48 Small Scale Business Ideas for Beginner Entrepreneurs

Trying to make the most of small scale business ideas? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• 48 Small Scale Business Ideas for Beginner Entrepreneurs Don't be fooled by their size, small businesses still have big potential.
• Here are nearly four dozen ideas to get you started on the path to success.
• Written by Annette Miller Last Updated: April 3, 2024 Reviewed by Jana Lynch Home Online Business Some of the links on DollarSprout point to...

48 Small Scale Business Ideas for Beginner Entrepreneurs

Don't be fooled by their size, small businesses still have big potential. Here are nearly four dozen ideas to get you started on the path to success.

Written by Annette Miller Last Updated: April 3, 2024 Reviewed by Jana Lynch

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Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

According to the Small Business Administration, they make up 99.7% of U.S. employers and 97.7% of U.S. exporters[1]. In addition to supporting the economy, small business owners can work for themselves and create something unique and meaningful. Inc.com reports that 81% of small business owners feel happier and 60% report being healthier than when they worked for their previous employer.

So how can you leverage your potential into starting a small business? By starting your entrepreneurial journey in a niche that has profit potential and revolves around something you enjoy.

What Is Considered a Small-Scale Business?

While definitions vary, a small-scale business is typically described as an enterprise with a small number of employees, a relatively low sales volume, and is typically privately owned with most of the profits going to the owner. These businesses also typically serve a small community and see low turnover in staff.

Though every business has some type of startup requirements, numerous can be started within a reasonably short time frame and without significant upfront fees or expenses.

The Small Business Administration has a chart that describes different classifications of small businesses so you can see if the one you’re starting qualifies.

Online Small-Scale Business Ideas

There are plenty of local and online options you can choose from if you’re interested in running your own small-scale business. Here are a few online ideas to consider.

1. Virtual assistant

Starting a virtual assistant business is quick and simple. In this small-scale business, you’ll help other business owners with a variety of administrative tasks ranging from data entry and booking travel to writing blog posts and scheduling content on social media.

If you’re interested in becoming a VA, you can take Gina Horkey’s Fully Booked VA course to fast-track your business. Gina started out as a virtual assistant and grew her business to over seven figures per year. In this course, you’ll learn how to set your prices, establish your services, and find your first clients.

Related:

• How One Woman Makes $3,000 per Month as a Virtual Assistant
• How Nicole Went From $7/Hour to Seven-Figure VA Agency

2. Proofreader

If you have an eye for typos, then starting a proofreading business could be lucrative. As a proofreader, you’ll examine documents from writers, business owners, and other professionals for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Professional proofreader Caitlyn Pyle offers a free training course for future proofreaders to help you determine if it’s a good fit for you. You’ll learn what’s involved in proofreading, how it’s different from editing, what types of industries need proofreaders, and how you can earn $20 or more per hour.

3. Freelance writer

As a freelance writer, you’ll produce blog posts, research documents, white papers, and other types of written content. You can work for websites, magazines, online journals, newspapers, and other businesses.

If you enjoy writing and researching, freelance writing can be a rewarding way to earn an income while working on your own terms. To increase your chances of success, consider taking a professional writing course to sharpen your skills, learn how to pitch effectively, and navigate the freelance marketplace with confidence.

Starting with smaller projects and building a strong portfolio can help you establish credibility and attract higher-paying clients over time.

Related: How Holly Johnson Built a $200K/Yr Freelance Writing Career

4. Social media manager

Social media managers help companies create, schedule, and monitor their presence on social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You’ll be responsible for managing social media content calendars, responding to comments and questions, creating images, and other tasks.

Read our guide on how to become a social media manager for more information on what this business entails.

5. Facebook ads manager

Facebook ads are an key part of numerous business owners’ marketing strategy, and you can start a small-scale business managing ads for those companies.

You’ll create the ads, manage the Facebook advertising budget, and monitor their performance by analyzing the data provided in the Facebook Ads Manager dashboard. If you’re interested in this small-scale business idea, consider signing up for a program like Bobby Hoyt’s Facebook Side Hustle Course.

In nine separate modules, you’ll learn how to create effective ads, navigate the Facebook ads systems, establish campaigns, find your first clients, and cost your services.

6. Blog writer

If you want to own your writing but still share your thoughts with the world, then creating a blog is a good choice for you. You’ll perform similar tasks as a freelance writer, but you’ll publish the articles on your own website.

You can make money with a blog through advertising, creating courses, or even writing eBooks.

7. Resume writer and editor

If you have experience working in human resources or have spent time reviewing resumes, then you can turn that into a business writing and editing resumes for job hunters. In this job, you’ll help your clients write clear and effective resumes that stand out to prospective employers. This may include proofreading and formatting their resumes as well.

8. SEO consultant

Search engine optimization means optimizing web content to be found by search engines like Google and Yahoo. The goal is to rank higher in search results to drive more readers to the site. As an SEO consultant, you’ll go through the company’s website content and make suggestions for how they can improve their search rankings and generate more organic traffic to their site.

It sounds complicated, but there are plenty of resources available that can teach you how to do this.

9. Email marketing specialist

If you start a small-scale business as an email marketing specialist, you’ll work with other businesses and companies to create email marketing campaigns. Tasks may include formatting newsletters, proofreading and editing for clarity and grammar, or creating graphics. You might also have to manage the email lists, analyze statistics, or write press releases.

10. Low-content eBook crea

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check small scale business ideas against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at dollarsprout.com.