Sometimes, a person’s ability to run a profitable home based business is limited due to their location. If you live in a big city, or at least a city with a substantial population, you can probably brainstorm a 101 business ideas and gain the attention of thousands.

But if you live in a small town, in which everyone knows everyone and the Main Street stoplight is a major landmark, you may have to delve deep into your creative rolodex and find a business that’s:

a.) Internet-based, or

b.) accommodates small town people.

1. Internet marketing/Affiliate programs: The best part about online sales is that location doesn’t matter. You can live on a remote island in the Pacific or a rural U.S town with a popular of 100. Plus, the Internet features thousands of free programs. Sign-up for an affiliate program, get your affiliate links, and get to work. Several programs include training materials and marketing tools such as sample classified ads and free websites, which is everything you need to grow an online sales business.

2. In-Home Daycare Business: Since small towns boast few employment opportunities, many people willingly commute to larger cities for work. This is perfect for anyone who loves children and wants to start a home business. Run a daycare or offer after school care in your home. There’s little to no start-up cost. And because small towns are usually a close-knit community, it should be easy to find business. Be sure to research your state’s daycare license requirements.

3. Tutoring Services: If your patience can’t handle caring for children all day, but you want to put your special skills to good use, consider a tutoring business. You can tutor children and adults on any subject, and charge between $15 and $20 an hour. Better yet, explore the idea of giving private music, singing, or art lessons. This way, residents don’t have to travel to the nearest city.

4. Housekeeping/Organizational Services: Everyone wants a clean and organized home, but few people have time to keep up with household chores. Offer your services and provide weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time services. If you’re able to travel, expand your business and look for suburban or city clients. Find a few high-end customers and charge more to accommodate travel expenses.

5. Home-Based Office Worker: Contact doctors, attorneys, and other local offices and offer to handle their clerical needs. Even if the company employs a secretary or office assistant, they may seek another person to tackle overflow work. Off-site responsibilities may entail data entry, typing memos and other documents, courtesy calls, etc.

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