5 small-business ideas that let you work from home

When it comes to commuting or remote work, half of U.S. workers prefer working from home. In fact, 40% of respondents in a Harvard Business School survey said they would accept a pay cut of 5% or more for the ability to telecommute. It’s also an increasingly common reason founders start their own businesses. If you’re interested in launching your own startup, there are plenty of small-business ideas you can launch from home. Half of all small businesses start at home, according to the National Association of Women Business Owners. And 60% of all businesses without staff are home-based. All totaled, roughly 19 million U.S. businesses are based out of their owner’s home. That’s thanks in part to the number of businesses that can be run with just a laptop, a good internet connection, and a specialized skill. Of course, the savings for not having to pay any additional rent don’t hurt either. Looking to do away with commuting indefinitely? Here are some businesses that lend themselves to being based out of your house. (For more inspiration, read Inc.’s full guide to 25 small-business ideas for 2026.) Social-media consulting Many small-business owners lack the time to maintain consisten…