Starting a small business in 2025
Starting a business or a side hustle is something 90% of people you talk to dream of doing.
But most people never start. At Tarlen, we’ve found that the fun really begins when you can put a plan into motion.
Yet, finding the right business idea can be challenging, and it’s often the reason many dreams never become reality.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of small business ideas that actually work. You don’t need a flashy or overhyped concept to succeed, even lesser-known business ideas can gain traction and grow into a larger business.
3 templates to help you kickstart and grow your car rental business.
Download templateSmall Business ideas
What makes a business idea right for you?
Market demand
Before launching your business, it’s important to find out if your business address a real need in people’s live. Would the business solve a significant problem they encounter in their personal or professional lives?
The best way to answer this question is to talk people, find out what their most pressing problems are and if they are to pay for a solution.
Market size
When you’ve identified a solution people need, ask yourself: How big is the demand for the product or service your business provides? A larger market means more potential customers and a better chance of business growth and success.
This is where you need to do some market research to understand the size of opportunity in that market.
Requires little skills or training
Some businesses require high-level skills or professional licenses, which can involve a significant time investment. If your goal is to launch quickly, this may not be the best option. However, if you already hold a license, such as a CPA (for accountants) or Wireman’s license (for electricians), starting a business in that field could be a perfect fit.
Requires no cost to start
Startup costs play a huge role in the attractiveness of different business ideas. Do you need expensive equipment? Will you need to hire employees or rent a location? Thankfully, the rise of the digital economy has made it possible for entrepreneurs to work online from home with just a computer or smartphone and an internet connection. This dramatically reduces startup costs and opens up countless opportunities.
Small business ideas
Carsharing: The Top choice to earn money with your vehicle
Carsharing is one of the best way to turn your vehicle into a money making asset. If you own a car but only drive it occasionally, this is a fantastic way to earn extra income by renting it out.
Carsharing tops our list because the demand for car rentals is high, with the market valued at several billion ZAR. Plus, there are no skill requirements to get started and no startup costs involved.
Carsharing is number one on our list because the marketing demand is high, the size of the car rental market is a few billion (ZAR), there’s no skill requirements to share your car and no startup cost.
This business is especially appealing for busy professionals or car owners with other commitments since it only requires only a few hours of management each week. These factors make it an incredibly attractive way to earn additional income effortlessly.
💡 Start with one car. Stay committed. Build a thriving carsharing fleet of up to 20 cars.
Transcriptionist/Writer
If you enjoy writing or have a knack for detail-oriented tasks, becoming a transcriptionist or writer is a great small business idea.
The demand for transcription and writing services is consistently increasing especially in a world where “content is king”, and getting started is easy. Create profiles on service marketplaces, offer your skills, and let clients come to you. It’s a flexible, low-cost way to generate income while doing work you love.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
This might not sound like a popular business idea, but it is a profitable one and also pretty rewarding. Pet sitting or dog walking requires little to no upfront investment, and is perfect if you’re a pet owner yourself with some experience caring for pets. Down the line, you might consider getting some more training in pet care.
But it’s a business with very low barrier to entry that you can run from home. Many pet owners are willing to pay generously for someone who will love and care for their furry friends as much as they do. If you’re an animal lover, this opportunity is a no-brainer!
Home Repair Services
If you’re a skilled handyman, why not turn your talent into a thriving business? All you need to get started are the right tools and, in some cases, a business license to operate professionally.
Marketing your services is key to attracting clients. Start small by printing flyers, creating business cards, and sharing them with your network. You can also set up a simple website and run Google Ads to reach a wider audience.
Consider specializing in areas like plumbing or electrical work, or offer a general home repair service covering a variety of tasks. Home repair services are always in demand, making this a rewarding and profitable business for anyone with a knack for fixing things.
Residential Cleaning Service
Busy schedules and a general dislike for cleaning mean people are more than willing to pay for residential cleaning services. This can be a lucrative business if you’re reliable and thorough.
To start, you simply need cleaning supplies, and some initial marketing, such as a website or business cards. Residential cleaning is not only fulfilling but also scalable as you can easily recruit a cleaning staff as your client base expands, offering long-term growth potential.
Social Media Management
Managing social media for businesses is one of the best home-based business ideas.
With good marketing skills, you can help brands maintain their online presence while working from anywhere. Start small, and as your business grows, you can invest in a website and even hire a team. Social media management is a high-demand service, making it easy to attract clients willing to pay well for your expertise.
Online Tutoring or Coaching
If you have expertise in a subject, online tutoring or coaching is a fantastic way to turn your knowledge into income. Whether it’s teaching English, math, or business strategies, people are willing to pay for one-on-one guidance.
The startup costs are low, usually just a laptop and internet connection, and the flexibility allows you to focus on what you love while earning a steady income.
Professional Organizing & assistant
Clutter is a common problem, and many people lack the time or motivation to tackle it themselves. Because or this they’ll jump at the chance to have people organise their clutter, reply to their emails and keep everything organised. Starting a professional organising business can be incredibly rewarding.
Invest in organisational tools like bins and separators, and advertise online to reach potential clients. Helping people create tidy, functional spaces and avoid clutter can turn into a very profitable and satisfying venture.
Home painting services
Home painting is another in-demand service that offers great profitability. Many homeowners don’t enjoy the hassle of painting, especially when it involves significant preparation and investment in equipment like ladders, scaffolding, and buckets.
By offering excellent service, you can quickly grow your reputation and client base through word of mouth. Additionally marketing efforts like printing flyers, business cards would also help you gain traction in your business.
Elderly care services
If you enjoy helping others and have a compassionate nature, home care services for the elderly could be a great fit.
This business involves assisting older adults with errands, shopping, and daily tasks. You can choose to work part-time or full-time, making it a flexible and meaningful way to earn an income while making a difference in people’s lives.
How to start a business
Starting a small business begins with understanding how much time you have and whether it’s sufficient to manage a business. Don’t underestimate the effort required to launch and sustain a business, it’s a commitment that needs careful planning and execution.
Identify a business idea and validate it.
Whether you choose one of the business ideas from the list above or already have something in mind, it’s crucial to validate your idea. Talk to prospective customers to test your assumptions and uncover potential opportunities. Set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment along the way.
If you have a 9-to-5 job, consider starting your business as a side hustle before making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship.
Create a business plan.
A business plan isn’t mandatory, but it’s a helpful practice if you’re familiar with the process. If not, start with a marketing strategy by answering these key questions:
- Who is my target market?
- What is my value proposition? What makes my business stand out in the minds of potential customers? Avoid generic phrases like “great service”—dig deeper.
- Where will I find my target market?
- How will I contact them, and how will they contact me?
- How will I build lasting relationships with my customers?
- How will I deliver a world-class experience?
- What will I charge to ensure my business is profitable?
- How can I encourage satisfied customers to refer others to my business?
Register your business
Choose a legal structure for your business and consult professionals, like an attorney and accountant, to ensure you’re compliant with the tax laws and to understand your liability.
Setup your business bank account
Once you have registered your business, register a dedicated bank account for your business.
Keeping personal and business finances separate is critical for managing budgets and tracking growth effectively.
Don't let indecision delay you. Get started right now!
Launch your business with enthusiasm. Start networking, run promotions, test paid ads, and create organic social media and web content to attract customers.
Market yourself confidently and seek mentors or advisors for guidance. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs can also provide valuable insights.
When you land your first paying customer, go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Over time, this dedication will build your reputation and help your business thrive.
Download the car rental business planning kit. It includes:
- A car inspection checklist,
- Web content planner and,
- A financial planning template.
