10 Ideas of Christian Businesses You Can Start

Starting a business of your own can create both more time and money for you compared to a traditional job. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence—and things do not always get off the ground your first try. Using Biblical principles however, especially from the book of Proverbs, can help you avoid common obstacles many people face in business today. Here are some potential ideas that you can consider:

1. Bookstore—Online or Traditional
   Many people love the atmosphere of a physical bookstore—you also can create additional income through a restaurant or coffee shop attached to it. This avenue takes a lot of initial investment and time, and you’ll need to consider your competition, overhead costs, and population of your area before making the leap.

   A much safer way to start out is a home-based bookstore through already established companies such as Amazon.com or Half.com. Used books that are fairly cheap in one area of the country may be expensive in another, so in some cases these businesses can do very well.

2. Daycare
   Many couples today are in situations where both spouses are working. Providing a solid Christian-based daycare can provide a lot of parents with peace of mind compared to other environments they may be considering.
3. Travel Guide for Christian Locations
   If you live in an area where there are areas of interest for Christian-based tours (and this can include areas like Washington, D.C., where there is a Christian influence with many of the monuments that may not be covered in other tours.) Investment will likely consist of a website and marketing of your service. You can meet people at the tour location, making this a business you can run out of your home.
4. Tutoring
   As with the situation with daycares, many Christian parents would like to find after-school tutoring with a good environment. You can do one-on-one tutoring in subjects that you have a strong background or interest. An educational background is helpful (and sometimes required according to the position) for this as well.
5. Crafts Business
   Craft businesses are easy to start and operate on a cash basis. You can have fun creating things you enjoy and generate an income from them. Again, you can start small, build the business larger by reinvesting your profits, and possibly use the Internet for sales in addition to craft shows.
6. Freelance Writing
   There is a wide variety of opportunities available for Christian freelance writers, from creating study guides to advice articles. You can also create an income from your own blog or website through advertisers such as through Google Adsense.
7. Wedding Planner/Special Events Planning
   If you’re naturally gifted in organization, this is a great low-cost business that you can even do on weekends outside of a normal job. Basically you need to research where to get supplies—napkins, invitations, party favors, etc.—and know the best locations in your area to walk the bridge and groom through the planning process. Networking with photographers and videographers is helpful as well.
8. Photographer/Videographer
   Many churches and Christian-based groups are using multimedia in both church services and on their websites. You can also generate income through weddings and conferences. Initial start-up costs are probably the biggest obstacle for this business, since both professional quality still and video cameras and related equipment can reach into the $10,000+ range very quickly.
9. Bible Study Creator
   If you enjoy studying the Bible and find yourself mentoring other people, you can self-publish study guides and sell them online with very little out-of-pocket costs. The biggest task in this business would be marketing and letting other people know the materials were available. The website Lulu.com is a good self-publishing website if you need a place to start.
10. Web Designer for Church Websites
    If you enjoy web design, you can find work for several churches in your area on a contract basis that may not be large enough to have a website designer on staff. You can develop the same skills for commercial and personal use.

Two other actions you need to take in getting started are talking with the person who does your taxes (so you know what you can and can’t deduct) and to open up a separate account for your business expenses and earnings. This will have you a lot of hassle.

Remember to keep your eyes open for opportunities in your own local area. You may be able to fill a need others are missing. Best wishes to you!