A home-based business is any business where the primary office is located in the owner's home.
While we think of home-based business owners as working at home, that's not necessarily the case. Software trainers, truckers, and interior decorators are just three examples of people who may run home-based businesses but have to travel to provide their services.
More people are choosing to run home-based business than ever before. Many online businesses are ideally suited to be home-based businesses, but it's also increasing common to see professionals from travel agents through Notary Publics operating home-based businesses.
A home-based business in not for everyone, however. Most municipalities regulate home-based businesses, and particular neighbourhoods may have covenants against them. Landlords tend not to be home-based business friendly, if you're renting.
Even if running a home-based business is allowable where you live, you may not want to. Issues such as signage, parking and the need for home-based insurance may not make running a home-based business your best choice.
And many people who run home-based businesses suffer from feelings of isolation and feel "out-of-the-loop". Others find that running a home-based business means that their business interferes too much with their family life.
For more on these issues and others that need to be considered before you start a home-based business, see Is Starting a Home-Based Business Right For You?
