10 Small business ideas to consider in 2025

It’s the perfect time to seek new opportunities and fresh starts. Maybe you’re dreaming of being your own boss and having the freedom to build something uniquely yours. Starting a small business or side hustle could be the first step towards financial independence and a more balanced lifestyle.

Whatever you are looking for - be it working from home, supplementing your income, pursuing a passion, or the chance to dive into entrepreneurship - there are endless opportunities to explore. You’re not alone if you want to work from home either - approximately 29% of all small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK operate from the home of the business owner, and this number continues to steadily increase, as does the popularity of hybrid work models. Let’s take a look at a handful of business ideas to inspire you.

1. Online Tutoring Jobs and Coaching

E-learning, online tutoring and coaching are a popular method of learning new skills. The opportunity for people to hone new skills online, from wherever they are, as well as being able to fit learning around other obligations, makes online tutoring accessible for many. Perhaps you specialise in an academic subject, or have a few years of professional experience under your belt in a certain field. Maybe you excel at a hobby in your spare time, like baking or crafts, that you could teach to others. There is a huge need for qualified tutors and coaches in so many areas who can provide support remotely, and with the right tools it’s easy to connect with students globally.

2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Pet owners are always in need of reliable individuals to care for their furry friends. Whether you drop in a few times a day, offer to care for animals in your own home, or stay at clients’ houses while they go on vacation, pet sitting and walking services are a low-cost business model and they generally require minimal setup. You may want to think about gaining qualifications such as animal first aid, and brush up on your knowledge of the animals you will be caring for. This being said, if you're an animal lover and enjoy spending time outdoors in all weathers, this could be an ideal business for you.

3. Room and property renting

If you have a spare room or an unused property, why not turn it into a source of (mostly) passive income? Online platforms like Airbnb allow you to rent out spaces to travellers or longer-term tenants. Letting can provide a steady stream of income - just remember to consider maintenance and cleaning obligations to ensure your guests are happy and comfortable.

4. Freelance marketing

If you have the digital skills, small businesses need you! They often seek support with social media management, content creation and advertising, as they won’t have as many resources in-house. Maybe you have a background in marketing, or are skilled in utilising online tools. Offering freelance marketing services can be profitable and rewarding, and you could begin this as a side-hustle before venturing into it full time.

5. Cleaning services

Cleaning services are another solid option that will always be in high demand, whether this is in people’s homes or office space. You can grow your business through positive referrals and reviews, and it doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment. However, you will need to purchase supplies and consider a vehicle to take everything you need with you easily.

6. Removals van or moving services

If you have a van or large vehicle at your disposal, helping people to relocate or transport goods can be lucrative. This can involve a higher level of physical exertion, and you may have to move heavy items. However, man-with-van services are always sought after and can be a great way to earn money full time or as a weekend hustle.

7. Virtual IT and tech support

All businesses rely on technology in some way to operate. If you’re a whiz with technology and troubleshooting, businesses could benefit from your expertise. Whether that's setting up networks, providing cybersecurity solutions, or simply guiding them through day-to-day issues, your business can be run entirely online, or over the phone, from the comfort of your own home office.  

8. Food truck and catering services

For anyone with culinary talent and interpersonal skills, starting up a caterers or food truck service can be a great choice. Trucks tend to have lower start-up costs compared to brick-and-mortar restaurants, and are perfect for markets, festivals and private events like weddings or parties.

9. Online stores

E-commerce is a thriving industry, and starting an online store allows you to start your own online business and sell products to a global audience. From handmade crafts, to products of your own invention, to antiques, the possibilities are endless. There are a plethora of platforms like Ebay, Shopify, and Etsy that allow you to set up stores quickly and easily, and help you to keep track of sales and revenue.

10. Print-on-demand services

Does an online store appeal to you, but you worry about needing room for supplies and having to deal with shipping orders? Print-on-Demand (POD) is an e-commerce business model where custom-designed products are printed and shipped only after a customer places an order. This means you don’t have to buy inventory upfront, store products, or handle shipping logistics - ideal if you don’t have a lot of space or time to deal with the administration that comes with an online store. You just need to focus on designing (and marketing). You simply upload your design to a POD platform, list products in your online store, and when someone buys, the platform prints and ships the product directly to the customer. This could be anything from clothing, to home decor, to tech accessories like phone cases.

You could even offer custom designs and commissions to your customers, printing their designs or ideas onto items that can then be directly sent to them.

How a virtual phone system can support your small business

Having the correct tools to start a new business venture can make all the difference. For example, a virtual phone system can simplify communication with your customers, and it is scalable which is significant for entrepreneurs and growing teams. Often, small businesses are on the move often or based remotely, and a virtual number and hosted phone system is ideal because it means you can handle calls professionally, from anywhere.

Business virtual phone systems provide you with features like call-forwarding, voicemail transcription, and on-hold messaging to provide your customers with the best possible experience.

Setting up a small business in 2025

Embarking on a new business adventure this new year offers a plethora of opportunities to improve your work-life balance and pursue your passions. There really is something for everyone, from all walks of life and with a variety of skills and resources. Equip yourself with the tools you need to make the process easier and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Time to turn your new business idea into a reality! Our virtual phone system is tailored for small businesses, whatever your business. So whether you’re a personal trainer, yoga instructor or virtual receptionist, try it for free and benefit from its flexible features whether working from home or doing business on the go. Choose a dedicated business phone number and get started today.