By Vongai Mbara
SOMETIMES a new venture begins with a small business idea. Other times, the entrepreneurial itch comes first. If you are thinking of starting a low investment business in 2022, it is critical to take the new normal into account. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how people consume products and services. Instead of more traditional businesses, think about ones that can support how people live their lives now.
Here are best small business opportunities in Zimbabwe, which you can start with a reasonable investment.
Cleaning services
Consider starting a cleaning business if you do not mind doing the dirty work others cannot do for themselves. The financial reward can be incredible. Starting a cleaning business is fairly easy and you can start with very little capital. Sometimes, all you need is a scrub and cleaning soap.
That said, here are some cleaning businesses you can easily get into:
House cleaning services: Know some busy, single professionals in your neighborhood? Why not approach them and ask to clean their homes for a small fee? You would be surprised how this business can grow quickly.
Vehicle cleaning: Some vehicle owners do not have the time to clean their vehicles. Why not give them some help? You could even take things a bit further by approaching companies and asking to clean their fleet of vehicles.
Carpet cleaning: Got carpet cleaning equipment or know where to hire? Consider starting a commercial or home carpet cleaning service.
Food delivery service
Starting a restaurant can be daunting and capital intensive. If you have been looking at starting one but haven’t got the funds, look into starting a meal delivery service instead.
It works like this: you partner with established restaurants and offer your delivery services to their customers. You can also prepare quality, tasty meals at home and then deliver them to your customers either at work or in their homes.
Mobile Car wash services
It seems safe to say that many people would pay a premium for a mobile car wash that come to them, instead of having to drive across town to access a car wash. This is especially true for people with upscale cars who prefer more personalised service. As a mobile car wash and auto detailing service, you wouldn’t only benefit from the unique value proposition of being mobile, but you would also avoid the significant overheads and startup costs of having a physical location.
Personal trainer
There are lots of people who have the money but no time to go to the gym. Throw in overweight kids and you got a good client base. Exercise is one of the habits of successful people so if you are well versed with it, why not make money out of it? Organise a schedule which suits each client’s spare time and you are good to go. You can also do video training online
Freelance writing business
Freelance writing is readily one of the easiest online businesses to start in 2022. A computer and an internet connection are all you need.
Contrary to popular opinions, you do not need to have a degree in journalism, literature, or English to get started. However, if you do not have any expertise, one good way to start is by hunting for re-writing gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Event organising and management
If you like to organise events and helping others, you can start this business. Event planning can be for birthdays, weddings, conferences, graduation parties, corporate dinners and festivals.
You can cater to your clients need and demands for their events according to their budget, themes and occasions.
Daycare
Are you great with kids? Why not help give busy parents a helping hand by starting a daycare business? Starting a daycare business can be fulfilling and rewarding. On top of that, you do not need so much upfront investment to get it off the ground. You could even start one from the comfort of your home.
Remember that you might need to get a permit to start your daycare, so look into that before starting one.
Video Editor
According to Forbes, YouTube is the second largest search engine just after Google. This is a clear indication that video consumption is soaring. Hence, if you are good at video editing, there are lots of people out there that will need your services.
Microfinance
Because of the increasing rate of unemployment, Zimbabweans are now becoming more aware of the need to start their own private businesses. Business ideas abound, but lack of funds is the main problem intending entrepreneurs are facing. Microfinance banks lend money to startup and small business owners. Since these businesses are increasing in Zimbabwe with each passing day, there are opportunities for microfinance businesses.
Business consulting
Aside funding, many startup and small business owners in Zimbabwe soon realize after entering the market that things are not really as rosy as they expected. But these entrepreneurs, in a bid to save their businesses from ruin, hire the services of business consultants who help them keep their businesses alive.
Other entrepreneurs prefer to hire business experts right from the start to help them analyse various market realities. So, if you have a background in business management, you have a good business opportunity here.
Accounting and bookkeeping services
Due to the tightening economy, many Zimbabwean businesses, in a bid to cut costs, lay off most of their in-house employees – including very important ones like accountants. They only hire those they need on a contract basis. If you have a strong background in accounting or bookkeeping, you can start a business that renders these services to other businesses on a freelance basis.
Construction services
With hundreds of buildings being erected in Zimbabwe per day, the demand for construction services keeps booming, just like the demand for materials used for construction. So, if you have a background in engineering or building construction, you have a large market in Zimbabwe to cater to. Better yet, you can start a business that sells materials used in construction, such as cement, nails, wires, etc.
Taxi and transport business
Transportation is one of people’s strongest needs, thus the reason why the transport business thrives well in any economy. And Zimbabwe is not an exception. There are unlimited opportunities in the country’s transport sector. You can start a local taxi business or a transport service that operates within major cities – depending on your startup budget.
Web development, hosting, and internet solutions
With more Zimbabweans becoming aware of the profitability of online business, there is an increasing demand for website development services, web hosting services, and internet solutions. Businesses are seeking to establish an online presence, and individuals are going into online businesses like blogging, affiliate marketing, and website flipping. So, there is big business for website developers and businesses that offer web hosting services.
Tutoring
Providing tuition has always been a great idea to earn from your home. Private tutoring business offers tremendous help to students to succeed in their academic careers. Tutoring is a small business which needs less capital to start and you can expand it.