Industry Startup Guides for Small Business

Do you know what kind of business you want to start? You’ve come to the right place. Or, maybe you need industry inspiration—that’s fine too!

Our industry guides will walk you through the process of starting a business, with specific attention to the unique requirements of your chosen industry.

Tip for this guide: Individual business resources are sorted under larger industry groups. To simplify your search, look for the industry you’re interested in and check what guides are available.

Agriculture

How to start a farm

If you’re wondering how to start a farm, this guide will walk you through every stage, from finding land to financing and beyond.

How to choose essential equipment for your farm

With mechanization representing 25 percent of operating costs on a farm, choosing the appropriate agricultural equipment is crucial for successful farming. A profitable business cannot function without machinery.

Art

How to start a photography business

If you have creative photography skills, you might want to open your own business. You’re not alone in wanting to turn your creative outlet into a business.

How to sell arts and crafts online

According to the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report of 2017, the online art market rose 15 percent to $3.75 billion in 2016. When you consider that,…

Childcare and pets

How to start a daycare

Daycare businesses will see some of the fastest growth out of all industries through 2020. Wondering how to start a daycare business? Start here.

How to start a kennel or pet boarding business

Opening or buying a dog kennel or pet boarding business can be rewarding beyond the potential profits. Here’s how to determine if it’s a smart business move for you.

Cleaning and maintenance

How to start a cleaning business

In this guide, you’ll get a better sense of the industry, what skills you should develop to be successful, and how to start.

Construction and engineering

How to start a construction company

Construction companies have their ups and downs, but the construction industry will always have demand. Here’s how to start your own construction business.

Consulting, advertising, and marketing

Tips to start a successful consulting business

Are you considering starting your own consulting business? Business planning expert Tim Berry offers 10 tips on how to do it well.

How to transition from corporate to consultant

One of the lowest-risk businesses you can start, even with a corporate job, is consulting. Here’s how you start your own consultant business.

How to start a web design firm

Transitioning from working full-time for someone else to freelancing has its perks. If you’re a web designer, here’s how to start working for yourself and set up your own web design firm.

How to start a digital marketing agency

It’s easier to start a digital marketing agency without funding than people might think. Here’s how one entrepreneur did it—from bootstrapping to hiring employees.

How to start an SEO agency

There’s never been a better time to start an SEO business. In this day and age, SEO is all but essential to businesses. It’s crucial.

How to launch a writing business

Starting your own writing business is easier than ever, but making it work as a full-time gig is still challenging. Here’s how to start a writing business.

Distribution

How to start a freight business

Freight is big business. The transportation of goods across the world is the keystone of modern society.

eCommerce and retail

How to start an Amazon FBA business

When you research different online business opportunities, one of the first suggestions you’ll find is selling through Amazon FBA. It’s been a popular choice for entrepreneurs.

How to start a dropshipping business

eCommerce has become a major business, so it’s no surprise you’re considering joining the 7.9 million businesses that sell products online.

How to start an eBay business

Interested in learning how to start an eBay business? Our guide will help you get started and walk you through the process.

How to start an Etsy shop

Wondering how to start an Etsy shop? We spoke to Etsy sellers and did the research, so you can put your best foot forward.

Should you use Etsy or build your own eCommerce website?

Word is on the street that you’re a talented crafter. After years of ignoring the pleas of friends and family, you’re ready to venture into the world of selling your crafts.

How to start an online business

Want to start an online business but aren’t sure where to start? Read on for our 5 step process to starting a successful online business.

Questions to ask before launching an online store

The one thing that many entrepreneurs have learned over the years is that an online business is only as good as its digital storefront.

How to start a SaaS business

SaaS continues to be the modern gold rush for entrepreneurs, but how can you compete? Read on to learn how to successfully start a SaaS business in 2020.

How to optimize SaaS development costs

Starting a SaaS company can be expensive, especially if you don’t focus on optimizing development costs. Here are 8 ways to do just that.

Risks of starting a subscription business

When I started in the financial services industry in 2003, getting to meetings when I was on the road was pretty straightforward—I took a cab.

How to plan and budget for an eCommerce website

When starting an eCommerce business, you need to plan out your site and accurately budget your startup costs. Read on to set yourself up for success.

eCommerce shipping and fulfillment costs explained

Estimating eCommerce shipping and fulfillment costs is a difficult but necessary step for success. Read on to find out how to calculate your startup costs.

How to start an online boutique

Wondering how to start a boutique? Our guide will walk you through the process, from planning to branding and more.

How to start a clothing company

Wondering how to start a clothing company? Whether you dream of opening up a retail shop, an online store, or designing clothes, you’ll find the necessary information here.

How to start an online clothing business

Want to start your own clothing line? Here’s a checklist of must-do tasks that will help you prepare, starting right at the very beginning.

How to start a car dealership

Opening a car dealership requires careful planning. Aspiring dealers must consider the specific legal requirements to open a dealership in their state. Here’s how to get started.

Food and beverage

How to start a restaurant

Thinking about starting your own restaurant? We asked successful restaurant owners to offer their tips.

Restaurant technology to invest in before opening

If you’re planning on opening a restaurant, don’t make the mistake of going low-tech. These must-have tools will make running your restaurant easier.

How to start a bakery

Are you a baker who is ready to start a bakery business? This guide will give you all the information you need to know.

How to start a food pantry

Wondering how to start a food pantry in your community? Check out these tips from nonprofit experts.

How to start a brewery

Want to learn how to start a brewery? This guide will tell you everything you need to know, from planning to licensing and more.

How to start a catering business

Wondering how to start a catering business? This step-by-step guide will help you get started as a caterer.

How to start a food truck

Have you been wondering how to start a food truck? Learn the ins and outs of starting a food truck business.

Restaurant or food truck? Which is better

With the rising popularity of food trucks comes a hard choice for would-be food service entrepreneurs: Is it better to start a restaurant or a food truck? Here are the considerations for each.

Tips for opening a successful coffee shop

Thinking about opening a coffee shop? Our complete guide will help you get up and running, including advice from successful coffee shop owners.

How to start a drive-thru coffee shop

Starting a drive-thru coffee shop seems like an easy win, but it requires proper planning and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it.

Should you serve fair trade coffee?

Let’s explore what it means for small businesses considering buying and serving fair trade certified coffee, or finding ethically sourced coffee in general.

Fitness and beauty

How to start a gym or fitness center

Starting a gym or fitness center is not easy, but it can be extremely rewarding if you’re willing to put in the hard work.

How to start a boutique fitness business

Specialized, boutique fitness studios are growing in popularity. Here’s how to start a boutique fitness business.

How to open a hair salon

Planning to open a hair salon? Here’s what you’ll need to do to get started—plus tips from two successful salon owners.

How to start a luxury day spa

Wondering how to start a day spa? If this is your dream, now may be the perfect time to get started.

Medical and health

How to start a home healthcare business

Do you find yourself driven by both entrepreneurial and humanitarian interests? Is it important to you to build a business you can be proud of?

How to start a dental practice

If your future career is in dentistry, you’re in luck—there are a growing number of opportunities for dentists. To learn about starting a dental practice, read on.

How to start a non-emergency medical transport business

The demand for safe and reliable public transportation for people with medical issues and disabilities, particularly in rural communities, continues to grow. If you’re thinking about starting a non-emergency medical transportation business, …

What to address before starting an assisted living home

Starting an assisted living business can be incredibly lucrative and fulfilling. However, it can also be risky. Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid.

How to develop a mobile healthcare app

The market for healthcare apps is growing rapidly. Interested in starting a business in this space? Here’s how to create a healthcare app.

How to open a marijuana dispensary

If hard work, upfront cash, and bureaucratic red tape don’t deter you, opening a dispensary is an opportunity to be an industry pioneer.

Mobile app development

What to expect when developing an app

Interested in starting a business based around a mobile app? Learn what’s trending and how to develop your own mobile application.

Can you create a great app without a tech background?

I can’t count the number of times I’ve wished that, as the famous iPhone commercial memorably stated, there was an "app…"

How to learn to program and launch with no experience

If you’ve ever tried to start a software company or build a mobile app, you’ve probably come across these options for…

Real estate

How to start a real estate business

Wondering how to start a real estate business? If you’re organized, ambitious, goal-oriented, and personable, real estate could be the career for you.

Resources to successfully start a real estate agency

Setting aside time to find valuable resources can be difficult. We’ve collated the sites, tools, and blogs that come highly…

How to start a bed and breakfast

Have you always dreamed of starting a bed and breakfast? Here is the step-by-step information you need to know.

Should you buy a hotel?

Buying a hotel is no small feat. It’s a competitive venture that offers little room for mediocrity, but it can pay out to anyone willing to do the work.

Transportation and travel

How to become a travel agent

If you love travel and enjoy the planning process, you might consider starting a travel business and becoming a travel agent.

Andrew Brooks

Hello!

I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.

My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.

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