10 Profitable Family Business Ideas to Start Right Now

Looking for family business ideas that you and your loved ones can do together? In this article, we’ll cover some ideas for starting your own family business!

Did you know that 90 percent of American businesses are family-owned?

Family businesses are an important part of today’s economy. Having a family business can provide a rewarding career path and source of income while splitting costs, responsibilities, and profits among each member.

Let’s start by going over the benefits of a family-owned business, then cover some small business ideas for families that might work for you!

Best Family Businesses To Start

See if any of these family business opportunities appeal to your loved ones.

1. Lawn Care Business

Are you handy with a mower and a trimmer?

Do you have family members who love to work outdoors and could help with lawn maintenance or snow removal?

Lawn care may be a side hustle or a business opportunity for those who love to work outdoors and is a great way to help people who cannot do the work themselves.

Lawn and yard maintenance also usually needs to be done frequently, so by doing good work you can amass a regular clientele who re-hire you often.

2. Family Farm

Got a green thumb and not afraid of hard work? If so, growing your own food and selling it for a profit could be a family business idea for you.

Whether you have a small area and start with container gardens, or you have acres of land that you could till and plant, farming can be a family business that everyone can be involved in.

Start small and sell your goods at a farmer’s market and then scale up your business as you have continued success.

Check out: 7 Cheapest States To Buy Farmland

3. Cleaning Business

Love to clean and looking for a way to help people?

A cleaning business can help busy individuals, businesses, and families keep their spaces under control. And it can also be a great family business for your family to make money with no experience.

Supplies needed to start a cleaning business require minimal investment and has few expenses other than labor. By working together with family members, you can split the work as well as the profits.

To get started, build up some references by doing complimentary or reduced-rate work for friends and associates.

Then create some business cards and social media pages to start spreading the word about your services. It can also help to join community Facebook groups for your area, since many individuals often inquire there about various services that are available.

4. Photography Business

Do you love to take photos and have great photography equipment?

If so, starting a photography business could be a profitable side hustle. If you’re great at taking photos and dealing with people, this can easily be a hobby that can grow to a full-time family business.

Start by gathering a small portfolio of your work by taking photos of family and friends. Once you have great samples of your work, create a business Facebook page, Instagram account and other social media pages to grow you customer base.

Many families are looking for senior photos, business photos or even family photo “mini” sessions that can help them celebrate certain seasons or milestones.

One family member can take the images, one can set up appointments, another can edit images, and another can do marketing and customer service. It can be a fun business venture to get everyone involved!

5. Car Wash

While this passive income opportunity does require an investment in property and equipment that can go north of six figures, a car wash business is a growth opportunity that is in demand.

Family members can help out with the different aspects of operations.

As the business continues to grow, you can think about delegating management of additional locations.

6. Family Bakery

Does your family love to cook and bake? Baked goods are a popular commodity, and many potential customers are seeking quality places to order items online for special occasions and daily consumption.

Get started baking from home and making orders for family and friends, and then as your portfolio and reputation grows, consider selling your baked goods at markets or fairs. You can also promote your items online and on social media to generate sales until you’re able to afford a storefront location.

Some areas may have certain guidelines about sales of baked goods and those produced at home. It is wise to check the laws and requirements for your area.

7. House Flipping Business

Do you or a family member have great construction skills? If you know how to paint, rebuild and remodel, and have some money to make an investment, flipping houses can have a profitable reward.

Many families pitch in money to buy the homes, complete the work together, and then reinvest some of the profits for their next projects. This can also offer an avenue to explore your creativity and gain skills as a family.

8. Open an online store

Starting an online store can be a great way for a family to work together, share responsibilities, and leverage their different skills. Don’t know where to start?

Don’t worry, we have guides on how to start selling on eBay, how to start an Amazon private label business and even what are the best-selling items on Etsy if you are more interested in handmade items.

Fulfillment and shipping can be a bit tricky when selling on eBay and Etsy, but if you pick Amazon you can leverage their FBA program to help you out.

9. Bed and Breakfast Inn

Does your family have a spacious home or property and a knack for hospitality? A Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Inn might be the perfect venture for you. B&Bs offer travelers a cozy, home-like environment, often with personalized touches that big hotel chains can’t match.

Start by designating a few rooms in your home for guests. Ensure they’re comfortable, clean, and have all the necessary amenities. Your family can take turns managing bookings, preparing rooms, and cooking breakfast. The charm of a B&B often lies in its homemade breakfasts, so showcase your family’s culinary skills with a delightful morning spread.

As your B&B gains popularity, consider expanding or even offering themed rooms or packages for special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons.

Promote your B&B through local tourism boards, online platforms, and social media. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews, as word of mouth can be a powerful tool in the hospitality industry.

Family Daycare or Childcare Center

Do you and your family have a genuine affection for children and a space that can be transformed into a haven for little ones? A Family Daycare or Childcare Center might be the ideal venture for you.

Whether you have a dedicated room in your home or a separate facility, you can start by creating a safe, stimulating environment for children. Fill the space with educational toys, books, and craft supplies. Your family can take on various roles, from managing daily activities to handling administrative tasks.

As your daycare gains traction, consider introducing specialized programs like music lessons, art classes, or even language immersion sessions. This not only adds value to your services but also sets you apart from other childcare providers.

Promote your daycare in local communities, schools, and online platforms. Hosting open houses or parent workshops can also help in building trust and showcasing your facility’s offerings.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Into a Family Business?

You stand to benefit in numerous ways by getting into a family business.

There are multiple options to choose from, and they all offer impressive returns.

Here are some of the benefits you stand to enjoy when you get into a family business compared to going at it alone. 

1. A Strong Support Base

In many cases, family offers you a steady support base. They are sure to stick with you throughout the business startup and growth process.

As long as you have a good relationship, you can also communicate with your family better and more freely than you can with any other people.

This ensures that your business is run with honesty and understanding and will help your business grow. 

2. Expert Assistance and Financial Backing

One of the benefits of going into business with family is that you may be able to split the expenses, especially as you’re getting started. This can reduce the start-up costs for each individual.

By splitting the expenses, it also makes it more affordable for everyone involved. If one of the family members involved in the business has a larger income, they may be able to financially back the business while other members of the family contribute more of the labor. This can give you a head start, especially in those early days of growth.

If you have family members with different strengths and specialties, you can divide the labor so everyone is doing what they’re best at!

Now, here are some of the businesses you could get into with your family. 

Finding the Right Family Business Idea for You

If you’re looking to start a business that your whole family can participate in, there are lots of options depending on your interests. While some business opportunities require select skills or an investment, others can be started with minimal cost.

Starting a family business offers a great growth opportunity.

There are many business opportunities to venture into, and many are bound to become successful. This can be a great opportunity to create a financial future for your family and to make your own careers that can be done together.

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