Guide to Starting and Managing a Small Business in The Sims 4: Ventures and Hobbies.

With the arrival of the Business and Hobbies expansion in The Sims 4, players can finally create and manage a fully customizable small business. From cat cafés to candy stores and tattoo studios, there are a wide variety of options for your venture. In addition to the long-awaited update about thieves, players have long desired unique business options and the ability to tattoo. This expansion also includes the option to make pottery if you're looking for a different type of business.

Before you start generating income, it’s essential to understand how to set up and manage your small business in The Sims 4.

How to Create a Small Business

1. Select the Cash Register Icon: In Live Mode, click on the cash register icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. Depending on the packs you own, you will see different options, but select the Small Business tab. Choose the option to Register Small Business, which will cost you 750 Simoleons.

2. Define Your Business Details: Next, you will have the opportunity to customize your business. Enter a name, description, and choose an icon that represents it.

3. Select Business Activities: On the left side, you can choose from five Business Activities. If you prefer, you can opt for a default setup. Keep in mind that these activities are for what customers will do, not for your employees.

4. Decide on the Location: On the right side, you will be able to choose whether your business will be on a separate lot or on the same lot where you live. If you opt for the latter, make sure to divide the rooms into Residential, Public, or Employee in Build Mode.

5. Set Entry Fees and Price Modifiers: Decide if you want to charge any entrance fee and adjust the price, which can be changed after creating your business. You can also select a target customer group, though this is optional.

6. Edit Employee Tasks: Before opening, edit your employees’ tasks by clicking the button to Manage Employee Tasks in the Small Business menu.

7. Manage Employees: You can also manage all of your employees, which includes hiring new ones and setting their salaries. Remember, you can only hire Sims that you know.

8. Open the Business: Once your business area is ready, you can open it for 75 Simoleons and wait for customers to arrive. It’s recommended to have a Kiosk, as it facilitates payment and price management.

How to Successfully Manage a Small Business

1. Unlock Small Business Perks: The first step to good management is unlocking Small Business Perks. You will need to earn Perk Points, which you can obtain through selling products, the correct performance of employees, and interacting with customers.

2. Sell Products and Services: This is the easiest way to increase your reputation. If your products are related to a skill, such as candy-making or pottery, the higher the skill, the more expensive the products will be. Make sure not to charge too much or too little.

3. Supervise Employee Work: It’s vital that employees fulfill their tasks. Maintain a balance of work and make sure not to pay them too much or too little.

4. Interact with Customers: While at work, you can interact with customers using different options, such as welcoming them or sharing business gossip. These interactions will help increase your reputation.

5. Maintain Positive Reviews: Ensure that your displays are always stocked and that your business space is clean and decorated. Creating a pleasant environment and offering various activities will keep customers happy.

If you’re playing on PC, you can also look for mods to enhance your experience with this expansion. Additionally, there are many interactions between packs that allow you to create a cat café with the Cats and Dogs pack or a university with the Discover University pack.