Starting a business in the Solomon Islands 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 the Solomon Islands that you can start with relatively low capital.
About Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures. With a population of approximately 720,000 people spread across hundreds of islands and coral atolls, the nation is rich in natural resources and boasts a growing economy.
The Solomon Islands’ economy is primarily driven by agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Key exports include timber, palm oil, tuna, and cocoa. The government is actively promoting sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and digital services to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, the country is investing in infrastructure development, including the expansion of its police force to enhance regional stability.
100 Business Ideas in Solomon Islands
1. Eco-Tourism Ventures
Develop eco-friendly lodges or guided tours that highlight the Solomon Islands’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
2. Organic Farming
Cultivate organic produce such as taro, cassava, and yams to meet the growing demand for healthy, locally sourced food.
3. Fish Processing Plant
Establish a facility to process and export tuna and other fish species, capitalizing on the country’s rich marine resources.
4. Renewable Energy Solutions
Provide solar panel installations and maintenance services to rural communities lacking reliable electricity.
5. Mobile Veterinary Services
Offer mobile veterinary care to pet owners and livestock farmers, addressing the need for accessible animal healthcare.
6. Digital Marketing Agency
Help local businesses establish an online presence through social media management, SEO, and content creation.
7. Agricultural Equipment Rental
Provide rental services for farming equipment, making it more affordable for smallholder farmers to access modern tools.
8. Waste Management Services
Offer waste collection and recycling services to urban areas, promoting environmental sustainability.
9. Construction and Building Materials
Supply locally sourced building materials for the growing construction industry.
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10. Boat Building and Repair
Utilize traditional boat-building techniques to create and repair vessels for inter-island trade and tourism.
11. Language Translation Services
Offer translation services for businesses and individuals, facilitating communication in a multilingual society.
12. Event Planning and Management
Organize cultural festivals, weddings, and corporate events, leveraging the country’s rich traditions and scenic locations.
13. Mobile Phone Repair Services
Provide repair services for mobile phones and accessories, catering to the increasing use of technology.
14. Tailoring and Fashion Design
Create custom clothing and accessories, incorporating traditional Solomon Islands designs and fabrics.
15. Herbal Medicine Production
Cultivate and process native plants for use in traditional and alternative medicine.
16. Aquaculture Farming
Establish fish farms to meet local demand and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
17. Community Radio Station
Launch a community radio station to provide information, entertainment, and a platform for local voices.
18. Art and Craft Production
Produce and sell traditional crafts such as carvings, baskets, and woven goods to tourists and locals.
19. Coffee Production
Grow and process coffee beans, tapping into the global demand for specialty coffee.
20. Cooking Classes
Offer cooking classes that teach traditional Solomon Islands cuisine to locals and tourists.
21. Mobile Payment Services
Launch a mobile payment platform or agency to facilitate cashless transactions and improve financial inclusion, especially in remote areas.
22. Coconut Oil Production
Process coconuts into oil for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses, tapping into global and local demand for natural products.
23. Tourism Transport Services
Provide transport solutions such as boat charters or shuttle services connecting popular tourist spots.
24. Fresh Fruit Juice Bar
Set up juice bars offering fresh tropical fruit juices, catering to locals and tourists looking for healthy refreshments.
25. Home Cleaning Services
Offer residential and commercial cleaning services to meet the needs of growing urban centers.
26. Childcare Center
Open a childcare or early learning center to support working parents in the community.
27. Small-Scale Poultry Farming
Raise chickens for meat and eggs, meeting local demand for affordable protein sources.
28. Local Seafood Restaurant
Start a restaurant specializing in fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes.
29. Herbal Tea Production
Harvest and package local herbs for tea, capitalizing on the health-conscious market segment.
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30. Bicycle Rental Services
Offer bike rentals for tourists and locals, encouraging eco-friendly transportation.
31. Computer Training and IT Support
Provide computer literacy classes and tech support services to improve digital skills in the community.
32. Handicraft Export Business
Create a business exporting traditional Solomon Islands crafts to international markets.
33. Landscaping and Gardening Services
Offer landscaping and garden maintenance for homes, businesses, and resorts.
34. Ice Production and Supply
Set up an ice manufacturing business to serve the fishing industry, restaurants, and events.
35. Online Retail Store
Launch an e-commerce platform selling local products to a wider audience.
36. Bicycle Repair Shop
Provide repair and maintenance services for bicycles to support the growing use of bikes.
37. Mushroom Farming
Cultivate mushrooms as a nutritious food source and for sale in local markets.
38. Bakery and Pastry Shop
Open a bakery offering fresh bread, pastries, and cakes to local customers.
39. Water Purification and Bottling
Establish a business to purify and bottle drinking water, addressing clean water needs.
40. Fitness Center or Gym
Create a fitness facility to promote health and wellness in the community.
41. Solar Water Heater Installation
Provide solar water heater solutions to households and businesses aiming to reduce energy costs.
42. Local Newspaper or Magazine
Start a print or digital publication focused on local news, culture, and business.
43. Sewing and Alteration Services
Offer clothing repair and alteration services to meet everyday clothing needs.
44. Transportation Logistics
Develop a logistics company to handle freight and parcel delivery across islands.
45. Real Estate Agency
Facilitate property sales, rentals, and management services for locals and expatriates.
46. Coffee Shop or Café
Open a cozy café offering coffee, snacks, and a place for social gatherings.
47. Photography Business
Provide professional photography services for events, portraits, and tourism marketing.
48. Solar-Powered Phone Charging Stations
Set up solar-powered kiosks where people can charge phones in public spaces.
49. Personal Care and Beauty Salon
Launch a salon offering hairdressing, skincare, and beauty treatments.
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50. Crop Export Business
Organize the export of high-demand crops such as cocoa, coconut products, and spices.
51. Waste-to-Energy Plant
Develop a small-scale plant converting waste into energy, addressing waste management and energy needs.
52. Fresh Vegetable Farming
Grow vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens for urban markets.
53. Catering Services
Offer catering for weddings, corporate events, and community functions.
54. Mobile Car Wash
Provide convenient mobile car washing and detailing services.
55. Internet Café and Printing Services
Open an internet café with printing, scanning, and copying facilities.
56. Mobile App Development
Create custom apps to serve local business needs such as booking, sales, and communication.
57. Textile and Fabric Shop
Sell fabrics and sewing supplies for the local tailoring industry.
58. Home-Based Food Production
Prepare and sell homemade snacks, preserves, or baked goods.
59. Organic Fertilizer Production
Produce and supply organic fertilizers to support sustainable agriculture.
60. Fishing Charter Services
Offer fishing trips and experiences for tourists and fishing enthusiasts.
61. Bookstore and Stationery Shop
Operate a store supplying books, educational materials, and office supplies.
62. Mobile Health Clinic
Provide medical services to remote areas via a mobile clinic.
63. Car Rental Business
Rent vehicles to tourists and business visitors.
64. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
Offer laundry and dry-cleaning to residents and hospitality businesses.
65. Beekeeping and Honey Production
Establish apiaries to produce honey and related products.
66. Boat Tour Guide Services
Provide guided tours highlighting natural and cultural sites accessible by boat.
67. Solar-Powered Refrigeration Rental
Rent solar refrigerators to fishermen and vendors to preserve perishables.
68. Local Music Production and Promotion
Support local musicians by producing and promoting their music.
69. Event Equipment Rental
Rent chairs, tents, sound systems, and other event equipment.
70. Food Truck or Street Food Vendor
Operate a mobile food service offering local delicacies.
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71. Mobile Phone Accessories Retail
Sell phone cases, chargers, and other accessories.
72. Bicycle Sales and Distribution
Import and sell bicycles to meet transportation needs.
73. Community-Based Tourism Hostels
Provide affordable accommodation managed by local communities.
74. Digital Content Creation and Blogging
Create content focused on Solomon Islands culture, travel, or business.
75. Natural Cosmetic Production
Manufacture skincare and cosmetic products using local natural ingredients.
76. Agricultural Consultancy
Offer expert advice to farmers on best practices and crop management.
77. Car Repair and Maintenance Garage
Run a garage providing vehicle repairs and servicing.
78. School Supplies Production
Manufacture and distribute school supplies like notebooks and bags.
79. Property Management Services
Manage rental properties and facilities on behalf of owners.
80. Local Fruit Export
Export fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and papayas to neighboring countries.
81. Sustainable Timber Production
Harvest and process timber using sustainable methods.
82. Mobile Barber Services
Provide haircuts and grooming at customers’ homes.
83. Wedding Planning Services
Coordinate weddings including venue, catering, and entertainment.
84. Food Processing and Packaging
Process and package local foods for retail markets.
85. Surf School or Water Sports Rental
Offer surfing lessons and water sports equipment rental.
86. Customized Souvenir Production
Create souvenirs reflecting local art and culture.
87. Solar Lantern Sales
Sell solar lanterns to communities with limited electricity.
88. Online Education Platform
Develop an online platform offering courses in skills relevant to the local market.
89. Coconut-Based Craft Products
Make and sell items like coconut shell jewelry and décor.
90. Pet Grooming Services
Provide grooming for household pets.
91. Youth Skills Training Center
Set up a center offering vocational training for young people.
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92. Herbal Spa and Wellness Center
Offer treatments using traditional herbal remedies.
93. Transportation of Goods by Boat
Operate a freight service between islands.
94. Commercial Fishing Vessels
Invest in fishing boats to increase fish catch capacity.
95. Mushroom Processing for Medicinal Use
Process specialty mushrooms for health products.
96. Internet Service Provider
Offer internet connectivity solutions to underserved areas.
97. Ice Cream Production
Produce and sell ice cream using local fruit flavors.
98. Mobile Pharmacy Services
Deliver medications and health products to remote areas.
99. Recycling Center
Operate a facility to collect, sort, and recycle plastics and metals.
100. Cultural Education Tours
Design and lead tours focusing on the Solomon Islands’ heritage and traditions.
Conclusion
The Solomon Islands offer a unique and promising scene for entrepreneurs ready to explore diverse and profitable business opportunities. From agriculture and fisheries to tourism, renewable energy, and digital services, the growth potential is substantial.
The country’s rich natural resources, vibrant culture, and growing demand for modern services create fertile ground for innovative business ideas that can generate income, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development.
Starting a business in the Solomon Islands requires understanding the local market dynamics, cultural sensitivities, and logistical challenges associated with operating across multiple islands.
Whether you are interested in small-scale farming, eco-tourism, technology, or manufacturing, the ideas presented here provide a wide array of options to suit different skills, budgets, and interests.
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