy Auditing Tools TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values. $1.88M Monthly Revenue $19.7K Startup Costs 4 8.57K

5. Start a chimney repair business

Brick and stone chimneys require maintenance and upgrade to keep them structurally sound and functional. Some regular chimney repair tasks will include repairing and replacing rain pots, rebuilding chimney crowns, and installing new bases and flashing counters.

Thus, starting your own chimney repair business can be a very profitable, so long as you have basic masonry skills and experience. To start, you can offer the services to your neighbors just to showcase what your business offers. If you are not an experienced mason, you can hire skilled professionals and outsource the orders to them.

How much you can make: $21,000/month

Case Study How I Started A $21K/Month Chimney Service Company While Working Full-Time Patriot Chimney, a Virginia-based chimney repair company founded by three friends, generated over $212,000 in its first year of operation, using a mix of digital and in-person marketing and customer retention strategies, and plans to expand its business and customer base with new initiatives including an online store and non-profit organization. $21K Monthly Revenue 4 14.3K

6. Start a language translation service

Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.

To become a language translator , master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Case Study Buying A Translation Company And Growing It To $4M/Year DEMAN Translations grew from 6 employees and 1.5 million euros in turnover in 2015 to 17 team members and 3.5 million euros in sales in 2020 after acquiring 12 other translation agencies, with a goal to reach 6 million euros this year and 10 million euros in 2022. $550K Monthly Revenue $1.25M Startup Costs 10 7.24K

7. Create an online course

Online course businesses are one of the fastest-growing online business models. Creating an online course is an awesome way to generate extra income because it allows you to monetize the knowledge you already have. More people are taking online courses every day, and the COVID pandemic has accelerated that, with some online learning platforms having seen 15-fold growth in the number of users .

Another advantage is that these new platforms are so easy to use for instructors that you don't have to worry at all about the tech side of the business. You just need to focus on creating exciting content that is informational & engaging at the same time.

Starting an online course allows you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with setting up a physical training facility, and it's a great way to reach as many people as possible.

How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Case Study How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management. $20K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 16 24.7K

8. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

9. Become a social media influencer

Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.

A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.

Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $601 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $2.5K/Month Blog About Motherhood, Life And Travel How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years. $3K Monthly Revenue 10 6.8K

10. Start an online fitness business

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $108,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $48K/Month Business With An Online Fitness Training Service This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth. $82K Monthly Revenue 12 24.5K

11. Start an event planning business

Event planners handle different tasks related to making the business a success. Some of the event planner’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting research
• Creating the event design
• Finding an ideal site
• Arranging for food, décor, and entertainment
• Planning logistics to and from the event
• Sending invitations
• Supervising at the site etc

The events industry has grown enormously in the past year. According to research, consumers’ appetite for outdoor events is rising and will not slow anytime soon. Therefore, setting up an outdoor event planning and management company can be lucrative.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $400,000/month

Case Study How I Started A $35K/Month Event Decor Business Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms. $35K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 6 16K

12. Start a tutoring business

Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income. If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website. Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Case Study How I Started A $15K/Month SAT Tutoring Business While In College A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020. $100K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 14 18.1K

13. Start an online language coaching business

The world has become more globalized. Businesses have become cross-border, and executives have to travel to meet new customers. One thing that is obvious is that there is a need for language translation services.

If you have proficiency in one or more foreign languages then you can consider working as a language coach.

Teaching a language online is intensive as you have to meet and communicate with the audience often, and check their progress. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn working online, consider starting online language lessons.

How much you can make: $240 — $13,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)

Case Study On Starting A Private German Lessons Online Service Marlena Jorn started Marlena Jorn Tutors in teaching German to a group of people privately; she learned through experience what worked best to design her class structure and advertising/marketing materials, and from word of mouth has gained a very successful response so far. $240 Monthly Revenue $300 Startup Costs 5 5.56K

14. Start a junk removal business

Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.

To begin, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $37,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $18K/Month Junk Removal Company Before Graduating From College 23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term. $25K Monthly Revenue $1.7K Startup Costs 13 48.3K

15. Build a home security system

Home security systems deter criminal activities and protect valuables. Homeowners install high-quality security systems so they can monitor their homes remotely. Besides, a modern home security system lowers homeowners’ insurance by up to 20%.

As homeowners prioritize protecting their investments, starting a home security systems business can be profitable. However, the profitability and success of home security systems depend on your approach. You can partner with a home security systems manufacturer as their distributor or technical expert. Alternatively, you can develop your line of security systems from scratch.

To start a home security business and become a successful business owner, you need a basic understanding of technology and electrical systems. With the proper knowledge, you can install the systems appropriately and earn recommendations from existing customers.

How much you can make: $70,000/month

Case Study How A Solution To My Own Problem Turned Into A $70K/Month Smart Home Security System Konnected founder Nate Clark shares how he developed an open-source solution to his own home security struggles, growing the business to generate an estimated $1 million in sales annually. $70K Monthly Revenue 8 10.5K

16. Become a cybersecurity blogger

Cyber attacks hit businesses and private systems daily. Highlights of the Check Point Cyber Security Report show that cyberattacks against corporate networks increased by 50% in the past year.

Therefore, IT professionals and all computer users are interested in understanding the changing cybersecurity landscape.

Are you a cybersecurity expert? Did you know you could earn a good income teaching others about cybersecurity matters? A cybersecurity blog features articles, surveys, research, and everything related to cybersecurity matters.

Cybersecurity is a vast, dynamic, and somehow overcrowded niche. To start a cybersecurity blog, identify a target audience and understand their pain points. Then, understand what your competitor's content your competition covers and focus on channeling better content.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Case Study My Security YouTube Channel Hit 100K Subscribers & Makes $25K/Month All Things Secured is a personal security and privacy brand with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, 160 written guides, and 110 videos that have reached 11 million people worldwide; the founder's goal is to make online security and privacy attainable to anyone regardless of their age or technical proficiency. $25K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 17 6.13K

17. Start a digital agency

A digital agency’s task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough knowledge and passion for digital marketing can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the proper skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset, you can start a successful digital agency.

The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020 . The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $43,700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

Case Study How I Started A $22K/Month One-Stop Shop Marketing Company For E-commerce Businesses Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture. $22K Monthly Revenue $400 Startup Costs 10 9.86K

18. Start a phone case business

With the number of mobile phone users increasing, there are opportunities for accessory makers such as phone case manufacturers to make a profit. Building a business around making and selling phone cases is relatively easier to produce. You can print labels on-demand, starting with a lower risk, or buy them in bulk and sell them online.

The global mobile phone protective cover market is expected to reach 75.62 billion in the next few years.

Phone protective covers often make a statement and reflect a person’s social and cultural preferences. Phone case manufacturers take advantage of such considerations and keep their products relevant and up-to-date to attract a more extensive customer base.

Remember, as with any industry with a low entry barrier, there will be competition. Therefore, you must study customers’ tastes and preferences and offer customized phone cases.

How much you can make: $120,000 — $125,000/month

Case Study How I Started And Grew A $50K/mo Phone Case Business Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year. $120K Monthly Revenue 14 27.1K

19. Start a supplements company

A supplement business makes money by selling dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods to customers.

These products are often sold directly to customers or through distributors and retailers.

Your target customers will likely include fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, wellness influencers, and those who prioritize their nutrition daily.

Starting a supplement brand is becoming increasingly popular because it's relatively inexpensive, and you can run the business from your home.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 245 days (?)

Case Study How An Active Duty Soldier Built $6M/Year Bare Performance Nutrition A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice. $3.5M Monthly Revenue $20K Startup Costs 22 38.9K

20. Start a marketing agency

Marketing agencies can be a great option for businesses looking to advertise in different ways. For businesses, hiring a marketing company can help them achieve success as they don't have to spend money on employees or needed equipment. Marketing agencies are not inexpensive and there are many different variables that come into play when deciding which one is the best fit for your business.

You want to start a marketing agency, but don't know where to begin. You're not alone, there are thousands of entrepreneurs across the globe that have the same ambition. Luckily for you, compiled a list of how other agencies were able to grow their agency and scale effectively.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $465,583,333/month

How long does it take to build: 51 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit. $16K Monthly Revenue 6 17K

21. Start a life coaching business

Life coaching has become an increasingly popular career choice. A life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.

Life coaching is a global industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015-2019 .

This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You'll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to start. Then, you can begin coaching part-time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.

How much you can make: $100 — $660,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

Case Study How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition. $10K Monthly Revenue 12 35.9K

22. Start a furniture business

The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.

The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.

The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $999,999/month

Case Study How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets. $6.5K Monthly Revenue 12 56.2K

23. Start a meal prep business

A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery to avoid customer disappointment.

A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.

Therefore, starting a meal preparation business can be a great way to earn extra monies.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $4,170,000/month

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

Case Study How We Started A Meal Prep Delivery Business And Did $1.8M In Sales Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service. $60K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 15 36.1K

24. Start a skin care product line

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

Case Study How Two Moms Started A Business Selling Homemade Body Butter Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure. $2K Monthly Revenue $10K Startup Costs 6 32.2K

25. Start a freelance writing business

Freelance writing can be a good career choice for professional writers for offering writing services to different clients via online platforms. Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

• Strong writing skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Stay on the cutting edge
• Be a self-starter
• Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
• Proper communication skills

How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $400 (?)

How long does it take to build: 53 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation. $125K Monthly Revenue 22 22.1K

26. Start a graphic design business

Graphic designers create logos, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials for companies and organizations. They also design websites and other digital content, including social media graphics.

Graphic designers may specialize in one type of design (such as print or web design), or they can be generalists who do everything from logo design to social media graphics.

Starting a graphic design business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It’s not easy, but if you’re passionate about design and want to make a living, starting your own graphic design business is a great way to go.

Consider a suitable pricing structure when starting a graphic design business. You may charge the customers per hour or fixed pricing based on the project’s nature.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 87 days (?)

Case Study How I Left My Job To Start A $9K/Month CAD Design Business A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income. $8K Monthly Revenue $15K Startup Costs 9 17.9K

27. Become a freelance app developer

A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.

To become a freelance app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.

Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $91,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

Case Study How I Started A $69K/Month Software Agency After A Failed Product Launch A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8. $91K Monthly Revenue 16 22.2K

28. Start a natural beauty product business

Natural beauty products include aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter. They contain no chemical or synthetic elements.

The global natural skin care products market size was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021 .

Thinking about launching a beauty product line? What’s holding you back? Check out our case studies below to see how others have done it!

How much you can make: $300 — $325,000/month

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

Case Study How A Mother Of Two Started A $5K/Month Skincare Business From Home A mother-of-two started a $5k/month skincare business after experimenting with beeswax and honey to create luxurious all-natural products, growing her business to attain over $7,500 in sales per month via multiple sales streams, including $4,000 per month at markets. $5K Monthly Revenue 13 23.4K

29. Start a bridal accessories store

Bridal accessories are a great way to help you complete your wedding day look. Bridal accessories are something similar that surrounds weddings in our society. Bridal accessories are all the rage nowadays. These pretty things create the perfect set of accessories for the bridal.

The Bridal Wear market in the USA is estimated at $26B in 2020 .

A bridal accessories store can provide you with high income and the ability to hire. Bridal occasions are exceptional and endure several phases. You could start a bridal accessories business with access to millions of customers from the first introduction until they get married.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

Case Study How I Built A Six Figure Business Bringing Asian Culture To The American Wedding Industry East Meets Dress, an e-commerce store that offers Chinese wedding dresses and traditional outfits, grew to a six-figure annual recurring revenue ($25k/month) in just one year by targeting Asian-American brides in the U.S and high school students looking to wear cheongsams to prom to celebrate their heritage. $50K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 7 18.1K

30. Start a home decor business

Are you a talented interior designer? Do you know you can turn your hobby into a side income opportunity? Home décor as a side hustle is a great opportunity to build a brand as you earn extra income. You first need to work on your portfolio to launch a successful home décor side hustle.

The portfolio communicates to your potential customers your potential when it comes to home décor. You may use your home as an example or request a friend for an opportunity to do their home décor as a sample for your portfolio. Once you have a portfolio, market your business, and remember to include photos from your previous gigs to increase the chances of closing a sale.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $415,000/month

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $8K/Month Home Organizing Service Less is More Organizing Services, founded by Sarah Giller Nelson, is a home organizing service that operates in two states, serving an average of 95 households per year with an 85% repeat customer rate, offering services by the hour with a 4-hour minimum, and using a guided decluttering process to help customers achieve their goals. $8K Monthly Revenue $2K Startup Costs 7 15.8K

31. Start a dating coaching business

A dating coach offers training and guidance to improve the client's success in dating and relationships.

The dating coach evaluates the results of the client's actions and decides what changes to make to the client's dating approach to improve the outcome. Besides, dating coaches offer guidance and support, helping clients negotiate the often confusing first stages of their early romantic experiences.

Dating coaches have been around for years. A more recent trend is dating coaches who help people with conditions like autism overcome their situations and begin dating people they love. Do you love helping people achieve their dating goals? You can start a dating coach service today!

To start, identify a niche and create a website, to help you reach more people. You can target teenagers, divorced people, or older adults and help them through their dating life.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $683,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

Case Study How I Started A Business Where I Plan Romantic Date Nights For Couples Meet Ta'Veca Collins, founder of Romance On The Go, a concierge service that promotes romance and intimacy; since becoming a preferred vendor for The W Hotel Fort Lauderdale, their gross income has increased to around $3,200.00 monthly, and they are currently expanding their team to meet the demands of new partnered hotels. $3.5K Monthly Revenue 5 21.8K

32. Start a 3D Printing Business

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, makes it possible to produce a physical item by assembling a material layer by layer.

If you love creating stuff, then a 3D printing business may be for you.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education. $330K Monthly Revenue $65K Startup Costs 12 28.6K

33. Start a travel-planning app business

In the past, arranging trips on your own was a challenge only a few people could take on. Travel agents were on the rise at the time and handled everything from hotel reservations to ticket booking and traveler's itineraries.

Today, travel agents are at the risk of becoming obsolete as more travelers embrace the online travel trend. According to research, the online travel booking service will experience a compound annual growth rate of 9.0% in the coming years.

Therefore, starting an online travel-planning app business can be a profitable venture. Some potential opportunities include:

• Travel itinerary planning apps
• Travel booking apps
• Location-tracking apps
• Language translation apps

The travel-planning apps should provide users with instant availability of information, a one-stop platform, & simplify transactions,

How much you can make: $22,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

Case Study How I Launched A $5K/Month Website About Tourist Visas And Got 150K Users In The First Month Visa List is a successful micro start-up that provides one-stop visa information for travellers, earning $5000/month on average with 350K monthly active users and has helped over 2 million users with their visa requirements, all starting from a personal frustration with visa processes. $22K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 10 14.7K

34. Become a solar consultant

Solar consultants help explain renewable energy systems and resources available to potential customers.

Solar consultants often travel to different sites to evaluate power needs and provide cost estimates to homeowners and businesses willing to install solar energy systems.

To become a solar consultant, you need basic education and experience with solar systems. Since the solar industry is evolving very fast, you must be able to study new systems and understand the latest developments in this industry.

How much you can make: $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Case Study Our Solar Installation Business Just Hit $24M/Year Solar Energy Partners, a solar-focused company founded by Alex K Williams, has achieved more than 400% growth since inception, and is expanding into new markets while offering best customer service and training programs. $2M Monthly Revenue $100K Startup Costs 6 3.74K

35. Dog Transportation Business

Dog transportation businesses are yet another thriving and profitable business that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a pet-related business should consider starting.

These types of businesses transport dogs from one place to another, usually within a country or from one country to another. If you're interested in this kind of business, then you should consider getting into the pet transportation business.

According to internal statistics, the average dog transporter clears between $8,000 and $10,000 per month .

36. Start a metal scraping business

Metal scrapping refers to the recovery and processing of recyclable metal materials. Metal scrappers collect end-of-life products and structures and refine or sell them to metal product manufacturing and fabrication companies, where the scraps are reintroduced as raw materials.

To start a metal scrapping business, find out the possible sources of scrap metal and ensure you understand the legal and tax issues concerning operating the business. Spot a location where you will get a deal for your scrap metal business, and start collecting the scrap metals.

37. Become a drywall installer

Drywall installers work in specialty construction. They measure, cut, and fasten the drywall panels on the interior walls of residential and commercial properties. To become a drywall installer, you must complete a three-to-four-year apprenticeship program and possess a certificate. Their professional skills include moving heavy loads and performing physical tasks.

You can work under a certified and registered contractor, or start your own drywall installation business, so long as you have enough years of experience working as a junior drywall installer.

How much you can make: $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Case Study I Run A Family Plumbing Business That Makes $40K/Month A second-generation family-owned plumbing and leak detection business shares their success in obtaining repeat business through word of mouth referrals, staying true to their core principles, and using cutting-edge technology to provide top-notch service to clients. $40K Monthly Revenue $7K Startup Costs 5 2.84K

38. Create an order fulfillment software

The order fulfillment software integrates with the sales channels, making shipping and fulfillment stress-free, so businesses focus on scalable growth. To build your order fulfillment software, research what’s available in the market today, identify gaps, engage target customers on features they need most, and create unique software.

How much you can make: $25,000,000/month

Case Study How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019. $25M Monthly Revenue 17 14.9K

39. Start an interior landscaping business

Interior landscaping is the practice of designing, installing, and maintaining greenery and biophilic elements inside buildings.

Commercial and residential property owners are embracing interior landscaping at a higher rate than ever before. Interior landscaping offers an opportunity to replicate the beauty and environmental benefits previously associated with the outdoors.

If you enjoy home improvement and interior décor, consider starting an interior landscaping business.

40. Start a healthy food processing business

With the growing preference for healthy and functional food, starting a healthy food processing plant can be rewarding.

The advancements in the food processing industry, innovation in processing technology, and continuous growth in demand for processed food are some excellent reasons to consider opening a healthy food processing business.

To start a healthy food processing plant, find out a market gap, and research the demand. Understand customers changing tastes and focus on offering the best throughout.

How much you can make: $52,944/month

Case Study How I Healed My Injury With Bone Broth And Bootstrapped A $540K/Year Business Bluebird Provisions Bone Broth is North America's fastest-growing bone broth brand, doing 49,000 per month and growing 50% YoY, with 5000% growth in customer base since starting, thanks to an SEO-focused strategy, email marketing, referrals, and Amazon. $52.9K Monthly Revenue $30K Startup Costs 8 2.6K

41. Start a waste recycling business

If you have a passion for saving the planet and going green, starting a waste recycling business may be the right route for you to take. Waste recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be trashed and processing them into new products.

Starting a waste recycling business is not only profitable, but it can also benefit the community and the environment. To start a waste recycling business, research the industry and determine the costs involved. Then, register the business and equip your waste recycling facility.

How much you can make: $230,000 — $37,000,000/month

Case Study How I Started A $41K/Month Residential Waste Removal Service This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020. $230K Monthly Revenue $150K Startup Costs 8 13.6K

42. Start a typing speed testing business

Typing speed is an excellent skill that can increase marketability and job opportunities. Some of the jobs requiring a high typing speed include:

• Data entry clerks
• Copy editing
• Medical transcriptionist
• Court reporter
• Administrative assistants
• Freelance writing

Employers within these industries use a typing speed program to evaluate the potential candidates, so they can reach a hiring decision. Therefore, if you have program development skills, you may consider creating a typing speed-testing tool.

Your target customers could be people preparing for typing jobs and employers who want to ascertain whether potential candidates have the required typing skills.

43. Start a shipping business

The shipping business is an exciting and dynamic way to earn a living, and it’s a perfect opportunity for those looking for a change of pace from the typical 9-5 office job. This business entails transporting goods and cargo from one place to another. It can involve everything from small packages and envelopes to large freight containers and pallets.

To run a successful shipping business, you should keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, it’s essential to establish a good working relationship with your clients. You need to be reliable, punctual and have excellent communication skills. This will ensure that your clients come back to you time and time again.

Another tip for shipping business success is investing in high-quality equipment and vehicles. This could include a variety of trucks, trailers, and cargo containers. The right equipment is essential to ensure that your cargo arrives safely and on time.

Lastly, it’s essential to be well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry. This could include understanding the different regulations and laws that apply to shipping and staying up-to-date with new developments in the field. Being informed and knowledgeable about the industry will give you an edge over competitors.

Overall, the shipping business is an excellent opportunity for those who want to be their boss and take control of their career. With hard work, dedication, and a little know-how, you can make your shipping business a booming success.

How much you can make: $65,000 — $2,400,000/month

Case Study How I Started A $100K/Month Logistics And Delivery Service Company How a logistics company grew its revenue over 300% in 2 years, starting with just 2 vans and 25k+ square feet of warehouse space, and focused on relationships, efficiency, and building trust with its customers. $150K Monthly Revenue 11 11.5K

44. Become a freelance web developer

Are you passionate about technology and looking for a way to earn extra income while working on your terms? How about becoming a freelance web developer? Firstly, web development is a highly sought-after skill in every industry. Secondly, the pay rate is higher than freelance writers, and freelance graphic designers earn. As a freelance web developer, you put yourself in a high-value proposition. However, it would be best to learn languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript to get started. Find a niche and start building anything and everything. Create a personal brand and build up your portfolio.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $148,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

Case Study How I Started A $750K/Year Web Development Agency Cantilever Web Design and Development, with clients including IBM and small businesses, reached a revenue of over $750k last year with a gross margin of 50% by prioritizing Digital Hospitality, fostering high-quality relationships, and constantly improving their process and philosophy. $148K Monthly Revenue $10K Startup Costs 16 40.1K

45. Start a recruiting business

A recruiting business is a service and advice-based business that helps companies and organizations find the right candidates for their jobs. These businesses usually serve as a medium between the two entities to create a win-win situation. The job seeker can get the job of their dreams, while the business entity can get a fit candidate for the job.

Recruiting is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Over the past ten years, businesses are struggling to find quality employees and candidates are searching for more opportunities. If you know this, then you have everything you need to make money fast with recruiting.

Starting a recruiting business from scratch is easier than you think. You can have your own staffing agency in just a few weeks and start making a great income while working less.

How much you can make: $100 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

Case Study Making $15K/Month Connecting Interns With Companies Looking For Talent Techintern.io connects startups and tech companies with the best software developer students at colleges across North America and has achieved #1 Product of the Day and #2 Product of the Week on Product Hunt, making $15,000 per month. $15K Monthly Revenue $40K Startup Costs 9 7.32K

46. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

According to a PWC report, more than 80% of companies now have a chief information security officer (CISO) on the management staff. This trend indicates that organizations are becoming aware of cyber threats, and they are taking steps to prevent attacks. CISOs are senior-level executives who ensure that an organization's cyber security plan is aligned with its vision, operations, and technology. They work closely with staff members to identify risks and devise ways to mitigate them without causing disruptions. They also manage security policies within the organization.

The average salary for a Chief Information Security Officer in the United States is $234,025 .

47. Start a business plan writing business

Another business idea you can start is helping entrepreneurs write business plans. You can create a subreddit community targeting people looking to start a new business and educate them on the importance of writing a business plan when starting a new business.

How much you can make: $42,857/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Case Study How We Started A $514K/Year Content Curation Agency With Just $35 [From India] Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market. $42.9K Monthly Revenue $35 Startup Costs 5 4K

48. Start a dating app

A mobile dating app is one of the most popular mobile-only businesses for creating an ecosystem and generating revenue. But, with the help of a robust development team, you can surpass all your competitors and create a sleeker end product than anyone else in this market.

Dating apps have made their way into an industry that was gaining enough traction. The online Dating Market size was valued at $7.35B in 2020 and is projected to reach $10.87B by 2028.

How much you can make: $11,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 579 days (?)

Case Study Bumble: Whitney Wolfe : How I Built This with Guy Raz How Whitney Wolfe, co-founder of Tinder, built dating app Bumble - where women make the first move - with close to 30 million downloads, after leaving Tinder alleging sexual harassment. $11.3M Monthly Revenue 6 450

49. Start an internet infrastructure business

Internet infrastructure is a collective term referring to all hardware and software systems that constitute essential components in internet operation. Common internet infrastructure includes routers, switches, hubs, bridges, gateways, load balancers, and servers.

The internet has become a critical component of every business we transact today. Its adoption is expected to continue multiplying. The new connections will require additional internet infrastructure, a trend that will create business opportunities.

Telecommunications companies have provided the infrastructure to allow data flow around the planet. Private entrepreneurs are also chipping in to help meet the demand for internet connectivity and deliver an excellent user experience.

Experts predict the network infrastructure segment will reach $191.8 billion . The largest subsegment will be the Service Provider Network Infrastructure. Therefore, starting an internet infrastructure company could be your next great business opportunity.

How much you can make: $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)

Case Study On Building The Next Generation Communication And Energy Network Infrastructure KelTech IoT founder Mark Kellett shares insights on building a next-generation energy and infrastructure company bridging the energy and telecoms gap by creating more efficient and sustainable solutions as network demands increase in the age of IoT, with projected revenues expected to be greater than $100M after 5 years. $150K Monthly Revenue $2M Startup Costs 4 2.66K

50. Start a Long Haul Trucking Business

Long haul trucking is one of the sectors contributing significantly to economic growth. Besides, with the modern marketplaces, consumers depend on long-haul truckers to bridge the gap between them and favorite suppliers across the globe.

Thus, if you have a passion for starting a business that focuses on trucking, a long-haul trucking business would fulfill your dream.

Before investing in a long-haul truck, study the market and identify the business opportunities that will be most pleasing to you. Then, buy or lease a suitable long-haul truck and focus on doing what it takes to keep your business profitable while satisfying your customers.

51. Start a travel company

Travel companies sell transportation, lodging, plan trips, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups.

If you love traveling, you can start a company that organizes trips for different people. Choose a niche and ensure travel packages that suit them best.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $114,200,000/month

Case Study How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic. $300K Monthly Revenue $5K Startup Costs 16 9.56K

52. Start a recycling farm waste business

Farm waste is produced as a result of various agricultural operations. The farm waste can include manure, harvest waste, fertilizer from fields, pesticides, etc.

Recycled farm waste can be turned into energy, fertilizer, molecules, and other materials that benefit economic and environmental sustainability.

53. Start a drug testing business

Drug testing examines illegal or prescription drugs in urine, saliva, hair, or sweat. The purpose of drug tests is to look for drug abuse or misuse.

The drug testing profession is highly in demand at ports of entry and exit and the sporting sector. A drug testing business can be a lucrative business opportunity. You will need a fully equipped laboratory and an elaborate business marketing plan to reach the relevant customers.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

Case Study Turning $8k into a $30k/mo Drug and Alcohol Testing Business This case study showcases how an entrepreneur identified a gap in the market and built a successful business that generates $30k per month, by saving employers time and money on employee drug testing. $100K Monthly Revenue 10 1.3K

54. Start a personal styling business

A personal stylist advises individuals on aesthetic choices such as new fashion trends, clothing styles, colors, and make-up. To become a personal stylist, you must have a detailed style portfolio, a qualification in fashion, make-up, or a related discipline. Prior experience in the fashion industry will be an added advantage.

How much you can make: $150 — $5,934/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 21 days (?)

Case Study Spotify For Clothes: How I Launched A Business Helping Guys Discover New Clothing On Brand founder Brian McEuen curates personalized selections of clothing for men online, sending emails to individual users without duplicate products, with 75 current users and an annualized revenue run rate of $1800. $150 Monthly Revenue $1.2K Startup Costs 5 2.87K

55. Start a tourist guide business

There's no denying the profitability of a tourism business. If you know the state and cities well, starting a tour guide business can be a very lucrative idea. All you need is a license, and you can soon start working as a tour guide.

Listed are the steps on how to start a tour guide business.

• Register your tour guide name business
• Obtain necessary licenses
• Open a bank account for business transactions
• Organize your business operations
• Start to promote and get clients

How much you can make: $200 — $8,110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

Case Study How We Built A No-Code Map Builder [400 Users In The First 3 Months] No Code Map App is a no code builder that allows businesses to create custom interactive maps with dynamic filters automatically based on their dataset, generating >$400 in the first full month of monetization. $200 Monthly Revenue $200 Startup Costs 8 3.88K

56. Start a mobile phone repair kiosk

A cellphone repair kiosk is a low-startup cost business; hence easy to start. However, the profit margins may be low as you start the business, but they increase over time as you become well-known and successful.

To start a mobile phone repair kiosk, find streets with high foot traffic, and open a store. Advertise your business widely to get more foot traffic to your shop.

57. Start a roof repair business

Roof repair and replacement services remain in demand among homeowners and commercial property owners. The need for roof repair services is often because of storms and old roofs that become leaky, requiring immediate replacement.

If you want a home improvement business opportunity, consider starting a roof repair business. To start the roof repair business, you need to be a registered professional roofer, equipped with the right roofing tools, and have the skills to re-design and re-roof properties.

Register your business and acquire the necessary licenses to start marketing the roof repair services.

58. Start an aviation maintenance and repair business

Mid-sized airlines are outsourcing repairs and routine maintenance services to specialty shops, a trend set to increase rapidly. Thus, starting an airline repair and maintenance service can be rewarding if you are an aviation engineer or are interested in the business. Services of an airline repair company include inspection, general maintenance, and repair to ensure the aircraft is operational and safe.

To start an airplane repair and maintenance business, you may target private or commercial airlines looking to outsource the repair and maintenance service. If you do not have the necessary skills, you may employ skilled and experienced aeronautical engineers, look for customers, and focus on growing your business.

59. Start a drone repair business

The drone industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 28.58% over the next few years, reaching $47.38 billion. As drone usage is poised to go mainstream in many sectors, starting a drone repair business can be rewarding.

However, the drone repair business is capital intensive, so you will need huge capital to run a successful business. To start a successful drone repair business, research the market and decide the best niche to focus on.

60. Start a drain repair service

Over time, drain pipes at commercial and residences will become clogged and require regular servicing to keep the dirty water flowing. When it comes to the efficiency of drainpipes, residential and commercial property owners want to hire a reliable plumber.

To become a drain pipe specialist, you need at least a high school diploma or GED. To gain a higher skill level, you may take a degree course before joining a company for an internship to gain the necessary plumbing experience.

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How to Come up with Hundreds of Business Ideas

This article is part of our Business Startup Guide —a curated list of our articles that will get you up and running in no time! It’s also part of our Bplans guide to coming up with a great idea .

For some people, coming up with ideas is as easy as spotting chewing gum on the sidewalk. For others, it’s nearly impossible.

For me, new idea generation isn’t just easy, it’s something I’m doing all the time and often without trying. I do not believe this is an innate ability, but rather a “skill” that I’ve learned and practiced over the entire course of my life.

While this “learning” has primarily been subconscious, as I’ve run into more and more people who struggle to come up with new ideas, I’ve made an effort to become conscious of how I do it and where I do it best. The fact that research on the subjects of creativity and innovation has become so popular certainly helps too.

I fully believe that anyone who puts in enough practice and who makes a conscious effort to notice problems and identify needs can improve their ability to come up with new ideas.

A brief bit of science before we dive into how to come up with ideas:

Good ideas are networks

The brain is largely composed of neurons—about 100 billion of them . Connected together, they form a nervous system that is capable of making decisions, sensing surroundings, and issuing commands to our body.

How we think, what we think, and what we’re capable of, are largely a consequence of the connections these neurons have made with one another.

Every feeling, every thought, every memory, and every sensation you have is a direct result of the signals that pass between the neurons in your brain.

In fact, something particularly interesting about the human brain is its ability to rewire these connections and to make new connections, regardless of age. Neuroscientists refer to this property as “ plasticity .” And, the more experiences we have and the more changes in behavior or environment that we experience, the more plastic the brain becomes, or, the more capable of making new connections and rewiring old connections.

This is why, in our older years when most of us do less and use our brains less, we have a harder time remembering information and controlling bodily actions. Our brain has not stopped being plastic, but has simply fallen out of the habit of making new connections.

A similar difference exists for those in the habit of generating new ideas and those who aren’t. The more practice you get doing it, the better your brain will become at creating new connections. Simply put, the more active you keep your brain , the easier you will find it to come up with new, good ideas!

The perfect state of mind for idea creation

Steve Johnson, the author of “ Where Good Ideas Come From ,” has spent years researching and writing about this subject.

He believes that you are more likely to develop great ideas when:

• You explore and experiment in different areas
• You allow your idea to develop slowly, over time
• You are exploring and open to the idea of serendipitous connections
• You make mistakes
• You look for new uses for old inventions
• You build on platforms that have come before

If you read his book, it will become obvious fairly quickly that the environments you spend time in contribute to or detract from your ability to ideate.

“In order to create new connections, you need to place yourself in environments that actually mimic the neural networks of a mind exploring the boundaries of the adjacent possible.” – Steve Johnson

When humans first organized themselves into dense settlements, innovation soared.

With the invention of agriculture, for the first time, humans began forming settled groups that numbered in the thousands. This meant that more connections with more people were possible and that a good idea could quickly spill over and take root in others’ minds.

If you keep this in mind as you work, live, and experiment, you’ll quickly realize that it’s a lot easier to come up with new ideas when you’ve got an influx of ideas coming your way in the first place. This doesn’t have to happen in a city, a university, or an environment full of people; it can just as easily happen if you’re interacting with ideas from many people online, in books, and across other modes of communication. The key is “connectedness.”

With this in mind, let’s move on to how you can actually go about coming up with business ideas.

1. Business ideas that solve problems

The easiest way to come up with business ideas is to solve the problems you have. The second easiest is to solve problems others have. These don’t have to be big solutions like Google search or Amazon—they could be much smaller.

One company that solves a big problem I have, thanks to owning cats that use the litter box a lot, is Fresh Step . Fresh Step has created a line of “scoopable” cat litter, which means that when the cat does its business, the litter clumps together and I can scoop it out no problem. Ultimately, it means I have to change the sand less often and that cleaning up is a lot easier.

Another of my favorite products that solves a problem for me are my Bose headphones (mind you, I don’t have this fancy version). That’s because they’re fitted with noise-canceling technology. This means a lot when you’re working in a busy office, or when you’re taking public transport. Hello world, goodbye world. You literally have to be tapped on the shoulder to hear people coming. When I first tried these headphones on, I felt like I was underwater. Today, they’re a necessity.

Many of the products you have become used to using were actually invented to solve a problem, including Thermoflasks to keep drinks and food warm, sunglasses to protect from the glare, security alarms to alert you that someone has broken in, fire hydrants to put out a fire before the whole place goes up, toothbrushes to keep your teeth clean, and dental floss to fish out unwanted food. The list is literally endless.

All you have to do is get good at identifying problems

Once you’ve realized that each of your own frustrations is actually an idea in the making, you’re actually going to start having fun!

One of the frustrations that I wish there was a product for is something you probably think is too obvious—a jewelry stand. Because I have so much jewelry, I have to stick thumbtacks in the wall to hold it all up. There is no stand that I have seen on the market to solve my problem—only small stands for a time long past when people bought fewer but more expensive items.

Today, I’d almost describe fashion as “disposable.” You buy something, you wear it a few times and set it aside, partly because things like costume jewelry have become so cheap. Because this is true, people that enjoy jewelry accrue a lot of it and, as you can see in the picture below, don’t have a place to put it.

My problem? Too much jewelry and no stand to fit it all.

Another good example of a company that has come with a business idea by solving a problem is U.K. car insurance company  ingenie.

For many young drivers, the cost of insurance just isn’t affordable. Ingenie has taken a rather clever approach to solve this problem. They’ve created a small black box that you fit into your car. As you drive, the box monitors your driving style, including things like braking, speed, acceleration, turns, and so on. Every 10 days, the box assigns you a score out of 100. The higher your score, the bigger the discount you’ll receive on your insurance policy come the three month review period.

Ingenie claims to help customers (often students) save up to 50 percent of what they would otherwise be paying. And, there’s the added bonus of encouraging people to drive better. Very clever.

I’ll leave you with one last example: consider  GoPro , the camera company that got started in 2002. Founder Nick Woodman had recently been on a surfing trip to Indonesia, and was unable to find amateur photographers who could get close enough to get good action-shot pictures of him surfing, or who could obtain quality equipment at an affordable price.

The solution to the problem? The GoPro camera—a wide-angle lens HD camera capable of taking excellent video and good action shots, and which could go where other affordable cameras couldn’t. Snap one into a case and you can literally do anything with it, from scuba diving and extreme mountain biking to flying (and crashing) a model airplane.

Footage shot by a GoPro camera attached to a model airplane in Derbyshire, England.

As you go about your daily tasks, be they at home or work, try to get in the mindset of noticing the things that frustrate you.

If you’ve been in a particular industry for a while, you may have good insight into this, as there may be things that have been a problem for a long time. This is why venture capitalists like Boris Wertz see value in investing in those that have a lot of experience in the market they’re pitching their idea for. He calls it “ the secret of the market .” It’s this secret, or those problems, that you have to identify.

For me, sitting at work, it’s having to stay at my desk—because that’s the only place I have two monitors—that irks me. A lot of the time, I need to leave my desk to do writing in a quieter area. But, without a second screen, writing and research don’t go hand in hand. I like to have my research up on the one screen and do my writing on the other. Moving away from my desk is always a sacrifice. The solution to this problem would, of course, be a laptop with two screens—now, who is willing to help me start the company?

Even if you work for someone else, try to get into the habit of finding the pain points. It baffles me when companies have products that their own employees don’t use. Palo Alto Software, for example, uses their own product,  LivePlan , to manage and keep track of key business metrics. If they didn’t do this, they wouldn’t fully understand a user’s pain points, or know if problems needed fixing. 

Once you get into the habit of finding problems, you’ll probably start to enjoy it. Remember, every problem is an opportunity for a new product, service, or company, especially if it’s a problem many others have too .

2. Solve things that may become problems

Solving problems that you currently have is not the only way to come up with new ideas. Why not think of solving problems that will exist, but don’t yet?

In this very futuristic sense, no one stands out quite so well here as Elon Musk. The ventures he undertakes, including Solar City and Tesla Motors, may make some scoff, but lack of fossil fuels will become a problem in the near future, and Elon is taking steps to fix that before it happens. This gives him the time to innovate, as he’s first in and it gives him market share. Good luck to others catching up!

If you think there’s not yet a market for your idea, you may just be able to create one by appealing to those that, like you, believe it will be a problem in the future.

At present, there are numerous potential problems with obvious solutions, including desalination plants for California, a state that is quickly drying up and running out of water, preventative medication for diseases that could become problems (like ebola), makeup and accessories to protect privacy when face recognition software really takes off, and breeding programs or nature reserves for animals that will become extinct without help.

3. Adapt to evolving needs

Physiological needs stay the same—the need for food, shelter, and water. Emotional needs tend to stand the same—often based on envy, greed, pride, and so on. What doesn’t stay the same are the products and services it takes to fulfill these needs.

The easiest products to market are also products that fulfill a real or contemporary need.

An example of a service that is everywhere now is cloud storage. You don’t hear as much these days about the growing CD or SD card market. You can still get them, but it’s increasingly easy to store everything online.

It’s a result of our very contemporary need to have access to our data, information, photos, music, and so on, no matter what device we’re on. Google sells cloud storage, as does Dropbox, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and a host of private companies that do as well.

4. Save people money

Yet another great way to come up with ideas is to think about saving people money. I buy 23-watt, energy-saving light bulbs because they’re affordable, not because they last for years and are actually the equivalent of a 100-watt lightbulb, though that’s an obvious bonus too.

I also continue filling my car with ARCO gas because it’s cheaper than Chevron and Shell, even though they’re owned by BP who was responsible for the horrible Gulf spill.

And, even though I am desperate for real-life bookstores not to vanish as a consequence of sites like Amazon, I still prefer to buy my books on Amazon because it saves me a lot of money. Were it up to me, I’d own a Tesla, I’d only buy books from independent bookstores, and I’d buy all my food at local farmers markets.

The truth is, unless you’re earning hundreds of thousands of dollars, pounds, or euros, it’s still a luxury to be able to make more “moral decisions” to buy from and support better companies and people. 

This is why, if you can figure out how to save people money, you’ll have a good business idea, new or not. Have a look at some of our money saving tips for further information on this topic.

5. Make people’s lives easier

A coffee machine with a timer that ensures there’s hot coffee when you wake; a central vacuum cleaning system that means only carrying a hose and brush around the house rather than the full unit; a smart thermostat like Nest that can figure out how to save you energy; shopping baskets placed at convenient intervals in the store in case you decide you want to purchase more than what your arms can hold—the list goes on and on.

Remember, coming up with business ideas doesn’t mean you have to focus on inventing new products or services. In fact, you could just as easily adapt an existing service or introduce a new benefit that makes peoples’ lives easier.

Kohls is one company that I return to time and time again because they’ve got a lifetime return policy. Even if you’ve lost your box and your receipt, they will take back a product and replace or refund it—your choice. Not only does this make me feel good about the company, but it keeps me coming back, despite the fact that their prices have obviously been marked up to account for this benefit. In short, it makes my life easy.

When I moved to Eugene, Oregon, I bought my microwave, kettle, toaster, and vacuum cleaner from Kohls, knowing that when they packed in, as electronics always do, I can take them back even if that’s in four years time when I’m guaranteed to have lost or thrown out my receipt.

There are always small ways you could be making things easier for yourself or for others. In fact, if you think about doing this on an ongoing basis, you may find you’re also able to release new products that are simply a version of the old product that makes someone’s life easier in some small way. The Garmin Nuvi is a step up on GPS predecessors that did not include live traffic updates. This small addition makes the product so much more useful and helpful. The Waze app takes it a step further—you only need your phone to get those real, drive-time traffic updates and reroutes. No separate GPS required.

Can you think of something—an action, product, service, or chore that could be adapted to make your life easier?

My Salomon trail running shoes do exactly this. Instead of normal laces, they have pull laces, which means they don’t come undone when I’m running. They don’t fit as well as my Asics, do but they mean I stop a lot less because for some reason tying laces has never been my strong point.

Start looking at the things around you and asking, how could this be easier? How could it be more intuitive, less stressful, and in general more pleasant to use? You may find that even the tiniest change will create something incredibly popular. The book, “ The Design of Everyday Things ,” can be a great starting point—check it out.

6. Make chores or things that feel like tasks less unpleasant

In the online world, marketers and developers often look to “gamifying” software in order to make using it feel less onerous. That is, they come up with small ways to reward you for taking an action.

When I go running, I use the Strava app on my phone to track my distance and my average speed. Each time I beat a previous record, Strava gives me a trophy or some other small acknowledgment that makes me feel I’ve achieved something. Occasionally, this will push me to go a little bit farther, as once I’ve got into the habit of receiving trophy icons, it’s very difficult to do a run and not get one! The point is, it makes my run a little more fun.

What do you hate doing? How could you make it more enjoyable? Personally, I need someone to make hanging my clothes less of a pain, to make drinking water feel less like a “to do,” and to take all my bills and pay them for me. Know of any solutions?

7. Turn a hobby or something you’re passionate about into a business

For those of you already actively making or doing something, this may be an obvious next step. Or, if you’ve been doing something on a regular basis and find yourself good at it but don’t think of it as a hobby, perhaps you should think about how it could be a business.

Things that I do on a regular basis that could potentially be turned into business ideas include glass painting, writing, researching, jewelry making, fixing jewelry, illuminated lettering, social media training, and so on. Everyone has things they do on a regular or semi-regular basis. If you’re good at any of these things and are looking for business ideas, you just might want to think about turning your hobby into a business .

My sister’s boyfriend, Alex Alotte , is doing just this. When he worked as a bartender in the San Francisco bay area, he wanted to be able to use the best tools possible, not just because a craftsman’s tools are his pride, but also because they’re an important part of your image.

Alex catered for a number of reputable clients and companies, so this last part was especially important. Unfortunately, there weren’t a whole lot of quality muddlers on the market that he could choose from. Most were plastic, or they were made using boring wood, or they were poorly shaped, poorly finished—you name it. So, when a relative who was enrolled in a high school wood­ shop course heard about Alex’s hunt for the “perfect muddler,” he suggested Alex make one himself.

Given that he enjoyed using his hands and already felt he needed a hobby, Alex decided to make his own muddlers or to make, in his words, “high quality, beautiful, wooden muddlers that verge on art!”

He purchased a lathe and all manner of other tools and set to work. The result is a product that resembles a small bat or large pestle, which, when used by a bartender, serves a similar purpose to a pestle, grinding, mashing, or crushing herbs, sugars, fruits, and ice. Mojitos are made using muddlers, but hardly ever using ones like Alex has created, out of beautifully-figured wood.

While Alex is still refining his product, he’s already sold one of his “art” muddlers for 50 dollars. The next step will be setting up an online store and figuring out how to make this a full-time business.

Alex Alotte’s handmade muddlers.

If you find the idea of starting a business intimidating, start with something you know. This way, it might not feel like a business and you’ll enjoy the process as you go.

Be sure to think carefully about how you’ll feel if things do work out, however. You may find things suddenly become less enjoyable as you’ve got to start doing your hobby to meet customer demands or to pay the bills. Or, you might just need a new hobby!

8. Fulfill a need

Take any of the human needs on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and think of the products and services created to meet these needs. Then, build on those.

Consider: As humans, we have a constant need to hydrate ourselves. If we did not drink water, we’d die. As such, we’ve had plumbing built into our houses and into all of the buildings we work in and visit.

But, despite being able to pop in almost anywhere to drink water for free, companies have come up with additional ways to meet this need. They’ve provided solutions for water on the go. They’ve provided solutions for flavored water on the go, for “vitamin” water, even CBD-infused water in some areas.

Move up to the love/belonging level on Maslow’s pyramid, and you get companies like Facebook that allow a user to feel a sense of connection with friends and family.

Move up another level to esteem and you get the likes of Tony Robbins with books and tapes on how to achieve your dreams, improve your self-confidence, and become the best.

It might feel a little manipulative looking at things this way, but many of the products you use already bear reference to these needs, including the toilet paper you buy (physiological), the locks you have on your door and the pepper spray you carry (safety), the birthday card you buy for your friend (love/belonging), the feedback you seek via recommendations on LinkedIn (esteem) and the tools and situations (like the Peace Corps) that allow you to practice your creativity, morality, or problem-solving skills (self-actualization).

9. Appeal to a base emotion

What makes you angry? What makes you happy? What makes you jealous?

Author and renowned copywriter  Andy Maslen phrases appealing to base emotions a little differently; he says, exploit a base emotion. 

Think of it as you will (positive or negative), but fundamentally, Andy is right. According to him, humans often make decisions based on one of seven emotions.

These emotions are more popularly known as the seven deadly sins:

• Anger (wrath)

When you consider some of the services and products available to us today, you’ll quickly realize how many of them were invented to appeal to or take advantage of these emotions. Take beauty salons as an obvious example; how many people really need their nails buffed or their legs waxed to survive?

The fact is, that as a society, we have taken evolutionary reactions a step further. Where cleaning hair may previously have been an action we took in order to attract a mate and look better than the competition, today we’ve taken it to the extreme.

Now, rather than simply having products that get the job done, we have products that build on and create new needs, like salt spray to add volume to hair, hairspray to hold a style, dry shampoo for when you don’t have time to shower. Companies are able to sell these products because they’re still able to exploit our base needs.

I have very fine hair, so salt spray and volumizing shampoo is an easy sell. Oil, not so much—however, for my friends with really thick, bushy hair, oils are the easy sell. All of this is exploiting our pride. After all, none of these products are really necessary.

Take a look at those seven deadly sins and see if you can think of how products and services you use on a regular basis are exploiting those needs. Perhaps you’ll even start picking up on how advertisers do the same!

10. Experience more

It’s true that the more you do and the more you experience, the more material you will have at your disposal to be able to create new ideas or stitch together seemingly disparate ideas.

In fact, Bill Gates believes so strongly in the power of serendipity in order to come up with new ideas, that he frequently allots time to read books on a number of different subjects in a short amount of time.

Nirmalya Kumar, professor of marketing at the London Business School, knows how important it is to be curious and to look outside of your own business or industry in order to come up with new ideas.

In this video interview below, he says that if he did not read broadly and try to find connections, he would always feel he was going to write or say the same thing as everyone else. Primarily reading outside of business helps him come up with new ideas and draw new correlations between topics.

According to Nirmalya, “Intelligence and raw knowledge are overrated. It’s more important to have diverse interests.”

His discussion with interviewer Matt Symonds is so interesting; I encourage you to watch it if you have the time.

The other simple things you can do to make coming up with ideas easier is to simply do more. This is how I come up with new topics to write about, new case studies or people to mention, and new things to say. If I didn’t do this, I’d be limited to those things I know. Doing things and reading things that differ from my “usual” activities hopefully gives me more interesting stories to share!

11. Steal others’ ideas

There is no shame in this. In fact, most good ideas are built upon someone else’s idea.

The dissertation that I ended up submitting for my MA program actually grew out of the seed of a story that my sister had written while in high school. I liked her idea so much that during my undergraduate degree I built on the idea.

Take J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter. Don’t tell me the Death Eaters weren’t modeled off the Ku Klux Klan, and that the spiders in the Forbidden Forest didn’t bear reference to Lord of the Rings, or that J. K. Rowling didn’t use myths as a basis from which to create the strange and fascinating creatures in her books. In fact, even the entirely fictional game of Quidditch has origins in the idea that witches ride broomsticks. She simply built on this idea.

I’ll leave you with this final thought from Albert Einstein: “Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.”

How do you come up with ideas?

There are so many different ways to do this; I’ve only mentioned a few. However, I hope that through these examples, you’ll be able to come up with your own ideas or to improve on others’ ideas.

Still looking for more business ideas? Check out the Bplans  guide to coming up a great idea . Once you think you’ve found a solid idea to start with, check out this article on how to know if you have a good idea . And, this free downloadable idea checklist will help you think through every aspect of your potential business idea, including how to test it out.

Candice Landau

Candice is a freelance writer, jeweler, and digital marketing hybrid.

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Unique Business Ideas That Solve Problems

Table of Contents

The best business ideas are those that give value to people. It needs to provide an ingenious solution to a particular consumer problem. Not only do these types of business ideas benefit customers, but they also give you the ability to profit from them. Everybody wins!

To help you get started, we’ve made a list of some great and unique  business ideas to solve problems .

There are many existing problems in the market today. It could be an outdated system or a way to meet a specific need. And each of these problems presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to create innovative products and services to solve them.

How to Start Your Own Business

Starting a business is no easy feat. There are many things that you need to take into account. But with hard work and the right strategies, there’s no reason why you can’t succeed.

Here are some of the main steps you need to do when starting your own business:

• Identify a problem : Assess problems that consumers usually encounter or an outdated system that needs innovation.
• Brainstorm for solutions : What can you do to solve the problem? Think of products or services you can offer
• Conduct Market Research : Study your target market to confirm if there really is a demand for your product or service
• Write a Business Plan : Plan out your entire business structure, including your financial projections, marketing goals, and so on.
• Market Your Business : Get the word out about your business and attract clients and customers so you can help solve their problems .

Business Ideas to Solve Problems

Disaster and emergency preparedness kits.

Since climate change is a global occurrence, starting a business that provides disaster and emergency preparedness kits is a great idea. It’s not only a valid business idea but also a necessary one as weather disasters are expected to be more common in the future.

Your kits can include a flashlight, matches, water purification tablets, bandages and other useful items. These will help members of your community prepare for disasters. It is a perfect business idea that can help several communities.

Party cleanup services

The amount of mess a party leaves behind is staggering, and it is a daunting task to clean. To help solve this, you can start offering party cleanup services.

ssServices like these solve a major issue for party hosts and take much of the stress out of hosting a party.

Online Course Creator

When you know an industry or task really well, you can easily create and sell an online course that teaches people new skills.

You will only need to invest the resources required to develop the class. This is not only a great idea to earn money, but you can also make quality education more accessible to people.

Instagram for the not-so-aesthetic things in life

Too much Instagram can be detrimental to a person’s mental health. People tend to compare themselves to the fabricated picture-perfect things they see on the platform. But what about the imperfect part of our lives?

Why not make a platform where users can see the things that make us all human? A platform that strips off the filters and where people can showcase their authentic selves without being pressured to be perfect all the time. This can be a great business idea that many people will love!

Create a secure digital archive for all conversations

Imagine a vault that’s synced with all conversations with the special people in your life. Placing all Facebook messages, emails, and even text messages in one vault.

We have a fragmented communication and messaging system now. And we need to create a place that brings them all together and keeps them forever to preserve memories.

Start a niche cleaning service business.

It is almost impossible to count how many items need to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning is a common chore that most people don’t have time for. This is where you come in. You can start offering niche cleaning services that make people’s lives much easier.

Some of the services you can offer are:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Pet Grooming
• Lawn Mowing
• Window Cleaning

With so many things that need cleaning, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find your niche.

Provide freelance bookkeeping services for small business owners

Organizing financial information isn’t necessarily a glamorous job. But freelance accounting services are in high demand, particularly for small business owners. You can help fill this demand by offering bookkeeping services suited to meet small startups’ needs. 

Every problem can have a business solution. Don’t ignore the problems that surround you because they seem too complicated and go under the radar.

By accepting the need for change and creating solutions, you can get a better chance of making an impact. Use these  business ideas to solve problems  to help inspire your startup . Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Written by Jesse Sumrak | March 27, 2023

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Can there really be that many good business ideas? Yes, there can. This is actually our filtered-down list—you should have seen how many other almost-good ideas nearly made the cut.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or brand new to the scene, we’ve compiled the best-of-the-best business ideas for you to bring to life in 2023. These range from freelance writing to career coaching to dog walking and everything in between.

Ready to find your next big idea? Keep scrolling.

What Makes a Business Idea Good or Bad?

It’s not always just the idea you need to think about. Sometimes it’s you, the situation, market circumstances, or industry trends.

One business idea can be good today and bad tomorrow. It all depends on various factors (both predictable and unpredictable). Not every good business idea will be right for you, and that’s OK.

Fortunately for you, you don’t need 50 good business ideas—you really just need one. Here’s what to keep in mind when finding the right startup idea :

• Personal Interests: Don’t start a freelance writing business if you hate writing. Align your interests with your business. That’s the freedom you get when starting your own business—don’t throw it away from the get-go.
• Bandwidth: Some business ideas require more input and investment. For example, opening and managing a new Italian restaurant will be more time-consuming than launching a restaurant consulting business. Neither is better than the other—just under your capacity and limitations.
• Budget: Starting a business isn’t free. Some ideas cost less than others, though. Keep in mind your budget constraints when planning your venture.
• Trends: You want to be on the climbing side of a trend curve—not the decline. Thinking of starting a business centered around Pokémon GO? You’re only about 6 years too late.
• Problem-Solving: Find a business idea that solves a problem. Start with the issue, then find a product or service solution.
• Renovation: A good business idea doesn’t need to be innovative—it can be renovative. Fix a broken idea or build upon an already successful one.

Once you’ve found the right business idea, don’t quit your day job (yet). Test it first.

Don’t Skip: How to Start a Business from Scratch (Step-By-Step Process)

50 Good Business Ideas in 2023

We’ve broken down these good business ideas into a few different sections. Here’s how they’re categorized:

Types of Good Business Ideas

Low-Cost Startup Ideas

Online Business Ideas

Remote Business Ideas

Freelance Ideas

Business Ideas for Women

Side Hustle Ideas

Recession-Proof Business Ideas

7 Good Low-Cost Startup Ideas

Starting a business can be expensive. Rent, wages, inventory, advertising, web hosting, marketing—it all starts to add up quickly.

Fortunately, not every good business idea costs a fortune. You can find plenty that cost little to no cash to launch. Let’s start with these low-cost startup ideas first :

1. Freelance Writing: Turns words into income as a for-hire freelance writer . Find an industry that interests you and start writing. This could be thought-leadership articles, SEO-driven content, email campaigns, social media posts, or web pages.

2. Consulting: Freelancers tend to provide deliverables, while consultants provide advice, strategy, and expertise. If you’ve been in an industry for quite some time, there’s a good chance businesses will pay for your wisdom as a consultant . Develop expertise in emerging industries, like AI, to be an early adopter in a niche agency.

3. Course Creating: Have lucrative know-how? Bundle it all up into a well-designed online class and sell it as a course creator . We’re all for it—that’s what we do at Foundr.

4. Podcasting: Total podcast listeners are growing 20% each year . Jump in on the action by creating your own audio-based show. Here’s how to make your podcast stand out from the rest .

5. Blogging: Everyone likes blogs—you’re reading one right now. If you like to write, drive traffic to a website with blogging . Once you have an audience, you can monetize your visitors with ads, ecommerce, sponsorships, donations, and affiliate marketing. Speaking of affiliate marketing…

6. Affiliate Marketing: Instead of selling your own products, sell other businesses’ goods. You’ll make a commission every time someone clicks through your links and makes a purchase. Learn how Catena Media’s Erik Bergman used affiliate marketing to launch an IPO (initial public offering) his consultancy firm.

7. Website Building: Over 627,000 new businesses open each year in the US, and every single one of them needs a website. If you have a knack for building them, sell your services as a website builder. Here’s how to build sites quickly .

6 Good Online Business Ideas for Beginners

We won’t pretend starting a business is easy. It comes with a suite of challenges that bring even the best entrepreneurs to despair, headaches, and tears.

However, it’s worth the challenge.

Lucky for you, some business ideas are easier to start than others. If you’ve never dabbled in launching a business, then these online business ideas for beginners are a great place to start.

8. Ecommerce: Ecommerce is just selling stuff on the internet. Find a product , sell it online, and make a killing. That’s easier said than done, but our guide on how to start an ecommerce business will walk you through the entire process.

9. Virtual Assisting: Help businesses, executives, and freelancers schedule appointments, make phone calls, submit invoices, and manage basic finances as a virtual assistant .

10. Social Media Managing: Many businesses don’t have the bandwidth to manage social networks across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok ( yes, TikTok ). If you’re a savvy social media marketer, you can provide management services across paid and organic channels.

11. Branding: Designing a top-notch logo is hard. Writing a clever tagline is a challenge. Tying it all together into one cohesive brand—that’s the struggle of a branding expert. If you have a talent for it, sell your services in a freelancing or consulting capacity.

12. Domain Flipping: Instead of building websites from scratch, buy existing sites from domain marketplaces. They could be in great, semi-rough, or poor condition—your job is to polish them up and sell them for a profit.

13. Subscription Box Curating: Create a subscription box for a niche in need. There’s a lot of competition in this space, so you’ll need to be clever with your offering and targeting—but Henrik Werdelin built a 9-figure subscription box business just for dogs .

3 Good Remote Business Ideas

New business ideas have blossomed due to the acceptance of remote work. Give these remote work ideas a try to launch a business and help alleviate unexplored problems.

14. Wellness Programming: Remote work isn’t great for everyone—some folks struggle with stress and isolation. As a wellness programmer, you can provide ways to relax, decompress, and focus on mental and emotional wellbeing. This could be in the form of yoga, meditation, stretching, training, or just healthy habits.

15. Remote Work Services: Provide remote-empowering solutions to businesses in need. While it feels like remote started decades ago, some companies are still learning to adapt and cope. Offer services to boost collaboration or fill holes left open by work-from-home policies.

16. Virtual Fitness Training: Peloton doesn’t have a monopoly on online fitness—some people want other forms of exercise, and others prefer a more local community feel. Become a hyper-specialized fitness trainer in specific niches, such as ultramarathon training, rowing, ski mountaineering, or rock climbing.

6 Good Freelance Job Ideas

Freelancing has been on the up and up in recent years, and the pandemic has only been a catalyst for the movement. Especially with the Great Resignation upon us , companies need freelancers to step up to the plate and take over heaps of work.

If you have the right skill set, you can fulfill that need with one of these freelance job ideas .

17. Video Shooting and Editing: Video content is all the rage, but it’s not easy for busy businesses to produce. If you know your way around a camera and video editing software, you can find plenty of work as a freelance video specialist.

18. Career Coaching: Help clients find their way through their dream careers. You might guide them towards a more appropriate, fulfilling job, or you could give them the tools they need to negotiate their next big promotion.

19. Public Relations: Help businesses land press coverage with media kits, networking, press releases, and storytelling. It’s a demanding job, but it’s right if you like working in a non-stop, fast-paced environment.

20. Marketing: Use content marketing, email, social media, and advertising to market your clients’ products and services . Marketing is all-encompassing, and you’ll likely choose to niche down to a specific channel or strategy down the road.

21. App Developing: Apps are becoming a must-have part of most businesses’ products and services. However, finding an available engineer to build an app is near impossible. If you know your way around Java , Swift , or Kotlin , you’ll be in high demand for mobile app development.

22. Integrating: Some leaders inspire, others innovate, and a few dream. Integrators get things done. They take dreams and aspirations and turn them into reality. It’s a hands-on job, but it’s high-visibility and high-reward.

12 Good Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs

There are 114% more women entrepreneurs now than 20 years ago. Women are looking for more autonomy, work-life balance, and financial freedom—and they’re finding it on their own rather than waiting for the corporate world to change.

If you’re looking for a good business idea that promises location flexibility and work schedule independence, we have a few thoughts. Plus, these business ideas for women entrepreneurs are typically in women-dominated industries—helping you escape the gender discrimination more prevalent in male-dominated sectors.

23. Etsy Shop: Esty is the go-to marketplace for creative entrepreneurs. Want to make one-of-a-kind products? This is where to go to sell them.

24. Interior Designing: Have an eye for design? Become a residential or commercial interior designer. Ergonomic setups and feng shui (arranging furniture for balance) are becoming more of a priority in the business world, meaning more opportunities for you.

25. Graphic Designing: Logos, landing pages, websites, hero images, email campaigns—anything with pixels needs a graphic designer’s touch. While tools like Canva are growing in popularity, they’ll never replace a need for graphic design experts.

26. Dropshipping: Sell products without storing them in your home or a warehouse. It’s the perfect anti-Lula Roe way to sell goods without risking inventory issues.

27. Life Coaching: Coaching isn’t just for career advice. Sometimes, people need life advice. It’s less therapy and more guidance.

28. Tutoring: Online course instructing is when you want to teach the masses—tutoring is for more private 1:1 teaching. Have an in-demand skill? There’s a good chance someone will pay you to teach it to them.

29. Real Estate: Purchase investment properties, find a tenant to pay rent (hopefully covering the monthly mortgage), and sell the property after it appreciates substantially. That’s real estate for you.

30. Wedding Planning: A wedding is the most important day of two partners’ lives. If you can navigate all the moving parts and piece together something beautiful, you’ll be on everyone’s contact list come springtime.

31. Personal Chef: You don’t need to own a restaurant to be a chef. More individuals and families are hiring personal chefs to cook in private settings.

32: Event Planning: Conferences, parties, meetings, conventions, trade shows—they need talented event planners to come together. If that sounds like you, you’ll always have a job in event planning.

33. Makeup Artist: Makeup isn’t as easy as it looks in the commercials, and that’s why makeup artists are killing it on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok showing people how it’s done.

34. Cleaning Business: Everyone needs cleaning: commercial and residential. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty (or managing the business), you’ll find plenty of messy people begging for your help.

13 Good Side Hustle Ideas

Some ideas start better as a side hustle until they bloom to maturity. Side hustles (for better or worse) are less committing than full-time ventures. You can often grow them on the side while maintaining your 9-to-5 until the timing is right .

You also have the option to keep them as a side hustle. Not everyone wants to quit their full-time job and become an all-in entrepreneur, and that’s OK. These are the perfect side hustle jobs for pursuing a passion, making an extra buck, or laying the roots for your next business.

35. Ghostwriting: If you don’t mind trading credit for income, ghostwriting can be a lucrative business idea.

36. Podcast Editing: Some people thrive doing podcast interviews, but they can’t navigate the editing process. That’s where you come in.

37. Influencer Marketing Specialist: Most businesses are hesitant to start with influencer marketing simply because they don’t know how. Tell them what they need to know and hold their hand through the process.

38. Lead Generation Consulting: Sales aren’t always the root of the problem—sometimes, it’s lead generation. Guide a client through how they can build and optimize their lead funnel.

39. Browser Extension Developing: Mobile apps are nice, but sometimes a built-in browser extension is more appropriate.

40. Data Scientist: Know your way around numbers? Businesses have more data than they know what to do with. Help them understand the stories behind the numbers.

41. Quality Assurance Testing: There’s a lot of pressure for apps to be built quickly, but that doesn’t mean quality assurance isn’t a priority. Your job is to break apps so that developers can fix them before they go public.

42. Public Speaking Coaching: Public speaking will likely always be a struggle for a large number of individuals. If you can help executives and would-be presenters overcome their fears and step up to the stage, you’ll have a job in public speaking coaching.

43. Media Training: Don’t put an executive in front of a microphone until they’ve been trained on what to do (and more importantly: what not to do). It’s your job to make sure they don’t screw up.

44. Contract Writing: Know your way around legalese? Help businesses write up contracts.

45. Translating: If you’re bilingual, there’s a good chance you can find gigs for translating the two languages.

46. Dog Walking: Just because more people are working from home doesn’t mean they don’t want a dog walker. Sometimes, they don’t want to leave the house, and other times they can’t with illness or kiddos.

47. Pet Sitting: People want to travel and see the world, but they can’t always bring their furry friend. Keep them company for payment.

3 Good Business Ideas During a Recession

Sketchy economic times require backup plans. With 9 to 5 jobs in flux, starting a business during a recession is a secure way to make side income and take advantage of shifts in the market.

48. Finance Coach: With a tightening economy comes tightening budgets. As a finance coach, you can help families objectively adjust their monthly budgets and offer suggestions on cutting costs to free up cash.

49. Content Creator: Making entertaining and engaging content for platforms like TikTok, Twitch, or YouTube doesn’t seem like a stable idea, but it meets two criteria of a recession-proof business. First, it’s low-cost to start. All you need is a phone, ideas, and your personality. Second, it meets consumers’ demands during tight economic conditions—escapism and low-cost entertainment.

50. Home Repair: No matter what’s happening with S&P 500, pipes will burst, lights will flicker, and furnaces wig out. Starting a home repair business will keep you in demand no matter the economic climate because what can go wrong will go wrong with a house.

Keep Learning: How to Start an Online Business

Bring Your Good Idea to Life

Once you’ve zeroed in on your good business idea, it’s time to make it a reality. However, you need more than just an idea—you need skills and know-how.

That’s where we can help.

We’ve created a huge catalog of courses to teach you everything you need to know to launch and grow your business. Need help running ads? We got you covered. Want to learn how to write compelling copy? Look no further.

Explore our free trainings today and start learning the entrepreneur essentials.

About Jesse Sumrak

Jesse Sumrak is a writing zealot focused on creating killer content. He’s spent almost a decade writing about startup, marketing, and entrepreneurship topics, having built and sold his own post-apocalyptic fitness bootstrapped business. A writer by day and a peak bagger by night (and early early morning), you can usually find Jesse preparing for the apocalypse on a precipitous peak somewhere in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

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500+ Startup Ideas. How to Solve the Right Problem?

Should people struggle to find the right startup idea? No! Here is a list of practices to find a worthy business idea.

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TRIARE encourages business in their striving to improve. We design and develop  web and mobile applications for our clients worldwide. Taking all technical aspects of the project off shoulders, we allow you to focus on the marketing and business strategies.

In this article we provide you with the major steps for startup research, so you easily find your own path to succeed.

If you think that startups ideas are hard to find, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, those should be easy to spot because there are so many real problems out in the world! But don’t worry if you experience hardships finding them. Perhaps, you just need some help on how to notice unique business ideas and the most profitable businesses.

So why struggling? In this article, we are going to share key ways on how to find the right start-up idea by relying on industry heavyweights.

Major steps for your startup research

There is a common mistake that one needs an amazing idea to get started. You might imagine a group of founders sitting in a living room and generating a list of crazy ideas for a new start up companies until a brilliant one comes to their mind. In hindsight, successful companies like Google or Facebook all look like amazing ideas. In reality, Google was probably the 20th search engine when it launched. The same applies to Facebook which wasn’t even the 5th social network. What made them successful, however, was a good enough initial idea, combined with great execution. By the way, execution and marketing are the key challenges for start-ups .

YCombinator video on Startup Ideas by Jared Friedman

So choose any of these steps. They may work in isolation but increase your chances for success when combined.

Step 1: Founder/market fit.

In our Founder Manual , we mention the importance of problem/solution fit and product/market fit for start-ups. When you are still at the stage of brainstorming, let’s say, most profitable small businesses, generate all the ideas that have a good founder/market fit. Those are the ones that would give your team an unfair advantage when executing.

Step 2: What you wish for.

As any entrepreneurs startups will tell you, think of problems you have yourself. The things you wish someone else could build for you are also a good start for great startup ideas. A notable example is DoorDash . When their founders tried to order Thai food in the suburbs regularly, they realized there was no delivery service for that. It is why DoorDash launched.

Step 3: Your passion.

There is an exercise called “Future Backwards.” You simply imagine an ideal picture and start building from there till today. Without much accuracy, but it assists you with filling the missing gaps when building an industry-shifting product. Founder at YCombinator , Paul Graham, famously said:

“Live in the future and build what’s missing”

It can be useful for ideas, too. Ask yourself whether you’d be excited to work in this particular industry on this specific problem in 10 years from now? Even if it isn’t successful?

Step 4: Global shifts.

Another way to notice startup opportunities is to observe the recent changes. Jared Friedman tells a bright example of PlanGrid , acquired later for a billion dollars. PlanGrid allowed construction blueprints on tablets while replacing traditional sheets of paper. Interestingly, it was possible to take off once Apple released the iPad.

Note what is happening in the world. Perhaps, the broader acceptance of cryptocurrency or smartphones with AR capabilities can unlock the potential for your idea.

Step 5: Variants of recent hits.

A safe bet is to find companies that have been blooming recently and try to find new variations of them. When Amazon announced Amazon Go, Standard Cognition realized that every retail store would eventually incorporate the same technology. It is a grocery store concept to automatically track product one takes off the shelves making cashiers unnecessary. And that’s what Standard Cognition does.

Although it is a typical practice to search for ideas of fast growing tech startups, it’s obviously not the best one. Often, ideas that are generated using the “ Uber for X ” approach a “solution in search of a problem” or SISP for short. It is common that this search becomes unsuccessful and a startup development company fails. Therefore, be skeptical by default when leveraging this step.

Startupsafari.com was an example of how to find new businesses in my area

Step 6: Broken industries.

When looking for the best industries to start a business, find a field that urges for change but nobody was able to provide a sufficient solution. The best entrepreneur is open when ideas come to his mind but he or she constantly searches for challenging the status quo. Fintech is hard and was unreachable for years until Stripe approached each hard question with diligence (like legal and technical points). Now it’s an industry standard for payment settlement in the US.

Step 7: Crowdsource new ideas.

Crowdsourcing ideas means using the power of many people (their feedback) to spot a potential worthy idea. A high-profile case of this is LendUp company which attempts to replace payday lending. It started when LendUp founders noticed this industry was clearly broken and scammy.

The con of this approach, however, is that it will often lead to poor founder/market fit. One simply cannot know everything about the targeted industry to disrupt it. On the other hand, if you are already an expert, this is an ideal combination with step 1.

How to gather ideas for startup business development ? That’s what we are going to talk about next.

Study pain points

Talk to potential customers

To understand your prospective customers and test hypotheses, there is no need to become a backpacker or fly around the world. Instead, visit forums and LinkedIn/Facebook groups for each of the industries you are about to test . Here is how you can verify your business concept and promote the product among first users.

Screen comments and rankings

Another powerful technique is screening the Play Market and AppStore for potential. All those negative comments can become your source for inspiration (and better solutions). Sense what people don’t like and really want. Set your KPI to achieving that; you’ll need a prototype only. This will help create an MVP later.

Come up with a radical new solution

Let’s talk about innovation (prioritization) matrices.

Small business ideas for women

Prioritization matrix.

Imagine a spectrum where on one end it says “try anything that comes to mind first,” and on the other: “wait until the perfect idea comes.” You want to aim somewhere in the middle. Don’t worry if it doesn’t seem as exciting and bold as Amazon’s everything store. In the beginning, it was simply an online bookstore. Similarly, Airbnb was just a website for renting air beds at other people’s houses. It transformed into all vacation rentals over time.

Startup ideas, even cheap small business ideas, morph over time. But how to evaluate the initial idea?

Idea matrix.

That’s where the idea matrix comes in handy. The three most critical questions are:

• How big is your idea (market)?
• Do you have enough expertise (founder/market fit)?
• Is it a big enough problem (are people willing to pay for it)?

We’ve made a copy of the Problemeter tool to assist you with this task.

Filters to deploy or avoid

While you are doing this, a temptation to avoid certain ideas will eventually appear. The trick is to spot those filters being both sceptical and objective. For instance, there is a phenomenon which is known as Schlep Blindness. It translates as “the problem is too hard for me.” When a lot of entrepreneurs capitulate before a certain industry, it remains unchanged for years (like legal services or finance).

Another bad reason (that you need to avoid) to reject a startup idea is thinking that a problem is either too boring or too ambitious. Lots of successful businessmen approached a specific problem for large businesses. The solution didn’t change the world nor was it exciting, but it surely did save customers money.

Competitors form the last filter that might signal you the idea is not worth pursuing. It is not true. You should be encouraged to do your own research to understand what market share each competitor possesses, what needs they serve, and why some of them appear to be weak competitors.

YouNoodle.com platform helps startup founders enter different competitions

Competition matrix.

Compare yourself to competitors using these platforms and listings:

• ProductHunt

The Founder Institute also helps the founders of three stages: idea, MVP, and early stage. Read more on a better fit for your startup in Incubator vs. Accelerator article.

BMC: unique value proposition.

Eventually, a founder would come to formulate his or her own unique value proposition. A proven tool for doing this is a Business Model Canvas or BMC for short.

Wrap up: What’s ahead

What’s your problem that you are ready to pay for solving it? Find out with our help during the Discovery Phase . As Graham rephrased his own quote “into something even better”:

Live in the future and build what seems interesting.

Read more: how we implemented startup idea into project Mentor.Me . Also, feel free to rely on our mobile apps services to take this or that idea to the market and test it with real users. After all, a concept on its own is worthless; action is what matters.

Startups in the dental industry: what software must new dental clinics have

Incubator or Accelerator: What’s the Difference?

KPI: A Guide for Startups

Startups: Interview with TRIARE CEO

Founder Manual to Launch a Startup

How We Helped a German Startup GovRadar through the Founder Institute Program: Case Study

How to make a business model canvas for a startup

Challenges a startup may face and how to deal with them

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8 Business Ideas the World Actually Needs (That Don’t Require a Genius IQ or Tech Expertise)

Most guru-touted business ideas reek of a me-too quick cash grab but fail to solve real problems. these 8 do just the opposite..

Rachel Greenberg

Entrepreneur's Handbook

As a full-time entrepreneur, CEO, and startup consultant, I’m going to posit a controversial statement that goes starkly against my own business interests: The world has too many businesses.

I’m not the first or the only one to conclude that the entrepreneurial space is getting a bit crowded. This complaint has been pitched to me a handful of times over the past few years, and while I used to resist believing it, now I’m largely convinced those anti-business voices spoke the truth.

Startup-focused media has exploded, along with highly publicized unicorns turning young adults into billionaires and of course making business-building look sexy as heck. However, that’s not the problem. The problem is the increasing number of “me too” businesses that are simply adding unnecessary products, services, subscriptions, and desperate attempts at parting consumers from their money. But, isn’t that what business is all about? It’s about creating products and services people want, marketing them, and acquiring customers, right? If so, what’s the issue?

Fair point. Still, the abundance of options for consumer-focused products is an issue in itself. Countless new brands seem to focus solely on acquiring sales, not solving real problems or improving the world. If we could rewind the clock a few hundred years back, perhaps a print-on-demand T-shirt business would be a revolutionary addition to the marketplace. Today, it’s just a millionth widget to pad advertising platforms’ pockets, line the overstuffed closets of trigger-happy e-commerce addicts, and ultimately retire to a landfill to exacerbate the environmental problems plaguing our deteriorating planet.

To be clear, I’m not anti-business, and honestly speaking, I’m also far from the world’s biggest environmentalist. However, working with hundreds of startups and entrepreneurs year-round, I can assure you one thing: First-time founders are lost, and the plethora of easy-to-start online business propaganda isn’t helping .

If you want to join a sea of digital business clones clawing your way through a crowded stampede of competing offers for ad-blind eyeballs, be my guest. If, alternatively, you want to pursue a novel idea that could actually improve the world, solve a problem, and create a long-term lucrative venture, consider these 8 business ideas. You don’t have to be a tech expert or have a genius IQ to positively change the world — but it’s also unlikely you’re going to do it dropshipping oversea dog collars for a $6 markup .

1. The solution to the white-hot housing bubble

You didn’t have to be a hopeful home buyer to notice the rapidly changing real estate market (and coinciding rising rents). I happened to be one of those incredibly fortunate — and apparently rare — people who bought my first house during the white-hot housing frenzy at a low interest rate , without suffering months of budget-blasting bidding wars. That house has since increased by about a million dollars in value — in just 8 months. No, that’s not a typo, and that’s also not normal.

House prices aren’t supposed to increase by 7-figures or double-digit percentages in the span of a few months. In my neighborhood — and in many places across the country to varying degrees — this is the reality.

While my purchase might sound extravagant, local rents have already gone up by an even higher percentage! In other words, it was either accept coastal California’s extremely high barrier to homeownership entry or leave my rent and affordability up to the whims of a landlord. I opted for the former, but we aren’t all so lucky.

If you’re wondering why this housing bubble is happening — and continuing even as rates increase and payments become less affordable — let me simplify: lack of inventory.

The problem here isn’t just a lack of inventory; it’s a lack of affordable housing and construction options . Building materials and labor are ridiculously expensive. To shed some light, a local developer told me houses in my neighborhood are costing $1,000 per square foot to build. You read that right.

Coastal California may illustrate an extreme version of this problem, but it’s far from the only region or state experiencing these constraints. At this point, the unaffordable housing situation is nationwide, and it’s getting out of control.

The potential business opportunity for you? New products, technologies, or services that foster and enable more affordable housing and construction. This could be the preparation of undeveloped land in rural areas, 3D-printed building materials, or new ways to assemble houses faster and cheaper. There are already a handful of startups rushing into the affordable housing goldmine, but a victor has yet to emerge. This space is pressing and vast, with plenty of opportunity for ambitious founders to pursue.

2. For those still using plastic utensils…

One of my favorite pitches ever on Shark Tank was for an edible cutlery company. I’m not kidding. The girl took a bite out of her cup and stole my heart. Unfortunately, they’ve since pivoted to a seaweed-based straw, which is somehow less edible…

Regardless, their mission — and the larger opportunity for you — still stands: Environmentally-friendly alternative versions of household and consumer-focused products. I mean, who doesn’t want to start chomping on your fork after you’ve finished your dinner? No dirty dishes, no mess, and dessert utensils at your fingertips? Sign me up!

3. For those who’d go bankrupt over furry friends

There’s one person in the world I would — without hesitation — lay down my own life for. Her name is Esmeralda, and she’s my 9-lb soulmate and 90% of my motivation to provide. If you think I’m a little nuts for putting my dog on such a high pedestal, I can assure you I’m not the only one. In fact, pet ownership and pet spending stats over the past few years prove this to be true.

People love pets — and their spending habits reflect that. Along those lines, the least-expected (and most jarring) deviations in my incredibly frugal monthly spending are often for those unexpected pet bills that creep in.

• Flumpster’s check-up turns into $330 with eyedrops and grooming
• Esmeralda gets a runny nose and $480 later, she and her sister are on antibiotics
• Chinderella’s intestines revolt against her food — and our hardwood floors, and $280 later, she’s on prescription kibble

And these three recent occurrences were thankfully not that big of a deal. They weren’t life-or-death 5-figure procedures, but for some pet owners, they are. And while pet insurance exists, there may be other options to help reduce, curb, or curtail these pet health issues and their expenses.

What am I referring to? Products, services, or technologies focused on improving pet health, making pet healthcare and upkeep more affordable, and increasing pet longevity. If you can save pet owners money and keep their pets healthy, happy, and howling (happily) for longer, you’ve probably got a winning business on your hands.

4. For cities that don’t require citizen sanity checks

Back when I lived in San Francisco, I took the Muni (public transportation) to and from work every day. Since then, I’ve bounced cities, states, and coasts and have been fortunate to live mostly within walking distance of my daily destinations. Nonetheless, I’m far from immune to the headlines highlighting the rise in crime in cities reliant on mass public transportation. I have enough friends in New York to know the Subway isn’t just an affordable option; for many, it’s a daily necessity.

Public transportation itself isn’t the major safety hazard; it’s the unmonitored, unrestrained, unpredictable people who may be on it. Until cities require pat-downs and background checks before hopping aboard, the best solution may present a potentially life-saving entrepreneurial opportunity: Safety, monitoring, alerting, and security devices and services to enhance passenger safety and prevent or mitigate crime amid public transit.

5. For those who know 18 to 22 years of incubation is too long

I’m a firm believer that spending the first 18 to 22 years of life incubating before embracing the skills and tools to make a real impact on the world was a stretch too long. I think I was well-done enough by 12 or so to do something other than homework and school-affiliated clubs…

As someone who runs a business that’s seen teens and adolescents build international ventures that have impacted hundreds of thousands of lives, it’s safe to say two decades of incubation is far from required.

The opportunity? Entrepreneurs who can find a way to re-engineer the education system to harness younger minds and cultivate a more competent generation at a younger age will positively impact the world, the youth, and the rate of innovation.

6. For those who’d like fries with that order

My dad died of a heart attack while playing basketball on his lunch break when I was 20 years old . He was only 58, but after decades of chemically-flavored and preserved foods and drinks, coupled with yo-yo diets to reduce the superficial impact of his dietary choices, his body had had enough. I’m not saying the chemicals in packaged foods or fizzy drinks killed him, but I don’t think they did him any favors.

Furthermore, it seems like new warnings and shocking studies are coming out year after year, announcing the latest sweetener or preservative that apparently has carcinogenic or toxic properties. I appreciate those warnings, though they seem to come at least a decade after we’ve all consumed more than we’d like to admit.

What’s my point? You don’t have to be a calorie-counting raw vegan dietary purist to appreciate foods that won’t shorten your life or hamper your health. If you can find a way to create more natural, chemical-free, healthy, but tasty food and drink alternatives — even healthy “junk food” substitutes — that reduce diet-induced illness and improve longevity, you may have a million-dollar venture in the works.

The good thing about food and drink products? They’re consumables, so as long as customers like them, repeat purchases and lengthy customer lifetimes are almost a given. Thus, it’s in both your and your customers’ best interests to prolong their lives with healthier choices. Talk about a synergistic win-win!

7. For the subscription box-lovers and e-commerce addicts

I’m not a huge online shopper, but I do have a magical fairy godmother who deposits surprise packages on my doorstep on a seemingly weekly basis. This fairy godmother is probably Jeff Bezos’ biggest customer, and she’s probably keeping half of Amazon sellers in business. That’s great, but the relentless mounds of packaging we receive are not.

From the excess packaging materials to the products you really didn’t want or need that badly to the old, used items you keep meaning to sell on Poshmark or bring to Goodwill, there may be a business opportunity: Services to upcycle packaging materials and used products into new, desirable, useful ones for a second life and a diminished negative environmental impact.

If you can build that business, you can single-handedly double the available closet space in most single-family homes. Plus, you’ll be minimizing the detrimental impact of low-quality, high-waste fast-fashion brands that seem to populate the planet like an invasive species.

8. For those who’d like to give the underdog a shot

You may not consider the entertainment industry a necessity , but if you consider its impact on the world, it may be more positive than you realized. Unlike physical product companies pushing me-too widgets, Hollywood productions don’t generate absurd and ongoing amounts of waste or seriously harm the environment, they create tons of jobs, and they can promote positive messages to viewers.

That said, those messages to viewers — either through ads or sponsored product placement — tend to be governed by the deepest pockets. Plainly put, you typically see behemoth companies promoted in film, TV, and streaming series because those are the businesses with the Hollywood budgets to pay for placements. What if, perhaps, there was a more affordable opportunity to showcase startups or burgeoning, early-stage, cash-constrained companies in entertainment and media?

This could be a sponsored startup marketplace for indie film projects or a revenue-split opportunity for investors to bankroll a cash-strapped startup’s feature in a Hollywood series. That’s just one specific tangent down the rabbit hole of making media, entertainment, and effective visibility more affordable for small companies. There has to be a better alternative to making ad platforms rich in exchange for diminishing returns (and declining conversion rates). If you can figure that out, you just may strike gold — or platinum.

Look before you leap

It has never been easier to start a business than it is today. If you wanted a list of 100 businesses you could launch in a day, I could most certainly provide it — and they wouldn’t cost a boatload either. However, being easy to launch doesn’t mean they’re easy to grow, market, or succeed .

You can launch a dropshipping site in an hour or so. To crickets. Unless you want to start spending on ads, influencer sponsorships, and praying the social media gods smile favorably upon you. The same goes for so many other types of easy-to-launch, fast-to-build businesses. On the flip side, that doesn’t mean you need to spend 10+ years, get a PhD, or be a certified genius or tech whiz to build a meaningful, promising, world-changing company. It does mean you might want the foresight to consider what you’re really bringing into the world — and if it’s needed at all.

The above 8 business opportunities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to innovation that enhances lives and improves our world. If those don’t strike your fancy, hopefully they at least sparked a bit of inspiration around the positive changes your next startup can aspire to make. Sure, for-profit companies are built to make money, but if that’s all they’re built to do, the journey to that profit is going to be a lot more arduous and painful.

Written by Rachel Greenberg

Wall Street Investment Banker → Entrepreneur & Startup Consultant. “Top 10 Entrepreneurs of 2020” Yahoo Finance. CEO of Beta Bowl. Mom of 3 furbabies ❤

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Business Ideas that solve problems

Business Ideas that solve problems. Here are eleven creative business ideas for solving daily difficulties. If you want to establish a business, it all boils down to one thing: your ambition to become a problem solution.

Businesses are established to provide solutions to a wide range of human problems. As a result, this post will cover profitable company concepts that also solve problems.

However, in a world where some people are sceptical about the true worth of continuously chasing paper, businesses that make a profit while making people’s lives easier can gain a competitive advantage.

So, if you’re looking to start a meaningful business, here are eleven business ideas that solve real-world problems.

Table of Contents

List of 12 Creative Business Ideas That Solve Real-World Problems:

1. Language Translator

Language translators play an important role in breaking through the barriers created by different spoken & written languages.

You can fill a variety of roles. These include content translation, the development of a mobile app for voice-to-voice translation, and the provision of real-time translation while conversing.

Other language translation services that you can provide include on-demand crowdsourcing interpretation and real-time, in-person translation with no cross-talk.

These are just a handful of the many services that you may provide and benefit from as a language translator.

2. Child-Friendly Cafes

The demand for family-friendly cafés is increasing.

This is because a rising number of families want to spend time outside, particularly at a café, but are unable to do so due to children running amok. A child-friendly café idea solves this problem by providing activities that keep youngsters occupied while allowing parents to enjoy their time as well.

There’s something for everyone here.

Playpens with a variety of games and children’s items are just a few of the various things you may incorporate into your café to make it more child-friendly. More importantly, you would have succeeded in providing respite to parents who will always return to a location where their children may be cared for.

What else? You may also gain from referrals because your clients are likely to discuss your company with their friends and family. As a result, your establishment will become a haven for parents who are having difficulty supervising their children as they enjoy their food and beverages.

3. Online Course Creator

The desire to always improve is something that most individuals share.

This could be acquiring a new skill or coming up with novel ways to be more productive. As an expert in a certain skill or industry, you can provide solutions by offering online courses in these areas.

The advantage of providing online course content is that your audience can be extremely large as long as your services are deemed relevant and important. You’ll need to start by identifying a speciality in which you have true expertise.

Also, determining whether or not there is a genuine demand for your skill can go a long way toward assisting you in establishing a flourishing business.

4. Drone Videographer

Commercial drone technology is very new and has been applied in a variety of beneficial fields such as surveillance and entertainment, to name a few. This has provided a plethora of chances for entrepreneurs to launch drone-related enterprises.

These enterprises include video production, drone photography, agricultural inspection or staffing, and mapping and industrial inspection.

Others include naming a few, drone advertising and marketing, small business delivery services, drone skilled courses providers, and drone maintenance services suppliers.

5. Creche For Men

This may sound strange, but it is a viable business concept to examine. This helps to alleviate the problem of retail trauma for men who have to accompany or escort their spouse shopping. Many men would want to avoid this behaviour if they could.

A men’s creche, on the other hand, can help make it more fun.

To make men’s shopping trips less stressful and tedious, a sanctuary is established that is supplied with a variety of engaging activities such as games, a magazine area, and expert head and neck massages.

Such activities allow men to enjoy shopping trips while also fixing a problem and earning income for the entrepreneur.

6. Online Influencer

Online influencers have performed and continue to play a major role in how the general public perceives products and services. To become an online influencer, you must have a magnetic personality. It’s not simple to be a celebrity.

However, if you do have influence, you can monetize it by offering marketing services to businesses , among other things.

One of the most important factors for being labelled an influencer is to have a significant and dedicated following. There are many wonderful things you may do with such influence and power that will make you a lot of money.

7. Event Planner And Promoter

An event organizer and promoter can accomplish a variety of things.

One of them is your capacity to relieve your clients of the burdens of event planning. Dealing with every aspect involved in event preparation is something that many individuals would prefer to avoid.

Your marketing abilities as a promoter will be in high demand by clubs, restaurants, and a variety of other physical venues in order to attract visitors through their doors. You are suitably compensated for successfully completing this task.

To be successful in this area, you must be skilled enough to provide genuine value to your clients.

8. Personal Fitness Trainer

Personal trainers are in high demand as people become more aware of the benefits of exercise. These professionals assist in the development and implementation of fitness programmes by guiding customers through a variety of sessions. Your fitness and personal training experience will be in high demand.

You simply need to offer your services while also utilising your contacts. You’ll never run out of clients who will refer your business to others if you help them create and achieve their fitness objectives.

If you enjoy assisting others with their academic work, you might want to explore becoming a tutor. Your expertise can be supplied in a variety of areas, including the ACT, general academics, and the SAT, among others.

The most crucial thing is that you are assisting people in properly preparing for their academic assignments. You can offer either one-on-one or group tutoring. It is entirely up to you to make this choice.

If you’ve made it this far, you should have a better concept of how company ideas might assist tackle common problems. As previously said, business is primarily concerned with issue solutions.

Having the ability to create answers to current problems will usually attract paying clients.

10. Selling books to support literacy

Better World Books rescues discarded books from landfills and sells them on a variety of online markets. Books are gathered for free from private contributors, schools, and libraries; those in poor enough condition for selling are carefully discarded.

In keeping with its ecologically responsible approach, the company plants a tree to offset each tonne of carbon emissions generated by shipping client purchases. This isn’t a bad blueprint if you’re an eco-conscious entrepreneur searching for a business strategy that incorporates many strands of social responsibility.

11. Niche Cleaning Service Business

It is nearly difficult to count the number of items that must be cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning is a typical duty for which most people do not have time. This is when you come into play. You might begin by providing specialist cleaning services that make people’s lives easier.

You can provide the following services:

• Pet Grooming
• Pest Control
• Lawn Cleaning
• Floor Cleaning
• Window Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning

There are numerous options for you to find your niche with so many objects that need cleaning.

12. Fintech that helps communities thrive

Zoona was founded in 2009 by two Zambian brothers who sought to use technology to empower the 80% of African adults who do not have access to financial services.

The smartphone app serves 1.5 million users across the continent with services such as accounts, money transfers, and payments, and has enabled thousands of entrepreneurs to launch their own enterprises.

The app has processed over $1 billion in money transactions, and the social enterprise has received over $22 million in venture capital from a variety of investors.

This type of firm should serve as an example for tech-savvy entrepreneurs who desire to assist other businesses in achieving their goals.

Also Read: Startup Ideas that Haven’t been done

How to find business ideas that solve problems?

To find problem-solving business ideas, you must first understand your target customer. You should also consider what problem you wish to solve for them and how your solution would assist them with the problem. Starting a business is not as simple as it appears. When you decide to establish your own business, you must consider a number of issues. These include the nature of the business, its location, and its industry.

Small enterprises can be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to get their feet wet while deciding on a larger endeavour.

Looking at what people ask about on social media is a good method to find problems that need to be solved. You may also discover what is being discussed online and in the news. Difficulties that require solutions differ per industry, so make sure you have a basic understanding of the industry before attempting to uncover problems there.

An issue is a task that must be overcome. It could be a personal problem, a corporate problem, or even a societal problem.

You can use the following ways to identify problems that require solutions:

• Ask yourself what troubles you – what causes you to feel stuck?
• Consult with friends and family members who may be aware of what is bothering them.
• Use Google or other search engines to find and read about problems.
• Use social media to find out what is bothering individuals and how they are dealing with it.
• Find folks who are enthusiastic about tackling these problems and ask them questions.

How to Start Your Own Business?

Starting a business is a difficult task. There are numerous considerations that must be made. But there’s no reason why you can’t achieve this with hard work and the correct techniques.

Here are some of the most important things to take while beginning your own business:

• Determine a problem: Examine common customer concerns or an outmoded system that requires innovation.
• Consider the following solutions: What can you do to resolve the issue? Consider what items or services you can provide.
• Perform Market Research: Examine your target market to see if there is a genuine need for your product or service.
• Prepare a Business Plan: Plan out your whole business structure, including financial estimates and marketing objectives.
• Market Your Company: Spread the word about your company and attract clients and consumers so you can help them solve their difficulties.

Every issue has a business solution. Don’t dismiss the difficulties that surround you because they appear to be too complicated to notice. Accepting the need for change and developing solutions increases your chances of making an influence. Use these problem-solving business concepts to help inspire your startup. Best wishes!

About The Author

Ahsan MuGhaL

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Why Didn’t I Think of That? 20 Creative Business Ideas

Table of contents.

• The best business ideas proactively solve problems consumers don’t realize they have.
• Entrepreneurs should reflect inward when searching for a new business idea to base it on their own passion, purpose and personal experience.
• Niche business ideas – such as murder-scene maids and meal preppers – combine personal interests with profitability for a unique organizational model.
• This article is for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for creative business ideas to pursue.

Humans are wonderfully different from one another, inspiring a diverse society with countless ways to think, create, act and live. Every entrepreneur has cultivated different passions and interests, and learned unique lessons in life and business. This can serve them well professionally.

When pursuing a new small business idea , analyze your own life to identify everyday problems to solve for others. Below, discover 20 creative business ideas to inspire your next venture, whether it’s a trendy business concept or an innovative idea for retirees. 

Business ideas for retirees

Online businesses .

Diane Eschenbach, owner of startup consultancy DE Consultants and author of How to Quickly Start a Business Online , thinks online businesses remain one of the best business ideas for retirees – as long as the entrepreneur doesn’t let technology intimidate them. She suggests curation sites, which aggregate information for easy reading, as one of the most accessible and engaging online business ideas to pursue. 

Consulting and coaching

For older entrepreneurs with the intent of establishing a business backed by their passion and experience, consulting and coaching remain steadfast choices. Skills from previous jobs and life experiences make retirees well positioned to share their knowledge. 

Mastermind groups

Members of mastermind groups meet regularly to collaborate and solve problems or issues by tapping into the group’s collective experience, skills and knowledge. As seasoned professionals, older entrepreneurs hold the advantage in this market. Owners of mastermind groups can generate thousands of dollars a month, depending on the size and location of the group and the premium they set for becoming a member.

Trendy business ideas

Food trucks.

In 2022, the U.S. is seeing a 3.4% increase in the number of food trucks – clocking in at more than 35,000 mobile restaurants, according to Zippia. With a market size of $1.16 billion, opening a food truck business means stiff competition and long hours, but it has high potential for handsome rewards.

Yoga businesses

Yoga harnesses the best of fitness and relaxation to bring a mind, body and spirit connection that rejuvenates and strengthens. Yoga studios find particular success in metropolitan areas with a young demographic, where they can expand their offerings to include food, beverages or yoga accessories.

3D printing businesses

What once seemed like a high-tech, futuristic device is now a reality: 3D printing applications allow users to create physical objects at home and act as a low-volume manufacturing machine for small businesses. As a business itself, 3D printing companies can create templates for 3D printer owners to use or print toys, parts, and other objects for clients. 

Did you know? Low-cost business ideas are usually service-based models. Product-based businesses typically have higher overhead. Fashion-related business ideas could fall into either category: You might provide a service, like fashion coaching, or a product, like fashion illustrations.

Business ideas for food lovers

Bartender for hire.

Consider launching a bartender-for-hire service if you enjoy the grace and artistry of mixed drinks. With low overhead and a slight learning curve (unless you’re already a mixologist), a bartender business aimed at enhancing the professionalism and luxury of client parties is a promising niche market and opportunity.

Meal prepper

Working parents and busy professionals represent a target market desperate to reclaim time from tedious tasks. Enter the meal prepper. These businesses can plan meals, shop for the ingredients, and prep each serving of the meal to offer clients healthy, specially crafted meals and a huge chunk of reclaimed time.

Farmers market vendor

Whether selling salsa, jam, produce or something else entirely, a farmers market vending opportunity offers you an interested audience on a platter – and can indicate if production of your fresh goods is scalable. [Learn more about turning ideas into products .]

Part-time business ideas

Computer repair.

Computer repair and cleaning – often ignored or dreaded by computer owners – remains an advantageous opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs with several hours to spare on weeknights and weekends. The work might include installing updates, troubleshooting issues or cleaning vents. If you have knowledge of IT, you may find this side hustle quite lucrative.

Resume writing

Whether you’d like to freelance for a resume-writing service or start your own, professionals with direct experience reviewing resumes and conducting interviews can create a part-time enterprise offering resume writing, editing, and consulting services.

House staging

If you have an eye for interior design and strong networking skills, you may find purpose in starting a house-staging business. A house-staging business may include building relationships with furniture rental companies, understanding the real estate agent’s vision for the residence, and organizing staging setup and takedown. 

Death-centric business ideas

Murder-scene maids.

Captivated by the macabre? Have a strong stomach and a penchant for dirty jobs? If so, a biohazard cleaning company might fit your interests well. Baxter Restoration, a cleaning and reconstruction company in Orlando, Florida, offers biohazard cleaning services and may present a jumping-off point for entrepreneurs interested in a similar idea. Baxter Restoration specializes in blood, crime scene, meth lab, and hoarding cleanup and restoration to create a habitable space.

Biodegradable coffins

With increased conscientiousness throughout the world, a biodegradable coffin company appeals to the rising demand for environmentally friendly products , reduces the carbon footprint of the funeral home industry and offers an affordable alternative during a difficult time in many people’s lives. Your business would also have a natural tie-in to Earth Day every year.

There are many factors to consider when determining the value of your business idea. Don’t rush your idea before vetting its potential. Here’s how to tell if you have a bad business idea .

Carbon-free cremation 

Also known as flameless cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, this process uses water to turn the body to ash. Much like environmentally friendly coffin makers, purveyors of flameless cremation reduce carbon emissions and energy, and they don’t use fossil fuels. If you’re concerned about climate change, this could be an impactful venture for you.

Business ideas for the senior market

Financial planning.

Building and promoting financial education resources online for the senior market is a strong idea if you’re passionate about financial literacy and serving an older generation. In addition to financial education, you may find success in asset management for retirees, ensuring clients understand the lifestyle they can afford after retirement.

In-home care

The in-home care market exists for the group of older adults who choose not to move to a senior living community but struggle to keep up with grocery shopping, the maintenance of their residence, and other self-care activities. While they are not incapable of performing activities of daily living, these seniors need a little help ensuring their safety and comfort. This would be a great fit if you have experience as a caregiver or personal assistant.

Selling or storing possessions

If a senior adult stays in their home, they may purge their possessions. A business that helps seniors sell or store possessions not only fills a desperate need but joins a busy niche. Self-storage caters to younger boomers who may want to keep family heirlooms, but not in their houses. Retail helpers and antique sellers who help sell vintage possessions will most likely serve an older audience or interact with their adult children after their parents’ death.

Ways to find business ideas on social media

Searching questions in subreddits.

If you’re looking for new business ideas, you should review subreddits on Reddit and “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) threads. Here, you can ask experts and celebrities questions that may lead to ideas for small or midsize businesses.

Analyzing Pinterest comments

If your talents lie in identifying or creating the next great must-have product, use a Pinterest account to get inspiration – and analyze the often-overlooked comments section on pins related to your passion or a niche industry to spark new ideas.

How to know if your business idea is good

While no one formula exists to guarantee a business will find immediate success, you should consider several factors to gauge the value of your idea.

• It fills a gap. If a business introduces a new product or service, filling a gap in a market or niche, it probably has legs to stand on its own.
• It’s financially viable. A business’s ability to crowdfund signals a demand for the product or service and builds an excited fan base.
• Mentors believe it’s good. If your trusted business partners or seasoned mentors say the idea is worth pursuing, the business probably has potential. [Learn how to find a mentor .]
• It performs well in trade shows and tests. Similar to crowdfunding and specific to products or software as a service (SaaS) , if the idea generates buzz at conferences, trade shows, and other professional events, it’s a sign the business can do well. You can also test your business idea to ensure you’re meeting the needs of your target market.
• You’re passionate about it. If you believe in the idea and work tirelessly to achieve your goals, your potential for success greatly increases.

Review our list of startup mistakes every entrepreneur should avoid to set yourself up for business success. For small business owners just starting out, we also recommend considering your business’s software needs . Apps can make launching and executing your idea easier by streamlining your processes.

Saige Driver and Adam Uzialko contributed to the writing and research in this article.

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