Money, income, cash, security whatever you call it we all need it and want it. Far too many people are struggling just to get by; if they have a job, their earnings are not enough to buy what they need or cover the complete costs of food, housing, transportation, clothing, education and so on.

I was reading an article the other day that  said there has been a significant rise in the number of people who are self-employed. The article did not explain why this was the case nor what types of activities they were engaged in.

Self-employment is not an easy path and you can work long hours for very little money. I know this to be true because I have been there, now this hub is not going to transform into a how I got rich scheme promotion, because most of those will only drain your resources and damage your dreams.

There are sound business opportunities out there but you do need to do some homework before starting out.

People are taking a renewed interested in locally grown food and in preparing their own meals using the ingredients they purchase at farmers markets, small independent grocers, farm gate sales and so on. Mix in the demand for organic and naturally grown products and there are indeed possibilities.

How well those possibilities translate into valid economic activities is up to you.

Herbs have always been in demand both to grow and to cook with, and a reliable source of fresh, locally grown herbs, year round, can be a sound business venture.

How to get started. First, before you grow a single herb, determine what you are going to grow and how you are going to grow it.

If you live in a climate that does not have a year round outdoor growing season then you may want to look inside your home for the growing room.

It will cost more to start and indoor herb growing business than it will an outdoor one, but you will be able to bring fresh, locally grown, herbs to the market all year round. This could give you a competitive advantage.

Now scout out what is happening in the local herb business. Time to make notes, they will come in handy when you put your business plan together. Even if you do not require financing to get started, a simple business plan will help you stay focused.

You want to know who is selling what and for how much? Which restauarnts buy fresh herbs. What herbs are selling and what herbs do people want but are hard to find.

Is there a niche or market for you, if there is, is it one you want or can fill?

If there is then now is the time to start growing. Pick your market, if you want a stall at the local farmers market on Saturday morning, perhaps the easiest way to begin, then find out what that costs, what time you need to be there and what else is being sold there. I suggest starting small, do well, nurture the business and expand when ready.

Indoor herb growing can produce an impressive yield and herbs will be ready for the market within a few weeks. You will need to set up a basic hydroponic system for growing the herbs and this can be relatively inexpensive, you can even put your own system together.

Lighting may be your biggest expense. Prepare a budget of what it will cost you to set the operation up, work out your sale price and ask yourself if people will pay tht price. Your prior maket research will help you answer that question.

If the price is right, get going, focus on quality and you will be off to a good start.

There are other possible markets, restaurants, for one, but I suggest you gain some commercial growing experience first, before, attempting to break ino the restaurant market.