50 Business Ideas You Can Start In Your Backyard

Updated: July 24th, 2023

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

A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.

For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.

Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.

How much you can make: $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

About
Bryan started GreenPal almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Bryan grew the business to $375K/month
Costs
It cost Bryan $250000 to start the business
Read by 4,523 founders

2. Start a dog training business

Professional dog trainers can be an incredibly fulfilling profession, especially for dog lovers.

You can choose to work as an independent dog trainer or work under a company as a part-time trainer.

However, note that dog training takes more commitment for a part-time gig.

To get started, you need some education to understand how dogs behave and train them in new tricks. You will find tons of online resources on dog training.

Alternatively, you can work as an intern with local dog trainers to acquire the skills before setting up your dog training side hustle.

The average hourly rate for dog trainers is just over $50/ hr.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $8,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $5K/Month Dog Training Business

Fraternityk9 dog training is an example of how Donald's passion for dog training turned into a $5k/month business, by utilizing platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and learning about sales and business to scale the process.

About
Donald started Fraternity K9 over 4 years ago
Revenue
Donald grew the business to $5K/month
Read by 7,402 founders

3. Start a Backyard Plant Nursery

Do you have a gardening hobby and want to turn your passion into a profitable business with a minimum entry barrier?

Starting a backyard plant nursery is relatively easy, and the financial benefits can be rewarding. The secret to maximizing your profitability is specializing in plants that are in high demand, like vegetables and flowers.

To start, you can visit the nearby retail nurseries for seedlings and see what they stock and retail. To keep the startup cost low, consider using locally available materials.

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

How We Expanded Our Local Plant Nursery To An Online Business

Camelliashop.com, a small US-based plant business specializing in Camellias and Tea Plants, increased its business 200% within one month of launching its ecommerce website in 2007.

About
Debbie started CamelliaShop almost 17 years ago
Revenue
Debbie grew the business to $5K/month
Read by 13,661 founders

4. Start a mobile photography business

Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.

There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!

To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.

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

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.

About
Brandon started Photobooth Supply Co. about 11 years ago
Revenue
Brandon grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 15,172 founders

5. Become a mobile personal trainer

Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.

The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services .

To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.

How much you can make: $600 — $8,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 532 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

How I Started A $60K/Month Personal Training Company

Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.

About
Chris started Live Fit about 13 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Chris $50000 to start the business
Read by 7,999 founders

6. Start a tutoring business

Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.

If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.

Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $15K/Month SAT Tutoring Business While In College

A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.

About
Adam started SoFlo Tutors about 5 years ago
Revenue
Adam grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Adam $100 to start the business
Read by 18,690 founders

7. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $4,500,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

About
Chhavi started Mrs Daaku Studio almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Chhavi grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Chhavi $500 to start the business
Read by 13,571 founders

8. Start a website development business

Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.

To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.

How much you can make: $200 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

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

How I Started A $20K/Month Web Design Agency

How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.

About
Scott started Up And Social almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Scott grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Scott $2500 to start the business
Read by 25,421 founders

9. Become a carpenter

Carpentry is the art of working with timber to construct and maintain buildings, furniture, and other wooden products.

To date, carpentry remains one of the oldest skilled trades and a craft with plenty of options for a career. You can start repairing or constructing new carpentry products and selling them to customers online or locally at your workshop.

To become a carpenter, you may obtain basic education and take up an apprenticeship program through commercial and industrial employers or construction unions. An apprenticeship program equips you with essential knowledge and experience so you are better prepared to start your own business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $18,000/month

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

How I Designed And Patented A $18K/Month Woodworking Accessory

This case study follows Brett Burdick, founder of Brex International, LLC, and the creation of his patented spiral featherboard designed to improve safety and quality in woodworking, which has now generated $18k per month, with 87% of sales coming from Amazon.

About
Brett started Brex International, LLC over 7 years ago
Revenue
Brett grew the business to $18K/month
Costs
It cost Brett $45000 to start the business
Read by 12,739 founders

10. Start an airbnb hosting business

Do you have an extra room or an unoccupied house in your home? You can turn that property into a revenue-generating asset by starting an Airbnb listing. Airbnb is one of the world’s largest accommodation platforms. According to experts, Airbnb’s future is undoubtedly bright.

Therefore, starting an Airbnb business can be rewarding. To start, prepare your Airbnb listing and set it up accordingly. To increase bookings, offer the best services, and encourage the guests to leave a positive review.

How much you can make: $1,333 — $270,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped An Airbnb Management Service To $35K/Month

HostButlers is Ireland's first professional property concierge service for short-term rentals on Airbnb, boasting over 200,000 hosted guests and profitability from month 5.

About
Gary started Host Butlers over 8 years ago
Revenue
Gary grew the business to $35K/month
Read by 22,035 founders

11. Start a recycling business

The waste and recycling business offers several opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a company with a modest investment.

If you are passionate about caring for the environment, get into the recycling business. To start, you can ask individuals to drop recycling off at your facility or provide drop-offs in the form of dumpsters.
Before you begin business operations, register the facility with the local government and prepare the equipment. Remember, the success of your recycling business depends on the equipment you use.

12. Become a massage therapist

Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.

Building a successful massage therapy business is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.

Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $275,000/month

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

How I Make A Living As A Professional Cuddler

Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.

About
Sam started Snuggle with Sam over 7 years ago
Revenue
Sam grew the business to $11.3K/month
Read by 15,259 founders

13. Start an online course creation business

Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.

All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.

Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.

How much you can make: $1,666,666/month

How My Business Went From $0 To $20 Million With Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Prep Expert's founder built a test preparation platform from his dorm room with just $900 that has since accumulated over $20 million in sales and attracted billionaire Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, due to doubled yearly sales from word-of-mouth marketing and hundreds of points of improvement in students' SAT scores.

About
Shaan started Prep Expert over 13 years ago
Revenue
Shaan grew the business to $1.67M/month
Read by 807 founders

14. Become a tee shirt designer

Have you always had a passion for fashion and creativity? Well, then the field of tee shirt design could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a tee shirt designer, you would be responsible for fitting model garments, ensuring size uniformity, and using your design and aesthetic skills to create unique and eye-catching tee shirts that will captivate your customers’ attention.

With this exciting career, you’ll have the chance to let your creativity run wild and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

How much you can make: $6,600 — $101,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Generating $15K/Month In Extra Income With A Graphic Design Library

Designious co-founder Alex Dumitru shares how the graphic design library generates $12-13k in monthly revenue by creating digital products that appeal to print-on-demand entrepreneurs and graphic designers, while also offering a flat-rate membership and useful resources that solve little problems.

About
Alexandru started Designious about 16 years ago
Revenue
Alexandru grew the business to $15K/month
Read by 4,210 founders

15. Start a christmas tree farm

Are you looking for an exciting way to make money every December? Starting a Christmas tree farm could be the right business for you. You can grow Christmas trees in your backyard and harvest them in December, then sell them to décor companies and consultants.

Here are steps for starting your Christmas tree farm:

  • Choose the Christmas tree variety and purchase the seedlings
  • Prepare your backyard farm
  • Plant the seedlings and care for them to maturity

Some Christmas trees will take more than two years to grow to maturity. However, the waiting time also depends on the size of the Christmas tree you desire.

16. Start a furniture upcycling business

Furniture upscaling is when old or discarded furniture is converted into something usable. Repurposing old furniture is not only a fantastic approach to handling unused items, but it can also be a profitable business venture.

To start a furniture upscaling business, find a great location and advertise your business. Clients will bring their unloved furniture to your store, where you will add style to make it look new and a great addition to their homes.

17. Start an electronics repairing service

Electronics repair businesses repair damaged or malfunctioned equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, phones, and gaming devices. If you love working with electronics and are interested in working as a repair technician, consider starting your own electronics repair business.

The electronics repair business can be profitable and fun if you love and enjoy keeping the devices working.

To start, hire electronics service technicians to keep your business growing. Find someone who will treat customers with trust, honesty, and the highest degree of courtesy while exhibiting the highest levels of technical competency.

18. Start an etsy shop

Etsy has been around for over a decade, and the platform has become more popular for creators, entrepreneurs, and consumers.

The platform started as a place for crafters to sell their supplies and handmade goods. Now it has become a venue for artists and small businesses of all kinds to sell their products.

If you just started your shop or want to sell your products on Etsy, there are many different ways to kill on the platform. With the tips and advice of Etsy sellers who’ve been in your position, you’ll soon be successful!

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Business Selling Productivity Planners Online

Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.

About
Jess started Planner Peace over 8 years ago
Revenue
Jess grew the business to $22.5K/month
Read by 62,376 founders

19. Become a graphic designer

Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.

Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $81,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How We Make $7.5K/Month With A Productized Service

Draftss.com is a productized graphic design and front-end code service on subscription that made $66k ARR in 2019, has an MRR of $9.6k as of July 2020, and offers add-ons such as designers being added to team in interacting tools and front-end code services on WordPress using various page builders like Elementor and Divi.

About
Junaid started Draftss almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Junaid grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Junaid $100 to start the business
Read by 11,322 founders

20. Become a yoga instructor

The first step to becoming a yoga instructor is obtaining a certification from an instructor-affiliated institution near you. Your next step should be drawing up a business plan considering various projections. Finally, determine whether to open a brick-and-mortar establishment, offer online yoga classes, or a hybrid model.

The option has far more responsibilities for brick-and-mortar establishments, like paying rent and utility expenses. Also, check business-zoning requirements and acquire the required licenses. Proper marketing strategies will help you build clientele fast and grow your business.

How much you can make: $60,000/month

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

How I Started A $60K/Month Personal Training Company

Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.

About
Chris started Live Fit about 13 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Chris $50000 to start the business
Read by 7,999 founders

21. Start an u-pick service business

A U-Pick operation invites customers to hand-pick their fresh fruits and vegetables. Direct marketing helps farmers save on labor and shipping costs offering consumers the freshest producer at lower prices.

Popular U-Pick crops included peaches, grapes, citrus, sweet corn, and tomatoes.

22. Start a corn maze farming business

23. Become a videographer

A videographer uses his video camera to record footage for different events.

Examples of events where videographers are common include weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, etc. Videographers are not only responsible for operating the camera. They must have the skills required for the production of a video, which includes the following:

  • Lighting
  • Sound
  • Maintenance
  • Equipment repair
  • Video editing

To become a videographer, pursue a videography education, and attend internships to gain experience. Build a portfolio, so your target audience finds you online and starts hiring your services.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How We Started A $45K/Month Product Photography And Video Company

Results Imagery co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby launched their digital agency that focused solely on media creation for brands and product companies, helping clients monetize their conversion-centric media, with their current monthly revenue at $45,000.

About
Kyle started Results Imagery almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Kyle grew the business to $110K/month
Read by 9,319 founders

24. Start a laundry business

Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.

One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.

Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.

How much you can make: $24,000 — $83,333/month

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

I Built A $318K/Year Business By Digitalizing The Laundry Industry

Dhobilite disrupted the laundry market in India by using smartphone technology and becoming India's first app-based, on-demand cleaning service provider, expanding to more than 15 cities, with 20+ stores and 30+ franchises, offering premium online dry cleaning and laundry services, with revenue equally distributed between dry-cleaning and laundry.

About
Nishant started Elite DhobiLite Laundry Pvt. Ltd. almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Nishant grew the business to $26.5K/month
Costs
It cost Nishant $80000 to start the business
Read by 4,613 founders

25. Start a how-to-guide creation business

A how-to guide is informative writing describing a process using a series of steps. The readers watch the guides to help them complete specific tasks.

If you consider yourself a professional in a particular area, you can start a how-to-guides business. Identify a niche, and research the most pressing matters and topics that your target audience would wish you to cover in your videos.

When creating the videos, use an easy-to-understand format so your audience can follow easily.

How much you can make: $2,246 — $2,800/month

How much does it cost to start: $307 (?)

How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)

I Make $30K/Year Writing How-To Guides [From India]

This case study is an inspiring story about how a founder started a blog on Microsoft Windows technology and, after a decade of hard work, dedication, and patience, managed to make it a sustainable business earning $30,000 per year, outlining the process of designing, prototyping, and launching the website and the lessons learned along the way.

About
Abhishek started The Customize Windows over 13 years ago
Revenue
Abhishek grew the business to $2.8K/month
Costs
It cost Abhishek $500 to start the business
Read by 3,944 founders

26. Start a fiber spinning business

27. Start an e-book writing business

An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.

Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)

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

How We Started A $514K/Year Content Curation Agency With Just $35 [From India]

Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.

About
Vaibhav started Content-Whale Private Limited over 6 years ago
Revenue
Vaibhav grew the business to $62.5K/month
Costs
It cost Vaibhav $35 to start the business
Read by 5,039 founders

28. Start a car washing and detailing business

The carwash business is already a multi-billion-dollar industry with room for growth.

With the number of vehicles per household increasing daily, starting a car wash and detailing business could be a profitable idea.

If you have a piece of vacant land in the right location, you can get into the carwash business. You can set up an in-bay automatic carwash, self-washing carwash, touch-free carwash, or a wide range of other options.

29. Start a soap making business

Are you looking for an easy business you can start from home? Soap making is a relatively easy cottage business you can start today.

Soap is one of the products you will find in every household. Therefore, soap is a product that will remain in demand, making soap making business a lucrative idea.

To start a soap-making business from home, research the competition and choose the niche your business will focus on. You can make scented soaps mixed with essential oils or non-scented soaps for washing utensils.

Choose a business name and create a business plan indicating your entity type, mission statement, and soap marketing strategy.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,400 (?)

How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)

On Starting A Homemade Organic Soap Brand From The Kitchen

Kiss My Crown Essentials founder Warnisha Foster shares her journey from creating organic soap products in her kitchen to selling over 500 soaps in her first month with a mission to let mothers know that they are seen, beautiful, and a necessity.

About
Warnisha started Kiss My Crown Essentials about 4 years ago
Revenue
Warnisha grew the business to $1.2K/month
Costs
It cost Warnisha $800 to start the business
Read by 7,169 founders

30. Start a hay riding business

31. Start a petting farm business

32. Start a gardening business

A gardening business makes money by planting trees, growing specific produce, maintaining landscapes, and more.

Gardening companies work with homeowners to install, maintain and repair their landscaping areas. For instance, a typical gardening business provides all-inclusive services to create and maintain a lawn, such as mowing, fertilizing, and edging.

Owning a gardening business can be a very flexible and profitable business venture.

How much you can make: $27,000 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 560 days (?)

How I Designed A $150K/Month Portable Pressurized Shower And Went On Shark Tank

Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.

About
Chris started RinseKit over 9 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,016 founders

33. Sell firewood

Starting a firewood business can be a great opportunity for those looking to enter the wood industry or simply wanting to supplement their income. This business involves sourcing, cutting, and selling firewood to customers for use in wood-burning stoves, outdoor fire pits, and other heating purposes.

To get started, you will need a reliable wood source, such as a woodlot or access to a sawmill. You will also need proper equipment, including a chainsaw, splitting maul, and possibly a wood splitter if you plan to sell pre-cut and split firewood. In addition, you will need a way to transport and store the firewood, such as a pickup truck or trailer.

Marketing your firewood business will be key to success. You can start by reaching out to local customers through word-of-mouth and advertising in your community, such as through flyers and online classifieds. You may also consider setting up a website and social media presence to showcase your products and services.

Running a firewood business can be physically demanding, as you will be handling and cutting large amounts of wood. However, with the right knowledge, equipment, and marketing strategies, you can turn your love of woodworking into a profitable enterprise.

34. Start a farmers market

Farmer’s markets offer small businesses and farmers the chance to sell their products. The farmers’ market has become crucial to rebuilding local food systems and meeting the growing demand for locally produced food. A farmers’ market can be a successful business venture in your area if located strategically.

35. Start a herb farm

Herb farm is dedicated to farming herbs for commercial purposes. Since herbs are not commercialized to a large extent, herbal farming can be profitable.

Herbs are used in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, and food production.

Consuming herbs may prevent and help manage heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Besides, some herbs reduce blood clots and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

How much you can make: $6,100 — $30,000/month

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

How I Started A $6K/Month Plant-Based Organic Body Care Brand

Everlasting Herb Farm co-owner Wendy Mackenzie made $6,100 in revenue on average each month selling plant-based, organic skincare products, including a Skin Salve, and is working hard to grow her business by taking courses, formulating new products, rebranding, and finding large retailers to white label/wholesale to.

About
Wendy started Everlasting Herb Farm over 21 years ago
Revenue
Wendy grew the business to $6.1K/month
Costs
It cost Wendy $500 to start the business
Read by 6,535 founders

36. Start a seeds business

Are you passionate about gardening and plants in general? Consider turning your passion into a full-time seeds business. You can sell seeds online or at a brick-and-mortar location.

The seed market is booming, and researchers expect it will reach over $86 billion in the next few years. The rising demand for natural seed oils and health products and a significant shift in farming practices are some factors fueling the market.

To start a seed business, research the industry to determine which seeds are high in demand, and identify the potential market. For instance, hybrid seeds have higher disease resistance, making them highly demanded products.

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

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

How We Started A $400K/Month Business Selling Seeds And Growing Supplies

True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.

About
Parker started True Leaf Market almost 50 years ago
Revenue
Parker grew the business to $400K/month
Read by 36,433 founders

37. Start a fish farming business

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of breeding, raising, and harvesting fish and other aquatic animals for food or other products. It is an increasingly popular and sustainable way to produce protein-rich food. It allows cultivating fish in a controlled environment, reducing the need to overfish wild populations.

To start a fish farming business, you will need a few key things:

  • A suitable location: You will need a location with access to water, either a pond or a tank. The water should be clean and have a consistent temperature.

  • Fish and other aquatic animals: You will need to decide what type of fish or marine animals you want to raise. Some popular choices include tilapia, catfish, and trout.

  • Equipment: You will need equipment such as tanks or ponds, pumps and filters to keep the water clean and oxygenated, and feeders to dispense food.

  • Expertise: It is helpful to have some knowledge of fish biology and aquaculture practices. You may want to consider taking courses or getting a degree in aquaculture or a related field.

Research the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. It is essential to carefully plan and manage the operation to ensure the fish’s health and well-being and maximize your profits. Marketing and selling your products will also be necessary to run a successful fish farming business.

How much you can make: $3,750/month

Making $45K/Yr By Farming Fish in My Apartment

This case study explores how a Toronto-based freelance artist, Malik King, turned his childhood passion for fish farming into a profitable side hustle, generating an annual net revenue of $45,000.

About
They started Malik's Fishand Water Garden over 9 years ago
Revenue
They grew the business to $3.75K/month
Read by 776 founders

38. Start a Fertilizer Distribution Business

Fertilizer distribution is the process of distributing fertilizer to farmers. The goal of fertilizer distribution is to increase the productivity of agricultural crops.

The fertilizer market was worth $155.8 billion in 2019, according to Mordor Intelligence. The fertilizer distribution industry is expected to grow by 3.5 percent per year between 2020 and 2025 – that's good news for those looking to start a fertilizer business.

To start this type of farming business, All you need is an acre or two of land, some equipment, and a truck. And once your business is up and running, there's no limit on how much fertilizer and seed you can sell.

You should also make sure that you are selling high-quality products with great customer service so that people will continue buying from you. It is a profitable business for farmers because it allows them to sell their products at a higher rate and earn more money.

39. Start a shrimp farming business

Shrimp farming is a pawn or prawn production business in the marine or freshwater environment.

To start shrimp farming, ensure you have quality freshwater ponds. According to experts, newly dug ponds yield poor results, and there is no algae buildup for the shrimp to feed on. Select the appropriate location so you raise your shrimp.

Purchase quality juvenile shrimp and ensure you feed the shrimp twice a day.

40. Start a canned goods making business

41. Become a florist

Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers for decorative displays. Florists also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. Florist services can be fun and highly profitable. However, a florist must be creative and ready to work hard to see the business flourish.

How much you can make: $9,600/month

How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

With Just $300, I Started A Dried Flower Arrangement Business And Now Make $10K/Month

Milla Rose, a boutique online flower arrangement business based in Melbourne, Australia, started as a side project in a bedroom and has grown into a nearly $10k a month business, with monthly revenue doubling since last year, selling almost 3000 arrangements to all corners of Australia.

About
Alexandra started Milla Rose almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Alexandra grew the business to $9.6K/month
Costs
It cost Alexandra $250 to start the business
Read by 3,391 founders

42. Start a goat rental business

43. Become a candle manufacturer

Candle manufacturing is one of the best small business ideas you can start from home. Making candles comes with a low startup cost and does not require much equipment. If you plan to start a candle manufacturing business, hone your craft and get comfortable with the candle-making process.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,200 (?)

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

Selling Over 4,500 Candles

Wax & Wick is a 100% soy candle company with wood wicks, that creates environmentally-friendly products; starting off making $1,000 a month in 2015, they brought in about $20,000 per month during Q3 2017 and plan to add ten new scents and a premium sized jar for 2018's $50,000 per month goal.

About
Kevin started Headline Solar about 5 years ago
Revenue
Kevin grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 18,257 founders

44. Start a rabbit farming business

Like livestock farming, rabbit farming has become a popular business with the potential to generate a good primary income.

However, rabbit farming requires hard work and dedication to generate a good primary income and become profitable.

To start rabbit farming, you need sufficient space for your rabbitry. It would also help if you knew and chose the best breeds of rabbits.

If you are new to rabbit farming, it will help if you get a mentor to provide you with a guide and basic education so you can farm successfully.

45. Start a snail farming business

Snail farming is one of the easiest, less involved, and most profitable agriculture-related businesses you can start today. With the current growth in the popularity of healthy eating, marketing snail products is easier.

More people are switching to snails as a source of essential nutrients, a trend that has created a bigger opportunity for snail farmers worldwide.

Therefore, starting a snail farm today can be a lucrative business opportunity. Unlike livestock production and subsistence farming, you do not need a huge piece of land to farm snails.

Depending upon the type of snail farming system you intend to use, some materials you will need will include free-range pens, mosquito nets, hatch boxes, trench pens, and moveable pens.

46. Start a vegetable farm

Do you have some idle land and are willing to start a vegetable business?

Mushrooms, micro greens, ginseng, lavender, and bonsai plants are some profitable vegetables you can grow and sell.

47. Start a Dairy Farming Business

Dairy farming is a business that involves the raising of dairy cattle to produce dairy products. The products made from dairy farming include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products.

Dairy farming is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. It is one of the few industries where a small farmer can earn more than an industrialist.

The average salary for a dairy farmer in the United States is $48,733 as of October 27, 2022. However, the salary range typically falls between $45,405 and $54,912.

This business can be started on any scale, depending on your financial position, availability of land, and capital required for starting this business. You will need proper land for your cows and other animals that will be used in the process of producing dairy products.

48. Start a composting business

How much you can make: $6,500/month

How long does it take to build: 600 days (?)

We Quit Our Jobs And Are Building A $6.5K/Month Composting Business

Husband and wife duo Audrey & Rob Wynkoop built the Worm Bucket, an indoor composting kit for individuals living in apartments and condos, and have now launched on Amazon as well as their own Shopify store, currently doing $6500 in monthly revenue.

About
Audrey started Worm Bucket over 2 years ago
Revenue
Audrey grew the business to $6.5K/month
Costs
It cost Audrey $25000 to start the business
Read by 2,327 founders

49. Start a beekeeping business

When done correctly, beekeeping and apiculture can be profitable.

Use high-quality hives and practice proper management for the best commercial beekeeping results.

Having more than one hive is also helpful if you intend to run a profitable business. Additionally, you can interact with other beekeepers in your area while improving your profitability by joining a beekeeping group.

How long does it take to build: 720 days (?)

50. Start a party rental business

A party rental business helps people get the products or the services they need to make their party a fun-filled event.

Party rental businesses can include:

  • Photo booth rental
  • Renting wedding clothes
  • Party boat rental
  • Sound equipment rental
  • Outdoor equipment rental
  • Cake structure rental

To start a party rental business, begin with what you know much better. Then as you gain experience, you may diversify to renting other party accessories or partner with experts in different fields.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $400,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 15 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

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.