Starting a business doesn’t necessarily mean opening a storefront. A recent guide from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights 10 home-based business ideas that can build on skills and interests people may already have. The list spans creative work, education, administrative support, online sales and personal services.
1. Online Reseller
Turn a talent for spotting secondhand finds into a business by sourcing items from thrift stores or estate sales and reselling them through online marketplaces or your own website.
2. Social Media Manager
Help businesses manage content creation, scheduling, community engagement, and basic analytics, all work that can be done remotely.
3. Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
For animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking can offer a relatively low-cost way to start providing services to people in your community.
4. Graphic Designer
Turn design skills into client work creating logos, ads, and social media graphics, or sell original designs through print-on-demand platforms.
5. Online Tutor
Subject-matter expertise can become a business through K-12 tutoring, test preparation, or college-level instruction.
6. Virtual Assistant
Support business owners remotely with tasks such as managing calendars and inboxes, making travel arrangements, or assisting with customer service.
7. Freelance Copywriter
Writers can work with businesses on projects ranging from articles and email campaigns to website copy.
8. Nonmedical Eldercare Provider
Help older adults with everyday needs such as transportation, errands, meal preparation, and appointment scheduling.
9. Online Course Creator
Turn specialized knowledge into educational content that can be offered through individual course sales, subscriptions, or corporate training partnerships.
10. Independent Education Consultant
Help students with college application strategies and essays. Although primarily home-based, this work can also include campus visits and meetings with admissions staff.
Coverage as Varied as the Business
These 10 business ideas come with just as many different day-to-day risks, from spending hours in a client’s home to managing inventory to looking after someone else’s wellbeing. Since none of these businesses look alike, their insurance needs may not look alike either.
A standard homeowners policy typically limits or excludes coverage for business use of the home, so a home-based business can outgrow personal coverage sooner than expected.
Small business insurance can include a business owner’s policy, general liability, workers compensation, inland marine, and umbrella coverage, depending on what the business actually needs.
If you’re turning an idea into a business, or yours has grown since you got coverage, a licensed Westwood agent can help confirm your policy still fits.
Get a small business insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
