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Business Ideas For Every Interest
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Ready to start a business but now sure which one is right for you? From side hustles and home-based gigs to e-commerce shops and photography and craft businesses, we’ve got ideas for every interest and circumstance.
Side business ideas
As a hardworking professional looking to earn some extra cash or pursue a hobby while still working full-time, consider starting a side gig. Here are some ideas to experiment with:
Podcasting
Are you bursting with stories and insight you’re dying to share? Are you passionate about a certain topic you know nearly everything about? Do you have a knack for speaking for others? If so, consider starting a podcast.
The podcast industry is booming today. As of 2019, there were about 86 million podcast listeners in the U.S., with forecasted growth to reach around 132 million by 2022. Capitalize on this trend by choosing a niche subject for your podcast, mapping out details of possible episodes, interviewees, etc. Podcasts offer great opportunities for revenue, like brand deals, sponsorships, advertising and more.
Blogging
Similar to podcasters, if you have something to say, consider creating a blog. Not everyone is as comfortable with or willing to record themselves having conversations or interviews. If your talents and interests make you a better writer than speaker, you could find great success in maintaining a blog. In fact, 77% of internet users regularly read blog posts.
Of course, you don’t want to start just any blog where you share rants or journal-like entries. You’ll want to choose a specific topic you’re passionate about and create engaging, informative posts on a consistent basis. Like podcasts, managing a successful blog will attract many opportunities for increasing revenue and networking.
App developing
Today, it seems there are apps for everything. It’s no wonder the mobile app development industry is continuing to grow in both revenue and jobs created. In 2018, global mobile app revenue reached over $365 billion, and it is projected to reach over $935 billion by 2023.
Even in this congested industry, there’s always room for new ideas. If you notice a gap in the app development industry and you have an idea burning within you, don’t hesitate to pursue it.
In order to make it as an app developer, however, you must be a creative and motivated individual. You’ll also want to gain experience in application software development and familiarize yourself with mobile user interface (UI).
Service business ideas
Rather than selling products, you can choose to sell your skills and time instead. Here are some service-based businesses to try out:
Home health care
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the home health care services industry is the No. 1 fastest growing industry. If you’re a healthcare professional, why not offer your services through an at-home healthcare business? Many patients require support and treatments on a daily basis. Receiving quality assistance in their own home, rather than visiting or even living in a hospital every day, can feel like a blessing to such individuals.
Management consulting
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also named management (along with scientific and technical) consulting services as another fast-growing industry. As a management consultant, you can help business owners grow their companies and tackle projects/obstacles. If you have a knack for problem-solving and professional expertise that might be valuable to your clients, consider opening your own management consulting business.
Life coaching
Life coaches are becoming more prevalent today, with many professionals channeling their life experience and insight to help their clients thrive. In fact, in 2018, life coaching was known as the second fastest growing industry.
As a life coach, you can help individuals set and reach their personal and professional goals through ongoing support and an actionable plan. Simply build a list of loyal contacts and clients, market your business and let your services do the talking for you.
E-commerce business ideas
Brick-and-mortar shops are experiencing a steady decline, while e-commerce stores are on the rise today. Here are two popular e-commerce business ideas to consider:
Beauty products
In 2018, the global cosmetics market grew by around 5.5%. If you’re passionate about beauty products like cosmetics and skin care, opening your own beauty e-commerce business might be a good idea for you. Especially with a high demand for cruelty-free, vegan and organic cosmetics brands, you can take many unique approaches to set your company aside from the millions of others in the industry. Find a niche and gear your products toward bridging that gap in the beauty market.
Vitamin and supplements
Consumers are becoming more aware of how they treat and what they put into their bodies today. From meditation to medicine, many are starting to seek more holistic approaches to their health and wellness. As a result, taking vitamins and supplements has become routine for many health-conscious individuals.
In 2018, revenue from vitamin and nutritional supplement production reached almost $31 billion in the U.S. If you’re passionate about this industry, do your research and consider starting your own line of vitamins and supplements. (Just make sure you follow government guidelines!)
Home-based business ideas for moms
As a mom, you probably often feel torn between staying at home to care for the kids or going to work to help afford them. However, in today’s flexible work culture, you can now do both. Here are some home-based business ideas for moms:
Content marketing
Content marketing is a demanding industry today. Many businesses are looking to outsource their marketing efforts to talented individuals who understand the art of communication. In fact, nearly 50% of businesses expect to invest more in their content marketing and creation initiatives in 2020. With a knack for writing and experience in marketing, you can make a decent profit (from the comfort of your own couch) by writing advertising or marketing copy for various clients.
Event planning
The projected growth for meeting, convention and event planners is expected to increase 7% (faster than average) from 2018 to 2028. While you might think event planning requires frequent outings and in-person meetups with clients and vendors, the majority of event planning work can be done at home. As long as you’re organized and skilled in project management, you shouldn’t have issues finding success in this industry. Networking efforts can be done via social media, and communication can be limited to emails, phone calls and even video chats. Today, in-person contact isn’t as crucial as it used to be. You’ll likely only be expected to meet for occasional venue tours or to prepare the day of an event.
Dog walking
With an anticipated market growth of 1.6% in 2020, dog walking is becoming a popular gig for many animal lovers today. While you’ll have to leave your house to venture a few blocks around your neighborhood for a bit, you can stay close to home (and even take your kids with you). Added bonus: You’ll get a daily workout in while earning a decent profit. Build up your client list, and you’ve got yourself a successful business.
Beauty business ideas
The global beauty industry is expected to reach a market value of almost $805 billion by 2023. There are many business opportunities in this market. If you’re interested in capitalizing on the beauty industry’s rapid growth, consider pursuing one of these beauty business ideas:
Makeup artist (theatrical and performance)
The makeup artist industry is booming, especially for theatrical and performance makeup: The mean annual wage for this niche market is nearly $70,000. If you have a passion for makeup and enjoy applying elaborate makeup for performers, consider starting a business in this industry.
However, where you operate your services matters. The best states in which to pursue this career are California, New York, Texas, Hawaii and Florida.
Fashion/beauty guru
Many department store chains partner with fashion gurus to help promote their stores and products. If you have a well-read blog or platform with a loyal following, you can land sponsorships and brand partnerships that are relevant to your audience.
However, social media presence (namely on Instagram) is a must: According to a 2019 State of Influencer Marketing survey, 79% of respondents say Instagram is the most important for their influencer marketing campaigns. If you’re a guru, make sure you’re giving Instagram enough attention so you can capitalize on your opportunities.
Internet business ideas
The internet is a great platform for entrepreneurs, as it allows you to connect with a diverse audience across the globe. Here are some unique business ideas you can start online:
Digital courses
Today, consumers aren’t just looking for products or services — they’re looking to learn and grow. In fact, the e-learning market is projected to surpass $243 billion by 2022.
Start a business geared toward offering online courses on topics like mental health, media or writing, and choose a subject you’re passionate about. Then, monetize your expertise by creating custom courses for individuals in your industry.
Vlogging
While many people look at the term “vlogger” as just a hobby for young individuals, the industry is actually booming — and only growing more saturated. A 2018 survey found that 85% of U.S. internet users watched online video content.
YouTubers especially land many deals outside of their vlogging careers, like sponsorships with brands, events and affiliates. Choose a topic you want to focus on, like beauty or even true crime, and deliver quality videos related to that topic on a regular basis.
Mobile business ideas
Working solely from your phone might have seemed impossible years ago, but developments in tech have allowed us the flexibility to do so. Here are some business ideas you can run from your mobile device:
Virtual assistant
According to Transparency Market Research, the global data analytics outsourcing market has a projected growth of 29.4% between 2018 and 2026. In other words, more virtual assistants will be needed than ever before.
Virtual assistants provide professional administrative assistance to their clients. This can be in the form of technical support, creative insight, task management, etc. However, the work is completed remotely, so these contractors don’t need to work in-person with their clients.
Influencer marketing
According to the Digital Marketing Institute, 71% of marketers think influencer partnerships are beneficial for business. That being said, many marketers are willing to invest big in influencer marketing efforts.
Would you consider yourself an “influencer”? Do you have a decent social media following and niche audience? If so, consider diving into the world of influencer marketing by securing sponsorships with brands you believe in and would want to work with.
Photography business ideas
Photography is a rewarding, creative outlet for many artists. However, it can be more than just a hobby. If you work hard enough at your craft and understand how to build a loyal following, you can earn enough to transform your talents and passion into a career. Here are two booming photography markets to consider dipping your toes into:
Real estate
Real estate is a great market for professional photographers. Because listings with high-quality photos sell 32% faster, many sellers are investing in photographers to help market their homes. You can start your own business and offer services for various clients in the real estate industry, expanding your portfolio and building a name for yourself.
Wedding
What’s a wedding without photographs to cherish for a lifetime? As a photographer, you can start your own wedding photography business and book various events with clients in your area.
According to a 2018 study, the national average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,679. Depending on how many clients you book and how well you market your services, you can turn wedding photography into a full-time job with decent revenue.
Craft business ideas
Are you known by your friends as the crafty DIYer of the group? If so, you could be onto something in the business world. Channel your creativity and passions into a fulfilling career by starting a small craft business. Here are some craft business ideas to inspire you:
Greeting cards
Despite the continuous expansion of technology, there’s one thing many Americans will always cherish: greeting cards. In fact, 90% of households buy greeting cards each year, and their annual retail sales are estimated over $7.5 billion.
The handmade greeting card industry is competitive; but with the right preparation, skills and dedication to your business, you can find success in this unique market.
Candle makers
Candle-making is a multibillion dollar industry, and a great business idea for those crafty individuals looking to pursue a business without much funding.
If you’re looking to start a small business by selling your homemade candles, you won’t be plagued with hefty startup costs or expensive equipment. Additionally, all your work can be done entirely from home.
Drop shipping business
Drop shipping involves selling goods without keeping them in stock yourself, but rather transferring orders to their manufacturer, another retailer or a wholesaler for shipment. E-commerce and drop shipping profits have experienced a 7% year on year increase, reaching over $4 billion today. Here are a few drop shipping business ideas to consider:
Books
Unfortunately for booklovers who enjoy the experience of browsing quaint bookstores for a new novel (or twelve), there aren’t as many brick-and-mortar booksellers today. On the other hand, physical books are still outselling digital copies.
This makes the perfect storm for those choosing to drop ship books, as many consumers opt for purchasing their reading online and having a print copy shipped right to their door.
Women’s clothing
It’s no surprise that fashion plays a major role in the drop shipping industry. In fact, women’s clothing is one of the most popular niches of drop shipping. From athleisure to intimates, this is a great idea to explore for your drop shipping business. However, don’t overlook the smaller accessories, like scarves and headbands.
Jewelry
As the second most popular drop shipping niche, jewelry is a top seller. Consumers are constantly searching for items like necklaces, bracelets and rings online. Take advantage of this market by starting your own jewelry drop shipping business.
Food business ideas
The food industry is an exciting and highly competitive market. If you’re a major “foodie,” here are some food business ideas to consider:
Food truck
The food truck industry generated $1 billion in revenue in 2019, and an annual growth of 6.8% from 2014-2019. If you have a unique idea for gourmet cuisine and are willing to offer it at an affordable price, you’re the perfect candidate for a food truck business owner. While startup costs are hefty (since it requires you to rent or purchase a truck), the turnaround is often worth it. Be sure to check the laws governing food trucks in your area before getting started.
Bakery
A classic business idea, bakeries are still booming today, having generated $11 billion in revenue in 2019. Additionally, between 2014 and 2019, bakery cafes experienced an annual growth of 2.9%. What’s holding you back from pursuing your passion for dessert? Start your own bakery and create a custom menu with your favorite treats, so you can spread your love for sweets.
Catering
Like bakeries, caterers raised $11 billion in revenue in 2019. However, the annual growth rate for this occupation from 2014 to 2019 was 4.6%.
There are various types of catering, from corporate to wedding, sit-down to buffet, etc. Narrow down your options, choose your specialty, and decide whether you want to work from home or operate out of a separate location/eatery.
Instagram business ideas
Instagram is a great tool used in many social media marketing strategies. However, it can also be used to start a business in the first place. Here are three business ideas entirely built around and managed on Instagram:
Product reviewer
Many consumers turn to reviews to vet a product before making a purchasing decision. In fact, 91% of young consumers trust reviews. Because so many buyers do their research before investing in a product, businesses are starting to pay certain individuals to review their products — even if their experiences with said products are poor.
This creates room in the market for product reviewers as solopreneurs, and they have the flexibility to run their business entirely from home/online. Instagram especially is a popular platform for product reviewers to share their thoughts on an item and generate a loyal following. As a product reviewer, you can make a living simply by testing and reviewing a wide array of products.
Instagram manager
According to a 2019 study, 69% of U.S. marketers surveyed planned to invest in Instagram, far more than any other platform (the next was YouTube, with only 11%). Businesses understand the importance of having a strong presence on Instagram, and most are willing to pay big for an Instagram manager to oversee their account. If you’re passionate about social media, have a knack for aesthetics, understand the analytics behind the app and are organized in nature, you can find great success in this opportunity.
Travel blogger
Why not get paid to travel and post your photos on Instagram? Many travel bloggers maintain an actual website where they write posts about their trips, but some do it solely on Instagram.
By now, you know that attracting a large audience on Instagram can open up countless opportunities to earn money. Choose a unique layout for your posts and start sharing.
Rental business ideas
Many people opt to rent supplies rather than buy. With the right equipment, you can earn a decent profit by renting certain goods to consumers. Here are some rental business ideas:
Sporting goods rental
Many people look to rent sporting goods, from surfboards to golf clubs, rather than actually purchasing them. For instance, maybe someone is on vacation and wants to catch a few waves, but doesn’t live in an area that would allow them to surf year-round. They might choose to rent a surfboard for the day or week instead.
There are many opportunities in this market. To start your sporting goods rental company, research affordable ways to buy your equipment and review any terms and conditions associated with your business type.
Party supplies rental
There are many small supplies needed for a party, such as tables, chairs, decorations and even tents to keep the rain out. However, if someone is planning a one-time event, they might consider simply renting these types of supplies for the duration of the gathering rather than investing in a purchase.
You can generate a consistent revenue by starting a party supplies rental business and offering equipment through a lease arrangement.
Bike rental
You’ve likely come across various bike rental shops in your life, whether in a busy city or quaint downtown. Since biking is a great means of transportation, as well as an enjoyable hobby, many individuals — especially tourists — opt to rent from businesses in the area they’re visiting. Consider opening your own bike rental shop in a popular location.
Small business ideas for rural areas
Rural areas are not considered cities or towns; they’re often referred to as the “countryside.” Here are three great business ideas entrepreneurs living in this area.
Farmer’s market
If you’re living in a rural area and you have farmland to grow crops and produce, why not open your open farmer’s market? Rural towns love to shop for their food locally. Set up a roadside stand or turn your barn into a shop to sell fruits, vegetables, homemade goodies and anything else you’d like to offer.
Antique shop
Antique shops are all the rage today, with many consumers valuing high-quality, vintage products over those sold in chain stores. Especially in rural towns, people love antiquing — it’s often a hobby for many. Collect new pieces from places like other antique stores, flea markets and even garage sales, then open your shop and resell the products at a higher price.
Woodworking
Have a knack for woodworking? Open a local shop or business for your rural town friends, selling handmade furniture, decor and other items. Many consumers today love the rustic look and prefer a unique product that can’t be found anywhere else. Become your town’s woodworker and even accept special requests from your customers.
Etsy business ideas
Etsy is a great e-commerce site to create a digital store and sell products. Here are three business ideas to start on Etsy.
Calligraphy
Calligraphists often find success on artsy e-commerce sites like Etsy. From custom wedding invites to wall art, there are many items you can make at home and sell on your digital shop. To broaden your reach, make sure you allow your customers to request personalized products, like specific quotes or event invitations.
Handmade notebooks/journals
Journaling is a popular hobby/self-care practice for many today, but people don’t want just any notebook to write in. By creating and selling handmade journals, you’re taking advantage of a popular trend: notebooks and journals are the second most popular item sold on Etsy.
Home decor
Etsy is the place to go when searching for unique home decor; and, in turn, it’s the place to sell it. In fact, it’s the fifth most popular item sold on Etsy. Whether you’re creating quirky coasters or lantern candle holders, you’re bound to find success with home decor products.
Nonprofit business ideas
Starting a nonprofit is a great way to give back to the community. Here are three great ideas for nonprofits.
Animal shelter
There are many stray animals in danger, waiting for someone like you to give them the opportunity to find love and security. By opening an animal shelter, you’re not only helping people who want to adopt a pet, you’re also helping animals find a home, saving them from a life on the street -- or worse. If you love caring for animals, this business idea is for you.
Teen mentoring program
Many teens grow up without love or guidance from those closest to them and, as a result, find themselves in trouble or struggling with their mental health. There are many programs geared toward offering support to such individuals. Many, especially those in this age group, only need a sense of community and people to lean on during difficult times. Make the difference in a young adult’s life by starting a program that allows you to be a mentor to teens in need.
Food bank
According to the Food Aid Foundation, there are 795 million people in the world who don’t have enough food to lead a healthy life. If there’s a specific community you’d like to help, consider opening a local food bank that ensures members have access to nutritious meals. Find a place to store food donations and set up a food drive so you can distribute the goods to those in need.
Passive income business ideas
Passive income is a great way to earn quick cash. Here are three business passive income business ideas to try out today.
Affiliate marketing
With affiliate marketing, you essentially earn commission by promoting other people’s products. If your marketing translates into sales, you’ll get a portion of that amount. Simply find products you like and advertise it to others, typically through an affiliate network, and let the money pour in.
E-book author
Writing a book takes time and effort, but the ROI can be particularly high. E-books are inexpensive to publish, highly accessible and easy to digest. Choose a topic and genre, and dedicate some time and effort to the writing/editing process before publishing. Once you release the digital product, make sure you market it to your friends, family and others in your network.
Rental properties
Renting out a property is a great way to earn quick and consistent money. While you might have to keep up with any maintenance issues, if you find a decent tenant who pays on time and doesn’t cause trouble, you’re looking at earning an easy chunk of cash each month.
Travel business ideas
The traveling industry is booming today. Take advantage of these three business ideas.
Translator
People who travel often experience a language barrier, especially if they’re visiting foreign countries. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, consider becoming a translator, either through written form or verbal communication, and offer your services to travelers in your area.
Travel agency
Many individuals and corporations turn to travel agencies to help plan their vacations or work trips. By starting your own private travel agency, you can offer assistance to clients by finding them the right options that match their needs and resources.
Airbnb
Airbnb is a popular option for travelers looking for places to stay. By becoming a host with the company, you can rent out your properties to travelers in tourist-driven locations. Airbnb makes it easy to list your rentals and attract potential clients to your page.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
How Small Businesses Can Leverage Amazon Prime Day All Summer Long
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small businesses can learn from Amazon and use the same strategies the e-commerce giant employs to drive sales even if they don't sell on Amazon.
Why it matters:
- Amazon is raising the stakes for its summer Prime Day promotion, expanding it from two days to four days, and adding limited-time deal drops to create more urgency to buy.
- The summer sales event has become a leading indicator of how
consumers are shopping, as retailers and brands start preparing for the holiday season. - As e-commerce brands large and small join Amazon in offering deals, SMBs can mirror the excitement and urgency of Prime Day with differentiated messaging like, ‘Skip the algorithm. Shop local’; lean into the back-to-school business, a big purchase during the shopping bonanza; and reward loyal shoppers with exclusive offers.
Amazon launched its first Prime Day in 2015 as a one-day sales event designed to entice consumers to buy a Prime membership, then $79 annually.
Since then, the annual summer sales promotion has turned into a multi-day event, the standard annual membership fee has increased to $139, and Prime Day has grown beyond a membership drive to an economic bellwether of how consumers are thinking, and how they will spend for the rest of the year.
It has inspired nearly every other major retailer to simultaneously host their own versions of Prime Day. Last year, consumers spent $14.2 billion on U.S. e-commerce sites during the two-day Prime event, up 11% over 2023, according to data from Adobe Analytics.
“Prime Day is massive, and not just for Amazon,” Mike Ford, CEO of marketing data and analytics company Skydeo, told CO—. “It’s become a retail tentpole that lifts the entire ecosystem.”
“The real opportunity,” Ford said, “is in the “Prime Week mindset, w
hen consumers are primed – pun intended – to shop, look for deals, and try new brands.”
Over the years, Amazon has developed strategies for boosting Prime Day sales that small businesses can tap into, and benefit from, whether they sell on Amazon or not.
“You don’t have to sell on Amazon to ride the Prime Day wave,” Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at digital marketing platform Constant Contact, told CO—.
“Shoppers are already in a buying mindset – and smart small businesses can absolutely lean into that,” he said.
This year’s Amazon Prime Day will take place July 8 to 11. Here are ways small businesses can leverage Amazon’s favorite Prime Day strategies all summer long:
Lean into ‘shop local’ messaging
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, realizes than many consumers would rather be supporting small or local businesses while grabbing deals. That’s why it always emphasizes that most of its sales during Prime Day are made by third-party sellers who use the Amazon platform, most of them small businesses. It also lets small business sellers display a Small Business badge on their pages and directs shoppers to small business sellers.
“Make it clear that this is your version of Prime Day, and why shopping with you is a better choice – personal service, local support, community impact, unique products – all of the things that make your small business stand out,” Charest said.
“For physical retailers, a last-minute sidewalk sale, gift-with-purchase, or local delivery perk can be just enough to get people in the door,” he said.
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It’s prime time for back-to-school offers
Amazon has found that back-to-school-related purchases have been a key growth driver. Parents increasingly are seeing Prime Day offers as the signal to start back-to-school shopping.
Adobe Analytics reported that last year sales of backpacks, lunchboxes, and other school supplies surged 216% during the two-day Prime event, compared to daily sales levels for the prior month. Sales of kids’ apparel soared 165%.
In its report on how consumers respond to sales events, The New E-Commerce Calendar, Intuit, Inc. found that parents (56%) were more likely than non-parents (47%) to make an Amazon Prime Day-related purchase.
Prime Day sellers will be bombarding parents with online messages about back-to-school deals during the Prime Day event. Small businesses that sell back-to-school-related products should be aware of how Prime Day is pushing the school shopping season earlier, and time their promotions accordingly.
Keep your messages clear, concise, compelling, and consistent, and ‘mirror the urgency and excitement of Prime Day’
Clarity and urgency are important when trying to get shoppers’ attention, Ford of Skydeo said. “Shoppers don’t have time to decode complex offers – ‘25% off everything, today only’ will outperform “Earn $20 after your third purchase’ every time,” he said.
With social media messaging, “keep it simple, punchy, and timely,” Constant Contact’s Charest said. Small businesses should “mirror the urgency and excitement of Prime Day with language like ‘No membership needed,’ ‘Shop small. Save big,” or ‘Skip the algorithm. Shop local.’
“The key is speed,” Charest said. “Use email, SMS, and social posts to get the word out quickly, with clear, direct calls to action that make it easy for your audience to act,” he said.
Sending a message that is consistent with a brand’s or small business’s identity is important, Jillian Ryan, Senior Manager, Content Marketing Strategy at Intuit Mailchimp, told CO—.
“Brands should tell a consistent story all year, and every campaign should reinforce your brand identity,” Ryan said. “If you are going to lean into the sales messaging of Amazon Prime Day, make sure you have a story that aligns to your brand’s purpose,” she said.
Intuit’s New E-Commerce Calendar research found that 25% of shoppers are prompted to buy because of messages they received before the sales event that were not necessarily discount driven. So, businesses should be reaching out to customers before and after the sale moment, “not just day of,” Ryan said.
Another messaging tip is to “reward customers for shopping with you, and give them exclusive access,” Ryan said.
“This means you can segment your [message] list to send targeted promotions … to your highest valued customers,” she said. “Let them know you want to reward them with a special incentive.”
Follow up after Prime Day: ‘This is your golden opportunity to build a relationship’
If someone makes a purchase during the four Prime Days, “follow-up quickly, within 3 to 5 days, with a thank you email, a usage tip, or a loyalty offer,” Ford of Skydeo said.
“This is your golden opportunity to build a relationship,” he said. “Show them you understand what they bought, what they care about, and how your brand fits into their life going forward,” he said.
Your Business Isn’t Too Small to Build a Brand
- Branding isn’t about size. It’s about clarity, consistency, and purpose.
- Small businesses with strong brands grow faster and retain more loyal customers.
- A brand is the promise you keep, not just the logo you use.
- Start with your story and values. Then build visual and verbal consistency.
- Every customer interaction should reinforce what makes you different.
636 Words ~ 3.5 min. read
When most people think “brand,” they picture big names like Nike, Apple, or Starbucks. But in truth, some of the strongest brands belong to small businesses. Like the neighborhood bakery with a line out the door every Saturday. Or the local contractor everyone recommends without hesitation. What sets them apart isn’t budget. It’s branding done right.
Branding isn’t just for big companies. It’s how any business, of any size, communicates who they are and why they matter. For small businesses, branding isn’t a luxury. It’s your edge. It helps you cut through noise, attract better-fit customers, and grow with confidence. Yet too often, small business owners treat branding as something they’ll invest in later. That’s a missed opportunity.
A strong brand isn’t about fancy design or a clever tagline. It’s about clarity and consistency. It’s the promise you make and keep every time a customer interacts with your business. When done well, branding builds trust, emotional connection, and long-term loyalty. That’s true whether you’re running a restaurant, a retail shop, or a B2B service company.
So where should a small business start? Not with a costly rebrand or an elaborate style guide. Begin with your story. Why did you start this business? What do you believe in? What do you do better than anyone else? Those answers are the foundation of your brand identity.
Next, translate that identity into a voice and look that feel authentic to you. Choose a tone that fits your values. Whether that’s professional, casual, inspiring, or direct. Then use it across every customer touchpoint. One local accounting firm embraced a tone of friendly expertise in everything from its emails to signage and saw referrals rise 30 percent in a year.
Your visuals matter too. You don’t need a world-class designer. Start with a few key colors, a clean font, and a logo that aligns with your message. What matters more than polish is consistency. Make sure your website, signage, social media, and printed materials all feel like they’re coming from the same voice and visual identity.
And most importantly, bring your brand to life in how you deliver your service. Your customer experience should reflect your values in action. If your brand is about reliability, you need fast response times and follow-through. If it’s about community, you should be engaging locally and making people feel seen.
Small businesses that get branding right build something bigger than marketing. They build reputation. They become memorable, trusted, and easier to recommend. A strong brand turns customers into advocates and consistency into growth.
The Bottom Line: Branding isn’t about budget or business size. It’s about being clear on your purpose, consistent in your message, and authentic in how you show up. Take ten minutes today to write down what you stand for. That’s the first step to building a brand that lasts.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
Member News ~ July 3, 2025
First Friday- Date Change
Bloomsburg's First Friday will be moved to July 11th. Attendees are encouraged to spend July 4th in Town Park!
Montour County Comprehensive plan in the works
Montour County is creating a comprehensive plan and is looking for the public's opinion. Fill out a survey that will be used to shape the the plan's priorities here.
PPL Power Line Newsletter out now
Check out the July edition of PPL's Power Line.
BTE Stages Sensory-Friendly Performance of Sideways Stories on Saturday, July 12th
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble will hold its free Kathy Baas Sensory-Friendly performance of Sideways Stories from Wayside School on Saturday, July 12th at 2 PM. Learn more.
Sunset Ridge 4th Annual "Let's Have A Blast" Happening Tonight
Join Sunset Ridge for their 4th Annual "Let's Have a Blast" Celebration tonight starting 6:00 pm. Learn more.
"Go Joe" Coming to Pine Barn
Joe Snedeker's annual "Go Joe" will be starting out at the Pine Barn Inn on July 22. Everyone is welcome to the send-off! Be at the Pine Barn no later than 7:45 am!
North Shore Railroad & Affiliates - On Track Newsletter out now
Check out North Shore Railroad & Affiliates' second quarter newsletter.
McKonly & Asbury Receive Recognition
For the seventh consecutive year McKonly & Asbury has received ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award for outstanding client satisfaction. This recognition reflects ratings and feedback from their clients. Congratulations!
Swift Kennedy's July Newsletter out now
Check out the July Live Well, Work Well Newsletter from Swift Kennedy.
Local Partners Step Up to Secure Site for Greater Berwick Homeless Shelter
CSO Mini Mobile Food Pantry receives funding
Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. has received a $20,000 grant from M&T Bank Charitable Foundation for their new Mini Mobile Food Pantry. The program will help them reach even more people in rural and underserved communities.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum T-Shirts Available
Available for purchase now through July 20th the Bloomsburg Children's Museum is selling T-Shirts. All proceeds will go toward supporting programs and outreach. Learn more.
Chamber Member Directory Sales continuing
Member directory ad sales are happening now through July 25th. Learn more here OR reach out to Lois Wolfe for more details.
North Central Sight Services Hosting White Cane 5K
Benton Rodeo Association Announces 40th Annual Frontier Days Championship
The Benton Rodeo will be taking place on July 15-20th. Click here for more information
Save the date for Danville Summer Sidewalk Sales
Be part of one of downtown Danville’s biggest shopping events of the summer! The Danville Business Alliance is inviting all member businesses to participate in Summer Sidewalk Sales, Saturday, July 12th, 2025, a day dedicated to boosting foot traffic, spotlighting local shops, and creating a vibrant community experience. Sign Up Here.
Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau Shares a NEW Program
A Master Angler Passport! Organized through the popular fishing tournament company, iAngler, this program allows visitors and residents alike to get out on the water in Columbia Montour counties and record the fish species caught in the iAngler mobile app. To learn more about this new program, please click here.
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces July Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for July 2025. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm. The Museum will be closed on Friday, July 4. For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries Red Sand Project
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be conducting their first annual Red Sand Project on July 30th. This initiative is focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals in the area who are falling through the cracks in existing systems, especially victims of human sex trafficking.
SBDC Hosts Webinar
Dorothy Lane, Director of the Wilkes University SBDC is presenting "The First Step: Starting a Business in Pennsylvania"
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA offers Adaptive Track & Field
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum and Bloomsburg Teen Center Partner for Summer Program
“How Did You Make That?” is a free 5-week camp for teens where they will go behind the scenes at real local manufacturers to see how things are made from design to production. They will visit places like Commercial Stainless, Sekisui, Dyco, Rick Stanley Clockworks, GAF Roofing, and more. Camp starts July 23rd and meets Wednesdays at 4:30 PM. Transportation from the Bloomsburg Teen Center and food are included and it’s completely free to join. Click here for more information.
Hopewell Park: Temporarily Closed
The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) advises users of Hopewell Park in Mahoning Township, Montour County, that the park will be closed to public use on Monday, June 16, weather permitting, and for several days in the next several weeks as construction begins on Moore Energy’s nearby solar energy facility. Work will include reconstruction of the park’s access road and an expansion of the park’s parking area.
McKonly & Asbury Host July Webinar
On July 10th tune in for a FREE Webinar from 2:00-3:00pm. Elizabeth Harriger, Amanda Frikker and Megan Krider, will be presenting on Understanding Long-Term Monitoring and Compliance for Rental Projects Receiving AHP Funding. Click here to register
CSIU to Host The Human Experience Summer Camp
FREE for Students in Grades 7–12! The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit is proud to host The Human Experience, a four-day, immersive summer program designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and community-building among students through a blend of educational training, leadership development, and theatrical experiences. July 21–24, 2025 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center– 15 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA. Open to students entering grades 7–12 in the 2025–26 school year. For more information, contact Julie Petrin at jpetrin@csiu.org or 570-523-1155 ext. 2316.
PA Careerlink hosting Unemployment Compensation: Relief from Charges Employer Seminar
Concerned about controlling Unemployment Compensation costs? This in-person seminar, hosted by PA Careerlink, explains what Relief from Charges is, eligibility, and how to file. Join them on July 30th from 3:30 - 4:30 at their Central Rd location in Bloomsburg. For more information and to register reach out to Tammy Pursel OR Drew Edsell.
Summer Festival happening at Villa Sacred Heart July 12
The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius invite you to Villa Sacred Hear in Danville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival. The event begins at 10:30 on July 12th. Enjoy food trucks, Sisters' Bakery, a flea Market, arts and crafts, Bingo, Books, and MORE! Help them celebrate 50 years!
Invest in Your Team: Leadership & Workforce Development Opportunities
Is your business ready to build stronger leaders and take advantage of workforce funding? The Columbia Montour Chamber and The Foundation offer two powerful professional development programs and have WEDnetPA funding help eligible businesses cover the cost.
Leadership Central Penn
Applications now open for the 2025–2026 program year!
This 9-month leadership development initiative brings together professionals from across Columbia and Montour Counties to grow as leaders, build connections, and make an impact.
Program Highlights:
Monthly sessions (Sept–May) focused on leadership, civic engagement & economic development
Expert-led training & networking with local leaders
For emerging and seasoned professionals alike
Cost:
$1,295 for Chamber Members
Scholarships may be available to nonprofit Chamber members.$1,495 for Non-Members
Apply or learn more: https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/foundation-adult-programs/lcp-application/
Management & Leadership Certificate Series Accepting Applications for 2025 Fall Cohort
This 5-module course is ideal for supervisors, managers, and team leaders looking to sharpen leadership skills and navigate today’s workplace.
Topics include:
Communication & Listening
Motivating Employees & Managing Change
Coaching & Performance
Leading a Diverse Workforce
Conflict Resolution
Each module is four hours and led by industry experts. Includes materials, activities, and real-world application.
Learn More: https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/employee-development/
Take Advantage of WEDnetPA Funding
Pennsylvania’s new 10-Year Strategic Plan prioritizes workforce training in these five sectors:
Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Energy
Agriculture
Robotics & Technology
If your company operates in one of these areas, WEDnetPA funds may help pay for programs like Leadership Central Penn or the Management Certificate Series.
FY 2025–26 applications open August 1, 2025 for WEDnetPA Funding
To check eligibility, reach out to Jennifer Williams, 570-389-4004 or by emailing her at jwilliam@commonwealthu.edu.
June 30, was
the end of the Fiscal Year and, technically the deadline for state lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro to finalize a budget plan for the next Fiscal Year starting July 1st. As of this writing, however, negotiations are reportedly ongoing with no clear path to a finalized budget plan. Key sticking points include proposed increases in education and transit funding, the regulation of skill games, and how to responsibly manage the state’s finances amid a structural deficit. The PA Chamber continues to monitor developments and advocate for a timely, fiscally responsible resolution that supports economic growth and stability. Both the House and Senate are in session for part of this week, and we will keep our members informed as developments arise.
With both chambers in session last week, lawmakers advanced several bills with direct implications for Pennsylvania’s business climate. The House narrowly passed a harmful tax on businesses, while other measures on workforce development, CPA licensure, food donation liability, commercial redevelopment, and recurring subscription rules also advanced. Here is a recap of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers:
Combined Reporting (H.B. 1610; Fiedler)
The House of Representatives voted 104-99 to advance House Bill 1610 last Tuesday.
This legislation would enact mandatory unitary combined reporting for Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax filers in Pennsylvania.
Combined Reporting would significantly increase the cost and complexity of filing tax returns; add complexity for groups that include entities subject to special apportionment or different taxes; and lead to an increase in tax appeals and litigation. It would also create a specific disincentive for multistate firms to do business in Pennsylvania and increase the uncertainty of tax collection forecasts.
The Council on State Taxation (COST) found in its analysis that this particular version of combined reporting “would make Pennsylvania’s corporate income tax code hostile to business and among the worst in the nation.”
PA Chamber of Business and Industry opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
Second Career Certification (H.B. 1404; Curry)
The House of Representatives unanimously voted (203-0) to pass House Bill 1404 last Monday.
This legislation would increase the length of time that future teachers and Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators can utilize an intern certification from three years to five years.
Employers across the Commonwealth continue to report challenges in filling open positions with qualified applicants, particularly in the skilled trades.
At the same time, CTE centers are experiencing high demand for enrollment — so much so that they have been forced to turn away applicants due to shortages of instructors and classroom space. This legislation offers meaningful relief to individuals seeking to enter the classroom and help educate Pennsylvania’s next generation of skilled workers.
PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves to the Senate Education Committee.
CPA Licensure Modernization (S.B. 719; Hutchinson)
The House of Representatives unanimously voted (202-0) to advance Senate Bill 719 last Thursday. It had passed the House Professional Licensure and the House Appropriations Committees in unanimous votes earlier in the week.
This legislation would enhance and modernize CPA licensure requirements by establishing an additional pathway for CPA licensure and enhance mobility to ensure CPAs licensed in other states are able to practice in Pennsylvania.
Under current law, candidates seeking CPA licensure must obtain a master’s degree or 150 credits, gain one year of professional experience, and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This legislation would establish an additional pathway for candidates with a bachelor’s degree who gain two years of professional experience and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. The legislation also modernizes rules related to interstate mobility of CPAs.
PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now – having passed both chambers of the General Assembly – awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
Sharing Workforce Data (S.B. 101; Bartolotta)
The Senate voted 47-3 to advance Senate Bill 101 last Wednesday.
This legislation would direct the Department of Labor & Industry to share already collected workforce data on wages, new hires, and UC claimants with local workforce development boards.
Local workforce development boards are on the front lines working with claimants to search for work, apply for and accept jobs. These boards are seeking more timely access to existing data sets, including UC claim data, in order to better support their pathway to re-employment through targeted services and activities.
Unemployment Compensation and new hire data currently takes up to 24 months to access from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This legislation is one part of a broad strategy to help address labor shortages.
PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for thei memo), which now advances to the House Labor & Industry Committee.
Redeveloping Shopping Malls (H.B. 1446; Siegel)
The House Local Government Committee voted 15-11 to advance House Bill 1446 last Wednesday.
This legislation is intended to incentivize municipalities and developers to redevelop shopping malls into mixed-use communities.
This legislation proposes well-intended policies to encourage redevelopment of outdated shopping malls, which could help local communities by expanding the tax base, providing housing opportunities, among other benefits.
Unfortunately, the legislation also provides for more favorable terms on the condition that applicants agree to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) – a requirement to exclusively hire union labor and effectively discriminate against the majority of employees and contractors who are not unionized.
PA Chamber of Business and Industry is concerned that PLAs could undermine the effectiveness of the program, and urged lawmakers to remove this language from the bill. They will continue working to improve this legislation as it now moves to the full House.
Limited Liability for Food Donations (H.B. 615; Khan)
The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 615 on Thursday June 26th. It had passed the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Appropriations committee earlier in the week.
This legislation would amend the Donated Food Limited Liability Act to expand the current immunity from civil and criminal liability to apply to the donation of food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended label date but is still fit for human consumption.
This legislation is a commonsense update of the Donated Food Limited Liability Act to ensure businesses can donate food that may be past the manufacturer’s “best by” date but is still safe to consume. Doing so will reduce food waste and support non-profits that rely on these donations to serve people in need.
PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now – having passed both chambers of the General Assembly – awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Scaling Your Impact: From Doer to Delegator to Developer
- Businesses plateau when leaders don’t evolve.
- If you’re still the hub of every decision, you’re not scaling—you’re stalling.
- True growth happens when leaders shift from doing tasks to developing people and systems.
- This article walks through that essential transition: from Doer to Delegator to Developer.
- The payoff: a business that grows beyond you.
638 Words ~ 3.5 min. read
Most businesses don’t stall because of market conditions or strategy missteps. They stall because their leaders don’t evolve. If you're still the person everyone depends on to make decisions, approve tasks, and solve problems, your business isn't scaling. It's bottlenecking. The reality is that no organization can outgrow the capacity of its leadership. To truly scale, you must transition from being the one who does the work, to the one who builds the system, to the one who grows the people.
Early in the life of a business, success often rides on your willingness and ability to do it all. In this Doer stage, you’re in the trenches: selling, servicing, troubleshooting. It’s an adrenaline-fueled, high-control, high-responsibility phase. And it works. Until it doesn’t. Over time, the weight becomes unsustainable. When you’re the linchpin for every operation, progress is constrained by your availability and energy. You may be working harder than ever and still feeling like you're falling behind.
Eventually, to grow, you must let go. Enter the Delegator stage. This is where leaders begin to trust others to carry the load. Delegating isn't about offloading. It’s about empowering others with clarity and ownership. Done well, it increases your organization's capacity and sharpens your focus. Yet delegation alone only buys time. It doesn’t build scale. Many leaders plateau here, stuck in a loop of assigning tasks but still making all the key decisions.
The real leap happens when you become a Developer. This stage is less about controlling outcomes and more about shaping environments. Developer leaders create systems that reduce reliance on any one person, including themselves. More importantly, they grow people. Not just by assigning them tasks, but by coaching them to think critically, lead confidently, and take ownership. It’s no longer about asking, “How do I get this done?” but rather, “How do I enable others to do this better than I ever could?”
This evolution also changes how you define your role. Your value is no longer tied to personal output. Instead, it’s measured by the capability and autonomy of your team. Developer leaders build resilient organizations that can operate and thrive without their constant intervention.
Ask yourself: If you took two weeks off starting tomorrow, what would break? If the answer is “everything,” you're still too central to the machine. That’s not a leadership problem. It’s a scalability problem.
The journey from Doer to Delegator to Developer isn’t just a framework. It’s a mindset shift. It requires vulnerability, patience, and the willingness to relinquish control in service of something larger. But it’s also the clearest path to freedom, fulfillment, and sustainable growth.
Leadership isn’t about how much you do. It’s about how well you enable others to do.
The Bottom Line
To scale your business, you must scale your leadership. Moving from task execution to system design to people development is the key transition every founder, executive, and team leader must make. When you invest in building leaders, not just doing the work, you stop being the bottleneck and start being the builder.
For more context, see:
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
Chamber Statement on Design Group Americas’ WARN Notice
Chris Berleth, President, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the membership of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, our hearts go out to the many people impacted by the recent announcement by Design Group Americas and their issuance of the WARN Notice to employees. There is no doubt that Berwick Offray, through Design Group Americas and its lineage of predecessor companies, is a significant part of our community, and many employees who have been working there for decades have been impacted.
In the hours since the announcement, the Chamber has been in touch with local leaders who mobilize rapid response resources to aid workers through difficult times just like this. The community is poised to help, through resources at the PA CareerLink, the Berwick Area United Way, B.I.D.A., the Susquehanna Valley United Way, Central Susquehanna Opportunities (the Community Action Agency), and many more. The PA Department of Labor and Industry’s rapid response team is also mobilizing, and state resources to connect workers to unemployment compensation will be immediately available.
There is no joy in this announcement, but we do not lose hope – these impacted employees and their families are critical assets in our community. Our region is home to one of the strongest, best workforces in the world. We have every confidence that many local businesses will welcome those affected to their own companies with open arms. While we pause to grieve in this challenging time, we look with hope at the promises that have been made for what’s in store for our community, as new investment and job postings are being added daily, which will reshape Berwick, Salem Township, and beyond.”
For more resources, please contact:
PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties
421 Central Rd. Suite 2
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-387-6288
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
Central Susquehanna Opportunities (Community Action Agency)
570-644-6575
https://www.csocares.org/
Berwick Area United Way
570-759-8203
https://berwickareauw.org/
Representative Robert Leadbeter
134 W. Front St. Suite 102
Berwick, PA 18603
570-759-8734
New Member Highlight- OIP Bloomsburg
Located in the heart of downtown Bloomsburg, Original Italian Pizza (OIP) has been a beloved local staple for over 30 years, proudly serving generations of families with authentic, made-from-scratch Italian cuisine. Family-owned and operated, OIP blends traditional recipes with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back, whether for a casual lunch, family dinner, or post-game pizza night. From its fresh dough and house-made sauces to generous portions and friendly service, the restaurant stays true to its roots while continuing to grow with the community. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining in the beautifully designed Pizza Garden, a charming outdoor space that adds to the warm, inviting experience.