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50 Business Ideas You Can Start In Your Backyard

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Updated: June 18th, 2021
50 Business Ideas You Can Start In Your Backyard

Looking to start a business in your backyard but not quite sure what to start?



The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.



If you're looking to start your own business in your backyard, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.



We put a list together below of the most profitable business ideas to start in your backyard today!



Here they are:



1. Start a landscaping business ($13.2M/year)

Terry Morrill from SUN VALLEY started Pacific Outdoor Living about 22 years ago, a landscaping business.

  • Revenue: $1,100,000/ month
  • Founders: 1
  • Employees: 82
  • Location: SUN VALLEY

It hasn't always been easy. I've had many different businesses over my life. I first started purchasing, renovating, and reselling apartment buildings. I started with a 5-unit building in Los Angeles and after selling it successfully, I purchased a completely dilapidated 66-unit building that scared me to death! But I made it through and over those first years made over one million dollars.

I rolled the dice and continued to buy, renovate, and sell until the bottom dropped out of the market. On January 17, 1994, the Northridge Earthquake devastated Southern California. During this period there was a negative migration in Los Angeles and our vacancy rates hit 40%. Being unable to support the mortgages, I lost all of my properties - over 250 units.

From 1994 to 1999, I started a company from scratch that built homes in Mexico. I sold insurance, ran an automatic door company, was the general manager for a bicycle specialty company, and sold copper pipe.

how-i-started-a-16m-year-landscape-design-company

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Terry Morrill, on starting Pacific Outdoor Living ($1,100,000/month) full story ➜

2. Start a dog training business ($60K/year)

Donald Hutcherson from Manhattan Community Board 1, New York, USA started Fraternity K9 almost 2 years ago, a dog training business.

  • Revenue: $5,000/ month
  • Founders: 1
  • Employees: 0
  • Location: Manhattan Community Board 1, New York, USA

I started as a young kid who always loved dogs but never knew how to take care of them. I had several dogs in my life. A Lab/terrier mix, a pit bull, and several other mix breeds. I would always watch Cesar Milan and think “I could do that”. It wasn’t until I had a dog that would bite your hand when you took its food bowl that I realized it was a lot harder than I thought. I decided I was going to learn this dog training.

Everybody always says do what you love, but what if that thing you love makes no money?

I spent hours studying and then I got wrapped up in it. I would learn something new and become obsessed with dog training even more. I ended up learning from different teachers and knew I wanted to be the best.

how-i-started-a-5k-month-dog-training-business

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Donald Hutcherson, on starting Fraternity K9 ($5,000/month) full story ➜

3. Start a backyard plant nursery ($60K/year)

Debbie Odom from Georgia started CamelliaShop about 14 years ago, a backyard plant nursery.

  • Revenue: $5,000/ month
  • Founders: 3
  • Employees: 0
  • Location: Georgia

In 1991, I had the life-changing opportunity to become a part of Gene’s Nursery, one of the oldest nurseries in Savannah Georgia.

When I had the opportunity to leave my office job and get my hands into soil, I was happy and I was hooked.

Gene’s Nursery has its roots firmly planted in our quaint historic coastal city and it’s passion was the Camellia. Camellias are ornamental shrubs that produce brilliant blossoms during the fall and winter. They are the most unique flowering shrub species found today and are considered the Queen of Ornamental shrubs.

how-we-expanded-our-local-plant-nursery-to-an-online-business

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Debbie Odom, on starting CamelliaShop ($5,000/month) full story ➜

4. Start a photography business ($1.32M/year)

Kyle Nelson from Chico, California, USA started Results Imagery about 4 years ago, a photography business.

  • Revenue: $110,000/ month
  • Founders: 2
  • Employees: 8
  • Location: Chico, California, USA

We both had previous experience in another start-up called Soul id which was a social media platform for action sports. We ran the marketing and media at that company which was a blast. After we left that company, we split directions. Eli got involved in the eCommerce industry by starting a brand called Winterial which he grew to hundreds of SKUs. Kyle headed in the media direction and started a commercial photography company where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses.

At this time Kyle wanted to be able to get back in the start-up world, grow a large brand and a team of like-minded creatives and innovators. So like any entrepreneur, he jumped on Google and started to search for media companies that were also technology-based companies as well. That is where the inspiration of starting a digital agency that solely focused on the media portion for brands and product companies came to life.

Culture is the centerpiece of a successful company. Creating a place for employees to come to work and enjoy what they do, the environment and who they work with will pay long term dividends.

how-we-started-a-45k-month-product-photography-and-video-company

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Kyle Nelson, on starting Results Imagery ($110,000/month) full story ➜

5. Start a personal training business ($720K/year)

Chris Anderson from Overland Park, Kansas, USA started Live Fit over 10 years ago, a personal training business.

  • Revenue: $60,000/ month
  • Founders: 1
  • Employees: 1
  • Location: Overland Park, Kansas, USA

I started Live Fit because I felt I was running out of options in the industry I loved so much. Personally, I felt the misses in the personal training industry and wanted to change that. Personal Training, as well as all types of fitness, can be very intimidating to most people. And honestly, the people that are most intimidated by fitness are often the people that need it the most. I set out to create a company that provided the same types of exercises, programming, and results as generally all fitness companies, but I wanted to make it a comfortable experience from the moment a potential client stepped through our doors.

All our processes, our studio layout, our team of trainers we have hired, and our entire mission are based on making clients feel comfortable, appreciated, and valued. We do things differently and over the past 10 years, I have seen other companies in our area follow our lead. Long gone are the days of slamming weights, extremely loud music, and uncomfortable gym environments. People want to go where they feel comfortable and respected.

I have always loved sports and started at a young age, with my dad as my coach. I continued athletics through high school and went on to run college track where I based my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees entirely on building my career in the fitness industry. The last thing I was willing to do was to throw it all away based on a lack of opportunity, so I created my own with Live Fit. I believe in spirituality and the law of attraction and base my life on those principles. So in early 2011 when I couldn’t focus on my spiritual study and spiritual growth because my mind was consumed with running numbers about opening my own company, I knew that was a sign from God it was time to create something great.

how-i-started-a-60k-month-personal-training-company

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Chris Anderson, on starting Live Fit ($60,000/month) full story ➜

6. Start a tutoring business ($1.2M/year)

Adam Shlomi from Miami, FL, USA started SoFlo SAT Tutoring over 2 years ago, a tutoring business.

  • Revenue: $100,000/ month
  • Founders: 1
  • Employees: 2
  • Location: Miami, FL, USA

I come from an entrepreneurial family. My father works for himself and my maternal grandfather started a clothing factory. Working for myself has always been encouraged by my family, but before I could get started, I needed to learn a skill. At Georgetown, I study international politics and business. Most students with these backgrounds go on to work at prestigious firms like J.P. Morgan. I really didn’t know what kind of business I could start, and frankly, planned to work as a (boring) data analyst after graduation.

If you have an idea but don’t have the knowledge to execute, use that idea as motivation and go learn how to turn your vision into reality.

Tutoring first came to mind because I had spent significant time working for other tutoring companies and cutting my teeth/learning how the industry works during my teen years. I first started tutoring when I was 15. I was hired by College Experts, a local test prep center in Davie, Florida. My first student was three years older than me, and I spent our first session teaching him how to use his calculator rather than trying to explain any complicated formulas. Being a student myself, I was able to bring a student’s perspective to tutoring. I worked for College Experts until my senior year of high school when I began tutoring on my own and finding clients on Craigslist.

how-i-started-a-15k-month-sat-tutoring-business-while-in-college

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Adam Shlomi, on starting SoFlo SAT Tutoring ($100,000/month) full story ➜

7. Start a blogging business ($60K/year)

Chhavi Agarwal from New Delhi, Delhi, India started Mrs Daaku Studio almost 3 years ago, a blogging business.

  • Revenue: $5,000/ month
  • Founders: 2
  • Employees: 3
  • Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India

I am a licensed attorney in India and right after my master’s in law, I started working with a leading company as a lawyer. I worked there for about two years before I quit my job to become more location independent.

Choose a niche in whatever you start. It is critical for streamlining your efforts and make money.

My job paid me well but I worked 12 hours a day, I was exhausted by the end of each day, spent my weekends sleeping and I almost quit the things I liked to do - for example, sketching, yoga, traveling, etc.

how-this-couple-makes-5k-month-generating-content-about-ways-to-make-money-online

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Chhavi Agarwal, on starting Mrs Daaku Studio ($5,000/month) full story ➜

8. Start a niche web design business ($240K/year)

Scott Bishop from Boston, Massachusetts, USA started Up And Social about 7 years ago, a niche web design business.

  • Revenue: $20,000/ month
  • Founders: 1
  • Employees: 1
  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

I began my business career with the family in-store sampling business, C.A. Courtesy, in the 1990s, while at the same time attending college at Johnson and Wales University, where I pursued a degree in Web Management & Internet Commerce.

I’ve always had a knack for marketing and technology, and when I left C.A. Courtesy, I was the Vice President of Marketing and Technology.

People don’t remember what you say as much as they remember how they felt when you said it.

how-i-started-a-20k-month-web-design-agency

-  
Scott Bishop, on starting Up And Social ($20,000/month) full story ➜

9. Become a carpenter

Examples of a successful carpenter:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a carpenter:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a carpenter ➜

article

10. Start an airbnb hosting business

Examples of a successful airbnb hosting business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a airbnb hosting business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting an airbnb hosting business ➜

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11. Start a recycling business

Examples of a successful recycling business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a recycling business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a recycling business ➜

article

12. Become a massage therapist

Examples of a successful massage therapist:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a massage therapist:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a massage therapist ➜

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13. Start an online course creation business

Examples of a successful online course creation business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online course creation business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting an online course creation business ➜

article

14. Become a t-shirt designer business

Examples of a successful t-shirt designer business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a t-shirt designer business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a t-shirt designer business ➜

article

15. Start a christmas tree farm

Examples of a successful christmas tree farm:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a christmas tree farm:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a christmas tree farm ➜

article

16. Start a furniture upcycling business

Examples of a successful furniture upcycling business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a furniture upcycling business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a furniture upcycling business ➜

article

17. Start an electronics repairing service

Examples of a successful electronics repairing service:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a electronics repairing service:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting an electronics repairing service ➜

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18. Start an etsy shop owning business

Examples of a successful etsy shop owning business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a etsy shop owning business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

article

19. Start a graphic designing business

Examples of a successful graphic designing business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a graphic designing business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a graphic designing business ➜

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20. Become a yoga instructor

Examples of a successful yoga instructor:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a yoga instructor:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a yoga instructor ➜

article

21. Start an u-pick service business

Examples of a successful u-pick service business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a u-pick service business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting an u-pick service business ➜

article

22. Start a corn maze farming business

Examples of a successful corn maze farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a corn maze farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a corn maze farming business ➜

article

23. Become a videographer

Examples of a successful videographer:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a videographer:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a videographer ➜

article

24. Start a laundry business

Examples of a successful laundry business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a laundry business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a laundry business ➜

article

25. Start a how-to-guide creation business

Examples of a successful how-to-guide creation business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a how-to-guide creation business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a how-to-guide creation business ➜

article

26. Start a fiber spinning business

Examples of a successful fiber spinning business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fiber spinning business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a fiber spinning business ➜

article

27. Start an e-book writing business

Examples of a successful e-book writing business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a e-book writing business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting an e-book writing business ➜

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28. Start a car washing and detailing business

Examples of a successful car washing and detailing business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a car washing and detailing business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a car washing and detailing business ➜

article

29. Start a soap making business

Examples of a successful soap making business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a soap making business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a soap making business ➜

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30. Start a hay riding business

Examples of a successful hay riding business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a hay riding business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a hay riding business ➜

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31. Start a petting farm business

Examples of a successful petting farm business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a petting farm business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a petting farm business ➜

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32. Start a gardening business

Examples of a successful gardening business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a gardening business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a gardening business ➜

article

33. Start a firewood sales business

Examples of a successful firewood sales business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a firewood sales business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a firewood sales business ➜

article

34. Start a farmers market

Examples of a successful farmers market:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a farmers market:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a farmers market ➜

article

35. Start a herb farm

Examples of a successful herb farm:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a herb farm:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a herb farm ➜

article

36. Start a seeds business ($4.8M/year)

Examples of a successful seeds business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a seeds business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a seeds business ➜

And for some real world inspiration, give Parker Garlitz's story on creating True Leaf Market a read:

I’m Parker Garlitz, one of the Co-Founders of True Leaf Market. We are an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO and organic seeds. We also offer growing supplies and starter kits. We sell to home gardeners up to professional growers. We offer traditional vegetable garden, flower and herb seeds as well as specialty seeds like microgreens, sprouts, and wheatgrass. The other Co-Founders are Lance Heaton, Kaitlin Jones & Robb Baumann.

I’m Parker Garlitz, one of the Co-Founders of True Leaf Market. We are an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO and organic seeds. We also offer growing supplies and starter kits. We sell to home gardeners up to professional growers. We offer traditional vegetable garden, flower and herb seeds as well as specialty seeds like microgreens, sprouts, and wheatgrass. The other Co-Founders are Lance Heaton, Kaitlin Jones & Robb Baumann.

how-we-started-a-400k-month-business-selling-seeds-and-growing-supplies

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Parker Garlitz, on starting True Leaf Market ($400,000/month) full story ➜

37. Start a fish farming business

Examples of a successful fish farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fish farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a fish farming business ➜

article

38. Start a fertilizer distribution business

Examples of a successful fertilizer distribution business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fertilizer distribution business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a fertilizer distribution business ➜

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39. Start a shrimp farming business

Examples of a successful shrimp farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a shrimp farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a shrimp farming business ➜

article

40. Start a canned goods making business

Examples of a successful canned goods making business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a canned goods making business:

Learn more about starting a canned goods making business ➜

article

41. Become a florist

Examples of a successful florist:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a florist:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a florist ➜

article

42. Start a goat rental business

Examples of a successful goat rental business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a goat rental business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a goat rental business ➜

article

43. Start a candle making business

Examples of a successful candle making business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a candle making business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a candle making business ➜

article

44. Start a rabbit farming business

Examples of a successful rabbit farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a rabbit farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a rabbit farming business ➜

article

45. Start a snail farming business

Examples of a successful snail farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a snail farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a snail farming business ➜

article

46. Start a vegetable farming business

Examples of a successful vegetable farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a vegetable farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a vegetable farming business ➜

article

47. Start a dairy farming business

Examples of a successful dairy farming business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a dairy farming business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a dairy farming business ➜

article

48. Start a composting business

Examples of a successful composting business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a composting business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

article

49. Start a beekeeping business

Examples of a successful beekeeping business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a beekeeping business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a beekeeping business ➜

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50. Start a party rental business

Examples of a successful party rental business:

Here are some great videos on how to get started with a party rental business:

For further info, check out these books and products:

Learn more about starting a party rental business ➜

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Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story

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