Best Small Business Ideas for Australia in 2025
With only a 2.8% increase in new Australian businesses opening from 2023-24, there are plenty of opportunities to break into the local market in 2025. However, there is the matter of finding a profitable business idea that you can delve into.
Luckily, we have created an in-depth guide to some of the most creative small business ideas breaking into the Australian market. No matter your preferred business model or budget, there should be an idea suited for your target market within this content.
So, read more about the business ideas taking key industries by storm in 2025. The creative spark to fuel your own business inception is waiting to be uncovered.
Why Start a Small Business?
Interested in being your own boss? Looking to break into a new industry? Inspired by a late-night business idea that you need to make a reality?
There are plenty of reasons to start a small business, especially as the introduction of niche industries and the internet allows for more business opportunities than ever. However, the main reasons fuelling the expansion of Australia’s small business market tend to be the following:
- To provide a solution to a problem you empathise with
- Pursuing a passion or interest
- Providing a service your local community needs
- Creating a more flexible work schedule and/or becoming your own boss
In turn, these inspirations for starting a small business can offer unique benefits to your life and finances.
Benefits of Owning a Small Business
For many, the reason why they choose to open a small business in Australia is the same as the main benefit they are pursuing.
E.g. People who want to become their own boss are seeking out the benefits that come with this autonomy, such as: establishing a work routine that suits you, designing products or services you are interested in, and even building a business idea to your exact vision.
Other benefits that come from owning a brick-and-mortar or online store include:
- Providing a new avenue of income, one that may become prosperous over time and with work
- Finding joy and personal fulfilment in work as you are passionate about the business idea you have created
- Being able to choose your own hours allows you the flexibility to pursue other interests and needs outside work
- Personally selecting your own employees to create a work environment according to your needs
- Pursuing any unique small business ideas that you are interested in
With a well-thought-out business plan and the right business idea, you can discover the benefits of owning your own small business and more. It is just a matter of generating the best business ideas for your skills, interests and finances.
30 Best Small Business Ideas in Australia for 2025
The Australian market is constantly growing and changing, with innovations generating brand-new business opportunities seemingly every day. These opportunities are evident with Monthly Business Turnover rates growing significantly in the last year.
Industries like Accommodation and Food Services, as well as Information Media and Telecommunications, are experiencing more than 5% positive turnover. Hence, indicates there is a diverse range of profitable business ideas available for Australians to explore and capitalise on.
This section will walk through each major Australian industry and provide some of the most notable small business ideas projected to be seen in 2025. Take your pick from these ideas or use them as inspiration for your own high-demand business.
Hospitality
The Accommodation and Food Service industry has since recovered from its 8.4% drop (-$1.2b) in earnings from 2021-22. Nowadays, the industry has returned to its place as one of the most prominent industries in Australia, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to develop a new business idea.
With the total 2022-23 industry earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation having grown 35.3% ($4.7b) when compared to the previous period, now is the time to jump into hospitality. While the usual local businesses like bakeries and restaurants are still reliable concepts, some more interesting trends in 2025 include:
1. Cake Designer
There is always something new in life for people to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than with a personalised cake?
The job of a cake designer is becoming more widely known in Australia, with many noting the delicate work that is put into each creation. Due to this expanding awareness, 2025 may indicate a wealth of potential clients coming towards cake designers.
Whether you are working out of a bakery, patisserie, or from your own home, this job allows you to sculpt cakes according to your client’s needs. Such personalised services allow you to charge your own rate and accept only jobs you are interested in. This flexibility and creativity make cake designing a potentially successful business idea in 2025.
2. Master Class Host
If you happen to be an expert in a particular skill or avenue of knowledge, you can create a lucrative business idea around it. Namely by advertising yourself as a master class host in said expertise.
Share your knowledge through online workshops or host classes in person at your home or a third-party location. Common master class subjects include wine tasting, accounting, baking, arts, and many more.
Planning and hosting skills are necessary to turn your knowledge into a great business idea that draws in reliable clients.
3. Food Truck
Transform your culinary business idea into something that is both unique and mobile with a food truck. Often costing less in upfront costs than owning and managing a restaurant or cafe, food trucks can take your business idea directly to customers.
The novelty of food from a vehicle often attracts new customers. Meanwhile, the limited menu offering allows you to perfect your dishes, creating the potential for a low-cost, high-profit business idea.
Service
There is no end to the wealth of business ideas that can be offered with a little experience and expertise. The following ideas are examples of how niche know-how can be made into a profitable business structure with the right preparation.
4. Pet Grooming & Sitting
Dog walking is still often thought of as a chore for young children or teens to perform for pocket money. However, with many people living busy lives, services aimed at their pets are becoming more popular and often necessary.
If you are good with animals, a possible business idea to explore is providing a comprehensive service for pet owners. This can include walking dogs, but also grooming pets or minding them.
The latter, often referred to as pet sitting, is all the rage with pet owners who regularly travel for work. Having a responsible individual stay over at their place to mind their pet, or take them into their home, provides peace of mind. Hence why this service has developed into a huge market across Australia.
Word-of-mouth referrals alongside social media advertisements often help build this idea into a profitable business offering. You can start small by offering friends and family your service before using that experience to build a reputable brand.
5. Massage Therapist
Becoming a reputable massage therapist requires you to obtain the proper qualifications. However, once you have the necessary certificate you can develop your business idea to your particular work schedule:
- Travel to client homes with your equipment
- Contract yourself out to businesses like acupuncturists, chiropractors or beauty industry salons
- Open your own business to offer massages
The flexibility of this role makes it a particularly appealing idea in 2025.
6. Vintage Store
Although vintage stores have been a staple in most countries for alternate and/or low-budget products, Australia has seen a boom in the last few years. 2022 saw Australia as the fourth largest country in terms of vintage products consumed and that popularity makes opening a store a lucrative business idea.
Concepts like sustainability, retro trends and cost-effectiveness continue to drive the popularity of vintage apparel and clothing. If you already have a prominent collection of vintage goods or contacts that are looking to sell, you can look into opening a store either online or in a local store.
Financial
Plenty of Australian adults seek out specialised services for their finances. Jump on this reliable source of work by developing one of the following unique business ideas:
7. Personal Shopper
Some individuals want guidance across everyday aspects of their life, including what products they buy for wear or display. Personal shoppers fill this unique role, taking on the responsibility of buying desired goods for private clientele.
These shoppers are usually sought out by those with the money for desired products but no time to seek them out themselves. Hence, personal shoppers must fulfil the following responsibilities:
- Discovering and comparing brand catalogues, websites and in-store products
- Haggling for products if needed
- Following and/or predicting fashion trends
- Organising client wardrobes or interior designs, especially for key events
If you have a strong sense of style and organisation abilities, this can be a niche idea to break into.
8. Financial Advisor
When individuals are working towards particular financial goals they may seek out an expert to guide them. Financial advisors are commonly sought after, making this idea a particularly stable venture for those with monetary know-how.
Guide people through investment opportunities and map out their saving timelines. No matter if it is for personal or business finances, many Australians will seek out a professional for financial support.
9. Franchise Owner
Instead of creating your own small business, take on the responsibility of owning a ready-made one by buying into a franchise. With the security of a proven business model and finalised market research, you can focus on growing your particular branch.
This business idea tends to require you to have experience in owning or running a business already. So, those new to entrepreneurship or business management may want to gain some experience before delving into this idea.
Manual Labour
If you are interested in using your own hands and skills for business, a manual labour idea may be the way to go. While there are the usual avenues of plumbing, electrical, construction, etc for developing your own business, the following ideas are fairly unique.
It is not uncommon for these ideas to be used to make some extra cash on the side, but steady investment and a growing social media presence can develop them into a lucrative business.
10. Furniture or Antique Restorer
Those with experience and/or expertise in upcycling furniture may be interested in using that as a platform for future business endeavours.
There are plenty of antiques and furniture items that Australians want to maintain use of but may be getting worn or damaged. That is where a restorer steps in, breathing new life into these beloved household staples.
You can even look into local charity or reclamation shops to find items that can be restored and sold for profit. Such a business idea allows you to work from home or out of a local workshop, offering flexibility even as you pursue your passion.
11. Car Detailer
While a car cleaning business can be a successful idea to pursue, the more niche service of car detailing may be a better choice. Beyond the usual cleaning offerings, this business venture allows customer cars to be restored to their original cosmetic appearance.
Such services are appealing to those who place great emphasis on their cars, whether it is for personal or business reasons. If you are capable of amending cosmetic defects deep cleaning, this may be the perfect idea for car enthusiasts looking to break into the business scene in 2025.
Artistic
The arts are always ready for new ideas to break into the market, with experimental concepts being the basis for many artists’ businesses. Make some money online or in person by looking into one of the following ideas:
12. Podcasting
Over the years, media ventures have expanded beyond the typical television and film concepts. Podcasting is a clear example of the success of alternate media outlets, with U.S. audiences growing significantly in the last few years and most countries following suit.
Break into the Australian digital media market with a podcasting idea you are passionate about. So long as you have recording equipment and audio editing skills, you can launch your idea with minimum financial aid.
The growth of your podcast can lead to eventual sponsors and paying listeners, providing you a reliable source of income. This may take some time, however, which is why many choose to build their podcast while working. Once the podcast’s target audience is large enough and there is enough income, you can switch to podcasting full-time.
13. Photography & Videography
Professional photographers and videographers are always in demand. Whether you choose to open your own photography business in a local studio or aim to freelance to available contracts, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
So long as you have the necessary equipment, experience and passion, you can use your artistic skills to create a range of small business ideas.
14. Voice Acting
If you have a voice made for radio, there are opportunities to be found in the voice-acting community.
Market yourself and take on freelancing roles for video games, podcasts, advertisements or voice-overs. The freedom to choose roles allows you to experience a wealth of opportunities, but such tasks often require a quick turnaround.
This kind of work is great for those looking for a profitable creative outlet and already have the necessary recording equipment.
15. Graphic Designer
Capable of being performed as a home-based business or as a part of an agency, graphic designers are often in demand.
Work alongside brands and other small businesses to develop their digital products and marketing plans. You need great skill in creativity and design software for this role, but most companies will require the use of a graphic designer at least once for their branding. Thus, there is a regular appearance of new opportunities in this competitive market.
To stand out in the crowd, develop a unique take on this line of work. Offer print-on-demand services for fliers or t-shirts. Alternatively, create your own brand of art to sell as a chain of online businesses. The ideas are as limitless as your artistic ingenuity.
Property
Whether you own a property or are looking to get involved in the industry, there are a wide range of small business ideas to look into. Beyond the normal avenues of real estate agency, you can try one of these more creative small business ideas:
16. Airbnb Host
For those with a property or room they are not currently using, you can find profit through avenues beyond the usual rental agreement. Instead, you can become a host on websites like Airbnb and offer short-term rentals for vacationers or travelling business people.
All you have to do is ensure your property is up to code and then register yourself on one of the many online businesses for rentals.
17. Pool Host
One of the more unique ideas on this list, rather than rent out a room or property, you can rent out just your pool. Make passive income by allowing individuals or other businesses to rent out your pool on a daily or hourly basis.
This idea is commonly used to serve freelance swim instructors looking for a local pool, photoshoots, and even house parties. Make the most of what you have to offer and turn it into a business venture.
18. House Cleaner
A cleaning company is not a new idea, but it is one that regularly sees business. For those passionate about cleaning, offering to service people’s homes can be a simple yet effective business concept.
If you are social media savvy, you can build a strong brand around your cleaning services. Word of mouth and other advertisement avenues can ensure your business grows in local presence.
Online
The internet has provided a brand new avenue of business for many Australians, with online business ideas often being unique and capable of significant growth. Many industries can branch into an online store, but the following ideas are tailored to suit the internet:
19. E-Commerce Store Owner
Create your own e-commerce website to provide dropshipping services for a range of products. One of the quickest growing and easiest to manage online business ideas, almost anyone can invest in this line of work.
No need to handle products yourself with this idea. Simply make sales and pass the orders on to whatever dropshipping supplier you are working with. Then, see the money roll in with the right management and budgeting efforts.
20. Online Boutique
Take your products and services completely online with a boutique that offers shipping. Those without the money or abilities to open a brick-and-mortar store can find an available avenue through an online boutique.
Simply design a website and begin offering your products. No matter what you have on sale, there is sure to be a target audience. You just need to effectively manage this business, including shipping, expenses and marketing.
21. Influencer
The rise of social media has brought a motley of unique business concepts, including that of an influencer. When social media accounts grow large enough in followers, there may be an opportunity to turn those viewers into a line of revenue.
This line of work is most effective when your social media profile follows a particular concept and is engaging. Whether you use humour, relatability or shock factor to draw in viewers, time and effort can make your profile a viable line of work.
22. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant business is an online venture that many are beginning to notice in 2025. Particularly since it offers great flexibility in scheduling, choosing clients and setting responsibilities.
This role suits those with strong organisational and tech skills since it works like an administrator job. However, it is entirely online, allowing you to work from anywhere so long as you have the necessary equipment to connect with clients.
23. Consultant
A consulting business can fit into the industry if you have the expertise and skills to offer guidance. Advertise yourself as a seasoned expert in finances, interior design, or any other industry you have found success in.
Then, connect with interested clients online and schedule your appointments as needed. With the ability to set your own consultation rates, this job is becoming more appealing to those who no longer want to work with an agency.
24. Virtual Event Planner
If organisation and celebrations are your bread and butter, developing a virtual event planner business may be the way to go. This idea can be developed however you see fit, with your services being available for one particular celebration or a range of industries.
Common events you may be interested in planning include:
- Weddings
- Conventions
- Business events
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Educational seminars
- And many more…
At-Home
Home-based business ideas have soared in the last few years with the event of the pandemic. However, this business practice has been a staple for many years, offering people the flexibility and comfort of working from home.
25. Freelance Service Provider
If you are confident in your skills for any range of jobs, you can take the opportunity to work completely freelance. Set your own work hours, find your own clients and formulate your own business rate. This kind of freedom is often welcomed by those no longer interested in working at an agency or looking for greater flexibility.
Freelance writing, editing and social media manager roles are some of the more popular business ideas to explore.
26. Tutoring
Experts in their field may not be interested in taking on the responsibility of full-time consultancy. However, you can still explore the idea of tutoring others in this role, completely from the comfort of your home.
Start small by tutoring students in particular online courses or school subjects. Then, expand into your own home business by inviting people to your home to study or visit theirs. With the ability to set your own hours and clients, it is the perfect idea for those interested in more part-time workloads.
27. Crafting & Selling Goods
Artists and crafters alike can find opportunities to make a profit from their wares by selling them from home. This can operate like an online boutique, featuring the products that you have created. However, you can also sell to other local stores or offer customers to pick up from your home, depending on what works for you.
Many choose this line of work as a subsidiary to their main job, but persistence and the creation of a large enough market can make it a profitable idea.
28. Web Development
Offer your website-building abilities to clients of your choosing by creating a web development business. Take on freelance work by offering your own services or build up a small business by hiring and managing a team of web designers.
29. Travel Advisor
An innovative business idea is taking your passion for organising trips and making it a profitable advisory role. Travellers looking for information, advice or booking aid for upcoming trips can turn to your expertise.
Help them book their trip, mark out must-see attractions and prepare them for new cultures, all from the comfort of your home or theirs.
30. Translator
If you have expertise in two or more languages, take that skill and market it as a translator. This business concept can be made into a small business idea if you hire other translators. Otherwise, you can take on a freelance role and make client connections according to your desired workload.
What Do You Need to Make a Small Business Idea a Reality?
Before you make your idea a business reality, there are a few things you need to do first. Creating your own business requires some documentation and prep work, including the following:
1. Formalise your business idea
2. Create your business structure
3. [Optional] Get the necessary visa to own a business in Australia if you do not have permanent residency or citizenship
4. Choose a business name, brand and location
5. Perform market research
6. Develop a business plan, including how to manage potential risks
7. Register your business
8. Organise finances
9. Make customer connections
10. Provide a reliable point of contact
The last point is one that many small businesses commonly forget about when developing an idea into reality. While your idea and structure is crucial for a business’s creation, it cannot operate without a reliable point of contact for customers and providers to connect with.
A professional phone number will not just allow potential clients to connect to your services, it can also work as a marketing tool. Draw in local clientele and market yourself as a legitimate business by providing a business number.
Manage Your New Small Business Idea Through Your Official Business Number
Take your pick from 1300 and 1800 numbers to legitimise your business idea in the eyes of the public. Not only do these professional numbers help to connect you to customers, but their call features can help you optimise your internal structure.
No matter if you are a freelancer or opening your own business, a point of contact is always needed. While emails and text messages can be used, professionalism is best found through a phone call. Hence, put your best foot forward by choosing a phone number that best represents your business.
Route waiting calls, collect inquiries outside of business hours and more when you choose Teleca today. Contact us to get your small business idea up and running as soon as possible with a professional phone number.