Summer’s here and with it one of the most lucrative times to start a new business. The kids are out of school, families are taking vacations, and the tourists are coming to town with lots of money in their pockets. How best to take advantage of this opportunity?
The first step is to know what you want to do. Find a business that will match up well with what these visitors to your area are looking for. Be prepared, start researching as early as you can, and know all the local regulations to set yourself up for success.
Start Off on the Right Foot
Before you open your doors, make sure you’re covered legally and professionally to increase your chances for long-term success. Even if you’re running a safe business, there’s always the chance for an on-site accident. Staying properly insured is the best way to protect yourself and your employees.
What insurance you need will depend on your business, but you’ll want to have workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. This insurance is legally mandated in most states and will cover your employees for the costs associated with injuries related to their employment. It also protects you from lawsuits, as your employees generally agree not to sue when they accept benefits.
So what businesses might make the perfect summer start-up?
1. Popsicle Shop
An ideal summer business will have a lot of appeal for both adults and kids, and who doesn’t like a cool popsicle during the hottest months? There is relatively little overhead to this business. You’ll need a reliable freezer and the materials for tasty popsicles, but otherwise, it’s easy and cheap to set up.
Popsicles are available at the supermarket, so make sure to make yourself stand out with unique summer flavors. It’s worth getting high-quality juices to give your products a distinct flavor. If you’re ready to apply for a liquor license, you can double down on your appeal with adults and have a bar on-site or offer boozy popsicles.
2. Coffee Shop
When you open up a coffee shop, you’re not just offering beverages—you’re offering a meeting space for the whole area. That means finding the right location for your business is key, ideally near a beach or other attraction if affordable. If you can’t find the perfect location for a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, consider a mobile truck.
If you’re going with a fixed location, work on making it an event haven. You’ll want to have a stage where local bands can perform and keep people on-site for a while so they’ll buy more drinks. Make sure to emphasize iced drinks during the summer, as people will definitely want to cool off after a long day at the beach.
3. Teach Workout Classes
Summer is the perfect time to focus on fitness. Many visitors will look for fitness classes nearby. You don’t need to own your own gym or studio to host fitness classes; many places will offer space or time for rent for people to teach freelance classes.
Make sure that before you open your class, you get certified in any relevant skills. Think of ways to make your class stand out, like setting it to music. If you’re going to be teaching during the hot season, make sure your studio is thoroughly air-conditioned for a nice break from the outdoors.
4. Boat Tours/Lessons
This one has a bit more overhead, but if you own a boat already, that’s a world of opportunities for you in the summer. You can rent your boat out for short tours or offer lessons for those interested in buying their own. Just make sure you’re properly insured.
If you have a larger boat, consider renting it out for an event space. A yacht charter in Cancun can be the perfect place for small weddings or reunions, and you can even turn it into a mobile restaurant where couples can enjoy sunset meals on the lake. You could even Airbnb it as a unique travel space.
5. Pool Cleaning Business
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is one area where there will never be a shortage of work. Countless people have in-ground pools that need regular maintenance, and a qualified pool maintenance expert can command a lot of money. This job will only be seasonal, so it may be a good side gig.
Unlike the others, this isn’t a job that you can jump into casually. Most states have licensing regulations to work with the equipment. The best way to get hands-on experience may be to seek out a position under an experienced pool cleaner before starting your own business.
Summer’s Right for Earning
The opportunities are out there—you just need to find the one that’s right for you. It’s the perfect time to start brainstorming next summer’s great business idea. Let the summer be your ticket to success.