Start a small business at home: 61 Ideas and top tools to get started

Starting a small business from the comfort of your home isn’t just a dream for the ambitious. It’s actually a practical, achievable reality for anyone with a bit of drive and creativity. 

Whether you’re looking to ditch the 9-to-5 grind, pursue a passion, or simply earn some extra cash, the opportunities are there for those willing to put in the work. With the right tools and a bit of determination, you can find the best online business to start right from your home and work your own hours. 

It gives you the freedom to work on your own terms, tap into markets worldwide, and, let’s not forget, the commute is unbeatable. So, if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could do this”, now’s the time to turn that thought into action. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best small business ideas that can get you started, along with the top tools that’ll help you hit the ground running.

Why call JoatCart your new home (for business)

Imagine an online space where you’re not just opening a store — you’re crafting a fully-owned, customized shopping destination. And it’s all yours. That’s the power that JoatCart provides. 

Built on the flexible, robust foundation, it offers full customization and control, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes across all industries. That means you can benefit whether you’re selling handcrafted jewelry, offering consulting services, or launching a full-scale ecommerce empire.

Use cases are off the charts, too. You want to sell digital downloads? Done. Subscriptions? It can handle it. Physical products that need shipping? You’re covered. 

And it grows with you, too. 

Start small with the basics, then as your business venture expands, tap into the huge library of JoatCart extensions to add new features like appointment booking, membership management, or automated tax calculations. 

It could cost you thousands to build all of that from scratch, but this ecommerce platform has it all ready to go. That means you get to focus on what you do best: running your successful business.

1. An online tutoring business 

The demand for personalized education is skyrocketing, making an online tutoring business a lucrative business option for anyone with expertise in a particular subject. From math and science to language arts, you can share your knowledge right from your living room. 

It’s a fantastic at-home business idea because it requires minimal setup — just a computer, a good internet connection, and your expertise. WooCommerce comes into play by simplifying the administrative side of things. 

It can handle bookings, payments, and even automate reminders for your upcoming sessions, making the process seamless for both you and your students. This way, you can focus more on teaching and less on the logistics.

Pin Thread Stitches offers a solid example of this in action. The site is straightforward and includes an Book Appointment, Ready To Go wears, and more. 

2. A car detailing business

Starting a car detailing business from home can turn your passion for cars into a profitable business. It’s perfect for those who have an eye for detail and enjoy making vehicles look their best. With just your garage, some high-quality cleaning supplies, and a bit of marketing, you can attract clients looking to improve their cars. 

An informative website is essential for a car detailing business. And with WooCommerce on deck, you can manage appointments and payments with ease. Potential clients can visit your site, see the range of detailing packages you offer, and book their appointment right then and there. They can choose a date and time that works for them, and you get to manage your schedule and finances all in one place.

3. A landscaping business

If you’ve got a green thumb and a knack for transforming outdoor spaces, launching a landscaping business from home could be your calling. This home business idea taps into the desire for beautiful, functional outdoor areas, appealing to homeowners, businesses, and even local governments. 

Whether it’s garden maintenance, landscape design, or hardscaping, your services can dramatically enhance a property’s curb appeal and value. 

Here’s where WooCommerce helps your landscaping business flourish: by setting up a website with detailed service offerings, you can offer online booking and payment options, making it convenient for clients to hire you. 

Marbia Landscape Design uses WordPress to great effect, with strong service listings shown in a portfolio style and a prominent call-to-action contact button.