Home-based business boom

Many successful businesses have started in the home or garage and some of them have flourished.

Jeff Bezos initially sold books out of his garage, and went on to create Amazon in 1995. Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his Harvard dorm. Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded their company in a garage. Apple’s Steve Jobs used his parents’ garage.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel or have that next big-idea to be a home-based entrepreneur. Home based businesses can range from internet based opportunities through to trades like electricians, plumbers, caterers, gardeners and builders, to professions such as lawyers, accountants, advisors and counsellors to mention a few.

Whether by choice or by default, more people are starting or buying home-based businesses.

“Especially since lockdown, home-based businesses for sale have grown to become one of our more popular searches,” says Richard O’Brien from the Business for Sale website nzbizbuysell.co.nz.

“For some, the pandemic turned everything on its head. Family and lifestyle became more important, and there was a reminder that it’s not a good idea to have all your eggs in one basket. This, coupled with the value of the internet and growth in online opportunities, sparked a heightened interest in ‘side hustles’ and fully-fledged home based businesses,” he says.

“Working from home can offer great flexibility and an improved lifestyle, along with lower overheads and less travel. If you’re a self-starter, disciplined and focused, a home-based business can be a very rewarding and exciting option.”