~by Emma Sturgis~.
If you’re like many Americans, you’ve dreamed of starting up your own business. After all, America is the land of opportunity, and the entrepreneurial spirit is still very strong in this country. Thanks to new technology, it’s easier than ever to set up and run your own business, whether locally or remotely. So if you want to be your own boss, consider these three great ideas for starting your own business.
1. Event Planning 
If you have an eye for detail, love interacting with people face to face, and want to help individuals and businesses host events that go off without a hitch, event planning is a pretty cool small business you can start without a lot of upfront capital. To start up a successful event planning business, you will ideally need some experience in event management. You will also need to make some contacts with local businesses that might be interested in your services. And you should scout as many different venues as you can to get an idea of what venues are available in your area, the pros and cons of each, and what features they have. Like with all small businesses, you will have to solicit business from private individuals, possibly specialize in a particular type of event, and facilitate good word of mouth by putting on fantastic events for your first clients.
2. Graphic Design
Skilled graphic designers can command a very respectable salary with little to no formal education, so it’s no wonder why this is a pretty popular business for creative entrepreneurs. While that means there is a decent amount of competition out there, nearly every business and many individuals need some kind of graphic design service at least once, and possibly multiple times, so it’s pretty easy to focus on repeat business. Even better: graphic designers can easily work remotely, so you could run your new business out of a home office. This will eliminate commute time and the need for renting office space.
3. Trucking Company
Trucking is quickly replacing factory work as the dominant blue collar occupation in America. Whether you just want to make local deliveries on your own or hire a fleet of drivers and operate throughout the region, starting up a trucking company is yet another great small business you can start up in a pretty lucrative market. There are even businesses that will help you set up your trucking company. There are a lot of things new trucking companies have to take into account that other businesses do not, such as regulations across state lines and the proper registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Whatever type of business you decide to start, be sure it’s something you’re passionate about and have some skill or expertise in. Entrepreneurship is wrought with challenges, risks and the ever-present specter of possible failure. But those daring enough to embrace it can start something truly rewarding and wonderful.
Emma Sturgis
Meet the Author: Emma Sturgis
Emma is a freelance writer based in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys reading and rock climbing. Say “hi” on Twitter: EmmaSturgis2.
