For a variety of reasons, many older Americans won’t retire. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30.2% of Americans ages 65 to 74 are projected to be in the workforce in 2026. Still, working after retirement age doesn’t necessarily mean seniors are punching time clocks. According to data from the Kauffman 2017 National Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship, 26% of new entrepreneurs are aged 55 to 64 years old.
Here are 18 companies you can start from home, most of which require minimal to no investment.
Wedding Planner
Wedding planners help couples with every aspect of their wedding and reception, from invitations and the wedding party’s attire to the cake, reception hall and entertainment.
Event Planner
Event planners coordinate every aspect of a meeting or convention along with social events. Planners arrange the location, catering, speakers, printed materials for events and more.
Home Staging Consultant
According to the real estate industry, well-staged homes sell faster and for more money. Yet, when it comes down to it, most people’s homes are anything but show-ready. Offer consulting services or do the staging yourself.
Professional Organizer
Are you obsessed with keeping your cupboards, drawers, closets and garage organized? If so, you might be surprised to learn that most people are not. Between those who lack organizational skills and others who don’t have the time or the motivation, there’s a massive market for such services.
Pet Sitting
With the rising cost of pet boarding and pet owners’ desire to reduce the stress that pets experience during owners’ absences, many hire sitters and are willing to pay for the service.
Social Media Management
If you’re savvy with social media, companies large and small can use your service. Social media management includes setting up social media accounts and writing ongoing engaging and shareable posts. You’ll also respond to social media messages and comments to build and maintain the company’s relationship with its followers.
Blogging
If you love writing and have the skill to write ongoing, engaging posts, you’ll discover every type of business imaginable either has or needs a blog. Just look for companies related to your area of expertise or interest.
Content Writing
Businesses of all kinds need well-written website content that describes their products and services as well as related content to increase targeted traffic. For most companies, search engine optimized (SEO) content is a must.
Consulting
Regardless of your area of expertise, there are likely plenty of people or businesses that could use your advice. Here are a few examples of consultant services to consider: financial, business, social media, legal, career, technology, public relations, human resources, strategy, marketing, information technology, management, childbirth, interior decorating and the list goes on.
Travel Agency
Despite the ease and cost-effectiveness of buying and scheduling travel online, there’s still a good demand for travel agents. Many people prefer using an agent because of the travel advice agents offer as well as for arranging complicated travel plans.
Website Design
Have you built a website for yourself or someone in the past? If you have a knack for design along with excellent computer skills, with WordPress, in particular, website design is relatively simple yet offers designers unlimited options.
Project Management
As a project manager, your role is to put together and lead teams through projects. You’ll also be in charge of creating project budgets and managing their costs, and ultimately, making most of the projects’ decisions.
Bookkeeping
Small businesses often have only a few hours’ of accounting per week or month, so it isn’t necessary for them to hire an employee for the task. This is where you can step in and offer your services. Landing just a few business accounts could quickly provide you a full-time income working from home.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainer certification programs run between $400 to $1,000. Upon completion, you can either work as a personal trainer for a fitness corporation or independently.
Teach Online Courses
Here’s a wide-open opportunity because courses can be taught on just about anything. Chances are there’s something you’re great at and qualified to teach. Here are some ideas to consider: a hobby or craft, computer skills, photography, web design, writing, professional development, how to play an instrument, dog training; the list is endless.
Recruiting Agency
Because of the challenges and time involved in finding qualified applicants to fill high-level positions, many companies now use recruiters to help fill the roles. With the current low unemployment rate, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates on their own.
Catering
If you’ve got excellent culinary skills, then offer your catering services. Think wedding receptions, corporate events, graduation parties, bar mitzvahs, luncheons, anniversary parties and a host of other occasions.
Life Coach
Depending on where you live, there may be educational requirements for this career. But if you’re good at setting goals and developing personal plans, solving problems, understanding people and what motivates them, and offering sound advice, this career is worth considering.
