The 65 Best Small Business Ideas to Launch in 2023

With the new year here, it’s the perfect time to start turning your dreams into a reality by launching your own small business!

While the pandemic shook things up, we’re seeing an exciting boom in new small businesses as more people take the leap into entrepreneurship. In 2022 alone, over 5 million new business applications were filed in the U.S.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy – they employ almost 50% of U.S. workers! Plus, with digital tools and ecommerce, it’s easier than ever to start making money from home.

If you have a skill, passion, or hobby – you can transform it into a thriving business. To spark your imagination, here are 65 of the best, most profitable new small business ideas to start in 2023:

Top 20 Small Business Ideas

1. eCommerce Store

Starting an online store is so much easier these days thanks to awesome platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce that help you launch a professional ecommerce biz fast. Find a product niche you’re passionate about – it’ll help big time with product ideas, suppliers, and marketing. Personally, I’d go for handmade jewelry, cool hobby supplies, designer apparel anything you love that others will too! Add branded packaging and market smart. With some hustle, you can build a sweet online empire from your couch.

2. Blogging & Vlogging

Sharing your passion online by blogging or vlogging is such a fun way to make money these days. Just start writing or filming useful posts about topics you genuinely love and put yourself out there! Build your website or channel into a go-to spot for your niche from recipes to beauty tutorials to finance tips. The more value you provide, the quicker your audience and influence will grow. Monetize through ads, affiliates, online courses, digital products, sponsors – the options are endless once you hit your stride! I seriously think blogging/vlogging is one of the best biz ideas out there for anyone looking to profit from their knowledge or experiences. You got this!

3. Social Media Consulting

Social media isn’t going anywhere – so why not make some cash helping brands totally rock it? As a social media consultant, you get to offer your genius to businesses trying to grow their accounts and reach. Analyze their current strategy and provide concrete plans for posting content, engaging followers, running ads, influencer collaborations – anything that’ll help them win! No need to be a social media wizard though. With some hands-on experience managing profiles plus an analytical mindset, you can score clients and start raking in fees. Every brand wants social media help, so you’ll never be short on work. Such an awesome opportunity to profit from your SM skills and become an invaluable asset for businesses!

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn some solid commissions and income from home! The idea is simple – you promote awesome products that actually help your audience and earn a % of sales. Write reviews of your fav kitchen gadgets, fitness gear, beauty items, whatever gets you excited! Share affiliate links when you genuinely recommend something on social media or your blog. The key is pairing your passions with brands you believe in. Do that, provide value through your content, and watch those affiliate checks roll in! Such a flexible way to monetize your audience and influence. You don’t need millions of followers either, just dedication and some marketing savvy.

5. Selling Digital Products

Creating your own digital products like ebooks, courses, printables, and more to sell online is such a smart biz idea! With just your skills and a laptop, you can produce informational guides, video lessons, meal plans, budgets templates, literally anything you know that helps people. Upload to your site, promote on social media, profit like a boss! The best part is keeping 100% of earnings while reaching a global audience. Whether you sell for cheap or premium prices, building a line of digital products equals passive income you can scale up. As your expertise grows, expand your “digital inventory” accordingly. Throw in some affiliate promotions too! With the right marketing plan, you can crush it making and selling digital products from anywhere. Sky’s the limit for info entrepreneurs.

6. Web Design & Development

Every biz needs a website, so why not make bank as a freelance web designer? Build your portfo­lio then start offering website and branding packages to small businesses, artists, bloggers – anyone without the tech skills to DIY. Learn WordPress and ecommerce platforms like Shopify. Offer logos, visual design, and snazzy user-friendly site setup. Upsell with copywriting, SEO optimization, email newsletters, the works. Web design skills are super profitable and give you total freedom. Bonus – pick up some coding know-how and expand into custom web development too. Between local clients and remote gigs, you can build a seriously lucrative web design career from your laptop. Time to geek out and get creating!

7. Copywriting

Unleash your inner wordsmith with an oh-so-hot business idea: copywriting! If crafting compelling content is your jam, start freelancing and get paid to write. Blog posts, website copy, newsletters, ads, social media – every business needs a bit of that writing magic. Build a portfolio showcasing your skills, then pitch clients looking for freelance copywriters to whip up web content, blogs, product descriptions – you name it. The beauty of copywriting is you can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Schedule is flexible too – take on as many (or few) clients as you want! This biz idea is perfect for word nerd extroverts.

8. Virtual Assistance

Becoming a VA (aka virtual assistant) lets you help overloaded clients while working remotely. Offer admin support, data entry, email management, calendar scheduling, travel planning, anything to make busy lives easier. Specialize in a niche like social media, copywriting, bookkeeping if you have stronger skills. Set your own hours and rates. Find clients through websites like Upwork or reach out directly to professionals needing assistance. Build your reputation one happy customer at a time. I love this biz idea because your service options are limitless based on your talents. Freelance VAs can make a seriously awesome income with complete flexibility. And you get to be a hero to time-strapped clients. Sounds like a win-win to me!

9. Mobile/Food Truck Business

Calling all foodies – it’s time to take your tasty eats on the road with a food truck biz! Buy and kit out a vehicle, get licensed, then whip up your signature dishes like gourmet sandwiches, loaded fries, crepes, tacos – whatever you love to cook. Drive to office parks, concerts, festivals, anywhere hungry folks gather. Use social media to spread the word and build hype around your daily locations. Offer speedy service with a side of charm. This hands-on small business idea is perfect for extroverted food lovers not afraid of hard work. Sure, it takes commitment to succeed, but being your own boss dishing up deliciousness? Sounds pretty sweet to me!

10. Handmade Crafts & Goods

Calling all crafty creatives – it’s time to get paid for your artistic talents! With platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and social media, selling handmade goods has never been easier. Offer specialized products like jewelry, candles, beauty items, artwork, decor, knitwear – anything handcrafted. Reach customers globally from your living room. Join craft fairs and partner with local shops to sell locally too. This small business idea rules because it lets you monetize your passion. Plus, who doesn’t love supporting independent artisans? Build your brand and watch your hobby turn into a thriving biz. With some smart marketing and devotion to your craft, you can craft up success on your own terms!

11. Local Tour Guide

Calling all outgoing history buffs – become the ultimate insider by launching a tour guide biz in your hometown! Think walking tours, bus tours, scavenger hunts – anything showcasing hidden gems and fascinating stories about your area. Pitch to tourists, schools, senior centers and locals who want to explore like a VIP. Let your enthusiasm and expertise shine through. Offer specialty theme tours too – haunted happenings, food and drink, literary, music, etc. This business idea is perfect for smartypants people-persons. With some slick marketing and tour options for every interest, you can build a local tourism empire doing what you love!

12. Freelance Photography

Calling all shutterbugs – unleash your inner artist and get paid! Offer photography services – events, weddings, portraits, real estate, products, and more. Build a stunning portfolio showing your style, make pricing packages. Promote on your website, social media, local ads. This biz idea is perfect for creative pros with mad photo skills. Show off your magic everywhere, snag clients, and start building your dream lifestyle business!

13. Tutoring & Lessons

Got skills to share? Make bank by tutoring or teaching lessons in your specialty – academic subjects, sports, music, arts, anything you excel at! Reach students of all ages looking to improve grades, skills, test scores. Offer private or small group sessions in person or online. This biz idea rules if you love helping others learn and grow. Build your roster one happy student at a time. With the right marketing, you can create a thriving tutoring and lessons side hustle on your own terms!

14. Resale/Consignment Boutique

Got an eye for fashion? Launch a stylish resale boutique selling discounted designer threads, accessories, furniture, and more! Curate pre-owned luxury goods through consigners, then dazzle shoppers seeking deals. Add your unique flair through window displays, promotions, and events. This small business idea is perfect for fashionistas or merchants looking for a creative retail venture. Source unique inventory, leverage your style expertise, and watch your boutique bloom!

15. Home Cleaning/Maid Service

Keep it clean and green by launching an eco-friendly home cleaning biz! Offer spotless solutions for houses, apartments, Airbnbs, offices, anywhere that needs that sparkling touch. Provide essential cleaning services or specialty options like deep scrubbing, organizing, window washing. Build your reputation and regular clientele through social media and local marketing. This small business idea works for enterprising clean freaks eager to help spaces shine! Arm yourself with supplies, roll up your sleeves, and make things sparkle!

16. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

Calling all animal lovers – start a pet care biz so you can hang with furry friends all day! Offer dog walking, pet sitting, overnight stays, pet taxi services while owners work or travel. Build your clientele through reviews, social media, and local marketing highlighting your experience. Set policies and rates, get bonded and insured. This small business idea is a total win for kindhearted pet pros looking for flexibility. Leash up, get moving, and spread the word so your schedule fills up fast!

17. Car Detailing

Rev up your entrepreneur engine and launch a lucrative auto detailing service! Specialize in quality interior and exterior cleaning for vehicles. Build a mobile detail rig, offer services on-site at dealerships and private residences. Attract customers through social media and partnerships with local businesses. This small business idea is perfect for motivated self-starters who take pride in their work. Just roll up your sleeves, refine those DIY detailing skills, and watch your car care empire shine!

18. Fitness Coaching & Instruction

Get folks fit and stoked by launching your own personal training biz! Offer virtual or in-person coaching focused on strength, HIIT, yoga, pilates, barre – your specialty. Build your reputation and client base through social media and word-of-mouth referrals. This small business idea is perfect for motivating fitness pros eager to help clients level up. Time to put your expertise, passion, and people skills to work! Let’s get physical and make those fitness dreams reality.

19. Life Coaching

Guide others to greatness as a life coach! Offer personalized coaching to help clients achieve career, relationship, health, or lifestyle goals. Provide motivation, accountability, and a listening ear. Build your practice through networking, social media marketing, free workshops, and more. This small business idea is perfect for empathetic go-getters eager to empower. Time to change lives one client at a time!

20. Landscaping

Yardwork, but make it a business! Launch your own landscaping company offering lawn care, planting, hardscaping, maintenance and more for residential and commercial clients. Invest in quality equipment and leverage social media to promote your services. This hands-on small business idea is perfect for green thumbs who don’t mind hard work. Just roll up your sleeves, grow your client base one happy customer at a time, and watch your green empire thrive!

As you can see, the opportunities are endless when it comes to launching a small business aligned with your talents and interests. With a little grit and hustle, you can build a thriving side income or full-time business.

Now let’s look at some product-based and service-based small business ideas you can start on the side or as a stay-at-home parent.

Top Product-Based Small Business Ideas

1. Baked Goods

Unleash your inner baker! Whip up craveable cakes, cookies, breads, pies, and pastries to sell locally or online. Start small with markets and build into a storefront bakery. Offer specialty baked goods for every diet. This sweet small business idea is perfect for passionate bakers with creative flair. Just combine quality ingredients, love, and skill – the recipe for bakery success!

2. Handmade Jewelry

Calling all jewelry makers – it’s time to turn your beadwork into a business! Design and craft beautiful earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more to sell online and at craft fairs. Offer customized and bridal jewelry. This small business idea shines for artisans with an eye for style and attention to detail. Simply gather quality materials, leverage your creative vision, and spread the sparkle far and wide!

3. Candles

Light up someone’s day by launching your own artisan candle biz! Create fragrant, eco-friendly candles in mouthwatering scents using natural soy, beeswax, and quality oils. Package them up pretty and sell online or wholesale to local shops. This small business idea is perfect for savvy scent scientists and hands-on makers. Simply whip up tempting aromas, ignite that entrepreneurial spark, and watch your candle empire shine bright!

4. Apparel & Accessories

Design and produce clothing, handbags, hats, scarves, or other wearable goods to sell. Start with a focused product line then expand. Sell online through your ecommerce store, pop-ups, and social media. This product-based biz idea is perfect for creative fashion dynamos eager to dress the world in their vision. Just sketch, sew, and unleash your inner runway mogul!

5. Bath & Beauty Products

Pamper and dazzle customers by launching your own bath and beauty brand! Whip up alluring soaps, lotions, perfumes, candles, masks, and more using natural ingredients. Concoct your own signature scents and products. Sell online or in local boutiques. This small business idea is perfect for product gurus seeking their inner glow. Simply blend creativity with self-care, and help the world relax in style!

6. Artwork & Prints

Sell your original art, photography, or customizable digital designs online. Build an online shop and promote through social media and local galleries. Offer limited editions, custom pieces, workshops too. This product-based biz allows you to profit from your passion. Just pick up those paint brushes or grab your camera, then spread your unique vision far and wide!

7. Greeting Cards

Spread joy and celebrate life’s moments with a handmade greeting card business! Design cards for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, holidays – any occasion calling for connection. Sell individual cards or themed packs online and in local shops. This small business idea is perfect for crafty wordsmiths. Make people smile with your artistic cards full of heart and humor!

8. Furniture & Home Goods

Calling all makers and DIYers – start creating beautiful furniture and décor to sell! Build and upholster quality wood pieces. Upcycle and paint vintage finds. Offer your creations online or consign to local boutiques. This hands-on small business idea is perfect for artisans and designers who love to craft functional art. Just gather your tools, source special materials, and build a business making stylish home goods!

9. Leather Goods

Fashion a brilliant biz handcrafting leather wallets, bags, accessories, and more! Source high quality leather, then design and assemble original pieces or customized orders. Sell online or consign to local boutiques. This product-based small business idea clicks for skilled artisans with an eye for style. Simply gather your tools and materials, harness your inner leather pro, and build beautiful goods one piece at a time!

10. Ceramics & Pottery

Spin up success launching your own ceramics and pottery shop! Handcraft mugs, bowls, platters, jewelry, décor, and more in your home studio. Hone your throwing, glazing, and firing skills. Sell finished products online or at local art fairs and boutiques. This small business idea throws clay with passion! Just envision unique pieces, get creative at the wheel, and bring beautiful ceramics to life.

11. Stationery & Invitations

Make every occasion exquisite with a custom stationery and invitations business! Design gorgeous paper products like wedding invites, thank you notes, business cards, party menus. Offer your services for events and milestones. This creative small business idea works beautifully for artistic entrepreneurs. Just SOURCE unique papers, hand letter impressively, and help people celebrate life in style!

12. Toy Manufacturing

Bring playtime joy and learning to life by starting your own toy company! Design and manufacture fun educational toys, wooden puzzles and games, specialty dolls – anything to spark kids’ imagination. Pitch your products to boutiques, schools, parents online. This small business idea works for savvy makers crafting uniqueness. Just sculpt your vision, produce quality toys, and inspire the next generation!

13. Food Production & Packaging

Whip up delectable food products to stock store shelves! Produce small-batch jams, sauces, spices, baked goods mixes, sweets, and more. Develop enticing flavors and quality packaging. Sell online and pitch to local markets and boutiques. This small business idea is perfect for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Just craft deliciousness, bottle that signature flavor, and scale up success!

14. Coffee Roasting

Perk up caffeinated success by launching an artisan coffee roastery! Source exceptional beans, master roasting techniques, and create signature blends. Package for retail or wholesale to local cafes. This small business idea is perfect for coffee connoisseurs who relish rich aromas and flavors. Simply refine your craft, savor the smells, and spread the buzz near and far!

15. Gardening & Nursery

Let your green thumbs bloom by launching a thriving garden center and nursery! Offer plants, flowers, trees, plus gardening tools and education for homeowners and landscapers. Hold workshops and events too. This hands-on small business idea cultivates success for plant lovers with expertise. Just sprout your inventory, share growing tips, and watch your garden biz blossom!

Ready to share your handmade creations or tasty eats with the world? With platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and social media at your fingertips, product-based businesses can thrive online.

Service-Based Small Business Ideas

1. Bookkeeping

Crunch numbers and help small biz owners succeed with your own bookkeeping company! Offer financial record services, billing, payroll, taxes. Build your clientele through marketing and referrals. This home-based biz clicks for detail-oriented pros. Sharpen money skills, become a financial hero!

2. Business Consulting

Share your expertise to help businesses thrive with your own consulting company! Offer strategic planning, leadership coaching, marketing, HR and more. Attract clients through your specialized niche. This biz idea clicks for experienced pros eager to guide. Just leverage your know-how and watch your consultancy grow!

3. Personal Finance Advising

Spread financial wisdom by launching a personal finance advising service! Offer budgeting help, debt management, investing strategy, and money guidance. Attract clients through workshops and social media. This biz idea empowers number nerds eager to assist others’ fiscal fitness. Just share your money mastery – financial freedom awaits!

4. Resume Writing

Launch a resume writing biz helping clients land their dream jobs! Craft professional, targeted resumes that showcase skills and experience. Attract clients through LinkedIn marketing and partnerships with recruiters and career centers. This service idea works for great communicators eager to boost employment odds. Just flex your writing talent – career success awaits!

5. Property Management

Take the hassle out of ownership by launching your own property management company! Oversee residential or commercial real estate for out-of-town landlords. Handle maintenance, tenant relations, leases, and more. Attract clients through referrals and marketing to investors. This service biz idea clicks for organized go-getters who enjoy helping homeowners and renters. Just roll up your sleeves and watch your portfolio grow!

6. Personal Shopping

Help busy folks shop in style with your own personal shopping service! Simplify errands – groceries, clothes, gifts, anything clients need fetched. Attract customers through social media and networking. This service idea delivers for savvy shoppers who love styling. Just gather requests, find fab finds, and become your clients’ retail rockstar!

7. Errand Running

Make busy lives easier by launching an errand running service in your area! Offer to wait in line, pick up items, file paperwork, and complete odd jobs that save clients time. Promote yourself as the concierge for hire through flyers, social media, and by networking with locals. This service biz idea delivers for those eager to assist. Just grab your to-do list, lace up your shoes, and start helping people thrive!

8. Cleaning Service

Launch a top-notch house and office cleaning service to help spaces sparkle! Offer eco-friendly solutions, specialized services, flexible scheduling. Attract clients through social media marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. This service biz idea shines for detail-oriented pros eager to assist messy lives! Just grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get shining!

9. Personal Training

Help clients get fit and healthy with your own personal training service! Offer virtual or in-person workout plans tailored to each client’s goals. Promote yourself on social media and wellness sites. This service biz idea tones and sculpts for motivating fitness pros! Just share your expertise – improved lives ahead!

10. Doula Services

Provide emotional and physical support for expecting moms as a doula! Offer prenatal education, labor coaching, postpartum assistance. Promote your services through pregnancy groups and birthing classes. This service idea nurtures natural talent for empathetic birthing guides. Just lend a helping hand – you’ll help create cherished memories!

11. Dog Training

Unleash canine success with your own dog training biz! Offer obedience classes, behavioral adjustment, specialty training. Promote via vet offices, pet stores, social media. This service idea clicks for passionate pup pros. Just share your expertise – better behaviors ahead!

12. Elder Care

Provide quality care and companionship for seniors by launching an elder care service! Offer transportation, household help, meal prep, medicine reminders, and respite for families. Promote through networking and local partnerships. This service idea cares for kindhearted pros. Just lend a hand – you’ll brighten lives!

13. Childcare

Spark joy and learning through your own childcare service! Offer daycare, preschool, after school care, and babysitting. Promote via parenting groups and community centers. This service idea works for caring, creative pros. Just share your gifts – bright futures ahead!

14. Auto Repair

Rev up success with your own top-notch auto repair shop! Offer maintenance, diagnostics, and repair services. Build your reputation through social media and partnerships with dealers and parts stores. This service idea works for motivated mechanics eager to assist motorists. Just roll up your sleeves – smooth rides ahead!

15. Computer & Tech Support

Rescue tech troubles with your own computer and technology support service! Offer remote and on-site assistance – troubleshooting, repair, network setup, anything to help clients’ digital woes. Promote through local ads and partnerships with stores. This service idea computes for patient tech pros! Just lend a helping hand – simpler systems ahead!

And if you’re ready for a larger startup venture, here are 15 lucrative small business ideas that work well with a physical location.

Small Business Ideas Requiring a Storefront

1. Coffee Shop

Serve up specialty lattes, cold brew, nitro coffee along with breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and bagels in a cozy cafe or modern lounge atmosphere. Consider adding a drive-thru service.

2. Boutique

Open a clothing, jewelry, gift, or home goods boutique carrying stylish, designer, handmade, vintage, or upcycled goods. Consider a wedding, baby, teen, or other specialty shop.

3. Bookstore

Share your love of reading by opening an independent general bookstore, used bookshop, or niche store specializing in specific topics or indie presses. Offer author events, book clubs, summer reading programs.

4. Flower Shop

Operate a full-service florist creating custom floral arrangements, weddings, events. Add a plant and garden shop vibe by selling houseplants, succulents, nursery stock.

5. Bakery

Delight customers with fresh breads, cookies, pies, specialty cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Consider gluten-free, vegan options. Add a cafe vibe with coffee and seating.

6. Thrift Shop

Offer discounted secondhand clothing, accessories, household items, and more. Operate as a charity-based nonprofit to fund causes. Add specialty departments like furniture, electronics, or vintage collectibles.

7. Pet Store/Supplies

Meet pet needs with supplies, live pet sales, grooming services, or training classes. Consider specializing in fish, birds, reptiles, or exotic pets.

8. Craft Studio

Sell pottery, jewelry, fiber art, woodcrafts, paintings, and more. Offer classes, workshops, parties, kids camps. Sell materials and tools for arts and crafts.

9. Fitness Studio

Open a specialty yoga, Pilates, barre, dance, or martial arts studio. Provide amenities like showers, locker rooms, smoothie bar. Offer classes, personal training, memberships.

10. Antiques Shop

Curate interesting antique and vintage collections and hold appraisal events. Offer antique restoration services.

11. Record Store

Attract music buffs by selling new and used vinyl records, CDs, band merchandise, turntables, and stereo equipment.

12. Bike Shop

Sell and repair bikes for road, mountain, BMX, commuters. Offer rentals, tours, and group rides. Host cycling events.

13. Surf Shop

Carry major and custom surfboard brands, wetsuits, and gear. Provide lessons and camps for beginners as well as host competitions and beach events.

14. Ice Cream Shop

Serve up cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats using housemade ingredients. Offer non-dairy, sugar-free options and unique, creative flavors.

15. Locally-Sourced Grocery

Feature fresh, seasonal produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, and more from nearby farms and vendors.

The Possibilities Are Endless!

Starting a successful small business takes passion, grit, and hard work. But the payoff of doing what you love while profiting from your talents makes it worthwhile.

Hopefully this list sparked some small business ideas that align with your interests, skills, and dreams. With a solid plan, excellent execution, and persistence, you can build a thriving business doing what you enjoy in 2023 and beyond.

The world needs more dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs like you bringing innovative ideas and services to life. As you turn your passion into profit, you’ll inspire others to do the same.

Now get out there, take the leap, and create something amazing this year! Wishing you the best of luck in your entrepreneurial journey.