54 Home-Based Business Ideas You Can Start in Your Basement [2025]
Interested in starting a basement business in 2025?
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.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
A proofreader was able to build a consistent income of ~$2,000 per month from scratch with zero experience in the field, no expenses, and barely any upfront costs by targeting bloggers and content creators who want their content to be copy edited and proofread.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $40,001/month
How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
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.
How much you can make: $125,000/month
Antonio Camilleri built Antonio's Barber Shop from a small two-chair operation to two locations servicing over 250 daily clients and €1.5M in annual revenue with a product line generating a 30% profit.
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.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $480,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder Ronnie Teja's purpose-driven watch brand, Branzio, has seen $25k in sales per month and is set to double in the next six months thanks to a focus on branding and building an aspirational brand with a loyal customer base.
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.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
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.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
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.
How much you can make: $35,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
This case study is about how the founder of ZZZ Bears created and grew a line of military teddy bears named SGT SLEEPTIGHT, primarily selling to military families and gaining success through Facebook ads and partnerships with military exchanges, Target, and TAPS, while also learning important lessons such as the power of mentors and seeking help.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $555,555/month
A patch embroidery business based in New York City has grown to earn $6,500 per month on average within 18 months of starting, thanks to no custom embroidered minimum patches and a strong Instagram presence, with a future focus on B2B customers.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
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.
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: 190 days (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $600 — $60,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
Sweat from Home is a two-way, interactive, and live-streaming group fitness workout startup that has held over 800 classes since March 2020, generates $25k in monthly recurring revenue, and has donated over $7k to 6 different charities; they aim to become the world's best live-streamed fitness class.
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.
How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
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.
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
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
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.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $625 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $830,000/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
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.
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.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.
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.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.
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.
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
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.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 77 days (?)
Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic.
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.
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.
How much you can make: $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
OWC Larry, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, shares how he started his business at a young age with just a credit card, now experiencing a solid year-over-year growth with a CAGR of 43.78% over the past 33 years.
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.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
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.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
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.
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
31. Start a craft class business
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A case study about FreeCashFlow.io, an accounting agency that specifically caters to the financial needs of Onlyfans models and entrepreneurs, helping them with bookkeeping, taxes, and financial management, all while overcoming the stigma associated with the industry.
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.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $291,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,035 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
Piano In 21 Days built a low pressure and flexible online piano course, bringing in 5 figures every month while allowing the founder to spend time on other interests and family while its profitable business runs itself.
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.
How much you can make: $59,000 — $60,000/month
How long does it take to build: 282 days (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.
36. Start a cardio based dance instructor business
Ready to blend fitness and fun? Consider starting a cardio-based dance instructor business. In simple terms, this business involves teaching dance routines that boost cardiovascular health.
Imagine guiding energetic classes where music drives motion, transforming workouts into dance parties. You won’t need much more than a passion for dance, knowledge of fitness principles, and some marketing know-how.
This business idea can appeal to a wide audience, from those looking to lose weight to people wanting to elevate their exercise routine with some rhythm. It has the potential to grow, with opportunities for group classes, private sessions, and even digital classes.
Starting this business means committing to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest fitness trends. If you have a love for dance and a drive to inspire others, this could be the career that gets your heart racing in more ways than one.
How much you can make: $59,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Discover the inspiring story of Alma Curry, founder of Meridian Fitness, as she shares her vision to create a holistic fitness community that offers top-notch training classes, affordable gym membership prices, and a variety of fitness programs for people of all ages.
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.
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 (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 747 days (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $62,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Founded by a corporate career coach in 2018, ByRecruiters has sold over 6,000 digital resume templates in 50+ countries, generating $1,500 to $4,000 per month and boasting a 116.91% return on ad spend through Etsy.
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.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
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.
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.
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 (?)
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.
43. Start a framing service
Preserve memories and add a touch of elegance with a framing service. This business involves creating custom frames for valuable pieces like artwork, photographs, and memorabilia.
If you have an eye for design and an appreciation for craftsmanship, framing services offer a meaningful way to help others showcase their cherished items. You can work directly with customers to select materials that best complement their pieces, tailoring each project to suit their unique tastes and needs.
Setting up a framing shop requires some initial investment in tools, materials, and workspace. However, the demand for personalized, high-quality framing services means there's ample opportunity for business growth.
Whether you're crafting bespoke frames for galleries or providing convenient mobile services for individuals, a framing business allows you to blend creativity with practical skills, making it a fulfilling venture for the artisan entrepreneur.
How much you can make: $400 — $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,025 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Revvedinterior.com, a website that provides affordable framed images with a weekly revenue of $100 and strong organic marketing strategy aimed at people looking to start their journey in the design space.
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.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $60,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of Hawthorn, a UK-based custom clothing manufacturer that designs clothes for start-up brands, and offers the lowest minimum order quantity in the industry, producing bespoke orders for as little as 50pcs per design.
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.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)
Flamon cloudtech's co-founder Rahul shares the story of building and launching TeleCRM, a game-changing Tele-Sales CRM product in beta phase, which is already being used by 20 companies with a monthly recurring revenue of $4500/month and is aiming to capture around 40-50% of the CRM market space in the long term.
47. Start a software development business
In an ever-evolving digital world, starting a software development business presents a solid opportunity to address modern technological needs. At its core, this venture involves creating custom software solutions for clients—think applications, websites, and digital tools.
To embark on this journey, you'll require strong coding skills, an understanding of user experience, and the ability to manage projects. You'll typically work through phases such as requirement analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. It's a field where problem-solving skills come in handy daily.
With businesses continuously seeking to automate processes or create new digital platforms, demand for skilled developers remains high. If you have a knack for coding and a passion for innovation, software development could be a rewarding path. Engaging directly with clients to solve their specific challenges allows for a dynamic work environment and a constant learning curve, keeping your professional journey both stimulating and valuable.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $7,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Balsamiq became a $550k/month company through staying focused on simplicity and taking care of their team and community.
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.
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 (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $18,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
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.
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.
How much you can make: $500 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 127 days (?)
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
53. Start a vintage clothing business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
