Do you live in a black community and you want to make money? If YES, here are 50 best small business ideas for young men or women in black communities.
A black or African American community is one where the majority of people who live there are African Americans or blacks from other ethnicities. African-American neighborhoods or black neighborhoods can be found in many cities in the united states.
There are quite a number of black neighborhoods in the United States, and Chicago’s South Side and adjoining South Suburbs together are said to constitute the largest geographical predominantly Black region in America. A black community can be made up of African Americans, but black migrants from other countries can equally settle in these areas.
A black community is first of all inhabited by people, and these people have almost the same needs as everyone else despite racial inclinations and skin colour. This then means that such a community would require the same things to function as other communities.
But then again, black people living in communities have their own peculiarities and needs, and as such, there are certain services they would prefer to handle on their own instead of hiring someone to do it.
If you live in a black community and want to make loads of profit in your business, then you have to learn to avoid these areas. To make things easier for you, we have listed out 50 business ideas that are guaranteed to thrive in a black community and ensure that you break even soon enough.
Best Small Business ideas for Black Communities
1. Training Services
A lot of people in black communities usually want to update their skills in one aspect of life or the other and if you have these skills and are able to impact them, you just might be on to something good.
Providing training services is a way to impact your community with your industry experience; and the best part is that this business can be set up with very little start-up capital.
After the initial legal set-up (i.e. sole-proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), new business owners can rent commercial space on an as-needed basis to conduct short-term courses.
Additionally, entrepreneurs can provide on-site training services, visit individual companies, and lecture on needed skills.
2. Restaurant Business
People always need to eat, and fulfilling an unmet demand in the food and beverage sector is a common reason for starting a food-based business.
Whether it is opening a restaurant serving a new cuisine, or a start-up company bottling and selling a family secret– a new food business can be lucrative.
Once your menu is perfect, you now have to think of how to market it. You should consider if you want to start a brick and mortar store, if you want to prepare your meals at home and sell them online, or if you want get a food cart or truck. If you are low on capital, you may want to start cooking from home and serving your neighbourhood.
3. Start a Pizza shop
With 93% of Americans consuming pizza at least once a month, (black communities inclusive), it’s no surprise that pizza shops are one of the most popular types of restaurants. In fact, pizza have become an acceptable meal for people who have no time to whip up meals of their own.
Opening a pizzeria can be a great investment, especially when you’ve prepared correctly. If you’re wondering how to open a pizza shop, your first priority should be coming up with delectable recipes and deciding what types of pizza you want to feature on your menu.
It seems that even small black communities can support a number of pizza joints, so location may not be as key as your concept.
Sure, you’ll want a place with adequate parking and heavy traffic, but if your food is better than that served by an eatery down the street, most customers will make the effort to return.
4. Start network marketing business
Network marketing is a type of business opportunity that is very popular with people looking for part-time, flexible businesses.
Some of the best-known companies in America, including Avon, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Tupperware, fall under the network marketing umbrella.
Network marketing programs feature a low upfront investment–usually only a few hundred dollars for the purchase of a product sample kit–and the opportunity to sell a product line directly to friend, family and other personal contacts.
You can buy into these franchises and start a business of your own. A franchise’s advantage is that the marketing and branding is already developed, which means there is already brand awareness to potential customers. The only thing that remains is paying the fee to buy into the franchise and finding a local market to peddle the product or service.
5. Specialized Consulting
Consultants positioning themselves by providing businesses with a specialized service, like graphic design, project management, or human resource management, can carve a niche for themselves as a specialized entrepreneur. This is great for people living in black communities who have a certain level of management experience.
Start-up cost can be minimal, because it can be initiated as a part-time, home-based enterprise. And, there is a high potential for growth. People specializing in the healthcare and childcare sectors can also translate their services into consulting, targeting individuals or organizations.
6. Housekeeping business
Because a lot of people residing in black communities are always busy, with some running one than one jobs, there may not have enough time to take care of their cleaning needs. This is one business you can start with minimal capital and still make a lot of returns on investment.
What you need to start may include; household cleaners, mop, broom, vacuum, towels, bucket, business cards etc. You can run this business out of your home and you only need to have a car to take your cleaning equipment around. This business has potentials for expansion and you can start bringing in other cleaners in a short time.
7. Start a hair braiding business
Black women by nature have thick hair with tight curls. Because of the makeup of their hair, many black women prefer to wear them in braids. Braiding is the process of weaving three or more strands of hair together. Hair braiding is an art, and the styles of braids range from box braids to micros and cornrows.
While it takes great talent and skill to braid hair, to make money from your work as a professional, you must follow your state’s cosmetology guidelines. Such regulations are in place to educate hair braiders and ensure the safety of their clients. This is another good business that would not lack customers when started in a black community.
8. Produce hair relaxers
Hair relaxers are agent used to relax or soften, refresh the texture and quality of the hair. Because black women have tight hair curls, a lot of them prefer to relax the hair so that it can be managed easily.
Though hair relaxers and it treatments are meant to be handled by a professional or skilled stylist, but ladies have mastered the art of applying it on themselves or their friends. This then means that people do not need to visit salons to use this product.
There are a lot of brands of hair relaxer in the market today, but there is still room for you, as the market is not saturated.
Because a lot of people are moving towards organic products, you can produce organic relaxers to carve a niche for your business. The business can be very lucrative because 98 percent of ladies in the world make use of one brand of hair relaxer to the other.
9. Gardening or landscaping business
One other business you can start in a black community is gardening and landscaping. A lot of young people started their business life by mowing grasses for their neighbours and charging a token. You can do this too but on a more serious level.
You can offer lawn mowing, gardening and general landscaping. To start this business, you will need a mower, edger, blower, rake, shovel, clippers, business cards etc. You can locate huge houses and offices and offer your services to them.
10. Mobile food service
With a half hour lunch break, employees at many companies have little time to leave work and order lunch. Providing a menu for lunchtime delivery can be helpful to these people and provide a good source of income for you. What you essentially have to do is call in the order, pick it up, and deliver it; for a fee of course.
Delivering 15 lunches to one company at $3 to $5 profit apiece can add up quick. You can take this service a little further by getting a cart where you can sell these meals from, or you can even operate a simple hot dog cart.
11. Delivery service
This is another business that would be right up your alley in a black community. To start, you have to look out for local businesses that typically have things to deliver to their customers and offer to run the routes for them. Whether it is paper documents, payrolls, food, or other items, delivery services can be a steady and profitable business.
To start this business, you will need a mobile machine such as a car, scooter, or bicycle. If you are using a car or a motorcycle, you would need to get the necessary permits before you start.
12. Start a painting business
If your neighborhood has a lot construction works in progress, then you can run a comfortable business as a painter. Even if there are no new constructions, a lot of people usually touch up their homes from time to time to preserve its shine, black communities inclusive.
To kick this business off, you would need the required painting skills, brushes, rollers, edger’s, towels, tarps, business cards etc.
Your ability to market your business is what would stand you out of the competition. Visit local hardware stores to let them know you are available for work and will purchase paint through their stores. Their referrals may keep you busy for months at a time.
13. Become a Handyman
Home ownership comes with an endless list of things to fix, improve and put together, and finding the time to get it all done is a common challenge for homeowners. Plus, some of the items on the typical homeowner to-do list may require more than your average do-it-yourself knowledge.
Again, homes that have been around for quite some time (like are noticed in black communities) usually have a lot of things to fix in it.
Working for yourself as a handyman has tons of advantages, such as setting your own schedule, choosing the types of jobs and people you will work for, setting your own pay rates, and being in complete control of your income.
Depending on the type of jobs you take on in this business, a contractor’s license may eventually be required. Check with your local and state government offices to determine at what point you will need one.
14. Daycare center
In black communities, it is quite common for couples to hold down full-time jobs. Because both parents are usually gone for most of the day, they require people that can take care of their children. This is another business that can thrive in a black community.
This business may not be so easy to start because children are involved. You have to take note of licenses and permits, ensure your daycare is in a suitable area, and you need to have a safe and clean home so you don’t fail inspection tests.
This business requires patience and child care experience. If you care for more than three children at one time, it’s likely you will be required to be licensed. Check with your local and state government offices for restrictions and requirements.
15. Electronics Repair business
If you’re the sort who takes apart the computer for fun, then operating an electronics repair shop out of your home is a good business.
This business is indeed a good fit for a black community because people here are more likely to repair their broken equipment than throw them out.
In particular, repairing iPads and other tablets would provide you with a great deal of business, as many tablet users are looking for a less expensive way to fix smashed screens and other damages that can be costly if done through the manufacturer.
16. Become a Bargain Hunter
If you love a bargain and know how to make coupons, specials and know where to find unadvertised deals, your penny-pinching pitch habit can make for a good business in a black community where a lot of people are looking for bargains.
You can turn this into a business by offering people these bargains, at a small fee. You can equally teach others how to save money.
Another way you can turn a profit from this business is to start a blog where you get to publish these bargains and get people to come in and take advantage of them.
It would be easy to promote such a blog as everyone is looking out for a great save. You can also become a business affiliate for businesses you help to promote their bargains.
17. Cater events
If you love to cook on a grand scale, why not start a catering business out of your home? How much you make depends on the scale of the assignments you take, and your ability to correctly decide how much your materials will cost.
But this is also an industry where you can start small and work your way up to bigger gigs—and profits. Even in a small black community, there are a lot of events to cater, you only need to know the right places to look.
18. At-Home Daycare
This is an especially good idea for stay-at-home-parents who need to bring in some money. If you are already staying home with your kids, why not invite a few others to the party? Licensing for in-home daycare varies from state to state, but you will want to make sure you comply with your local regulations.
Black communities are usually trusting of their neighbours, and so you would not have a problem with convincing mothers to bring their child to you. One thing that would work in your advantage is if your fees are affordable.
19. Off-Hours Daycare
Though this is basically the same as above, but it does deserve its own description. Finding someone to regularly watch children during off-hours, like second shift, weekends, or very early mornings, can be extremely difficult for parents. Offering care during off-peak hours means that you can command a higher fee.
20. Junk Removal business
Junk removal can be as simple as hauling away unwanted stuff to the dump, or it can be as complicated as separating out the trash from the treasures and handling the actual sale of the goods.
Anyone who has ever had the unenviable task of cleaning up a house for sale after the death of the owner knows just how important this job is. You an take this unpleasant task off the shoulders of people and make yourself some money while you are at it.
21. Florist Business
Flowers are often required for functions, weddings, religious gatherings etc. Therefore, starting a business as a florist can be a good idea. It primarily requires two responsibilities: there must be a constant supply of flowers and timely delivery.
Both the above factors are bound to set your business on the roll. Initially some investment is required to start the business, however once the required capital is invested, you will definitely get a good return on your investment. This business is another good one for a black community as there are always events that require the use of flowers.
22. Boutique business
Clothes are a basic necessity of human beings and therefore it will be always considered as an evergreen business. Hence, owning a business in clothing can be really profitable as the margins are high. Based on the requirement and demand in the particular area, one can own a cloth store.
You may have to cater to a niche like babies, teenagers, workers, etc., or you can open a general clothing store. Like any other business, it will require initial investment to establish the shop, but if the quality of your materials is good then you can get a lot of customers. Also, demand is usually high during festive seasons.
23. Internet cafe with photocopy/printing/scanning services
Opening an internet cafe can be a good business idea especially in black communities where a lot of people may not be able to afford photocopiers and scanners and maybe internet connection. Internet café are very popular among the youth and the charges are usually on an hourly basis.
You can earn a good income based on the number of customers visiting the cafe. You can start this business in small black community with just four computers and a printer which will also handle scanning and photocopy work.
This business will definitely require some investment in the form of computers, internet connection etc., but with time the returns will be equally good.
24. Virtual assistant service
This is another excellent business idea and a creative one too. In this business, you are required to take up different projects which individuals and organizations make available online. This can include data entry work, writing or even technical work if your team has an expertise in that.
It requires almost zero investment to set up this business, though you have to ensure you have access to constant internet service. The two important factors to be kept in mind are: good training and timely delivery of projects.
25. Grocery store
Every environment needs a store that can supply all the daily needs of life. Of course there may be a Grocery Store or two in a typical small black community but the deal is that you cannot have too much. If you have the financial requirements, you can set up this business.
You can start it in a small scale and grow it in the future. The key to success here is to stock things thing you know are peculiar to the community.
There is a great possibility that you would not have much of a competition, but if you do, you can decide to start a grocery delivery service.
26. Internet Marketing Affiliate
If you already have your own website or blog, you can earn money by becoming an affiliate. You can either sell products directly and earn money that way, or you can sign up others as affiliates, much like multi-level marketing.
27. Child Proofing business
Keeping kids safe is so important, but the details of how to do so can be confusing, especially for parents who have so much to do with little time to do them.
A professional childproofing business is inexpensive to start up, but there may be state regulations to follow. It’s also a good idea to apprentice with a child proofer in order to learn the business.
28. Debt Collection business
Businesses always have problems with debt, and many business people do not know how to go about debt collection. It takes a very thick skin to go into this business, but debt collectors only need a telephone and a computer to work, making it a great work-at-home business.
It’s also a recession-proof (or even recession-loving) business. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so make sure you do your homework before setting up shop.
29. Tax Preparation business
No one likes doing taxes, and these taxes 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. You can contact local businesses and offer to do their taxes for them.
30. Drive for Uber
Becoming an Uber driver has quickly become a great way for people to get their own business off the ground. This business is a great one for a black community because people would always need to get from one point to the other.
You will need to pass a background check and have valid in-state driver’s license and auto insurance to start this business.
The process is pretty painless and will get you rolling on your own business. Many people start Uber driving to pay the bills while they work on another business that they are more passionate about.
31. Barbershop
Men would always need to wear smooth clean haircuts, and these can be gotten in a barbershop. If you are a barber, one profitable business you can run is a barbershop. Managing a barbershop requires dedication, time and energy, in addition to excellent people skills and a good business sense.
If you are already in the industry, one of your greatest sources of feedback is your current clientele. Ask them what changes or services they would like to see implemented, and make sure you implement them. Another thing to worry about is licensing.
Contact your state’s cosmetology board or licensing department to learn the requirements and fees for obtaining a barber shop permit.
32. Online Store
It used to be that if you had a product to sell, you will also need to have a storefront and all the costs associated with it. These days, you can sell anything to anyone anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re marketing the organic honey from your backyard apiary or selling personalized linens that you embroider yourself, you can find a market for your products online. This business can be a great fit in a black community.
33. eBay Sales
The other option for online sales is to simply become the eBay middleman. Millions of vendors sell their wares on the online auction house. If you can find an inexpensive source for acceptable saleable merchandise, you can get into this business.
34. Graphic Design business
Businesses always need graphic designers to help them convey information visually, through logos, advertisements, posters, websites, and the likes. While it is possible to be an entirely self-taught graphic designer, most have either a certification or a degree.
Other than the cost of design software, this business has very little overhead and can be done anywhere with a dedicated computer.
35. Water Refill Centre
A water refilling business produces safe, drinkable water for consumers. Typically, a water refilling business has a refilling station which uses a kiosk to distribute water to people.
A water refilling business’s water is cheaper than retailed bottled water and buyers can purchase pre-filled two-to-five-gallon water bottles or bring their own jugs.
While residential homes provide great clients, you’re better off targeting commercial entities. Make sure you’re selling to larger businesses, as they’re most likely to buy refilled water bottles in bulk. This business may be capital intensive, but it essential nature would ensure your profitability.
36. Vape Shop business
A vape shop is a retail store or website specializing in the selling of electronic cigarette products. Vape shops can offer a greater selection of e-cigarettes than conventional retailers and they offer mostly reusable e-cigarettes. One of your biggest expenses is your inventory – starter kits, mods, parts, e-liquids, etc.
This can add up very fast, but you don’t want to skimp on that, because after all, that’s your primary product and the entire reason people will visit your store. Before you start it however, you have to note the state laws in your location and equally note your requirements. This business can be quite profitable in a black community.
37. Bakery business
There are hardly options that would better this one in your search for the most successful business for black communities.
If you enjoy baking, have the resources to start a shop with a steady supply of most in demand goods, this could be one of the easiest businesses to start even from home. Food items always yield high profit margin if managed carefully.
The trick is to identify the right type of products that are popular in a black community as it will no doubt help you make more sustainable choices. Depending on how you wish to start, you may not need a lot of business capital, but you have to look out for permits.
38. Ice cream shop
Black or white, children always love their treat; and not only children, a lot of people also have a sweet tooth. A ice cream shop is thus an invaluable business in a small community. If you don’t already have a ton of dessert options in your area, an ice cream shop can be a great place to start.
In addition to abiding by state laws, you equally need to have a lot of flavours in your shop so you can attract more people. This business would thrive more in an area with warm climate.
39. Home Inspection business
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. Home inspection businesses also thrive in black communities.
40. Refinishing and Repair business
You might have made a hobby of refinishing and repairing garage sale finds. Now, make your skills profitable by offering to make old furniture as good as new. After all, retro is definitely in. You can target homes that need new furniture but cannot afford to get new ones.
41. Bridal Store business
A bridal store focused in specialty wedding attire with allied wedding supplies product is a profitable retail venture in clothing and fashion industry. Even in a poor economy, brides to-be and their wedding parties spend a lot of money on bridal attire and wedding accessories because weddings are memorable once-in-a-lifetime events.
You can start this business in a black community and you would never lack patronage. If your neighborhood is not quite buoyant financially, you can start a vintage bridal shop where you get to stock used bridal dresses that are in great forms. You can also operate on rental basis.
42. Costume Jewelry business
This is a multi-million dollar industry now as it attracts women of all ages. The major reasons for its popularity are the low price with the highly attractive look.
You can start costume jewelry selling from home in a black community. You can sell from your own online store too. With the innovation of technology, it is easy now. This is one of the best business ideas for black communities, and for housewives and women.
43. Flex Printing business
Nowadays, flex is an essential item for outdoor advertising. If you are passionate about starting a small business in in a black community, you can consider this business.
Basically, you need two groups of people to be in the printing business; The Graphic Artist and The Printing Press. It would be more cost effective for you if you can offer either service in addition to your flex business.
44. Online T-shirt Store
The t-shirt is a well-known casual wear worldwide. It is popular among the men, women, and kids also. Yes, there are a lot of t-shirt brands on the market, but people always look for a beautiful design, cherishable brand, and a quality product. If you can offer these, then you can start an online t-shirt store.
In starting an online t-shirt business, you will definitely need to have an eCommerce site where from your clients will buy your t-shirts. With Shopify, you can start your own online t-shirt business by creating a fully functioning eCommerce store with very less capital.
45. Fitness center
Fitness centers have not only proven to be popular and very much in demand by fitness conscious consumers, but they have also been proven to be very profitable as a business opportunity. To start this business, you must decide if you want to buy a franchise or start your own private business.
Remember that even though franchises can be much more expensive, all, if not most of the guesswork is taken out of the process and is already done for you. Then again, owning your own business puts all the power to make decisions in your hands.
46. Start a Dance Studio
Just like opening up a new gym, launching a dance studio will require quite a bit of planning. Blacks love to dance, and you can offer this service if you have good experience in the area.
You probably won’t need to pursue personal qualifications in dance, but you will need to apply for a whole host of permits and take on adequate insurance. Likewise, you will most likely be subject to varying state regulations concerning health and safety.
47. Clothing Alterations business
By making the right alterations to cheap clothing, it can fit like a designer original. Many turn to a seamstress for their alterations and repairs, but seamstresses are becoming harder to find because sewing is becoming a lost art in the United States.
An alteration business can be very lucrative once you have mastered the necessary sewing skills. By offering services such as clothing repair, custom tailoring and button replacement, you can create a steady income with a business that has returning customers.
You have the choice of starting as a home-based business or setting up shop in a retail location. Your success will depend on the quality of your marketing and customer service, as well as the quality of your work.
48. Secondhand Store
You might open a store that sells a variety of different secondhand products in a black community. This might especially appeal to those with a lower standard of living who are looking for a way to make their money go further.
49. Retail pharmacy business
A retail pharmacy is a pharmacy in which drugs are sold to patients, as opposed to a hospital pharmacy. Retail pharmacists provide general healthcare advice, supply prescription and non-prescription medication to the public.
A retail pharmacist works in a retail setting rather than in a hospital or GP surgery. A black community would require a retail pharmacy to function effectively, and this can be a very profitable business to set up.
50. Car Wash Business
A car wash is another profitable business one can startup in a black community. A car wash or auto wash is a facility used to clean the exterior and, in some cases, the interior of motor vehicles.
Depending on your income, you can decide to set up a self-serve, fully automated, or full-service with attendants who wash vehicles.