We looked so far outside of the box for these business ideas that we can’t even see the box anymore!
1. Open a repair cafe
Starting a repair cafe business combines community service with sustainability by creating a space where people learn to fix their own items, meet others and share knowledge (preferably with good coffee and cake). You’ll need to consider a venue with ample space for repair stations and gather skilled volunteers who can fix electronics, furniture, clothing and bicycles.
2. Launch a sleep optimisation studio
Do you love your sleep and are you fascinated by the science behind it? A sleep optimisation studio might offer services such as sleep assessments, custom sleep plans and coaching, environment optimisation for better sleep, sleep tracking technology and other sleep-related products and services. Zzzzzzzzz.
3. Become a friendship matchmaker
Adult friendships are hard, especially if you move to a new place. Start a matchmaking service for adults, but for platonic, not romantic relationships. Do you consider yourself a social butterfly? Are you good at knowing what connects people? Do you love hosting events? You’ll need to assess different personalities, interests, life stages, and values to build your database and refine your matching algorithm, while keeping people’s privacy and safety a top priority.
4. Be a micro-adventure planner
Design mini, yet meaningful, local experiences for busy professionals who live locally or are visiting the area. Focus on crafting short, local adventures that fit into evenings, weekends or 24-hour periods. Research lesser-known spots like hidden walks, wild swimming locations, and perfect sunrise and sunset spots, and see if you can get exclusive access by making friends with landowners. Develop packages at various price points, from self-guided instruction booklets to fully equipped guided experiences. You can look to list your experiences on websites like Airbnb and partner with local accommodation providers.
5. Consult for the home and work atmosphere
If interior design is your skill, consider specialising in atmosphere, focusing on how environment affects wellbeing and output in both homes and offices. Optimise lighting, sound, scent and textures in living spaces and create offices that address noise sensitivity, lighting needs, and other sensory concerns.
6. Found a micro school
Many parents are considering home-schooling and other options besides mainstream education for their children. Design and operate a small, highly specialised school for 5 to 15 students, focusing on a specific educational philosophy with the potential to franchise your offering. You’ll need to research your local regulations regarding private schools and required teacher certifications, and find a suitable location, which could be a converted home space, a small commercial property, or a shared community venue. Develop a curriculum that balances academic requirements with your unique learning approach, and build a network of specialist teachers or mentors.
7. Start a real-world skills academy
A real-world academy teaches practical life skills that are no longer commonly passed down (such as repair, cooking, and making), or it can educate those who grew up primarily with online interaction in social skills, or train older generations with tech skills. There is a diverse range of demographic groups that you could target, including school leavers, career changers, and retirees seeking self-sufficiency. Look to partner with local businesses for work experience opportunities and potential funding.
8. Be a death educator
One thing is for sure: it comes to us all, but this business isn’t for everyone. It requires sensitivity and thoughtfulness about end-of-life and relevant qualifications in counselling, funeral services or palliative care. You will help people prepare both practically and emotionally for end-of-life matters, including those who want to approach death more consciously, funeral planning, and grief support.
9. Be an urban rewilding consultant
For those with botanical knowledge and urban planning expertise, you can help city dwellers transform small spaces into functioning ecosystems. You’ll transform concrete spaces into biodiverse habitats with native plant species, pollinators and small wildlife that support local wildlife while benefiting residents. Build relationships with councils, property developers, and community groups that are looking to improve their green infrastructure and environmental credentials.
10. Start scent designing
Attention, super-smellers! Create custom fragrances for brands, spaces, or individuals. Customers could be retail businesses seeking a distinctive store atmosphere, hotels looking for a signature scent, or individuals wanting a bespoke personal fragrance.
Let these inspire your own out-of-the-ordinary ideas, which might be led by your personal interests, or you might decide to retrain in something completely new to you.
