Small Business to Open Near an Educational Institute [Profitable Business Ideas]

The first rule of any business is identifying the need in the market and launching a product or services that can cater to that need. Educational institutes such as schools and colleges are always busy with faculty, students, and other staff. These people are cloistered inside the four walls of the school and, more often than not, need something urgently.

You can begin a new small business near such institutions and offer products and services that are targeted towards young people. You can decide the budget and menu as per the school's financial status and the students who study in it. There are various options through which you can ensure that you launch a successful business that does not need a huge investment. Read on to get the best small profitable business ideas.

1. Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Everyone likes to wear fresh clothes that make them look good and presentable. However, students can seldom find the time to wash their ever-increasing pile of laundry as they have to deal with the ever-increasing pile of homework. Laundry can be the best business idea near college as students tend to live away from their parents. You do not require a huge investment or technical knowledge to kickstart a laundry business.

2. Restaurant

Children are always hungry. They never find much time to prepare their own food, especially if they are living alone or in dorms. A restaurant is a small-scale business idea that can be expanded depending upon the response from your customers. Not just fast food, you can offer meals that have a homely feel to them to ensure that the students love your menu.

3. Stationery

Every student has experienced panic when they do not have a stationery item right before an exam. Opening a stationery centre can be the best business near the school. Students and even teachers are always in need of pens, pencils, rulers, and much more. You can offer specific products such as washi tape, engineering tools, geometry tools, etc., as per the demand.

4. Photocopy Centre

Students always need to create copies of a book, notebook, notes, documents, assignments, etc. The list of items that need to be photocopied and the rate at which students need them can be astounding. It is a unique business idea that requires you to invest in a photocopy machine and papers. You will be surprised how busy your business gets as the exam season arrives.

5. Book Shop

Be it textbooks, novels, magazines, etc., students always need to read something. It can be for a class or for their own amusement. Offering them a cosy book shop near their school can be another small profitable business idea. You can offer your books online as well to earn some additional income.

6. Cyber Café

College students are always in search of a reliable and fast internet connection. Internet services are in high demand in student-dominated communities, and you can benefit from this demand by opening up a cybercafé. You will need to invest in desktop systems and fast internet, but the revenue will be worth it. Students use internet-connected desktops to fill forms, research for assignments, browse the web, and much more.

7. Laptop Repairing

It is a nightmare for a college student to have their laptop malfunction right before a due date or an assignment deadline. If you have the technical experience of working with laptops, then you can open a laptop repairing and maintenance centre. It is a small-scale business idea that depends upon your skill and knowledge of computers and laptops. You can offer to repair mobile phones and desktop systems as well to expand the business.

8. Snacks and Bakery

Who does not like a freshly baked scone in their breakfast with freshly brewed coffee? When it comes to students, you can never go wrong with a business targeted at food. One of the best businesses near colleges, if you have experience and knowledge of baking, then you can start a bakery that offers various snacks to the students. You can even make your services 24/7 so that you are available for those who are in search of a late-night snack during a study binge session.

9. Salons

Another one of the best businesses near schools and colleges is beauty and barber salons. If you have the skills in hairdressing, haircutting, makeup, and more, then you can offer the students your services. You can have flexible timings, as well as most students, frequent a salon only during weekends or in the evening hours of the day, once the classes are over. It is a demanding business that may not require that much investment, depending upon the scale of your business plan.

10. Grocery

Another one of the easier and best businesses near colleges is a grocery shop. Most students do not like or cannot find the time to eat their dorm food. Some students like to prepare their own meals. You can offer basic groceries along with some staple, daily usage items. You can also offer ready to eat meals at the store that need to be defrosted and heated to prepare. With an impeccable inventory system, you can turn this small-scale business into a success in no time.

11. Editing and Proofreading

If you have majored in English or have impeccable knowledge of grammar and writing skills, then you can start editing and proofreading services to the students. This small business idea does not require any capital to kickstart and can prove to be profitable down the road. Students are always in search of experts that can advise and guide them on their projects and assignments. You can try getting some experience in the role of an editor through freelancing and work from the comfort of your home.

12. Travel Services

Whether it be students who live away from their homes or those who want to go on a trip, you can act as a travel agent for them. If you have the knowledge of managing a travel business and can plan an itinerary with ease and perfection, then this unique business idea is perfect for you. You can arrange shipping services for international students, plan group trips and travels, and arrange transportation services for them as well.

13. Career Counselling

If you know a lot about jobs and career-building, have an extensive number of leads, and are good at communication, then you can begin a business as a career counsellor. Students will book appointments with you, and you will suggest viable career options based on their personality and interests. You can connect them with employers and recruits to get the first-hand experience of their dream job through a quick demo or internship.

Hundreds of such small profitable business ideas can prove to be immensely successful near colleges and schools. All you need is a background check, resources, and a perfect business plan to execute your aim accurately.

Also read:

1) Best Tips for Customer Retention for a Small Business
2) Tips to Understand Your Market while Starting a Small Business
3) Tips for Businesses to Overcome the Covid Blues - Revival Tips for Businesses
4) What are the keys to success when operating a small scale business?
5) OkCredit: All you need to know about OkCredit & how it works.

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FAQs

Q. What is the best business near a school?

Ans. Businesses such as snacks shops, restaurants, fast food, etc., can be the best businesses near the school.

Q. What business can I start near a school with the least investment?

Ans. You can begin a business as a career counsellor or cell phone repair shop near school. These businesses do not need much investment.

Q. How do I start a business with no experience?

Ans. You need to do your research regarding a business niche that you are interested in. After ample research, create a business plan and network among like-minded people to get advice and exposure in the market.

Q. What are the most successful small businesses?

Ans. Various businesses such as personal wellness, consulting, website and graphic designing, bookkeeping and accountancy, etc., are successful small businesses.

Q. Do I need to go to a business school to start a business?

Ans. No, you do not need to attend a business school to become an entrepreneur or start a business. It can help you on your path but is certainly not compulsory.