We have launched over 1,500 websites for founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs with our local team here in Lancaster, PA. There are many things that are unique and different about all those we have helped launch a website for their business. Founders and small business owners we have helped vary in age – from 13 year old authors to 65 year old consultants. They vary in location – spanning 6 continents! It has been an honor to help so many people with various skill sets and passions. While different in many ways, our founders have one common feature: they love helping people and sharing their knowledge and skills through their products and services.
To help you consider joining the family as a founder of your own business, here are our Top 50 business startup ideas that we have put together. Ranging from zero-cost product based businesses, to those had have tremendous opportunities for reoccurring revenue, we hope you find these ideas inspiring and maybe we’ll be talking to you soon about your website needs!
Service-Based Businesses
- Freelance Writing: All you need is a laptop to get started! With high demand across industries, you can enjoy recurring income by providing ongoing content to clients.
- Virtual Assistant: Solopreneurs and small businesses are always looking for remote administrative help. No need for inventory or office space, and the scalability is a plus!
- Social Media Management: Save businesses time by managing their social media remotely. It’s easy to learn and can lead to recurring contracts.
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Start a pet care business with low startup costs and a strong local market demand. Loyal clients and repeat bookings will keep your income stable.
- House Cleaning: Minimal equipment is needed for this always-in-demand service. Enjoy recurring revenue through regular clients.
Ready to take the plunge into one of these rewarding ventures? Let’s get started! 😊 - Lawn Care
Starting a lawn care business is super simple with just some basic equipment, and there’s always a high demand in your neighborhood. Customers usually need regular service, so it’s a reliable source of income. - Tutoring (Online or Local)
You don’t need much to start tutoring, just your knowledge and internet access. Whether it’s for standardized tests or school subjects, there’s always a steady demand. - Resume Writing Services
Specialized and quick resume writing services are in high demand. Happy clients tend to refer others, and job-seekers are always on the lookout for help with their resumes. - Handyman Services
All you need are some basic tools to start a handyman services business. Word-of-mouth in local communities will bring in a lot of business, and the trust you build with customers will keep them coming back. - Delivery Service (Local/Errand Running)
Perfect for local areas with aging populations or busy professionals. It’s easy to get started and there are always recurring tasks to keep you busy.
Digital-Based Businesses
- Blogging:
Get started with minimal investment and earn passive income through ads and affiliate links. Boost visibility and growth with SEO. - Affiliate Marketing:
No need for products or inventory—just create content and drive traffic for scalable passive income. - YouTube Channel:
Start with just a smartphone and earn revenue from ad views and sponsorships as your channel grows. - Online Course Creation:
Create courses once and earn forever with high margins and evergreen topics for long-term income. - Print-on-Demand Store:
Showcase your design skills with no inventory needed. Automated fulfillment makes it easy to manage after setup. - Ebook Publishing
Put in the effort once and enjoy continuous royalties. Targeting specific audiences can help you gain momentum easily. - Dropshipping
Avoid investing in inventory by having products shipped directly from the supplier. Easily try out different products. - Digital Product Sales (e.g., planners, templates)
Create once, sell unlimited times. No shipping costs or need for stock. - Voiceover Services
Start off simple with a basic mic and free software. High demand in marketing, audiobooks, and video content. - Stock Photography
Upload once and earn for years. Enjoy passive income with low competition in niche themes.
Home-Based & Mobile Businesses
- Baking/Cottage Foods
Start from your kitchen with minimal equipment. Loyal local customers drive repeat orders. - Meal Prep Services
Time-saving convenience is popular among working professionals. Repeat clients bring consistent revenue. - Childcare Services (in-home)
Steady need for childcare creates high demand. Licensing requirements vary, but startup costs are low. - Mobile Car Wash/Detailing
No physical shop needed—bring the service to the customer. High-profit margins and repeat business. - Home Organization Services
Clutter is a common problem, especially in cities. Low tools needed, and the service is easy to market locally. - Furniture Flipping
Buy low, refurbish, and sell high. Creative and low-risk with solid profit margins. - Jewelry Making
Small, shippable products that can be made at home. Easy to start selling on Etsy or local markets. - Sewing/Alterations
Requires basic equipment and is always in demand locally. Low competition and high referral potential. - Candle Making
Low materials cost and customizable designs. High profit margin for small-batch production. - Soap/Skincare Making
Simple recipes and niche appeal (organic, vegan, etc.) allow for strong branding. Easy to market via social media.
Consulting/Knowledge-Based Businesses
- Life Coaching
Little more than a Zoom account and a niche needed to start. Personal transformation services often command high fees. - Business Coaching
High demand from startups and small businesses. Requires expertise, not capital. - Bookkeeping
Basic software skills can launch this business. Steady clients and recurring monthly work. - Financial Coaching
Growing need for personal finance help. No certifications needed for basic budgeting and debt advice. - Notary Services
Low cost to get certified, and mobile services are in demand. Easy to upsell related services (loan signing, etc.). - Career Coaching
Job market volatility drives demand. Virtual sessions make it scalable and accessible. - Marketing Consulting
Many small businesses lack in-house marketing. Highly profitable and minimal overhead. - Language Instruction
Fluency in one language is enough to start. High global demand and repeat sessions ensure stable income. - Grant Writing
Nonprofits and schools always need help here. High hourly rates and low competition. - College Admissions Consulting
Parents are eager to invest in guidance. Seasonal but high-ticket service.
Product-Based & Retail Lite
- Thrift Flipping (eBay/Poshmark)
Low cost to buy inventory, high markup potential. Simple to scale and test product niches. - Subscription Boxes (Niche)
Curated goods in a small market build loyalty fast. Recurring revenue is built into the model. - Farmers Market Vendor (Produce, Jams, etc.)
Great for gardeners and small-scale producers. Low booth fees and direct customer access. - T-Shirt Design Business
Combine print-on-demand and niche marketing. Low investment and creative potential. - Craft Seller (Etsy)
Niche handmade items like macrame or crochet sell well. Easy to scale from hobby to business. - Vintage Reselling
Use garage sales or thrift stores to source items. High profit margins with the right finds. - Custom Art or Portraits
Start with a small portfolio and sell via Instagram or Etsy. Personalized work commands a premium. - Sticker Shop
Small, light products with high demand in planner and journaling communities. Easy to create with a printer and cutter. - Phone Repair (Mobile or Local)
Learn basic skills and work from home or mobile. Low competition in smaller towns. - 3D Printing Services
Home printers are affordable and allow for high-margin custom items. Great for prototyping or niche parts.
If you don’t see a great idea that you have in mind on the list, let us know! We have launched Founders in nearly every niche you see here – and have a special place in our hearts for home service businesses websites and are happy to show you some cool websites we have built.
Share your talent and passion with your community by starting your own business. The lessons you learn starting your own business will be invaluable and we’ll help you along the way.
