What you'll get from this article

  • 5 Startup Ideas for Entrepreneurs
  • Advice on how to start a successful business
  • Tips for young entrepreneurs

Startup ideas are all around us, but turning those ideas into a successful business is daunting. That's why we've put together this list of five startup ideas for young entrepreneurs. And to help you get started, we've also included a free app called Goosly that will help you implement your business idea quickly and easily.

So whether you're a college student looking to start your own business or an entrepreneur with a few years of experience under your belt, these startup ideas will point you in the right direction!

First, what is a good business idea?

A good business idea can fulfil an unmet demand for products or services by attracting customers. Consider the problems of everyday life and ways of improving them by making them easier or quicker.

Collection of product management and design books with gorgeous monstera plant.
Photo by Jexo / Unsplash

It is preferred if you have a genuine passion for your idea, and you should be able to bring experience to a particular field. The best entrepreneurs also consider financial circumstances ahead of time.

For example, several business models, i.e., dog walking, have minimal startup costs, while others, like restaurants, need considerable funds. So when it comes to getting rich quickly in your own business, you could be disappointed.

Refine your idea

If you want to start your new business, you probably already know where you would like to sell your products online. Find companies that are currently active in your chosen industry.

Find some good examples for your business as well and learn to improve your own brand's performance. If you think your company can deliver something else that others cannot, you should consider making a business plan.

Before registering an organization, you also have to determine the kind of business that will be registered. Your business structure impacts every aspect of your taxes and personal liability if something goes wrong.

I will love you if you buy me a donut for this picture: ko-fi.com/bramnaus :)
Photo by Bram Naus / Unsplash

Ultimately, you decide the kind of entity most suitable to meet your current business requirements. There are various legal structures available. Does a limited liability company (LLC), single proprietorship, or a different structure work best for you and your potential idea?

You should consult a business lawyer when deciding which legal structure is best for you. A lawyer may also help you with personal liability, professional liability insurance, business insurance, business bank account benefits, and registering a business name.


Write a business plan

Many new companies start their business idea with a plan. Identify your target audience. Can you list the buyers of the service and products? How do you prove that your ideas will be needed?

Think about the purpose of your business plan. Who is the buyer?
Think of the outcome you want. How will your startup company fund itself?
The answers are readily available through a written business plan.

Goosly is a great business and product roadmap planning app with advanced customization features and a library of templates to draw inspiration from.
It is a free, lightweight and easy-to-use platform that helps you launch your startup faster.

Goosly - Free Planning Roadmaps tool
Goosly - Free Planning Roadmaps tool

A product launch roadmap should be timeline-based, and clearly showing high-level plans and goals, instead of every little task.

The app also allows you to track product stages and tasks, set business goals on timelines, and more. Goosly lets you make product roadmaps public or share your timeline-based business plans with potential partners or investors.

The Five Business Ideas

With these essential logistics out of the way, here are the top 5 startup ideas we suggest for junior entrepreneurs or college students.

1. Social media management

The use of social media has become increasingly commonplace in today’s society. Unsurprisingly, small businesses use social media platforms to reach their target markets.

However, managing social media accounts for a small business, online store, or larger corporation can be time-consuming. This is where social media management becomes a great startup idea for young entrepreneurs.

Social Media Facebook
Photo by Firmbee.com / Unsplash

Before starting a social media management business, you must consider a few things. First, you must understand social media platforms and how they work.

You also need to have an understanding of the target market for each platform. Once you have a good knowledge of both, you can start developing your marketing strategy.

2. Graphic design

Design is all around us. We see it in the clothes we wear, the ads, and how people package their products. Good graphic design can grab our attention and hold it, which is why it can be a valuable asset for startups.

Ipad featuring adobe software in the daytime.
Photo by Emily Bernal / Unsplash

If you're looking for a great startup idea that you can start on a shoestring budget, graphic design is a great option. It's also a growing field, so there's plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to do the work.

3. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is a great startup idea for young entrepreneurs because it's a low-cost, low-risk way to start a business. You can start offering your services online with little overhead costs, and you don't need special training or equipment.

Workhard Anywhere
Photo by Kevin Bhagat / Unsplash

To get started, create a profile on websites like UpWork or Freelancer, and start bidding on projects. Be sure to showcase your skills and experience in your profile, and be prepared to provide references from past clients. Start small with your bids and gradually increase them as you gain more experience.

4. Online marketing

Online marketing is a great startup idea for young entrepreneurs because it's a low-cost way to reach a large audience. You can start by creating a website or blog to share your thoughts and then use social media to spread the word. You can also create videos or podcasts to promote your business.

5. Website development

Web development is a great startup idea for young entrepreneurs because it's a continually growing and changing industry. There are always new trends and technologies to learn, so you can always stay ahead of the curve. In addition, web development is an in-demand skill, so there's a lot of growth potential.

Working on our first app in the coffee shop in Angel (London).
Photo by Jexo / Unsplash

You'll need to learn how to code to start web development. Codecademy is an excellent resource for beginners. Once you've learned the basics, you can build your own websites. You can also find freelance work online or start your own web development business.

Summing it up

Starting a business can be challenging, but it's also an enriching experience. These five startup ideas are a great place to start for young entrepreneurs or college students. They're low-cost and low-risk, so they're perfect for those just beginning.

If you want some more inspiration from a successful startup founder, check out "The Startup Corner" podcast, a video series and podcast dedicated to startup growth, full of priceless advice from a startup founder to aspiring founders!

In fact, no matter where you are in your startup journey.
Whether you're just looking for your first idea to validate, or you’re already pitching the future dragon of the century, be sure to do research and understand the industry before you start.

You can create your own successful business with a little hard work, patience, and determination.