Starting a business that’s suitable for beginners can be easier said than done. Beyond aligning with your passion and skills, choosing the right business also requires careful consideration—it shouldn’t just be about following trends.
In fact, there are many business ideas you can pursue, whether with a small or large capital. What matters is that you approach it seriously and manage the business effectively.
For beginners looking to start a business in 2025, read this article to the end to discover the best ideas.
15 Promising Business Ideas for Beginners
Here are some business ideas suitable for beginners that offer promising opportunities.
1. Dropshipping
For those who don’t have space to store inventory, dropshipping is an ideal business option, as it allows you to sell products without holding any stock.
You only need to focus on marketing and sales, while the supplier handles the rest. With the right strategy, you can earn significant profits from the margin between the purchase price and the selling price.
Nowadays, many online stores offer dropshipping services.
2. Content Creator
You can become a content creator by writing blogs or producing videos and podcasts. The key requirements are a creative idea and the courage to share it with the world.
Earnings as a content creator come from various sources, including ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Just make sure your content remains authentic and high-quality to engage both your audience and business partners.
3. Affiliate Marketing
With affiliate marketing, you can earn money by promoting other people’s products and earning a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link. It’s like recommending a product to a friend—but you get paid for it!
However, the amount of profit you earn depends on how much effort you put into marketing the products. The more traffic you drive to your affiliate links, the higher your earning potential.
The advantage of this business, making it suitable for beginners, is that it doesn’t require a large initial investment. All you need to get started is a device and an internet connection.
4. Proxy Shopping Service
Proxy shopping, or “jastip,” is a business that turns your shopping trips into a service to help others get the items they want. From hard-to-find cosmetics to local specialty snacks, you can become a provider of happiness for those seeking unique products.
The profit from a proxy shopping service comes from the service fee you set. Factors such as the exclusivity of the item, the distance traveled, and the difficulty of obtaining it determine the added value of your service. The more unique the items you offer, the higher your potential earnings.
5. Selling Snacks
Selling snacks is a business that always has a place in people’s hearts, especially in busy urban areas of Indonesia. From cassava chips to cookies, every snack is an opportunity to delight your customers.
Consider selling cassava chips, mini martabak, fried snacks, toasted bread, dim sum, takoyaki, and mini steamed buns, all of which are very popular in major Indonesian cities. Don’t forget to innovate with flavors to keep your customers engaged!
6. Home-Based Bakery
If you enjoy baking, you can turn your hobby into a home-based business—a fun way to earn money while doing what you love.
This business idea is perfect for beginners because, essentially, you’re doing what you’re already familiar with. The key now is to start experimenting with flavors and designs so your baked goods can cater to special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, or family and office events.
Start by marketing your bakery to your extended family, friends, and neighbors. Don’t forget to also build a social media presence by actively posting photos and videos of your custom-made baked goods.
7. Coffee Stall or Coffee Shop
Opening a coffee stall or coffee shop at home is an easy way to start a business. Your spot can become a popular gathering place, as long as it’s comfortable and serves high-quality, enjoyable coffee.
Initial capital includes rent, purchasing raw materials, and coffee-making equipment. Remember, customer experience is a priority, so make sure to create a warm and welcoming space.
8. Grocery Stall (Warung Sembako)
A grocery stall is a timeless business, always in demand because it provides daily essentials. From rice to sugar, every product you offer helps meet the basic needs of families.
The profit margin per item may not be very high, but high sales volume can generate a substantial overall profit. Effective inventory management and choosing a strategic location will greatly influence your success.
You can rent a space or even set it up in an unused area of your home, such as a garage or yard.
Also read: Creative Business Examples 2024, Perfect for Millennials and Gen Z!
9. Laundry by the Kilo
In today’s fast-paced era, laundry by the kilo has become a lifesaver for many who don’t have time to do their own laundry. Offering laundry services charged by weight allows you to provide a convenient solution at an affordable price.
The profit from a laundry-by-the-kilo business depends on the volume of laundry you process each day. The more customers use your service, the higher your revenue. The key to success lies in service quality and quick delivery.
10. Secondhand Store or Thrift Shop
With the economy not doing so well, many people are turning to secondhand goods when looking to buy new items.
Not just clothing—other complementary items can also be sold in this business, ranging from watches, bags, shoes, books, jewelry/accessories, to household products.
You can start by selling your personal collection that’s no longer used but still in good condition—or even items that have never been used.
Then, to expand your inventory, you can visit secondhand stores or even offer to sell items on behalf of others.
You can market these secondhand items on social media, e-commerce platforms, or even by creating your own website.
11. Hampers
Creating gift hampers for major occasions like Eid and Christmas offers an opportunity to get creative with a variety of items. From gourmet foods to handcrafted goods, hampers provide an elegant way to convey greetings and gratitude.
The earning potential of a gift hamper business largely depends on your ability to design and market appealing packages. Uniqueness, product quality, and promotional product photos are key factors that can increase their selling value.
12. Freshwater Fish Farming
Freshwater fish farming is a golden opportunity for those interested in aquatic life. From catfish to gourami, each type of fish you choose to cultivate has its own market potential. It’s about combining a hobby with a business opportunity.
The earning potential from freshwater fish farming is quite attractive, especially if you manage to raise high-quality fish in large quantities. Your success depends on choosing the right species, proper cultivation techniques, and efficient sales strategies.
13. Chicken Farming Business
A chicken farming business can focus on meat or egg production, depending on your interests and target market. Both broilers and layers have stable market demand and can be a promising source of income.
The profit from a chicken farming business comes from selling meat and eggs. Efficient farm management and product quality are key to maximizing your earnings.
Also read: Business Planning: Definition, Objectives and Important Elements
14. Ornamental Plant Cultivation
Ornamental plant cultivation gives you the opportunity to create a small garden full of beauty. From charming succulents to graceful orchids, each plant has its own story to tell.
The income potential from ornamental plant cultivation is very promising, especially with the growing awareness of living space aesthetics. Your success in this field depends heavily on selecting the right species, proper plant care, and the ability to market the beauty you cultivate.
15. Franchise: A Business Suitable for Beginners
If you want to start a business but feel uncertain or afraid of failure or not being able to run it, buying a franchise from an already successful business can be a good option.
Because it uses a proven operational system, the risk of failure in a franchise business is lower. Moreover, when starting out, you’ll receive support from the franchise owner, including training, marketing assistance, and operational strategies to help run the business.
There are various types of franchises available, often with well-known brands, which makes it easier for the business to grow. Choose one that aligns with your interests or passion to stay motivated in running it.
