A home-based business has long been the income producing stand-by for stay-at-home moms. Think about the women from 100 years ago who “took in” laundry to wash and/or iron for strangers, those who made alterations or sewed entire outfits for their “grocery money.” Then there have always been the moms who have watched their neighbor’s child and this has often evolved into a full-fledged home daycare.
Home-based businesses have also been the traditional method of supporting a family well before the industrial age altered much of our notions about “work”. Farmers are probably the oldest and most well-known home-based business people, although few people would think of that as a home-based business.
Even the Bible describes home-based businesses. There is the Proverbs 31 woman who had a business running a vineyard, trading for profit, and selling home-made linen garments. The servants mentioned in Matthew 25 “traded” with the money they were given and made a profit. The widow in 2 Kings sold her miraculously filled pots of oil to earn money to get out of debt and live from. And then there are the multitudes of farmers, shepherds, etc.
Running a home-based business is just as attractive today as it has always been. And with the increasingly tight job market, it has become a necessity for some.
The reasons behind starting a home based business are as varied as the type of businesses. Probably the most common reason is a need for extra money whether for breaking even, affording an occasional shopping spree, getting out of debt, or affording a lush vacation. Sometimes a small business is started in the home as the fulfillment of a life-long dream. Often the dream gets kicked into motion by a life-altering event such as the loss of a job or a large inheritance. Other times home-based businesses are started by people who simply want something to do in their time off, after retirement, or while the kids are napping.
What is your story? Why do you have or wish to have a home-based business?
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