The 36 Best Business Ideas To Start In Austria [2024]

Updated: June 21st, 2022

Interested in starting a business in Austria in 2024?

We put together 36 of the best businesses you can start in Austria today.

In this list of ideas, you can find:

  • Home-based businesses to start in Austria
  • Profitable online business ideas
  • Unique business opportunities for Austria
  • Low investment business ideas (under $5k to start)
  • Easy businesses you can start in Austria today

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, + a step-by-step on how to start your small business in Austria.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a life coaching business

Life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.

Life coaching is a popular industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015-2019.

This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You’ll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to start. Then, you can begin coaching part-time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.

How much you can make: $100 — $660,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $10K/Month Personal Growth Advice Business

A 22-year-old entrepreneur from Vienna built a $10k/month personal growth business by executing ideas quickly and targeting needs, as well as delivering quality services and personal connections to his customers.

About
Sinem started Personal Growth Base over 4 years ago
Revenue
Sinem grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 18,552 founders

2. Start a 3D animation using vr business

VR will change the game in so many industries. But the potential for it to affect animation is huge. VR allows animators to flourish and become involved in the ever-changing landscape of animators.

3D animation with VR allows animators to bring pose characters in a way that fits the story and create vibrant and life-like surroundings. Applying VR technology in creating and designing 3D animation will improve the interactivity of 3D animation and promote the animation industry to a higher level.

A 3D animation with VR business involves the creation of computer-generated experiences for animation clients.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

We Developed A $120K/Year Augmented Reality Solution For E-commerce

MazingXR is an augmented reality solution for e-commerce that generates $120k/year, and has grown from an MVP to a team of 9 people, with a focus on organic growth, personal customer connections, and continuing to develop the innovative potential of AR and NFTs.

About
Marco started Mazing about 4 years ago
Revenue
Marco grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Marco $100 to start the business
Read by 2,506 founders

3. Start a team collaboration app

How much you can make: $3,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How Our Team Collaboration Apps Generate $600K/Month

Meister Labs, creators of MindMeister and MeisterTask, have close to $10 million ARR with their Freemium subscription business model, providing software tools for small to medium-sized businesses from all verticals and private users as well, which include 11 million MindMeister and 3 million MeisterTask users.

About
Michael started Meister about 17 years ago
Revenue
Michael grew the business to $1M/month
Costs
It cost Michael $20000 to start the business
Read by 6,431 founders

4. Start a travel company

Travel companies sell transportation, lodging, plan trips, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups.

If you love traveling, you can start a company that organizes trips for different people. Choose a niche and ensure travel packages that suit them best.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $114,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People

Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.

About
Matt started Under30Experiences about 12 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $5000 to start the business
Read by 10,176 founders

5. Start a construction company

Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.

Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $10,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Gamed The YouTube Algorithm and Went Viral With 25M Views

Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.

About
Andrew started MTN SIDE BUILDERS almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Andrew $50000 to start the business
Read by 8,432 founders

6. Start a cleaning business

Starting a cleaning business is an excellent opportunity to be your boss and make money doing what you love. This business is relatively easy to create and does not require much equipment or funds.

There are many cleaning services, so deciding what services (or combination of services) you will offer and what hours of the day or week those services will be available is essential.

To start cleaning service in Austria, you’ll want to consider investing in professional cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, a quality mop, and a good cleaning bucket. You will also need to buy environment-friendly cleaning products such as detergent, bleach, paper towels, and trash bags.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

About
Neel started MaidThis Franchise over 10 years ago
Revenue
Neel grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Neel $800 to start the business
Read by 20,577 founders

7. Start an event planning business

Event planners handle different tasks related to making the business a success. Some of the event planner’s responsibilities include:

  • Conducting research
  • Creating the event design
  • Finding an ideal site
  • Arranging for food, décor, and entertainment
  • Planning logistics to and from the event
  • Sending invitations
  • Supervising at the site etc

To start this business on a budget, begin by honing your organizational and communication skills.

Next, create a detailed business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing structure.

Utilize free or low-cost online tools for marketing, and consider starting small by offering services for smaller events before expanding your business as you gain experience and resources.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $35K/Month Event Decor Business

Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.

Revenue
Akshay grew the business to $35K/month
Costs
It cost Akshay $500 to start the business
Read by 16,968 founders

8. Become a software developer

A software developer is a person who creates computer programs. They design, test, and oversee the creation of software for a variety of purposes including businesses, personal use, or social networking.

If you have strong technical skills and experience in programming, you can start a software development business. You should also have a good understanding of how the software works.

The average salary for software developers is $110,140. The best-paid 25 percent earn an annual income of up to 140K dollars while the lowest-paid workers make just under 84K dollars.

The recent trends in software development are moving towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions. Businesses are providing a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the client's needs.

Starting a software development company is the perfect way to explore in this exciting industry. This type of business is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to offer their customers a convenient way to access their data and applications.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $465,583,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

About
Max started SkyVerge, Inc. about 11 years ago
Revenue
Max grew the business to $350K/month
Read by 35,774 founders

9. Start a web design & online marketing business

If you know about website design and marketing concepts then starting your own web design and online marketing business could be the perfect opportunity for you to do so.

The online marketing industry is the second largest industry in the United States and continues to grow. The online marketing industry is massive. It is estimated to grow by 30% annually, reaching $400B in the next four years.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $800,000/month

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

About
Shannon started Web Designer Academy over 9 years ago
Revenue
Shannon grew the business to $42K/month
Costs
It cost Shannon $500 to start the business
Read by 20,009 founders

10. Start a tourist visa information business

The tourist visa information business is a service that provides detailed information to tourists and potential immigrants about the requirements of the country they are traveling to or immigrating to.

The tourism industry has grown tremendously in recent years, which has led to a significant increase in demand for tourist visa information services. You can start a tourist visa information business with little capital investment.

A tourist visa information business is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to start a small business with high profits and low risk.

How much you can make: $22,000 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,050 (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Website About Tourist Visas And Got 150K Users In The First Month

Visa List is a successful micro start-up that provides one-stop visa information for travellers, earning $5000/month on average with 350K monthly active users and has helped over 2 million users with their visa requirements, all starting from a personal frustration with visa processes.

About
Hari started Visa List almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Hari grew the business to $22K/month
Costs
It cost Hari $100 to start the business
Read by 15,375 founders

11. Start a travel booking app

The travel industry is a booming business, and it’s only getting bigger. Online booking apps have made it easier for people to book their travel arrangements, and they are becoming more popular each year.

If you want to start a travel booking app, you should have a strong understanding of the travel industry and be experienced in programming too.

The recent trends that are making this business more popular are the growth of the travel industry and the rise of mobile technology. Businesses are looking for ways to offer their customers a convenient way to book travel arrangements.

Starting a travel booking app can be interesting and profitable. It offers a unique opportunity to develop an app that can be used by businesses to reach their customers. This is a great opportunity for those who want to get involved in the travel booking industry and learn more about how it works.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

We Make $1.8M/Year Renting Tiny Homes To Travelers

Tiny Away, a network of eco-friendly 'tiny houses' across Australia, has grown to over 75 private locations and brings in an average of $156,000 in monthly rental revenue, appealing to city dwellers seeking unique and comfortable accommodation experiences.

About
Jeff started Tiny Away about 7 years ago
Revenue
Jeff grew the business to $295K/month
Costs
It cost Jeff $300000 to start the business
Read by 6,731 founders

12. Start a tour company

Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!

There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start in Austria:

  • Food & Drink Tours
  • Adventure & Sporting Tours
  • Sightseeing & Historical Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • and many more!

It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.

To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A Wildly Successful Food Tour Business

How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.

About
Jessica started Delicious Denver Food Tours over 6 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $75K/month
Costs
It cost Jessica $2000 to start the business
Read by 19,520 founders

13. Start a healthy meal delivery service

Meal prep delivery services offer healthy and nutritional meals to customers via e-commerce sites.

These services provide either DIY meal kits or Ready-to-eat meals, saving time and eliminating food waste.

They are particularly beneficial for busy people and health-conscious millennials who prefer nutritional food at home.

There are two types of meal services: online meal kits and fast food delivery services.

A meal prep delivery business can be profitable, especially when compared to restaurants, as they save costs on a storefront.

To make a good profit, one should invest less in groceries and ensure they have many customers.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $25,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How We Started A Meal Prep Delivery Business And Did $1.8M In Sales

Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.

About
TJ started Healthy Chew almost 8 years ago
Revenue
TJ grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost TJ $500 to start the business
Read by 38,090 founders

14. Start an ecommerce platform

Over the past decade, eCommerce has become an indispensable part of the global retail framework. According to statistics, over 2 billion people prefer shopping online.

While brick-and-mortar stores are still making more sales compared to online sales, the adoption of eCommerce is still rising, mainly because of the increased speed and convenience of online shopping.

Therefore, starting an eCommerce platform could set you on the right path to building a futuristic business.

How much you can make: $100 — $83,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)

How We Started A $700K/Month Business Getting Targeted Traffic For Online Sellers

StoreYa co-founders Eyal Reich and Yariv Dror, along with CTO Pasha Zaft, created a suite of marketing and advertising apps that include Traffic Booster, which has generated an average of $700,000 MRR and helped the business win a 2018 Google Acquisition Performance award, as well as becoming a PayPal exclusive advertising partner.

About
Eyal started StoreYa over 11 years ago
Revenue
Eyal grew the business to $2M/month
Costs
It cost Eyal $5000 to start the business
Read by 10,228 founders

15. Start a coffee cafe business

A coffee shop is a popular spot for customers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light snacks in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

These cafes are typically furnished with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a pleasant ambiance that provides a relaxed environment for people to gather, work or unwind.

To succeed in this business, it is essential to offer high-quality coffee, create a pleasant atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service.

With the increasing demand for specialty coffee experiences, starting a coffee cafe can be a lucrative business opportunity that caters to the widespread love for coffee and the need for communal spaces to enjoy it.

How much you can make: $13,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $13K/Month Coffee Shop And Coworking Space

Chicago based Ignite Technology and Innovation-owned Momentum Coffee & Coworking, which focuses on coffee, coworking, community, and event space, rakes in about $17-20k a month in revenue, mostly from online and offline advertising, and just celebrated their first anniversary, with plans to open 2 more locations in Chicago in under-resourced communities.

About
Nikki started Momentum Coffee and Coworking almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Nikki grew the business to $13K/month
Costs
It cost Nikki $200000 to start the business
Read by 5,590 founders

16. Start a brewery

If well-planned, a brewery can be a profitable business. However, starting a brewery is not a walk in the park.

Opening a brewery requires a lot of planning, involves many decisions, and is capital intensive.

If you have decided to start a brewery, you must comply with the legal requirements. Then, understand the startup costs involved in starting a brewery.

Your brewery business plan must indicate the brewery concept and outline the brewery funding plans.

How much you can make: $56,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How This Entrepreneur Started A $2M Craft Brewery

Progress Brewing, a craft beer company in South El Monte, saw continuous growth of 12-14% every month for 16 months straight and hopes to break $2M revenue in 2019 with a focus on high-value non-hype beer, excellent customer service, and providing an overall enjoyable experience.

About
Diego started Progress Brewing over 10 years ago
Revenue
Diego grew the business to $120K/month
Read by 7,147 founders

17. Start a 3D Printing Business

3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.

You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.

Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

About
Roy started Ultimate 3D Printing Store over 8 years ago
Revenue
Roy grew the business to $330K/month
Costs
It cost Roy $65000 to start the business
Read by 29,031 founders

18. Start a hotels business

If you are considering starting a hotel, then it is time to implement your plan. There are five key elements to understand if you want to succeed in this industry: location, size, budget, experience, and market demand.

Here are some tips to consider before forming a hotel:

  • Name your business
  • Decide on a marketing strategy
  • Start by renting out a room in your home.
  • Hire a business capital broker
  • Try Airbnb
  • Make a marketing plan
  • Offer complementary services

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How long does it take to build: 325 days (?)

I Created A $120K/Year Skincare Brand For Black Women Recommended By Beyoncé

SKNMUSE, a premium beauty brand dedicated to elevating the beauty experience for Black Women, has a 40% customer retention rate, achieved a 169% increase in revenue, and made $30,000 in Q1 alone.

About
Ezinne started SKNMUSE almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Ezinne grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Ezinne $1000 to start the business
Read by 3,225 founders

19. Start a day spa business

A luxury day spa offers skin and body care, hair removal, makeup, and other body pampering treatments.

Luxury day spas have boomed over the past few years, and the trend will not stop anytime soon. Millions of people worldwide schedule to visit a day spa where they can relax, feel pampered and unwind. If you love helping people relax, starting a luxury day spa can be a rewarding business. It is fun and profitable if you have a good business plan and find an excellent location for your spa.

How much you can make: $250,000 — $275,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My Way To A $3M/Year Day Spa Business In New York City

ZZ Day Spa, founded by Gary Oberoi, went from $30,000 to $240,000 in monthly revenue within three years in New York as they aim to become the most customer-centric day spa in the world through hiring the right people and providing an unforgettable experience while mastering digital marketing to attract clients.

About
Gary started ZZ DAY SPA INC over 6 years ago
Revenue
Gary grew the business to $250K/month
Costs
It cost Gary $35000 to start the business
Read by 4,377 founders

20. Start a renovation service business

How much you can make: $16,000 — $40,001/month

How I Gamed The YouTube Algorithm and Went Viral With 25M Views

Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.

About
Andrew started MTN SIDE BUILDERS almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Andrew $50000 to start the business
Read by 8,432 founders

21. Start an used electronics business

You can sell pre-used electronics online or set up a brick-and-mortar establishment. You can choose to specialize in a niche or sell everything from used computers, televisions, stereos, and gaming systems.

What is essential is researching the pre-owned electronics business. Set specific goals and limits for your business and work towards the goals. Find the niche that works best for you and explore it until you find success.

22. Start a mobile mechanic service

Mobile mechanic services are a great business to start in any area that needs quick repairs and service. You can do this part-time or full-time. You can work for a shop or run your own business. This setup allows you to work independently, setting your hours and choosing what areas you want to go to.

Automotive Repair & Maintenance Service Market is estimated to reach $810B by 2026. Starting your mobile mechanic service may seem crazy, but it might just be the thing you are looking for. If you dream about running your own business and having the opportunity to do something you love, then a mobile mechanic business is the right thing to do.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

Finding and Repairing Retro Radios Turned into a Successful Side Hustle

Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.

About
Allen started Retro Radio Farm over 10 years ago
Revenue
Allen grew the business to $4K/month
Read by 7,825 founders

23. Start a tourist guide business

There's no denying the profitability of a tourism business. If you know the state and cities well, starting a tour guide business can be a very lucrative idea. All you need is a license, and you can soon start working as a tour guide.

Listed are the steps on how to start a tour guide business.

  • Register your tour guide name business
  • Obtain necessary licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions
  • Organize your business operations
  • Start to promote and get clients

How much you can make: $200 — $8,110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Built A No-Code Map Builder [400 Users In The First 3 Months]

No Code Map App is a no code builder that allows businesses to create custom interactive maps with dynamic filters automatically based on their dataset, generating >$400 in the first full month of monetization.

About
Nan started No Code Map App about 2 years ago
Revenue
Nan grew the business to $200/month
Costs
It cost Nan $200 to start the business
Read by 4,229 founders

24. Become a digital product designer

A digital product designer is a multidisciplinary professional who is involved in the creation of digital products. A digital product designer is responsible for the whole process from an initial concept to the launch of a product.

Many designers are looking for how to make a living with their designs. They want to build websites, sell products online, and be as productive as possible. It's hard these days because there are more designers than ever working on the same projects. But with some basic actionable techniques, you will easily succeed in creating a sustainable digital product design business.

Starting a digital product designer business is a great side hustle for graphic designers looking for an alternative to freelancing. The idea is simple: grow a portfolio of user interface design PSD templates and sell them to new businesses.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $69K/Month Software Agency After A Failed Product Launch

A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.

About
Andrew started Krit about 10 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $91K/month
Read by 24,285 founders

25. Start a dog walking business

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

About
Melodi started Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC almost 18 years ago
Revenue
Melodi grew the business to $54K/month
Costs
It cost Melodi $500 to start the business
Read by 19,322 founders

26. Start a financial technology business

How much you can make: $30,000 — $3,141,666/month

This Former US Navy Officer Started A $6M/Year Big Data Company

PVM, Inc offers software engineering services related to big data storage and analytics to customers in both the private and public sectors, ranging from local police departments to federal agencies, with partnerships with Palantir, Amazon, and MicroFocus.

About
Pat started PVM IT over 13 years ago
Revenue
Pat grew the business to $600K/month
Read by 4,096 founders

27. Start a hotel booking platform

The explosively popular Airbnb and countless similar services have proven that the market for home and apartment rentals is growing rapidly.

As an entrepreneur who loves travel, you see an opportunity to extend this model to hotels.

That’s why you start a hotel booking platform where travelers can search for and book accommodations worldwide.

The market size of the online hotel booking platform industry worldwide amounted to nearly $518B in 2020.

Starting a hotel booking platform can be so interesting as an idea that can proliferate. It doesn’t require any license, no inventory — only mobile phones, an internet connection, and some motivation to succeed.

How much you can make: $114,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

28. Start a hair relaxers company

The hair relaxers company’s business idea involves creating and selling products designed to straighten and smooth out naturally curly or kinky hair. This business caters to individuals who want a more relaxed and manageable hairstyle without using heat or chemical treatments.

To run this business, you will need to research and develop your own line of hair relaxers that are safe and effective for use on different hair types. You will also need to design packaging and marketing materials and establish a product distribution network.

One of the benefits of running a hair relaxers company is that there is a large market for these products, as many people are looking for ways to manage their natural hair. Additionally, you can differentiate your products by offering more natural or organic ingredients or targeting specific hair types or concerns.

Another benefit is that you can create a brand and a loyal customer base by offering excellent customer service and education on using your products effectively. You can diversify your revenue streams by offering hair styling and maintenance services or partnering with salons and beauty retailers to sell your products.

Starting a hair relaxers company can be a rewarding and profitable business venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about the beauty industry and want to impact their customers’ lives positively.

How much you can make: $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

On Building A $30M/Year Busines By Rethinking Hair Care

Hairstory, a haircare startup, is on track to generate $30 million in sales this year, profitably, after having been self-funded since its inception in 2015, and implementing a DTC and hairdresser-perpetual-affiliate marketing model.

About
Eli started Hairstory™ almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Eli grew the business to $2M/month
Costs
It cost Eli $5000000 to start the business
Read by 8,695 founders

29. Start a hot sauce business

Hot sauce is one of the most popular condiments in the world, and it's easy to see why: it's versatile, delicious, and can add some serious flavor to almost anything you put it on—and not just for people who like spicy foods! Hot sauce can be used to create complex flavors that are perfect for anyone looking for a little extra pep in their step.

So, if you love hot sauce and you also love money, it turns out, you can start and run a hot sauce business! You can make it yourself or you can buy it in stores and resell it to earn some good profit.

If you are planning to make the hot sauce yourself you’ll need some initial capital to purchase ingredients and equipment for making the hot sauce, as well as packaging materials such as bottles and labels.

The average hot sauce lover will try and consume about 2-3 unique hot sauces in a week, which means there's a lot of money to be made in this industry!

How much you can make: $2,250 — $12,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)

How We Started A Successful Hot Sauce Brand

Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.

About
Mustafa started Trini Pepper Sauce over 10 years ago
Revenue
Mustafa grew the business to $2.25K/month
Read by 33,366 founders

30. Start a medical device company

If you are a medical practitioner and want to start a business, then you could consider starting a medical device company. There are many medical device companies started by individuals or small teams. Some of them were successful and became startups impacting the industry with their technology.

Starting a medical device company is an exciting venture that can lead to a successful business. If you're considering starting a medical device business, there are several factors to consider before putting a team together and setting out to reach your goals.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How A Doctor Got On Shark Tank And Saved 31M People From Pain

Pain Care Labs, founded by a pediatric emergency doctor after inventing a vibrating ice pack bee, Buzzy, has sold over 31 million units while focusing on non-pharmaceutical pain relief, and recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for their latest product, DuoTherm.

About
Amy started Pain Care Labs a dba of MMJ Labs over 17 years ago
Revenue
Amy grew the business to $208K/month
Costs
It cost Amy $150000 to start the business
Read by 23,919 founders

31. Start a socks business

Socks are a low-cost, high-profit business. One of the more affordable businesses you can start.

The market itself has a size of 47 billion USD in 2020 with an annual growth rate of 6%..

If you want to be successful in this industry, it is important that your socks are comfy to wear and stylish to look at. People would want to wear socks that will make them look great without sacrificing comfort.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $1M/Month Business Selling Custom Socks

Learn how Dane Jensen and his business partner grew their sock business from a monthly subscription to a $12M+ revenue business that mainly sells custom socks, by developing a manufacturing supply chain in the United States, using various marketing channels, and gradually expanding the business.

About
Dane started Sock Club almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Dane grew the business to $1M/month
Read by 21,659 founders

32. Start a recreational boat rental service

Boat hiring and boat rental services are tapping into the booming market of the experience economy. Today, most consumers prioritize experience over material items. Boat rental services are necessary, not just for tourists but also for family, couples, friends, and even solo. Investing in the right recreational boat rentals can have a significant return on investment.

Listed are the steps to start a recreational boat rental service business.

  • Register your business name
  • Permit and licenses to operate
  • Obtain equipment for the operation
  • Hiring staffs
  • Organize your business and activity flow
  • Promote your business

33. Become a painter

Becoming a painter is more than earning a living; it's about creating your own art and enjoying the freedom of working for yourself.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How I Turned My Hobby For Painting Into A Successful Art Business

Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.

About
Sarah started Innerglow Art over 7 years ago
Revenue
Sarah grew the business to $4.3K/month
Read by 52,102 founders

34. Start a shipping company

A shipping company can be a great business to start. You can get the support and training that you need to run a successful small business. You may already have some of the resources at hand. This could include what you need to transport goods and a vehicle or two that you can use to get these materials from point X to point Y.

Shipping is a crowded industry. Starting your own shipping company isn't as hard as it used to be. With the explosion in eCommerce, there's an increasing demand for small package shipping. Becoming a shipping company entrepreneur has its rewards. Shipping is an area where there's a lot of potentials to earn bounties, it serves as a good source of income.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $2,400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Auto Shipping Broker Business

Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.

About
Dvir started Car Shipping Calculator over 13 years ago
Revenue
Dvir grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Dvir $100000 to start the business
Read by 28,937 founders

35. Start an online t-shirt business

Running a t-shirt business is an opportunity many entrepreneurs are looking into as a side hustle or even a full-time business opportunity. While having your own physical store is possible, online businesses are becoming extremely popular in this field.

Launching your own successful online t-shirt business may feel daunting, but with the guidance & insights from people who are already pioneering this industry, it’s simpler than you may think. You can start with selling customized quotes t-shirts, tie-dye prints/screen printing t-shirts, or solid color t-shirts. The opportunities for this industry are endless.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How Two Teachers Started A T-Shirt Business Doing $1.2M/Year

Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.

About
Brian started Tumbleweed TexStyles over 12 years ago
Revenue
Brian grew the business to $93K/month
Read by 19,214 founders

36. Start a cat cafe business

The only thing that can make a local cafe better is cats. Grab a cup of coffee and snuggle a cat at the same time. Recently, cat cafes have been popping up around the country. Some of these cafes are independent operators, while others work with local humane societies to get cats adopted.

Create a network of cat cafes where people can interact and play with cats. Once established, a cat cafe business can increase its revenue by hosting events. Events often draw lots of people in, and a business can charge more for each person because there's a special event taking place.

You might consider the following options for your cat cafe business:

  • Adoptions: This type of cat cafe has cats that can be adopted. Some cat cafes specialize in rescued cats while others specialize in pedigree cats. These cat cafes can also have a combination of both.
  • Permanent residents: This type of cat cafe has several resident cats on the premises. Similar to the adoption cafes, these can be cats that have been rescued or pedigree cats, or both.
  • Full-service dining: This type of cat cafe has a full menu of food and beverages for its customers and sometimes for its cats as well.
  • Themed cafe: This type of cat cafe is designed around a specific theme. Garden themes and whimsical themes are quite popular.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.