Over 5 million new businesses started in the United States in 2022. This was a record-breaking year for starting your own business. If you’re thinking about becoming a small business owner, now could be a great time to look into the top 10 best small businesses to start in 2023. These ideas use online markets and offer services that people really want, giving you a good chance of success next year.
Key Takeaways
- The United States saw a surge in new business startups in 2022, setting a record high.
- Identifying unmet needs and target markets can provide a solid foundation for a successful small business.
- Various promising business ideas include online reselling, pet sitting, t-shirt printing, cleaning services, online education, bookkeeping, consulting, and medical courier services.
- Many of these small business ideas can be started with relatively low upfront costs, such as partnering with a credit card processing provider.
- Staying attuned to emerging trends and evolving consumer preferences can help entrepreneurs seize the best small business opportunities in 2023.
Online Reselling Business
An online reselling business is a great way to make money, especially if you love fashion and are willing to work hard. You can use online marketplaces and create your own resale site. This lets you sell secondhand items and make a living from your passion for finding great deals.
Leveraging Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Poshmark and Mercari have changed how we sell and buy used items. They offer a simple way to reach lots of customers. Start by selling your own items, then look for more at estate sales and flea markets to resell for profit.
Building Your Own Resale Website
Using big online marketplaces is a good first step, but building your own site is where the real power is. This lets you control your brand, what you sell, and how customers see you. A good website makes your items look great and helps you reach more people.
Successful sellers use both big platforms and their own sites. This way, they get more visibility and make more money. With smart strategies and an eye for good deals, an online reselling business can be very profitable.
“The secret to successful online reselling is a combination of savvy sourcing, meticulous curation, and a keen understanding of your target market.”
Pet Sitting Services
Did you know nearly 70% of U.S. families have a pet? Pet sitting services are booming, offering a great way to start a small business. It’s all about providing care in the comfort of the pet’s home.
As a pet sitter, you’ll take care of dogs, cats, and other pets in their own homes. You’ll feed, water, play with, and walk them. The best part? You can work on your laptop while doing it, earning two incomes at once.
Offering Comprehensive Pet Sitting Services
To succeed in pet sitting services, offer a variety of services. This means:
- Dog walking: Take dogs for regular walks to keep them active and happy.
- Overnight stays: Provide 24-hour care when owners are away for a long time.
- Feeding and grooming: Make sure pets eat well and look their best.
- Medication administration: Give pets their medicine as the vet says.
- Playtime and socialization: Play games and activities to keep pets happy and healthy.
Offering many pet care business services makes your dog walking and in-home pet care business a one-stop-shop. This makes it easy and convenient for pet owners.
| Service | Description | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking | 30-60 minute walks for clients’ dogs | $15-$30 |
| Overnight Pet Sitting | 24-hour care and companionship for pets | $40-$80 per night |
| Feeding and Grooming | Feeding, bathing, and grooming pets | $10-$20 per service |
| Medication Administration | Giving pets their prescribed medications | $5-$15 per instance |
By offering different pet sitting services, you can reach more people. This helps you become a trusted in-home pet care provider.
T-Shirt Printing Business
Starting a t-shirt printing business is exciting and can make good money, thanks to e-commerce. Custom t-shirt design is getting popular, offering a big chance for entrepreneurs. You can make your own designs or work with artists, selling online and in stores.
Designing and Printing T-Shirts
Designing and making t-shirts is key to a successful business. You need to create designs that people want to wear. This might mean making your own art or working with designers.
After designing, you need good printing gear. This includes screen printers or direct-to-garment printers for a professional look.
Selling T-Shirts Online and Offline
Today, selling t-shirts online is a great way to reach more people. You can set up an online store to show off your designs and take orders easily. Sites like Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce help with this.
Don’t forget about selling in person too. Try local markets, craft fairs, or working with stores to reach different customers.
| Feature | Online T-Shirt Sales | Offline T-Shirt Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Global, with the potential to sell to customers worldwide | Local and regional, with the ability to connect with the community |
| Customization | Allows for easy customization and personalization of designs | Offers a hands-on, in-person shopping experience for customers |
| Inventory Management | Streamlined inventory tracking and fulfillment | Requires physical inventory and storage space |
| Marketing Strategies | Leverages digital marketing tactics, such as social media and SEO | Utilizes local marketing and networking to build brand awareness |
Using both online and offline sales can help your business grow. It lets you reach more customers and meet their different needs.
Cleaning Services
Starting a cleaning services business can be profitable for those who enjoy cleaning. With a team, cleaning supplies, and reliable transport, you can serve both homes and businesses. Most services charge $25 to $50 an hour, offering good profits with low costs.
Residential Cleaning Services
Many small cleaning businesses focus on homes. Offer various cleaning packages, from simple dusting to deep cleans. To stand out, add services like floor waxing or power-washing for extra money.
Commercial Cleaning Services
Small businesses can also serve commercial spaces. Offices and stores need regular cleaning to look professional and stay clean. These contracts can give you a steady income, as many businesses prefer professional cleaners.
| Service | Average Hourly Rate | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Cleaning | $25 – $50 per hour |
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| Commercial Cleaning | $30 – $60 per hour |
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Whether you focus on homes or businesses, cleaning services offer low startup costs, flexible hours, and steady income. Provide great service, invest in the right gear, and market well. This way, you can build a successful and rewarding business.
Online Education and Tutoring
The rise of online education has opened up new chances for entrepreneurs. If you know a lot about a certain subject or love teaching English as a foreign language, you can start your own online education business. This is a great way to share your knowledge with students all over the world.
One big plus of an online education business is reaching students from anywhere. With more people learning online, you can teach students from different places. This makes it easy to start a small business in education.
Leveraging Online Tutoring Services
Online tutoring is getting more popular because it offers flexible learning. As an entrepreneur, you can use these platforms to teach one-on-one or in small groups. This way, you can use the internet’s reach and give students a personal learning experience.
Building Your Own Online Education Platform
You can also make your own online education platform. This lets you control what you teach, how much you charge, and your brand. Making your own platform means you can meet the needs of your students better. It takes more work and money at first, but it could bring in more money and last longer.
Whether you use existing tutoring services or create your own platform, success comes from finding your niche, making great content, and marketing well. This will help you draw in and keep students.
| Online Education Business | Online Tutoring Services |
|---|---|
| Offer a wide range of courses and subjects | Provide personalized, one-on-one tutoring |
| Develop your own curriculum and platform | Leverage existing platforms and reach |
| Require more upfront investment | Potentially lower startup costs |
| Have greater control over branding and pricing | Benefit from the platform’s reputation and user base |
The online education and tutoring world is growing fast, offering many chances for entrepreneurs. By using the demand for online learning and the power of the internet, you can build a successful online education business.
Bookkeeping and Accounting Services
The bookkeeping and accounting services industry has changed a lot with new technology. Now, many bookkeeping tasks can be done online. This gives entrepreneurs more freedom and control over their businesses.
If you’re an accountant or want to be one, the online bookkeeping business is a great chance. You can use cloud-based software and work online with clients all over the country. This way, you don’t need a traditional office.
The Rise of Online Bookkeeping
Cloud-based accounting has changed how businesses handle their money. Now, you can access financial data online easily. This makes bookkeeping smoother and helps clients and bookkeepers work together better.
- Software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks makes it easy for small businesses to keep track of their money.
- Virtual bookkeeping lets clients do their bookkeeping online without meeting in person.
- Sharing data securely and getting reports in real-time helps clients understand their business’s financial health.
Building a Successful Bookkeeping Business
Starting a bookkeeping business is a great way for entrepreneurs to use their financial services skills. Focus on specific markets, make your work efficient, and use digital tools. This will help you stand out and draw in different clients.
| Key Strategies for a Successful Bookkeeping Business | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Specialized Services | Give bookkeeping and accounting services to certain industries or types of businesses. This makes your firm an expert in that area. |
| Automation and Efficiency | Use cloud-based software and digital workflows to make your work faster and cheaper. This also means you can give clients quick results. |
| Robust Online Presence | Create a strong online brand and marketing strategy. This helps you find online bookkeeping clients and show off your skills. |
By taking advantage of the digital changes in the bookkeeping business, entrepreneurs can make a mark in the financial services world.
Consulting Services
If you know a lot about a certain area like business, social media, marketing, HR, leadership, or communications, starting a consulting business could be a great idea. Consulting lets you use your knowledge to help clients. To do well, find your area of expertise and build a strong client base.
Identifying Your Niche and Expertise
For a successful consulting business, specialize in a specific area. Pick where your skills and knowledge are strongest. Choose a niche that fits your interests and what you’re good at. This could be business consulting, marketing consulting, HR consulting, or communications consulting. Focusing on a specific area makes you stand out and draws in the right clients.
Building a Client Base
After picking your consulting niche, focus on building a strong client base. Here are some ways to do this:
- Network and make connections with potential clients and peers
- Use your current professional contacts and get referrals
- Have a strong online presence with a professional website and social media
- Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to show your skills
- Offer free consultations or share valuable content to attract clients
By always providing top-notch services and being seen as a trusted advisor, you can grow your consulting business. This will help you build a loyal client base.
“The key to success in the consulting business is to focus on your niche, constantly expand your expertise, and build lasting relationships with your clients.”
| Consulting Service | Key Advantages | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Business Consulting |
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| Marketing Consulting |
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| HR Consulting |
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Medical Courier Services
The medical courier services industry is a great chance for entrepreneurs looking for a new business. With the healthcare industry growing, there’s a big need for reliable and fast medical transport. As a medical courier, you’ll carry important medical items like lab samples, medicines, and special equipment between places like hospitals and labs.
Starting a medical courier service is relatively affordable. Experts say you just need a good vehicle and to be good with your time. You can also work with many types of clients, like hospitals and nursing homes, which means a steady income.
But, to do well in this field, you must follow strict rules and get the right training. Drivers need to learn about biohazard safety, HIPAA rules, and how to handle blood-borne pathogens. You also need the right gear and tools for safe transport of medical items.
“The medical courier industry is expected to grow by 5.5% and hit $7.1 billion in five years, offering a big chance for new businesses.”
Doing your homework on the market is key to success. Know your local healthcare scene, including who you’re up against and who might need your services. Online resources can help you make a solid business plan and find your place in the market.
The medical courier services field is a great chance for entrepreneurs with a reliable vehicle, good time management, and a focus on following the rules and serving customers well. By tapping into the growing need for healthcare transport and getting the right training and tools, you can make a mark in this promising area.
| Key Factors for Starting a Medical Courier Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Startup Costs | Relatively low, primarily requiring a reliable vehicle and proper equipment |
| Certifications and Training | Specialized training in areas like biohazard containment, HIPAA compliance, and OSHA regulations |
| Market Research | Understanding local healthcare industry dynamics, competition, and target client base |
| Growth Potential | The medical courier industry is projected to grow 5.5% and reach $7.1 billion by 2028 |
best small business to start
Looking for the best small business to start? You have many great options. You can use online markets or offer special services. The world of small business ideas is full of chances to grow. If you like being flexible or want to follow small business trends, here are some ideas for you.
An online reselling business is easy to start. Use sites like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy to sell products worldwide with little money upfront. Or, make your own website to sell things and control your brand and customer experience.
Pet sitting is another great idea. More people own pets, so they need trustworthy care. Offer services like walking, staying overnight, or training to meet the growing demand.
If you’re creative, think about starting a t-shirt printing business. Design your own graphics and handle the printing. This way, you can use your art and meet the demand for unique clothes.
Choosing the right small business idea means finding a need and a market that fits your skills and interests. Be strategic and innovative in your approach. This way, your business can succeed in the changing world of small business.
Conclusion
This guide has given you a clear path to start your own small business. It covers a wide range of industries that offer flexibility, low costs, and growth potential.
If you’re passionate about using your skills or finding a market need, this guide has many promising ideas. By looking at your strengths, who you want to reach, and the competition, you can make a solid business plan. This plan will help you succeed as an entrepreneur over time.
With advice on starting a small business, entrepreneurship advice, and small business tips, you’re ready to turn your business dreams into reality. Take on the challenge, be flexible, and aim high. The journey to entrepreneurial success is yours to take.