100 Great Business Ideas (A Sector List to Get You Started) |

Are you considering starting a business or a side hustle to make more money and discovering that brainstorming great business ideas can be challenging?

You are not alone – many before you have been caught between the excitement of a new venture and the paralysing anxiety of the unknown. I have been there several times myself.

To help, I’ve compiled a list of 100 great business ideas organised into ten sectors. Some require technical skills, while others are low-tech.

Each idea includes a brief description of the necessary skills, the time it would take to fruition, and tips on initial steps.

I will follow this post with a more detailed analysis of some of these business ideas.

Are you ready to work on your ‘one million dollars’ idea?

100 Great Business Ideas to Get You Started

1. Online and Digital Services Business Ideas

1.1 Freelance Writing

Skills Needed: Writing, research, and editing skills.
Time to Take Off: 1-3 months.
How to Start: Build a portfolio by writing samples and pitching clients on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

1.2 Social Media Management

Skills Needed: Social media strategy, content creation.
Time to Take Off: 2-6 months.
How to Start: Offer services to small businesses and create a portfolio of social media successes.

1.3 SEO Consulting

Skills Needed: SEO knowledge, data analysis.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Get certifications in SEO and offer free audits to build case studies.

1.4 Website Development

Skills Needed: Programming (HTML, CSS), web design.
Time to Take Off: 2-6 months.
How to Start: Build a website portfolio and join freelance platforms to find clients.

1.5 Graphic Design

Skills Needed: Design software (Adobe Suite, Canva), creativity.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Create a portfolio and offer services through websites like 99Designs.

1.6 Affiliate Marketing

Skills Needed: Content creation, digital marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Build a blog or YouTube channel, join affiliate programs, and promote products.

1.7 Podcasting

Skills Needed: Public speaking, storytelling, audio editing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Choose a niche, invest in quality recording equipment, and promote on social platforms.

1.8 Virtual Assistant

Skills Needed: Administrative skills, communication.
Time to Take Off: 1-3 months.
How to Start: Offer virtual assistance services to small businesses via platforms like Upwork.

1.9 Online Course Creation

Skills Needed: Expertise in a subject, teaching skills.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create a course on platforms like Udemy or Teachable and promote it through blogs or social media.

1.10 Video Editing Services

Skills Needed: Video editing software, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Build a portfolio of work and offer editing services to YouTubers or businesses.

2. Retail and E-Commerce Ideas

2.1 Dropshipping

Skills Needed: E-commerce platforms, product research.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Set up a Shopify store, source products, and promote via ads.

2.2 Handmade Goods Store (Etsy)

Skills Needed: Crafting, creativity, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 3-12 months.
How to Start: Sell handmade products on Etsy or similar platforms and market through social media.

2.3 Online Thrift Store

Skills Needed: Product curation, sales, photography.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Source second-hand items and sell them via platforms like eBay.

2.4 Print on Demand Store

Skills Needed: Graphic design, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Create designs and sell through print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Redbubble.

2.5 Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon)

Skills Needed: E-commerce, product sourcing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Source products, send them to Amazon’s warehouses, and handle customer service through Amazon.

2.6 Subscription Box Service

Skills Needed: Product curation, logistics.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Choose a niche, source products, and offer subscription boxes via a website.

2.7 Custom Apparel Business

Skills Needed: Fashion design, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Design custom t-shirts, hoodies, or accessories and sell them via an e-commerce platform.

2.8 Gourmet Food Delivery

Skills Needed: Culinary skills, logistics, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Create and sell gourmet food items, deliver them to customers, or partner with food delivery apps.

2.9 Beauty Products Store

Skills Needed: Product sourcing, e-commerce, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Curate or create a line of beauty products and sell them via your website or platforms like Shopify.

2.10 Vintage Clothing Store

Skills Needed: Fashion sense, product curation.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Source vintage clothing and sell it via e-commerce platforms like Etsy or through a physical boutique.

3. Food and Hospitality Businesses

Photo by Thomas Wavid Johns on Unsplash

3.1 Food Truck

Skills Needed: Cooking, logistics, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Invest in a food truck, create a unique menu, and get the required permits.

3.2 Catering Service

Skills Needed: Culinary skills, event management.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Build a niche catering service, promote locally and online, and offer packages for events.

3.3 Home Bakery

Skills Needed: Baking skills, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Get licenses for a home-based bakery, perfect your recipes, and sell locally or online.

3.4 Meal Prep Service

Skills Needed: Nutrition, culinary skills, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer healthy pre-packaged meals and create a subscription service.

3.5 Pop-Up Restaurant

Skills Needed: Culinary expertise, event management.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Rent a space for a limited-time dining experience and promote it through social media.

3.6 Coffee Shop

Skills Needed: Barista skills, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Find a suitable location, source coffee beans, and build a loyal customer base.

3.7 Specialty Cake Making

Skills Needed: Cake decorating, baking, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer custom cakes for special occasions and promote through social media or local businesses.

3.8 Juice Bar

Skills Needed: Nutrition, culinary skills, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Open a juice bar, create fresh juice blends, and promote through health and fitness communities.

3.9 Food Blogger

Skills Needed: Cooking, writing, photography.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create a blog around recipes and food reviews and monetize through affiliate marketing or sponsored posts.

3.10 Event Catering

Skills Needed: Cooking, logistics, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer specialized catering services for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

4. Health and Wellness Business Ideas

4.1 Personal Training

Skills Needed: Fitness training certification, communication.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Get certified, market your services to local gyms or online.

4.2 Yoga Instructor

Skills Needed: Yoga certification, teaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified and offer in-person or virtual classes.

4.3 Massage Therapy

Skills Needed: Massage certification, anatomy knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get licensed, set up a home-based or mobile service, and advertise locally.

4.4 Health Coaching

Skills Needed: Nutrition and fitness knowledge, certification.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified, offer personalized coaching, and promote through online platforms or local networks.

4.5 Meditation Instructor

Skills Needed: Meditation practice, teaching skills.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer meditation classes or workshops online or in person.

4.6 Pilates Instructor

Skills Needed: Pilates certification, fitness teaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified and offer classes in local studios or through virtual platforms.

4.7 Nutrition Consulting

Skills Needed: Nutrition certification, counselling.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified and build a client base through word-of-mouth or online promotion.

4.8 Physical Therapy

Skills Needed: Physical therapy degree, licensure.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Open a physical therapy practice or offer services through existing clinics.

4.9 Reiki Practitioner

Skills Needed: Reiki certification, alternative health knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified, offer sessions to clients, and promote through wellness networks.

4.10 Wellness Retreat Organizer

Skills Needed: Event planning, wellness knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Organise wellness retreats centred around fitness, meditation, or health and promote through wellness communities.

5. Education and Tutoring Enterprises

5.1 Online Tutoring

Skills Needed: Teaching, expertise in a subject.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Join platforms like VIPKid and MyTutor or offer private tutoring online.

5.2 Language Instructor

Skills Needed: Language fluency, teaching skills.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Teach languages through online platforms like Preply or build your own clientele.

5.3 Music Lessons

Skills Needed: Proficiency in an instrument and teaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer private lessons locally or through online platforms.

5.4 Career Coaching

Skills Needed: HR and business knowledge, coaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer career counselling or resume services through LinkedIn or local advertising.

5.5 Art Instructor

Skills Needed: Artistic skills, teaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer art classes for different age groups online or at community centres.

5.6 GCSE/A Levels Prep Tutor

Skills Needed: Test knowledge, teaching.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer test prep services to high school students and advertise through schools or online platforms.

5.7 Homeschool Consulting

Skills Needed: Educational planning, teaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer consulting services to parents starting to homeschool and build a network through local and online communities.

5.8 Public Speaking Coach

Skills Needed: Public speaking, coaching.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer coaching services to individuals or businesses and promote through networking events.

5.9 STEM Tutor

Skills Needed: Expertise in science, technology, engineering, or math.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Tutor students in STEM subjects through online platforms or privately.

5.10 Children’s Book Author

Skills Needed: Writing, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Write and self-publish children’s books or pitch to publishing houses.

6. Home and Property Services

6.1 Landscaping

Skills Needed: Gardening, landscaping, manual labour.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer local lawn care or garden services and build a portfolio.

6.2 Cleaning Service

Skills Needed: Attention to detail, organisation.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer cleaning services for homes or offices and advertise locally.

6.3 Handyman Services

Skills Needed: Basic repair skills, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer repair services for everyday household tasks.

6.4 Interior Design

Skills Needed: Design, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create a portfolio and offer design services to homeowners or businesses.

6.5 Home Staging

Skills Needed: Design, real estate knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Work with real estate agents to stage homes for sale.

6.6 Pool Maintenance

Skills Needed: Pool equipment knowledge, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer pool cleaning and maintenance services to local homeowners.

6.7 Window Cleaning

Skills Needed: Cleaning, attention to detail.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer window cleaning services to homes or businesses and advertise locally.

6.8 Pest Control

Skills Needed: Knowledge of pest control methods and certification.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get licensed and offer pest control services to homes and businesses.

6.9 Roofing Services

Skills Needed: Construction knowledge, roofing experience.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Start a roofing business or offer services to homeowners needing repairs.

6.10 Home Automation Installation

Skills Needed: Electrical and technology knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer installation services for smart home systems.

7. Arts, Crafts, and Creative Services

7.1 Custom T-Shirt Design

Skills Needed: Graphic design, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Design and sell custom t-shirts on platforms like Teespring or Printful.

7.2 Jewellery Making

Skills Needed: Crafting, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create and sell handmade jewellery on platforms like Etsy.

7.3 Photography Business

Skills Needed: Photography, editing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Build a portfolio and offer photography services for events, weddings, or portraits.

7.4 Calligraphy Business

Skills Needed: Calligraphy, patience, design.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer custom calligraphy for events like weddings or corporate functions.

7.5 Children’s Book Illustrator

Skills Needed: Illustration, storytelling.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create a portfolio and offer authors and publishing companies services.

7.6 Mural Artist

Skills Needed: Painting, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer mural painting services for businesses, homes, or public spaces.

7.7 Personalised Stationery

Skills Needed: Design, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Design and sell personalised stationery on Etsy or through local craft fairs.

7.8 Art Commissions

Skills Needed: Artistic ability, communication.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer commissioned art pieces like portraits or custom illustrations.

7.9 Knitting/Crocheting Business

Skills Needed: Knitting, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create handmade knit or crochet items and sell them online.

7.10 Pet Portraits Business

Skills Needed: Artistic ability, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer custom pet portraits through platforms like Etsy or local art galleries.

8. Technology and Innovation Ideas for Business

8.1 App Development

Skills Needed: Programming, UI/UX design.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: You can develop a mobile app that solves a specific problem or offer app development services to businesses.

8.2 Tech Support Services

Skills Needed: Technical troubleshooting, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer remote or on-site tech support for individuals or businesses.

8.3 Cybersecurity Consulting

Skills Needed: IT security, risk management.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer cybersecurity consulting services to small businesses.

8.4 3D Printing Services

Skills Needed: 3D modelling, CAD software.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer 3D printing services for models, prototypes, or creative objects.

8.5 Virtual Reality Developer

Skills Needed: Programming, 3D modelling, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Develop VR applications for entertainment, education, or business training.

8.6 AI Prompts Developer

Skills Needed: Artificial intelligence, data science.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Help companies and individuals use AI tools.

8.7 Web Hosting Services

Skills Needed: Server management, IT infrastructure.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer web hosting solutions to small businesses and personal websites.

8.8 Smart Home Installation

Skills Needed: Electrical knowledge, IoT technology.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Provide smart home installation services for homeowners looking to automate their systems.

8.9 Drone Services

Skills Needed: Drone operation, photography.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer drone services for real estate, land surveying, or event coverage.

8.10 IT Hardware Repair

Skills Needed: Computer hardware knowledge, troubleshooting.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer hardware repair services for computers, laptops, and mobile devices.

9. Environmental and Sustainability-Focused Businesses

9.1 Eco-Friendly Products Store

Skills Needed: Product sourcing, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Curate and sell sustainable products online or through local retail stores.

9.2 Solar Panel Installation

Skills Needed: Electrical installation, technical skills.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified and offer solar installation services to homeowners or businesses.

9.3 Recycling Pickup Service

Skills Needed: Logistics, recycling knowledge.
Time to Take Off: 3-6 months.
How to Start: Offer recycling collection services and partner with local recycling plants.

9.4 Organic Farming

Skills Needed: Agriculture, organic certification.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Start a small organic farm and sell produce through farmers’ markets or subscription models.

9.5 Composting Business

Skills Needed: Composting knowledge, sales.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer composting services and sell compost to gardeners and farmers.

9.6 Eco-Consulting

Skills Needed: Environmental science, business strategy.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Advise businesses to implement sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprints.

9.7 Water Purification Services

Skills Needed: Technical knowledge and installation skills.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer water purification systems to homeowners and businesses.

9.8 Energy Auditing

Skills Needed: Knowledge of energy efficiency and engineering.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Conduct energy audits and provide actionable recommendations for homes and businesses.

9.9 Sustainable Fashion Brand

Skills Needed: Fashion design, ethical sourcing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Create a sustainable fashion line using eco-friendly materials and promote it through online platforms.

9.10 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Skills Needed: Electrical infrastructure, technical skills.
Time to Take Off: 12-24 months.
How to Start: Partner with local governments or businesses to install EV charging stations.

10. Professional and Consulting Services

10.1 Business Consulting

Skills Needed: Business management, strategy.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer consulting services to small businesses in your expertise.

10.2 Tax Preparation Service

Skills Needed: Accounting knowledge, tax law expertise.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Get certified and offer individuals and small businesses tax preparation services.

10.3 Legal Consulting

Skills Needed: Law degree, communication.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer advice in business, intellectual property, or family law.

10.4 Financial Planning

Skills Needed: Financial knowledge, certification.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer financial planning services to individuals or businesses.

10.5 Event Planning

Skills Needed: Organization, communication, creativity.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Plan and coordinate events like weddings, corporate functions, or parties.

10.6 Human Resources Consulting

Skills Needed: HR knowledge, communication.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer small businesses HR services like recruitment, training, and policy development.

10.7 PR Consulting

Skills Needed: Communication, branding, marketing.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Help businesses manage their public image and media relations and promote them through various channels.

10.8 Real Estate Consulting

Skills Needed: Real estate market knowledge, customer service.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer consultancy services to individuals looking to buy, sell, or invest in property.

10.9 Marketing Consultant

Skills Needed: Marketing, advertising, digital strategy.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Offer consulting services to small businesses looking to improve their marketing efforts.

10.10 Project Management Consulting

Skills Needed: Project management, leadership.
Time to Take Off: 6-12 months.
How to Start: Help businesses streamline their projects and processes, offer guidance on improving workflows and meeting deadlines.

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These 100 great business ideas span a wide range of sectors, offering opportunities for people with different skills and passions.

Whether you’re interested in digital services, retail, food, health, or creative endeavours, there is a business idea here.

The key is to start with a clear plan, build your skills, and remain consistent as you grow your venture.

Start small, stay flexible, and remember—every successful business begins with that first step!