Are you looking for the best business ideas for 2023? Now is the perfect time to start planning your next business venture and realise your dreams. With the right business idea and strategy, you can be successful and make your mark in the world. It is difficult to predict the specific types of startups that will be most successful in 2023, with a multitude of various factors involved. Still, for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best kinds of startups to start in 2023.
Business Ideas 101
This blog post by JTB Consulting will discuss 13 unique business ideas for startups and the community of ‘Small Businesses South Africa’. We will cover what makes a good business idea, how to get started, and how to market your business. By the end of this article, you will be armed with the knowledge and confidence to start your own venture and unlock your potential.
Business Ideas 2023 ― What Makes a Good Business Idea?
Before we dive into the 13 ‘low-cost business ideas with high profit’ startups can explore in 2023, it’s important to understand what makes a good business idea. The most successful business ideas have a few key characteristics:
- they are innovative,
- solve a problem, and
- are easy to understand.
Innovation is key to a successful business idea. You want to stand out from the competition and offer something unique. This could be a new product or service, a different approach to an existing product or service, or even a new way of marketing or selling.
The best business ideas also solve a problem. You’re on the right track if your business can solve people’s problems. People are always looking for ways to make their lives easier, and if you can offer them that, you’ll surely draw in customers.
Finally, the best business ideas are easy to understand. People are more likely to invest in a business that they can easily comprehend. So make sure to explain your business idea and how it works simply and concisely.
Best Business to Start in 2023 ― 13 Amazing Business Ideas for Startups
Now that you understand what makes a good business idea, let’s look at the 13 best ideas. From local produce delivery services to online tutoring and meal planning, these ideas will flow your creative juices and help you unlock your potential.
Small Businesses South Africa: Business Ideas #1 ― Local Produce Delivery Service
The first business idea on our list is a local produce delivery service. With the rise of online grocery stores and e-commerce in Africa, many people are looking for a more convenient way to get fresh produce. Starting a local produce delivery service can provide customers with the freshest produce from nearby farms and markets. Moreover, with the ever-increasing cost of food items, you can most definitely find a value proposition by partnering with local farmers and producers directly, cutting out the middleman, and delivering directly to your local market.
This is a great business idea for those who have an affinity for fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, it’s a low-cost business idea with high-profit potential. All you need to get started is a reliable vehicle, phone, and basic supplies.
Small Businesses South Africa: Business Ideas #2 ― Online Personal Training and Meal Planning
The second business idea on our list is an online personal training and meal planning. With more people looking to stay healthy and fit, there has been an increase in demand for online personal training. By starting an online personal training and meal planning business, you can help people reach their fitness goals and live healthier lifestyles.
Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are filled with options for influencers to follow. But, try and get a handful of local, South African influencers with the same followers and success as international stars like Athlean-X, Mike Thurston, Ron James, etc. They are nowhere to be found.
This is a great business idea for those passionate about fitness and health. You can provide your services through virtual sessions and create personalised meal plans for each client. Plus, this is a low-cost business idea with high-profit potential.
Small Businesses South Africa: Business Ideas #3 ― Online Tutoring and Coaching
I don’t need to tell you what a shocking state our schools (and even universities and colleges) are in. This means that more children and young adults are being left behind. The government has failed our children; now, even tertiary institutions are failing our youth. These days it can be argued that some degrees (and even our senior certificates) are not even worth the paper they are printed on.
Moreover, secondary and tertiary institutions are not preparing our youth for the competitive work environment and economy.
But why join the bandwagon and complain about a problem not going away soon?
The third business idea on our list is online tutoring and coaching. With more people looking for ways to improve their knowledge and skills, there has been an increased demand for online tutoring and coaching. By starting an online tutoring and coaching business, you can help people reach their educational goals and make learning fun.
And you can fill the gap that the government and educational institutions have left!
This is a great business idea for those passionate about teaching and helping others reach their potential. You can provide your services through virtual sessions and create personalised lesson plans for each client. Plus, this is a low-cost business idea with high-profit potential.
Small Businesses South Africa: Business Ideas #4 ― Handmade Goods and Artisanal Products
The fourth business idea on our list is handmade goods and artisanal products. With more people looking for ways to express their creativity, there has been an increased demand for handmade goods and artisanal products. By starting a business that sells handmade goods and artisanal products, you can help people explore their creative side. This is a great business idea for those passionate about creating unique and beautiful items.
Unique Business Ideas #5 ― Virtual Events Platform
Virtual events, such as conferences, trade shows, and workshops, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of remote work and the convenience of participating in events online. A virtual events platform could be a successful startup business model for several reasons:
- Market demand: There is a growing demand for virtual events as more organisations look for ways to host events online. A platform that allows organisations to plan and execute virtual events could be in high demand.
- Unique value proposition: A virtual events platform could differentiate itself by offering a range of features and services that cater to the needs of event organisers and attendees. These could include customisable event pages, live streaming capabilities, interactive features such as Q&A sessions or networking opportunities, and analytics to measure the event’s success.
- Skills and experience: Building a virtual events platform requires web development, event planning, and digital marketing expertise. A virtual events platform could be a promising online business idea for those passionate about event planning.
Unique Business Ideas #6 ― Mental Health Platform
With the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors affecting people’s mental health, a platform that provides mental health services, such as therapy or coaching, could be valuable. A mental health platform that provides therapy or coaching services could be a successful startup business model for many reasons:
- Market demand: There is a growing demand for mental health services, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors affecting people’s mental well-being. A platform that makes it easy for people to access mental health support could be in high demand.
- Unique value proposition: A mental health platform could differentiate itself by offering a range of services, such as therapy, coaching, or support groups, as well as features like personalised treatment plans or flexible scheduling options.
- Skills and experience: Building a mental health platform could require expertise in mental health care, technology, and digital marketing.
Overall, a mental health platform could be a promising startup idea for those passionate about mental health who have the skills and resources to build and grow a successful business. Once again, important to thoroughly research the market and evaluate the potential demand for such a platform before embarking on this venture.
Unique Business Ideas #7 ― Plant-Based Food Delivery Service or Food Truck Business
With a growing interest in plant-based diets, a plant-based food delivery service that specialises in delivering healthy, plant-based meals to customers’ doors could be a successful business idea for some reasons:
- Market demand: There is a growing interest in plant-based diets, and a service that makes it easy for people to access healthy, plant-based meals could be in high demand.
- Unique value proposition: A plant-based food delivery service could differentiate itself by offering a wide range of menu options, including meals that cater to specific dietary restrictions or preferences and features like customisable meal plans or nutrition coaching.
- Skills and experience: Building a plant-based food delivery service could require expertise in food production, logistics, and digital marketing.
Unique Business Ideas #8 ― Renewable Energy Company
One word: Loadshedding! And perhaps, Eskom sucks! That’s three words 😁
As concern about South Africa’s energy security grows and concerns about the effect of coal on the environment, a company that provides renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels or wind turbines, could be well-positioned for success.
Overall, a renewable energy company could be a promising startup for those passionate about sustainability and with the skills and resources to build and grow a successful business. It’s important to thoroughly research the market and evaluate the potential demand for such a company before starting this venture.
Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit #9 ― Virtual Interior Design Service
A service that helps people design and decorate their homes remotely could be in demand as more people spend time at and work from home. A virtual interior design service that can do this remotely could be a successful startup for several reasons:
Building a virtual interior design service could require expertise in areas such as interior design, project management, and marketing.
Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit #10 ― Virtual Home Organisation Business
With more people spending time at home, there may be a demand for services that help people make the most of their living spaces and create a more organised and functional environment. A virtual home organisation service could be in high demand.
Moreover, new homes are getting smaller and cost more. Effectively utilising this smaller space may be a job for an expert. A virtual home organisation could differentiate itself by offering various services, such as virtual consultations with professional organisers, virtual organisation plans, and virtual shopping services.
Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit #11 ― Virtual Language Learning Service
There is a growing demand for language learning services, particularly as more people look to improve their language skills for personal or professional reasons. A virtual language learning service could be in high demand.
A virtual language learning service could differentiate itself by offering a range of language options, as well as features like personalised learning plans, interactive elements like live conversation practice, or access to native speakers.
Building a virtual language learning service could require expertise in areas such as language teaching, instructional design, and marketing.
Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit #12 ― Virtual Personal Styling Service
There is a growing demand for personal styling services, particularly as more people look to improve their appearance and make the most of their wardrobe. A virtual personal styling service could be in high demand. A virtual personal styling service could differentiate itself by offering various services, such as virtual consultations with stylists, virtual styling plans, and virtual shopping services.
The service could also differentiate itself by offering personalised styling plans that cater to the client’s specific needs and preferences. Building a virtual personal styling service could require expertise in areas such as fashion, styling, and marketing.
Business Ideas South Africa #13 ― Artisanal Food and Beverage Producer
There is a growing demand for artisanal food and beverage products as more people look for high-quality and unique products. A business that produces artisanal food and beverage products could be in high demand.
An artisanal food and beverage producer could differentiate itself by offering a range of unique and high-quality products, such as craft beer made with locally-sourced ingredients or artisanal cheese made using traditional techniques. The business could also differentiate itself by offering personalised products or custom flavour options.
Some additional considerations for an artisanal food and beverage producer business include the following:
- Product development: Developing a range of high-quality and unique products will be important for attracting and retaining customers. This may require experimenting with different ingredients and techniques and conducting market research to understand consumer preferences.
- Production and logistics: A reliable and efficient system for producing and distributing the products will be important for the business’s success. This may include sourcing ingredients, developing production processes, and building relationships with suppliers and distributors.
- Packaging and branding: Developing a strong brand identity and packaging design will be important for attracting and retaining customers. This may include creating a unique logo, packaging design, and brand messaging.
How to Get Started
Now that you better understand the best business ideas for startups in 2023, it’s time to start. The first step is to create a detailed business plan. Take the time to research your business idea, create a budget, and develop a marketing plan to help your business grow.
You’ll also want to create a website to showcase your services and promote your business. This will help you attract more customers and establish an online presence. Additionally, you’ll want to create social media accounts to engage with potential customers and promote your business.
Finally, you’ll need to find the funding to get your business off the ground. You can apply for grants, take out loans, or even look for investors to help you get started. Once you have the funding, you can begin implementing your business plan.
Look at our advice in our article entitled There are Various Startup Business Funding Options ― Our Top 10 List.
Now that you understand how to start, it’s time to focus on marketing your business. The best way to market your business is to create a strong online presence. This includes creating an SEO-friendly website and engaging with potential customers on social media platforms.
You should also look into content marketing and email marketing. Content marketing involves creating blog posts, videos, and podcasts to help you reach more customers. Email marketing involves creating emails that will help you engage with potential customers and drive sales.
Conclusion
Starting a business can be daunting, but with the right business idea and strategy, it can be a rewarding experience. This blog post discussed the 13 best business ideas for startups in 2023. Get started today by exploring our business ideas for startups in 2023 and unlock your potential!