Can you sell to friends and family, can you market yourself on a free social media account, or can you sell your goods on sites like Etsy? From there, save up a few months of expenses before going all-in. In addition, reach out to friends and family for starter funds. You can also look to crowdfunding sites to raise initial capital. Once you get the initial business fundamentals going, you can apply for small business loans or grants; the Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great resource for this.

Excited about starting company website , but not sure where to start? This free, comprehensive guide will teach you how to find great, newly trending products with high sales potential. These 26 small business ideas make a great entry point for beginners, bootstrappers, or anyone with a busy schedule, and let you pick up a side business without having to drop everything else. Market research can help you mitigate risk because it lets you know how much of a demand there is for your product or service and the level of existing competition. It also provides demographic information on your target customers, such as their income and where they live. A good business to start is usually one that fills an unmet consumer need.

One big aspect of interior design is providing fantastic customer service and knowing how to fulfill a client’s design vision while employing your interior design expertise. If you have writing skills, there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore — just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business. Offer in-home consultations, personalized nutrition and exercise regimens, and community boot camps to get the word out. Unlike a few other options in this list, a freelance developer does need some training to launch a successful business and start taking on projects, but if you’re a beginner, don’t worry.

But the advantage is that if a certain t-shirt design doesn’t sell, you haven’t actually paid for the item yet (only the design, if you outsourced it). Dropshipping is a great way to test product-market fit and launch a business before you invest in your own original products. Just be sure to always order a sample for yourself to make sure your supplier is reliable and that the quality of the products is fit for selling to your customers. Payroll providers like ADP offer products that in most cases, can automatically pay your employees, file taxes on your behalf and help you comply with applicable government regulations.

For over a decade, she’s helped small business owners make money online. When she’s not trying out the latest tech or travel blogging with her family, you can find her curling up with a good novel. However, acquiring a degree in business or a related field can provide you with the understanding and ability to run an effective company. Additionally, you may want to consider taking some business courses if you don’t have a degree to learn more about starting and running a business. You can find these online and at your local Small Business Administration office.