4 Small Businesses You Can Start in the Spring

February 15, 2023 | Business Storage

Spring marks the beginning of a seasonal change to leave behind cold winter days and welcome warmer weather. As the days get longer and the sun gets brighter, it’s the ideal time to start something new. Small businesses range in size from one to fewer than 500 people, and there are almost 33 million small businesses in America, making them the backbone of our economy.

There are many reasons to start a small business, including gaining a sense of independence, finding a creative outlet, or just deciding you’d like to earn more money. Service-based businesses are easier to start because they typically require less capital investment—your inventory is your time and expertise.

So if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, here are some popular small businesses and ideas to help spark your creativity.

Spring Cleaning Company

Before starting a new business venture, ask yourself what you like to do. If you have the rare talent of keeping your house squeaky clean and organized, consider starting a Spring cleaning service.

Most people find cleaning their homes a challenge. It’s easy to get distracted; for some, it’s boring and repetitive. Here are some of the steps you’ll want to consider before becoming a professional house cleaner:

Research Your Local Market
Start Cleaning for Friends and Family
Invest in Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
Hone in on Your Specialty Cleaning Service
Set Your House Cleaning Fees
Get the Proper Business License
Invest in Marketing and Advertising

If cleaning houses seem too personal, but you still like the idea of providing this valuable service, businesses also need cleaning services. The advantage of starting a business cleaning service is that you can work after business hours, which would allow for the possibility of having a second job.

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Out of all the businesses that are ideal to start during Spring, dog walking requires the least amount of capital investment. It’s also the most straightforward, thanks to online platforms that immediately connect you with potential customers. You’ll notice there are fewer steps to becoming a pet sitter than most other types of small businesses.

Determine if Pet Sitting is the Right Job for You
Ask to Watch Pets for Family and Friends
Take Online Courses with the National Association of Pet Sitters
Consider Getting a Professional Pet Certification
Set Up a Profile with Rover

If you work from home, becoming a pet sitter could be your side hustle, and it’s easy to get started. Simply sign up with the reputable online marketplace for pet care, Rover. The website allows you to create a profile and earn money as an independent contractor.

Spring is also an excellent time to start a pet-sitting business as families begin to plan spring and summer vacations. Unless a pet weighs less than 20 pounds, it has to be kenneled in the cargo, and fewer airlines are offering this service.

Whether for cats, dogs, or both, establishing yourself as a loving, reliable pet-sitter will bring monetary benefits and joy into your life and those for whom you pet sit.

Open a Food Truck

One of the reasons the food truck movement has become so universal is the desire for delicious, high-quality fast food. Long gone are the days when the original food trucks brought lunch to construction workers in states across the country, which some say is the inspiration for today’s food truck craze,

It may be apparent that you’ll need to have culinary talent, but even so, you’ll need to dive deeper into whether a food truck is the right choice for you. Here are the initial steps you’ll want to consider:

Research Your Local Food Truck Scene
Choose a Food Truck Concept
Write a Business Plan
Get Funding
Get the Proper Licenses and Permits
Buy or Build a Food Truck
Purchase Equipment and Supplies
Invest in Marketing and Advertising

Food truck concepts are where you can let your creative, inner chef shine. From Mac n’ Cheese to Vegan Fare and Gourmet Hamburgers to Fried Fish Tacos, there is no limit to ideas for your food truck business.

Based on industry data, a well-run food truck can pull in $23,000 to over $100,000 per year. But remember, that range is influenced by everything from your talents as a chef, where you plan to locate your truck, your marketing strategy, and more.

Real Estate Staging Services

If your friends tell you you should become an interior designer, consider starting a professional staging service. Spring and summer are two of the busiest times for real estate agents because homeowners are putting their houses on the market in anticipation of moving during spring and summer breaks.

If you’re looking for inspiration to become a real estate stager, visit model homes and open houses where you live and in surrounding cities. Other tips and things to consider before starting your real estate staging business include:

Research the Local Housing Market
Find a Unique Name for Your Business
Choose a Specific Target Market
Decide on Your Fees
Create Client Contracts
Invest in Liability Insurance
Connect with Area Realtors
Find Discount Home Decor Suppliers
Invest in a Secure Storage Space

One of the best ways to build inventory for your staging business is to shop at discount home decor stores like TJ MAXX, Marshalls, or Home Goods. Another way to jumpstart your business is to partner with someone with your talent or if you have a friend or family member who is a realtor and can help refer business your way.

There is always a need for staging—realtors widely recommend professional staging services to their clients, believing that it helps sell homes faster and for more money in the right market.

In Summary

Don’t forget the basics when it comes to starting your new business venture. Branding and online strategies are for more than just big companies and larger home-based businesses. Small businesses can significantly benefit by building local audiences on their social media accounts, websites, and curated social media accounts. Combined with offline marketing, these all play critical roles in the success of small businesses.

There’sThere’s little arguing that starting a new business takes a lot of time and energy. Also, make sure to pay professional fees for developing contracts, becoming an LLC, or obtaining tax advice from the outset, and you’ll save yourself headaches in the future.

Business Storage with Metro Self Storage

Whether you need to make room in your home or temporarily store equipment to start your new business, you’ll find a flexible and friendly approach to help you here at Metro Self Storage. Our storage teams are professionally trained to help people just like you find affordable and convenient storage solutions.

Metro’s state-of-the-art storage facilities offer a wide selection of commercial storage units to meet the growing needs of today’s business owners. Our reliable and clean facilities are designed to protect your valuable inventory, equipment, business records, and more. Reserve your commercial storage unit online today!