It might be the idea of being your own boss, being able to set your own hours or simply doing something you love that has you considering starting a micro business. Well, now is the time to turn those thoughts to reality and if you’re stuck for new business ideas, we have some for you.

So, what is a micro business? The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines micro businesses as those that have 1-4 employees, this includes sole proprietors with no employees. You might be thinking, what is the difference between a micro business and a small business? Well, think of a micro-business as a subset of a small business. For example, a small business employs less than 20 staff and has an annual turnover of $2 million to $10 million and a micro business has a turnover of less than $2 million.

Small, micro, and family run Australian enterprises account for approximately 97% of all business in the country. It’s clear, if you’ve been thinking about starting a micro business, there’s no better place to than in Australia. So, here are the top 10 micro business start-up ideas for you:

Consultant: If you are knowledgeable and passionate about a specific topic (marketing, social media, communication, etc), starting a consultant business can be a profitable option. You can start consulting on your own, then grow your business by hiring other consultants.

Online bookkeeping: Modern technology allows many bookkeeping services to be performed online, anywhere in the world, all you need is good internet connection. If you are an accountant or bookkeeper wanting the freedom of running your own business, take advantage of the technology available allowing you to start your own online micro business.

App developer: If you’re tech savvy, developing an App is an innovative business idea that can be incredibly rewarding. Smartphones are an everyday accessory for many Australians, having an increased demand for supported mobile applications.

Digital Marketer: Having an online presence has become mandatory for businesses today. Digital marketing helps companies connect to their target audience all around the world. Services of a digital marketer are in high demand and it is usually a job that is outsourced in a business. All you need is a team of experts and a space to start your operation.

Freelance writer: If you have a way with your words, then copywriting is a great and sustainable business to run. As long as you have an internet connection, you can work from anywhere, anytime. Sites like are great places to start your career with jobs listed by potential clients from all over the world.

Tutor: The demand for online education has been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has opened a range of possibilities for entrepreneurs wanting to work from any location and share their knowledge. Tutoring might be the perfect home business idea for you.

Day care: Taking care of children when their parents are away from home will always be in high demand. But parents can be quite picky with choosing the right childcare or minders. Starting a local day care business in your neighbourhood might just be what is needed.

Cleaner: Cleaning businesses are possibly the easiest businesses to start. There’s no training or prerequisites required, just cleaning products, transportation and a good work ethic. You could work solo, or have staff to service homes, apartments, offices, warehouses and commercial properties.

Personal trainer: A passion for fitness, lots of energy and a qualification or two are all you need to get started as a fitness professional. With the option to train in-person or online, one-on-one or in groups, indoors or outdoors, flexibility is a big perk of this industry.

Beauty therapist: Hairdressers, make-up artists, waxing and eyebrow technicians are just a few of the many beauty professions that can be started from home, made mobile and done solo or with staff.

Now that you have a few micro-business start-up ideas, you can start refining the options that will work for you. Starting your own business will be challenging at times but rewarding for the most part. With a firm business plan, funding and excellent support system, your micro business will be booming in no time.