Business Ideas & Side Hustles

Since COVID 19, we have seen a drastic redefinition of how people define work and employment in small business– and a new desire on how they want to make a living differently. As my guest on The Small Business Radio Show says in the title of his book – Is employment dead? Josh Drean is co-founder of the Work3 Institute. He is also a Web3 and Workforce Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs and co-founder of DreanMedia. Josh is an HR transformation expert who connects emerging technologies with workplace strategies. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and MIT Technology Review, and his YouTube channel has garnered millions of view…

Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to entrepreneurship and financial literacy, has announced a partnership with SCORE, the largest network of volunteer business mentors in the U.S. The collaboration aims to expand mentorship and resources for small businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs across the country. SCORE, a volunteer organization with more than 10,000 mentors, has provided free business guidance for six decades. Through this partnership, SCORE will extend its mentorship services to small businesses participating in Operation HOPE’s 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB) and clients recovering from natural disasters. The 1MBB program, launc…

The demand for personalized car services is growing with consumer preferences for convenience and comfort. Catering to a niche market with limousines and town cars has become lucrative. If you want to learn how to start a car service, here is what you need to know. The Car Service Industry Today This industry incorporates everything from ride-sharing services to taxis, town cars, and limousines. Recent trends include: Mobile applications and digital platforms that allow for easy booking, real-time tracking, and personal service options for a transportation business. Customized services tailored to specific needs work well for a driving business. A growing awareness …

Hay farming is an agricultural practice that has been around for centuries. It involves the growing and harvesting of hay, which is used primarily as feed for livestock. Hay is a critical component of the agricultural industry and plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers across the world. In this article, we will discuss what a hay farm is, the different types of hay that are commonly grown, and how to start a farm that produces hay. What is a Hay Farm? A hay farm is a type of agricultural operation that focuses primarily on the growing and harvesting of hay. Hay is a type of grass or legume that is cut and dried for use as animal feed. It is typicall…

Key Takeaways Streamlined Selling Process: eBay Valet connects sellers with experts who handle everything from listing to shipping, making online selling hassle-free. Expert Appraisals and Listings: Professionals assess items, create attractive listings, and determine competitive pricing, enhancing your sales potential. Flexible for Various Products: Suitable for a wide range of items including collectibles, electronics, and vintage clothing, eBay Valet helps tap into eBay’s vast audience. Commission-Based Pricing: The service operates on a commission model, aligning incentives between sellers and the Valet team to maximize sales effectiveness. Time and Stress Savi…

Hostinger has announced the global launch of Hostinger Horizons, an AI-powered no-code web app solution designed to help businesses and individuals create fully functional web apps without coding skills. The platform enables users to develop, publish, and host web apps without relying on third-party integrations. “To realize your idea online, you often need either money, time, or knowledge – and very often – all of it. We aim for a completely new user experience where all you need is an idea, and you can make it a reality in minutes without any hassle. I believe that Hostinger Horizons will change the way small businesses operate and the way people think about the possib…

A commercial steam table is an indispensable piece of equipment in the food service industry. Used primarily in buffet-style dining settings and commercial kitchens, these tables use steam or heated water to keep cooked food at the optimal serving temperature. Commercial Steam Tables Commercial steam tables, or buffet steam tables, are designed to keep prepared food at safe serving temperatures for extended periods. Using either electric heat or gas, they heat water to produce steam surrounding the food pans, keeping food warm without further cooking. They are most commonly found in establishments that need to maintain food temperature over a period, such as in buffet li…

There are a few industries that are expected to experience significant growth and profitability this year. These industries are poised to take advantage of changing consumer behavior and increased demand for their products and services. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most profitable industries today. The Most Profitable Industries This year, some industries are anticipated to be more lucrative than others. By grasping the most profitable industries, investors can make better-informed decisions. Below are several of the leading industries predicted to yield significant profits by year-end. Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services …

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: The agricultural sector presents numerous business ideas, such as organic farming, aquaponics, and value-added products, catering to a growing market for sustainable and locally sourced goods.Focus on Sustainability: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop eco-friendly practices and products, aligning their ventures with the increasing consumer preference for health-conscious and environmentally-friendly options.Importance of Market Research: Conducting thorough market research is vital to understand consumer demands, identify market gaps, and refine business ideas, ensuring alignment with current trends in agriculture.Business Plann…

Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that enables users to gather funds for an idea, a start-up business, or a charitable cause. This method of fundraising is particularly beneficial for small businesses seeking additional financial support to grow, purchase equipment, or develop a new product concept. Unlike traditional funding, Indiegogo is risk-free compared to seeking bank loans and circumvents application and approval stages. Indiegogo has helped bring more than 800,000 innovative ideas to life thanks to its more than 9 million strong backers, representing 235 countries and territories. The popular crowdfunding platform has some fifteen million people visiting the …

Small Business Financial Exchange, Inc. (SBFE) and bluCognition have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing small business lending analytics. By integrating bluCognition’s advanced bank transaction data analysis with SBFE’s extensive credit payment performance data, the collaboration seeks to provide lenders with a more comprehensive view of borrower financial health. The partnership is expected to strengthen SBFE’s existing credit bureau relationships while expanding its membership base among U.S. lending institutions. The goal is to improve risk assessment and provide lenders with deeper insights into small business financial stability. “I am thrilled to…

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve considered taking out a loan to help finance your operations. But how do you know if you’re eligible for a small business loan? And what’s the process like? In this comprehensive guide about how to get a small business loan, we’ll discuss everything you need to know, including some handy tips from some insiders. Let’s get started with successfully securing that loan for your venture! How to Get a Loan for a Small Business So, you have your business plan in place, and you’re prepared to secure a business loan. Before you proceed with your application on how to get a small business loan, take a look at these helpful ti…

How can businesses benefit from the Facebook app? The social media giant’s Facebook Marketplace feature offers a simple and convenient way to buy and sell online. Whether small business owners are looking for tools or supplies or they want to market their products to a local audience, Facebook Marketplace can help them meet their goals. What Is Facebook Marketplace? Facebook launched its Marketplace app with the goal of providing a “convenient destination to discover, buy, and sell items with people in your community.” Available on the Facebook app, as well as on desktop and tablet versions of the platform, Marketplace serves as a popular sales channel that reaches Faceb…

At its Spring 2025 Spotlight event, HubSpot unveiled more than 200 new and updated features designed to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) adopt AI solutions that provide immediate value. The updates include improvements to Breeze Agents, enhancements to Marketing Hub Enterprise, and the introduction of three new AI-powered Workspaces. “SMBs don’t need more AI hype—they need technology that helps,” said Andy Pitre, EVP of Product at HubSpot. “The products we’re launching at the Spring 2025 Spotlight are helping teams move fast on AI and solve their go-to-market challenges. We’ve embedded AI throughout our entire platform so businesses of any size can start seeing v…

The decision to hire a business manager can serve as a pivotal moment in a company’s trajectory. This decision is often based on the business manager’s job description, which provides a clear and comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities expected from the candidate. A skilled business manager not only brings order to daily operations but also catalyzes growth and innovation. They play a crucial role in implementing strategies that might come from unusual ways to promote a job opening, ensuring each strategy aligns with the company’s broader vision. By effectively coordinating teams, implementing training plan templates, and overseeing business development,…

When you’re looking to create a stunning logo, choosing the right software is crucial. With various options available, each software caters to different skill levels and design needs. Whether you prefer the advanced features of Adobe Illustrator or the simplicity of Canva, there’s something for everyone. Comprehending these tools will help you make an informed choice. Let’s explore the best logo design software options that can enhance your branding efforts. Key Takeaways Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for logo design, offering extensive features and Creative Cloud integration for professional projects. Canva Logo Maker provides a user-friendly drag-and-dr…

Key Takeaways Capitalize on Consumer Enthusiasm: The New Year is a prime time to boost sales as consumers are motivated by resolutions and fresh starts, making it essential for businesses to leverage this mindset. Align Offers with Trends: Tailor promotions around seasonal buying patterns, focusing on products related to health, organization, and self-improvement to resonate with customer interests. Implement Effective Promotional Strategies: Use resolution-based promotions, limited-time offers, and engaging year-in-review content to foster a sense of urgency and drive customer engagement. Utilize Targeted Marketing: Deploy targeted social media campaigns and intera…

Key Takeaways Diverse Woodworking Opportunities: There are numerous woodworking projects suitable for all skill levels, including furniture, home decor, toys, and garden planters, that can be turned into profitable ventures. Focus on Customization: Creating custom designs and personalized items increases customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases, making your products more appealing to buyers. Sustainability Matters: Using eco-friendly materials and practices resonates with consumers, making items like upcycled wood products and handcrafted toys desirable in the market. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilize online platforms like Etsy and social media to…

Key Takeaways Understanding your market is essential for business success, enabling you to tailor products and services to meet customer needs.Knowledge of market dynamics enhances decision-making and fosters customer relationships, ultimately driving growth and innovation.Various market research methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis, provide critical insights into customer behavior and preferences.Analyzing trends and consumer behavior helps businesses anticipate shifts and make informed strategic decisions.Improved marketing strategies emerge from a deep understanding of market dynamics, leading to enhanced customer acquisition and retention.…

If you operate an embroidery business, having the proper supplies is essential for your success. It’s important to locate dependable suppliers for everything from embroidery designs to threads and machines. In this article, you’ll find sources for all the embroidery supplies necessary to ensure your business runs efficiently. The Embroidery Market The embroidery market is projected to experience significant growth in the future. According to industry reports, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.02% during the forecast period, which will result in a market value of about $5.4 billion in the coming years. The growth can be attribu…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the national program and specialty award winners for the 2025 National Small Business Week, which will take place from May 4-10. The awards recognize businesses and resource partners for their contributions in government contracting, disaster recovery, and key areas such as exporting, small business investment, and surety bonding. “SBA is proud to recognize excellence across our small businesses and key resource partners,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “As we prepare to highlight just a few of the many success stories during National Small Business Week, we are laser-focused on our mission to empower Ame…

For years, it’s been the commonly held belief that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Has that changed? If so, what’s changing it or what’s threatening to make that commonly held belief to maybe not as true as it once was? This week, our expert panel from Small Biz Breakdown share their thoughts on the idea that small businesses are still the backbone of the U.S. economy. Check out their thoughts on that and so much more in this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown … Small Business News Roundup – February 16, 2025 Wildfires in Los Angeles Disrupt Employment and Pay, ADP Data Shows The Palisades and Eaton fires that swept through Los Angeles in Ja…

Meta is updating its Facebook Live video storage policy, limiting the availability of live broadcasts to 30 days before automatic deletion. The change, which takes effect on February 19, will align Facebook’s storage policies with industry standards and streamline how live video content is managed on the platform. New 30-Day Limit for Live Videos Under the updated policy, new live broadcast videos can be replayed, downloaded, or shared for 30 days before they are automatically removed from Facebook. Previously, live videos were stored indefinitely. Additionally, all live videos older than 30 days will be deleted in phases over the coming months. Meta will notify users b…

FedEx has released its 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, detailing how shifting consumer expectations are shaping the competitive landscape for digital retailers. The report, produced in collaboration with C Space, underscores the growing importance of convenience, seamless returns, and social media-driven brand engagement as key factors for success. Consumer expectations in e-commerce are increasingly centered around a frictionless shopping journey. According to the report, more than 80% of shoppers prioritize convenience, with home delivery (81%), free shipping (76%), and real-time tracking (68%) cited as essential features. Returns also play a significant role …

YouTube has announced the integration of Google DeepMind’s latest video generation model, Veo 2, into its Shorts platform, enhancing AI-powered creative tools for users. The update expands Dream Screen, YouTube’s AI-driven background generator, and introduces the ability to create standalone AI-generated video clips that can be added to Shorts. With the launch of Veo 2, users can now generate video clips from simple text prompts, filling gaps in their content or creating entirely new scenes. This new capability allows creators to add AI-generated elements directly into Shorts without needing original footage. “Need a specific scene but don’t have the right footage? Want…