Female entrepreneurship is on the rise, and we’re seeing many business ideas for women emerge. For women business owners, the sky is the limit when pursuing opportunities and starting businesses – especially when there are more business ideas than ever to pursue!
Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs
If you’re toying with the idea of starting a new business, there are many fantastic business ideas for women that are worth pursuing. The first step is to research ideas and see what resonates with you. You can find resources on business ideation, such as the SBT on how to start a business with a step-by-step guide. You can also look into an online course to help you get started with your online business.
- READ MORE: How to Start a Business: Step by Step Guide
You can run online stores, a brick-and-mortar business, or even a combination of the two. Make sure to do other research, such as whether you should get a women-owned business certification before pursuing anything.
There are also plenty of funding options available for female entrepreneurs, which could be a good option if you decide to pursue this path.
- READ MORE: 10 Business Loans for Women
Our Methodology for Selecting the Best Business Ideas Tailored for Women Entrepreneurs
To assist women in finding entrepreneurial opportunities that align with their goals and lifestyles, we use a specific set of criteria. These criteria are designed to identify ventures that are feasible, scalable, and empowering. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates the least importance and 5 the highest importance:
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
- Importance: 5
- We prioritize business ideas that offer flexibility in terms of work hours and commitments, considering the need for many women to balance professional goals with personal or family responsibilities.
- Market Demand and Economic Viability
- Importance: 5
- The current and projected market demand for the product or service is a critical factor. We focus on ideas with a strong or emerging market presence.
- Scalability and Growth Potential
- Importance: 4
- We assess whether the business idea has the potential for growth and scalability, which is important for long-term success and financial independence.
- Empowerment and Community Impact
- Importance: 4
- Business ideas that provide empowerment, foster community impact, or support other women are highly rated.
- Utilization of Unique Skills and Talents
- Importance: 4
- We consider business ideas that leverage women’s unique skills, talents, or professional backgrounds, recognizing the diverse expertise women bring to the entrepreneurial space.
- Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
- Importance: 3
- The potential for networking and finding mentorship within the business idea is considered beneficial, as it can help in navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
- Innovation and Creativity
- Importance: 4
- Business ideas that allow for innovation, creativity, and expression align well with the dynamic capabilities of many women entrepreneurs.
- Low Start-Up Costs and Financial Accessibility
- Importance: 4
- We consider the accessibility of the business idea in terms of start-up costs, preferring ideas that are financially attainable and offer a lower barrier to entry.
By applying these criteria, our goal is to guide women towards business ideas that not only align with their professional and personal aspirations but also offer opportunities for growth, empowerment, and meaningful impact.
Best Online Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs
We’ve collected some of the best small business ideas for you to consider. Each of these options enables you to be your own boss and run successful small businesses from the comfort of your home or a location of your choice.
1. Subscription Box Business
Subscription boxes are one of the most fun business ideas for women because there are many ways to get creative and make a truly unique product. It’s a great business idea that can be run through an online store, and you can design different kinds of subscription boxes depending on your interests. Each month, you’ll send subscribers curated products and gifts in the package with some sort of theme, such as snacks and food, makeup, skincare, and more. It’s a flexible opportunity with high demand in numerous industries.
2. Own a Blog
If you’re interested in the fashion business and looking for a lucrative business venture in that realm, one of the best business ideas is to start your blog with fashion advice, reviews from the beauty industry, and other lifestyle content. You can earn money by posting outfits and using affiliate links so that every time readers buy something linked from writing your blog post, you earn money as a social media influencer.
3. High-Fashion Reseller
If you’re looking for more business ideas relating to fashion, you can also become a high fashion reseller. The business model is relatively simple: You can start by buying high-end clothing from different sources and reselling them on online platforms. You can increase sales if you’re a social media influencer since you can easily model the clothes.
4. Dropshipping Store Owner
Dropshipping is one of the best small business ideas for women looking for passive income opportunities. It’s flexible and comes with low startup costs. You can select and sell products online but have the manufacturer ship to customers rather than doing it yourself. Many women have started dropshipping businesses alongside their full-time jobs to earn extra money.
5. Virtual Bookkeeping Business
If you’re looking to start your own business and are willing to learn basic bookkeeping and accounting, then you can start an online business. You can work with other small business owners to help with bookkeeping, expenses, and other tasks and make money online. There’s consistently high demand for this service, and you can largely work remotely.
6. App Developer
If you’re interested in learning to code, becoming an app developer is a perfect business idea for women entrepreneurs. You can take online courses to learn programming languages for app development and create bespoke apps for businesses and other mobile services.
7. Life Coach
If you’re ready to inspire others and help them be the best version of themselves, you should consider life coaching as a business idea. You can become a mindset life coach to help people get motivated, attain financial freedom, and generally improve themselves. If you like fitness, you should consider becoming a personal trainer to gain more clients while setting your own hours.
8. Online Boutique
Online boutiques are one of the top business ideas for women. You can make more money and sell online that you source from various clothing wholesalers. With some clever social media marketing, you can create a successful business with an online store.
9. Sewing and Alterations
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, a great side business idea is to offer sewing services, repairs, and alterations. Rather than people discarding damaged clothing, you can repair and alter it as needed and provide other benefits.
10. Own Business as a VA
Virtual assistants are one of the top business ideas for women because it’s easy to get started, and there are plenty of flexible and scalable business opportunities. You can create a profitable business by being a virtual assistant to small business owners, freelancers, and others. In addition, you can set up your own VA business by offering services such as managing a business social media account, calendar assistance, monitoring financial transactions, and more.
11. Freelance Writing Business
If you like to write, consider looking into a freelance writing business. You can work alone or with other freelance writers to offer content writing and services. This could include writing blog posts, websites, articles, or even a proofreading business for other writers. You can also become a social media manager and write captions and copy for social media posts.
12. Market Research
Many market research opportunities can work as side business ideas. Many platforms recruit for research projects and are looking for participants. Research opportunities can include filling out surveys, participating in interviews, and other necessary tasks.
13. Stock Trading
Although not necessarily a business, stock trading is one path toward making money online. You can buy and sell stocks daily, tracking performance and making decisions accordingly. However, it’s essential to research the stock market beforehand and how it can be used for passive income before making any investments.
14. Dog Walking
If you love dogs and have some spare time, you can offer dog walking services in your neighborhood. It’s a new business idea that has become more popular and something that many people are looking for. You can offer to walk dogs during peak working hours such as lunchtime and the morning for those with full-time jobs as part of your own business.
15. Online Tutoring
If you’re willing to work with kids and students, online tutoring or an online course could be one of the greatest business ideas for women. You can offer one-on-one tutoring in different subjects or creative intensive courses based on academic needs. Plus, you can set your own hours, making it a great side business idea that can be pursued even with a full-time job.
Brick & Mortar Small Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs
While many of the business ideas for women here are useful as an online store, there are also many other options available for business ideas. If you’re looking for business ideas for women that can be operated at a physical location, we’ll look at some of the best small business ideas where you can be your own boss.
16. Clothing boutiques
While an online store can work for clothing, you can also pursue it as a physical store. A clothing boutique is a great small business idea for women where there may not be many clothing options. You can carry a wide range of inclusive sizing and encourage people to try and purchase clothing in stores.
17. Antiques
Antiques and rare goods are another new business idea that could be worth pursuing. If you can find interesting and unique items, you can start your own antique store and sell a curated collection of unique items.
18. Foodservice business
One of the best business ideas is to have a food business in your area. A food business could be a tiny restaurant, a bakery, or even a food truck. Think about food items you make particularly well, and you could start by selling them in local farmers’ markets and other small venues before investing in something larger.
19. Photography business
If you’re a fan of photography, consider starting your own photography business. It’s one of the top ideas for women because it’s relatively easy to get started, and you can create a niche offering easily. For example, you could focus only on wedding photography or corporate photography. Then, you can set your own schedule and attract new clients with marketing strategies to grow your small business.
20. Wedding planning business
If you’re looking for interesting and challenging small business ideas, consider starting a wedding planning business. For example, you could focus exclusively on weddings, to begin with, and break into general event planning. Wedding and event planning can be fun and fulfilling, and you can work as needed.
21. Laundry business
When it comes to more small business ideas to consider, another one is a laundry business. You can ask neighbors and friends if they’re looking for some extra help with laundry or even work with small hotels and bed and breakfasts that need regular laundry. Once you have the right laundry and cleaning products, you can quickly get started.
22. Interior designer
If you have an eye for great decor, you should think about becoming an interior designer. It’s one of the best business ideas for women, with many successful businesses offering this service. Interior design services can include home, office, and business decor depending on your interests and can work as a full-time job.
23. Daycare business
Many daycares are women-owned businesses that are doing really well. An in-home childcare business is incredibly valuable, especially as more people are working from home and may be unable to balance it with full-time childcare. Parents will flock to your business if you can create a safe and loving daycare environment.
24. Baby equipment rental business
Perhaps a bit unconventional, but baby equipment rental is another small business idea to consider. Many parents may not always be able to afford childcare items, or perhaps they need baby equipment quickly. In scenarios like this, you could offer to rent baby equipment such as strollers and other pricier items as rentals.
What is the Most Profitable Small Business Idea for Women?
Many of the business ideas for women listed have the potential to be immensely profitable. Some of the most profitable types of small businesses include:
- Virtual assistants: As a virtual assistant, you can set your own rate and hours, with the ability to scale up as needed. If you can grow a solid client base and work hard, you can create a successful virtual assistant business.
- Event planning: Events are a very lucrative business idea that yields great results. You can plan events such as corporate retreats and business getaways, or you can focus on personal events such as weddings, anniversaries and more.
- Dropshipping: Another profitable business idea to consider is a dropshipping business to earn extra money. There are many excellent products available that you can dropship, reducing some of the logistical challenges that shipping to customers comes with.
- Social media influencer: If you love photography, writing blog posts, or even making videos, becoming a social media influencer is one of the best business ideas for women. You have the opportunity to promote items, share your life with others, and make some money as well.
- Bookkeeping and accounting: If you’re a fan of numbers and want to help small businesses, consider going into bookkeeping and accounting. You can offer essential bookkeeping services virtually or even have a physical office if needed. It’s a great way to work with small businesses and help them become profitable businesses.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Landscape
Women entrepreneurs are forging a new path in the business world, with a diverse range of ideas that defy convention and embrace innovation. This movement goes beyond numbers; it’s about stories of resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers. Let’s explore how these business ideas are redefining entrepreneurship:
- Diverse Ventures, Diverse Visions:
- Women entrepreneurs showcase an array of creative business ideas, reflecting their multifaceted talents and interests.
- From subscription boxes to high-fashion reselling, these ventures break molds and celebrate individuality.
- Digital Revolution and Beyond:
- Digital platforms empower women to run businesses globally, from app development to online boutiques and more.
- This tech-savvy approach erases geographical boundaries, unleashing creativity without limits.
- Redefining Traditional Frontiers:
- Physical storefronts evolve as women delve into clothing boutiques, antiques, and foodservice.
- They blend tradition with innovation, creating spaces that resonate with communities while embracing modernity.
- Dreams with Tangible Impact:
- These business ideas offer more than profits; they shape industries and services, leaving a lasting impact.
- Event planning, social media influence, and virtual assistance empower women to make a difference.
- A Blueprint for Empowerment:
- Women-led businesses contribute not just financially, but also to diversity and changing gender norms.
- They set a powerful example, inspiring others to pursue their dreams without limitations.
- Profitability and Beyond:
- Financial gains are only part of the story. Women entrepreneurs find fulfillment in aligning with passions and making a difference.
- Success is defined by self-empowerment, personal growth, and leaving a mark on their chosen fields.
- Transforming Challenges into Triumphs:
- Challenges become stepping stones, shaping women into resilient and adaptable leaders.
- These experiences equip them with unique skills, solidifying their status as trailblazers.
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Diverse Ventures, Diverse Visions | – Women entrepreneurs display a variety of creative business ideas, reflecting their diverse talents. |
| – Ventures like subscription boxes and high-fashion reselling defy norms and celebrate individuality. | |
| Digital Revolution and Beyond | – Digital platforms empower women to run global businesses, erasing geographical limits. |
| – From app development to online boutiques, technology unleashes boundless creativity. | |
| Redefining Traditional Frontiers | – Women pioneers transform physical stores, delving into clothing boutiques, antiques, and foodservice. |
| – They blend tradition and innovation, creating spaces that resonate with communities and modernity. | |
| Dreams with Tangible Impact | – Beyond profits, these business ideas shape industries and services, leaving a lasting impact. |
| – Event planning, social media influence, and virtual assistance empower women to make a significant difference. | |
| A Blueprint for Empowerment | – Women-led businesses contribute to diversity and changing gender norms, inspiring others to pursue dreams without limits. |
| – They set a potent example, paving the way for empowerment and transformation in various spheres. | |
| Profitability and Beyond | – Financial gains are only part of the journey. Women entrepreneurs find fulfillment aligning with passions and making an impact. |
| – Success is about self-empowerment, personal growth, and leaving an indelible mark in their chosen fields. | |
| Transforming Challenges into Triumphs | – Challenges become stepping stones, shaping women into resilient and adaptable leaders. |
| – These experiences equip them with unique skills, solidifying their trailblazing status in entrepreneurship. | |
| Shaping an Inclusive Future | – Women entrepreneurs reshape industries, embrace innovation, and challenge norms, planting seeds for an inclusive future. |
| – Their visionary ideas drive prosperity and progress, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come. |
Women entrepreneurs are not just participating; they are reshaping industries, embracing innovation, and defying norms. Their ideas plant seeds for an inclusive and limitless future, with prosperity and progress for generations to come.
Conclusion
In the realm of entrepreneurship, women are soaring to new heights, embracing a diverse range of business ideas that reflect their creativity, ambition, and determination. With an ever-expanding landscape of opportunities, the horizon for women entrepreneurs has never been more promising. As more women take the leap into the world of business ownership, the multitude of business ideas available enables them to not only break boundaries but also carve their paths to success.
The array of options, whether online or brick-and-mortar, allows women to find their niche and make their mark in industries they are passionate about. The power of digital platforms and the ability to connect with customers worldwide have democratized business ownership, offering a level playing field for women to thrive. Whether you’re a creative thinker, a problem solver, a trendsetter, or an innovator, there’s a business idea waiting for you to turn into a reality.
With determination, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose, women entrepreneurs can take any of these business ideas and transform them into flourishing ventures. The path may be challenging, but the potential for growth, financial independence, and fulfillment is vast. So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, know that the possibilities are limitless, and your journey toward business success is only a step away.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping its future. By seizing these business ideas and adapting them to their strengths, passions, and skills, women can contribute not only to their personal success but also to the broader economy and society at large. So, take the leap, explore the options, and embark on a rewarding journey of entrepreneurship that’s uniquely yours.
Image: Envato Elements
This article, “20 Business Ideas for Women” was first published on Small Business Trends