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Writer's pictureDr Charles Glassman

Small Business Ideas During Covid

Updated: Jan 16





Starting up a business can be very intimidating, especially if you’re not financially stable and able to create, stabilize, and maintain the kind of company you envision yourself as a leader. At Finimpact, we tackle problems like this every day, and we answer numerous questions from people who are starting up small and mid-sized businesses. Some developing professionals come to us not knowing what they really want to do with their business ideas, and that’s okay.


Because many of our customers are indecisive or unsure of where they want to take their business, we’ve decided to take the initiative to create a list of potential businesses to consider for the upcoming year (2020). But before we get into that, we’d like to ask you a few questions to jump-start your thought processes.


Questions to ask yourself before starting a small or mid-sized business:


  1. What does your career path look like right now?

  2. Are you happy?

  3. Do you yearn for a change?

  4. What kind of change?

  5. Are you a part of something you’re proud of, or would you like to put your personality and skills into a business that could be all your own one day?

  6. Are you scared?

  7. Are you more comfortable hesitating than moving forward with your personal career goals?

  8. Have you ever thought of becoming a business leader?

  9. Would you ever want to run your own show?

  10. Would you be okay going out of your comfort zone to create and establish something that could be great?

What did the answers to all of these questions look like?


What our main goal here is to get you thinking about your future. Once you have some of these questions answered, you’ll be able to move forward and read our list of business ideas for 2020. Then, it’s your job to narrow in on your new career field and move towards a job change that’s right for you.


Below you’ll find a list of business ideas for 2020, especially those you can launch during the Covid-19 period (marked by our mask emoji 😷) but do not for a second think that we’ve listed them all. Who knows, your next venture might come to you after you’ve digested our ideas. Remember, oftentimes, collaboration sparks innovation. Your next startup is right around the corner.


Startups and companies are not always attainable because of financial restraints and lack of monetary resources. Keep in mind, we do know financing a business is super difficult. If you find yourself stuck, slowly progressing, or still need more information, check out our FREE guide here. Before moving onto your next startup, please don’t be afraid to get a loan right away if you’re certain of what you want your business to be. Claim your turf before someone else does.


COVID-19 Business Ideas


For Covid-19 business ideas, target a business that you could start with little or no capital and let it be one that can be done online to curb the lockdown restrictions.


Online Consultancy


If you are transitioning from formal employment and you have any skills that could be passed on to other people, an online consultancy firm is the cheapest business that you could set up. You could use platforms that you already have, like Facebook or Twitter, or open a Youtube page before you get money to set up our own website.


You could offer counseling sessions, cooking classes, music lessons. The possibilities are endless.


Delivery services


During this season, most people are afraid of leaving their homes to go shopping. As such, you could offer grocery shopping and delivering services. To get more customers, you could focus on pharmaceuticals and alcoholic drinks. For this business, you could use your social media accounts to market your services, or you could develop an app where people can get your services


Graphic Designer


Graphic design is very competitive in today’s world; however, a graphic designer has their own twist to the show that they run. If you do plan to take this idea into account, use marketing as your kill tactic. Get your name out there and make it as flashy as you can.


The best thing about this business is that you can offer this service from the comfort of your home, and you require almost no capital to launch it.


Online Game


With half the world indoors, most people are finding solace in online games. Believe it or not, many big game creators are not big until they’re discovered – and discovery usually only happens when you create a successful game and get tons of downloads after you release it. Start working on your gaming ideas, and if you have one that seems to be successful, develop it, release it, and see where it takes you. The big companies could be signing soon enough.


Podcasting


Podcasting does have a rough starting point, and you will have a hard time finding funding in the beginning to keep it going. Nobody really ever notices that until they’re already in it. But if you develop a good following over a short amount of time, you’ll be in the clear; then, you’ll be able to sell advertising, and your revenue will build from there.


Online Tutoring


This business is turning to be a goldmine with children at home; you could offer online classes. Technically, you don’t have to be the most qualified person in the world to tutor people on a subject. In fact, all you need is to know the basics of one particular area, and you can sign up to become a tutor for that subject and that age group. It’s pretty easy money!


Life Coaching


We know what you’re thinking, why would someone want to be a life coach, and why would someone need a life coach? You can’t technically coach life. Well, you’re wrong if you think that. There are so many opportunities and areas of life that are confusing to people that having a coach by their side isn’t such a bad idea. During this pandemic, you could turn into your full-time hustle


Nutritionist Consultant


Nutrition is a lot more popular today than it ever has been, to tell you the truth. People worry and fear that they’re putting the wrong foods and beverages into their bodies, especially now with the imminent threat of a fasting killing disease. They need someone to correct their choices (especially if they aren’t as healthy as they wish they could be). Nutritionist consultants are the pros at work – they know everything regarding the right foods to eat and the right fluids to drink. If you’re passionate about it, why not give this business a go?


Social Media Influencer


Anyone with a large follower base can become a social media influencer – with so many people watching your every move, you’re bound to find someone (or a group of someone’s) to listen to what you have to say. And, nine times out of ten, your listeners will follow in your footsteps, so try your best to set a good example.


Virtual Assistant


Virtual assistants are needed in a lot more businesses than you’d think. And the best part about working as one is that you can work remotely from home and make your own hours on any given week.


Internet Marketing Specialist


Can you navigate the web quickly and efficiently? If so, you may be a specialist in the marketing industry internet-wise, or at least you’re a specialist in the making. Look into the details of internet marketing and see if the bill fits you – if so, there are tons of agencies looking for people like you to hire right now, and you can totally be a freelance specialist running your own show.


Car Associated Business Ideas


Rideshare Driver

This is where companies like Uber and Lyft come in. You may not be as successful if you try to start your own rideshare driving service, but you can definitely get a group of people together and ‘lead’ them in the ridesharing business. Then again, you can do anything you set your mind to.


Snowplow Services

If you currently live in New England or another area of the world that frequently sees snow, you might want to consider cashing in on the awful weather patterns. Snowplow services are a great way to take the lead during the winter months. Sure, many independent freelance drivers will hit the road and get paid house by house; but what if you created a service geared towards snowplowing? You could make a good living during those months off a high hourly wage.


Used Car Leasing

New car leasing has been a thing for quite some time now, but has anyone thought about starting a used car leasing business? The rates would be much more affordable, and people wouldn’t be as worried about constantly getting a new car every 3 to 5 years.


Creative Business Ideas


eBay Selling

eBay selling can be a super easy and convenient way to sell your crafts, handmade jewelry, and other small trinkets. If you know how to create fun little pieces that people would enjoy looking at, head over to eBay, make an account, and start making money!


Floral Shop

Florists don’t seem to be going out of style just yet, especially considering they’re in high demand for weddings, special events, and funeral services. We do have one bit of advice you should take, though: If you’re looking to open a florist shop, put it in a high demand area, not in a part of town that’s tucked away where no one can see. Make it known that you’re open for business.


Furniture Making

Most woodworking careers start in the garage or basement, but that’s not a bad thing. At first, you’ll be working approximately 10 hours a week, likely on the weekends, but if you know what you’re doing and you’re crafting handmade, quality furniture, this gig may become a full-time job in no time.


Graphic Designer

Graphic design is very competitive today; however, everyone who is a graphic designer has their own twist to the show that they run. If you do plan to take this idea into account, use marketing as your kill tactic. Get your name out there and make it as flashy as you can.


Online Game

Believe it or not, many big game creators are not big until they’re discovered – and discover usually only happens when you create a successful game and get tons of downloads after you release it. Start working on your gaming ideas, and if you have one that seems to be successful, develop it, release it, and see where it takes you. The big companies could be signing soon enough.


Podcasting

Podcasting does have a rough starting point, and you will have a hard time finding funding in the beginning to keep it going. Nobody really ever notices that until they’re already in it. But if you develop a good following over a short amount of time, you’ll be in the clear; then, you’ll be able to sell advertising, and your revenue will build from there.


Scrapbooking

This type of business is based solely on creativity. Because it’s technically a hobby, you can find different routes to bring in revenue – either by selling supplies or by teaching prospective scrapbookers how to do a good job with their projects.


Handmade Business

It used to be that handmade items could only be found at flea markets and novelty shops. Now these handmade titans are choosing to become online craft renders. If you’re good with your hands and have a knack for handmade items, this just may be the best route to take.


Line Holder Business

Believe it or not, people in long lines usually do not have a problem paying a few bucks to have someone stand in line for them. The best way to do this is to get a few T-shirts, a reliable crew, and special events or release calendar. Go to places where you know long lines exist. Once you get close to the user’s destination, give them a simple text message and have them return to their spot. Low overhead with great potential


Dog & Kid Business Ideas


Daycare Service

If you want to see your business almost 100% successful, start up a daycare service – people are having kids left and right, and they want to continue to work, so where else are the children supposed to go during the day? A daycare! You do need to constantly keep up with mandatory safety and licensing terms and conditions, so be aware that there will be many legalities on the line here.


Dog Walking Service

Dogs need to be walked every single day. And when dog owners aren’t around or home all the time to do the job, they need to hire a dog walker. It sounds easy, but honestly, once you get your name out there, you’d be surprised at how many clients will reach out to you in need of your services.


Pet Grooming

Location is key with this business – just like it was with the floral shop. You need to be seen to be successful. However, the type of pet grooming service you offer can definitely vary. We suggest leaning towards a storefront one or an at-home visit one. Either or will do the trick.


Pet Sitting

If you enjoy being around animals, this is the business start-up you’re looking for! You get to spend time with the pets, feed them, walk them if necessary, and play with them. It’s honestly a fun gig, and you don’t have to deal with the public (besides the pets’ owners, of course).


Fashion Business Ideas


Alterations/Seamstress

This may start as a part-time thing, but the gig may become full-time in no time. Start by telling your friends and family about your business startup and ask them to spread the word. And, a word of advice? Always provide estimates on how long the alteration will take and factor in the supplies you’ll need to use so that you don’t cut yourself short on cash.


Clothing Boutique

If you’ve never done it before, this can be a challenging idea to move forward with. Remember, foot traffic is key – if you don’t have many people entering your store, you’re not going to have a steady income. Also, if things in the boutique aren’t necessarily selling, markdown your prices to get rid of them and make room for newer, better items


Jewelry/Clock/Watch Repair

It may not be the biggest business on the market, but places like this need to be more easily accessible. Tons of shops that repair jewelry, clocks, and watches are shipping these goods worldwide after they’ve been fixed – mainly because shops like this don’t exist anymore. It wouldn’t kill the world to place a few more of these here and there.


Trend Analyst

Have an eye for fashion? Do you feel analytical and enjoy pattern spotting? Becoming a trend analyst can be a great way to help industries spot their next move while giving you enjoyable patterns to spot and puzzle to solve.


Food & Beverage Business Ideas


Bakery

Starting up a bakery can be a bit challenging – but that’s why you need to go out and gather your customers by approaching other businesses, restaurants, stores, and caterers. Try and pick up customers who will need you to make baked goods regularly or semi-regular.


Coffee Bar/Tea Salon

Places that serve coffee and tea, like Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, have a huge client base that they serve daily. However, many people would rather go to a ‘mom and pop shop,’ per se, than a chain breakfast joint. The main reason behind this is because the coffee and tea offered in independent shops are tastier and of higher quality.


Food Delivery Service

Uber Eats and Diner Dash are taking off, and they were only released recently. You can start your own food delivery service, too, and develop an application to go along with it if you find it fitting. Your food delivery service can cover fast food delivery, restaurant delivery, or grocery delivery – sometimes, services offer all of the above!


Ice Cream Shop

Don’t go too crazy with your ice cream mashups and recipes in the beginning – start simple and work your way up. Make sure to put the place in an easy-to-spot area so that you get a great customer base right from the start. Once revenue is consistent, you can make the necessary adjustments to grow your business.


Meal Preparation Service

If you’re on a strict schedule due to work or you’re not so capable of cooking meals every night of the week, a meal preparation service is the right company to lean on to get great meals to eat. This business area is growing, and if you want in on the action, you might want to jump in before it’s too late, and there are too many around.


Sandwich Shop

Sandwich shops can be found almost anywhere, but you can create a shop that focuses on delicious concoctions! A unique sandwich shop startup will provide you success; trust us on this. Try your best to secure a location that’s near a busy office; the more people around your shop, the hungrier people will be at lunchtime.


Smoothies

You don’t need a huge place to rent for a smoothie shop – you just need amazing smoothie recipes to draw people in. Think about it this way: A small shop with a great product will have people coming back, but a large shop with no diversity in the smoothies will keep people away.


Weight Loss Center

People can go online to research weight loss recipes and exercises, but that doesn’t always mean that the people who do that will be completely committed. Studies can’t prove it, but for some reason, men and women stick to weight loss programs more so when they have to physically go in person to talk to someone and sign up for a program. Try it out.


Free Time Business Ideas


Apartment Building Owner

You don’t have to quit your job to be a part of this business – in fact, almost % of apartment building owners still have full-time jobs. It’s just a little extra income to help with your bills and leisure life. Start looking into real estate with a trusted agent today.


Non-Profit

If you’re looking to run a non-profit, you have to keep one thing in mind: Your business will run off donations from wealthier companies. You can’t ask people to pay for your services, or else your classification will not be valid.


Future Help Business Ideas


Career Counseling

Not everyone sticks with the same career for the rest of their lives, and when they do switch over to something else, they highly consider getting someone to help them figure out what it is they want to do. A counselor and professional in the career department can help with this. So, if you know your careers inside and out, and you can help guide someone in the right direction for their future, try counseling.


Financial Aid Consultant

College costs students an arm and a leg – quite literally. But if a financial aid consultant is available, students will have the opportunity to squeeze their dues down to hardly anything. Consultants will help with paperwork, scholarships, and grant programs, all at the same time. If you become a financial aid consultant, a ton of young men and women will thank you forever.


Home Tutoring

Technically, you don’t have to be the most qualified person in the world to tutor people on a subject. In fact, all you need is to know the basics of one particular area, and you can sign up to become a tutor for that subject and that age group. It’s pretty easy money!


Life Coaching

We know what you’re thinking, why would someone want to be a life coach, and why would someone need a life coach? You can’t technically coach life. Well, you’re wrong if you think that. There are so many opportunities and areas of life that are confusing to people that having a coach by their side isn’t such a bad idea. Plus, it’s a part-time job; you can still have a full-time job along with it.


Motivational Speaker

If you choose to go to the motivational speaking field, you can choose practically anything to motivate people. You can range from work motivation to sports motivation and writing motivation to family motivation. That’s just four options out of hundreds and hundreds. Pick a topic and focus on it.


Nutritionist Consultant

Nutrition is a lot more popular today than it ever has been, to tell you the truth. People worry and fear that they’re putting the wrong foods and beverages into their bodies, and they need someone to correct their choices for them (especially if they aren’t as healthy as they wish they could be). Nutritionist consultants are the pros at work – they know everything regarding the right foods to eat and the right fluids to drink. If you’re passionate about it, why not give this business a go?


Social Media Influencer

Anyone with a large follower basis can become a social media influencer – with so many people watching your every move, you’re bound to find someone (or a group of someone’s) to listen to what you have to say. And, nine times out of ten, your listeners will follow in your footsteps, so try your best to set a good example.


Speaking/Presentation Coaching

Many people crack under pressure when they have to do a public speech or presentation in front of a large group of people. That’s what coaches are for! If you genuinely enjoy public speaking, you’re probably a natural at it. That means that training others using your mechanisms is probably a good idea – we think you should look into it.


Temporary Employment Agency

If someone’s looking for a little bit of extra work, or if they have no job and need something for the time being until they find a job in their career field, they’ll likely come to an agency like this one. And, not many agencies like this exist anymore, so opening one may house great future benefits.


Test Prep Coach

The SATS and similar tests are a pain in the butt to train for. Really, you need to train for them because most of the exam questions are not general questions that you would know the answer to in an instant. Test prep coaches help you out with this, and if you’re looking to be this kind of coach, we guarantee students will be thanking you (just like they thank the financial aid consultants).


Home Improvement Business Ideas


Demolition/Construction Contractor

The world of construction continues to grow, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be stopping any time soon. This means that the world of demolition won’t be coming to a stop any time soon, either. Where there’s construction, there need to be knock-downs. Maybe not always, but a lot of the time, this is true.


House Cleaning

Some people are lazy (that might be you, that might be us). Or, some people may own a home that’s way too big for one person to clean. That’s where house cleaning businesses come in. Most of the time, they start as a one-man or one-woman operation, but they have the potential to grow far and wide in due time.


Interior Decorating

Interior decorating and interior design is growing and fast. People want luxe and sophistication in their homes, but pairing colors and fabrics with the right furniture and wall paintings don’t necessarily come easy to homeowners. That’s where interior decorators come in, and boy, they are good and their job.


Landscaping

Once again, yards are hard to maintain, and people with too big of a yard just don’t want to put up with the hassle. Trimming the edges and placing the rocks and stones to show off the house is a difficult task to get down pact. But that’s where landscapers come in.


Yard Sales

Are you looking to make a quick buck? Start purging your household and put up signs around the neighborhood and on the internet, stating that you’re about to have a yard sale. It’s easy for some quick cash, and you can get rid of stuff, even if it is at a low cost (it’s better than nothing!).


Passionate Business Ideas


Dance Instructor

We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and a ton of other freedoms in the U.S. – but wouldn’t it be cool if we had freedom of dance? Well, technically we do, but without a dance instructor to show us the ropes, how are we to know how creative we can get? Dance instructors influence people to be passionate about how their bodies move, and we’d say that’s a good thing.


Massage Therapist

If you enjoy making people feel good – and you enjoy working out kinks in peoples’ muscles – maybe massage therapy is the right niche for you. It does a number on your hands and wrists, but that’s when you ask one of your trusted workers to help you out with a massage of your own; have faith – a business like this is definitely going to grow.


Photography

Do you enjoy taking photographs of nature, people, or historical features? If you do, please don’t only see it as one thing: A hobby. You can make a career out of it, especially if you’re talented. Startup your business, reach out to companies, people who are doing photoshoots, and wedding venues to see if you have a place in their endeavors.


Office Business Ideas


Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is a lot more important than one would think. You see, there’s the business owner or manager that runs the show, then there are the employees who help keep everything running smoothly with product production, etc. But who keeps track of the finances, pays the bills, and sends out the invoices? The bookkeeper. Without him or her, the business could quite literally fall to the ground due to missed payments.


Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are needed in a lot more businesses than you’d think. And the best part about working as one is that you can work remotely from home and make your own hours on any given week.


Human Resources Service

Big businesses are the only ones that have an HR department. That means that the small businesses out there will not hire one person specifically to come in and be their HR department – unless it’s only for a couple of days per week. You can make a good living off of this business idea, especially if you’re willing to network well and approach small businesses to tell them about what you offer as a single agent.


Notary

Having a fee different licenses under your belt never hurts. Notaries typically receive a small service fee for notarizing documents that range from private car sales to legal contracts. Having this skill can land you some part-time gigs.


Quality Assurance

Are you a perfectionist? Whether in person or remotely, quality assurance agents are growing in demand, especially for remote purposes. With so many online projects starting and ending, having a reliable and attentive QA can be dire to project success. This can range from checking website links, task management, and other duties.


Organizational Business Ideas


Catering Service

People don’t want to set up food platters and dishes for their weddings, anniversary parties, and birthday parties. They’d rather pay someone else to get the job done for them, and that’s where a great catering service comes in handy. As long as you have a dedicated staff behind you, nearly nothing can go wrong.


Events’ Coordinator/Party Planner

Technically speaking, this type of business is only needed for weddings, concerts, balls, etc. But without a man or woman working this job, the entire event would likely crash and burn, and that’s not a fun party to attend now, is it?


Fundraising Firm

Men and women trying to raise money for a particular cause can’t always get the job done the right way. Sure, they can reach out to friends and family members to ask for fundraising donations, but if they haven’t hit their target after spreading the news through word of mouth, they’re going to need a little nudge in the right direction – and that’s where fundraising firms can do their job.


Personal Shopping Service

These services and stylists alike are starting to gain a more favorable and reputable reputation. In fact, many wealthy men and women don’t do their own shopping anymore; they leave it to the pros. And, with online sites such as Stitch Fix, who wouldn’t want to open up their own personal shopping service to one-up competitors?


Professional Organizer

Believe it or not, it is a job, and it will become growingly popular in 2020. Personal organizers will go into your home and office and ensure everything is neat and put away in the proper, appropriate place. If you need labels on things, they’ll do that, too. If you’re a very organized person, you might want to check into starting a business like this.


Storage Service

Realistically speaking, if you run a storage service, all you have to do is deal with the customers paying and paying on time. They put the things they own into their storage areas, and you just make sure the units are secure so that no one breaks in. It’s a pretty simple business.


Promotions & Marketing Business Ideas


Advertising Agency

It’s no

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