What are some of the most lucrative small business ideas in South Africa ?
People no longer want to retire at 60 and spend the rest of their lives solely depending on pensions.
Find out below reliable jobs aggressive wealth hunters use to generate wealth in South Africa in the 21st century.
Small business ideas in South Africa. Photo: unsplash.com, @freegraphictoday (modified by author)Source: UGC
People have become more creative and turned simple ideas into income sources.
Some ideas require minimal investment capital to initiate.
Read on to discover various small business ideas in South Africa that you should consider.
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There are hundreds of suitable alternatives to choose from in the present-day world.
The list below will help you make an informed decision about your entrepreneurial prospects.
Virtual assistance
Virtual assistant positions are untappedbusiness opportunitiesin South Africa.
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Providing professionalvirtual assistant servicesonline or offline is a well-paying opportunity for individuals with unique skills in a particular area.
Hairdressing
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The world of beauty and cosmetology is ever-growing, andhairdressing servicesare a fantastic business opportunity.
Small business ideas from home. Photo: unsplash.com, @kristaSource: UGC
Today, men and women are more conscious about physical appearance, andhair groominghas become crucial.
Before starting this venture, check the legal requirements in the country and adhere to them to avoid closure.
Professional make-up
Do you enjoy doing make-up and wonder how to start a business in the beauty industry?
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Professionalmake-up artistsearn big money from offering their services, and so can you.
It is important to enrol on make-up classes to hone your skills.
Owners of untrained pets risk paying heavy damages if they hurt someone or destroy property.
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These services prevent such incidences.
Interior designing
Interior designers match and coordinate colour schemes in homes, offices, and other spaces.
Today, many South Africans desire comfort and luxury in their homes and businesses.
Small business ideas at home. Photo: unsplash.com, @firmbeeSource: UGC
Therefore, they work withinterior designersto make spaces beautiful.
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Electronics repair
Repairing electronics is a well-paying service that feeds several South Africans.
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These devices are prone to damage, meaning thatelectronics repairservices are in demand throughout the year.
These services are always in demand because some students need one-on-one attention.
Many people in South Africa study foreign languages or needtutoring expertsin their subjects of interest.
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Gardening and lawn care
Gardening andlawn mowing servicesare highly rewarding businesses that run throughout the year.
The business is dynamic and suitable for rural and urban setups, storing the equipment occupying little space.
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Small profitable business ideas. Photo: unsplash.com, @nicotittoSource: UGC
Social media management
Social media has changed how we interact and engage in commercial activities.
Almost every South African is on social media.
Corporates and medium-sized firms now require managers for their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp accounts.
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Being asocial media manageris one of the low-cost business ideas with high profit.
To manage social media accounts, you need some training.
you’ve got the option to complete professional courses offered by Google and other affiliates.
Small business ideas in South Africa. Photo: unsplash.com, @saileyasSource: UGC
Marketing agency
The high entrepreneurial competition in the present-day business world calls for well-deliberated marketing techniques.
you could run a digital marketing agency if you could help organizations market theirservices or products.
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Chatbot development
A chatbot is a computer program that simulates and processes human conversation.
Many South African businesses have websites.
Therefore, they need to engage customers through instant messaging platforms or chatboxes.
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If you enjoy computer-based activities and have the knowledge and skills needed, you candevelop chatboxesfor various businesses.
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing entails promoting company services and products at a commission.
you could do this by enrolling for affiliate marketing positions in online retailer companies such as e-bay and Amazon.
Small business ideas from home. Photo: unsplash.com, @ibrahimboranSource: UGC
You should have a website or blog with a ready audience to use anaffiliate marketingprogram.
You will be given a link redirecting your audience to the products you endorse or promote.
Any purchase made by your viewers or readers will earn you a commission.
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Graphic designers create and customise websites for corporates and other businesses.
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Grocery delivery services
Offeringgrocery delivery servicesis one of the best business ideas today.
Many South African city neighbourhoods are made of working-class people who barely have time to go to the market.
Therefore, grocery shopping services help them get fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables weekly.
Small business ideas at home. Photo: unsplash.com, @patuphotosSource: UGC
If you enjoycreating videosabout a specific topic, for example, lifestyle, you canstart a YouTubechannel.
Blogging
Blogging involves writing regularly for an online journal or website.
It is a fantastic idea for people who enjoy writing.
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Once you gain a significant audience, you canmonetise your contentthrough Google Adsense or paid adverts.
Meal planning
In modern-day South Africa, people are more conscious abouthealthy eatingand mitigating lifestyle-related conditions and diseases.
Therefore, trained nutritionists and dieticians are in demand.
Small profitable business ideas. Photo: unsplash.com, @linkedinsalesnavigatorSource: UGC
Tax consultancy
Every year, companies and businesses must file their tax returns.
Instead, people prefer the convenience ofhiring catering services.
Starting a catering business is ideal for people whoenjoy cookingand can preparefoodfor small and large events.
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Gym
Physical fitness and health are a growing concern, especially in towns and cities in South Africa.
You canstart a gymwhere people can come and exercise under the guidance of people trained in sports science.
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Laundry services
you’re able to set up alaundry martin South Africa and make big money.
Beware that you will need capital to purchase the requirements for the business.
Babysitting services
Many parents need responsible and reliable caregivers for their children when away from the house.
Small business ideas in South Africa. Photo: unsplash.com, @rockstaarSource: UGC
Offeringbabysitting servicesis a fantastic idea for college students over the weekend.
Nanny agency
Most modern households require nannies to do household chores and look after children.
If you are passionate about this niche, you’re able to start ananny agency.
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The agency can train nannies on how to do their duties professionally.
Once fully trained, you’re free to assign them to different households under defined terms and conditions.
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Caregiving services for the sick and elderly
Caregiving services guarantee good short and long-term returns.
Start by pursuing professional training and other certification programmes before establishing anold-age homein South Africa.
Caring for thesick or elderlyis not an easy job, so you must be passionate about it.
Small business ideas from home. Photo: unsplash.com, @yomex4lifeSource: UGC
Event planning
Events planning requires a hands-on approach and can be executed remotely.
It is crucial to engage clients individually to understand what they need for this venture to succeed.
Once you deliver impressive results, they will recommend yourevent planning servicesto their peers and colleagues.
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Editing services
you’re free to start anediting businessat home and turn it into a lucrative business.
This is one of the appropriatesmall business ideasfor rural areas in South Africa.
However, you must have a stable internet connection to do it.
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Vertical gardening
A significant percentage of South Africans know the importance of eating healthily.
As a result, they have shifted towards organically grown crops.
Small business ideas at home. Photo: unsplash.com, @soundtrapSource: UGC
The shift has led to an increase invertical gardensin many homes, especially on balconies.
you’re able to become a vertical garden consultant and help people create space-optimised gardens.
Bartering and selling
Almost every household you visit in South Africa has something no longer needed.
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Pet grooming
Indoor pets have become increasingly common in modern households.
These pets need regular nail-clipping, fur-trimming, and other hygienic care services.
You canstart a businessthat offerspet grooming services.
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Moving services
Moving from one house to another is a daily occurrence.
Unfortunately, people experience losses due to breakages and lost items while moving.
Small profitable business ideas Photo: unsplash.com, @introspectivedsgnSource: UGC
you’re free to solve this challenge by offeringprofessional moving servicesthat handle all items with the delicacy needed.
Photography
The niche is suitable forprofessional photographerswho deliver clean camera work.
you’ve got the option to launch an online photo-selling venture with a camera and a computer.
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You will be required to take many high-quality photos and place them for sale to potential clients.
Translator services
This is a fantastic idea if you are proficient in an on-demand language.
You do not need any form of investment to begin this venture.
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All you have to do is to source for clients online or locally andtranslate thingsfrom one language to another.
Usually, firms require information about their products, services, or customer needs.
They gather this information through surveys which are short and straightforward.
Small business ideas in South Africa Photo: pexels.com, @Andrea PiacquadioSource: UGC
For this venture to yield good results, you must sign up for various reliablesurvey job sites.
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Property management
People who own multiple buildings or properties sometimes need help managing them.
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you’re free to come to their rescue by providingproperty management servicesat a fee.
Your duties include finding new tenants, screening them, handling complaints, collecting rent, and property maintenance.
Currency trading
About a decade ago, it was believed thatcurrency tradingwas reserved for business tycoons.
Small business ideas from home. Photo: unsplash.com, @jasmin_sesslerSource: UGC
However, that has changed, and anyone can become acurrency trader.
Besides these skills, you will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone to doforex trading.
Computer training
Many young people and seniors are interested in acquiring technological skills.
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Competent young people also provide a broad market for upcoming technologies.
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Direct sales representative
Unlike traditional door-to-door sales, becoming adirect sales representativeis now luxurious and well-paying.
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To secure this position, identify a successful brand and apply for the job.
Therefore, you canestablish a businessthat does pickups and drops to interested clients.
If you are passionate about improving people’s welfare, you might become alife coach.
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For this venture to be successful, you must have the required training and people-handling skills.
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Small business ideas at home. Photo: unsplash.com, @towfiqu9999Source: UGC
Most parents are busy working during the day, making it harder for them to attend to their children.
Opening a daycare in your neighbourhood will attract parents looking for these services.
Ensure you have a secure space to host the minors and offer appropriate care to all children.
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Tour guide
Tour guiding is ideal for lovers of nature and the outdoors.
In this job, you charge people to guide them as they visit various sites.
Storage units
Some people have household or office goods that cannot fit in their homes or workspaces.
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They keep extra items instorage unitsuntil they get space in their homes, find buyers, or donate them.
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Massage therapy
Massages have become increasingly common to relax, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
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You should get the requisite training and licensing to become amassage therapist.
Travel planner
Planning a trip with friends or loved ones is one of the most stressful tasks.
Many people avoid this stress by hittingprofessional travel planners.
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)Source: Original
A planner makes reservations, books flights, and organises transport.
you could become atravel plannerby performing these duties without overlooking or messing things up.
Financial advisory services
Financial organisation and management are vital for all businesses and individuals.
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you’re free to become afinancial advisorif you have a certified financial planner certificate.
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47.
Freelance content creating
Numerous website and online magazine owners globally require content creators.
As acontent creator, you write articles or blogs in various niches.
DJ
People naturally enjoy good music, and the South African entertainment scene is ever-growing.
If you enjoy entertaining people through a good music selection, considerbecoming a DJ.
There are many DJ-ing schools you’re able to enrol in to hone your skills.
This business entails renting premises, installing shelves, and renting them out to multiple people.
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App development
You candevelop an appthat solves social problems if you are a gifted programmer.
Plumbing services
Did you know millions of South Africans require minorplumbing repairsdaily?
Plumbers are in high demand with the rise of buildings, especially rentals.
Before starting this venture, you should enrol in a college or school to get the relevant training.
The training and skills will help you trigger the drainage and water system smoothly.
Selling coffee and snacks, for example, will offer people a quick on-the-go meal.
you’re able to advance this venture by acquiring a food truck.
Always ensure you offer quality food and maintain hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
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Taxi or personal driver services
you might work as a personal ortaxi driverif you have a good driving record.
you’ve got the option to also lease your vehicle to reputabletaxi serviceproviders such as Uber.
This venture is ideal for people living in urban areas.
Personal fitness trainer
Suppose you love fitness but have yet to start a gym.
you’re free to have multiple clients in a day.
You need basic journalism and mass communication knowledge to do this job effectively.
The work entails generating news content for distribution over the internet.
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E-commerce website
Did you know that large e-commerce sites like Amazon were once small businesses?
it’s possible for you to also start anonline marketplaceand watch it grow over time.
This venture will involve creating a website with an attractive name and linking buyers and sellers for business.
Professional video production
Videography has become a lucrative venture for some people.
Many YouTube celebrities hireprofessional videographersto edit and upload content on YouTube or other online spaces.
A professional videographer can have several clients and help them upload high-quality videos on their selected platforms.
Call centre representative
Call centre representatives are needed in all industries or firms that value customer relations.
With a working phone line and computer, you canstart this business.
You will receive calls from clients on behalf of a company.
Bakery
If you enjoybaking at home, you could turn your passion into a business.
Numerous South Africans love assorted baked goods such as pies and cakes.
You will always have customers if you make quality products at competitive prices.
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Resume writer
Writing aproper resumeis a task that many people find daunting.
you could refine and use your -writing skillsand help people at a fee.
It is crucial to set reasonable rates to help maintain your clients and attract new ones.
Awebsite flippingventure requires minimal investment capital and can be established at home.
However, you must have the necessary coding and bargaining skills.
Car wash
More South African households have personal vehicles for convenience.
Starting acar wash businessis fantastic, especially in Kasis or estates.
People can pop in and have theircarscleaned at their convenience during your stipulated working hours.
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Online classes
More people aretaking online courses.
These can either be academic or professional.
you’ve got the option to also package a course and sell it online.
Aroad managerworks with small to mid-sized music bands, radio stations, or other companies.
They ensure all the details are organised and on schedule.
Towing services
It is common to see a vehicle stalling on the road due to an accident or malfunction.
Such cars cause unnecessary traffic jams.
This problem can be resolved bytowing services.
Many young people enjoy watching movies but do not always have the money to go to big movie theatres.
you could create an affordable alternative for them.
Coffee shop
Coffee shops offer convenience to urban dwellers.
This business idea is ideal for places with many working-class people.
They can grabtheir coffeeor other beverage without strain.
Where possible, you’ve got the option to deliver their orders to their offices or workstations.
it’s possible for you to market your pieces on social media to attract more buyers.
Creative people can collect specific types of waste andrecycle them.
Besides earning them money, this business will reduce pollution.
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Like any other manmade equipment, bicycles are prone to wear and tear.
Digital media conversion
Technological advancements normally come with new features and gadgets.
Tech-savvy people can make money bytransferring informationstored in outdated technologies to new formats for easy retrieval.
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75.
Online custom tailoring
Can you sew quality and fashionable clothes?
People are increasingly becoming aware of their looks and the quality of fabrics.
it’s possible for you to brand yourself as acustom tailorand deliver your products to clients via courier services.
You should perfect your sewing and design skills for this business to succeed.
You must also listen to customers' needs and deliver as agreed.
Sustainability consultancy
Green technology is pushing many businesses into safer and more secure practices.
You must have the necessary training and skills tostart the consultancy.
Internet security consultancy
Are you a computer wizard with a speciality in security patches?
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Product reviewer/ tester
Many startups and established brands are hunting for people to review and recommend their products.
However, this venture requires a significant capital investment.
This idea is fantastic because you might train online or in person.
you’re free to also have multiple clients, as each only demands a few hours a week.
What makes a good small business idea?
This can help ensure that there is a steady stream of customers or clients to support your business.
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We hope the list above helps you decide on the most feasible option.
DISCLAIMER:This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances.
Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
These jobs range from freelance writing and graphic design to virtual bookkeeping and customer service.
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah TabaliaJedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry.
She has a BSc.
She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
it’s possible for you to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
