72 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2027

Thinking about starting a business this year? Whether you’re diving into full-time entrepreneurship or planning a side hustle, this list of small business ideas is for you.

Small businesses make up a major part of the US economy, with more than 36.2 million in the United States, accounting for 43.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Whether you want to start a clothing line, pet business, or wellness brand, these small business ideas are practical and flexible. Use this guide to explore profitable ideas and learn how to get started.

How to choose a good small business idea

According to the US Small Business Administration, 99.9% of all businesses are small. In August 2026 alone, there were 531,728 business applications.

A good small business idea matches skills, budget, and schedule, has low startup costs, solves a clear customer need, and can be validated before launch.

Below, find a practical decision framework that will help you compare small business ideas by demand, skills, budget, time, location, and online or in-person model.

Strong small business idea checklist:

• Meets market demand
• Fits your skills, budget, and schedule
• Has a clear edge
• Is scalable
• Has a low barrier to entry
• Can become profitable
• Is sustainable

Meets market demand

Good business ideas solve problems for specific groups of people. Before moving forward with an idea, research your target market’s needs and competitors’ solutions.

Fits your skills, budget, and schedule

Consider whether you’re looking for full-time entrepreneurship or planning a side hustle. Starting your own small business should fit your budget: think about whether you’re willing to put in a small investment, a large sum, or if you’re open to raising capital.

Has a clear edge

Competitive businesses have an original approach that sets them apart. This could be a new product, a unique selling proposition, or a competitive pricing strategy. Develop a business plan that explains how you will compete with other businesses.

In a November 2025 Shopify survey,** 36% of store owners reported finding customers as a top year one challenge, so standing out is essential.

Is scalable

Scalability is about the potential for growth and expansion. Consider whether you can grow your business idea without hitting geographical, financial, or market limits.

Has a low barrier to entry

Businesses with lower costs, fewer regulations, less need for training, and minimal tech requirements are easier to start.

Can become profitable

A small business idea needs to make money. Estimate potential profits and build a financial model based on predicted sales and operational costs.

Is sustainable

A sustainable business has the potential for long-term success. Consider whether your small business will be part of a growing industry or a trend that’s already peaked, and whether your operations will align with environmental, social, and regulatory expectations.

Best small business ideas

With your existing skills and some online tools, launching a small business may be easier than you think. Here are some small businesses you can start today.

• T-shirt designer
• House- or pet-sitter
• Tutor
• Personal assistant
• Dog walker
• Airbnb host
• Pool host
• Backyard host
• Car rental provider
• Baker
• House cleaner
• Car washer

1. T-shirt designer

Build, run, and grow a T-shirt business. Websites and apps that offer print-on-demand services are perfect for small businesses. Sell custom products like T-shirts, hats, hoodies, and tote bags without worrying about manufacturing, shipping, or pre-paying for inventory.

A print-on-demand company produces and ships your T-shirts as orders come in; your role is creating original shirts and other items with branding and unique visuals.

“Print on demand gives you that option to be like, ‘You know what, I want to start a fashion brand, not have to pay for any stock, test these designs out, and see if they do well,’ entrepreneur Kamil Sattar says.

If you’re not a designer yourself, hire one from freelancer sites like Fiverr, Upwork, Dribbble, or 99Designs. You can even use T-shirt mockup templates for your print-on-demand T-shirt business so you won’t need to spend money on a photoshoot to model your designs.

2. House- or pet-sitter

House-sitting and pet-sitting are businesses you can start with zero dollars, making them great business ideas for teens.

Create an online store to market and sell your services, or register for an account on dedicated home and petcare apps, such as:

• HouseSitter.com. This website is for both house- and pet-sitting. You can create a profile and apply to postings. People who need house- or pet-sitting services can browse sitters and reach out.
• Rover. Rover is a website and app specifically for pet-sitting. On it, you can create a profile and apply to gigs.
• Care.com. Care.com is a site where pet-sitters can create a profile and list their experience and apply to gigs. Care.com is a good site to use if you offer specialty services such as senior care, tutoring, housekeeping, or childcare.
• TrustedHousesitters. TrustedHousesitters is a great place to start if you need experience or testimonials. The platform specifically prohibits paid gigs—instead, sitters get a free place to stay, and clients get free housesitting.

Some pet-sitters offer on-site services while others care for pets in their own homes.

3. Tutor

If you excel in specialized subject matter like math, playing the drums, or speaking French, consider teaching others. Promote your tutoring services on local Facebook groups and in nearby schools to get the word out and build up your client base.

If you’re planning to create courses for your students, start by watching this guide to making online courses.

4. Personal assistant

Becoming a personal assistant requires little upfront expenditure and lets you work with a range of businesses. You’ll be helping business owners with admin tasks, like booking appointments, responding to emails, and taking meeting notes.

Start by networking with business owners to build relationships and market your services.

5. Dog walker

Build a dog-walking business by checking your state laws to see what licensing and insurance you’ll need, then set up a website to advertise. If you want to avoid administrative tasks, sign up with a platform like Rover that connects pet owners and dog walkers.

6. Airbnb host

You don’t need a fancy second home to become an Airbnb host. The accommodation platform originally started so homeowners could temporarily rent out spare rooms for extra cash.

If you have the space (and the permission, if you don’t own the space) in your house, create an account with Airbnb and rent it out whenever it suits you.

If you like the idea of running a rental business, here are some other rental business ideas to consider.

7. Pool host

If your house has a pool, you don’t need to list it on Airbnb to make passive income. Offer your pool by the hour or day on sites like Swimply. Or, partner with freelance swim instructors who need a pool to teach from.

8. Backyard host

If you have a large, fenced backyard or plot of land, consider renting it to city-dwelling dog owners looking for a safe and private space for their dogs to play. Add a few photos and a description of your property on a platform like Sniffspot.

If you can add amenities like a dog agility course or splash pad, you may be able to charge more for your spot.

9. Car rental provider

If you own a car that you don’t drive every day, rent it out when you don’t need it. Platforms like Turo let car owners list their vehicles for rent by the hour or day.

You can rent out almost any type of car, but there are more monetization opportunities with specialty vehicles. For example, if you have a classic car, rent it out for photoshoots or weddings.

Consider reaching out to wedding planners and photographers to build ongoing partnerships. If you have a camper van or RV, you can list it on RV-specific platforms like Outdoorsy so others can enjoy it while you make money for your next trip.

10. Baker

If you have experience baking cakes and sweet treats, sell baked goods to locals in your community. In addition to baking cakes for birthdays and events, your bakery business plan could include selling baked goods to local cafés or distributing them through an online store.

You’ll need to obtain a cottage food permit if you plan to bake out of your home kitchen. Check with your state and local jurisdiction for any other licenses, permits, or requirements.

11. House cleaner

If you’re a stickler for cleanliness, a cleaning business can be a fulfilling way to make money. Create flyers to distribute throughout your neighborhood, and advertise your services on local Facebook groups. If you do a good job, word of mouth can help you organically pick up customers.

With your clients’ permission, create short-form video content for TikTok and Instagram, where satisfying cleaning videos have the potential to go viral. As your business grows, you can hire staff, launch your website, and maybe even put your name on a line of white-label cleaning products you can sell via social commerce.

12. Car washer

Car washing can work as a family business idea. If you have space outside your house or in a nearby yard, offer car-washing and valeting services to locals.

Or, partner with a local office building to provide car-washing services in their parking garage. Consider creating—with your clients’ permission—short-form videos for social media showing the satisfying transformation of the vehicles you clean.

Online business ideas

It’s possible to run these online business models and careers from home with low overhead:

• Affiliate marketer
• Digital freelancer
• Content creator
• Influencer
• Social media management consultant
• Dropshipping store owner
• Résumé writer
• Virtual assistant
• Digital template and pattern designer
• Online dating consultant
• Reselling items

13. Affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing is a performance marketing tactic where a business pays people to promote products. Every time an affiliate brings in a new customer, they receive a commission.

Affiliates can promote products on their blogs, social media accounts, or websites, or in their communities. Affiliate marketing can be a low-cost way to earn passive income.

To start affiliate marketing:

• Find an affiliate program
• Choose offers you want to promote
• Get a unique affiliate link
• Promote that link across your channels
• Get a commission for every signup or purchase made through your affiliate link

Commission rates vary by company and product. You could earn as little as 5% or as much as 50% for each sale. Some affiliate programs offer a flat rate instead of a percentage.

14. Digital freelancer

With a digital freelance business, your time is your inventory and your biggest investment. Get up and running quickly if you have in-demand skills and spare hours.

If you have expertise in graphic design, search engine optimization, or web development, you could offer your skills as an ongoing service. To start, create a website and promote your services on platforms like LinkedIn.

If you use Shopify, an appointment scheduling app from the Shopify App Store allows prospective clients to book time with you directly from your website.

15. Content creator

Content creators share videos, stories, and content on social media to build audiences and make money. If your content is received positively, consider turning your social media presence into a business by partnering with brands or by making and selling merch.

Content creators play a role in supporting businesses: in a November 2025 Shopify survey,** 35% of store owners cited building a social media presence as their second most common year one growth strategy.

16. Influencer

In 2026, influencer marketing spending is forecast to surpass $12 billion in the US.

It’s possible to become an influencer with a modest number of followers if you have an engaged niche audience.

Whether you choose to grow your following on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or a blog (or, ideally, on a combination of channels), there are different avenues to monetize your influence.

Taking an audience-first approach to your small business idea means playing the long game, but you don’t need millions of followers to get started.

17. Social media management consultant

A social media manager creates and analyzes content for brands’ social accounts. If you’re skilled on social media platforms but don’t want to create content full-time, consider freelancing as a social media manager or consultant.

Depending on the client’s needs, you might help create content, brainstorm content ideas, facilitate partnerships with social media influencers, create a social media content calendar, or formalize a social media strategy.

18. Dropshipping store owner

Dropshipping is a business idea you can start with a small initial investment because you don’t need to purchase inventory upfront. You’ll be responsible for marketing and making sales, then passing orders on to your dropshipping supplier to fulfill. Before getting started, evaluate supplier reliability, product margins, shipping times, and customer service responsibilities.

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar (The Ecom King on YouTube) recommends starting with five to 10 low-cost products, a Shopify website, and a TikTok account.

“I do believe the best opportunity right now in dropshipping is the TikTok Organic Method,” Kamil says on the Shopify Masters podcast. “The profit margins are between 40% to 60%, and you just can’t argue with those numbers.”

Start a dropshipping business on Shopify to connect integrated dropshipping apps.

19. Résumé writer

Résumés are crucial to landing a new job, yet many people struggle to write them. If you excel at writing résumés, make a business out of it. Résumé writing and editing are usually performed more quickly than other freelance writing jobs, so it’s a good option for writers looking for a side hustle.

In addition to individual sessions, you can sell digital downloads, like a résumé template, job-hunting ebook, or prerecorded résumé writing course on your website. Try promoting your business on LinkedIn to connect with job seekers.

20. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants help business owners manage tasks they don’t have time for. Unlike traditional personal assistants, virtual assistants don’t have to be in the same city (or even the same country) as their clients.

Virtual assistant services vary widely and can include social media work, graphic design, general admin, and sales. You can use virtual assistance to make extra income to fund your business idea or grow your virtual assistant business to hire others.

Get started as a virtual assistant by promoting yourself on freelance marketplaces, or join a freelancer agency.

21. Digital template and pattern designer

You don’t need to sell physical products to make money as an artist online. You can sell digital products like printable bullet journal templates, sewing patterns, or music.

For example, Danish brand Deima Knitwear sells knitting patterns on their Shopify store. Deima also offers a limited number of ready-to-ship and made-to-order pieces to appeal to their audience of knitters and non-knitters alike.

Digital products include downloadable templates, journals, checklists, guides, and designs. It’s easy to experiment with different product types to see what sells. Use a design tool like Canva to design your downloads, then sell them on a marketplace like Etsy or start an ecommerce store.

22. Online dating consultant

Online dating consultants help singles find love. Besides helping create online dating profiles, you can source potential matches and offer coaching through first dates. Try it out on willing friends first, then use their success stories to promote your services.

You can also generate passive income by creating an online dating course or workbook to sell on your website via Shopify’s Digital Downloads app.

23. Reselling items

If you have a knack for finding ’80s band tees or midcentury glassware at thrift stores and flea markets, then an online reselling business may be for you.

This business model is simple: buy low, sell high.

One business model is local flipping, where you hunt for hidden gems and list them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, or your own Shopify store. Another approach is to curate an online store full of vintage finds, like Adored Vintage does with vintage clothing.

Best businesses to start with little money

To minimize upfront investment, start small. That could mean selling a limited batch or preselling. Test these ideas with existing skills, basic equipment, and a clear local or online customer.

If you’re short on cash and want to start a small business, check out these cost-effective businesses you can start today.

• Childcare provider
• Handyperson
• Life coach
• Consultant
• Newsletter author
• Bike mechanic

24. Childcare provider

Demand for childcare is rising, but there’s decreasing supply. If you enjoy caring for kids and can get the proper licenses, it could be a good business idea for you.

Daycares are a particularly good business idea for parents looking to make money from home. Start by researching local laws to ensure you can meet the requirements for starting a childcare business in your area.

Startup costs include licenses, insurance, and a reliable space that meets safety requirements.

25. Handyperson

The home repair and improvement industry sits at around $530 billion in market value. If you’re handy, become a local go-to maintenance specialist who solves plumbing issues, installs tiles, clears gutters, and puts up fences. Startup costs include tools and a reliable means of transportation.

26. Life coach

Life coaches help clients navigate personal and career changes. If you’re good at helping people make decisions, are a great communicator, and enjoy guiding others toward their dream lives, this could be a good business for you.

Start by researching local regulations to see if you need certification—which can increase your credibility whether it’s required or not. Then, start promoting your services on social media. Create a website so clients can book appointments with you. You can also sell courses and workbooks on your site.

27. Consultant

If you’re a specialist or have deep knowledge of a particular subject, you can monetize that by opening a consultancy. Examples of specific consulting paths include: HR, SEO, finance, accounting, IT, and operations.

For example, if you have a strong HR background, you might consult for companies looking to improve their hiring practices; if you’re skilled at search engine optimization, you might open an SEO consultancy.

28. Newsletter author

Newsletters offer a direct line of communication to a prebuilt audience. If you have an online presence and knowledge to share, consider starting a newsletter business. There’s little you need to get started: just an email marketing provider and a way to generate subscribers.

Then, you can make money selling sponsorships, products, or services directly through your newsletter. Alternatively, when the numbers are high enough, you can charge subscribers to receive your newsletter in a subscription-style model.

29. Bike mechanic

Start a neighborhood business repairing and building bikes. Advertise your services in local Facebook groups, stick flyers around local shops, and create a simple website to spread the word.

At-home business ideas

Whether you’re interested in writing a book, creating digital courses, or developing websites for brands, there are numerous opportunities for home-based businesses.

• Self-published author
• Digital creator
• App developer
• Coffee seller
• Translator
• Travel adviser
• Website developer
• Data entry clerk
• Bookkeeper

30. Self-published author

Cookbooks, picture books, comic books, poetry books, photo books, coffee table books, and novels—if you have the knowledge or creativity, you can bring various original books to the market.

Print-on-demand book services are a low-risk way to test a business idea and get started with self-publishing. They also provide control over the quality and look of your book.

Lulu and Blurb are popular platforms for creating, ordering, and distributing books as physical and digital products. You could also sell them on third-party marketplaces like Amazon.

While you can print one book at a time, costs naturally decrease when buying in bulk. Consider preselling or crowdfunding your book idea to ensure there’s demand and to guarantee a certain number of sales so you can bulk order. Publishing your own book can be a great way to monetize a blog.

31. Digital creator

Digital products like music, courses, podcasts, and templates don’t come with recurring manufacturing or shipping costs, so your margins can remain high.

Figure out what makes a good digital product and how much people will pay. Some digital product ideas include original instrumental beats, stock photos that can be licensed to other creators, and informative products like courses that help people level up their skill sets in a particular field.

If you have a talent that can be turned into a digital product, consider packaging it into a new income stream. Shopify’s free Digital Downloads app allows you to sell digital products as easily as physical products. Depending on what you decide to make, you could need as little as a smartphone or laptop to get started.

32. App developer

Consumer app development isn’t the only path for entrepreneurs. Develop an app in the Shopify App Store that offers a simple solution to a common problem encountered by website designers or store owners.

33. Coffee seller

Selling coffee can be profitable with a strong brand and the right marketing strategy. The multibillion-dollar coffee industry has many benefits. Coffee is widely available, and it’s something that 66% of Americans drink every day.

For example, Los Angeles–based Canyon Coffee achieved popularity on Instagram by sharing their founders’ relaxed California lifestyle. Source your own coffee supplier and roaster, or take the coffee dropshipping route.

34. Translator

If you’re fluent in another language, make a business out of translating website copy or in-person conversations. Consider specializing in a specific type of translation service, such as medical journals or finance publications. Then, create a website or list on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to advertise your services.

35. Travel adviser

Social media marketing makes it possible to reach out to travelers who can benefit from your niche. As a self-employed travel adviser, you might specialize in:

• A specific country or region, especially if you speak the language
• A particular interest like food, hiking, or theme parks
• Booking flights and hotels with credit card points
• Group travel, such as organizing family reunions or bachelorette weekends

For example, Mexico in My Pocket sells a 60-minute travel consultation on their Shopify site along with the option to create a full itinerary for trips to Guanajuato, Mérida, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and more.

36. Website developer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of web developers and digital designers will grow 5% from 2025 to 2035. This growing digital landscape calls for more developers to build websites and apps.

Online courses will teach you the basics, but practice is the best way to improve your coding skills. Build a website to showcase your skills, reach out to brands you’d like to work with, and create a portfolio of websites and apps. Software like Claude Code has made web development more accessible for non-engineers.

Grow your business by focusing on a particular niche, such as building Shopify stores for ecommerce entrepreneurs.

37. Data entry clerk

Data entry clerks play an important role in collecting, storing, and managing vast quantities of information. If you are adept at systems and process setup, this could be the business for you. Start by contacting local businesses to offer your services and promote them on social media to reach a broader range of potential clients.

38. Bookkeeper

With a bookkeeping business, you’ll monitor and record small business accounts each month to ensure your clients are on top of their finances.

You might need a relevant degree or certification before you start, but once you set up your business, you can work with clients from the comfort of your home. You can even generate passive income by selling financial literacy worksheets, courses, or ebooks.

Bookkeeping is a business you can start part-time alongside a full-time role.

Unique small business ideas

Creating a unique small business starts with identifying a niche where consumer needs aren’t being met in an area you’re already passionate about or experienced in. Offer distinctive products or services through original solutions or branding that speaks directly to that audience.

• Socially responsible business owner
• Pet business owner
• Membership program founder
• Virtual event planner
• Landscaper
• Vending machine owner
• Personal trainer
• Personal chef
• Meal prep specialist
• Mover
• Voice-over artist
• Tour guide
• Master class host
• Professional organizer
• Personal shopper

39. Socially responsible business owner

Starting a nonprofit organization isn’t the only path to funding a better world. Mission-driven businesses that set aside some profit for a cause offer social entrepreneurs unique company positioning while addressing the issues they care about most.

While many social enterprises sell original products, you can take low-cost small business ideas and partner with a nonprofit. You can also execute that social good yourself, as long as you’re transparent about how it works.

The Give & Grow Donations Shopify app makes it easy to partner with charitable organizations and incorporate your mission into your business. You can set it up to donate a specific amount or a percentage of sales, or to ask your customers to add a donation at checkout.

40. Pet business owner

The pet industry is worth more than $289 billion. Your pet business could be product- or service-based—selling accessories, food, or toys, or offering grooming, walking, or training expertise.

Perkie Prints makes personalized printed pet products, apparel, framed prints, and fun projects. On the service side, Let the Dog Out offers dog walking and “bathroom breaks” to their customers.

41. Membership program founder

Online memberships are ideal for entrepreneurs with an established, active, and engaged community. In a subscription-based business, customers make recurring payments in exchange for a virtual product or service.

Memberships manage members-only access to website content and even for physical businesses offering guided sessions online. Yoga studios, gyms, clubs, and art schools are a few examples that can take advantage of this business model.

Start your membership-based business with Shopify. Set up a membership product as you would a physical product, creating a name and description that tells people about your membership services.

42. Virtual event planner

Virtual event planning can be profitable if you enjoy organizing. As a virtual event planner, you’ll be responsible for creating virtual conferences, networking opportunities, and educational sessions.

43. Landscaper

If you love nature and outdoor design, a landscaping business could be an option. Landscaping, also referred to as lawn care, means modifying and maintaining the visible features of an area of land. You’re responsible for creating beauty from living elements like flowers, grass, and trees.

Seasonal demand for landscape maintenance makes landscaping a potential summer business idea. Competition in the market is moderate. You’ll face a few leading landscaping companies, like TruGreen, as well as smaller local service providers.

44. Vending machine owner

Though the vending machine industry took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, projections indicate vending machines are bouncing back.

Offer the right products at the right location to make your vending business a success. Do your research to find high-traffic areas and learn who is walking by and what they need at that moment.

Consider airport vending machines. You’ll find the expected ones with snacks and drinks, but there are also machines with makeup and accessories like phone chargers and headphones. With a strategic approach, vending machines can be profitable with a small initial investment.

Your state may require specific licenses and regulations if you own and operate a vending machine. License requirements vary by many different factors, like location and zip code. Verify local rules before getting started.

45. Personal trainer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of fitness trainers and instructors will grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, which they consider to be much faster than average.

If you enjoy going to the gym and staying active, consider a personal training business. You’ll need the right qualifications to get started. Once that’s in place, build up a roster of clients who regularly come to work out with you.

Take it further by offering personalized training plans, nutrition advice, and exercise mentoring for additional income. Advertise your business on local Facebook groups, create flyers to stick around the neighborhood, or build a website to attract remote clients that you can train via video calls.

46. Personal chef

If you love cooking and often host dinner parties for friends and family, a personal chef business might be for you. Start small by cooking meals for your neighbors, then expand to include downloadable menus and personalized multicourse meal plans. It can help to specialize in a specific cuisine or style of cooking to build up your brand.

47. Meal prep specialist

Tackle customers’ pain points by offering a meal prep service where you batch-cook food for the week and deliver it to your clients. You can even enhance segments of your meal prep by offering related items, like condiments. Promote your business locally and hand-deliver meals, or advertise online to a wider audience and send meal boxes by mail or courier.

You could grow the business over time to deliver meal kits at scale, like HelloFresh and Blue Apron do with meal subscription boxes.

48. Mover

If you have a truck and enjoy physical labor, consider opening a moving company. Make sure you get the correct permits and insurance to start, and then build up a name by sending out flyers, advertising on local Facebook groups, and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals.

49. Voice-over artist

Become a voice-over artist and narrate television advertisements and online videos. Set up a website to advertise your services and sign up for voice-over directories to connect with potential clients.

50. Tour guide

Become a tour guide and show people around your city, especially if you’re knowledgeable about local history. Consider differentiating your business from others by focusing on a specific activity, like food, music, or culture. Advertise your services online and create flyers to distribute in well-known tourist spots.

51. Master class host

Share your subject expertise online by teaching master classes. Decide what skill or activity you’ll teach. There are many options, like accounting and wine tasting. Advertise your services on your website or through local Facebook groups.

52. Professional organizer

Become a professional organizer who helps declutter and restore order to homes. This job is geared toward a local client base, so rely on local Facebook groups, flyers, and word-of-mouth referrals.

You can also expand your revenue streams by creating organizational videos and paid downloadables to sell online and reach people outside of your local area.

53. Personal shopper

Personal shoppers help their clients find clothes, furniture, or jewelry. If you have a good eye for fashion or interior design, this can be a rewarding way to make money. Start by choosing what kind of personal shopper you’d like to be and then advertise your services locally via Facebook or flyers.

Creative small business ideas

Start an exciting business that explores your creativity and self-expression with these ideas.

• Poster and card illustrator
• Online boutique owner
• Craftsperson
• Photographer
• Beauty entrepreneur
• Phone accessories seller
• Subscription box provider
• Alterations specialist
• Makeup artist
• Furniture restorer

54. Poster and card illustrator

If you already have an engaged online following—say you’re a cartoonist or an urban photographer—sell your art online.

Depending on the printer you work with, you can turn your work into products such as posters, framed wall art, or even greeting cards. There are low-cost digital templates and mockup generators, like Placeit, that you can use to showcase your products without printing them or conducting photoshoots.

55. Online boutique owner

If you love fashion and sharing your sense of style, consider creating an online fashion boutique. You don’t need to become a fashion designer; you can curate items from other vendors for your store using the dropshipping model.

Build your fashion business using product-sourcing apps like MyOnlineFashionStore. As you grow, turn your brand into a trendsetter.

56. Craftsperson

If you’re a maker, you’re in a position to find a small business idea, because product development and procurement are literally in your hands. You can also decide how much time you want to spend on your business, making it a good option for crafty kidpreneurs.

“I was 16 when I started. When I was in high school, balancing everything was pretty easy,” says Designed by Lei Founder LeiLei Secor, who turned her jewelry hobby into a small business.

“When I got to college, I treated it as if it were any other part-time job or work-study. I set aside a few hours each week to fulfill orders.”

You will need to consider shipping and inventory management, but you can start simple on a per-order basis or with a small batch until you generate consistent sales.

In fact, many makers on Shopify started with a home business idea, selling on marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, and growing into full-time small business owners after establishing demand for their products. Etsy reported 4.8 million new buyers in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Be mindful of any regulations in your product category, especially for anything customers eat, inhale, or put on their skin.

57. Photographer

Turn your photography hobby into a full-time online photography business. Aside from photographing events like weddings or taking pictures for corporate ad campaigns, set up an online store and sell prints. Or, sell your photos on stock photography sites.

58. Beauty entrepreneur

The beauty industry is on track to reach $590 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5%.

Some product ideas include:

• Personal care products like hand soap and sanitizer
• At-home spa rituals like face masks
• Beauty technology like massage guns, smart mirrors, and makeup refrigerators

Consider launching a makeup brand or a hair-care line and targeting a specific audience segment, like curly-haired women or teenagers.

59. Phone accessories seller

Because so many people own mobile phones, there’s a huge market for phone accessories. You can adapt to a particular phone accessories niche to print on demand, make by hand, or sell via a dropshipping model.

Some phone accessories you could sell include:

• Phone cases
• Car and desk phone holders
• Tripods
• Charms
• Earbuds/headphones
• Bluetooth speakers
• Portable chargers
• Wireless chargers

When listing your phone accessories for sale, remember to include which devices they’re compatible with. You don’t want to create an avoidable negative experience for customers who receive an item they can’t even use.

60. Subscription box provider

If you’re not interested in creating products, curate them. One small business idea is to sell subscription boxes with curated products that follow a certain theme.

You can create a subscription box for almost every niche out there. For example, featuring merchants and makers in your community is one of the best local business ideas for subscription boxes. You can also go for themes like yoga, beer brewing, or pets.

Like memberships, subscriptions are good business ideas to start because they create a recurring revenue stream. Clients have to proactively cancel their subscription if they don’t want to continue paying for it.

Subscriptions also lend themselves to collaboration. When you curate products from different merchants, you can get in front of their audiences—a whole group of potential new subscribers.

61. Alterations specialist

People will always need tailoring and alterations. If you’re good with a sewing machine, you could be the person to do them. Start small by offering to hem or mend your neighbors’ clothes and, as you grow, add services like dressmaking.

62. Makeup artist

If you love makeup and enjoy making others look good, start a business as a makeup artist. You can offer your services for weddings, photoshoots, or special occasions and decide whether you want to work with locals or are willing to travel to build your client base. In addition to advertising on local Facebook groups, create a website and flyers where clients can learn about your offerings.

63. Furniture restorer

Furniture upcycling gained huge momentum during the pandemic, as many people upgraded their living space. If you enjoy refurbishing a well-loved piece of furniture, consider opening a furniture restoration or upcycling business.

You can buy items from local charity shops or reclamation centers to fix and sell, or you can offer to upcycle existing furniture.

Physical small business ideas

These business ideas may appeal to those who enjoy face-to-face interactions, as they require a personal touch and physical presence to succeed.

If you live in a small or rural area, research whether your business idea will work in your small town.

Certain local service businesses face regulations and require licenses at the state or federal level. Examples include auctions, construction, dry cleaning, farming, plumbing, restaurants, retail, and vending machines.

To determine your specific requirements, consult your local municipal clerk and the Small Business Administration.

If you do open a retail store, you can benefit from tools like the Shopify POS, which unifies online and in-person inventory and customer experiences.

• Massage therapist
• Bed and breakfast
• Delicatessen
• Food truck
• Coffee shop
• Stationery store
• Vintage store
• Dog groomer
• Real estate

64. Massage therapist

Trained massage therapists are always in high demand. Examples of ways to operate your massage business include:

• Visit client homes to provide massages.
• Open a salon where clients can come to you.
• Work on a contract basis for a chiropractor, salon, or acupuncturist.

You’ll need the right qualifications to get started, but once you’re all set up, you can expand your list of services to include other beauty and relaxation treatments.

65. Bed and breakfast

Opening a B&B isn’t a small feat, but if you’ve dreamed of creating a cozy place for travelers to stay, it could be the business idea for you. You’ll need a big enough space to get started, but after that, you can decide how to theme your B&B, what packages to offer, and how to create a welcoming experience that keeps guests coming back.

You can start a B&B solo, but it’s also a great family business idea, especially if you live in or near your B&B.

66. Delicatessen

If you specialize in a specific type of food (or simply love a specific product), consider opening a dedicated food store. Whether it’s cheese, wine, craft beers, or olive oil, you can create a commercial hub for like-minded customers to share your passion.

You can use your store to host relevant events, like wine tasting or cheesemaking, for extra income.

67. Food truck

Food trucks cost less up front than restaurants.

Remember: You have limited space in a food truck. Set yourself up for success by narrowing your offerings to a specific cuisine or food type.

If you can’t afford to buy a truck, you can always lease one from a company like the Food Truck Group to get you on your feet. If you’re successful, you can open a restaurant later, as The Cheese Bar did.

68. Coffee shop

Turn your love of coffee into a physical coffee shop. Choose to invest in a franchise or start a café from scratch. Once you’re set up, you can differentiate your business by running in-house events, offering special deals, and turning it into a valuable community hub.

69. Stationery store

If you’re passionate about snail mail or crafting, consider selling your favorite products. Stationery is lightweight and small, which means you don’t need a huge space to open a store.

For example, stationery store Paper Plant Co. shares a tiny storefront in Chinatown, Los Angeles, with a coffee shop. The two businesses can have a maximum of five shoppers in-store at a time.

You can start by selling products online before investing profits from your digital store into a physical location. For example, Nico Neco Zakkaya started as an online boutique selling hard-to-find Japanese stationery and craft supplies, then eventually opened a brick-and-mortar shop in New York City’s Lower East Side.

Nico Neco Zakkaya uses short-form video to promote their online shop and physical location on social media. Their feed offers a mix of “pack an order with me” and “open the shop with me” content, creating a sense of community for online and in-person shoppers.

70. Vintage store

According to a report from ThredUp, the used clothing market in the US is projected to surpass $78 billion by 2030. Consumers are increasingly drawn to secondhand shopping as a way to reduce their impact on the environment, save money, and express their unique styles.

Rather than trying to sell every secondhand product, find a niche that speaks to your interests. For example, you might sell used children’s clothing and toys, estate jewelry, or Y2K womenswear. Happy Isles sells vintage wedding dresses from their Los Angeles and New York showrooms along with accessories on their Shopify store.

71. Dog groomer

If you love dogs, you may want to open a dog grooming business. You need little capital to start grooming dogs in their own homes. Later, you can upgrade to a mobile dog-grooming station and eventually a brick-and-mortar location.

People love looking at dog pictures and videos on social media, so you can promote your work by sharing before-and-afters of your canine clients. Dog grooming also offers the opportunity to sell physical and digital products, like dog shampoo and brushes or online courses on maintaining a dog’s coat between visits.

72. Real estate

Real estate is one of the most talked-about assets in finance, but the term covers a lot of ground. Put simply, real estate is property made up of land and any permanent structures attached to it.

There are several business opportunities available in the real estate market beyond investing in properties. You could provide a service that takes photos and stages homes for sale. Or, start a property management company that handles the day-to-day operations, like collecting rent and finding tenants.

If you like to sell, you can become a licensed agent or broker who guides clients through the biggest financial decision of their lives.

How to start a small business

To start a small business, follow these steps:

• Choose an idea. Personal interest, market opportunity, turning a hobby into a business, etc.
• Validate demand. Determine whether your idea is viable by researching whether there’s demand and if you’re solving a problem in the market.
• Name the business. A strong name should be short and simple, memorable, and original. If you need help, use a business name generator. Your business plan is critical for keeping your business on track and for securing partners, investors, lenders, and more.
• Choose a business structure. Your business structure influences taxes, operations, personal liability, and more. Choosing the right business structure involves balancing the legal and financial protections you need with the flexibility offered by different options.
• Check licenses and permits. Your business is subject to the laws governing businesses in your area, as well as laws and regulations specific to your industry. Check your state and local jurisdiction to determine the licenses and permits you need.
• Plan finances. Open your business bank accounts, secure funding, and set up strong bookkeeping and accounting processes. Include your goals in a business plan template to help secure funding.
• Choose a sales channel. Decide on ecommerce, marketplaces, social media, or retail. If you build on Shopify, connect all of your sales channels to your online store and manage inventory from one place.
• Set up basic branding and software. Accounting, email, ads, project management—you need an entire tech stack to run your business.
• Launch. Tell your network, build buzz with promotions, and test paid ads to get word out about your business. Before you launch, have a strong marketing strategy in place: In a 2025 Shopify survey,** 37% of store owners reported marketing as the top year one challenge.
• Learn from early customers. Collect feedback with surveys, one-on-one conversations, and on social media.

Generating small business ideas

There are many ways to come up with profitable business ideas of your own. You or someone you know might have a poor personal experience with a company—and you know you can do better.

Or, maybe there’s a gap in the market: for example, demand for a specific product but no one meeting it. Other ideas come from everyday moments.

Brainstorming business ideas

If you’re feeling stuck on good business ideas, keep a brainstorming board. Whether tactile or digital, create a place to put down your ideas whenever they come to mind. Then, revisit your notes with fresh eyes.

Recruit help from colleagues or friends and family to brainstorm new ideas. Survey your existing customer base or audiences and get their ideas. Look at what people are saying on social media or searching online. Start with lots of ideas and then refine your list to the top ideas to explore further.

To validate whether your business idea is a good one for you, ask:

• Is there demand for this particular item or service?
• Am I knowledgeable enough about this to monetize it?
• Is the market that this idea belongs within growing?
• Is this business idea one that I will enjoy over time?
• Are the profit margins high enough that I will net revenue?
• Will I need outside capital or investment to start, or is this something I can fund on my own?

Protecting small business ideas

Most business owners have a few options when it comes to legal protection of their small business ideas, both now and in the future. The right one depends largely on the type of business.

• Copyright. Copyright protects your intellectual property, meaning others can’t use it without your permission. This applies to text, art, photography, music, graphic design, and similar mediums.
• Trademark. Trademarking is another form of intellectual property protection. You "own" a word, phrase, logo, symbol, or design—preventing others from using it.
• Patent. Patents prohibit anyone else from making, selling, or using your invention in their business for a period of time.
• Confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). These legal documents prohibit people from sharing information, as outlined in the NDA.
• Noncompete agreement. If you hire employees or contractors, you can have them sign this document, which prevents them from working with direct competitors.
• Work-for-hire agreement. Another document—for employees only—that means any work they do during their term of employment belongs to the employer, not the individual.

This does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions and need more information or support, consult a lawyer.

Funding a business idea

When you start a business, you’ll need to find the money to get your idea off the ground. There are a few ways to get funding for your business idea, including:

• Small business loans. Shopify Capital offers funding for eligible merchants, who can apply to receive up to $5 million in capital to grow their business.
• Investors. Lots of investors look for the next big thing: the types of businesses that go viral. Craft a pitch for your business idea to present to investors.
• Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is similar to getting investors, except you need lots of investors who are each willing to make a small financial commitment.
• Fund it yourself. It’s not realistic for everyone, but less expensive business ideas make it easier to come up with the cash yourself. Be aware of the risks involved.

Whether you’re a first-time seller or a growing global retailer, Shopify works for everyone. See plans and pricing.

**Based on a November 2025 survey of 500 Shopify merchants conducted in English across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States. Respondents were established merchants with two or more years on the platform. Results reflect the experiences of this specific sample and may not be representative of all merchants.