Edited version by Sheriff Ibn Abdullah
If you want to start a small business and have a
limited budget, you’ve probably been researching which small or
home-based industries are set for growth this year. In fact, if you
research small business ideas, you’ll find hundreds of potential small
businesses you can start. But how do you know which is right for you?
Many consultants suggest you start a business you’re passionate about
– something you love to do. I don’t consider this a requirement for
business ownership, but if you’ll be the one doing the majority of the
work (at least at first, until you grow enough to hire employees), it’s a
good idea to select a business you enjoy.
However, passion isn’t the only prerequisite for business selection.
To stand a good chance of business success, you need to start a business
that’s in high demand, that is easy to market, that has low overhead,
and has plenty of room for profitability.
The following 10 small businesses each meet the aforementioned
criteria. If there’s a business idea on this list you’re passionate
about, you might have just found the best small business for you to
start. Best of all, you can get started on any of these today!
10 Small Businesses You Can Start Today
1. Animal Husbandry (Raring of Animals)
You don’t need a professional knowledge, just basic knowledge and a good veterinarian are all you need to start your own raring of animal business. You can start with your local sheep, goats, cattle, chicken etc. You can sell during special occasions such as both Eid celebrations, Nikah, Aqiqah etc. Print business cards, get listed in online
directories and post photos on Facebook to generate business.
2. Computer repair and networking
If you have a knack for computer repair and networking, you already
know the industry is in huge demand. Chances are your friends and family
members rely on you to keep their computers running; now, you can
charge customers to do the same.
3. House cleaning
For the cost of cleaning supplies, a few marketing materials and a
little advertising, you can land both residential and commercial
cleaning clients. In fact, you don’t even need the supplies, as some
cleaners I know keep a set on-hand at each different client’s place to
avoid any type of cross-contamination.
4. Lawn maintenance/landscaping
Keeping lawns looking lush and green, hedges and trees trimmed, and
flowers beautiful is a great way to earn full-time income, and requires
little more than a pair of sheers and a bit of marketing to get started.
5. Child care
Parents work; ergo, they need babysitters. You can provide child care
services in your home with little more than a newspaper ad and a
business card – or a Facebook page, for that matter.
6. Tutor
As Nigerian culture continues to reward academic performance, tutors
are in high demand to help students of all levels, from early childhood
to adult, earn better grades.
7. Interior decorating
Help homeowners achieve beautiful aesthetics with interior decorating
services. All you need is an eye for design and a few free catalogs to
get started. Use door hangers to promote your services in the best
neighborhoods.
8. Salon services
You can braid (no fixing of attachment) hair for weddings and other events from your
home. Haircuts, manicures and even pedicures represent
services you can provide with minimal overhead.
9. Photographer
If you love taking photos as a hobby and have an eye for a great
shot, you can start your own photography business and not portrait that would be hung in the homes (It is not permissible in Islam). If taking family
portraits isn’t your thing (or in your budget, since it can require
additional equipment), work as a freelance photographer for magazines,
local organizations and clients who need product photography.
10. Travel agent
Travel agents can work right from home or rent cheap office space. If
there’s competition in your city, you’ll need to spend a little on
marketing. I recommend serving as a niche travel agent to cater to
clients seeking a specific type of vacation or destination (Such as Makkah for Hajj). For example,
specializing in “adventure vacations” or “senior vacations” can set you
apart and lead to loyal customers.
There are a lot of ideas you can start with, if you have special
talents like graphic design, you can start doing some freelance design
work. The important thing is to follow your passion and Shariah guidance, so that you’ll enjoy
what you’re doing.
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