101 Small Businesses You Could Start in Your Community Tomorrow

Are you tired of the daily grind, feeling like just another cog in the machine, making someone else rich while you’re struggling to get by? Are you yearning for the freedom to build something of your own...

Are you tired of the daily grind, feeling like just another cog in the machine, making someone else rich while you’re struggling to get by? Are you yearning for the freedom to build something of your own, where your efforts directly contribute to your own equity? Here's some good news: the small business landscape is full of opportunity and the barriers to entry are not as big as you think. With just a little bit of cash on reserve, and some grit, you have the chance to build your own enterprise–one that will increase in value with each passing day.

First, Start with a Mindset of Working 'ON' Your Business Not 'IN' Your Business

Starting a small business in any field can be a path to building and supporting the lifestyle you've always dreamed of. But the most common pitfall is that owners think they can evolve into becoming a “going-concern” while first taking on work that they themselves are required to deliver. Years later, many owners find themselves trapped in the cycle of never being able to free themselves from the day-to-day, hands-on product or service delivery. With little time for themselves, vacations, or family, they burn out. All because they failed to plan on how to extricate themselves from the hands-on work they know so well.

To avoid this pitfall, after reviewing the list below of potential businesses to start, imagine what the day-to-day might look like and create an organizational chart with you up top as CEO, President, or Director. Now, create titles for the most critical positions you’ll need to fill to be up and running. It’s OK if your name gets applied to any of these positions early on, mind you. It’s likely to be the case. The key is to see yourself on top from the beginning as the leader, and decide from day one that your objective is to work yourself out of any other full-time position. To do this is to start with a mindset that your objective is to transition from working "in" your small business at first to working "on" your small business in short order. At GritWise, we're here to teach you just that.

As initial inspiration we’ve put together a list of 101 small business ideas that are in high demand in every community. They have limited risk and require less than $10,000 in initial capital. Read through them and imagine how you might build a cornerstone business idea with one or a mix of these ideas. Then continue down to understand what the first few steps might look like.

GritWise's Top 101 Small Businesses to Start:

A. Sales Representation and/or Distribution

• Commercial Office Supplies and Furniture

• Beauty and Personal Care Products

• Kitchenware

• Pet Supplies

• Party Supplies and Equipment

• Activewear

• Health and Wellness Products

• Toys and Games

• Electronics

• Home Goods/Supplies

• Promotional Merchandise

• Artists/Designers

• Models/Actors/Comedians/Writers/Studios/Public Speakers

• Heavy Equipment Rental

• Architects/Builders/Interior Designers/Landscaper

B. Consulting

• Fractional CFO, Bookkeeper, Accountant

• Energy/Sustainability Auditing

• Career Coaching

• Diversity and Inclusion Consulting

• Project/Team Facilitator 

C. Construction/Building Trades

• General Contractor

• Housing Development

• Carpentry

• Carpet Cleaning

• Carpet, Flooring, and Refinishing

• Cabinetry

• Painting/Wallpaper

• Plumbing/HVAC

• Insulation

• Solar Energy Installation

• Electrical Contractor

• Excavation

• Demolition

• Foundations

• Landscaping and Design

• Junk/Waste Removal

• Deck and Patio

• Roofing and Roof Repair

• Masonry and Bricklaying

• Construction Site Cleanup Services

• Portable Toilet Rental for Construction Sites

D. Education

• Tutoring/Coaching

• Music Instruction

• Sports Coaching/Clinics/Camps

• Adult Education

E. Events

• Event/Party/Wedding Planning

• Tent/Tables/Chairs and Other Installation/Delivery/Rentals

• Venue Owner/Rental

F. Food Services

• Private Chef Services

• Prepared and Delivered Meals

• Desserts and other Baked Goods

• Catering

• Food Truck

G. Healthcare

• Elder Care

• Private Nursing

H. Home Services

• House Cleaning

• Lawn Care

• Handyman Services and Repairs

• House Sitting/Property Management

• Maintenance Coordinator

• Interior Design and Decorating Services

• Drapery

• Furniture Making/Repair

• Moving

• Pool Cleaning and Maintenance

• Organizing and Decluttering Services

I. Information Technology (IT)

• Small Business Computer Maintenance

• Network/Software Technical Service

• Technology Repair Services (phones, tablets, computers, etc.)

J. Marketing/PR/Social Media

• Website Design and Maintenance

• eCommerce Design/Consulting

• PR, Social Media

• Online Influencer

• Video/Content Production

• Integrated Marketing

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Digital Advertising Strategy and Media Buying

• Fractional CMO

K. Personal Services/Fitness

• Tattoo/Piercing Studio

• Salon/Spa/Aesthetics

• Massage Therapy

• Personal Training

• Yoga Studio

• Weight Loss and Nutrition

• Concierge/Personal Shopper

• Tailor/Seamstress

• Daycare-Children and Adults

L. Pet Care

• Pet Sitting and Walking

• Training

• Grooming

• Daycare and Private Boarding

M. Photography & Videography Services

• Weddings/Events/Families

• Products

• Residential/Commercial Real Estate

N. Real Estate

• Realtor/Sales Team

• Rental Property Marketing and Management

• Home Staging Services

O. Online Retail/Reselling

• Online Sales of Your Goods/Services or Others

• Downloadable Content and eBooks

P. Automotive/Vehicles/RV

• Mobile Mechanic (Small engines, brakes, etc.)

• Detailing (Cars/Boats) and Dent Removal

Consider Freelancing Your Way to Small Business Ownership

Freelancing can be a great starting point. It allows you to dip your toes into your chosen industry, gain valuable experience, and build a client base. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. ‍Identify Your Niche: Determine your area of expertise and passion. What services or skills can you offer to clients? Specializing in a niche can set you apart in a competitive market. Do an initial Google search on the competition.‍

2. Build a Pitch and/or Portfolio: Create a pitch and/or portfolio showcasing your work. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so make sure your pitch/portfolio reflects your skills and style. A 1-page website with a few samples may be all you need.‍

3. Set Your Rates Wisely: Determine your pricing strategy. Research what others in your industry charge and set competitive rates. As you gain experience and reputation, you can adjust your prices accordingly. But don’t bid so low that you look “cheap” or that you’ll risk losing money if the work doesn’t go perfectly. (It rarely does.)‍

4. Market Yourself in the Community: Use online social media and in-person networking events to promote your freelancing services. Building a strong online presence is crucial in today's digital age, but if “locals” are your target, pressing some flesh is key. Most communities have an active Chamber of Commerce, and many offer lower cost junior or independent memberships. Fellow business people make great initial customers.‍

5. Be Responsive and Deliver Quality Work: Make it an oath that you’ll always get back to people in a timely manner, and you’ll always deliver high-quality work. Follow ups before and after the sale are key. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to others and provide repeat business.

Moving Up: Scaling from Freelancer to Business Owner

As your freelance business grows, it’s time to expand beyond solo work and start building a team. Here's what that transition might look like:

1. ‍Assess Your Cash Flow and Workload: Determine if you consistently have more work than you can handle on your own. Signs may include turning down clients or working long hours. ‍

2. Hire for Your Weaknesses: Identify areas where you lack expertise or time and hire team members who excel in those areas. This could be assistants, designers, developers, or marketers. Start by hiring 1099 contract employees and a part-time office manager bookkeeper to help with coordination. Build slowly. Don’t hire too quickly.

3. ‍Delegate Responsibility: Trust your team and delegate tasks. Micromanaging can hinder growth, so empower your team to take ownership of their roles.‍

4. Create Efficient Processes: Develop streamlined processes and workflows to ensure smooth collaboration among team members and deliver consistent results to customers.‍

5. Maintain Quality: As you grow, never compromise on the quality that made your freelancing business successful in the first place. Quality work builds trust and keeps clients coming back.‍

6. Manage Finances: Keep a close eye on your finances as your business expands. Invest wisely in tools, resources, and team members who will help your business thrive.‍

7. Find an Advisor or Mentor: Nearly every successful small business owner will tell you that a key to their success is that they have a friendly advisor/mentor that helps guide their decision making on a routine basis. If you don’t know anyone, consider reaching out to the SBA’s Service Corp of Retired Executives at www.score.org

In the end…

In a world where corporate layoffs and stagnant career growth can be disheartening, small business ownership offers a path to empowerment and fulfillment. You, too, can start a business easily if you choose wisely about the type of business and plan accordingly. Whether you start as a freelancer or dive headfirst into business after saving some cash, remember that the goal is to be an employer–a going concern–with you at the helm.

With under $10,000, you can embark on your entrepreneurial adventure. Choose from the myriad of small business ideas we've provided, or build a hybrid. Get crafty about piecing it together, but don’t take shortcuts. And don't be discouraged if you're not an expert from day one. Lean on your advisors and keep grinding it out. Learning the ins and outs and ups and downs is all part of the small business journey.