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Starting a business

94 Businesses You Can Start Today From Your Kitchen Table

The appeal of running a business from home has never been stronger, providing location independence, financial freedom and personal satisfaction. With minimal overhead costs and the comfort of your own space, your kitchen table can become your enterprise launchpad. Here are 94 businesses you can start today with your existing skills. Remember, you do need to do something completely different; you just need to do something better and in demand with a lot of determination.

Online services

You can provide these services from home to clients worldwide.

  1. Virtual Assistant – Provide administrative support to busy professionals remotely, handling emails, scheduling and research tasks.
  2. Social Media Manager – Help small businesses grow their online presence by creating and scheduling content across platforms.
  3. Copywriter – Write persuasive text for websites, emails and advertisements for clients seeking to boost their marketing.
  4. Proofreader – Offer your keen eye for detail to catch errors in manuscripts, academic papers or business documents.
  5. Translator – Convert documents between languages for businesses expanding into international markets.
  6. Online Tutor – Teach academic subjects, music, or specialised skills through video calls to students worldwide.
  7. CV Writer – Help job seekers stand out with professionally crafted CVs and cover letters.
  8. Bookkeeper – Manage financial records for small businesses using accounting software.
  9. Transcriptionist – Convert audio recordings into written documents for professionals in various industries.
  10. Tax Preparation – Help individuals and small businesses prepare their tax returns accurately.
  11. Grant Writer – Assist non-profits and small businesses in applying for funding opportunities.
  12. Researcher – Conduct in-depth research for academics, authors, or businesses.
  13. Consultant – Offer expertise in your professional field to businesses needing specific guidance.
  14. App Tester – Get paid to test new applications and provide feedback on functionality and user experience.
  15. SEO Consultant – Help businesses improve their search engine rankings through keyword research and optimisation.
  16. Data Entry Specialist – Provide accurate data input services for businesses with large information processing needs.
  17. Digital Product Designer – Create and sell templates, planners, or printables through online marketplaces.
  18. Audio Editor – Edit podcasts, audiobooks, or music tracks for content creators and musicians.
  19. Software Documentation Writer – Create user manuals and technical guides for software companies.
  20. Email Marketing Specialist – Design and manage email campaigns for small businesses to increase customer engagement.
  21. Website Accessibility Consultant – Help businesses ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities.
  22. Chatbot Developer – Build and customise AI chatbots for business websites and social media channels.
  23. Virtual Event Planner – Organise and facilitate online conferences, parties, and meetings.
  24. Technical Support Specialist – Provide remote troubleshooting assistance for common computer issues.
  25. Video Editor – Edit footage for social media creators, small businesses, or special events.
  26. Voice-Over Artist – Record narration for videos, advertisements, or audiobooks.

Crafty businesses

If you’re arty, follow your passion and become a designer or maker.

  1. Candle Making – Create and sell scented candles using moulds and quality waxes.
  2. Soap Making – Craft artisanal soaps with natural ingredients and attractive packaging.
  3. Jewellery Making – Design and create handmade accessories from beads, wire, or polymer clay.
  4. Print on Demand Products – Design graphics for t-shirts, mugs, and other items sold through print-on-demand services.
  5. Greeting Card Designer – Create and sell unique handmade cards for special occasions.
  6. Pet Accessories – Make collars, toys, or beds for pets and sell through online marketplaces.
  7. Knitting or Crochet Products – Create handmade scarves, hats, blankets and other textile goods.
  8. Personalised Gifts – Offer custom engraving, embroidery, or printing on gift items.
  9. Bath and Body Products – Make natural lotions, bath bombs, and skincare items.
  10. Art Prints – Sell reproductions of your artwork online through platforms like Etsy.
  11. Subscription Box Curator – Create monthly boxes with themed items in a niche you’re passionate about.
  12. Custom Furniture Painting – Refinish and upcycle furniture pieces with unique designs.
  13. Terrarium Building – Design miniature plant ecosystems in glass containers.
  14. Soy Wax Melts – Produce scented wax melts for home fragrance.
  15. Handmade Paper Products – Create custom stationery, journals, or gift wrap from recycled materials.
  16. Dried Flower Art – Press and frame flowers for decorative wall art.

Foodie businesses

Food-based businesses can be started from home if you have a big enough kitchen and a zest for flavour.

  1. Baking Business – Prepare speciality cakes, cookies, or pastries for local customers and events.
  2. Jam and Preserves – Create homemade preserves using seasonal fruits and unique flavour combinations.
  3. Meal Prep Service – Cook and deliver healthy, portioned meals to busy professionals in your area.
  4. Speciality Food Products – Create and sell unique condiments, sauces, or spice blends.
  5. Cooking Classes – Teach specific cuisines or techniques through in-person or virtual classes.
  6. Food Blog or YouTube Channel – Share recipes and cooking tips while earning through advertising and partnerships.
  7. Recipe Developer – Create and test recipes for food brands or publications.
  8. Personal Chef – Prepare meals in clients’ homes for dinner parties or weekly meal services.
  9. Allergen-Free Foods – Specialise in baked goods or meals free from common allergens.
  10. Gourmet Pet Treats – Create healthy, homemade pet treats using quality ingredients.
  11. Custom Spice Blends – Craft and package unique seasoning combinations for cooking enthusiasts.

Educational services

If you’re a good teacher and you’ve got skills that are valuable to others, pass them on and charge for it.

  1. Podcast Production – Start a podcast on a topic you’re knowledgeable about or produce podcasts for others.
  2. Online Course Creation – Develop and sell courses teaching specialised skills through platforms like Teachable.
  3. E-Book Publishing – Write and self-publish guides on your area of expertise.
  4. Language Conversation Partner – Help language learners practise through regular conversation sessions.
  5. Workshop Facilitator – Run small group sessions, teaching practical skills or creative techniques.

Speciality services

Turn your enthusiasm into a business to help others. You don’t need to know everything about something; you just need to know more than most other people and be willing to keep learning.

  1. House Plant Consultant – Advise on plant selection, care, and troubleshooting for indoor gardens.
  2. Genealogy Researcher – Help people trace their family history using online databases and records.
  3. Professional Organiser – Guide clients through decluttering and creating functional home systems.
  4. Local Tour Guide – Create and lead specialised tours highlighting unique aspects of your area.
  5. Personal Shopper – Help busy clients select gifts, clothing, or home decor.

Creative services

Want to work from home and flex your creative muscles?

  1. Ghost Writer – Write books, articles, or blog posts under someone else’s name.
  2. Illustration Services – Create custom digital or traditional artwork for clients’ publications or websites.
  3. Photo Editor – Enhance and retouch photographs for individuals, events, or real estate listings.
  4. Calligraphy Services – Offer handwritten addressing for wedding invitations or create custom art pieces.
  5. Podcast Script Writer – Develop engaging scripts for podcast episodes across various genres.
  6. Content Repurposing Specialist – Transform existing content (like blogs) into different formats (like infographics or videos).
  7. Music Composer – Create original compositions for videos, podcasts, or indie games.
  8. Pattern Designer – Create and sell sewing, knitting, or crochet patterns for crafters.
  9. Brand Voice Developer – Help businesses establish a consistent written tone and messaging strategy.
  10. Stock Photography – Shoot and sell photos to stock image websites for passive income.
  11. Web Designer – Create attractive, functional websites for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
  12. Online Meditation Guide – Lead virtual meditation sessions for individuals or corporate groups.

Wellness and self-care

Wellness is an industry that is always growing in popularity as people prioritise taking better care of their physical and mental health.

  1. Nutrition Consultant – Provide personalised meal planning and nutrition advice remotely.
  2. Virtual Fitness Trainer – Conduct exercise sessions via video calls with customised workout plans.
  3. Essential Oil Blends – Create and sell custom aromatherapy blends for different purposes.
  4. Sleep Coach – Help clients develop better sleep habits through personalised strategies.
  5. Herbal Tea Blends – Create custom tea mixtures with specific wellness benefits.
  6. Mindfulness Journal Creator – Design guided journals to help people develop mindfulness practices.
  7. Digital Detox Coach – Guide clients through structured breaks from technology.
  8. Productivity Coach – Help clients optimise their work habits and time management.
  9. Home Workout Plan Designer – Create customised exercise routines requiring minimal equipment.
  10. Sustainable Living Consultant – Guide households in reducing their environmental impact through practical changes.

Specialised consulting

Specialist consultants can charge premium rates for their services and often get new clients through word-of-mouth once they’ve built a good reputation with the first few customers.

  1. Remote Work Setup Adviser – Help individuals create productive home office environments.
  2. University Application Coach – Guide students through the university application process.
  3. Self-Publishing Consultant – Help authors navigate the process of publishing their own books.
  4. Relocation Adviser – Provide guidance to people moving to your city or region.
  5. Pet Behaviour Consultant – Help pet owners address behavioural issues through video consultations.
  6. Home Schooling Consultant – Support parents who are teaching their children at home.
  7. Crowdfunding Campaign Manager – Help entrepreneurs plan and execute successful funding campaigns.
  8. Personal Finance Coach – Provide guidance on budgeting, saving, and debt reduction.
  9. Accessibility Consultant – Advise families on making homes more accessible for elderly or disabled members.
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Sophie Cross

Sophie Cross is the Editor of Freelancer Magazine and a freelance writer and marketer at Thoughtfully.

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