Ideas for Part-Time Home-Based Businesses

• You can start a business helping people get fit. BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

  Home-based businesses are ideal for people looking to make extra money on the side while keeping their regular jobs. Working from home usually requires low startup costs and has low overhead expenses. You determine your own hours and when you want to work your business. You can take a skill or talent and turn it into a profitable business to supplement your income.

Catering

• If you enjoy cooking and others enjoy eating your cooking, you can start a part-time, home-based business as a caterer. Your kitchen can be turned into a money-making machine by preparing food for various occasions, such as parties, business meetings and wedding receptions. You need to have the appropriate permits to run a home-based catering business and the right cookware to prepare food for large groups of people.

Personal Trainer

• Personal trainers help people get fit and achieve their health and weight goals. You can have customers come to your home if you have the room and exercise equipment needed for their sessions. You can also go to their homes or utilize the facilities at your local gym and fitness centers. Ask your regular customers for referrals to increase business and advertise your home-based business by posting flyers in your area. Printing ads in the classified section of your local newspaper is another method of marketing your services.

Bookkeeping

• If you have accounting skills, you should consider starting a bookkeeping service on a part-time basis. Smaller businesses with few staff members may need your help with keeping track of expenses, paying bills and payroll. You can work from your home computer or onsite if your clients prefer. Since every business has different needs and requirements, some may want you to work a few hours every week or every month.

Antiques

• Another idea for a part-time, home-based business is to sell antiques. You can shop for antiques--such as lamps, furniture and collectibles--at yard sales and flea markets to add to your collection. Set up booths displaying the antiques at fairs and festivals to sell your items. If you are skilled at restoring antiques, you can offer this service as well and work from home. People will pay you to restore their valuable antiques and you could get regular work from local museums, collectors, galleries and antique dealers.

Disc Jockey

• Becoming a part-time disc jockey means you get to earn money while helping others celebrate their special occasions and have fun. You can put your extensive collection to work by playing music during wedding receptions and parties. Your home-based business can easily be built through word-of-mouth and you should also have business cards available at the functions.