Six Top 2021 Small Business Ideas
1. Ecommerce
One of America’s favorite past times in 2020 was online shopping. In fact, U.S. eCommerce increased 44 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. As the spread of COVID-19 eventually slows and many activities resume in-person, shopping will likely stay online. For starters, many people have grown accustomed to the ease and time-saving benefits of ordering goods online. The longer the pandemic continues, the more people have adjusted to new habits. Fortunately for new eCommerce business owners, buying more online is a trend that’s likely to stick. CNN reports that a significant amount of the market share that has shifted from in-person to online retail is likely to remain the norm.
Essentially, you can sell any (legal) good online such as clothing, pet goods, office supplies — you name it. Here are a couple of ideas for starting your eCommerce business.
- Buy an existing eCommerce business.
- Buy an eCommerce franchise.
- Build an eCommerce business by purchasing products wholesale.
2. Commercial and Residential Cleaning
As more people return to work — and more public places, in general — building owners are taking extra care to clean and sanitize, and homeowners need extra hands to keep their own houses neat. Cleaning services are always in demand, but with an extra focus on cleanliness and sanitation in 2021, a cleaning company is one of the best businesses to start.
Residential Cleaning
Start your own cleaning business or pick from a number of cleaning business franchises.
Commercial Cleaning
Office buildings are investing in more regular cleaning and sanitation services.
Lawn Care
Now that more folks are back to work, they need help keeping up the lawns they perfected over the last year.
Tip: Learn how to start your own cleaning business or lawn care business.
3. Breweries, Bottle Shops, and Distilleries
Another activity that has sharply increased during the pandemic is adult beverage consumption — U.S. alcohol consumption is up 14 percent. Americans are eager to support small businesses as the economy picks back up, so it’s a great time to build the brewery, bottle shop, or distillery you’ve been dreaming about. Want an insider tip for increasing sales and reaching new customers? A 2020 Nielsen report looking at alcohol sales reports that podcast listeners are significantly more likely to purchase hard cider, spirits, wine, and beer.
Breweries
Craft breweries are still a great small business idea.
Bottle Shops
Not ready to commit to making your own wine? Bottle shops are a great small business idea because you can curate your selection and personalize the customer experience.
Distilleries
If you are a woman, person of color, or any member of a historically marginalized group, don’t be shy about putting your own mark on spirits production — more consumers are taking notice.
4. Education and E-learning
Even with schools opening to allow more students for in-person learning, families are looking for alternatives for education. In fact, trends show enrollment in public schools is dropping across the country. These factors make 2021 a great time to get ahead of the curve and start an education franchise or e-learning business.
Education Franchises and E-Learning Small Business Ideas:
- Code Ninjas
- Mathnasium
- Huntington Learning Center
- Tutor Doctor
- The Goddard School
- BrightStar Learning
- Sylvan Learning
5. Business Services
Businesses are always trying to achieve two things: Cut expenses and hire great talent. These two things are especially true in a culture where we’re still dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic, which makes it a great time to start a company that provides businesses services. Consider these options for your business services venture.
Recruiting
Larger companies often turn to third-party recruiters to help them find the right fit when filling an open position. Now that Zoom interviews have become the norm, starting a recruiting business from home is pretty straightforward.
IT Services
With more businesses running in a digital environment, information technology and cybersecurity needs are greater than ever.
Tailored Funding Options for You
6. Real Estate Services
The 2021 real estate market is hot across the country, with Zillow expecting 2.5 million households to enter the housing market this year. With many homes going for over asking price, sellers see the value in putting in the extra effort to get top dollar for their sale. Even if you aren’t working in real estate buying or selling, you can position your business real estate-focused business to succeed in 2021.
Packing and Moving
Fast and reliable moving services are essential to the smooth sale of a home and always in demand.
Home Staging
Savvy sellers are investing in home staging before going to market, and with good reason. According to Bankrate, the majority of staged homes sell for 5 – 23 percent over list price.
Real Estate Photography
Much like the value of professional home staging, professional photography can make a huge difference in selling price. Consider offering professional photography services or hiring a staff of photographers.
Start a Business from Home
Some people who want to start a business this year may still be hesitant because they prefer to work from home. Fortunately, there are a number of businesses you can start from the comfort of your own home included many of the ones we’ve already mentioned. Here’s a recap of the best home business ideas in 2021.
- Business services such as consulting, recruiting, and IT support.
- Ecommerce businesses.
- E-learning and education businesses.
- Franchises: Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a franchise is a brick-and-mortar location. However, even franchises that require in-person services such as cleaning, painting, lawn care, etc., can largely be run from home if you hire employees or contractors to visit client sites.
Getting Your 2021 Small Business Started
If you’re ready to follow your dreams of small business ownership, get out of corporate America, or be your own boss, Guidant is here to help. We’ve helped over 25,000 businesses get started, so we know what you need. Learn more by calling us at 888-472-4455 or contact us online today.
