Start A Business? Here are the Top 25 Home Businesses

1. Tutoring. You can start a business tutoring students by advertising at schools, the local YMCA, and other places frequented by families. If you have children, talk to their teachers and determine the needs of your school district.
2. Business coaching. Have experience with management or some other specialized business skill? Share it with others by becoming a business coach. The  International Coach Federation provides certification and a coach referral service for its members.
3. Consulting. If you are an expert in your industry, such as finance, marketing, or mediation, consider beginning your own consulting business.
4. Medical and legal transcription. If you have transcription skills and the necessary equipment, you can easily work from home for a variety of different companies. Check local community colleges or online for transcription training courses.
5. Medical claims billing. This industry is one of the most popular work-from-home businesses, so much so that suspect companies have been popping up on the Internet and in classified advertisements.  ELearners.com can help you locate transcription training courses online.
6. Accounting. There are many franchises and opportunities available for certified public accountants. If you are interested in getting certified, take a look at the Web site of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for information on specific state requirements.
7. Web design. If you can design quality Web sites, consider turning your skills into a home-based business. Although the software and hardware costs can be steep, good Web designers tend to be well-compensated for their efforts.
8. Desktop publishing. Do you have a creative flair for putting together brochures and newsletters? You can offer your own desktop publishing services to other small businesses. Software can be expensive, so make sure to give applications a trial run or take a course before investing in one.
9. Photography. If you are skilled with a camera, you can open your own photography studio in your home. Keep in mind that you will need space to shoot the pictures as well as a light-free space for a darkroom if you decide to process your film and print your photographs yourself.
10. Home inspection. The  National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Web site provides information on becoming certified to inspect homes.
11. Remodeling. If you are a gifted carpenter or contractor, you can turn your passion into your own business. The  SBA provides loans to experienced contractors looking to renovate homes or businesses in order to sell them.
12. Interior design. If you have a flair for the creative, consider interior design. The American Society of Interior Designers Web site provides resources for aspiring interior designers, including a list of each state's requirements for licensing.
13. Catering or personal chef. Consider starting your own catering or personal chef business. You can set yourself apart from competitors by providing specialized services such as low-carb or vegetarian menus. (Be advised that catering requires a "food establishment" license and catering operations require a commercially equipped kitchen that meets all state and federal health requirements. Contact your local city or county health department for more information.)
14. Gift baskets. Gift basket creation is a popular and creative home-based business. Target both individuals and businesses to increase potential sales.
15. Wedding planner. If you are an ace at organizing important events and have a Rolodex full of contacts, consider becoming a wedding planner. There are numerous online certification courses online, including one from  Weddings Beautiful.
16. Personal shopper. If you are a great shopper with an eye for people's personal styles, you can offer your services to those less inclined. In addition, consider providing a gift shopping service for those too busy to shop themselves.
17. Concierge. If you have a lot of energy, a love for the mundane, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks, consider providing a personal concierge to busy business people or parents.
18. Custom jewelry creation. Designing your own custom design jewelry can be a lucrative pastime. Make sure to wear your own creations as a way to drum up business.
19. Computer repair. Are you the person everyone calls when they have a computer problem? Turn this into a business and start getting paid for fixing fatal errors. Check out Geeks on Call America and  Rescuecom if you are interested in franchise opportunities.
20. Cleaning service. If you are good at cleaning, consider offering your services to others.
21. Carpet cleaning service. There are many popular franchises that allow you to start your own carpet cleaning business and receive the equipment and training you need. ServiceMaster Clean and  ChemDry are two of the bigger ones.
22. A riding school. If you own your own barn, land, and horses, you can open your own riding school.  Equisearch.com offers resources, including some useful articles on liability issues.
23. Child-care services. Turn your expertise with children into one of the most popular home-based business opportunities.

Caveat Emptor: As always, you should do thorough research and homework into any home business or franchise opportunity you are considering. The first thing I always do is google the business with keywords like scam or fraud and you might be surprised at what you find. Also check your local state authorities and Better Business Bureaus.

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