Starting a business in Haiti can be rewarding, especially if you identify a niche that meets local needs or leverages your skills. From online-based services to traditional enterprises, here are 100 business ideas in Haiti that you can start with relatively low capital.
About Haiti
Haiti, located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, shares the island with the Dominican Republic. With a population of over 11 million people, Haiti boasts a rich history as the first Black republic and the first nation to abolish slavery.
The country’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances from the diaspora. Despite facing political instability and natural disasters, Haitians exhibit remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
The informal sector plays a significant role in the economy, with many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating without formal registration. Efforts are underway to improve financial inclusion and support for SMEs, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth and employment.
100 Business Ideas in Haiti
1. Agriculture and Agro-Processing
Haiti’s fertile soil and favorable climate make agriculture a cornerstone of the economy. Entrepreneurs can explore organic farming of crops like coffee, mangoes, and avocados. Value-added processing, such as producing jams, juices, and dried fruits, can enhance profitability and open export opportunities.
2. Renewable Energy Solutions
With limited access to reliable electricity, renewable energy presents a significant opportunity. Solar energy, in particular, has strong potential, with the market estimated to be worth over $500 million. Businesses can offer solar panel installation, maintenance, and related services to meet the growing demand.
3. Handicraft Export
Haiti’s vibrant culture and artistry are globally recognized. Entrepreneurs can tap into the $50 million export market by producing and exporting handmade crafts, including jewelry, textiles, and home décor items.
4. Mobile Commerce
The rise of digital adoption in Haiti opens avenues for mobile commerce. Businesses can offer products and services through mobile platforms, catering to the increasing number of mobile users seeking convenience and accessibility.
5. Online Tutoring
With a growing emphasis on education, online tutoring services can cater to students seeking academic support. Offering lessons in languages, mathematics, and other subjects through virtual platforms can reach a broad audience.
6. Dropshipping Fashion
Entrepreneurs can capitalize on the fashion market by setting up dropshipping businesses. By sourcing products from suppliers and selling them online without holding inventory, businesses can minimize overhead costs while meeting consumer demand.
7. Social Media Advertising
As businesses seek to expand their online presence, offering social media advertising services can be lucrative. Helping local companies create and manage advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can drive customer engagement and sales.
8. Mobile App Development
The need for digital solutions presents opportunities in mobile app development. Developing apps tailored to local needs, such as transportation, healthcare, or education, can address gaps in services and improve accessibility.
9. Virtual Consulting
Professionals with expertise in various fields can offer virtual consulting services. Providing guidance in areas like business development, finance, or marketing through online platforms can reach clients both locally and internationally.
10. Freelance Graphic Design
The demand for visual content creates opportunities for freelance graphic designers. Offering services such as logo design, branding, and marketing materials can cater to businesses seeking to enhance their visual identity.
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11. Eco-friendly Products
With increasing environmental awareness, businesses can offer eco-friendly products. Selling items like reusable bags, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable household goods can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
12. Online Food Delivery
The convenience of online food delivery services is gaining popularity. Partnering with local restaurants to offer delivery through mobile apps or websites can meet the demand for accessible dining options.
13. Content Creation Services
Businesses can offer content creation services, including writing, photography, and video production. Creating engaging content for websites, social media, and marketing campaigns can help clients attract and retain customers.
14. Catering Services
With frequent events and gatherings, catering services are in demand. Providing high-quality food and beverage options for weddings, corporate events, and parties can establish a strong client base.
15. Candle Making Business
Given the unreliable electricity supply, candles are essential in many households. Starting a candle-making business can meet this need, with opportunities to create decorative and scented candles for various occasions.
16. Web Design and Development
As businesses seek to establish an online presence, web design and development services are crucial. Creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites can help clients reach broader audiences.
17. Organic Farming
The demand for organic produce is rising. Engaging in organic farming practices to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs can cater to health-conscious consumers and open avenues for export.
18. Artisanal Crafts and Tourism
Haiti’s rich cultural heritage offers opportunities in artisanal crafts and tourism. Creating handmade products and offering cultural experiences can attract tourists and promote local artistry.
19. Textile and Garment Manufacturing
Leveraging Haiti’s low labor costs, textile and garment manufacturing can be a profitable venture. Producing clothing for export markets can capitalize on trade agreements and growing demand.
20. Food Processing
Processing local agricultural products into packaged goods, such as sauces, snacks, and beverages, can add value and extend shelf life, thereby opening up opportunities for both domestic sales and exports.
21. Poultry Farming
Poultry farming is a reliable source of income in both rural and urban areas of Haiti. Starting a business that raises chickens for meat or egg production meets local consumption needs and can be scaled to supply hotels, restaurants, and markets. Poultry farming requires low capital to start and offers quick returns.
22. Mobile Money Services
With limited access to traditional banking services in rural Haiti, mobile money platforms such as MonCash are increasingly popular. Starting a mobile money kiosk or becoming an agent can generate daily income through commissions and transaction fees while improving financial inclusion.
23. Small-Scale Fish Farming
Haiti has access to fresh and marine water bodies that can support aquaculture. Small-scale fish farming of tilapia or catfish can provide both food security and business opportunities, especially when integrated with crop farming.
24. Laundry Services
Urban residents and professionals often seek convenient laundry services. A small laundromat equipped with washers and dryers or a home-based pickup and delivery service can meet this demand, especially in cities like Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien.
25. Daycare Services
With more women entering the workforce and education becoming a priority, there is growing demand for affordable and quality childcare services. Starting a daycare that offers early learning and a safe environment can be a profitable and impactful venture.
26. Community Health Clinics
Given the gaps in public health services, a small community-based clinic offering basic medical consultations, maternal care, and vaccinations can serve underprivileged neighborhoods while generating revenue through low-cost fees or donor support.
27. Rice Milling
Rice is a staple food in Haiti, and many local farmers grow it. Establishing a rice milling facility to process harvested paddy into edible rice can reduce post-harvest losses and create a local supply chain that supports both farmers and retailers.
28. Waste Management Services
Solid waste disposal is a major challenge in Haitian cities. A waste collection and recycling business that partners with households and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly and turn recyclables into reusable materials offers both environmental and economic benefits.
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29. Vocational Training Center
With high unemployment and a large youth population, vocational training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, and hairdressing is in high demand. A well-structured training center can generate revenue through tuition fees while building a skilled workforce.
30. Water Purification and Distribution
Clean water is still a challenge in many parts of Haiti. A water purification business using filtration systems or bottled water plants can serve urban and rural communities, especially when paired with door-to-door delivery or local sales kiosks.
31. Logistics and Delivery Services
As online businesses grow and urban centers expand, reliable logistics services are in high demand. A motorcycle or van delivery service that handles parcels, groceries, or business supplies can thrive with good coordination and customer service.
32. Event Planning and Rentals
Haitians celebrate weddings, birthdays, and cultural festivals with flair. Offering event planning, decoration, and rentals (such as tents, chairs, sound systems) can tap into this market, especially during peak celebration seasons.
33. Cold Storage Business
Due to electricity shortages, preserving perishable food remains difficult. A cold storage business serving markets, fishermen, or farmers can reduce food spoilage and improve supply chain reliability for fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
34. Beauty Salon or Barber Shop
Personal grooming is a regular need. Opening a salon or barber shop in a busy neighborhood can quickly attract clients, especially when combined with excellent service, affordable pricing, and hygiene standards.
35. Cyber Café and Printing Services
Internet access is still limited in many parts of Haiti. A cyber café that provides internet browsing, printing, scanning, and document typing services caters to students, professionals, and small business owners alike.
36. Brick and Block Making
With construction activities ongoing in urban and rural areas, a business that manufactures cement blocks or bricks can meet the demand for affordable building materials. It requires moderate capital investment but yields high returns.
37. Taxi or Moto-Taxi Services
Public transportation in Haiti often relies on private operators. Starting a small taxi or moto-taxi business (using motorcycles) can serve commuters, students, and workers while generating daily cash flow.
38. Herbal and Natural Medicine
Traditional medicine and herbal remedies have long-standing cultural acceptance in Haiti. Selling packaged herbal teas, ointments, and natural treatments for common ailments can attract customers seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
39. Goat Rearing
Goats are resilient, require low maintenance, and provide meat, milk, and manure. A small-scale goat farming business can supply local markets and religious festivals, which often increase demand for goat meat.
40. Mobile Phone Accessories Business
With widespread mobile phone usage, selling accessories like chargers, power banks, earphones, and protective cases at high-traffic locations such as markets or transport hubs can be a steady source of income.
41. Mobile Car Wash Service
This is a low-investment business idea that offers flexibility and convenience. A mobile car wash business in Haiti can target busy professionals and businesses that own fleets of vehicles. It requires minimal equipment like a portable water tank, cleaning products, and a generator if power supply is limited.
42. Online Clothing Boutique
The demand for trendy and affordable fashion is rising, especially among young Haitians. Launching an online clothing boutique on social media platforms or via a website allows you to showcase and sell clothes with minimal overhead costs. You can source items locally or import in bulk.
43. Farming Tools Rental
Many small-scale farmers in Haiti lack access to modern tools. By offering affordable rentals of farming equipment like tillers, sprayers, and harvesters, you can support local agriculture while earning income.
44. Food Delivery Service
Urban professionals, students, and families often prefer convenience. A food delivery business that partners with local restaurants or offers home-cooked meals can attract a loyal customer base. Mobile apps or WhatsApp can be used for orders.
45. Hair Braiding and Styling
Hair braiding is a popular service among Haitian women and girls. You can offer home services or operate a small salon specializing in African styles, dreadlocks, and natural hair care, with low startup costs.
46. Home Cleaning Services
Busy households and businesses need regular cleaning. A home or office cleaning service that offers flexible packages—daily, weekly, or one-time cleaning—can grow through referrals and strong customer relationships.
47. Corn Processing Business
Corn is widely consumed in Haiti. You can process corn into products like cornmeal, popcorn, and animal feed. With simple machinery and a reliable supply chain, this agribusiness can thrive.
48. Organic Fertilizer Production
With an emphasis on sustainable farming, producing and selling organic fertilizers from composted agricultural waste or animal manure helps farmers boost yields and protects the environment.
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49. Motorcycle Spare Parts Shop
With motorcycles being a major mode of transport, a shop selling spare parts, tires, oils, and accessories will always be in demand, especially in busy areas or near garages.
50. Juice and Smoothie Bar
Selling fresh juices, smoothies, and natural drinks from tropical fruits is a refreshing and profitable idea. A stand in a busy market or mobile cart can attract health-conscious customers and passersby.
51. Translation and Interpretation Services
Haiti has two official languages—Creole and French—and increasing international interactions. Offering translation services for NGOs, tourists, businesses, or official documents is a profitable niche.
52. Ice Block Production
Due to unstable electricity, people and businesses need ice for preservation and cooling. Producing and selling ice blocks, especially in urban and market areas, is a simple but lucrative idea.
53. Wedding Planning Services
Weddings in Haiti are festive and elaborate. Offering planning, coordination, vendor sourcing, and decoration services can be a full-time business, especially during the wedding season.
54. Honey Production
Beekeeping is a sustainable business that requires low investment. Honey is valued for its health benefits and has both local and export potential. Beeswax and other byproducts can also be sold.
55. Used Clothing (Friperie) Business
Selling second-hand clothes imported from the U.S. or Europe (friperie) remains a staple business in Haiti. With good sorting and quality control, you can serve low and middle-income buyers.
56. Tailoring and Custom Fashion
Tailors are always in demand for custom clothes, school uniforms, and alterations. If you have skills in sewing or design, you can start from home or open a workshop.
57. Farming Consultancy
If you have agricultural knowledge, you can offer consulting services to farmers, cooperatives, and agri-startups on soil improvement, crop rotation, or pest control.
58. Mushroom Farming
Mushrooms are nutritious and can be cultivated in controlled indoor environments. With proper training, small-scale mushroom farming can provide high returns in a short period.
59. Pet Grooming Services
With more urban residents owning pets, grooming services for dogs and cats—including bathing, nail trimming, and haircuts—are in growing demand.
60. Fruit Drying and Packaging
Drying and packaging fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and bananas create long shelf-life products for local consumption or export. This business can start small and grow with demand.
61. Detergent and Soap Making
Producing liquid soap, detergent, or bar soap at home is affordable. With good branding and distribution, your products can serve households and institutions.
62. Tutoring Services
Offering subject-specific or exam prep tutoring to students can generate income, especially during school breaks. Services can be offered in person or online.
63. Solar Energy Installation
With Haiti’s abundant sunlight and limited grid access, installing solar panels for homes and businesses is a fast-growing sector. Training and tools are essential, but the demand is high.
64. Photography and Videography
Specializing in event coverage, portraits, or commercial shoots is a creative business. With a good camera and editing skills, you can earn from weddings, parties, and brand marketing.
65. Driving School
Teaching people how to drive, especially in cities, is a steady business. You’ll need a certified instructor, a training car, and necessary permits.
66. Charcoal Packaging Business
Charcoal is still widely used for cooking. Packaging it in clean, branded sacks for supermarkets or urban vendors makes your product more attractive and profitable.
67. Career Coaching and CV Writing
Many young Haitians seek job opportunities locally and abroad. A coaching service that helps them write resumes, prepare for interviews, and choose careers can grow with referrals.
68. Mobile App Development
If you have tech skills, building mobile apps for local businesses—like delivery, booking, or shopping platforms—can be a source of income. Freelancing on global platforms is another route.
69. Blogging or YouTube Channel
Creating content on local culture, lifestyle, food, or entrepreneurship can attract both local followers and international viewers. Monetization comes through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
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70. E-book Publishing
If you’re a writer, you can self-publish books on Amazon Kindle or other platforms. Topics like Haitian history, recipes, and fiction have a strong appeal.
71. Art and Craft Workshop
Haiti is known for its vibrant art scene. Teaching painting, beadwork, or sculpture can attract tourists, students, and hobbyists. You can also sell materials and finished products.
72. Business Plan Writing Services
Entrepreneurs often need help developing professional business plans to attract investors or apply for grants. If you have writing and business skills, this is a valuable service.
73. Mini Supermarket
Opening a mini grocery store in a residential area offers daily income. Stocking essential goods, snacks, drinks, and household items guarantees foot traffic.
74. Snacks and Pastries Business
Selling baked goods like patties, cakes, and biscuits to schools, offices, or at markets is a low-cost business that can start from your home kitchen.
75. Fitness Coaching
With growing health awareness, offering fitness training—whether one-on-one, in groups, or online—can be both fulfilling and profitable.
76. Car Rental Business
Tourists and business travelers often need transportation. Starting small with one or two vehicles, you can offer rentals for daily or weekly use.
77. ICT Training Center
Teaching digital skills—like coding, graphic design, or Microsoft Office—prepares students and job seekers for modern opportunities.
78. Plantain Chips Business
Plantain chips are a popular snack. Producing and packaging them for retail outlets or markets can be started at home with simple equipment.
79. Real Estate Agency
Helping people buy, sell, or rent property is a high-earning business if you build a network and establish credibility.
80. Bottled Water Business
Clean drinking water is always in demand. A small-scale bottling plant can serve communities, offices, and schools with steady distribution.
81. Internet Café for Remote Workers
More Haitians are working remotely or freelancing. A co-working space or café with stable internet, power, and refreshments can attract customers daily.
82. Furniture Making
Using local wood, you can build chairs, beds, tables, and custom pieces. With creativity and quality, your products can stand out in the market.
83. Herbal Tea Business
Haitians drink herbal teas for both wellness and cultural reasons. Packaging and branding these teas can help you sell to both local and diaspora markets.
84. Candle Making
Handmade candles for decoration, lighting, or aromatherapy are becoming popular. With good scents and packaging, your brand can grow quickly.
85. Home Appliance Repairs
Many households own basic electronics like fans, blenders, or TVs. Offering affordable repair services keeps them working and saves people money.
86. Photography Classes
Teach photography techniques to hobbyists and aspiring professionals. Offer beginner-to-advanced packages and hands-on training.
87. Agricultural Export Business
Haitian products like mangoes, coffee, and vetiver oil have international demand. With proper certification and logistics, exporting these can bring huge profits.
88. Music Production Studio
With a vibrant music culture, a studio offering recording, mixing, and mastering can attract artists across genres like kompa, rap, and gospel.
89. Virtual Assistant Services
Provide remote support to businesses—email handling, calendar management, data entry—from home or a shared office.
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90. Wholesale Food Supply
Supply staple foods—like rice, oil, and beans—to small retailers or institutions. Bulk buying and good supplier relationships are key.
91. Private Security Company
Businesses, NGOs, and wealthy individuals often need security personnel. A trained and licensed team can offer guarding services for events, homes, and offices.
92. Used Furniture Resale
Buy used furniture, refurbish, and sell at affordable prices. This appeals to low-income earners or those setting up new homes.
93. Pest Control Services
With tropical weather comes pests. Providing fumigation and pest prevention services to homes and businesses is profitable and in demand.
94. Cooking Gas Retail
Households and restaurants need propane for cooking. A retail outlet or delivery service for gas refills is a steady business.
95. Content Writing and Copywriting
If you’re good with words, offer writing services to websites, businesses, and bloggers. Global demand makes this a solid online business.
96. Cloth Dyeing and Batik
Create and sell beautiful fabrics using local techniques. These can be sold as clothes, wraps, or art pieces in local and tourist markets.
97. Local Tour Guide
If you know your city or region well, become a licensed tour guide. Offer walking tours, historical visits, and cultural experiences for tourists.
98. Candle Packaging and Supplies
Sell candle-making supplies, molds, and packaging to other small manufacturers. Build a niche store both online and in physical locations.
99. Antique and Curio Sales
Sell local crafts, antiques, and souvenirs to collectors and tourists. Your shop can also have an online presence to reach the diaspora.
100. Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Use locally sourced produce and meat to create a fresh menu. A small, themed restaurant with healthy and organic meals can attract health-conscious locals and expats alike.
Conclusion
Haiti, with its rich culture, resilient population, and untapped resources, offers numerous opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. From agriculture and food processing to digital services and eco-friendly solutions, these 100 business ideas in Haiti are practical, scalable, and tailored to the Haitian context.
Whether you’re starting with limited capital or seeking innovative ventures, the key to success lies in solving real problems, staying consistent, and building strong relationships with your customers and community.
Now is the time to take action. Choose an idea that aligns with your passion, skills, and resources, start small, and grow steadily. With determination, creativity, and a focus on adding value, you can build a business that not only generates income but also contributes to Haiti’s economic transformation.
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