EconomicDevelopmentCouncil.com
21st Century Economic Development
Education - Issues - Strategies - Solutions
HOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
7 Things Every Home Business
Entrepreneur Needs To Know
For many people, unsuccessful attempts at home businesses make them wish they would have had received guidance from someone who had already been down the road they wanted to travel. Many people have had so many failures that they were starting to doubt that success in a home business would ever happen for them.
Thankfully, many didn't give up and through perseverance were able to achieve the success that had eluded them for years.
Many people who have succeeded have literally had their lives transformed. We believe that to whom much has been given, much is required. Consider this information following as our gift to you.
1. Success doesn't happen overnight.
For some reason people think that they should become rich in a few months with their new home business and some people believe success should happen within weeks or days!
Why is it that so many people think that they should become wealthy in a few weeks? The answer probably lies in all the get rich quick schemes that are so prevalent in our society today. You've seen the emails or read these lines in your junk mail. No Selling, We Do All the Work for You, Make $30,000 in 90 days and on and on.
Those get rich quick scams cause people to think that every home business is a scam and that's not true.
If you already have a home business, perhaps you are facing the same thoughts. Don't let the negative thoughts crowd out the life changing success that a home business offers. Sure, many struggled at first, but after some months, you can succeed with lifetime residual income! When you find yourself facing bankruptcy and foreclosure you have a firm grasp on the tough times life can certainly bring.
Occasionally, we'll say "What If?" As in, what if we hadn't stuck it out through the hard times? What if we had taken the advice of supposedly well-meaning people who said that we would never have success in a home business?
What if it took you two to four years to become successful in a home business? What if you could make $100,000 without a boss and a job to go to? What if you could actually be home for your children and know them as people instead of looking at them as the little people who live in your house?
Most people who start a home business quit in their first 90 days and go back to their dreadful lives of desperation. Most people aren't really living. They are only existing. They're going from one day to the next without any hope of a better life. Benjamin Franklin said "most people die at 18, we just don't bury them until they turn 65."
2. Success doesn't happen without work.
If you had a traditional business you'd have to open your business every day. If you have a job you've got to show up if you want to get paid. When you start a home business you can't simply sign up and expect the money to start being deposited in your bank account. There's work to be done.
Is it hard to become successful in a home business? Compared to giving all of the best years of your life to your employer and missing birthdays, anniversaries, your child's first words, your child's first steps and realizing that life is nearly over and in your golden years you don't have the money to do the things you want to do, no it really isn't that hard at all!
If you're in a business, getting paid for other people's efforts, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor so much more. Even if you have a home business where you do all the work it's better than working for an employer.
We are convinced that to live a great life your home business must employ the leverage concept. It's the only way you can have money and the time to enjoy it. The wealthiest people in America became wealthy by owning businesses. The businesses that created great wealth were out in front of a trend and the business owner got paid based on the efforts of thousands of people. We wouldn't be enjoying the life we live today if we were getting paid only on our own efforts.
What many people fail to realize is that during your first 12 months, you will be improving your skills and your confidence and that's when success starts to happen.
So, how much should you work in your first two years? You should work hard as much as it takes. How much should you work your home business? That depends on a variety of factors. How bad do you want it? How fast do you want to achieve success? We recommend that you work your home business a minimum of 7 to 10 hours a week and do it consistently for at least two years.
Success doesn't happen without work, and it isn't limited to working your business. Are you committed to improving your skills and working on you? Read at least 10 pages from a great book every day. Books like "Think and Grow Rich" will change the way you think and when you change the way you think you will change your life.
Expecting success without work from your home business is like expecting a paycheck from a job that you never started. It just doesn't make sense.
3. You must be disciplined to achieve success.
So, you're working your new home business and a friend call offering to take you to lunch. Can you afford to go? Your favorite show is on TV, but you know you need to be working your home business, what will you do? Perhaps the biggest adjustment most of us need to make is to be disciplined in our home business.
Let's face it in a work environment there is usually supervision. Many people fail in a home business because there's nobody looking over their shoulder to see that they do what they need to do.
Since most people who start a home business have never owned a business, you must learn to be disciplined, if you're going to operate a successful home business. There are times when somebody told us no and that was devastating. You usually mope around and fail to do anything else the rest of the day. If you maintain that attitude, you will have a job right now instead of a successful home business!
Consider setting business hours. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but asking friends and family members to respect your business and your business hours is an important step to success. When you have got a good friend who comes over to your house during business hours, they can visit with your wife. You must excuse yourself and work on your business. If you have a small child, work when he or she is napping and when they are in bed at night.
It's also a good idea to have a permanent workspace, so you can shut the door, eliminate distractions and get your work done.
This is a difficult adjustment for some people to make, but your children can learn that when Mommy or Daddy is in this room with the door shut, they are working. You'd be amazed at how many children will respect your space and time if you ask them too. There are many successful stay at home moms and dads who work with children nearby. Don't let screaming children or children that interrupt you on occasion become a big deal, the person on the other end of the phone may be convinced that your business is right for them BECAUSE they hear your children in the background.
When you promise to call somebody back at a certain time you've got to find the time. Children will appreciate knowing why Mommy or Daddy isn't available at certain times and you can explain to them that it will be worth all the sacrifices once you become successful.
Discipline can be difficult with all the distractions that can occur in your home, but it is one ingredient that you must have under control to become successful.
4. Who you're involved with is more important than the business you're in.
Let's face it, most people don't really have a clue how to operate a business, any kind of business not just a home business. When we're young we are told to go to school to get good grades so we can get a good... JOB! That's exactly the path most of us start on, get a job, work hard, work long hours and try to get a promotion so we can work more hours and hopefully make more money.
We do that for 10, 20 or 30 years and then realize that we are never going to get ahead. That's when the idea that a home business could change our life hits most of us. We've been told to be good employees and that's what most of us have done all of our lives.
There is no substitute for leadership. If you are blessed to find somebody who has been successful in a home business and you know that they can sincerely help you change your life forever, you should jump at the chance to work with them. Make sure you're comfortable with them before you get started. So, what should you look for? You should look for somebody that knows exactly what they are doing. When you ask questions are they comfortable or uncomfortable? Do they have a system that you can plug in to and have immediate success?
One of the reasons I failed in other home businesses is that I didn't understand the importance of finding the right person to work with. I am not blaming my failures on somebody else, but if I had been associated with people who really knew what they were doing they would have given me guidance that I did not get. Perhaps I would have failed anyway, but there is no doubt that working with successful people will cut your learning curve and save you a lot of time and money. Only you can assure your success, but finding the right person to work with and then listening to that person gives you a tremendous advantage over most people working business from their homes!
Let's say you have what you think is a great idea and you've got a little extra money stashed away for a rainy day. Your spouse isn't overly supportive, but he or she wants you to succeed. You decide to invest $1,000 or $2,000 in your new business by taking out an ad in a local magazine. You get no response at all. How do you think your spouse feels about your home business now? That kind of mistake destroys most people and they never recover.
Last week I received an email from a so called marketing guru offering his services. I could get his marketing expertise if I paid him almost $800. Almost everything he offered we give to our team members for FREE! We know that what we're doing works for our business because it has been tested and proven to be successful or we wouldn't do it. His material, although similar to ours, hasn't been tested in our business and could prove to be a waste of both time and money. What would happen if you sent that $800 and it didn't work? How supportive would your spouse be then?
5. Technology has changed everything.
Many years ago you had to get out and meet people and most business was done face to face. You could call people around the country, but if they had any interest in your business you had to send a package overnight. That proved to be very expensive.
When we were broke, I thought everybody that sounded serious, was serious. I was sending out packages several times a week only to find that these people weren't serious at all.
Then, the internet changed everything. You don't have to meet people face to face anymore, although I must admit it's still my favorite way of doing business. Today, you can upload a video in seconds, so people can see you. You can send an email with links to websites, videos and your contact information. Auto responders make you look like a Fortune 500 company, and nobody knows how big your business really is because anybody anywhere can have a great looking website.
When I started my business more than 10 years ago my long distance phone bill was nearly $1,000 a month, today we can call as much as we want for $20! You can use conference calling and web casts to present your business to hundreds of people at a time.
People can automatically receive your latest Pod cast and watch it in the subway or at lunch. This is the information age and you should capitalize on the shift in technology in your home business. Don't worry about all the latest gadgets when you start your business because the personal touch will always be important. Even if you don't have a lot of money technology allows your home business to operate and look like a very big business.
Don't get too preoccupied with technology. You can, however, use it to enhance your image and your productivity if you know what you are doing. Today, we don't mail anybody any information regarding our home business. With internet access almost everywhere, we realize that if somebody needs us to mail them something, they probably aren't the person we were looking for.
6. It's a home business, but that doesn't mean it can't be a big business.
Most people that start a home business are looking for an extra $300 to $500 a month. What would an extra $50,000 or $100,000 a year do for you and your family, seriously! Maybe it's because so many of us have failed so many times that we just don't believe in ourselves anymore.
Once you understand the basic fundamentals of your new home business and once you've achieved some success, you'll understand that the sky is the limit. We make much more money than we ever thought possible and we have friends that are making more than $1,000,000 a year! Hard to believe? Of course it is! Just because it's hard to believe doesn't mean that it isn't happening.
After we struggled at so many other businesses I wanted to believe that we could become incredibly successful, but my past was holding me back. Today, we operate a home business that generates almost $10,000,000 in annual sales! Years ago I never knew anybody that made $1,000,000 a year, so it was hard for me to "see" myself ever reaching that milestone. When a good friend of mine did it, I could then start to see that I could have that kind of success.
So, do you really want to struggle all your life? Then why do we settle for mediocrity? Here's why, we're unsure of ourselves, stuck in a rut, scared, we lack confidence, we tried and failed and tried and failed, what will my spouse, mother, brother, best friend think? We care too much about what other people say, think and do!
7. As a Man Thinketh...
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Joyce Meyer is fond of saying that where the mind goes, the man follows. Of course, it makes no difference whether you are a man or a woman, you are what you think you are. As we struggled in our home business it was easy to become discouraged. We had always failed. Those constant thoughts of failure surrounded us.
Then, we realized that others had succeeded. Why did they succeed where so many others had failed? Could it really be that the only reason they achieved success was that they thought differently? We were so broke and so desperate for a breakthrough in our lives that we realized that we could not afford the luxury of having negative thoughts. There were plenty of other negative people that we could have listened to, but what was that going to get us?
HERE ARE 60 PLACES
TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS
THE ULTIMATE LIST: 50 ONLINE
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORIES
FOR LISTING YOUR BUSINESS
Sign up for our Economic Development Newsletter, Email Alerts about Income Opportunities for you
and receive our Free Report!
Some Home Business Ideas
Many lucrative and flexible home-based business opportunities exist today, driven by the growth of e-commerce and digital services. The best option for you will depend on your skills, financial resources, and interests.
Online and service-based businesses
These ventures often have low startup costs and can be run with just a computer and an internet connection, making them some of the most profitable home-based options.
Virtual Assistant: Offer administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. This can include managing schedules, social media accounts, emails, or marketing.
Freelance Writing and Editing: Provide writing services for blogs, websites, marketing copy, and more. If you have a strong command of a language and solid communication skills, this can be a very low-cost business to start.
Online Tutoring and Course Creation: Leverage your expertise in an academic subject or other valuable skill by teaching students online. You can offer live sessions or pre-recorded courses for passive income.
Bookkeeping and Accounting: If you are good with numbers, you can offer remote bookkeeping services to small businesses. Many clients are looking for professional help to manage their finances.
Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for businesses, developing content strategies and engaging with followers. Expertise in platforms like TikTok and Instagram is in high demand.
Web Design and Development: With many businesses needing an online presence, this field offers high earning potential. You can build websites from scratch or use platforms like WordPress to offer your services.
Digital Marketing Consultant: Help businesses with search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and paid advertising campaigns. You can specialize in a particular niche and use your online presence to build credibility.
E-commerce and retail
If you prefer selling products, these models allow you to operate a business from home, often with minimal inventory management.
Dropshipping: Start an online store without keeping physical inventory. A third-party supplier handles storage and shipping directly to your customers. This model allows you to focus on marketing and brand building.
Print-on-Demand: Sell custom-designed merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and mugs without the need to hold inventory. A third-party service handles the printing and shipping after an order is placed.
Selling Homemade Products: Turn a crafting hobby into a business by selling homemade goods like jewelry, candles, or bath products. Platforms like Etsy or your own online store are great places to start.
Online Reselling (Flipping): Buy used or vintage goods from thrift stores, garage sales, and marketplaces, then resell them online for a profit. Marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari are ideal for this.
Subscription Boxes: Curate and sell themed subscription boxes. The e-commerce subscription market is experiencing strong growth, and you can focus on a niche like snacks, eco-friendly items, or pet products.
Creative and niche businesses
For those with artistic or specialized skills, there are many ways to monetize your talents.
Podcast Production and Editing: With the continued rise of podcasts, many creators need help with audio editing and production. This can be a very profitable remote service.
Selling Photography: Earn passive income by selling stock photos on websites like Shutterstock or Getty Images. For higher revenue, you can offer photography services for events, products, or portraits.
Voiceover Artist: Record audiobooks, commercials, or explainer videos from a home studio. Basic equipment like a quality microphone can get you started.
Home-based Catering: For experienced cooks, you can operate a catering business out of your home. Be sure to research and comply with all local food preparation and handling regulations.
Getting started with your home business
Regardless of the opportunity you choose, these general steps will help you launch and operate your business legally and effectively:
Write a business plan: Define your products or services, target customers, and financial projections.
Understand legal requirements: Research local zoning laws for home-based businesses and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
Separate finances: Open a dedicated business bank account to keep personal and business finances distinct.
Create a marketing strategy: Develop a plan to attract customers using channels like social media, a website, or local advertising.
Set up your workspace: Designate a specific area in your home for work to help minimize distractions and maintain boundaries.
Free Resources for Small
Businesses to Leverage Year-Round
Many organizations provide support and online tools for small business owners and employees. Take advantage of these free resources during Small Business Month and throughout the year.
From operations and logistics to employee and customer management, small business owners wear many hats to keep things running smoothly. Without experience, acting in this role can be challenging at the least—and a fast track to failure at the worst.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of resources available to support you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship whether you’re just starting out, trying to stay on track, or want to take your business to new heights. Here are some of the best tools and resources you can use to support your small business year-round.
Amazon
Amazon’s Small Business Academy provides a wealth of free resources, ideal for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. These resources include live events, podcasts, and on-demand classes, along with access to a network of like-minded business professionals. Additionally, they offer practical guides for starting and growing a successful business, and specific resources catered to those interested in selling their wares on Amazon’s store.
Amazon’s Founders Table event series, in particular, is an excellent resource for those just starting on their entrepreneurial journey. Small business experts and successful entrepreneurs share insights on industry trends and practical growth strategies during each event.
America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is a nationwide network that supports small business growth. The network has nearly 1,000 local hubs sponsored by top educational institutions, state economic development agencies, and private partners. America’s SBDC provides free consulting and affordable training to new and established businesses.
The nonprofit’s website provides ample resources like infographics, checklists, and templates. America’s SBDC even hosts annual conferences, virtual summits, and other educational events that cater to small businesses at no cost. Notably, its 46th annual paid professional development event, America's SBDC 2025 Annual Conference, is scheduled for September 2–5, 2025.
With Bank of America’s Center for Business Empowerment, entrepreneurs at any stage can get the support they need to start, grow, or even sell their business. From SMB-focused educational guides to financing support and data security management, the center can help entrepreneurs take control of their business and take it to the next level—whatever that step may be.
To get a personalized experience with the Center’s free knowledge hub, answer a few simple questions about your business, including its current stage, your industry, your revenue, and the topics most relevant to your business needs. From there, you can access a collection of tailored resources ranging from quick-read articles to lengthy guides and informational videos.
Google
A Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, can drive customers to your brick-and-mortar storefront and online platform. It also offers many free tools for entrepreneurs and small teams, including Google Workspace and Google Drive. The Google for Small Business page provides an abundance of information for small business owners, helping you navigate SEO, advertising, and marketing.
For even more in-depth information, the Applied Digital Skills platform provides free-to-access lessons to help start or grow your business. There, you can explore courses ranging from short, single-objective lessons to expansive, multi-unit projects to help you research your market, develop a business plan, and prepare to request funding. Also, check out the Grow with Google small business showcase on YouTube, which offers more than 250 videos covering topics like project management and data analytics.
Note: Applied Digital Skills Lessons will be moving to a new platform effective June 30, 2025. While it will still be free to use, account data will not be automatically migrated—users who wish to retain their data will need to do so manually.
HubSpot
HubSpot is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tool offering free and paid courses. It also provides the HubSpot Academy for ongoing education geared toward your entire team, including leaders, department supervisors, and employees. There are dozens of programs, including free online courses and longer certification sessions, and you can display earned badges on websites and company bios.
Also, check out HubSpot’s Website Grader, which grades your site based on performance, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile functionality, and security. To get started, simply enter your company’s website and email address in the grader and click “get your score.” HubSpot will inspect and test your website to rate its functionality, then provide a list of recommendations for site improvements.
HR.com
Manage human resources effectively with a free membership and resources from HR.com. It has e-learning lessons, webcasts, and virtual events. You can learn about upcoming changes to regulations and help your HR employees achieve Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications, among others.
The IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is a comprehensive resource designed to assist small businesses and self-employed individuals with their tax needs. It caters to those filing Form 2106, Form 1040 or 1040-SR, or Schedules C, E, or F, and small businesses with less than $10 million in assets.
Small business owners can access a range of free tools and information, including forms, instructions, and tips, to help ensure businesses comply with tax laws. The resource provides insight into starting, operating, and closing a business, as well as how to handle employment taxes and common expenses and deductions.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional-focused social media platform used by entrepreneurs globally. You can showcase your company and build relationships with business customers and future employees. It’s also a key spot to highlight your expertise as an entrepreneur in your personal profile. Get started with the LinkedIn Pages Action Plan for Small Businesses. It’s a five-page guide to completing your page, growing your follower count, and posting the right content.
But don’t stop there! LinkedIn has a resource center packed with content for business owners. It offers reports, checklists and guides, and certification programs covering everything from employee development to important metrics for success. We recommend How to Use LinkedIn Learning for existing businesses, as it offers guidance through the expansive library of over 20,000 courses about branding, lead generation, and hiring.
Robert Half Salary Guide
Robert Half's free 2025 Salary Guide offers comprehensive insights into starting salaries, hiring trends, and in-demand skills across various industries, including finance, technology, marketing, and administrative support. The guide is based on data from surveys of small, midsize, and large businesses across the U.S., providing benchmarks to help small businesses structure competitive compensation packages and job offers.
Whether you’re planning your next hire or budgeting for the year ahead, this guide can help you make informed decisions about not just pay but also perks and benefits—critical factors in attracting and retaining talent. It's also useful for understanding remote work trends, benefits expectations, and regional salary variances, allowing small businesses to stay agile and appealing in a fast-changing workforce landscape.
Mastercard Digital Doors
From setting up your online business to accepting payments to enhancing cybersecurity, Mastercard helps digital small businesses every step of the way with its Digital Doors program. Implemented to support small businesses of all sizes and stages, the Digital Doors program provides access to ample financial and educational tools to help establish, sustain, and expand online businesses.
Digital Doors offers an expansive library of articles, videos, and tools compiled through partnerships with businesses like HootSuite, FedEx, and Accion Opportunity Fund. It also provides online businesses with exclusive discounts and small-business–focused offers, including savings on marketing and expense management platforms, analytic services, and more.
MIT Open Learning Library
Expand into a new industry and explore diverse courses through the MIT Open Learning Library. These self-paced lessons are free to download—no registration required. Most courses include interactive content and exercises, which provide immediate feedback. These sessions are a great free resource for businesses wanting to offer professional development options for employees.
National APEX Accelerator Alliance
Small businesses needing a jump start can get help from the National APEX Accelerator Alliance. Since 1985, the Accelerator network has helped small businesses connect with government contracts, offering more than 90 Accelerator programs across over 300 offices nationwide. In its time, the network has helped small businesses to win over $24 billion in contracts.
Local APEX Accelerators offer many free services to entrepreneurs, ranging from determining business readiness for government contracts to business certification assistance to contract and audit support. With this resource network, entrepreneurs can connect with the right leads and identify valuable contracting opportunities for which they may be eligible.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Networking groups for entrepreneurs can help you develop local and national connections. NASE represents companies with 10 employees or fewer. It has free resources for small business owners and offers many more tools for members, including unlimited access to consultants for tax, retirement, finance, and operations questions.
NASE also provides member-only scholarships and grants, including the NASE Growth Grant. The grant helps entrepreneurs pay for training programs, business courses, and other small business investments.
National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
As the “voice of small business,” the NFIB is an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses across the United States. The nonprofit strives to protect the rights of small business owners to own, operate, and grow their businesses. The NFIB provides a business legal center, webinars, and referral services. Additionally, small business owners can benefit from the NFIB’s business insights and reporting, exclusive networking events, and educational content like its Small Business Rundown podcast.
The NFIB’s membership program is another resource where entrepreneurs can take advantage of increased access to resources, discounts on purchases made through NFIB partners, and a stronger voice in the program’s advocacy efforts.
National Retail Federation (NRF)
As the largest retail trade association in the world, the NRF advocates for the interests of the retail sector. The NRF provides education on best practices, cutting-edge research, and extensive networking opportunities. Notably, the NRF’s 2025 Annual Retail Sales Forecast, along with its holiday data and research on seasonal trends, provides valuable insights to small business owners, enabling them to plan and execute successful campaigns.
The organization also hosts virtual and in-person events across the country. The NRF Retail’s Big Show, in particular, is a large-scale, annual event that delivers expert insights into the retail industry and provides networking opportunities for participants.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE provides many great resources for small business owners, including webinars, interactive courses, business templates, and local workshops. SCORE partnered with Google and the International Downtown Association (IDA) to develop a free digital readiness series. Each module provides digital tools, webinars, and videos on how to grow your business with Google.
Another helpful resource from SCORE is The Startup Roadmap. It’s an excellent guide for individuals wanting to start a company. An entrepreneur can complete the step-by-step tutorial alone or with a mentor. It has 12 modules, which you can complete in any order. Each module offers actionable steps, free resources, and other online tools to complete the steps.
You can find SCORE events and workshops near you by entering your state or zip code and filtering the results according to business stage, topic, and format. SCORE also offers mentorship opportunities to any citizen or permanent resident who owns a business or wants to start one. The sessions can take place in person or virtually via email, phone, or video.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
As the world’s largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocates for business-friendly policies, supports local chapters, and provides free resources for entrepreneurs. You’ll find many virtual events and informative guides on small business topics and can network within your community by joining a local branch.
Check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business page. It displays events, a Small Business Weekly Forecast, and current initiatives. Remember to register for CO—'s Small Business Day event featuring small business experts. It takes place on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Bookmark these links to stay informed with regularly updated content:
Local chapters: Get involved at the local level by finding a chamber of commerce in your area. There are thousands of local chapters in 57 states and territories offering community networking opportunities.
Chamber OnDemand: View videos, forums, and interviews with experts, business leaders, and government officials on the Chamber OnDemand platform. Browse by topic or series, such as technology, economy, and government policy.
CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Start your morning or end your day by expanding your small business knowledge on CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It delivers fact-based articles on best practices for how to start, grow, and run your company. Plus, you can get expert tips from industry leaders and small business owners.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Learn how to start, grow, or sell your business using the SBA’s free resources. The SBA offers informative content, interactive online tools, and a video library for entrepreneurs. These range from business planning solutions to mentoring services.
You can explore export assistance programs and financial resources. Both help grow businesses and enable entrepreneurs to strengthen their market position. Or learn how to qualify for government contracts, get funding for your company, and explore business certifications.
Check out these SBA tools and content:
Small Business Development Centers: Attend in-person events and get individualized assistance from small business centers near you. Enter your zip code to find your local SBDC.
Learning center courses: The SBA’s learning center video courses cover starting up to selling your business and everything in between. Most topics have several videos, with many around a minute long.
Boots to Business: If you’re a transitioning service member (including National Guard and Reserve) or a spouse with access to a military installation, check out the Boots to Business program. Alternatively, Reboot courses, which offer one- and two-day classes on business fundamentals, are available to veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and military spouses.
Empower to Grow: Formerly the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, the Empower to Grow program helps small businesses serving low-income markets to bid and win government contracts. Available to eligible small businesses in the United States, the program hosts a library of resources and training opportunities, including funding matchmaking events and one-on-one training.
SBA THRIVE: If you have at least one employee besides yourself, have been in business for three years, and have annual revenues of at least $250,000, consider the SBA THRIVE program. This six-month, no-cost program offers promising small businesses advanced training, including mentorship and in-person coaching from C-level executives, along with customized micro-sessions targeting small businesses' unique needs.
Entrepreneurs will also be guided in creating a three-year strategic growth action plan for their business.
Verizon
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a one-stop resource center for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to access coaching, networking and funding opportunities, and educational content. The hub features more than 40 online courses packed with expert guidance on various topics crucial for small businesses at any stage of development. Additionally, it enables entrepreneurs to engage in personalized coaching sessions and workshops with industry experts, offering tailored support and professional insights.
To date, the program has been instrumental in supporting small businesses. The Small Business Digital Ready program has provided over $1 million in funding annually to entrepreneurs and hosted over 200 virtual and live events in its time.
How to Make Money at Home - 7 Helpful Tips
These days everyone wants to make extra money during this rough economic period of time. Many people want to know how to make money at home and yet so many realize the absolute necessities you need to succeed at making money at home.
Making money online is a lot different from going to a job and receiving a paycheck. The hard work you put in online determines how much money your paycheck is. Here are seven essential tips that you need to know in order to be successful at making money at home.
1. You need a comfortable place to do work and a solid block of time to do that work. Your spouse and kids must respect this area of work and should know not to disturb you during work hours. It is your responsibility to set the work hours. If you want to make money online you need to concentrate.
2. Learn the basics. There are many ways to make money online. You can do affiliate marketing, open your own eBay store, or do various freelance jobs at sites like elance or getafreelancer. Regardless of which path you take it is important to join forums in the respective niche to learn from those that have been there and done that. For example, if you want to do affiliate marketing find the forums and read the posts of the most successful marketers. In forums use the search function as most every topic you have ever thought of has probably already been answered.
3. Find out what works and what doesn't work as inexpensively as possible. To learn how to make money online you sometimes need to spend a little bit. Make sure that you are investing your money in products that will actually make you money. Do research on the product and the developer of the product. There are many people that will sell you garbage because they assume you won't do research.
4. Find a money making tactic that works and repeat repeat repeat. Many people who are new at working for home try to make money using twenty different strategies at once. Instead find one strategy that is making money and scale up your effort in that strategy many times over. For example if you are making good money at article marketing write more articles!
5. It never hurts to have a mentor. If you can find a successful mentor who is willing to coach you for free or for very cheap don't pass it up especially if you have been struggling for a while. If you pick the right coach you are likely to learn all their money making secrets. Hit the forums if you need a coach.
6. If something isn't working for a long period of time change tactics. If you dive into an eBay shop for four or five months and still aren't making a cent you need to quit the eBay shop take the losses and pursue a make money from home strategy that lines your wallet with cash.
7. Sometimes working smart is more productive than working hard. If you have the money to have someone create a website for you then all you need to do is pick a great niche market and drive traffic to your web page. This will save you time and make you more money.
Ways To Make Money Online From Home
Many opportunities exist to earn money online from home, suitable for various skills and time commitments.
Here are some popular options:
Selling physical products:
Print-on-demand: Design custom products (e.g., t-shirts, mugs) and have a third-party handle printing and shipping when an order is placed.
Dropshipping: Sell products online without managing inventory; a third-party supplier ships directly to the customer.
Reselling: Sell products online that you acquire from wholesalers, private sellers, or by flipping thrifted items.
Selling handmade/custom products: Create and sell unique items like jewelry, candles, or art on platforms like Etsy or through your own online store.
Selling digital products:
Ebooks: Write and publish ebooks or guides on a topic you are knowledgeable about.
Online courses/workshops: Package your expertise into educational content and sell it online.
Digital designs/templates: Create and sell digital assets like graphic templates, printable planners, or stock photos/videos.
Leveraging skills and expertise:
Freelancing: Offer services like writing, graphic design, web development, translation, or virtual assistance on a project basis.
Online Tutoring/Coaching: Teach academic subjects, skills, or offer consulting services via video conferencing.
Transcription: Convert audio or video files into written text.
Social media management/consulting: Help businesses develop content strategies, manage accounts, or run ad campaigns.
Content creation and monetization:
Blogging/Newsletter: Create content and monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or subscriptions.
YouTube channel: Create video content and earn through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.
Podcasting: Share audio content and monetize through sponsorships, advertising networks, or subscriptions.
Becoming an influencer: Partner with brands to promote products on social media or content platforms.
Simple tasks:
Online surveys/testing: Participate in online market research studies or test websites and apps for compensation.
Print-On-Demand Business
Strategies & Resources
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where products are only made after a customer places an order. This process allows individuals and businesses to sell custom-designed products without managing inventory, production, or shipping.
How print-on-demand works
Create a design. A seller creates a unique design, image, or logo.
Choose a product. The seller selects a product from a POD provider's catalog to apply their design to. Products often include apparel, accessories, and home goods.
List the product. The seller adds the product to their online store on an e-commerce platform like Shopify or a marketplace like Etsy.
Customer purchases. A customer buys the product from the seller's online store.
POD provider fulfills the order. The order is automatically sent to the POD provider, who prints the design onto the product, packages it, and ships it directly to the customer.
Popular print-on-demand companies
Best for: Overall quality and branding options.
Products: A wide variety of products, including apparel, home decor, and accessories.
Features: In-house production for better quality control, multiple printing options, and custom branding like packaging inserts.
Best for: Competitive pricing and large product variety.
Products: The largest selection of customizable products, including t-shirts, sneakers, swimwear, and jewelry.
Features: A global network of printing partners, allowing you to choose suppliers for faster, local shipping.
Best for: International reach and stationery.
Products: A wide range of products with a special focus on paper goods and wall art.
Features: A global network of printing partners that routes orders to the nearest printer for faster delivery.
Best for: Fast fulfillment and a large product catalog.
Products: More than 550 products, including apparel, housewares, and accessories.
Features: Fast production times (2–3 business days) and competitive pricing.
Best for: Premium and custom clothing.
Products: A variety of apparel, with options for custom labels, pockets, and other fashion-forward customizations.
Features: Specializes in clothing with professional design support and premium customization.
Best for: Artists seeking a built-in marketplace.
Products: Art prints, apparel, home decor, and accessories.
Features: An active community and a built-in marketplace that handles the selling and shipping for you.
Best for: Reaching Amazon's large customer base.
Products: T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and tote bags.
Features: Uses Amazon's marketplace for selling and fulfillment, which includes Prime delivery.
Drop-Shipping Business
Strategies & Resources
Resources for a dropshipping business include platforms and apps for connecting with suppliers, educational content for developing your strategy, and tools for running day-to-day operations. A strong business relies on a solid foundation, which begins with thorough research and a reliable supplier network.
Top drop shipping platforms and apps
Most dropshipping businesses operate on an ecommerce platform like Shopify, which can be integrated with dropshipping apps to automate product imports and order fulfillment.
For US and European suppliers:
Spocket: This app connects you with suppliers in the US and Europe to enable faster shipping times.
AI Dropship: This platform focuses on verified US and EU suppliers and promises fast domestic delivery times.
Zendrop: Created by experienced dropshippers, this app provides access to US-based warehouses for quicker shipping times.
For global suppliers:
DSers: This is an AliExpress dropshipping app that lets you import products and place bulk orders with AliExpress suppliers.
Syncee: Access more than 12,000 global brands and use automated features to manage inventory and orders.
CJDropshipping: This Chinese-based service offers product sourcing, order processing, and shipping services with global warehouses.
For print-on-demand:
Printify: This platform handles production, packaging, and shipping for products featuring your custom designs. It connects with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Wix.
Printful: With a network of global fulfillment centers, Printful allows you to create and sell custom products with no upfront costs.
Supplier directories:
SaleHoo: This directory gives you access to over 8,000 thoroughly vetted suppliers and 2.5 million products.
Worldwide Brands: One of the oldest supplier directories, Worldwide Brands offers lifetime access to a list of over 16 million products from certified wholesalers.
Essential drop shipping resources and tools
These tools can help you with everything from initial market research to ongoing operations.
Market research: Before launching, use tools like Google Trends to gauge consumer interest and identify profitable niches. You can also use Dropship.io to analyze competitor sales and marketing strategies on Shopify.
Website building: Use platforms like Shopify, Wix, or BigCommerce to set up a professional storefront with intuitive drag-and-drop builders and customizable templates.
Marketing: Drive traffic to your store using strategies learned from resources like Meta Blueprint (for Facebook ads) or by engaging in dropshipping communities on Reddit.
Education: Websites such as Shopify Learn and Dropship University offer free courses on topics from business planning and product sourcing to SEO and email marketing.
Key considerations
Avoid upfront fees: Beware of suppliers who demand high upfront fees to access their products, as many reliable directories are free or have a one-time, low-cost membership.
Order samples: Before committing to a supplier, order product samples to verify the quality and ensure it meets your standards.
Verify reliability: Read reviews and research suppliers to confirm their performance history. Consistent delays or negative
feedback are red flags.
Check policies: Understand your supplier's return and shipping policies, as these will directly impact your customer service.
Re-Selling Business Strategies & Resources
Resources for a reselling business include product sourcing methods, sales platforms, software tools, and business guidance. The right combination of these resources will depend on your specific niche and business model.
Product sourcing
This is where you find inventory to sell. Sources range from local markets to online wholesale suppliers.
Retail and online arbitrage: Purchase discounted or clearance items from retail stores like T.J. Maxx or online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, then resell them for a profit.
Thrift stores and garage sales: Low-cost, high-reward sources for vintage items, clothing, and collectibles. Success depends on knowing a niche and arriving early to sales.
Wholesale suppliers: Buy products in bulk directly from wholesalers, manufacturers, or distributors. Examples include Shopify Collective, Alibaba, and Faire.
Liquidation: Buy pallets or lots of overstock or returned items from liquidation companies like BULQ or B-Stock. This carries a higher risk but can yield a greater profit margin.
Dropshipping: Sell products online that are manufactured, stored, and shipped by a third-party supplier. This model requires no inventory investment.
Online and government auctions: Bid on government surplus or large lots of items from sites like GovDeals. You can also find bundles of products on eBay.
Estate sales and auctions: A valuable source for unique and vintage items, from household goods to electronics.
Sales platforms
You can sell your products on established marketplaces or on your own e-commerce website.
General marketplaces:
eBay: A versatile platform for new, used, and collectible items, featuring both auction-style and "Buy It Now" listings.
Amazon: Offers a massive customer base and programs like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to manage shipping and logistics.
Facebook Marketplace: A popular choice for local, fee-free sales. Also supports shipping for some items.
Mercari: A Japanese-owned platform for selling a wide variety of items, with options for local delivery.
Specialty platforms:
Poshmark and Depop: Ideal for reselling clothing, shoes, and accessories. Poshmark is popular for high-end fashion, while Depop is a favorite of Gen Z.
Etsy: Best for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
StockX: Uses a stock market-style bidding system for sneakers, streetwear, and other collectibles.
Your own e-commerce website:
Shopify: Offers customizable storefronts and a wide range of apps for managing all aspects of your business.
Wix and Squarespace: User-friendly website builders for creating a professional online store.
Software and tools
These digital resources can help streamline operations and increase profits.
Inventory management: Tools like Zoho Inventory and TradeGecko help track stock levels, orders, and shipments across multiple platforms.
Analytics and research: Services like Google Trends, Helium 10 (for Amazon), and Terapeak (for eBay) provide data on market trends and sales performance.
Cross-listing tools: Software like List Perfectly and Vendoo helps you manage and list your inventory on multiple marketplaces simultaneously.
Pricing and repricing: Tools like Seller Snap automatically adjust your prices based on market demand and competitor activity.
Marketing automation: Services like Mailchimp can help you with email marketing, social media scheduling, and customer
relationship management.
General business resources
These tools and practices help lay a strong foundation for your reselling business.
Business structure and registration: Choose a business structure, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC), to protect your personal assets. You may also need a business license and a reseller's permit, which allows you to purchase goods tax-free for resale.
Branding and marketing: Create a professional logo and brand identity. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to market your products and connect with customers.
Product photography: Invest in a decent camera or smartphone and basic lighting to take high-quality photos that attract customers. Many resources online offer tips for improving your product photography.
Reseller communities: Join forums and social media groups, such as subreddits like r/Flipping, to network with other resellers and gain insights on sourcing and trends.
eBook Selling Business Strategies & Resources
To start and run a successful eBook selling business, you need resources for creating, publishing, and marketing your product. Key resources include sales platforms, eBook creation tools, and marketing channels.
eBook creation and design resources
Canva: This web-based design tool is ideal for creating visually appealing eBooks with pre-built templates for layout, font, and color schemes.
Reedsy Book Editor: A free online tool that helps you format your book as you write it. It exports clean, professional files for publishing in EPUB and print-ready formats.
Affinity Publisher: A professional, one-time purchase desktop publishing program for creating high-quality, complex eBook layouts and covers.
eBook selling platforms
For selling on marketplaces:
These platforms have a built-in audience, but they take a percentage of your sales.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Offers a massive built-in audience of Kindle readers. It is an ideal platform for maximizing visibility, though competition can be high.
Apple Books: Allows you to sell ebooks to users of Apple devices. It generally has good royalties but a smaller market share than Amazon.
Barnes & Noble Press: Lets you publish eBooks and sell them through the Barnes & Noble website, with competitive royalty rates.
Google Play Books: A marketplace for targeting Android users and increasing your reach.
Kobo Writing Life: Allows you to publish and sell eBooks to a global audience.
Etsy: Good for selling niche and handmade-style digital products, including eBooks.
For selling on your own website:
This method gives you complete control over branding, pricing, and customer data, but you are responsible for driving your own traffic.
Shopify: A versatile e-commerce platform that allows you to set up your own online store and sell digital products using apps like Digital Downloads.
Gumroad: A simple platform popular with creators for selling a variety of digital products, including eBooks. It handles payment processing and delivery.
SamCart: Specializes in digital product sales and offers customizable checkout pages and robust analytics. It handles payment processing and instant digital delivery.
Payhip: Provides an easy way to sell digital products. You can either sell directly from your Payhip store or embed it into your existing website.
WooCommerce: A free WordPress plugin that allows you to turn your website into an online store.
Thinkific: An easy-to-use platform for "creator-educators" who want to sell eBooks alongside other digital products like online courses.
eBook marketing resources
Content marketing: Utilize content to build an audience and promote your eBook. This can include blogging on platforms like WordPress or Medium, using email marketing with a free provider to engage subscribers, and creating videos on YouTube that reference your eBook.
Paid advertising: Accelerate sales with targeted ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, search engines like Google, or directly on Amazon.
Social media engagement: Promote your eBook and connect with your target audience on platforms like Instagram and TikTok using visuals and videos, Twitter (X) with engaging posts, and LinkedIn by sharing testimonials for business-related eBooks.
Business and legal resources
Consider forming an LLC to separate business and personal assets. Resources like the Literature & Latte blog can assist with pricing strategy. Additionally, communities such as those on Reddit offer educational resources and courses for digital product creation and sales.
