10 Businesses You Can Start in 2017 If You Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit

With 2017 now well under way, the economy is already showing signs of new life, and those possessing a sharp eye for new opportunities and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial creativity and courage will be quick to take advantage of the new life that may soon be infused into the marketplace.

But the reality is that most business men and women have only limited financial resources to devote to a chosen entrepreneurial pursuit, and thus when so many opportunities are all knocking at once, an ability to discern the best among them is as crucial as entrepreneurialism itself.

Below, we offer some helpful suggestions on 10 of the most practical and most in-demand business types to consider starting up in 2017:

1. Baked Goods Supplier

Making and selling baked goods wholesale to local restaurants, to other bakeries, or to various retail outlets is an easy business to "get your foot in the door" on. If you have a talent and a love for baking, you can likely find retailers willing to buy your products and thereby bolster their own levels of customer satisfaction. Some research into local regulations and basic food prep knowledge will be necessary to keep your baked goods business legal and sanitary.

1. Sub Franchise Owner

With the emphasis today, and especially among Millennials (now the largest consumer group), on eating out while still eating healthy, opening a sub franchise is an entrepreneurial act that is entering its "hey day." When subs are built from high-quality, fully fresh, and abundant ingredients—and when sandwiches are customized to each customer's particular preferences, drawing on a wide range of delicious options—you can effectively compete with less healthy "fast food" chains for customers' loyalty and patronage. 

1. Clothing Alteration Business

A large market exists for affordably altering all manner of articles of clothing for a more perfect fit. The reason may be the difficulty of finding rare sizes for sale in local stores (sizes either plus or slim beyond what is ordinarily kept in stock); or, it could simply be the desire to "salvage" misfit clothes already on hand and thus save on expenses. Even basic knowledge of tailoring and minimal equipment are enough to get you started in this line of work.

1. Embroidery Franchise

This is another business type that is great to take on as a franchisee so you can connect to an existing B2B web of clients and take advantage of the most high-tech equipment and most advanced methods. Custom-embroidered items are a key way to advertise and create customer loyalty as well as a way for colleges and schools to maintain "team spirit." 

1. Car Wash and Detailing

With a good location, little preexisting skill, and minimal equipment, it is possible to start up a local car wash. With a more substantial investment, a fully automated wash can be established; and with a little more skill, detailing jobs can be added to your establishment's repertoire. Once you gain a reputation for thoroughly, safely, and speedily transforming weather-worn vehicles into sparkling objects of their owners' pride, your customer base will be stable and growing.

1. Commercial and Residential Cleaning

Cleaning businesses require you to stockpile only basic cleaning supplies, though they ought to be of the highest quality to maximally impress and retain your clients. Almost all businesses can use cleaning services, and many homeowners don't have time to clean their own homes themselves. 

1. Pool Cleaning Services

Another business type that is easy to start up on your own or with only one or two partners is one providing pool cleaning services. Anyone willing to expend a little "elbow grease" and learn a bit about pool chemicals and filtration devices can quickly step into a pool cleaning business. 

1. Day Care Unit

With today's busy lifestyles and so many households with both parents working, finding a trustworthy daycare center is a major priority for many. To get started: provide a safe environment and obtain adequate insurance coverage.

1. Lawn Mowing Service

Even in 2017, the old-fashioned neighborhood lawn mowing business is still viable. A lawnmower, a vehicle, and a willingness to work and build a customer network are all that are necessary.

1. Recycling Service

While some forms of recycling require large facilities and junkyards and a lot of specialized equipment, others do not. If you have the know-how to recycle items like used computers, for example, you can likely pick up your "materials" for a fee and then sell the dismantled parts for a further profit.