Best Business Opportunities 2008

This is the year that the voices that have been crying in the wilderness have arrived - plunk in the middle of everyone's suburban neighbourhood. Suddenly everyone wants to do something to protect and clean up the planet. Environmentalism's growing popularity has reached the tipping point and people are willing to put out extra green to go green.

So many of the best business opportunities of 2008 offer a chance to tap into consumers' green impulses. Others on this year's list suggest ways to get in on some of the fastest growing markets by meeting the needs of particular niches.

Here are what I think will be the best business opportunities this year. (Note that these are presented in no particular order.)
The Best Business Opportunities of 2008
1. Eco-products

Metal water bottles. Cloth grocery bags. Clothing made of fair trade cotton. All of these are examples of eco-products, products designed to do less damage to the environment by replacing other, more damaging products. Related business opportunities abound. On the manufacturing end, you could invent a product or process that gave consumers a greener choice. Or you could get in on this business opportunity by sourcing and distributing eco-products, either through a traditional storefront or an online business - or both.
2. Niche travel

There's always been a tour market in the travel industry, but the growth of particular niches within the travel market creates rich business opportunities. For instance, the gay travel market is growing fast, with gay people seeking gay-friendly destinations. And while we're all aware of how popular cruises are with seniors, full-service bus tours are becoming just as popular. Eco-tours are another expanding niche, with tours/packages that offer a chance to see some of "the vanishing planet", becoming increasingly popular. Antarctica, the North Pole, and the rain forest will all be hot destinations.
3. Solar installation specialists

More people than ever are making saving energy a priority in their daily lives and therefore willing to invest in solar energy sources for their homes and businesses. Solar operated hot water heaters, for example, are becoming increasingly popular. But a different type of energy requires different installation procedures. Installing solar panels and solar-run appliances could be a lucrative business opportunity.
4. Senior care

There's a huge market for senior care of all types right now and the market is only going to grow through 2008 and beyond. Indeed, Statistics Canada says that the number of individuals aged 65 to 74 will almost double, from 2.3 million to about 4.5 million over the next two decades. Business opportunities in senior care range from opening your own senior care home through providing in-home care or home services such as preparing meals, housekeeping or running errands. Senior care franchises are another option for getting in on this business opportunity.
5. Mobility products

On a related note, products that help people do what they like to do longer or more comfortably are also a great business opportunity, and another business opportunity that could work really well as an online business. Look for products that help people reach, grasp things or get up from chairs - all simple tasks that can become increasingly difficult. Clothing especially designed to be easier to put on and fasten is another area of products you might want to explore. And don't forget about people's hobbies. Gardening, for instance, is extremely popular and there are a lot of products that can make gardening tasks easier.