What are some business ideas for felons?
From dry cleaning to owning a car wash, here are answers to the question, “What’s a good business idea for someone with a felony?”
- Start Freelancing On Fiverr Or Upwork
- Online Business
- Lawn Care Business
- Car Wash Owner
- Dry Cleaning
- Carpentry, Welding, or Plumbing
- Affiliate Marketing
- Open a Pet Grooming Salon
- Pressure Washing Or Automotive Detailing
- Mental Health First Aid Training
Start Freelancing On Fiverr Or Upwork
Nowadays, it’s easy to train yourself in many tasks done completely online using generally available courses on YouTube or popular sites. This could be copywriting, graphic design, or programming-anything you have an aptitude for.
A criminal past can be quite an obstacle to getting a permanent written contract in one company. But, it will be much easier to bet on your own and accept single assignments.
Many freelancing opportunities do not require background checks, meaning that people with a felony may not be automatically disqualified from obtaining work. I would recommend starting by registering on freelancing websites such as Fiverr.com or Upwork.com.
Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, UK Passport Photo
Online Business
As someone with a felony, there are actually many business ideas that can be done without having to worry about reputation.
For example, starting an online business can be a great option as it allows them to work from home and avoid some of the discrimination they may face in the traditional job market.
If they are creative and handy, they can create something made by hand and sell it online. Or even offer and promote some services with low startup costs such as a cleaning service, a pet-sitting business, or a lawn-care service.
Georgi Todorov, Founder, ThriveMyWay
Lawn Care Business
A lawn-care business may be a good idea for someone with a felony, as it is a physical labor job that doesn’t require much overhead or formal education. It can also be started on a small scale, such as with a lawnmower and a few basic tools, and can be scaled up as the business grows.
Additionally, many customers may not require background checks for such services, providing an opportunity for someone with a criminal record to gain employment and start their own business.
Amy Adlerstein, Senior Retention Marketing Manager, Canvas People
Car Wash Owner
If you can get some free space in an area with heavy traffic, a car wash is a great business option for someone with a felony. It typically only requires a little startup capital or specialized knowledge, while a person’s past is totally irrelevant in this business.
Additionally, instead of starting from scratch, you can buy a franchise. Car wash businesses give a range of options such as full-service car washes including auto detailing, self-service car washes, automatic car washes, or combinations.
You can start with a less demanding option and, as your business grows, add additional services such as fixing paint scratches and rust spots, engine cleaning, interior detailing like vacuuming or upholstery cleaning, and air vent sanitization. The business can be both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling if a person has experience or interests in the automotive industry.
Nina Paczka, Community Manager, Resume Now
Carpentry, Welding, or Plumbing
Becoming a specialized craftsman can be a good business idea for someone with a felony. Perfecting a specific trade, such as carpentry, welding, or plumbing, allows you to leverage your skills and experience, which increases your earning potential.
Additionally, this way, a person with a felony can be their own boss, set their own schedule, and have control over their financial future.
Furthermore, becoming a specialized craftsman can be a good idea for someone with a felony because it helps them overcome the barriers they may face in finding employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record, but starting a business allows a person to bypass these barriers and create their own opportunities.
Moreover, it can give a sense of purpose, self-esteem, and might be an opportunity to build a new reputation and identity. A successful business can give someone a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can be beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.
Piotrek Sosnowski, Chief People and Culture Officer, HiJunior
Affiliate Marketing
When executed effectively, affiliate marketing can present a valuable opportunity for individuals with a felony background. The concept of affiliate marketing entails promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission for any sales resulting from your website or blog.
Being that affiliate marketing doesn’t require the management, production, or selling of any products, it can be considered a low-risk venture for individuals with a felony.
Starting an affiliate marketing website or blog is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any technical skills; it is a great way to earn money from the comfort of your own home and diversify your income streams by promoting products from multiple vendors.
Burak Özdemir, Founder, Online Alarm Kur
Open a Pet Grooming Salon
A pet grooming salon is a great business idea for people with a felony who love dogs. Pet grooming is not only very profitable but also rewarding, fun, and exciting.
What’s also essential is that you can find it therapeutic. Animals don’t judge; all they care about is the here and now. If you treat them well, nothing else matters.
To run a successful pet grooming business, you must build excellent relationships and trust. It’s also crucial to be patient, compassionate, and professional.
You’ll need to learn pet care skills as well. These include cutting and brushing hair, bathing, treating the dog for fleas, and more. Due to the increasing awareness of the health and hygiene of pets, pet grooming is in high demand, and the trend will continue. Take your second chance and get involved in pet care.
Agata Szczepanek, Community Manager, LiveCareer
Pressure Washing Or Automotive Detailing
Automotive detailing and pressure washing can be highly profitable businesses for someone with a felony. Pressure washing homes, sidewalks, and driveways is a great way to make quick money, while automotive detailing requires an eye for detail and some mechanical knowledge.
Both of these services require little start-up costs, making them an ideal choice for those just starting out in the business world. With pressure washing, one only needs basic cleaning supplies and a pressure washer to get started; in contrast, automotive detailing requires specialized tools as well as a working knowledge of how cars work.
Moreover, both of these services are in high demand, which makes it easy to find clients who are willing to pay top dollar. With the right plan and dedication, anyone with a felony can find success in either of these fields.
Jeremy Reis, Founder, Explore Startups
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health first aid training can be a good business idea for someone with a felony, as it is in high demand and can be provided remotely.
By providing this training, the individual can use their own experience and understanding of the need for mental strength to overcome their felony to help others.
Additionally, this business can also help to reduce the stigmas and discrimination associated with mental health and criminal records.
Derek Bruce, Senior Director, Newcastle First Aid Courses
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