15 business ideas you can start from home
Is running a business from home your dream job? Here are 15 ideas to help you see what could suit you best.
15 home business ideas
1. Online selling
Whether it’s eBay, Amazon, or on your own website, you can buy and sell goods online. Ecommerce is a constantly growing sector so there’s a lot of competition, but if you do your market research you can find your niche.
2. Become a maker
If you’re a maker, there are a lot of opportunities to sell your products online. Websites like Etsy are a great place to start when selling handmade goods, or you could create your own website.
3. Go freelance
Working freelance in design, marketing, PR or copywriting is becoming increasingly common. By starting your own business you can work remotely, choose who you work with and benefit from flexible hours.
4. Web developer
Web developers are in high demand, and by working freelance you can also run your business from home. Experience is important, so if you’re looking for a career change then start with a coding course to grow your skills.
5. Consultant
If you’re an expert in your field, working as a consultant can offer you flexibility from home. Working on a project basis, you offer your clients advice and help with planning.
6. Tutoring
Whether it’s a language, maths or music, there’s a wide range of tutoring that you can do. You can offer in person sessions or do your tutoring online. One way to get started is to sign up to online tutoring sites, but you could also advertise locally or partner with schools in your area.
7. Photography
If you’re a photographer, there are some aspects of your business you can run from home. Alongside working with clients, you can also sell stock photography online. There are lots of websites you can sign up to where you upload your photos, and get paid if people purchase them.
8. Furniture maker
Carpentry is the perfect combination of hands on skills and letting your creativity run wild! If you don’t have carpentry experience, you could upcycle old furniture instead. Either sell your designs online, or focus on local sales and commissions.
9. Bookkeeping and accounting
Bookkeeping and accounting are specialist professions that can be run from home if you have the right accreditations. Working as a freelance accountant means it’s important to have a digital presence so you can attract new clients.
10. Childcare
If you have experience in childcare then running a daycare or offering childminding from home can be a great business opportunity. You’ll need to make sure your home meets health and safety guidelines, have the necessary checks (including a DBS check,) and meet all the legal requirements.
11. Social media influencer
Whatever your passion, there’s a community for it on social media. Becoming an influencer is unlikely to happen overnight, but it can be a lucrative business opportunity. Start by creating your profiles and updating them regularly with interesting content.
12. Hairdresser
If you’re trained as a hairdresser, you don’t have to work in a salon. Instead, you can set up your own business from home! You’ll need the right insurance and have to follow health and safety guidelines.
13. Pet sitter
Pet sitting is the perfect job for animal lovers and experienced pet owners. But, it might cost more than you think to buy the equipment you need to get started. You’ll need the right insurance, to follow guidelines, and may require a CRB check if you hold the owner’s house keys.
14. Catering
Catering from your home is a scalable business idea that can be as big or small as you like. From offering local options like cakes and treats to catering large events, you can choose which best suits you. You’ll need to register as a food business, get inspected by environmental health and follow food safety laws which include certain qualifications.
15. Planner
With hands-on experience and a great portfolio, you can start your own planning business from home. Weddings, parties and travel are popular options!
How to start a business from home
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do to start your home business. For a more detailed guide, check out our article on how to start a business here.
Write a business plan
To get your business going, the first step is to create a business plan! A business plan will help you plan the future of your business, your finances, and any steps you need to take to get started. Read more about creating a business plan and budget here.
Register as a sole trader
To start working as self employed, you’ll need to register as a sole trader with HMRC. Find out what you need to know about registering as a sole trader here.
Do your Self Assessment tax return
As a sole trader, you’ll need to submit an annual Self Assessment tax return to HMRC. Find out how to do your Self Assessment tax return here.
Know what expenses you can claim
When you run a business from home, you can claim a reasonable proportion of your costs as expenses on your tax return. But, it’s important to know what expenses you can claim on. Find out what expenses you can claim here.
Running a side business
If you’re planning to start by running a side business alongside your current employment, there are some important differences to know! Find out more about running a side business here.
Accounting software for home businesses
Managing your small business accounts for the first time can seem complicated, but choosing the right software can help make it easy.
With Bokio accounting software, you can do your bookkeeping, invoicing, and manage your finances in one place. We have everything you need to help you prepare for your Self Assessment tax return, and keep the right financial records. If you need an extra hand, we can help you find an accountant to work with.
Accounting is kept simple with Bokio, so you have more time to spend managing your business.
