By Chris Skeldon 
Mountains, ice caves, seafood paradise, the Northern Lights – these are just some things that come to mind when envisioning Alaska. But, what might surprise some, is that the state isn’t just a nature lover’s dream but a wonderful place to begin a business.
You have come to the right place if you’re hunting for some low investment business ideas to begin in Alaska. Below you’ll discover some intriguing options and other essential information to help get you started.
7 Low Investment Businesses to Establish in Alaska
Car Washing
If you’d prefer to begin with something simple and budget-friendly, car washing may be ideal. The only necessities needed are simple tools like clean clothes, soap, and a water bucket. However, if you want to offer polishing services, you must purchase a polishing kit.
It’s good to consider that this tends to be a somewhat competitive field – even in slightly secluded Alaska. But people are willing to pay to have their vehicles stay in top shape, and if you market yourself right, you could build a stable and loyal customer base.
Pet Care
Countless Alaskans have pets and plenty of need help caring for them. So whether it’s an older person unable to move about much or a busy worker who can’t always be available for their pet, they may be in the market for reliable pet care.
You can provide basic pet care amenities, like dog walking, feeding, and grooming. While it’s not required to have any special certifications, we recommend acquiring a business license and insurance to keep you safeguarded. Moreover, certificates and permits will show potential clients that you’re serious about the work and can be confident in choosing you.
Seafood Exporting
The state of Alaska is a top seafood producer in the U.S., making seafood exporting a profitable option.
Because it’s a significant industry in Alaska, it’s good to start small initially. For example, if you’ve got a passion for fishing, venture out and catch some seafood that you can sell at local farmers’ markets. This will help you make an income while also building a reputation for your business.
If you opt to try this, you must apply for a catcher-seller permit. In addition, if you would like to fish for salmon to sell, Alaska also requires that you get a king salmon stamp.
Videography and Photography Services
Alaska is full of remarkable places to film or photograph, like Denali National Park and historic Valdez Harbor. Working as a videographer or photographer allows you to travel and archive these stunning destinations. You can start a freelance business as a videographer or photographer. If you aren’t ready to take your freelance business on the road, you can start by working with local businesses.
Tour Guide
Alaska is a state full of natural and cultural wonders, making it a prime place to start a touring business.
As a local, you can take visitors to remote destinations and teach them unknown facts about the state’s history and culture.
If you want to expand your business, try collaborating with Alaskan companies. For instance, if you’re going to highlight the local art in the community, you can run an art tour and connect with artists that your tour group can visit.
Fishing Equipment Sales
Fishing is an essential industry in Alaska. Consider selling fishing equipment if you want to make a name for yourself in the fishing industry but don’t want to export seafood. You can purchase advertising online, create an e-commerce site, or offer the equipment at craft markets and fishing shows.
Online Seller
Suppose you’re still unsure about what you would like to do to make a living in Alaska. Then, you can consider making an online shop to sell goods on. There are many platforms, like Etsy and eBay, where you’ll list products. Look into different platforms to find one that suits your business needs best. Different products perform better on specific sites depending on the trade. For example, Etsy is usually ideal for handcrafted items, while eBay is best for reselling collectibles or refurbished ones.
Protecting Your New Business With Insurance
Starting a new business venture is very exciting, but you need to take specific measures to protect it. One of the simplest ways to shield your company against a lawsuit is to insure it, especially if you’re working with people or someone else’s property. For example, suppose you decide to start a car washing business. You will want to ensure that you have insurance if the vehicle gets damaged while in your care.
Besides this, you’ll also have to invest in Alaska workers comp insurance if you decide to take on employees. Under the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act, workers’ comp is required, even for part-time or temporary workers. So even if you use subcontractors, you will need to confirm they have proper workers’ compensation insurance. If they don’t, you may legally be held liable.
Even if you don’t have a physical store or are self-employed, you should still protect yourself with worker’s compensation in case you sustain an injury while working.
If you’re on the hunt for some unique low investment business opportunities to establish in Alaska, definitely keep these options in mind. They’re budget-friendly and a great way to turn your interests into a career.