53 small businesses you can start from home

Many entrepreneurs run home-based businesses. This sort of business has several upsides, including greater schedule flexibility, no dress code, potential savings on expenses such as childcare, and availability of tax deductions. And with the prevalence of online productivity and collaboration tools, running a business from home is easier than ever.

Sounds great, right? If you think starting a home-based business might be ideal for you, here are 53 small businesses you can start from home – either full-time, or on the side:

  1. Social media influencer
  2. Video creator
  3. Video editor
  4. Video game review writer
  5. Copywriter
  6. Travel writer
  7. Personal trainer
  8. Tutor
  9. Financial planner
  10. Bookkeeper
  11. Accountant
  12. Photographer
  13. Event planner
  14. Visual artist
  15. Blogger
  16. Computer repair
  17. Make-up artist
  18. Personal assistant
  19. Editor
  20. Graphic designer
  21. Web designer
  22. Web developer
  23. Wedding planner
  24. Bicycle repair
  25. Social media management
  26. IT consultant
  27. Marketing consultant
  28. Grant writer
  29. Alterations or sewing
  30. Hairstylist
  31. Personal shopper
  32. Virtual assistant
  33. Transcriptionist
  34. Massage therapist
  35. Bed & breakfast
  36. Daycare
  37. Clothing designer
  38. Dog walker
  39. Pet sitter
  40. Pet groomer
  41. Dog trainer
  42. Online reseller
  43. Jewelry designer
  44. Ceramicist
  45. Music instructor
  46. Purse designer
  47. Notary public
  48. Language instructor
  49. Home organizer
  50. Home cleaner
  51. Interior decorator
  52. Business coach
  53. Woodworking

As always, we strongly recommend proper research and planning when starting a small business. Entrepreneurs starting a home-based business should be especially wary of scams and opportunities that sound too good to be true. Also, investigate any licenses and permits your home-based business may need before getting started. And of course, investing in small business education is key to helping you beat the odds and find success in entrepreneurship.

Check out these posts for more information and advice about home-based businesses:

What are the warning signs of a home-based business scam?
You should sell these! How to start a business selling your handcrafted work
Perks and snags of internet or home-based businesses
Home-based business permits and expenses
Small business permits and licenses in Canada
Tools to help entrepreneurs stay productive

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home-based business

Expert answers to home-based business questions

With so many of us working from home these days, the small business landscape has changed. Maybe your team is slowly starting to return to the office, or maybe you’re exploring the idea of remote working in the future. Maybe you’ve become inspired to start a home-based business of your own.

Our GoForth Experts have fielded lots of questions about home-based businesses over the years, and have answers about topics such as zoning, permits, the home-based business lifestyle – and more! Here are a few home-based business questions our expert entrepreneurs have answered:

Have a question of your own? Search our database of over 1,000 small business questions and find answers from our expert entrepreneurs.

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56 businesses you can start from home

home-based business ideas

Many entrepreneurs run home-based businesses. These self-employed entrepreneurs work alone, or have a few employees. Home-based businesses usually don’t have a storefront, street advertising signs or customer parking. Home-based entrepreneurs, despite the name, may have an office, studio or workshop, depending on their business. This sort of business has several pros, including greater schedule flexibility, no dress code, potential savings on expenses such as childcare, and availability of tax deductions. And with the prevalence of online productivity and collaboration tools, running a business from home is easier than ever.

Sounds great, right? If you think starting a home-based business might be ideal for you, here are 56 small businesses you can start from home, either full-time, or on the side:

  • Social media influencer
  • Video creator/editor
  • Copywriter
  • Travel writer
  • Personal trainer
  • Tutor
  • Home inspector
  • Financial planner
  • Bookkeeper/accountant
  • Photographer
  • Event planner
  • Visual artist
  • Blogger
  • Computer repair
  • Make-up artist
  • Freelance journalist
  • Personal assistant
  • Editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Web designer
  • Web developer
  • Wedding planner
  • Bicycle repair
  • Social media management
  • IT consultant
  • Marketing consultant
  • Grant writer
  • Alterations or sewing
  • Hairstylist
  • Manicurist
  • Personal shopper
  • Virtual assistant
  • Transcriptionist
  • Massage therapist
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Daycare
  • Clothing designer
  • Dog walker/pet sitter
  • Pet groomer
  • Dog trainer
  • Online reseller
  • Jewelry designer
  • Gardening
  • Video game review writer
  • Ceramicist
  • Music instructor
  • Purse designer
  • Notary public
  • Language instructor
  • Home organizer
  • Home cleaner
  • Interior decorator
  • Business coach
  • Personal chef
  • Caterer
  • Woodworking

As always, we strongly recommend proper research and planning when starting a small business. Entrepreneurs starting a home-based business should be especially wary of scams and opportunities that sound too good to be true. Also, investigate any licenses and permits your home-based business may need before getting started.

Check out these posts for more information and advice about home-based businesses:

How to identify a work-from-home scam
You should sell these! How to start a business selling your handcrafted work
Perks and snags of internet or home-based businesses
Home-based business permits and expenses
Small business permits and licenses in Canada
Tools to help entrepreneurs stay productive

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How to identify a work-from-home scam

business trendsStarting a small business from home definitely has its perks, including time to run errands during the day, increased workspace flexibility, and money saved on transportation. So if you encounter a company that claims to give you the freedom to work from home, it can be tempting. However, not all home-based business programs are as good as they seem. Here are a few ways you can identify home-based business scams:

  • Read the terms and conditions on the company’s site very carefully. You may be asked to pay a small fee for the start-up DVD or instruction guide. Be sure you can return this material without incurring even more fees.
  • Look for money-back guarantees or free, no-obligation trials.
  • If you can discuss the program directly with a representative, then there’s a good chance it’s a legitimate home-based business opportunity. Be wary of people who are evasive about your questions, pressure you into signing up, or insist that you pay for more information.
  • Companies that insist you must spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to work for them are usually not reputable.
  • Research the company as thoroughly as you can. Do an online search of messageboards, member blogs, and review sites. Talk with people you know who may be involved with the program.
  • Be suspicious of sites that boast mind-blowing income promises. No business can promise you $25,000 a week for four hours of work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instinct!
  • Even if promises of great income seem realistic, many companies post the income expectations of their highest earners – not the average.

For more information, check out what our GoForth Expert Carla Young had to say about finding legitimate home-based business opportunities.

 

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