54 Home-Based Business Ideas You Can Start in Your Basement [2024]

Interested in starting a basement business in 2024?

We put together 53 of the best basement businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other basement businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Become a proofreader

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

• Have an excellent grasp of grammar
• Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
• Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
• Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

2. Start a woodworking business

While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.

Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.

3. Start a barber shop

Are you passionate about men’s grooming and looking to start a low-investment business with a high-profit margin? A barbershop can be a great business idea since it will never hit a low a season. Men and boys always look for grooming, no matter how bad the economy is.

Therefore, starting a barbershop can be a profitable business venture.

4. Start a watch brand

Launching your own watch brand is a fantastic opportunity to tap into the thriving global market for luxury accessories and innovative timepieces.

By focusing on utilizing quality materials and distinctive designs that reflect your customer’s personal style and vision, you can develop an iconic brand identity and turn your passion into profits.

Whether you choose to debut a high-end mechanical watch collection or smartwatches with integrated technology, starting a watch company offers you the chance to make your mark on the wristwatch industry.

Through strategic branding and marketing efforts, your startup watch brand can capture market share and grow from a small business to a flourishing fashion empire.

5. Become a business coach

Are you thinking of starting a career as a business coach?

Becoming a business coach can be a great way to help aspiring entrepreneurs while earning a healthy income. You may want to consider becoming a coach if you have skills in specialized business fields such as marketing, e-commerce, stress management, or leadership.

Many small-business owners are finding it hard to get started, grow, and succeed. As a business coach, your job will be to help entrepreneurs identify new opportunities and take advantage of the ones they already have.

6. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

7. Become a toy maker

The toys market is growing at a CAGR of 2.5% and will reach a market size of $103 Billion in the next few years. Toys play a critical role in a child’s growth and development. They help in brain development, enabling the kids to acquire logical and reasoning skills.

Besides, toys help kids develop spatial reasoning and social and communication skills. Therefore, starting a toy-making business today could be the best decision you are about to make.

To start your toy-making business, identify a potential niche, and focus on delivering suitable toys.

8. Start a sewing and alteration business

Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.

A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.

To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.

9. Start a jewelry making business

The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.

The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.

If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Start a freelance writing business

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

• Strong writing skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Stay on the cutting edge
• Be a self-starter
• Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
• Proper communication skills

15. 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.

16. Start a career coaching business

A career coaching business involves providing personalized guidance, support, and strategy services to help clients navigate professional transitions and growth opportunities.

As a career coach, you design custom sessions to assist with resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals tailored to each client’s aspirations.

With flexibility for in-person or virtual meetings, building a client base lets you empower breakthroughs through specialized advice and accountability.

Launching a coaching practice can be a great opportunity for those with speaking talents and human resources expertise to monetize their natural motivational abilities while setting their own schedule.

17. 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.

18. Start an antique business

Owning an antique and vintage business can be fulfilling and profitable for those targeting the elite.

Antique businesses focus on procuring items at a low price and restoring them, then selling them at a profit. The items can include old toys, cars, bikes, household items, crafts, vintage jewelry, etc.

Opening an antique item store may seem somewhat daunting. However, once you have researched the items available and acquired the necessary skills and expertise, you will be ready to kick off.

For some, a storefront with enough storage for antique items might fit the bill. For others, an online store will work pretty well. Regardless of your approach, the secret is applying your entrepreneurship strategies to an overall framework for success.

19. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business

An e-commerce order fulfillment business involves providing product warehousing, packaging, and shipping services on behalf of online retailers.

Typically, the e-commerce order fulfillment founder operates behind the scenes, handling merchant inventory storage, customized packaging, domestic shipping logistics, and potential return processing.

By establishing a dependable and efficient fulfillment infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate with popular e-commerce platforms, businesses can concentrate on maximizing their sales and leave the hassle of speedy and reliable delivery to their fulfillment operations.

20. 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.

21. Start a Greeting Cards Business

People use greeting cards to mark births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, and other parties or events.

If you love helping people celebrate special occasions, starting a greeting card business can be a great business opportunity.

When starting a greeting card business, choose a potential niche and write a business plan.

Then, find an ideal spot to sell the greeting cards.

For instance, you can offer greeting card design and posting services, so customers can choose the best designs and post greeting cards online.

22. Start a mobile pet grooming

Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.

Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.

Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.

23. Become a computer refurbisher

Computer refurbishing is the process of restoring used computers to working conditions. Refurbishers typically purchase used computers from individuals or businesses, and then they clean them up, install new parts, and test them to make sure they are in good working condition.

To start this business, you'll need skills in data recovery, hardware repair, and software troubleshooting. It is a perfect idea for those who have an interest in technology and a knack for repairing electronics.

The average Computer Repair Technician in the US makes $51,129. The salaries of Computer Repair Technicians range from $19,892 to $74,573, with a median salary of $55,440.

With the ever-growing popularity of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, there is a great demand for refurbished computers. And with data science and data analytics, you can easily identify which computers are in high demand and how to best refurbish them.

Starting this type of business is a great idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technology. If you can navigate the regulations, this can be a lucrative business with a lot of growth potential.

24. Start an ecommerce reselling business

An eCommerce reseller purchases services or goods for resale rather than consumption. Becoming an eCommerce reseller is a great way to launch an online business without worrying about production costs.

To start an eCommerce reseller business, you do not need a website immediately! You can focus on a social media-based reseller business and create a website later as your business grows.

25. 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.

26. Start a smartphone repair service

27. Start a product assembly service

Fulfilling orders in an e-commerce business often presents a challenge due to the assembly process. An efficient solution? Starting a product assembly service. This venture involves precisely that - assembling orders for businesses that don't have the time or resources.

The concept is simple: businesses ship you their products, assemble them as required, and then either store finished goods in a warehouse or dispatch them for shipment. It’s a hassle-free process for businesses, making this service incredibly valuable. Your expertise could save them hours of manual work, allowing them to focus on their core operations.

A product assembly service also presents an extra appeal in the era of online shopping. Especially for ecommerce businesses, your service could be the difference between customer satisfaction and total chaos. Starting this venture would not only offer solutions to businesses but also steer the retail landscape towards higher efficiency.

28. 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.

29. Start a tech refurbishing business

30. 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.

31. Start a craft class business

32. Start a bookkeeping business

A bookkeeping business keeps track of monies coming into and out of business and maintains an accurate financial record, as per the International Association of Bookkeepers.

As a bookkeeping business, your role is to help small and medium-sized enterprises in the:

• Preparing their year-end tax and VAT returns
• Keeping on top of day-to-day cash flow
• Running finances efficiently

To become a bookkeeper, you must be accurate in your work and understand financial topics well.

33. Become a music tutor

Are you passionate about music or looking for a profitable coaching business? How about becoming a music tutor?

To start a music coaching business, decide your target audience and location and set your rates. For example, you can meet new students through a community event, online, or a music club, or target the local community. Set rates for your music classes and advertise your business to get as many clients as possible.

34. 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.

35. Start a social media management business

Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:

• Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
• Setting up social media accounts
• Posting on behalf of their clients
• Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
• Marketing analysis.

To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.

The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.

36. Start a cardio based dance instructor business

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. Start a resume and cover letter business

Resumes and cover letters are crucial tools for job seekers to advertise their skills and experiences to potential employers.

Starting resume and cover letter writing is a profitable idea you can pursue as a full-time career or a side hustle. However, it requires dedication and passion to be successful. A resume and cover letter business can be both lucrative and fulfilling by helping others achieve their career aspirations.

The resume writing business is a multi-million dollar industry. Everyone is worried about making sure that they have a good resume. The resume and cover letter writing business is actually one of the coolest things you can do at first.

You get to help people turn their careers around and serve them in your own way.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. Start a framing service

44. Start a clothing designing business

A clothing design business involves conceptualizing stylish clothing and accessory designs, selecting fabrics and materials, assembling prototypes and finished products, and determining production and distribution plans.

To launch a successful clothing line, you need to understand industry trends, choose a profitable niche like sportswear or business formalwear, use digital design tools for easy iterations and adjustments, implement lean manufacturing to control costs and market aggressively on social media and through influencer partnerships.

With keen business acumen and appealing designs, a clothing design business can stand out in a crowded apparel marketplace. Focus on building a clothing brand that resonates with consumers and enables growth year-over-year.

45. 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.

46. Start a data entry service

Data entry service is expanding and growing with each passing day. Thus, starting a data entry business can be a profitable opportunity. Data entry experts can work from home and choose their preferred work schedule. To become a data entry specialist, you need computing skills. Alternatively, you can outsource the contracts to a third party.

47. Start a software development business

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. Start a car flipping business

51. Become a hair youtube channel

The hair youtube channel idea is a business idea that involves creating and running a youtube channel focused on hair care and styling. The content can include tutorials, product reviews, hair care tips, and anything related to hair.

To start this business, you will need a few things. First and foremost, you will need a youtube channel and an account on youtube. You will also need a camera and microphone to record your videos and a computer to edit and upload them. It may also be helpful to have some hair styling tools and products on hand to demonstrate in your videos.

To operate the channel, you will need to develop ideas for videos and create a content schedule. You will also need to regularly upload new videos to keep your audience engaged. It may also be helpful to interact with your audience through the comments section and social media to build a community and gain more subscribers.

Overall, running a hair youtube channel can be a fun and rewarding way to share your hair care and styling knowledge with others and potentially even make some money through ads and sponsorships. Best of luck with your new business!

52. Start a bicycle repair service

Heightened interest in environmental conservation and the surge in exercise have contributed to increasing cycling. More people prefer cycling to work over using public and private vehicles.

As the use of bikes becomes more popular, the demand for bike repair is getting higher. People will take their bikes to a repair service for a regular tune-up and keep the bicycles safe and steady throughout.

Thus, if you are mechanically inclined and are interested in cycling, you can earn good profits from a bicycle repair service. To start, you can open a workshop in your home or serve people door-to-door.

53. Start a vintage clothing business

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