42 Small Business Ideas in the Philippines for 2017

Are you planning to start a business in 2017 but still confused about what business idea is best
for you? Well, worry no more because I am going to give you a list of best small business ideas
in 2017 that will surely help you decide what business to engage this year.

Experts also believe that 2017 will be the best year for entrepreneurs. Keeping an eye
on key trends and new development is indeed very important for anyone who wants to
start a business. There are several factors why 2017 is apt for entrepreneurs such as
the adoption of advanced technologies, growing population, penetration of internet to
distant regions, increasing number of dual families, income hikes, increasing political
will in the government, millennials, etc.

So, since this year will foster a favorable ambiance for entrepreneurs, here are some
list of business ideas in the Philippines this 2017.

1. Photography business
If you can capture beautiful photos of people, places, events , know how to edit it using
Photoshop or Lightroom and owns a DSLR camera, you can build your own small
business. The first thing you just have to do is to create your own portfolio of stunning
photos and outstanding projects.

There are actually a lot of things you can do to make money in your photography
business such as stock photos where you can submit photos to a variety of stock
photography websites and photography services where you can either build your own
team and a lot more.

2. Photo booths
Filipinos love to take photos and share it on social media. And there’s another trend to
make special occasions or parties more fun . Photo booth is just like karaoke booth
however, you need to invest money to buy equipment for this such as printer, laptop,
DSLR, etc. You also need to have some photo editing skills so you can create
templates for your clients and this kind of business is booming because Filipinos are
fond of parties and taking photos.

3. Dance instructor
Zumba has now becoming popular in the Philippines especially for the moms at home.
This is another way for the mothers to socialize with other mothers, it releases their
stress and a good way to stay fit as well. If you have a talent in dancing this could be a
good source of income which only takes two hours teaching Zumba or other dance.
You can also organized workshops for kids and adults
4. Internet cafe business
If you think you have a good place to put up a business like this, then you might want to
try it. Since most of the computer shops nowadays are accommodated by students, this
is a good opportunity to build your own business. However, the only thing you need
here is quite a big amount of investment capital because you need several computers
which is quite expensive.

5. T-Shirt printing business

T-shirt printing is indeed a growing business that will never get old. There are actually a
lot of ways you can market a T-shirt business. All you need to have are designs people
love, a brand people cherish and quality people trust. You can make a living out of this
business and if you want your business to grow, you can create your own Facebook
page or website to market and sell your customize shirts.

6. Catering Service
Filipinos love to prepare and serve food to guests most especially if there are special
occasions. However, cooking and serving food can be a bit of exhausting. Thus the only
solution for this is to call a catering service provider.

Though, this type of business also requires a lot of money at first, since you need to
buy equipment for this such as tables, chairs and table cloth with various colors. But
once you get enough clients, your business will soon pick up.

7. Blogging and online publishing

Blogging could help you discover through social media. Since people are now more
exposed to social networking sites this is also a good advantage if you want to take a
business opportunity in blogging. And if you create more traffic on your web site then
you’ll earn from it.

8. Online shop/ online Selling

More than 3 billion people are online every day and the internet offers a wide
opportunity for online businesses. If you want to set up an online business all you need
are a computer, a good internet connection, website, merchant account with bank and a
trustworthy suppliers. It doesn’t also require a large investment so you don’t have to
worry about building your online shop to sell your own products which may
include consumable items, apparels, and others.

9. Web design and development

This is another kind of online job where their task is to create a website, create
templates and themes then sell it. You just need to have good technical and negotiation
skills to make a good business out of it. Once you’ve find yourself loaded with web
development works you may outsource other jobs to people while getting commission
out of it. However, if you want it to put it to the next level you can build your own web
design or development agency.

10. Tarpaulin/banner printing

If you want to start a tarpaulin printing business, events like birthday parties, debut or
congratulatory banners, election period and many more are your target market. This
type of business can make a living, same as T-shirt printing business if you want your
business to grow you can create your own Facebook page or website to market and sell
your tarpaulins.

11. Convenience store

Convenience store can serve the customers 24 hours in a day. If you live in a place
where people are still working and active at night, this kind of store might be the one
that they are looking for. People would want that their basic needs is already provided
near their homes or workplace so they wouldn’t have to stock up plenty items that might
in the end get spoiled or rotten in the storage.

12. Real estate brokerage and management

This is one of the most profitable business ideas you can start in the Philippines. Since
many Filipinos owned condos and other real properties, you can help them manage ,
sell and lease out their real estate investments.

People who are looking for properties to buy never ends and this is why it’s a perfect
business for you. And if you want to bring it to the next level, you can take Licence
examination for real estate broker. This can be competitive but if right connection is
established, one sale can make you financially stable.

13. Load retailer business

Since everyone has cell phones these days and prepaid load is a valuable commodity in
the Philippines, this can be a good sideline or business. The good thing about this kind
of business is you don’t have to shell out a lot of money and you can sell load anywhere
you go.

Nowadays, you can also sell loads like ABSCBN/iWANT TV loads.

14. Meat shop

If you want to start this kind of business, you need to consider the right location, target
market, supplier and competition. Meat is indeed one of the most basic needs of
Filipinos and is one of the best business choices for those who want to be
entrepreneurs because this is just very simple, profitable and the demand is stable. You
just need to gather sufficient funds for starting the venture, get an ideal location, proper
facilities and equipment.
15. Car wash business
More Filipinos are becoming car owners and this is probably one of the reasons of
traffic congestion in Metro Manila but of course these cars also needs to clean up. Thus,
planning to start a car wash business is good and a great opportunity as well since car
industry is growing.

16. Poultry business

If you have a backyard and you’re into taking animals, you may want to try putting up a
poultry business. This type of business requires a not so high investment, you can
easily start a business with a minimum amount of money. However, this is profitable
and you may want to start things out at your backyard then move on to a larger area if
you think you can already push it to the next level.

17. Food cart business

Filipinos loves to eat! and choosing what business to start should be something that is
in demand to people. There will always be an active market for food based businesses
and has always been profitable. However, you just have to shell out some more cash to
maintain and to expand your business. There may be different food businesses now but
if you can win your competitors then surely your business will grow.

18. Rice retailing business

Rice will always be in demand since this is our staple diet and a necessity. Starting this
kind of business, one must secure a license from the National Food Authority (NFA).
Hence, engaging this kind of business is also lucrative since everyone from this country
eat rice.

19. Pet Shop

Filipinos are pet lovers and the pet owners community is indeed growing. Thus, putting
up a business like this will surely boost, since there are a lot of Filipinos interested to
pets. All you just have to do is start buying pet foods, supplements, grooming tools
cages, etc. to simply start your business. You can also sell and breed cats, puppies,
birds, reptiles aquarium fish and a lot more. Just make sure that you have all the
licenses to breed and sell them.

20. Street food business

One of the most popular street food among Filipinos is “Isaw” or grilled intestines. This
industry is indeed growing at 20% year-on-year and buyers are attracted by the
country’s growing number of urban street markets. Not like other businesses, you can
start at a low cost but profitable business.

21. Travel agency business

Filipinos also love to travel and there is no doubt that the number of people travelling is
indeed growing. Putting up a business like this is now possible with a low capital. You
just need to apply for the necessary papers, learn different marketing strategies and
you can earn big from this kind of business.

22. Recreation business

If you have a hobby in any kind of sports or if you are a sporty type person, this is a
good business opportunity for you. Due to busier lifestyle people want to enjoy and
relieve their stress by engaging to different sports, hobbies and other recreational
activities such as biking, body building, backpacking, archery, air gun and go kart
racing.

23. Book keeping business

This is one of the profitable and in-demand kind of business opportunity that might fit for
you. If you are good at organizing financial information and performs well in accounting
and government compliance duties, this is probably a good business opportunity for
you. Since many of business owners find it as a burden processing papers, you can
help them ease the process and make it as a business.

24. Tutorial business

This kind of business doesn’t really require a lot of money but of course, you need to
have the skills. So if you think that you can impart knowledge to students then a tutorial
business is surely perfect for you. You can provide tutorial services for kids so that
they’ll be more advanced in their lessons.

25. Rental business

If you have something like instruments, car, gadgets gowns or anything that other
people may rent for a day or occasional purposes, why not try to put up a rental
business. It doesn’t require much money, all you need to have are things that people
may rent.

26. Laundry shop business

People are indeed busy with their careers and families as well, they might not have
enough time to do the laundry. Thus, a laundry shop is a perfect business for you most
especially in busy towns and cities.

27. Water station business

If you are living in a place where there is still no water station or if it is far from a water
station then, it is an opportunity for you to first put up a business there. Water station is
indeed profitable thought you just need quite a big amount of capital to start this kind of
business but it is easy to get your investment back .

28. Baking cakes and cupcakes

You probably have the knack for baking, then why not make a business out of it? All
you have to do is buy ingredients and bake a tasty fluffy cupcakes and promote it on
social media. You can always bring your passion or hobby to the next level if you may
want to earn and build your own business.

29. Barber shop

You can start this kind of business with a set of scissors, comb, mirror and razor. You
just need to have an experience with this kind of business, like even a little knowledge
about the different hairstyles and build a confidence to do the haircut.

30 Gadget repair services

If you have a background in electronics, you can put up an electronic repair shop
business. All you need to consider in this kind of business are conducive work area,
repair tools, testing equipment, resource materials such as books, internet connection,
electronics forums, electronics enthusiast friends, etc.

31. Handicrafts
If you are fond of creating awesome things out from the scratch, then it’s your turn to
build your own business. The good thing about this kind of business is that, you can
start right away because it’s easy to get materials for your business. You can actually
recycle things out of junk perhaps making custom bracelets, origami or anything that is
useful and catchy to the eyes of people. But the challenge here is that, you need to
exert effort and time for this kind of business.

32. Ukay-Ukay business

Filipinos patronize this kind of business because this is cheaper rather than those
clothes you buy on malls. Some of these clothes are used but imported from other
countries and are still brand new but didn’t pass the export standard yet still good.

33. Computer services

Do you have knowledge or are you expert in solving computer problems? If you do then
maybe this is now your time to make an investment in this kind of business. Many
people are actually having troubles with their computers and this is your opportunity to
show them your skills when it comes to computers. Hence, the only challenge here is
meeting the deadlines most especially if you already have a lot of clients.

34. Shoe repair business

Shoes are essential to our daily living. We use it in schools, office and everywhere. We
love our shoes and we want to take care of them. There will always be a demand for
someone who can repair damaged shoes.

35. Pet grooming services

Since Filipinos are pet lovers but majority of pet owners doesn’t have time and are not
keen on grooming their pets, this is your chance to build a business for pets grooming.
You just need to have all the right knowledge and skills on pet grooming.
36. Fitness coach
People are becoming more conscious about their health, most especially with their
weights. So if you have a knowledge on fitness coaching then, this is a good opportunity
for you since fitness coaches have seen a big demand for fitness programs.

37. Event planning services

This kind of business doesn’t require big investment since the only thing you need to do
is to coordinate the party needs provider, event location, catering and other things like
deciding on what design or theme will fit. Your target market in this kind of business are
weddings, birthday parties, family gatherings and the like.

38. Health and wellness products

These products are quite common and there are a lot of companies engaging into this
kind of business. This is because most of the people nowadays are prone to stress due
to the modern lifestyle. Thus, this is another type of business you might want to engage
in the future.

39. Selling native delicacies

Filipinos love to eat “Kakanin”. Some of these “kakanin”/ delicacies are puto, bibingka,
suman, biko and many more. However the disadvantage of this kind of business is that
these are perishable and should be sold within the day. But this is a good business as
well most especially for tourists who also patronize “kakanin” (delicacies).

40. Candle making business

With a low cost of investment you can already start your candle making business. Since
candles are used in different kinds of occasions and people still use this in different
purposes, this is probably a business you might want to try this year.

41. Adventure tour business

There’s a lot of business opportunities in Philippines tourism now that it is continuously
booming. If you love your province and you are very familiar with its tourist and
adventure spots, like caves, waterfalls and islands, you can offer adventure tour
business to tourists local and abroad. Having a website or a social media page can
greatly help you become reachable by your target tourist clients. You can also
coordinate with the Department of Tourism to be an accredited tour guide.

42. Manufacturing or selling ready-to-assemble furniture

Ready-to-assemble home and office furniture are now popular among consumers since
they are affordable and efficient. You can either manufacture them if you have the skills
or just buy them from a supplier and retail them in your local market. These types of
furniture help consumers save money since they will also be the ones who will
assemble them. They can also transport them in their own since they are less bulky
than the assembled furniture.
There you are. I hope you have gotten some ideas that will help you decide what
business to pursue. Do you have any other business idea that you think we have
missed in the list? Feel free to share it in the comments.