Top 10 Small Business Ideas

Source: SmallBusinessPro

Here are the top 10 small businesses you can start. Some are more profitable than others and require more work, but here are some ideas for businesses you can start.

Whatever business you're thinking of starting it's always best to have some of your own skills and knowledge or that of others that you can bring into the business. Otherwise, competitors that already have a history will likely beat you. See if these profitable businesses are for you:

*1. Courier Business*

You can deliver parcels yourself or from the major carriers such as DHL, FedEx or UPS. You'll likely trade as a self-employed courier, and your main outlay is the cost of the van. You'll then need to get contacts from the major couriers or market yourself and deliver locally.

2. Coffee Shop

You could start your own coffee shops like Costa Coffee or Starbucks. A great way to begin is to have a small portable van that makes coffee on the go. You could position this at railway stations (with permission) or car parks where there are people going to work and need coffee or tea for their journey. To run a proper coffee shop, of course, needs a great location. If you go down this route, ensure it's in a busy area of a town. Set up costs can be small (for the portable service) or larger for a regular style outlet.

3. Car Washing

There are many new car washing businesses being set up in old garages and entrances to car parks or even in church car parks. The set-up costs are low because you just need to rent the space and get access to water and purchase the washing detergents. You may also need a licence to operate from the council, but general overheads, such as staff, are usually low.

4. Catering Businesses

You could operate a small catering business from home or small premises. Many people look for catering for private events such as birthdays. You'll need a health and safety certificate and hygiene certificates to begin which are provided by the local authority.

5. Internet Businesses

Working from home is probably everyone's dream, and if you have the knowledge, you could sell items online or start an internet business and generate revenues from advertising. If you don't have much money why not start a blog or learn coding yourself. You'll need to know how to generate visitors to your site and promote it online.

6. Gardening Businesses

Outside of the winter months, many people want the services of a gardener. Perhaps just mowing the lawn but also garden clearance and tree cutting. Start-up costs are low as it's mainly you that's undertaking the work. Autumn is also a good time for clearing up leaves and pruning all the plants that have died for the winter.

7. Fast Food Delivery/Restaurant

There are many opportunities to provide fast food in an outlet in a high street or off the high street for people wanting food late in the evenings or delivered to their home. The competition is tough, but even in the worst economic climates, people still order pizzas or opt for fish and chips as the cost is comparable to most pre-prepared food.

8. Sandwich Bar

Perhaps the most popular new business in recent times is the sandwich shop. The main ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and staff costs are slightly higher than the minimum wage. This type of business thrives when it's either in a high street or close to many businesses where business people want something filling and easy to eat at their desks during their lunch hour.

9. Man with a Van

Although people are not moving house as much these days, reducing the requirement for removal services, companies still need packages delivering to home and business addresses. All you need is a van to start your operation. Targeting other businesses in your area directly or through local advertising should reap rewards. Success is likely developed through word of mouth, recommendations and repeat business.

10. Professional Services - Accountants, etc...

You may already possess a professional qualification such as an accountant; marketer or solicitor so now may be the time to go it alone. With all businesses, you may need to start out at the bottom by providing bookkeeping services to begin to get business. Target local small businesses first, and then word should soon spread. These types of businesses are candidates to start initially from home.