Member’s Area

the newsroom

Why Some of the Most Successful Businesses Started in Garages

Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 18.24.02

Prefer Audio? Listen to the Podcast!

You might think that big companies need big offices to start. But some of the most famous companies began in very small spaces—like garages! This article shows you why starting small can be a great way to begin your business.

Why Starting Small Works

Starting small has some big advantages:
  • Less Distractions: When you have a small space, you can focus better.
  • Be More Creative: When you don’t have much, you have to be clever and find new ways to solve problems.
  • Less Pressure: You can try new things without worrying about what others think.
 
Research Says: Companies that start with less money are more likely to survive (Harvard Business Review).

7 Famous Garage Startups

Apple (1976):

  • Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built their first computer in a garage.

  • Today, Apple is worth over $2 trillion!Amazon (1994):

  • Jeff Bezos started selling books from his garage.

  • He used doors as desks!

 Google (1998):

  • Larry and Sergey rented a garage with a washer and dryer.

  • Now, it’s a famous landmark.

HP (1939):

  • Started with just $538 in a garage.

  • Made audio equipment first.

Disney (1923):

  • Walt Disney began in his uncle’s garage.

  • Made cartoons there!

Mattel (1945):

  • Started making picture frames, then switched to toys.

  • Now, it’s a huge toy company.

Yankee Candle (1969):

  • A teenager made his first candle as a gift.

  • Grew into a $2 billion company!

The Modern Garage Formula

Today, you can start your business in a small space too:
  1. Space: Use a tiny office, kitchen table, or corner of your room.
  2. Tools: Just need a laptop, internet, and some basic software.
  3. Mindset: Focus on doing things, not making your space look fancy.
 
Tip: Give yourself 6-12 months to make progress and take action quickly.

Case Study: How Spanx Succeeded

Sara Blakely started Spanx in her apartment, cutting pantyhose at her kitchen table. She had no fashion experience, was rejected by manufacturers, but still built a $1.2 billion company without outside help.

5 Garage Startup Lessons

  1. Start Simple: Don’t worry if your first version isn’t perfect.
  2. Use What You Have: Be creative with what you already have.
  3. Solve Your Own Problem: Make something that helps you or others.
  4. Let Limits Help You: Use what you don’t have to find new ideas.
  5. Start Now: Don’t wait until everything is perfect.

💬 Let’s talk: 

What’s one small habit you’ll commit to today? 

Comment below—I’d love to hear!

Ready to start your own business?

Ready to start your own business? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights!
Subscribe Now
Discuss this article in 'The Boardroom'