(ThyBlackMan.com) As a father and husband, providing for the family is one of the top priorities. Starting your own full time business or side gig can be a great example for men to show their children, but it is also a great way to provide jobs for other men and women in the community. What many men in urban communities are unaware of is the rather easy process for starting a business of any kind. Whether you have a certain expertise, or a diverse set of skills (such as being good with your hands) you can create your own small business with very little investment.
Often the best business ventures are those that are considered “passion projects”. If there is some industry or a community need that you’re passionate about, starting a business not only becomes easy, but fun to carry out day in and day out. It can sometimes be challenging to see the various abilities you have within, but with careful evaluation you should be able to easily hone in on what you’re good at.
This post will specifically speak on those with manual labor skills. This can be anything from having experience in working on cars, to working in a warehouse, and even landscaping or janitorial experience. Here’s a list of the best options based on these skills for men interested in running their own enterprise.
Landscaping Business
The landscaping industry averages an annual net of $61 billion. As young men, it can be quite common to have landscaping experience. Whether you were given the chore to mow the lawn and rake the leaves in your own home, or you started a side hustle when you were younger and cut grass, raked leaves, and shoveled snow for neighbors, it can be turned into a lucrative business opportunity.
Start up costs for landscaping services is minimal. Paying for landscaping business insurance, licenses, and registration fees is likely the biggest out-of-pocket expense in the beginning stages. Investing in a reliable vehicle to get you to and from as well as basic lawn and garden supplies will also be initial out of pocket costs. However, finding affordable tools for gardening and lawn care is fairly easy with the help of the internet and online vendors. Ideally your landscaping business can start off as a one man show and expand as your clientele list expands.
Cleaning or Janitorial Business
Residential and commercial property owners rely on cleaning and janitorial services to maintain their properties. For those gentlemen who have extensive experience in either of these areas (from personal or professional experience), putting your skills to work for you can amount to an incredible side hustle or full time small business. Again, cleaning and janitorial services are always in demand, and the industry averages an average annual net of about $35 billion dollars.
Much like the landscaping business, starting a cleaning or janitorial business does not have many upfront costs. Aside from obtaining a license, registration, and insurance, you would need to invest in a vehicle to get you to and from your cleaning sites, along with cleaning supplies and devices. As your business grows, you can look to hire employees to expand your service area and your profit margins.
These are certainly not the only options that you have as a skilled man when it comes to starting your own business. However, these are two of the simplest business types to start with little investment, little need for employees (in the beginning), and the potential to gross thousands of dollars each year. There’s something about having a business to call your own that takes a man’s pride to another level. Not only are you setting the bar high for your children, but it also means that you can reach out in your community and help to lift up their spirits and abilities to be self sufficient providers for their families.
Staff Writer; James Goode
