Recovering well from the holidays? Apparently, the IRS is still in the holiday spirit, and they’re sending out 2.4 billion in Recovery Rebate Credits to taxpayers who didn’t claim them on their 2021 returns (with a max individual credit of 1.4k).
If you’re a lucky winner, you should see the credit appear automatically in your bank account in late January – so be on the lookout for a letter from Uncle Sam about this.
Now, as I write this, the new year is only a few days away. Your regular routines likely are somewhat out-of-whack right now as the world anticipates the start of the new half-decade (and tries to muster up the motivation to finish 2024 strong).
I know I’ve been harping on the importance of end-of-year strategies for a while now. But the choices you make in the first few weeks of 2025 are almost equally as important. Why?
Because this is the critical time to build momentum – to take real action toward your intentions. It will set the tone for the rest of the year (and even future years to come).
At least, that’s been my experience. I’d love to hear yours.
For my team and I, this looks like hunkering down on preparation work – to help YOU have the smoothest possible tax season (although filing probably won’t begin until late January for most returns).
If you have all your paperwork in order already (note that I’m duly impressed), we can start your prep work ahead of time. But the IRS won’t officially accept returns or issue refunds until that TBD January date.
Now, how exactly do you build momentum toward your goals? One way is brainstorming ideas. Ever heard of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals? This is the S in action: Getting specific by considering the pros and cons of various options available to you.
Today I’m going to apply this principle to starting your own Harris County business. If that’s one of your goals for 2025, I want to help you build momentum now by putting a few (profitable) ideas before you.
5 Business Ideas for Houston Entrepreneurs in 2025
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
Have you always wanted to start your own business, but never gotten around to actually making it happen?
What’s holding you back?
There are a million reasons you could give right now, I’m sure. “I just don’t have the time.” “There isn’t room in the budget to invest in something like this.” “I don’t have the right skills or education.”
Those reasons are certainly valid. But I want to empower you with some encouragement today: They actually don’t have to stop you from fulfilling your dream. There are lots of business ideas for entrepreneurs that you could start today, right where you are.
Choosing the right one for YOU starts with two important questions:
Question 1: What are the needs around me?
To answer question 1, look around. What issues are currently trending? What would immediately make your day-to-day life that much easier? And (this is a big one) what are people around you complaining about?
Question 2: How can I meet those needs?
Answering question 2 requires you to look inward: What are your natural strengths? What credentials/training do you already have (or would be willing to get)? How much time, money, and resources are you willing to expend?
Now, with the answers to these questions in mind, here are a few business ideas for entrepreneurs I gathered from my own research to spark your inspiration:
1. Drop Shipping Services
The essence of drop shipping is selling products (kitchen gadgets, clothing, or home decor are a few examples) online without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer. You’re the (now slightly richer) middleman.
Pros: Minimal startup costs and expertise required.
Cons: You don’t have a lot of control. Your suppliers handle most of the process, but you have to face any disgruntled customers.
Considerations: This is a highly competitive market and can take time to build profit margins. Make sure to find a profitable niche and manage customer service effectively.
2. Tutoring
You likely have knowledge you can capitalize on. You might need to do a little brushing up on your algebra or European history, but that’s about all the upfront investment required.
Pros: Schedule flexibility and no startup costs. And, the fulfillment of helping students.
Cons: The demand can fluctuate seasonally, and it can be time-consuming (with lesson planning, teaching, and client follow-up).
Considerations: Some regions may require certifications or background checks.
3. Social Media Management
If you enjoy making Instagram stories and Tik Toks (and you’re not half-bad at it), why not make it profitable? You’ll need to choose a niche, price your services, and create a small portfolio before pitching to clients.
Pros: On top of flexibility and low costs, you get to let your creative juices flow.
Cons: Creating content takes TIME. And you have to stay in a constant learning mindset to keep on top of trends and algorithm changes.
4. Pet Sitting
This might sound like one of the less thrilling business ideas for entrepreneurs, but I’m willing to bet you have friends and family in need of a pet sitter. It’s an immediate need you can fill. The only real requirement for getting started? Not totally hating animals.
Pros: You get to spend time with furry (or possibly less furry) friends. Oh, and there’s the low upfront investment and schedule autonomy.
Cons: The hours aren’t always ideal, and building a strong customer base could take time.
5. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants primarily help entrepreneurs and professionals with day-to-day tasks (like managing calendars, tracking and managing expenses, and booking appointments, for example). If you’re computer-savvy, detail-oriented, and organized, you’re qualified.
Pros: You can work from almost anywhere, and demand is high.
Cons: Income can be unpredictable. Also, the industry is pretty competitive.
Considerations: Requires reliable technology, possibly paid software subscriptions, and strong organizational skills.
Whatever the reason for your dream of starting your own Houston business – autonomy, wealth, personal fulfillment – it doesn’t have to stay a dream. You actually CAN start your own business with what’s available to you right now. My hope is that these five business ideas for entrepreneurs get you thinking about what’s possible.
And of course, there are tax details involved, like income tax reporting, self-employment taxes, deductible expenses…the list goes on. I’m more than happy to help you figure those out:
calendly.com/postalplustax
To actualizing your dream,
Dominic Nguyen