In the third quarter of 2016 alone, the United States saw 240,000 new establishments start up. That brings the total number of small businesses in the country to 30.2 million.
Amazing, right? But what’s even more impressive is how almost seven in 10 of these businesses started at home! In fact, some of the biggest names today, like Apple, Google, and Disney started in a garage.
But to be the next big thing, you need unique business ideas that have a high likelihood of selling. Your business should offer something of interest and should solve consumers’ needs. In short, there should be a guaranteed market for it.
Still unsure of what makes for interesting businesses? Then keep reading as we’ve listed seven of them that can spark your imagination!
1. Start a Boutique Hotel
In 2017, 52% of U.S. employees had unused vacation days, compared to 55% in 2015. Gallup also reported that 62% of Americans went holidaying in 2017.
These stats prove that more people are enjoying traveling. Especially since science says it does wonders to our health.
So, why not take advantage of these facts and start your own lodging business? You can start with a boutique hotel, a small hotel with at least 10 uniquely-designed rooms. And yes, for a hotel to fall under the “boutique” classification, each room needs a unique selling point.
But that’s exactly why they’re so interesting and why they now make up a $17 billion U.S. industry. If you have a knack for interior designing, coming up with ten or more unique room themes won’t be an issue.
You’d need a bigger budget to start this kind of business though. Luckily, hotel construction financing services are available.
2. Take a Page Out of the Bed Bug Barrier’s Book
Speaking of hotels, did you know a study found that 68% of hotels/motels had bed bugs in them? That’s one of the quickest ways to end up with angry customers and even lose potential clients.
To make matters worse, researchers found traditional pesticides to have many health dangers. Exposure to these has negative dermatological, neurological, and respiratory effects. Studies have also confirmed their potential carcinogenic (cancerous) impact.
This is exactly why Australia’s Bed Bug Barrier company was born. What makes them unique is their eco-conscious, toxic-free anti-bedbug products. Their bed bug solutions are also low-cost and tailored to their clients’ needs.
If you have a similar idea or already have a working solution to pests, consider turning it into profits. Hotels won’t be your only customers — 91% of single family homes have a bed bug problem.
3. Offer Tourism Guidance Services
Do you have a wealth of insider details surrounding interesting holiday destinations? Or you may be a master when it comes to European holidays on a budget. Whichever part of the world you’re familiar with, you can turn that knowledge into profits.
One profitable venture is to launch a “hidden gems” guided tour service. These aren’t your usual tourist hot spots, but they’re still amazing and Instagram-worthy. Because they’re not that well-known, people would want local insider info on them.
This is where you can put a few unusual business ideas into play.
First, you can offer custom, one-of-a-kind trips to these spots. You can also create a pre-set package to give customers an idea of where they’d want you to take them.
Another is to offer lift and transportation services together with the guided tours. If you’ll take them on outdoor activities, it’s a good idea to include gear and meals.
Take your original business ideas a notch higher by offering cycling tours! Skateboarding or longboarding tours are even more unusual, although that’s a niche market.
4. Cook Up (and Deliver) Meal Kits
Granted, meal kit services are now so popular they may become a $10 billion industry in 2020. Doesn’t sound too unique anymore, does it? But there are still ways to come up with unique selling points for your own meal kit business.
For instance, think about the people who have special dietary needs. That includes the 93.3 million U.S. adults with obesity and the 100 million with diabetes/pre-diabetes.
If you have the nutritional knowledge, consider focusing on these special needs. Come up with menus tailored to their dietary needs and don’t repeat meals often. The cherry on top? Deliver these kits while they’re still hot.
5. Offer Meals on Wheels
Is the meal kit business idea too fussy for you, but you still want a food business? Then meals on wheels offering tasty but healthy food for any hungry soul is a good alternative.
Contrary to popular belief, food trucks aren’t always about fast food. But that’s how many imagine it, so surprise them by vending out piping hot nutritious meals.
That’s already a unique selling point right there. But you can set your food truck further apart by offering a menu that changes with the season. That, and using organic ingredients sourced from local farmers.
6. Franchise or Launch Your Own Paint-and-Sip Shop
“Paint-and-Sip” or “Wine-and-Design” studios are some of the country’s most lucrative franchises. They offer a relaxing and creative environment for those looking for a different kind of fun.
In here, you’ll find people with a glass (or bottle) of wine in one hand and paintbrush in the other. In front of them is an artist instructor, sometimes even a model. They learn the basics of painting or sketching while enjoying their favorite drinks.
If you’ve got an artistic streak in you and have a fondness for beer or wine, consider this business idea. You can launch your own or get a franchise, which will make things easier.
7. Cleaner for the Hungover
In 2017 alone, the U.S. consumed alcoholic drinks worth $231 billion. This shows how much we love capping off our nights with some booze.
Now, we all know (and should practice!) drinking in moderation, but many of us still end up feeling the ugly symptoms of a hangover the day after. We go into this semi-coma state wherein we can’t even move a muscle or feel too nauseated.
This is how one of the most unique entrepreneurial ideas was born.
The Hangover Helpers is a company that provides services for those too hungover too move. They not only clean up after the night’s mess, but they also cook breakfast for their clients!
So, are you one to always want everything clean and organized? Do you have kitchen smarts and can whip up an amazing breakfast? If so, then this is an idea you may want to turn into an actual business.
Unique Business Ideas Based on Your Skills and Interests
The above are already tried and tested unique business ideas, but you should still try to come up with your own. Consider your skills, knowledge, and the most important: what you love doing!
Remember: being a business owner is much like being an employee. If you don’t like what you’re doing, you’re unlikely to feel motivated and may end up quitting. Looking for ways to make money online? Avoid these pitfalls when trying to start your online business!
Once you’ve decided on a business idea, make sure you prepare for the bumpy road ahead! That said, here’s a guide that’ll help your business survive and thrive in the first year.