The current pandemic has, undoubtedly, caused disruptions in commerce and the way of life of billions of people around the world. In the US, for example, COVID-19’s effects sent shockwaves across the demand supply, and financial realms of the commerce industry. Health-wise, the states of New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York were among the areas with staggering cases of COVID-19 infections and deaths back in April 2020 when the pandemic was at its peak.
With the threat of the virus still very much present, it’s important for would-be entrepreneurs to consider businesses that can be easily set up. This is to limit the number of face-to-face encounters with government business permits and licensing personnel, as well as make the business up and running to capitalize on the high demands for specific products and services.
Here are some of the quick-start business opportunities that you should explore:
Business franchise.
If you don’t want the hassle of a long learning curve and tedious legwork just to set up your business, franchising an established business is perfect for you. For example, you could consider some of the lawn care franchise opportunities out there to capture the population of homeowners who are doing property improvements while stuck at home. You could also franchise a food truck or a used car business as these are among the in-demand businesses these days.
No matter what type of business you eventually decide to franchise, you’re sure to enjoy the usual perks that a franchisee enjoys such as corporate support, brand recall, and a proven business model.
Online selling/reselling.
Whether you’re selling your own products or simply reselling products of other sellers, putting your products online is as easy as 1-2-3. With a big chunk of today’s buyers combing through online marketplaces and websites to find products that they need and want, it’s something that you should strongly consider.
You only need some great-looking photos of your products, their detailed descriptions, and a platform on which to post them. There are plenty of online channels that you could publish your products on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even YouTube.In less than a week or a matter of days, you can start your online business and begin earning serious money.
Delivery service.
This is one business that you don’t have to put in too much effort to kickstart. In fact, you only need a good driving record, a smooth-running vehicle, and a platform to advertise your delivery services.
You can start low and slow by accepting local deliveries from neighbors who need to send packages to someone living within a few miles. Gradually, you can expand into neighboring counties and states, hire delivery crew, and invest in additional vehicles. Just pace yourself and you’ll surely enjoy some success in this vital business option.
Online teaching.
Do you have an education degree or are you fluent in a foreign language like French or Mandarin? If so, then online teaching might be a small business for you.
Even before the pandemic, online teachers were already a sought-after bunch. From students who need help answering their homework to those that need to learn another language, you’ll never run out of potential students to teach.
For this, you’ll only need a stable internet connection, a computer with a web camera, noise-canceling headphones, and a well-lit and presentable room for your online teaching classes.
Errand business.
This is pretty similar to a delivery service but it’s more tailored to buying essential items on behalf of potential clients. For example, purchasing medicines and food for a client who doesn’t want to run to the drug store or restaurant.
The pandemic actually paved the way for the increase in demand for errand services, which explains why it’s among the top businesses that flourished during this period. Its requirements to set up are pretty much the same ones for delivery services, so it should be a breeze to operationalize.
Professional cleaning service.
Among the many health-related businesses right now, professional cleaning is relatively a niche business. As owners of businesses, offices, and private residences all require their premises to be cleaned and disinfected periodically, they require specialists to guarantee squeaky-clean and hygienic spaces to move around and work. As such, this is yet another viable option to explore.
For this, you’ll need hospital-grade disinfectants, cleaning materials, transportation, and personal protective gear for your cleaning crew. It’s a pretty straightforward business to start and manage, so you can operate it with minimal overhead expenses and experience.
