Software and IT definately has the biggest potential for new business this year. With IT investment on the up (or so I hear) I'm sure we'll see a bit of boom next year. Watch this space for my contribution

Sarah

I'm expanding my current interest in technical IT writing into a consultancy in the new year. Does this count as a new idea?

Gus

1 - there is still a lot of space online. Anything online can be inexpensive to start.

2 - Anything around SOX or regulatory people will pay for.

3 - Environment is huge and will increase. Why not do something good for the world and start the business

4 - Ask customers. What need do people have that they are not getting filled now?

My experience is people often put off starting waiting for the best idea. Ideas are cheap. implementing them is what counts. Starting is the most important. You can always change course as you see what works and what does not.

These industries are hot:

Tech security and tech security consulting - We all want ot be safe don't we?

Financial planing for our kids

The baby boomer market is huge with so much cash to spend

Pink Pound - With Gay weddings now being legal in the UK, planing weddings for this market will surely boom in 2007

Holidays in the Med. - been around for a while and still getting more and more popular.

On line community portals - just look at myspace.com

Bizchick

Yes you're are so right. Especially the tech security industry is really hot right now. Anyone here involved?

Gus

I believe that any business idea that takes away the "duties" of normal life (cooking, cleaning of houses, car wash etc...) and makes it as easy for people to enjoy more of their off time instead of spending them on these duties WILL become more and more in demand in South Africa!!