Profitable Small Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs

I've always dreamed of being my own boss. Instead of improving the bottom line for some faceless corporate entity, I want to be the one to benefit from all my sweat and hard work. That's why I've been saving practically every penny I've earned over the past five years -- so that I can one day start my own company. I think I finally have enough capital to make that happen in the near future. Now all I need to do is come up with some small business ideas and decide which one would be best for me.

Actually, I don't even have to come up with these small business ideas myself. I've been reading through some websites and forums geared towards entrepreneurs, and have culled lots of terrific suggestions from those places. There are literally hundreds of viable low-cost small business ideas out there. What I have to do is select a particular product or service that I'd be interested in providing, do some research to see what kind of competition there is in the area, and then get started on setting up shop.

I'm particularly interested in small business ideas that don't require excessive start-up costs. I don't want to invest in lots of expensive equipment, office space, or warehouse space if I can help it. That's why working with pets (as a dog walker or sitter), kids (as a tutor, birthday party planner, or piano teacher), or busy families (as a meal delivery person, handyman, or housekeeper) would be perfect. None of these businesses require much in the way of equipment in order to get started. I'd just have to print up some cards and fliers, buy a few basic supplies, and try to secure a few regular customers.

If those options don't pan out, there are countless other small business ideas that I could try instead. For instance, I could get into the real estate game either as an agent or a home inspector. I know the market isn't exactly thriving at this point in time, but it's bound to pick up sooner or later. I could also try my hand at consulting or perhaps even writing a nonfiction book in personal finance, which is my area of expertise. There are just so many profitable small business ideas to choose from that if one doesn't work out the way I expected, I can always jump into something else.

From my initial research into small business ideas, I think the key is to settle on something that I'm passionate about and that I would love doing every single day for the next five to ten years -- or longer. That will increase the likelihood that I'll stick things out and give it my all, which in turn will improve my chances of success. I never want to have to work for anyone else again, so you better believe I'll be giving my new venture everything I've got!