Image by Aplotofgold from Pixabay
By Emma Miller
Tired of working for others? Why not launch your own business and run the show as you like it? You don’t need to rent office space to become an entrepreneur – there are plenty of businesses you can run from your own backyard. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Upcycling business
Nowadays, it’s increasingly important for small businesses to go green. Consumers are more environmentally conscious with each passing day, and they want to support eco-friendly trade. So what better way to go green than to literally make that your business?
One of the easiest goods to upcycle is old furniture. There’s no shortage of material there. You can acquire pieces in subpar condition from thrift shops, antique stores, garage sales, even put out next to dumpsters.
With some staple tools and a little DIY skill, you can revive these items and sell them as sustainable masterpieces. Remove the old paint, repair any damage they may have, and give them a new polished design. Put them up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Instagram, or build your own ecommerce website.
Backyard farm
Unless you live in a completely urban environment, a home-based farm could be a very profitable venture. Set up the space with some crop beds and grow whatever thrives in your area. A basic farm will have a balance of fruits and vegetables.
To step it up, include some animals. Chickens are a great choice for beginner farmers. Enclose the yard with some chain mesh fencing and set up a nice coop. Chickens are low-maintenance, will fertilize your crops, and destroy pests. You can source the eggs to local vendors or sell them directly to consumers.
Venue rental
If you have a large enough yard in a nice location, you can lease it for events. Some ideas would be parties, weddings, open-air seminars and the like. Starting a venue business is as simple as getting some chairs and tables. For extra appeal, set up some music equipment and have a stock of appropriate decorations. If for some reason you can’t lease out your property for a while, you can still rent out the equipment and decor.
Backyard apiary
In the current climate, beekeeping is a fantastic business choice. We understand that getting stung isn’t a pleasant idea, but you can always just get protective gear. A beekeeper’s hat and gloves are good to start with. Protect your face and hands; for the rest simply wear long clothes and tuck everything in. You can invest in more proper equipment, such as a honey extractor, down the line.
Bees won’t sting unless they’re threatened anyway, so you’ll be okay as long as you handle them with respect. In fact, experienced beekeepers often describe their bees as friendly and docile. Install or build a hive and plant some flowering plants.
You can opt for a wide variety and have a bee buffet or stick to one to three species if you’re keen on producing one particular type of honey. Popular honeys include wildflower, dandelion, linden, and fruit blossoms.
You can sell the honey as-is or use it in food or cosmetics. Your bees will also provide you with wax, pollen, and propolis. That opens a door into candle making and any other related craft, so your backyard bee business actually has plenty of room to grow.
Starting your own backyard business is a promising prospect. Bonus ideas you might want to consider include a vehicle detail, a florist business, or even a pet training or outdoors exercise group business. Tailor it to your skills and preferences.
______
Emma Miller is a digital marketer from Sydney. She guest posts on many relevant blogs (Upwork, Founder’s Guide, Relevance…) and works as an executive editor and contributor to Bizzmark blog. She occasionally gives lectures at Melbourne University.
