72 Best Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

Whether your enterprise fared well last year or not, remember that there will always be an opportunity for business. You can choose to switch enterprises or diversify to improve or change your value proposition.

The key is to have an open mind so you can find opportunities when they present themselves.

To guide you, I have made this updated list of the best small business ideas in the Philippines. There are quite a few additions that I feel present themselves as viable options for you.

Best Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

1. Virtual Assistant Business

Virtual assistants, freelancers, telecommuters, or home-based workers. They all mean the same thing. Professionals who get paid to work from remote locations.

More and more people are getting into virtual assistance work because demand for these services continues to remain sky-high. Companies outsource work to virtual assistants to streamline costs while generating income. The Philippines is a hotspot for virtual assistance talent!

If you’re proficient with the computer, the Internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software and your level of English is good; you can have a good career as a Virtual Assistant.

Be ready to invest in a good desktop PC, headset and subscribe to a reliable Internet provider.

2. Blogging Business

Are you a good writer? Do you believe you have the chops to create compelling content? Then consider blogging as one of the best small business ideas for you!

There is high demand for blogging services because content marketing is fast becoming the preferred online marketing strategy of many companies. But businesses prefer to outsource content writing to save money.

Writing is one of the fastest-moving  jobs in online work platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru.

Related: How I Earned 190,957 PHP (US$4,062.93) on a Single Blog

3. Software Development Business

Did you hear about the teenager who taught himself how to design apps and was paid $30 Million by Yahoo! for a news app he made for the company?

Maybe not everyone can be like Nick D’Aloisio, but the fact is, businesses are always looking for apps that can push their company ahead of their competitors.

If you have an idea of what kind of app can service the needs of the general population, then you could have a goldmine in your fingertips.

4. Tutoring Business

More parents are looking for tutors for their kids because they have less time to attend to their educational needs. Traffic, the high cost of commodities, spiraling gas prices are among the few reasons parents are working harder than ever to make a living.

If you enjoy teaching children, have a knack for giving instruction and academically qualified, you could have a windfall of clients as a tutor.

Most tutorial centers only focus on the fundamentals of Math and English. Parents want tutors who can guide their children in their homework and when preparing for exams.

5. Gym/Fitness Center Business

A 2014 study showed that budget gyms were beginning to account for most of the memberships in the fitness industry. If you look around your neighborhood, you may find a new gym or fitness center opening up.

These budget gyms only charge 50 Pesos per workout or 500 Pesos for a monthly membership. Many of them are packed during the early mornings and late afternoons.

The cost of setting up a budget gym is lower because treadmills and stationary bikes are becoming relics. Most people prefer to do functional training to get fit.

This means you can have a serviceable gym with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, yoga mats and a few pieces of jump rope.

Related: Top 10 Home-Based Business Ideas and Opportunities for 2017

6. Coin Laundry Business

I saw the first coin laundry in 2015. Now they’re all over the metropolis. There’s even one that offers franchising packages.

For those who have traveled abroad, the coin laundry is a mainstay in motels and in the city. But the concept is very new in the Philippines. The coin laundry business has caught on because it is a cheap way to get laundry done and it appeals to those who put in long hours at work or school.

This can be quite capital extensive, but you can try to negotiate a lease program or a monthly cash payout with an equipment supplier.

7. Bakery Business

I’ve said it before: Filipinos love their carbs! It’s so hot in the Philippines that we just sweat out all the calories from carbs before they hit our waist!

A bakery has been a traditional small business idea in the Philippines because there is a steady market for it. Pan de sal, coco bread, Spanish bread and Pan de Luma are standard breakfast and merienda fare.

It also does not require much capital. All you need is a reliable oven and packaging materials. Spoilage and wastage are very minimal because bakers prepare only what they can sell for the day.

8. Photographer/Photography Business

If you have an eye for beauty, human interest stories, and still life, photography can be a lucrative career.

There are many types of work available for photographers: fashion, food, events, portraits and print ads just to name a few. But the required investment can be considerable.

Professional digital cameras can be expensive. In addition, you have to buy lighting equipment and photo-editing software. But if network hard and get into arrangements with event planners, publications and big companies you could have steady work for the year.

9. Convenience Store Business

Convenience stores are often referred to as a Sari Sari store in the Philippines. But the ones I’m referring to are different.

The stores are built out of concrete, they have more storage space, offer more products and services, and some have a built-in technology. But the prices are not much higher than Sari-Sari stores.

These are becoming more popular because they are cleaner and can sell merchandise in volume. They are also more profitable because they run more professionally. They do not honor credit and allow family and friends to take advantage of them.

10. Load Retailer Business

Load retailing will always have a steady, growing market in the Philippines. All you need is a cell phone. Once you register as a load retailer from any of the local carriers, you can start your business.

The margins in this type of business are not high. Expect to earn from 5% to 10% on every load you sell but then the costs are low. Don’t believe anyone who says you can be a millionaire selling a load.

But this can be a good side business to help you pay off some bills.

11. Real Estate Agent

All you need is to land 1 deal to get a large payout. That is the allure of getting into the real estate business. Agents can earn up to 3% of any property they sell. If you are able to sell a house for 20 Million, you will earn a commission of 600,000!

First, you need to take up 120 hours worth of classroom instruction from an accredited real estate training center. Then you need to pass your licensing exam from the Professional Regulation Commission or PRC.

A big part of the job is networking. You have to build your property and leads list.

12. Digital Marketer/Digital Marketing Business

Internet marketing has rendered traditional marketing obsolete. Businesses are looking for talent who can design and implement an effective digital marketing campaign for them.

If you have an understanding of web development, SEO, social media marketing, PPC Advertising, link building and content marketing, you could have a busy career as a digital marketer.

On average, digital marketers charge $500 to $1,500 for basic services. They net approximately half of that after they’ve paid off other team members. If you can land 10 clients, you could have a job that pays out 100,000 Pesos every month!

Related: 12 Legit Ways to Make Money Online in the Philippines

13. Fruit Stand Vending Business

This is another fast rising small business idea in the Philippines. Fruits have always been popular with Filipinos but more so today perhaps because it is summer or we all just want to get healthier.

You don’t need a large space as a fruit vendor but you should have a reliable supplier of fine quality fruits. With good inventory controls and forecasting, you can limit your rate of wastage and spoilage.

14. Internet Shop Business

If there is an inflation-proof business, it would be the Internet shop. It doesn’t matter if your neighborhood has 5 internet shops in a row. They will have a good business.

Filipinos love video games and Facebook. For 40 Pesos an hour, it’s a good deal for consumers.

This is another capital intensive business but there are computer suppliers that offer a lease to own programs which make it easier to put up the Internet shop.

15. Rice Retailing Business

Filipinos cannot do without rice. It is a staple in our diets. That is why rice retailers have a guaranteed market.

You can enter into a distributorship program and start out with the popular brands to gain experience. These popular brands include Sinandomeng, Dinorado, and Thai Long Grain. Offer rice in a variety of sizes to attract to a wider range of customers.

16. Water Refilling Station Business

This remains one of the best small business ideas in the Philippines for two reasons: lack of potable water and the weather here is really getting hot.

You can find new water refilling stations opening a few blocks of one another, but they continue to rake in customers. Before deciding to start one, check the average price for a 5-gallon container. Prices can vary depending on the city.

17. Web Design Business

As consumers are growing more dependent on mobile devices to access the Internet, it becomes imperative for businesses to have a website. But surprisingly less than 50% of small businesses have websites.

If you are certified in web design and are proficient in various programs and Content Management Systems (CMS), you should find a growing market of business owners that would need your services.

18. Pet Sitting Business

The pet has become a part of the family. However, there are times when “Fido” and “Princess” have to stay at home. This is where the Pet Sitter comes in.

As a Pet Sitter, you must know how to take care of different kinds of pets not just dogs. You should know grooming, feeding and emergency medical aid. If you love animals, this could be a small business you could grow into a fun career.

19. Car Wash Business

More people are converting their garage into car wash services. In some of the places I’ve been to, many of these businesses are packed with long lines of cars. Business is good even on Sundays.

This is a labor-intensive business. You need good, hardworking and trustworthy people to wash these cars. The hours can be long. I’ve seen some remain open until 9 pm to finish the last car on the line.

20. Network Marketing Business

Network Marketing is a small business idea that has survived negative news and bad publicity. The term is often associated with scammers who divest people of everything they have.

Thankfully, there are a number of reputable network marketing companies in the Philippines. I’ve read posts about people who have become millionaires within two years of network marketing. I cannot confirm whether these stories are real or just bait.

If you’re thinking about getting into network marketing, do some sleuthing on the company and the agent who is offering the business to you.

21. E-Commerce Business

In the United States, many of its largest retailers are closing up shop. The reason is they are losing market share to e-commerce businesses like Amazon.

E-commerce is the wave of retail’s future. In the Philippines, it is still a growing market simply because our Internet services are expensive and not up to par with the rest of the world.

Related: How to Start Your Own E-Commerce Business in the Philippines

But horrible traffic conditions, unpredictable weather and rising prices of commodities are creating favorable conditions for Filipinos to start patronizing Internet-based services.

If you want to start an e-commerce business, be prepared to invest in a reliable, fast and mobile responsive website.

22. Accounting Business

Accounting is one of the most popularly outsourced tasks. Companies prefer to have third party service providers to handle their accounting so they can save up on benefits and other costs related to hiring full-time employees.

You don’t have to be Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to run an accounting business. A CPA is required for auditing work. Otherwise, you can offer other services such as payroll preparation, bookkeeping and inventory management.

23. Air Con Repair Services Business

With today’s blistering heat and soaring temperatures, having an air-conditioner is no longer a luxury. It is an absolute necessity.

If you have a background in mechanical work and know people who are familiar with air-conditioning repair, you won’t run low on customers looking for your service.

24. MMA Instructor

MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is not just a sport or a form of self-defense. It is also a great way to stay in shape.

If you are a well rounded martial artist; you are an expert fighter on your feet and on the ground, you can find steady clientele from all ages. You can teach from home, offer personalized instruction or be a resident instructor at any of the large gym and fitness chains.

25. Landscape Artist

One of the most effective ways to increase the resale value of a home is to have a manicured garden. It is not easy to take care of a garden. Thus if a home has one that is landscaped, it raises its appeal and market value.

It’s not just about having a green thumb. You should have the creative ability to turn the land into a work of art. As a landscape artist, you will need to invest in tools and hire people who have experience in gardening and landscaping work.

Some small-sized landscapers make 30,000 Pesos for four days worth of work.

26. Computer Repair Business

Despite mobile devices taking over the Internet, the desktop PC remains an integral part of business. The best thing about the PC is that you just need to upgrade its programs and let it undergo regular maintenance.

A computer repair business helps people save money by just having their existing PC’s fixed instead of buying a new one. You can open a home-based repair shop or accept at-home repair work orders.

27. Buy and Sell Business

Nothing can be as more basic an idea in commerce than a buy and sell business. If you have an eye for bargains, you could have a lucrative small business idea.

If you have relatives living in the United States, ask them to send you a balikbayan box filled with clothes purchased from outlet stores or garage sales. Brand name items are very affordable, and you can make a decent profit selling them in the Philippines.

Toiletries are also popular among Filipinos, and these can be purchased at bargain basement prices from wholesalers such as Costco.

28. Swimming Instructor

Swimming is not just a great, low-impact way to get fit and healthy. It is also a survival skill. The perfect time to learn swimming is just before the summer season starts. But generally, the Philippines provides good weather for swimming almost year-round.

To become a swimming instructor, you have to be certified as a trainer and in first aid. If you don’t have access to an Olympic pool, offer personalized services.

29. Cooking Teacher

Filipinos love to cook. It’s a great way to bring friends together in the kitchen, start a business and an important skill to learn.

The first step is to choose a cuisine you are familiar with. Next, you can offer cooking instruction three ways: In your kitchen, in someone’s kitchen or online. Make sure you are adept at basic cooking skills such as slicing, chopping, braising, grilling and preparing mixes.

Although being a chef would give you more credibility, in the end, the proof is in the eating. Rachel Ray, Giada de Laurentiis, and Nigella Lawson are not chefs but are doing extremely well!

30. Catering Business

If you already know how to cook or if you are a chef, why not start a catering business? The best thing about a catering business is that your operating costs are lower. But you need to network aggressively to get clients. Go to wedding conventions and promote your services heavily on social media.

The catering business can be competitive so be prepared to take a hit on your margins to land your first few clients. But once you get going, as long as your food is good, you should be busy for the rest of your year.

31. Food Delivery Business

Many Filipinos want to open a food business because they believe it is sure money. What they don’t know is that the cost of running a restaurant is very high. The main culprit is rent.

With a food delivery service, you no longer have to worry about rent. Or even if you factor in your home kitchen as an expense, it will not cost as high as the rent charged in malls.

Related: 20 Small Food Business Ideas with Small Capital in the Philippines

Come up with food that is affordable; 100 to 180 Pesos, good quality with generous portion sizes. Or charge higher for premium food such as healthy fare.

One of the more interesting concepts I came across was a service that promoted itself as “cook to order.” They advise customers to call 2 hours in advance to ensure food quality.

32. Graphic Design Business

Businesses are also looking for talented graphic designers who can develop original brand images, logos and marketing collaterals for them.

You can also find work with web designers who want to consult on the use of graphics. This is a popular job in freelancer sites.

33. Event Planning Business

Everyday events are happening all over Metro Manila. Weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and company gatherings to name a few; and they all could use an event planner.

As an event planner, you must be patient, analytical, creative and have high-level organizational skills. You should have exceptional people skills. Clients can be overbearing at times.

This can be a very stressful job. But if you don’t mind the long hours and occasional travel, you could have a booked calendar for a full year.

34. Clothes Alteration Business

The combination of a strong US Dollar and high oil prices means one thing: It’s become more expensive to buy new clothes now.

More Filipinos are opting to have their old clothes particularly jeans altered to look good as new. You can set up a small alteration shop in your home and hire 1 good cutter/ tailor. If you want to rake in the business, have the clothes altered in 24 hours.

35. T-Shirt Printing Business

If there is one fashion article that never goes out of style, it’s the t-shirt. Filipinos love wearing t-shirts because they are comfortable. Customized printing makes the t-shirt more unique.

Offer custom services or allow customers to submit their own design. A novel approach would be to offer hand drawn t-shirts. That really makes each design unique!

36. Golf Instructor

If you have the skills of a golf professional, you can actually teach golf at home using a Golf Simulator. This is sold as a package and comes with the software, a safety net, projector and tarp-like material which serves as your target.

Based on your shot, the simulator will compute distance, direction and show you where your virtual ball landed on the fairway. You can play an entire round with the Golf Simulator.

This can be quite expensive; the cheapest one may cost you $2,500 and the higher end simulators can reach up to $20,000! But you know how Filipinos love golf. With a Golf Simulator, Filipinos can play golf even during typhoon!

37. Acting Coach

As a country that remains enamored with celebrity, thousands of Filipinos dream of becoming the next “Idol”. You see parents bringing their kids to countless auditions hoping the next one will open doors to tinsel town.

Some people end up being better coaches than actors. If you’re one of them, you might just find the next superstar.

First, you need to establish your credibility. You should be a trained professional; well-educated on the fine points of acting. Second, you should have the credentials to back up your claim. And third, you should enjoy working with people.

38. Transcribing Business

Transcription continues to be an in-demand skill in outsourcing. The Philippines is one of the premier destinations for transcription because of our high level of English proficiency and literacy rate.

To become a transcriber, you should take a 3-month course on transcription. You should also invest in a dependable PC with a reliable headset and a pedal to control the speed of audio.

Your income will depend on your speed and accuracy. Good transcribers or those with an accuracy of above 92% and can manage 1,000 lines per day can earn around 50,000 Pesos per month.

39. English Instructor

This is another in-demand outsourced skill in the Philippines. We are well-renowned for our ability to read, speak and write English. Students from South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan spend months learning English from Filipino teachers.

To become an English instructor, you must pass TOEFL or Test of English as First Language. Before you start your own business, it would be best to get some experience by working for a company. On average, English instructors are paid 30,000 Pesos per month.

40. Dance Teacher

Another activity that Filipinos love is dancing. If you have rhythm and the experience to teach different forms of dance, this could be a fun career for you.

You just need to dedicate a large enough area in your house with great acoustics and ventilation. Open up your school for kids, teens and even those in their golden years. You may have to hire 1-2 assistant instructors if your business picks up sooner than expected.

41. Singing Coach

Filipinos are great singers! We have produced world class talent that has won many competitions or starred in successful shows on Broadway.

As a singing coach, you can help others fulfill their dreams. Similar to an acting coach and dance teacher, you should have the credentials and the experience to share your knowledge with others.

You will need to dedicate a room in your house with great acoustics. If possible do a bit of sound proofing and invest in good quality recording equipment.

42. Music Teacher

If you are a gifted musician, you can make good money sharing your talent with others. People want to learn music for different reasons but it can be a daunting challenge to become proficient in an instrument.

You can set up a small studio in your home. It should have fantastic acoustics, a variety of instruments and recording equipment. In addition to teaching, you could also rent your studio to aspiring bands.

43. Yoga Instructor

Filipinos are slowly embracing more low impact forms of exercise such as Yoga. Definitely, you need certification as a Yoga instructor. Being a self-taught expert is not enough. You should go through the process of becoming a licensed instructor.

Filipinos love Yoga because it helps them relax and is a great way for toning the body. As a certified instructor, you can charge the big bucks! Those will less experience charge 700 Pesos per hour while the tenured ones will charge 1,500 Pesos and higher. Offer discounts for group classes.

44. General Cleaning Services Business

As busy as Filipinos are many homeowners don’t have time to clean their houses as often as they would like. Homes that are not kept clean on a regular basis will expose its residents to a variety of health risks.

General cleaning services are a godsend to these homeowners. They will usually have their homes cleaned thoroughly twice a month. A typical charge is 15 to 35 Pesos per square meter but it would depend on the location. For more affluent villages, some service providers charge up to 40 to 50 Pesos per square meter.

You should have a steady supply of industrial-strength cleaning solutions, equipment and a steam cleaner for carpets, mattresses and upholstery. You may also have to hire 3 to 4 assistants to help conduct the cleaning.

45. Barber Shop Business

I see more homeowners converting part of their house into a barber shop. People get a haircut once a month. A good barber is hard to come by. If yours constantly produce awesome results you could have a business that generates steady income every month.

Related: 15 Business Ideas to Earn Extra Cash at Home in the Philippines

Let’s do the math. If you have four barbers and your shop runs 8 hours a day with one customer per barber per hour, at 60 Pesos per haircut, you could potentially generate 57,600 Pesos per month.

Throw in additional services such as shampoo, hair dye, massage, ear cleaning and manicure, and you could bring in good money every month.

46. Home Massage Services Business

Mobile massage services are also becoming increasingly popular. All you need to do is to look at the newsletters being circulated in your village or supermarket. Almost 90% of the ads are in home massage services.

Depending on the type of service, rates can start out at 199 Pesos per hour. You should have good masseurs onboard who are certified and highly trained to provide massage services.

47. Coffee Shop Business

This is another popular side business of many homeowners. You can see them along the busy streets of your subdivision. The sala or lanai has been converted into a coffee shop.

Coffee is a low food cost item. Arabica coffee beans will cost around 200 Pesos per kilo from a direct supplier. A cup of coffee needs around 35 grams of ground Arabica beans or food cost of 7 Pesos. Factor in sugar, cream, and filtered water and the food cost of coffee will not even reach 10 Pesos. Yet, many sell theirs for 50 Pesos!

You will have to invest in a good espresso maker and contract a good consignor for pastries and cakes.

48. Pest Control Services Business

Pest Control is a service that is required by homes at least once a month. You can also offer your services to commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, motels and offices.

Before starting out in pest control, take certification courses and be ready to invest in industrial grade equipment and solutions. Your services should cover all types of pests: rats, roaches, mosquitoes, flies and other insects.

49. Carinderia Business

This is a popular small business in the Philippines. You can find them everywhere. But you don’t have to set it up in your house. You can bid to become the consignor in buildings, schools, and offices.

It’s not enough that you can whip up tasty dishes. Your menu should appeal to the average Filipino, and it must fit their budget. Most of all, you should always keep your place clean and free of pests.

Related: How to Start a Carinderia with Small Capital in the Philippines

50. Digital Print Shop Business

Even in this age of online marketing, companies particularly those involved in real estate and consumer goods still have traditional marketing collaterals made. These collaterals include flyers, streamers, and posters.

The investment could be expensive especially if you are buying a high grade, high-resolution digital printing services. So you will have to network extensively to get clients.

51. Equities Trading Business

One of the best ways to create wealth is to invest it in equities. There are always opportunities in equities even in bear markets. The key is having a system that helps you identify buying and selling opportunities.

As a trader you must have the following qualifications:

• SEC licensed; you must take a test.
• Proficient in Fundamental Analysis; these are the news, indicators on the economy and financial statements.
• Proficient in Technical Analysis; this involves chart reading, knowledge on technical indicators such as Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastics and moving averages.

You can set up a consulting website where you can offer one-on-one financial advice and post your picks of the day. You can charge per hour, offer monthly consultation packages or profit sharing options.

52. Piggery Business

If you have a farm or an ideal backyard location that meets city government requirements, a piggery could be a money-making small business idea.

Be prepared to invest in a pig shelter, feeds and it would be a good idea to have an in-house vet to keep track of the animals’ health. It may take a while to earn as you have to wait for the pigs to be at the right size, but you can be assured of a steady market for your product.

53. Generator Rental Services Business

As the Philippines continues to experience a power supply deficit, expect constant demand for generator rental services. Businesses will lose money for every hour work is disrupted. Residences will be looking for ways to cope with the heat.

Start out with 2-3 generator sets that vary in capacity. Smaller generators which are ideal for home use should be able to power an air-conditioner, a few lights, and the refrigerator. If you have the means to offer larger generators, construction companies would be viable targets.

54. Uber Driver

Uber is getting more popular in the Philippines. With public transportation a hopeless cause, commuters are thankful that getting a taxi is as easy as downloading an app.

To become an Uber driver, you must pass the qualifications of the company. First and foremost is your car must not be more than three years old. Second, you must have a valid driver’s license, and third, you should own a smartphone.

If you don’t own a car, you can become a driver for an Uber partner. As an Uber driver, you are assured of having a steady clientele. Your ability to earn would depend on your “drive” to succeed. It is up to you to accept a request for transportation.

55. Dog Breeding Business

The first time I heard of dog breeding was in early 2000. I had a friend who was breeding pit bulls. He said it was a lucrative business but you have to invest in championship quality dogs.

Fast forward some 10 years later and I meet people who breed different types of dogs: Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzu’s are the popular varieties. They tell me it is better to buy pups from breeders because they are raised in wonderful and more humane conditions. An English bulldog can fetch a price of 30,000 Pesos.

56. House Flipping Business

Buying an old house offers you better profit margins than a new one. In addition to the value of the land, the structure is already set and the fixtures are usually of better quality than newer homes.

This is the allure of house flipping; the business of buying an old home, renovating it then selling it for profit.

House Flipping is a team effort. You will need a realtor, an interior designer or an architect and an engineer. If you don’t have capital, you would need a financier. But you can make incredible money from house flipping if you can find great value property and stay within the renovation budget.

For example, you can find old houses in Paranaque for 3 Million. The budget for renovation is usually 25% of the acquisition cost. But then, there are buyers willing to pay 5 to 6 Million for a renovated home in a good location.

The catch is, you have to sell the house within four months otherwise the perceived value starts to drop.

57. Party Supplies Business

This is a popular small business idea in the Philippines. Years ago I attended a children’s party at a fast-food restaurant. I had a chance to talk to the supplier of all the party supplies: hats, balloons and loot bags.

She said she used to buy in Chinatown, but as the business grew, she flew them in from China. The quality was much better, there was more variety, and it was much cheaper. Because her supplies were unique, many fast-food restaurants contracted her for their children’s parties.

Start out by buying from local suppliers just to get a feel for the business. You may have to bring down your prices to get more customers but your first priority is to develop a regular clientele. If you are regularly generating business, you can outsource supplies to improve margins.

58. Entertainment Booth Rental Business

Parties today are much different than they were 5 to 10 years ago. It used to be that the focus was on the food. It seems that more party hosts are dedicating more resources to creating the ultimate guest experience.

You can find karaoke booths, photo-me stands and gaming areas in birthday parties and wedding receptions. According to the event organizer, the hosts just rent these booths from local suppliers.

Entertainment booth rentals are regular income generators. You don’t need much manpower to oversee them. Start out with the popular ones then add new booths to keep the mix interesting.

59. Retailer of Indigenous Products

The Philippines is home to so many wonderful indigenous products which are inexplicably available only during trade shows.

I love attending these trade shows because I can get my fill of indigenous fruit wine, jam, peanut butter, turmeric tea and the smooth tasting Civet coffee. What I’ve learned is to indulge my craving for Vigan longanisa only from these trade shows. Nothing tastes better than the original!

There is a market for these products locally and in abroad. Civet coffee for one is in demand in North America. These products are organic and healthier than the ones you find in supermarkets.

If you become a retailer, you will offer highly differentiated products from your competitors.

60. Insurance Business

In my opinion, getting insurance is more important today than ever before. With worsening weather conditions and the threat of “The Big One,” you should always make sure your house is insured.

The same goes for cars. Traffic will only become worse. It is estimated there will be 500,000 cars plying the EDSA route in 2020. It becomes riskier to take your car out. Thus, make sure it is likewise covered by insurance.

You can become an insurance agent, and you may find it easier to get clients. To become an agent, you must be licensed. You can also offer educational and life plans.

61. Travel Agency Business

Despite the depreciation of the Peso, Filipinos continue to push through with their travel plans. If you want to put up a travel agency, you can still get bookings for people interested in visiting our islands.

It might be a good idea to be a member of IATA or the International Air Transport Association. As a member of IATA, you get to issue travel tickets. Non-IATA members have to function as middlemen and will not have the capacity to issue lower priced tickets.

62. Campaign Broker

The Philippines remains a global hotspot for outsourcing. Many people want to enter the industry but do not know how to get clients. If you have built a good-sized network of companies looking to do business in the Philippines or if you have great success in networking, a career as a campaign broker can be lucrative.

You can request for a Finder’s Fee which is equivalent to 3% of the first month revenues earned by the outsourcing company. You can also earn by adding a markup on the fees charged by the outsourcing company to the client.

But you should build a good reputation for your business as the industry is filled with campaign scammers.

63. Corporate Massage Business

I mentioned this as a growing trend in Australia. Companies are hiring corporate massage therapists to give their employees massages during breaks. It’s a great way to relieve stress, promote health and wellness in the office and show employees you care.

Years ago I saw a popular fast-food chain give customers massages. It didn’t seem like a good idea back then because how can you appreciate a massage when you’re busy eating fries?

But the concept should work in an office environment. Make sure you hire certified massage therapists and have good equipment on hand.

64. Jewelry Making Business

Filipinos are talented in creating fashionable accessories. That’s why jewelry making continues to be a popular small business idea in the Philippines.

You can run the business from home, and the cost of materials are not expensive. You are also assured of a market; Filipinos love buying jewelry. Sell them online through your website or participate in trade shows and flea markets.

65. Personal Shopper

Traffic will always be a part of life in the Philippines until such time that Filipinos finally elect a leader willing to prioritize traffic management in the country. It’s a huge inconvenience to daily life. But as they say, “When life throws you lemons make lemonade.”

Take advantage of the misery of millions of Filipinos by becoming a Personal Shopper. Every day some people want to go out so they can buy gifts for someone. It’s not just traffic they have to deal with but also parking issues and long lines at the payment counters.

As a Personal Shopper, you can help make shopping a convenience for countless Filipinos. Many will shell out big bucks to avoid shopping. Try to establish connections will merchandisers and retailers so you can get discounts for bringing them business.

66. Supplements Retailing Business

I see this becoming more frequent in my social media pages. More and more supplement retailers are coming up.

These retailers offer protein powders, mass gainers, fat burners, pre-workout drinks and other vitamins and minerals. The supplement industry generates billions of dollars every year as people are becoming more health conscious.

This is evident in the Philippines as more people are signing up for gym memberships. Start out as an online retailer, so you lower down costs and offer more competitive prices. Also, include delivery services for nearby villages.

67. Transportation Rental Services Business

How many good small business ideas have we come up so far that are a direct result of the Philippines’ horrible traffic situation? Uber, e-commerce, Personal Shopper and here’s another one: transportation rental services.

Similar to Uber, rental services is a proven way of extracting value from a depreciating asset like a car. The advantage of rental services is even if your car is more than three years old people will rent it as long as it is in good working condition.

I have seen rental services that charge 18,000 for 3 days use of the car. The fees would depend on the size of the car and the duration of use. There are some proprietors who charge a flat fee of 3,000 for an entire day’s use of the car.

68. Survival Kits Business

For the last few years, we’ve been hearing about “The Big One” or the earthquake that is supposed to cause damage of biblical proportions in Metro Manila. In addition to frequent earthquake drills, city governments are requesting people to have survival kits.

This is a small business idea that will also help Filipinos get ready for any calamity, not just The Big One. If you want to be successful, think out of the box and be more creative on what shall be included in your survival kit.

Perhaps offer a mobile phone that has a 30-day battery life. Include tablets that can convert tap water into potable water. Add generic medicines, first aid items, and powerful pocket flashlight.

People are willing to spend on survival kits that are unique and have items that can help them get through life threatening situations.

69. Caregiver Home Services Business

This is a small business idea that I saw in a documentary on the elderly in Canada. Caregivers regularly visit their patients every day and provide them their medications and companionship.

The advantage of this type of business in the Philippines is that Filipinos take care of their own elderly. Very few leave them at elderly homes unlike in North America.

Caregiver Home Services fills in the hours when the children have to be at work and cannot watch over their elderly parents. Some can even stay overnight and keep watch while the elderly sleep. It is during these hours that most accidents happen.

70. Business Liaison Business

Every day a Filipino moves closer to his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. One of the limiting factors in putting up a business is complying with the multitude of requirements. Fortunately, there are people who can make the process much easier.

Business Liaison Professionals are in demand and not just from local entrepreneurs but also from foreign companies that want to do business in the Philippines. If you have experience registering businesses at SEC or DTI, getting permits from local governments and the tax agency, you may find yourself business most of the year.

Business Liaison Professionals can charge anywhere from 30,000 to 75,000 Pesos for their services.

Related: 5 Essential Business Permits and Licenses in the Philippines

71. Money Changer Business

Moneychangers are a welcome sight for OFW’s and other outsourcing companies that get paid in foreign currencies. Their rates will always be much better than banks. You can even buy foreign currency with little restriction.

To become a money changer, you must be accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP, the Central Bank of the Philippines. This is a good small business idea because, given the uncertainty of foreign currencies, markets are more volatile. You can take advantage of the wide fluctuations in currency prices.

72. Lotto Outlet Business

Just when you think it has run its course, more lotto outlets continue to be set up. Filipinos love to play the game of chance and hope the numbers they select will finally give them a better life.

You still see long queues in many lotto outlets. The key is location. You need to put up your outlet in a location with high foot traffic because the margins in a lotto business are small. You earn 5% to 7% of every lotto ticket you sell.

Start your best small business idea in the Philippines

Despite being an expanded list, I may have overlooked other ideas which may interest you. The point is this: if you have a small business idea that you want to pursue in the Philippines, by all means, go for it!

In business, there is never such a thing as the “right time.” Opportunities abound everywhere; they are present every day, and if you don’t move forward, you may never see them.

Conduct research on its feasibility and keep an open mind. If the numbers are good, then set your plan into motion by legalizing your business entity. If the numbers aren’t good, pursue your next idea!

Entrepreneurship can be hit or miss. Every idea sounds and looks good until you’ve launched it. That’s where you have to deal with a myriad of factors that will influence your level of success.

But the worst thing you can do is not to pursue your entrepreneurial dream. We all can’t be winners. Entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Elon Musk all had gone through their share of failures before they struck it big.

Failure is a painful experience that we all dread. But you should not be afraid of failure because it makes the taste of victory even sweeter once you’ve accomplished your goal!