Power Up

With the possible exception of the telephone, computers have created more start-up opportunities for entrepreneurs than any other business tool. That's because PCs can be used to launch a growing number of hot businesses that offer not only long-term money-making potential, but also the ability to operate from home.

Some of the best opportunities are businesses that have been around for decades but are being made easier by computers. Businesses that deal with preparing resumes or writing business plans may not be new, but computerized word-processing, graphic design and spreadsheet capabilities make running such ventures simpler.

Other opportunities include cutting-edge businesses created by the growing use of the Internet. Despite widely reported predictions that billions of dollars in e-commerce will be exchanged over the Internet during the next few years, no one really knows the Internet's infinite possibilities. But entrepreneurs getting started in this venue can expect high profits in the not-too-distant future.

We've selected the following five businesses as hot opportunities. All have a lot of potential and can be started in your home.

Marcie Geffner is a freelance writer in Los Angeles who reports on small business and real estate.

This article was originally published in the December 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Power Up.