Let’s take a look at our countdown of the most profitable home businesses and see if any of them are right for you. These are the business ideas that I think will give budding entrepreneurs the best chance of making money in the coming year – and just as importantly, the opportunity to start a business that will last and make money for years to come.

It has been a nice experience for me starting my small business from home, and I do make a nice income for my expertise with wall decals. Now I sell online and to locals that I meet at the Doctor's office or supermarket - wherever I spark up a conversation.

Remember; there are lots of business ideas that didn’t make this list that can be developed into successful small businesses. These are just ten that I think have great potential. Here are another great post with 20 Home Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs posted a few weeks ago. take a look.

Most Profitable Home Business Ideas

Personal trainer or instructor

No, we are not talking about opening a gym in your home, but rather offering your services directly at the residences of your clients. As more and more people have started to realize the importance of staying fit, becoming a personal trainer has become one of the most profitable home businesses. You can focus on fitness, aerobics, or the ultra popular yoga. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that you will be able to find plenty of clients to keep you busy. Just contact a local association to get the licenses and certifications you need and you’re good to go.
Read: How to start a your business?

Business Coaching

In a tough economy, businesses need all of the help they can get. As a business coach, you can empower individuals — often business owners and managers — to improve their work performance through personal change. The most successful business coaches have plenty of experience in the business world, along with specialized expertise (e.g., marketing, finance, or sales). Whatever your niche, you need to have the ability to help your clients set and achieve their goals.

Network with others in the business world, both business coaches and owners, to find out what clients want and how to market to them. The International Coach Federation provides certification and a coach referral service for its members.

Candle making business

Candle making business can be initiated with a small start budget and home based basis. People purchase candle not only for religious purpose but also to scent and decorate their home and business places. The popularity and consumer demand for scented and decorative candles creates a tremendous business opportunity for the innovative start up entrepreneurs. A small scale candle making business can be a great way for the entrepreneurs for extra money or even a full time income. To start a candle making business, there are many things you should consider to ensure your venture is success.
In starting a candle making business you will need legitimate business documentation depending on where you want to start the business. 
Also read: 7 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Own Business

Yoga Instructor

It’s undeniable — yoga is a trend with staying power. And it’s especially appealing to an aging population, as seniors benefit from low-impact workouts. Yoga is also gaining attention in the medical community; according to a 2008 study by Yoga Journal, nearly 14 million Americans reported that a doctor or therapist had recommended yoga to them. And yoga is attractive to today’s price-conscious consumers who don’t want to spend a lot of money for exercise equipment.

You don’t need a studio to teach yoga; just like a personal trainer, you can visit clients at their homes or offices. The Yoga Alliance website provides information on yoga schools, certification, insurance, and more. 

Tax Preparation. 

No one likes doing taxes, and they need to be paid whether the economy is booming or tanking. This is why at-home tax preparation can be a great business for anyone with a tax background, or anyone willing to take training courses. Since there are annual changes to the tax code, you will need to refresh your training each year, and you will also need to register with the IRS as a tax preparer. This is more of a seasonal business than a year-round endeavor, but it can be a great way to earn some extra income each winter/spring. Median salary: $30,900. 

Medical or legal transcription

In order to perform these two jobs all you’ll need is a computer with internet access, headphones, and a printer; and fast typing abilities. Apart from being some of the most profitable businesses one could engage in, these jobs are relatively easy to perform as long as you don’t mind being cooped up in front of your laptop throughout the day, punishing your keyboard with your blazing fast typing abilities. 

Candy making

Candy making business idea is a fantastic way to turn your hobby and skill into a profitable home based business model.   Home made candies are very easier to make and also quite popular. From chocolates to lollipops, children and mature adults enjoy indulging in candy. It’s a wonderful idea you may consider to convert your hobby to a profitable, home based candy making business. The market for specialty candy is big and growing globally.
If you want to make candy, you can always learn tips and ideas from the training. 

Home Inspection. 

An important part of the home buying process is having a professional home inspector go through the house to determine the condition of the building and point out any potential problems. A home inspector needs to meet the state regulations for the profession, which varies from state to state, although anyone who has worked in the construction or housing industry will have a leg up. Median salary: $52,000. 
Also read: How to Start Branding Yourself and Your business

Building furniture & Sewing. 

Everyone loves a well-built and handmade piece of furniture. If you’re already spending time in your workshop, why not sell your wares? Etsy is an excellent place to start selling without having to have a physical storefront.
Whether you’re making onesies and quilts for sale online or at local markets or doing repairs and alterations for locals with ill-fitting clothes, your sewing machine could be your ticket to a work-from-home business. 

Bookkeeping. 

This is a perfect business idea for trained accountants who would like to work from home, although it is not necessary to be a Certified Public Accountant in order to become a freelance bookkeeper—it’s just necessary to have the background knowledge that bookkeeping courses at any community college can offer. This kind of freelance work is especially helpful for small businesses that do not need or cannot afford a fulltime bookkeeper, making it possible for you to have full time work through several smaller clients. Median salary: $34,000. 

Landscape Design. 

If you’re never happier than when you are landscaping your yard, landscape design might be the home-based business for you. This is a relatively new field, so you can get some background knowledge through a degree, although schools that offer these degrees are somewhat rare, or you can intern with another landscape designer.  
Also read: How To Start A Business: The 8 Steps To Startup


Because the Internet continues to expand and grow, building websites is a great computer-related home business. Eventually as you compile a great web design portfolio, you can service larger business clients from the comfort of your home office.