6 business ideas for couples

IF YOU love the thought of starting your own business with your significant other, here are some great ideas to get you on your way.

If you love cooking with your partner, consider starting your own catering business.

GOING into business with your spouse or significant other isn’t an easy decision.

If you think making your marriage or relationship work now is a challenge, imagine how much more difficult it could be when you’re dealing with customers, tax documents and paperwork.

But for couples who have built up a solid foundation and who know how to handle conflict with each other, small business ownership could be a step toward financial independence and even a stronger relationship.

If you and your partner have made the decision to start a business together, you can choose from plenty of start-ups that are well suited for a two-person team. As with any partnership, these business ideas work best when each person takes on roles that best fit his or her skills and strengths.

CATERING

Some couples constantly fight over who has to cook dinner, but for others, preparing and sharing a meal together is an enjoyable bonding activity.

If you and your partner fall into the latter category — and, of course, you’re actually good cooks — you may want to consider starting your own catering business. Let the resident gourmand take care of most of the food prep, while the other serves as customer service rep and sous chef.

E-COMMERCE RETAILER

Crafty couples who share a passion for DIY projects can launch a successful e-commerce business on platforms like Etsy or Zibbet.

Launch your own online business with a little creativity. Pic: Seventh Tree Soaps on Etsy.

One of you can handle marketing, the other can handle customer service, and both of you can work together to fill your orders.

FITNESS INSTRUCTION

If you’re the type of couple that goes running and hits the gym together, launching a fitness business could be right for you.

Whether you’re interested in personal training or class instruction, you can become certified and begin taking on clients. If you both specialise in the same area, you can double the number of sessions or classes you book.

Running along the beach together could end up netting you some cash.

Alternatively, if one of you is a personal trainer and the other teaches a class, you can expand your client base through your service variety.

HOME CLEANING SERVICE

For working parents with long hours, cleaning the house can quickly fall to the bottom of the to-do list.

J-Lo didn’t actually work with her man so much as meet her man while holding a feather duster.

Offer your weekends and evenings to these families, for everything from light housework like vacuuming and dusting to heavy-duty chores like cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. With you and your partner working as a team, you’ll be able to get these tasks done twice as quickly.

PET SITTING

Do you and your partner love animals? Spread the word to friends and neighbours that you’re available to watch their pets while the owners go on a vacation or weekend trip.

Awww... puppy.

Pet owners often feel more comfortable leaving their furry friends in the care of a trusted homeowner rather than placing pets in a boarding facility, so getting referrals shouldn’t be too difficult.

Offering two caretakers also means more individualised attention for your clients’ pets, which can be a great selling point.

TUTORING

Exam prep and subject-help tutoring are just as in-demand as ever for students across the country.

Oh captain my captain. Inspire the next generation with your knowledge and wisdom.

With strong teaching skills, a wealth of knowledge and great personalities, you and your partner can make extra money educating local students in your home. While self-employed tutors are usually solopreneurs, this business can be even more lucrative for a couple if both of you can tutor. Otherwise, one of you can do the actual tutoring, while the other focuses on marketing and spreading the word.

This article was originally published on Business News Daily.

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