New Business Idea? Ice Cream Truck For Dogs

Just had to share this latest business idea I read about today: An Ice Cream Truck for dogs!

This creative unique business idea comes from London, and an inspiring company, Boomerang Pets Party. Called the the K99, The van will serve canine-friendly flavors such as "Dog Eat Hog World" — a chicken and gammon sorbet — and "Canine Cookie Crunch," a more traditional vanilla ice cream, albeit sprinkled with dog biscuits.

"The weather has been so hot, we thought dogs deserved a cooling treat as much as anyone else," said Sally Bezant of event organizer Boomerang Pets Party.

Love this idea! You can read the full article here.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Wedding Cake Rental Business

Wedding Cakes are big business for bakeries and wedding planning companies. But one company took the idea of wedding cakes and made a new business out of the idea: Rental Wedding Cakes.

Entrepreneur Kimberly Aya was always a  passionate cake designer, Aya showed off her cake-designing talents at bridal shows, where she would use fake cakes only for display. But the business woman in her soon realized that a large percentage of brides actually prefer the look of fake cakes. A few months later, she turned her bright idea into a business when she founded  Fun Cakes Rental.

Fun Cakes make their elaborate wedding cakes out of foam, but covered in real fondant, so it looks exactly like a real cake. There’s a special compartment on the cake to store a edible piece of real cake for the bride and groom to feed each other at the reception, then the display cake is taken back into the kitchen and the guests are served regular sheet cake from a local bakery or wholesale store.

Aya now decorates and ships cakes to brides all over the world and even designs cakes for wedding scenes in movies. This past August, she signed a deal with Macy’s to make visual prototypes for its department stores.

"I don't care if I do a fake cake or a real cake," says Aya, 52, "as long as I get to decorate, because that's what I love."

And isn't that the best way to make money? Doing something we love?

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Weekend Business Idea --Starting an Aquarium Installation and Maintenance Business

Starting your own fish tank installation and maintenance service--something to brainstorm this weekend! Setting up and maintaining fish aquariums for people that want an aquarium but not the upkeep of one could be a business to start from home. And imagine all the fish tanks needing attention when people go on vacations!

You would first need to research and read everything you can about fish and aquariums. Decide if your business will focus on salt water tanks, freshwater tanks, or both. You will need to acquire as much knowledge as possible about all the specific things to test and clean before trying to market yourself as an expert at fish tank and aquarium keeping. Talk to experts, visit pet stores, read,research, set up and maintain your own aquarium, and get as much knowledge and hands on experience as you can before launching your business.

Think about the potential clients you would want to reach: Aside from residential clients, you have the professional clients to advertise to such as: doctor's offices, dentists,beauty salons, bookstores, daycare businesses, small cafes, etc. There is truly many businesses out there that could be interested in having a tropical fish tank installed and serviced weekly.

You will need to have a rate sheet available for different maintenance costs for your fish and aquarium business. These charges may vary based on difficulty of the task or size of the fish tank. For example, a simple weekly vacuuming and topping up the treated water can be one price, while entire thorough cleaning can be another. Smaller fish tanks will earn you less than larger ones.

Think about having release forms and contracts for exactly what your responsibilities are. Look into some general business insurance and professional liability cover to protect yourself against any possible damage claims or performance issues.

Think about the potential clients you would want to reach: Aside from residential clients, you have the professional clients to advertise to such as: doctor's offices, dentists,beauty salons, bookstores, daycare businesses, small cafes, etc. There is truly many businesses out there that could be interested in having a tropical fish tank installed and serviced weekly.You could also offer pet stores a small referral fee for each client they send your way. You might also consider displaying your cards at veterinary offices and local zoos in your area. Have a website website describing your services and fees. Drive traffic to your website by writing articles about caring for aquariums. If you can start your business by having friends and family as clients, have them write referrals and recommendations that you can post on your website as well to help provide credibility to your expertise.


Have fun brainstorming about Starting a Fish Tank Business if this sounds interesting, and don't forget to check out this week's TGIF WAHM drink recipe!

Weekend Business Idea-- Starting a Personal Concierge Business

Starting a personal concierge business is a home based business idea that really doesn't need a lot of money upfront to get started. A concierge business involves performing routine errands for clients, such as picking up dry cleaning, buying birthday party supplies for client's children, returning videos, library books, taking pets to appointments, and so on. With the rise of two-income families, working people nowadays seldom have the time to do life’s little chores. If you do not mind performing these little tasks and enjoy doing something different each day, this is a business with excellent growth potential.

To start a concierge service, supplies you would need would include: a computer, fax machine, Internet access, pagers and cell phones. Another possible start-up expense includes the cost of bonding and insurance to protect you in the event of accident, theft or other unexpected situations.

You can start building your business by offering services to friends, neighbors and family. Consider doing errands for free in exchange for reference letters and referrals. You may find it useful to advertise your services and company in the classified ads and be sure to print and distribute business cards every place you go. Consider placing magnetic signs on both sides of your vehicle, or buy vinyl letters and numbers to stick your company name and phone number on the rear window.

Start slowly by offering your concierge services to people looking for help with their groceries and errands around the house, and as you grow, try tapping into into the office support services market. There are people looking for workers with office skills to just come in and help them once a week or even once a month and they are willing to pay top dollar for this limited time.

You can also specialize your concierge services for new mothers, elderly, pet owners, and so on.


Don't forget to research and fill out business license application and all other forms required by federal, local and city government.

Check out the National Concierge Association @ http://www.nationalconciergeassociation.com/

Check local concierge/errand services in your area to get an idea for pricing and services offered. Check with your city's business and licensing departments for business requirements.

So do a little brainstorming this weekend if a personal concierge business sounds interesting to you, and don't forget to check out this week's TGIF Drink Recipe (even though I'm posting it on Saturday instead of Friday...oops.)

Check Out Other Home Business Brainstorming Ideas
Wine Stoppers-- Make and Sell Your Own Creations
Organic Delivery Baskets
A Mom's Home-Based Business Inspiration
50 Home-Based Business Ideas