In today’s fast-paced world, freelancers, consultants, coaches, trainers, and home-office/small-business owners are constantly searching for innovative ways to stand out and thrive in their respective fields.
That’s why we’ve carefully curated a list of 15 small business creative ideas that cater specifically to this target audience.
These ideas are not only easy to implement but also designed to help you create unique goods and services that can be sold on platforms like Shopify.
We’ve chosen these ideas because they require minimal investment, utilize your existing skills, and can be started from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, they cater to a variety of talents and interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
So whether you’re a budding artist, an organizational guru, or a tech-savvy entrepreneur, these small business creative ideas will inspire you to take the leap into entrepreneurship and build a successful venture that aligns with your passions and expertise.
Table of Contents
Online Courses or Workshops 🎓
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
Online courses and workshops are among the best small business creative ideas due to the increasing demand for online learning and skill development.
They are particularly well-suited for freelancers, consultants, and home-office/small-business owners who want to share their expertise with others.
Necessary Skills
To create a successful online course or workshop, you’ll need to have expertise in your chosen subject area, strong communication skills, and the ability to create engaging content.
Additionally, you’ll need basic video editing skills, and proficiency in using e-learning platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Skillshare.
Finances to Start This Business
The initial investment for creating online courses can be relatively low.
You may need to invest in a good quality microphone, camera, and video editing software.
The cost of using e-learning platforms varies, but many offer free plans or take a percentage of your earnings.
As your business grows, you may choose to invest in more advanced equipment, marketing, or even hiring additional instructors.
However, the potential return on investment for this small business creative idea can be substantial, as you can reach a wide audience and generate a steady stream of passive income.
🔗 Helpful resources:
Coaching and Consulting Services 📈
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
Coaching and consulting services are sought-after small business creative ideas, as they allow professionals with specialized skills or knowledge to provide tailored support and guidance to clients.
This idea is an excellent fit for those who have expertise in a specific field and are passionate about helping others achieve their goals.
Necessary Skills
To offer coaching or consulting services, you should possess expertise in your chosen field, strong communication and listening skills, and the ability to build rapport with clients. Additionally, you’ll need basic marketing skills to promote your services and knowledge of tools like Zoom, Skype, or other video conferencing platforms to conduct sessions.
Finances to Start This Business
The startup costs for coaching and consulting services can be quite low, as most services can be provided remotely via phone or video calls. You may need to invest in a professional website, business cards, and marketing materials. Additionally, consider investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system to keep track of clients and leads, and a scheduling tool like Calendly to manage appointments.
🔗 Helpful resources:
Read this insightful article to learn from David Citron’s personal experience and get practical tips on how to manage ADD or ADHD while running a coaching business.
Running a coaching business with ADD vs ADHD w/ David Citron
Career Development 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Career development involves helping individuals identify their strengths and interests, create a career plan, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their goals.
By offering career development services, you can help clients achieve their career aspirations while building a profitable business.
Necessary Skills
To excel in career development, you should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to listen actively, and the ability to provide guidance and support to clients. You should also have expertise in various industries, understand the job market and trends, and be able to provide resume and interview coaching.
Useful Resources:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/
- Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/
- CareerOneStop: https://www.careeronestop.org/
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a career development business requires low startup costs. You’ll need a computer, internet connection, and access to various career development resources.
There are various options for creating and selling career development services, such as offering freelance career coaching or starting a career development agency.
You can also offer additional services such as resume writing, job search strategies, and career assessments.
Marketing your career development services can be done through social media, networking events, and word-of-mouth referrals.
You can also offer free career development resources as a way to attract potential clients and showcase your expertise.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar career development services and consider your level of experience and expertise.
You can also offer different pricing tiers for different services or bundle packages.
Helpful Resources:
- Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/
- The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/
- CareerBuilder: https://www.careerbuilder.com/
By offering career development services, you can help individuals achieve their career goals while building a profitable business.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful business in this field and stand out among other small business creative ideas. 💼🎓🚀
Professional Networking 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Building and maintaining professional networks is a critical aspect of career growth and success. As more people look to build and strengthen their connections in various industries, professional networking services have become increasingly in demand.
By offering professional networking services, you can help individuals and businesses connect with like-minded people, build relationships, and gain new opportunities.
Necessary Skills
To excel in this field, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills and be able to connect with people from various backgrounds and industries. You should also be knowledgeable about networking strategies, such as building relationships, conducting informational interviews, and utilizing social media.
Useful Resources:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/
- Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/
- BNI: https://www.bni.com/
Finances to Start This Business:
Starting a professional networking business can be done with relatively low overhead costs.
All you need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a website or social media presence to market your services.
Marketing your services can be done through social media, email marketing, and attending networking events.
You can also offer free consultations or trial periods to attract new customers.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar professional networking services and consider your level of expertise and experience.
You can also offer different pricing packages for individuals and businesses.
Helpful Resources:
- Canva: https://www.canva.com/
- Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/
- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/
By offering professional networking services, you can help people connect and grow their careers while building a profitable business.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful business in this field. 💼👔🤝
Digital Templates and Resources 🌟
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
Digital templates and resources are a profitable and scalable small business creative idea that caters to a wide range of industries and niches.
With the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the need for businesses to have a professional online presence, the demand for customizable templates and resources is on the rise.
By offering these products, you can showcase your design and technical skills while benefiting from a potentially passive income source.
Necessary Skills
To excel in creating and selling digital templates and resources, you’ll need a strong foundation in graphic design, user experience design, and knowledge of various design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma.
You may also want to familiarize yourself with different content management systems, such as WordPress or Shopify, which your clients might use to implement your templates.
Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer courses to help you improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends.
Helpful Resources:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html
- Canva: https://www.canva.com/
- Creative Market: https://creativemarket.com/
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a digital templates and resources business requires relatively low upfront costs. Your primary expenses may include purchasing design software or subscribing to online platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or InVision. Marketing your products is essential, and you may need to invest in advertising or social media management tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.
You can also sell your digital products on platforms such as Etsy, Creative Market, or your own Shopify store, which may require a monthly subscription fee. However, once your products are created and available for purchase, the potential for passive income can help offset these costs and generate a healthy profit.
Useful Resources:
- WordPress: https://wordpress.com/
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/
- Buffer: https://buffer.com/
- Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com/
By creating and selling digital templates and resources, you can tap into a growing market and establish a strong brand identity. With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful small business creative idea in this field. 🖥️💡🎨
Content Creation 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Content creation is a broad field that encompasses various forms of digital content, such as blog posts, social media content, videos, podcasts, and more.
By offering content creation services, you can help businesses and individuals create high-quality content that engages their audience and drives conversions.
It has been a popular small business creative idea for quite some time as well.
Necessary Skills
To excel in content creation as a small business creative idea, you should have strong writing skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
You should also have a good understanding of content marketing principles and be familiar with various digital platforms and tools used for creating and publishing content.
Useful Resources:
Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com/
Canva: https://www.canva.com/
Finances to Start This Small Business Creative Idea
Starting a content creation business can be done with relatively low overhead costs as one of the many small business creative ideas.
You’ll need a computer, writing and editing software, and a reliable internet connection.
There are various options for offering content creation services, such as freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr, or working with businesses and individuals directly.
You can also offer different content packages or additional services like content strategy and SEO optimization.
Marketing your content creation services as part of creative small business ideas can be done through social media, content marketing, and networking.
You can also create a portfolio website to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for content creation services in your niche and consider your level of experience and expertise.
You can also offer different pricing tiers for different types of content or content packages.
Helpful Resources:
Trello: https://trello.com/
Buzzsumo: https://buzzsumo.com/
Yoast SEO: https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seo/
By offering content creation services as a part of small business creative ideas, you can help businesses and individuals create engaging and effective digital content while building a profitable business in a creative field.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can succeed in this competitive market. 📝🎬🎙️
eBooks and Guides
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
eBooks and guides are increasingly becoming popular small business creative ideas as they cater to various interests and needs.
With the growing reliance on digital content, people are seeking valuable information and guidance that can be easily accessed and read on their devices.
Creating and selling eBooks and guides allows you to share your knowledge and expertise in a specific subject, targeting a niche audience, and potentially generating passive income.
Necessary Skills
To create and sell eBooks and guides, you should have excellent writing and research skills, along with a deep understanding of your chosen subject matter.
You may also need to learn about eBook formatting and design, which can be done using tools like Adobe InDesign or Vellum.
Marketing and promotion skills are essential, as you’ll need to make your target audience aware of your eBooks and guides.
Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer courses to help you improve your writing, design, and marketing skills.
Finances to Start This Business
The initial financial investment for creating eBooks and guides is generally low, particularly if you already possess the necessary software and equipment.
Your primary expenses may include purchasing writing and design software, hiring an editor or proofreader, and investing in marketing and promotion.
You can sell your eBooks and guides on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Gumroad, or your own Shopify store, which may require a monthly subscription fee.
Once your eBooks and guides are created and available for purchase, the potential for passive income can help offset these costs and generate a profitable business.
Creating and Selling Online Tutorials 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Creating and selling online tutorials is an excellent business idea that can provide a passive income stream.
With the rising popularity of e-learning, there is a growing demand for high-quality tutorials on various topics.
Necessary Skills
When starting a tutorial business as one of your small business creative ideas, you must have extensive knowledge and expertise in a particular subject that people are interested in learning.
Additionally, you must possess excellent communication skills to create engaging and informative content that resonates with your audience.
Useful Resources:
Teachable: https://teachable.com/
Thinkific: https://www.thinkific.com/
Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a tutorial business does not require significant upfront investment. All you need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a platform to host your tutorials.
You can choose to create and host your tutorials on online course platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Udemy or use video hosting platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.
Marketing your tutorials can be done through social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar tutorial courses in your niche and adjust accordingly.
You can also offer discounts or promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
Helpful Resources:
Buffer: https://buffer.com/
Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com/
Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/
By creating and selling high-quality tutorials, you can tap into a growing market of people looking to learn new skills and advance their careers.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful business in this field that fits your small business creative ideas. 📚💻🎓
Virtual Events and Webinars
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
Virtual events and webinars have become popular small business creative ideas due to the increasing demand for remote learning and networking opportunities.
As people continue to work and interact remotely, hosting virtual events and webinars can help you connect with a global audience, share your expertise, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
This business idea allows for flexibility, scalability, and the potential to generate significant revenue.
Necessary Skills
To host successful virtual events and webinars, you need to have strong communication and presentation skills, as well as a deep understanding of your chosen subject matter.
Additionally, you should be proficient in using webinar platforms like Zoom or WebEx and be familiar with marketing and promotion techniques to attract attendees.
Online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare can help you improve your skills in these areas.
Finances to Start This Business
The trend of hosting virtual events and webinars has gained significant momentum in recent times.
The financial investment for such events can vary greatly depending on the scale and complexity of the events.
Basic costs may include a subscription to a webinar platform, investments in audio and video equipment, and marketing and promotion expenses.
You may also need to pay guest speakers or panelists, if applicable. To offset costs, you can charge attendees a registration fee or offer paid sponsorship opportunities.
By building a strong reputation and following, virtual events and webinars can become a lucrative small business creative idea with relatively low overhead costs.
Custom Planner 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Custom planners are a popular and in-demand product for individuals looking to stay organized and productive.
By creating and selling custom planners, you can tap into this growing market and provide a valuable service to your customers.
Necessary Skills
To create successful custom planners, you should have a good understanding of your target audience and their needs.
You should also have some basic design skills or work with a graphic designer to create high-quality designs that can be printed or bound into planner pages.
Useful Resources:
- Canva: https://www.canva.com/
- Blurb: https://www.blurb.com/
- Adobe InDesign: https://www.adobe.com/products/indesign.html
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a custom planner business is an excellent small business creative idea that can be executed with relatively low overhead costs.
All you’ll need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a platform to sell your products.
There are various options for creating and selling custom planners, such as print-on-demand services like Blurb, or self-publishing with a platform like Amazon’s KDP.
Marketing your custom planners can be done through social media, email marketing, and influencer partnerships. You can also offer limited-edition or seasonal designs to drive sales.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar custom planners in your niche and consider your production and shipping costs.
You can also offer different pricing tiers for different planner designs or features.
Helpful Resources:
- Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/
- Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com/
- Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/
By creating and selling custom planners, you can provide your customers with a valuable tool to help them stay organized and productive, while also building a profitable business.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can turn this small business creative idea into a successful venture. 📆🎨💻
Productivity Tools 🛠️
Why It’s a Great Small Business Creative Idea
In today’s fast-paced world, people are always looking for ways to optimize their time and increase productivity.
Developing and selling productivity tools has become an increasingly popular small business creative idea, as it caters to this demand while offering scalability and potential for passive income. 📈💰
Necessary Skills 🧰
To create effective productivity tools, you need a solid understanding of user needs and the ability to design user-friendly interfaces.
Technical skills such as programming or graphic design are also essential, depending on the type of tool you’re creating.
You can acquire or improve these skills through online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare. 🖥️📚
Finances to Start This Business 💰
The financial investment for developing productivity tools varies depending on the complexity of the tool and the resources needed for its creation.
Expenses may include software licenses, hiring developers or designers, and marketing your product.
Once your tool is developed, it can be sold through platforms like Shopify or your own website, potentially generating passive income over time.
With a successful productivity tool, your initial investment can be recovered and even exceeded through sales and subscriptions.
Helpful Resources 🔎
Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/
Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/
Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/
In conclusion, developing and selling productivity tools is an extremely important small business creative idea for those with technical and design skills.
By addressing real-world problems and offering user-friendly solutions, you can create a successful business that helps others optimize their time and work more efficiently. 🚀
Why it’s a great small business creative idea:
Graphic design is an in-demand skill that can be easily turned into a profitable business venture.
With the rise of digital marketing and the constant need for visual content, graphic design services have become more important than ever.
It’s a versatile field that allows you to work with a wide range of clients, from small businesses and startups to larger corporations and agencies.
Necessary skills
Graphic design is one of the top small business creative ideas that requires a strong foundation in design principles, color theory, typography, and composition.
Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Affinity Designer, or Sketch is also crucial. Good communication skills and the ability to work well with clients are essential as well.
To develop your graphic design skills, you can take advantage of various online courses and tutorials on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or LinkedIn Learning.
Additionally, you can find inspiration and networking opportunities on websites like Dribbble and Behance.
Finances to start this business
Starting a graphic design business is a low-cost small business creative idea that only requires a computer, design software, and a reliable internet connection.
You can choose free or low-cost software alternatives when starting out and upgrade as your business grows.
To market your graphic design services, you can use social media, online portfolio websites, and platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to create a profile and showcase your work to potential clients.
Researching the market rates for graphic design services in your area can help you set competitive prices based on your level of experience and expertise.
As your portfolio grows and your skills improve, you can gradually increase your rates.
Here are some useful resources to get you started:
- Udemy Graphic Design Courses: https://www.udemy.com/topic/graphic-design/
- Skillshare Graphic Design Classes: https://www.skillshare.com/browse/graphic-design
- LinkedIn Learning Graphic Design Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/graphic-design
By offering graphic design services, you can tap into a vast market of businesses and individuals in need of visually appealing content.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a thriving business in this field. 😊🎨🖥️
Business Support Services 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Business support services involve offering administrative, financial, or technical assistance to other businesses. By providing these services, you can help businesses focus on their core activities while improving their overall efficiency and productivity.
Necessary Skills
To excel in business support services, you should have strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
You should also be familiar with different business tools and software, such as bookkeeping software, project management tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Useful Resources:
- QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
- Trello: https://trello.com/
- HubSpot CRM: https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a business support services business can be a great small business creative idea that requires low overhead costs.
You’ll need a computer, internet connection, and access to various business tools and software.
There are various options for creating and selling business support services, such as offering virtual assistant services, bookkeeping services, or web design services.
You can also monetize your services through advertising or sponsorships.
Marketing your business support services can be done through social media, email marketing, and professional networking.
You can also offer free resources and templates as a way to attract potential clients and showcase your expertise.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar business support services and consider your level of experience and expertise.
You can also offer different pricing tiers for different types of services or project sizes.
Helpful Resources
- Wave Accounting: https://www.waveapps.com/
- Asana: https://asana.com/
- Google Workspace: https://workspace.google.com/
By offering business support services, you can help other small businesses succeed while building a profitable business for yourself.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful business in this field and join the growing list of small business creative ideas. 💼💻📊
Merchandise 🌟
Why it’s a great small business creative idea
Creating and selling merchandise is a versatile and profitable small business idea. You can sell physical products, digital products, or a combination of both, depending on your skills and interests. By creating unique and desirable merchandise, you can build a loyal customer base and establish a strong brand identity.
Necessary Skills
To create successful merchandise, you should have a good understanding of your target audience and what they are looking for.
You should also have skills in design, marketing, and branding. Basic knowledge of production processes and product fulfillment can also be helpful.
Useful Resources:
- Printful: https://www.printful.com/
- Canva: https://www.canva.com/
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/
Finances to Start This Business
Starting a merchandise business is a great small business creative idea that requires relatively low upfront costs.
With online platforms like Printful or Teespring, you can easily create and sell products without the need for inventory.
Using resources like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite, you can also create your products from scratch and sell them on your website or through online marketplaces like Etsy.
Marketing your merchandise can be done through social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.
In addition, influencer marketing and collaborations can help you reach a wider audience and grow your customer base.
To set your pricing, research the market rates for similar products in your niche and adjust accordingly.
Offering different pricing packages for different levels of access or additional resources can also help attract customers and generate more revenue.
Helpful Resources:
- Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/
- Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
By creating and selling unique merchandise, you can tap into a growing market and establish a strong brand identity.
With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can build a successful small business creative idea in this field. 🛍️💡🎨
