Hot Business Ideas for 2009
Nov 2nd, 2008 by admin
It’s almost that time of year again when millions of well-intentioned individuals resolve to stop smoking, lose weight and spend more time with their families. That’s right; a new year is quickly approaching! As with dieting, dropping bad habits and other New Year’s resolutions, this is also the perfect time of year to think about entrepreneurship. Starting your own business offers you an opportunity to make more money, creativity and independence, flexibility… why wait to enjoy these perks? Resolve to start that business you’ve been dreaming of launching in 2009. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Co-ops: According to the National Cooperative Business Association, “Co-ops are formed by their members when the marketplace fails to provide needed goods or services at affordable prices and acceptable quality. U.S. cooperatives serve some 120 million members, or 4 in 10 Americans. Worldwide, some 750,000 cooperatives serve 730 million members.” Co-ops offer the best of both worlds: small business customer service with greater market reach and the ability to share resources. You can find detailed information on starting a cooperative here.
Social Business: Wikipedia defines a social business as “one which aims to be financially self-sufficient, if not profitable, in its pursuit of a social, ethical or environmental goal.” Ben and Jerry’s and The Eden Project are two of the best-known social enterprises. For more information on starting and running a socially responsible business, visit the Web site of the Social Enterprise Alliance.
Sushi Bar: If you enjoy eating and preparing Japanese food, a sushi bar might be the thing for you. Popular in all the major cities, sushi bars now serve a wide range of customers – from college students to celebrities. And according to a study conducted by the National Restaurant Association, sushi is big business – not a passing trend. So here’s your chance to own a ‘perennial favorite.’
Home inspection: Okay… Real estate might be in a slump now, but it is only a matter of time before it is back on an upswing. What’s more is that property inspections are always in demand. Real estate buyers view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about one of the largest purchases they will ever make. It helps them determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase. Real estate professionals also make a great target market. These individuals often run into post-closing problems. Offering pre-listing inspections can help them reduce their listing times, minimize price negotiations and limit potential litigation. Fewer problems…more sales for the agent and inspector!
Don’t feel guilty for making entrepreneurship a priority among your New Year’s resolutions. According to MyGoals.com, a Web site for setting and reaching personal and professional goals, an impressive 30% of all resolutions revolve around one’s career, ranking higher than time management, relationship and leisure goals. So start planning today and make your entrepreneurship resolution a reality in 2009!
Sushi bar?!
Wow! Didn’t see THAT one comin’!
I am surprised that you didn’t mention starting a business website. There is no end to the possibilities and the start up cost can be very manageable if individuals are willing to invest the effort to read and learn the tons of free information on line for internet entrepreneurs. Websites for everything from environmentally sound diaper services to spaceship vacations are popping up everyday. The ones with sound business plans and sincere dedication will prosper in any economy. My favorite new startup is http://www.lymabean.com it is a new college peeps place (you got to have a .edu address) but it is THE Coolest technology used in a social networking site you ever saw.
Loved the feel of this article - instead of emphasising the desire for money money money, it has an emotional feel - I am drawn toward the social business option. Looking at othre sites with similar subjects, Im not seeing such stuff - I have a heart and want to feed it while I grow financially free if possible!
ps The comment - “The ones with sound business plans and sincere dedication will prosper in any economy. ” are words to take to the bank - thank you also Victor!