74 Profitable Business Ideas For 30 Year Olds (2024)

Updated: December 10th, 2023

Are you in your 30s and interested in starting your own business?

You're not alone – many entrepreneurs decide to start a business or side project during this time in their lives.

At 30, many people feel a sense of urgency and ambition to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. This can be triggered by a desire for greater independence, a passion project, or a shift in career priorities.

While the options may seem overwhelming, there are multiple business opportunities for those in their 30s.

In this article, we’ve curated 74 profitable business ideas for people in their 30s.

Here they are:

1. Start a travel consulting business

Many people dream of traveling the world. Starting a travel consulting business is an excellent way to make a passive income, explore different parts of the world, and help others do the same.

As a travel consultant, you will provide advice to clients on various aspects of travel, including destinations, airfare, accommodations, and activities.

The objective is to assist tourists and travelers in planning personalized vacations, offer travel advice, and provide end-to-end travel arrangements for a fee.

By making use of industry knowledge and relationships with hotels, airlines, and destination experts, travel consultants can save their clients time and effort in designing their dream trips.

How much you can make: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

Explore 9 Travel Consulting Business Success Stories

2. Start a clothing boutique

If you have an eye for fashion trends and retail experience, opening a clothing boutique can be a great opportunity for you to tap into the lucrative fashion retail industry and be your own boss.

To succeed in this venture, you need to identify your target customers, curate your inventory to match their style and leverage social media marketing to build a loyal following and grow your business rapidly.

Focusing on specific customer segments, such as petite, plus-size, budget-conscious customers, or underserved groups instead of competing with major chains can further help you stand out in the market.

Opening a specialized clothing boutique lets you monetize your passion while serving customers that traditional stores often ignore.

How much you can make: $500 — $11,750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

Explore 17 Clothing Boutique Success Stories

3. Start a music school

If you have a passion for music and love teaching, starting an online music school can be a great way to kickstart your music tutoring business.

This not only helps you connect with local customers but also opens up opportunities to reach a global audience.

Moreover, starting an online music school gives you the freedom to work from anywhere and at your preferred time.

Whether you are brand new to teaching music online or you have been teaching online but are looking for some fresh inspiration, you can incorporate it into your online music school. examples include:

  • Teaching church music online
  • Teaching children’s choir
  • Youth & adults’ choirs
  • Teach live video sessions using online meeting platforms
  • Choir, band & orchestra

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,535 (?)

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

4. Start a corporate gift basket business

Holidays such as Christmas, game days, customer appreciation events, and more regularly prompt businesses to purchase corporate gifts for clients, partners, and internal employee recognition.

Thus, starting a corporate gift basket business can be a great way to tap into the multibillion-dollar promotional products industry.

To start, you can build relationships with HR managers and business owners to be their go-to gift provider for holidays, events, and more.

If you have the talent for arranging gift baskets and sourcing specialty products, starting a corporate gift service can be a great entrepreneurship opportunity.

How much you can make: $833,000/month

5. Start a flight tours business

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of aerial sightseeing as people increasingly seek unique and thrilling experiences.

This trend has opened up an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in scenic air tours and tailor-made flight experiences.

This business model allows you to take advantage of the growing demand for awe-inspiring aerial views of picturesque locations across the country while giving you the flexibility to set your own schedule.

By providing your clients with an unforgettable experience, you will be creating memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

So, if you are passionate about adventure, beauty, and flexibility and want to turn it into a profitable business, the aerial sightseeing industry could be the perfect venture for you.

How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

Explore 3 Flight Tours Business Success Stories

6. 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 — $320,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)

Explore 7 Watch Brand Success Stories

7. Start a corporate event business

A corporate event planning business involves conceptualizing, organizing, and executing special events for company clients.

This includes conferences, galas, retreats, trade shows, and celebrations that bring brands to life.

As an entrepreneurial event planner, you handle all event logistics while introducing creative concepts that leave lasting impressions on attendees.

Building a corporate event firm allows you to combine an eye for detail with business strategy to cement your role in the fast-growing multi-billion industry.

How much you can make: $66,667/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

8. Print on demand business

A print-on-demand business involves selling customized products without upfront inventory costs.

The business model utilizes dropshipping production and fulfillment services to print custom apparel, home goods, phone cases, and other merchandise one order at a time.

By leveraging online marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts, print-on-demand sellers can focus on designing trendy and unique products while reaching global audiences.

With minimal startup costs and the freedom to run operations from home, launching a print-on-demand model empowers aspiring founders to monetize their creativity and build ascalable business at their own pace.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Explore 14 Print On Demand Business Success Stories

9. Start a lighting store

The lighting fixtures market will reach a CAGR of 5.4% over the next few years. The massive demand for modern lighting fixtures will fuel the market growth as consumers look to optimize power consumption and save more on utility bills.

Thus, starting an interior and exterior lighting fixtures store can be a profitable business venture. If you are passionate about supplying lighting fixtures, consider setting up a brick-and-mortar shop in your neighborhood.

If you already have an online store that is doing well, you can target the areas with a high demand for lighting fixtures and open a physical store there.

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

10. Start a backpack line

There is a demand for backpacks all year round, which increases during the camping season. As an entrepreneurial backpack company founder, you oversee design to bring functional style to an essential travel item.

Focus on creating versatile, durable, and comfortable backpacks suited for the daily commuter as well as outdoor adventurers by focusing on innovations in straps, padding, compartments, and lightweight but weatherproof materials.

Promote customized and made-to-order services to stand out while developing a direct-to-consumer model.

Whether aiming to outfit students, professionals, or travelers seeking hands-free convenience, building a backpack line from scratch aligns savvy business sense with a passion for accessories that organize and transport daily essentials.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

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

Explore 5 Backpack Line Success Stories

11. Start a niche web design business

Niche web design business focuses on a specialized market such as law, home improvement, videography, fashion, etc. typically, when a web designer niches down their services, they are simply choosing to concentrate on one industry and create websites for businesses within the particular niche. To become a niche web designer, consider honing the following skills and personal qualities:

  • Visual design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Strong communication skills
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Teamwork and research skills
  • Attention to detail

Narrowing your focus to a particular niche gives you a higher chance of becoming a recognized expert and places you in a better position to charge more for your services.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

Explore 11 Niche Web Design Business Success Stories

12. Start a finance blog

A finance blog is a feature appearing as part of an online publication relating to finance and consisting of articles or personal commentary. A finance blog earns income through sponsored content or simple marketing programs. To succeed in business, a finance blogger should:

  • Have a good writing background
  • Understand the industry from a concept or fundamental standpoint
  • Be passionate about the topics
  • Be well organized and maximize the work schedule.

Starting a finance blog involves a low financial investment, while there is a considerable possibility for success. There are minimal overhead costs, saving you time and money. Therefore, starting a finance blog is an incredible business opportunity.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

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

Explore 19 Finance Blog Success Stories

13. Become an affiliate marketer

An affiliate marketer business is a venture where you promote other companies' products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.

It's a low-cost business idea because you don't need to create or own the products yourself. Instead, you use your marketing skills to drive traffic and sales to the products of other businesses.

To start, you'll need to sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies in your chosen niche.

Once approved, you'll receive unique tracking links that help the company identify sales generated through your efforts, allowing you to earn a commission for each successful referral.

This business model requires minimal upfront investment, making it an accessible option for those looking to start a business on a budget.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $75,000/month

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

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

Explore 3 Affiliate Marketer Success Stories

14. Start a proposal software app

A proposal software app is a program that streamlines the process of creating, sending, and closing proposals, quotes, contracts, and other sales documents. The common users of proposal apps include consultants and business executives who want to generate a personalized and professional-looking proposal. A good example of a proposal software app is Proposify

In creating your proposal app, first, understand how the target users interact with their proposals. Then, provide them with a suite of options so they choose ones that they feel convenient to use. Ensure your software enables the user to produce sleek business proposals quickly.

Typically, the proposal software should be intuitive for any user and should include critical automation and support client interaction tracking, to make proposal creation easy. Build a great product that solves your customer’s pain.

Finally, set up a customer support team that will be directly responsible for guiding customers through the onboarding process, and work towards retaining and expanding accounts.

How much you can make: $570,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)

15. Start a relationship coaching business

Starting a career as a relationship coach can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience for individuals who are passionate about helping others build healthier and stronger relationships.

To start your business, invest in basic business essentials such as a well-designed website, business cards, and marketing materials that can help you showcase your services and reach potential clients.

Building a strong network of professionals and referrals is also essential to establish your credibility in the field and grow your business.

With the right combination of skills, knowledge, and marketing strategies, you can make a positive impact on your clients’ lives and help them navigate the complexities of relationships with ease.

As a relationship coach, you have the opportunity to transform people’s lives and create a lasting impact in their personal and professional spheres.

How much you can make: $30,000 — $683,333/month

How long does it take to build: 26 days (?)

16. Start a content creation business

As a content entrepreneur, you get to flex your writing skills across different formats and subjects to elevate marketing campaigns.

Offering niche-specific expertise lets you provide targeted messages tailored for client goals and audiences.

With the freedom of freelance gigs or full-service agency models, starting a content studio allows creativity and strategy to enhance brand stories and digital experiences.

Whether supporting one company or many, a personalized approach backed by writing talent positions your content creation venture to drive lead generation and visibility for today’s content-compelling market.

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

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

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

Explore 8 Content Creation Business Success Stories

17. Start a BBQ tools business

Demand for barbecue tools and accessories has increased over the past years, and there are no signs of slowing anytime soon.

The increase in the number of hotels and restaurants and the adoption of homemade barbeque are some reasons for the growing demand for barbeque tools.

Production of BBQ tools and accessories can be a profitable business venture.

If you have artisan skills and understand the BBQ industry, you can start mass production of the BBQ tools.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 275 days (?)

18. Start a dog treat business

Dog treats are a cornerstone of the dog food market. If you enjoy baking and love dogs, you can combine these passions to create healthy, natural, and tasty treats for your furry friends.

As a dog treat entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to make delicious canine confections that are both good for dogs and enjoyable to eat.

Focus on ensuring your products meet the nutritional requirements and will be safe for their consumption, and consider introducing specialty services like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes to provide an inviting niche.

Leverage online and local markets to transform homemade dog treats into a thriving and rewarding enterprise.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $1,833,333/month

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

Explore 5 Dog Treat Business Success Stories

19. Start a kayak store

Kayaking has shown steady growth in the last decade. According to data, touring kayaks anticipate revenue growth in the coming year. The demand for kayaks is attributed to increased awareness about fitness & health. Kayaking and rafting are effective cardiovascular workouts, and people across the globe are increasingly taking an interest in these sports.

If you love watersports, you can start a kayak store. Your business can focus on renting kayaks to water sports tourists or manufacturing and selling kayaks at wholesale and retail prices.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $400,000/month

20. Start a phone case business

With the number of mobile phone users increasing, there are opportunities for accessory makers such as phone case manufacturers to make a profit. Building a business around making and selling phone cases is relatively easier to produce. You can print labels on-demand, starting with a lower risk, or buy them in bulk and sell them online.

The global mobile phone protective cover market is expected to reach 75.62 billion in the next few years.

Phone protective covers often make a statement and reflect a person’s social and cultural preferences. Phone case manufacturers take advantage of such considerations and keep their products relevant and up-to-date to attract a more extensive customer base.

Remember, as with any industry with a low entry barrier, there will be competition. Therefore, you must study customers’ tastes and preferences and offer customized phone cases.

How much you can make: $120,000 — $125,000/month

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

21. Start an electronics repair business

The electronics industry itself is worth more than $2 trillion. And electronics repair is a lucrative business that can be started with little to no money.

One of the most important things an electronics repairman must do is to make sure they have the right tools and equipment for the job. This will include everything from soldering irons, wire cutters, screwdrivers and more. A good way to save money on these tools is by buying them used or refurbished.

It's also important for an electronics repairman to have a solid understanding of how electronics work, including the basics of circuit boards and electricity, so they can troubleshoot problems and fix them as efficiently as possible.

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

22. Become a real estate agent

Real estate agents are professionals who assist clients in marketing and selling their properties. They also assist the buyers in purchasing properties. Their services include meeting clients, advising them about market conditions, and providing guidance through the process of buying or selling properties.

A real estate career can be financially rewarding. However, the work requires good management skills, organization skills, customer service, handling complex paperwork and socially promoting yourself.

The pros of becoming a real estate agent include earning extra commission from clients and also setting your own working hours.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month

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

Explore 3 Real Estate Agent Success Stories

23. Start a HVAC equipment shop

Consider opening an HVAC equipment supply shop catering to contractors and homeowners to establish yourself as the local expert on HVAC products.

As an HVAC distributor, you can leverage your industry knowledge and offer top brands in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.

By setting up contractor accounts, you can meet wholesale demand, while also keeping residential inventory to fulfill DIY needs.

In addition to providing a comprehensive inventory of HVAC equipment, you can also showcase innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions, and offer reliable recommendations to clients on whether they need installation or replacement services.

By carrying related accessories and parts, your HVAC equipment shop can become a one-stop shop for installations, repairs, and seasonal maintenance. You can also build a niche for yourself as a specialist in climate control solutions.

Supplying high-quality climate control solutions to your customers is essential in helping them create comfortable and healthy indoor environments.

How much you can make: $375,000 — $1,878,618/month

24. Become a freelance app developer

A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.

To become a freelance app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.

Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $91,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

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

Explore 5 Freelance App Developer Success Stories

25. Start a reselling business

A reselling business generates profits from online arbitrage and liquidation sourcing.

To be a successful reseller, leverage product research skills to source inventory at steep discounts from sites like Alibaba as well as wholesale, closeout, and surplus stocks.

Focus on curating underpriced items for resale to maximize margins.

With minimal startup costs along with home-based flexibility, reselling serves as an accessible business that pairs an eye for value with savvy sales techniques.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $17,000/month

How long does it take to build: 196 days (?)

26. Start a pet care business

Animal care facilities offer day and night care services. Overnight care lets customers leave their pets at the pet care center to be safe from accidents and predators. Starting an overnight pet care business can be rewarding, with pet ownership on the rise. You can start a day and night care pet service to maximize profits.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $250,000/month

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

27. 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 (?)

Explore 7 Mobile Photography Business Success Stories

28. Start a children's clothing business

The children's clothing business has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in 2022 was valued at $263.30 billion.

Starting a children's clothing business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss while working in a field you enjoy. While you have to be prepared to work long hours and put in lots of hard effort, it can be extremely rewarding if successful.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,750 (?)

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

Explore 14 Children's Clothing Business Success Stories

29. Start an event planning business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore 5 Event Planning Business Success Stories

30. Become a freelancer

As a Freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your own projects and work hours, making it a great business idea for anyone seeking a flexible side hustle or full-time entrepreneurship.

You can offer your skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis through a digital platform that connects you with a global network of clients.

The services range from writing and design to programming and marketing.

It’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise, build a diverse portfolio, and earn income on your own terms.

With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, becoming a Freelancer empowers you to turn your skills into a thriving business.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000/month

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

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

Explore 4 Freelancer Success Stories

31. Start an amazon FBA business

Amazon is ripe with opportunity, which is making it possible for people to make a lot of money with little investment or effort.

Amazon has over 2.3B visitors per month, With this huge audience, Amazon is an amazing opportunity to start your own business. In fact, you can sell products with very low competition.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $1,175,000/month

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

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

Explore 9 Amazon Fba Business Success Stories

32. Become a house sitter

Consider becoming a house sitter if you are looking for a business that requires zero capital and minimal operating expenses.

As a house sitter, your responsibilities include overseeing home maintenance, watering plants, collecting mail, and conducting regular security checks while your clients are away.

To build your reputation and gain more referrals, focus on developing relationships with your clients and within the community.

As a house-sitting business owner, you have the flexibility to create personalized service plans based on your clients’ trip duration and needs. This business model allows you to pair independence with purpose by providing peace of mind to homeowners.

If you have a responsible nature, you can turn your access to your own home into a keys-to-the-castle business model that unlocks profits by building a clientele as a professional sitter.

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

33. Start a handyman business

A handyman business covers a wide range of home repair and maintenance services, making it an easy entry into the industry.

You can start with minimal resources, and by providing valuable assistance to customers, you'll quickly establish yourself as a trusted professional in the field.

To start a handyman business on a budget, identify your skills and the services you can offer confidently.

Then, create a basic business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing.

Next, obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and invest in basic tools and equipment.

Finally, promote your services through word of mouth, local advertising, and online platforms to attract customers and gradually grow your handyman business.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $1,600,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week

Explore 4 Handyman Business Success Stories

34. Start a tax consulting business

A tax consulting business involves providing tax preparation, planning, and advisory services to help clients manage their financial obligations and opportunities.

As a consultant, you use your expertise to oversee tax filings, maximize returns, and minimize liabilities while identifying legal savings strategies.

Given the complexity of tax codes, the demand for specialized guidance tailored to individual situations creates a great opportunity for building a successful practice.

If you have strong financial acumen, a tax consultancy presents a versatile business model that combines vital compliance services with year-round planning and advisory services, leading to robust revenue potential.

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

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

35. Become a social media consultant

Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.

To become a social media consultant, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.

How much you can make: $100 — $990,000/month

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

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

Explore 11 Social Media Consultant Success Stories

36. Start a mobile app development business

Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices. These apps can be used for a variety of purposes, including games, productivity, and social networking.

Starting a mobile app development business is a great way to enter the world of software development. This type of company is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to reach their customers through mobile apps.

To start a mobile app development company, you need to have strong technical skills and be able to develop high-quality software. You should also have a good understanding of how to market and sell mobile apps

How much you can make: $7,500 — $2,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

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

Explore 19 Mobile App Development Business Success Stories

37. Start a handcraft products business

If you’re interested in starting a business that involves making and selling custom decorative products, then a handcrafted goods business may be for you.

As an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to transform your creativity into commerce and introduce unique household items, personal accessories, and statement fashion pieces.

You have the freedom to create specialty offerings that cater to different audiences and interests, and you can sell your products through various distribution channels.

Whether you choose to build an online shop or a local makers studio, you can make money from home at your own pace.

A handcraft venture is a great option for aspiring founders seeking accessible startup costs and work-lifestyle flexibility.

You can monetize your unique DIY creations and turn your passion into a profitable business.

How much you can make: $19,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

38. Start a coffee shop

Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.

If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $52,500/month

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

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

39. Start a bookkeeping service

As the nature of business changes, bookkeeping is an essential function that is on-demand across all business sectors.

Bookkeeping services support businesses by handling their accounts receivables, creating and sending invoices to the correct accounts, and processing accounts payable to ensure business owners settle them when due.

To become a bookkeeper, pick the niche market, choose a bookkeeping software, and set up the necessary business infrastructure. You need a website, an address, client database software, and file-sharing tools where your clients can access records on demand.

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

How much does it cost to start: $515 (?)

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

40. Start a fashion consulting business

Fashion consulting is becoming increasingly popular, with the rise of small start-ups and new eCommerce sites. As the world becomes more visual, fashion consultants, image consultants, and image coaches are in high demand.

As a fashion consultant, your tasks will be varied and could include: sourcing products, making recommendations on fashion trends and styles, advising on colors, fabrics, and cut, sizing, and quality.

A fashion consulting business can be a profitable and enjoyable way to work with high-end clothing. It is an easy and relatively passive way to make money working online.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $75,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

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

41. Become a language tutor

A language tutoring business provides individualized instruction and guidance to students who are learning new languages.

As an entrepreneurial tutor, you will create tailor-made curriculums that focus on conversational skills, test preparation, and accent reduction based on the goals of each student.

You can offer both in-person and virtual sessions, and as you build your client base, you will help your students improve their communication skills.

If you possess teaching abilities and fluency in multiple languages, a tutoring service can help you turn your language proficiency into profit while giving you the freedom to set your own schedule.

How much you can make: $91,000 — $13,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $60 (?)

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

Explore 4 Language Tutor Success Stories

42. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.

Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.

Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.

Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

Explore 11 Dropshipping Business Success Stories

43. Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

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

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

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

Explore 10 Virtual Assistant Success Stories

44. 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 (?)

45. Sell digital products

Digital products are top-rated. They’re easy to create and share and a great way to build a business.

Digital products can be software-based, like an app or game, or information-based, like an ebook or course. They can also be something else entirely—like a membership site or a community. The possibilities are endless!

So what makes digital products such a great way to build a business? Well, first of all, they’re effortless to create. You don’t have to hire anyone else to do it for you; you can do it yourself! And because there’s no risk of having inventory sitting around in your garage, digital products can be sold directly from your website without worrying about moving merchandise.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,766,666/month

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

How long does it take to build: 58 days (?)

Explore 6 Sell Digital Products Success Stories

46. Start an online t-shirt business

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

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

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

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

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

Explore 15 Online T Shirt Business Success Stories

47. Start a cleaning service

A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.

By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

Explore 13 Cleaning Service Success Stories

48. Start a teaching business

A teaching business involves providing educational services to students of all ages, either in a group or individually. This can include tutoring, teaching language skills, music lessons, or providing educational workshops or classes.

To run a successful teaching business, it is important to have a strong background in the subject matter you will be teaching. This may involve obtaining a degree or certification in a particular field. Additionally, practical communication skills and the ability to adapt to different learning styles are essential in teaching.

Marketing and networking are also vital to growing a teaching business. Building relationships with schools, community centers, and other educational organizations can help to attract more students. Social media and other online platforms can also help promote your services and reach a larger audience.

Another tip for running a successful teaching business is to be organized and efficient with your time. Creating lesson plans and keeping track of student progress can help ensure that you provide the best possible education for your clients.

Overall, a teaching business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs with a passion for education and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $833,333/month

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

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

Explore 8 Teaching Business Success Stories

49. Start a technology consulting business

Technology is critical to helping drive corporate strategy and ensuring its success. Not all startup owners are from an IT background, so keeping up with current technology trends can be challenging. Such entrepreneurs rely on technology consultants to help them harness technology.

Technology consultants connect businesses with experienced technology innovation advisors to solve critical enterprise challenges. Technology consulting is essential to helping organizations use technology to drive innovation and growth.

You may consider starting your technology consulting business if you have IT skills and some experience in the technology sector.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $43,700,000/month

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

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

Explore 9 Technology Consulting Business Success Stories

50. Start a courier business

Courier service is a premium, all-inclusive service that collects and delivers shipments within the shortest possible time frame. Courier services serve individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, hospitals, etc.

If you dream of owning a courier service, you can start as a delivery driver and rely on self-employed delivery drivers to get the goods to customers. As the business grows, you can invest in delivery vans to handle bulky deliveries.

To run a convenient courier service, ensure you have a reliable delivery car and proper time management skills.

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

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

51. Start a transcription business

A transcription service converts live or recorded speech into a written or electronic text document. Transcription service is in demand globally across industries.

Becoming a transcriptionist can be a side hustle or a full-time job, so long as you have the right gear.

Do you plan to become a transcriber ? Take an online transcriptionist course and work on your listening skills. To succeed, you need a good typing speed and excellent language command.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Explore 3 Transcription Business Success Stories

52. Start a home organizing business

A professional home decluttering service helps homeowners eliminate what they no longer need. Some home decluttering service providers do basic house cleaning and interior design guidance.

A home organizing service is easy to start and involves little running costs compared to other businesses. Register your company and apply for relevant licenses before you begin offering the services.

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

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

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

53. Start a skin care product line

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

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

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

Explore 26 Skin Care Product Line Success Stories

54. Start a language translation service

Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.

To become a language translator , master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Explore 3 Language Translation Service Success Stories

55. Start a digital marketing business

Digital marketing businesses serve local and international companies to expand their reach and grow revenue. A top reason digital marketing is so exciting is that the field is constantly evolving and is easy to learn.

If you plan to start a digital marketing business, educate yourself and understand how digital marketing agencies work. Then, focus on building your digital skills and advancing your career through online digital marketing courses.

To stand out, find a digital marketing niche and focus on the audience interested in your services.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $6,660,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,260 (?)

How long does it take to build: 58 days (?)

Explore 56 Digital Marketing Business Success Stories

56. Start a food truck

Food trucks are a highly profitable business that offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck. This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it's more challenging than it looks. To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.

To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences. Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.

How much you can make: $29,166 — $61,650,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Explore 9 Food Truck Success Stories

57. Start a lawn care service

Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.

To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.

To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.

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

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

58. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

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

59. Start a graphic design business

Graphic designers create logos, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials for companies and organizations. They also design websites and other digital content, including social media graphics.

Graphic designers may specialize in one type of design (such as print or web design), or they can be generalists who do everything from logo design to social media graphics.

Starting a graphic design business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It’s not easy, but if you’re passionate about design and want to make a living, starting your own graphic design business is a great way to go.

Consider a suitable pricing structure when starting a graphic design business. You may charge the customers per hour or fixed pricing based on the project’s nature.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 87 days (?)

Explore 26 Graphic Design Business Success Stories

60. Become a personal fitness trainer

A personal trainer demonstrates exercises and routines to clients. A professional trainer takes a holistic approach to fitness and helps the clients attain a healthy lifestyle and attitude.

Personal trainers enjoy unlimited earning potential because they can work for several clients. Besides, they enjoy flexible working hours, become their own boss, and enjoy maximum job satisfaction.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,650,000/month

Explore 3 Personal Fitness Trainer Success Stories

61. Start a podcasting business

Podcasting businesses often start as a hobby. You publish a few episodes and posts, and soon you will start getting engagements from interested parties.

However, to earn money from your podcasting business, you need to put a lot of effort and time into producing quality shows that address your audience's concerns.

To grow your podcast business, ensure regular publishing, which brings better growth, more listeners to your channel, and a higher income.

Here is a list of steps to help you transition the podcast from a hobby to a full-time podcast business:

  • Ensure a focused effort and adjust the tone of each podcast episode
  • Make podcasting your priority
  • Focus on building
  • Grow a mailing list
  • Aim at building a trusted brand
  • Develop a long-term growth and marketing plan

How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month

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

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

Explore 10 Podcasting Business Success Stories

62. Start a newsletter

Did you know that in the past five years, there has been more than a 50% increase in the number of people who read newsletters?

Newsletters are one of the few things you can use to market yourself as a trusted expert. A well-written newsletter can educate your subscribers and build connections with them.

Email newsletters are a great way to connect with customers and potential customers. It’s a newsletter’s job to inform, persuade, and sell to your audience.

How much you can make: $100 — $3,000,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)

Explore 22 Newsletter Success Stories

63. Start an online jewelry store

The online jewelry store industry has been growing rapidly. More and more people are buying cheaper jewelry online because it is easier and has a much more extensive selection.

The United States jewelry market was valued at about $76B in 2020, and diamond is considered to be the most valuable and lucrative among all forms of jewelry.

If you’re considering starting an online jewelry store to tap into this market, it’s crucial to choose the right e-commerce platform that can support your business needs and enable seamless transactions with your customers.

A great platform can help you showcase your products, manage your inventory, process payments securely, and provide an enjoyable shopping experience to your customers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

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

Explore 22 Online Jewelry Store Success Stories

64. Become a language tutor

A language tutoring business provides individualized instruction and guidance to students who are learning new languages.

As an entrepreneurial tutor, you will create tailor-made curriculums that focus on conversational skills, test preparation, and accent reduction based on the goals of each student.

You can offer both in-person and virtual sessions, and as you build your client base, you will help your students improve their communication skills.

If you possess teaching abilities and fluency in multiple languages, a tutoring service can help you turn your language proficiency into profit while giving you the freedom to set your own schedule.

How much you can make: $91,000 — $13,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $60 (?)

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

Explore 4 Language Tutor Success Stories

65. Start a baby blankets brand

The “baby blankets brand” business idea is an excellent opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to tap into the lucrative market of baby products. The business involves designing, manufacturing, and selling high-quality baby blankets made of soft and comfortable materials.

To run this business, you will need to have a strong understanding of the market and the needs of parents and caregivers. You will also need to have some basic skills in design and manufacturing, as well as a reliable supply chain to source materials and produce the blankets.

One of the main benefits of running this business is the potential for high profits, as there is always a demand for baby blankets. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to create and sell a product that brings joy and comfort to families with young children.

To succeed in this business, it is important to focus on offering a high-quality product that stands out from the competition. You should also consider offering a range of styles and sizes to meet the needs of different customers. With careful planning and hard work, the “baby blankets brand” business idea has the potential to be a rewarding and successful venture.

How much you can make: $14,000 — $50,000/month

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

66. Start an online influencer business

An online influencer business is a company or service that gets products or services sold through popular online users. It can be a very lucrative form of marketing.

As technology has advanced, more and more influencer businesses are starting to rise. These are people or companies who become famous for being influential on various topics.

More and more companies are investing in online influencer marketing because this channel is successful for new product exposure or for sharing news about a brand through voice-overs on popular online videos. You can work with these online influencers in different ways including the use of affiliate marketing or product embeds with sponsorship.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 295 days (?)

Explore 3 Online Influencer Business Success Stories

67. Start a CBD business

Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is becoming a household name, and its proponents believe this is for good reasons. Reports indicate that CBD treats several conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and anxiety.

Market trend researchers indicate the CBD market will grow by a CAGR of 21.7 % over the next few years. Rising awareness of cannabidiol’s health benefits and its effectiveness in managing pain are some factors propelling the CBD industry’s growth.

Therefore, starting a CBD business in 2024 could be the best decision you are yet to agree to. Some high-potential CBD business ideas and opportunities include:

  • Become a CBD distributor.
  • Form CBD cooperatives.
  • Run a CBD podcast.
  • CBD marketer.
  • CBD blogger and reviewer.
  • Make and sell CBD bottles and containers.
  • Start a CBD subscription box service.
  • Start a CBD courier business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

Explore 14 Cbd Business Success Stories

68. Start an online reputation business

An online reputation management business involves helping individuals and companies improve their digital footprints by curating positive web content.

As a reputation consultant, you pursue search engine optimization and public relations strategies to mitigate damaging commentary.

With services ranging from blog outreach to social media cleanup, building an Online Reputation Management firm lets you reclaim web narratives.

For PR-savvy founders seeking an accessible startup model, an online reputation venture allows you to monetize internet influence from anywhere while fueling a billion-dollar industry spanning business and personal brands.

How much you can make: $41,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

69. Start a camping brand

A camping gear and apparel brand caters to outdoor adventure enthusiasts seeking quality and performance.

As an camping brand founder, you oversee the design and development of tents, packs, headlamps, and accessories tailored for campers, hikers, and travelers.

Focusing on innovative technologies and sustainable materials provides an eco-conscious edge.

Whether debuting a direct-to-consumer model or wholesale deal, building a camping goods company from the ground up transforms passion into profits.

For those seeking to make their mark on the thriving outdoor recreation industry, a startup brand allows you to carve your niche by equipping others to comfortably enjoy nature no matter the destination.

How much you can make: $1,350 — $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,700 (?)

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

Explore 3 Camping Brand Success Stories

70. Start a junk removal business

Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.

To begin, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $37,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

Explore 6 Junk Removal Business Success Stories

71. Start a travel consulting business

Many people dream of traveling the world. Starting a travel consulting business is an excellent way to make a passive income, explore different parts of the world, and help others do the same.

As a travel consultant, you will provide advice to clients on various aspects of travel, including destinations, airfare, accommodations, and activities.

The objective is to assist tourists and travelers in planning personalized vacations, offer travel advice, and provide end-to-end travel arrangements for a fee.

By making use of industry knowledge and relationships with hotels, airlines, and destination experts, travel consultants can save their clients time and effort in designing their dream trips.

How much you can make: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

Explore 9 Travel Consulting Business Success Stories

72. 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 — $9,259,259/month

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

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

Explore 31 Business Coach Success Stories

73. Start an embroidery business

Demand for embroidery supplies is growing globally, so starting an embroidery business in 2024 can be a great opportunity. The industry is experiencing a boom, and it has never been the best time to start your own embroidery business.

Before starting the business, weigh whether you have the right skills and knowledge of different fabrics and stitching. The size of embroidery equipment will depend on the size of the business you are looking to set up and how much you are expecting to grow.

Popular items within the embroidery business include:

  • Caps
  • T-shirts
  • Polo shirts
  • Shirts
  • Jackets
  • Sweatshirts

When choosing the items to stock up on, consider the types of customers always looking for embroidered goods and factor in the market size.

How much you can make: $6,500 — $10,000/month

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

74. Become a TikToker

To become a successful TikTok creator, one needs to possess a great deal of creativity, maintain consistency in their content, and have a deep understanding of how the platform’s algorithm works in order to effectively engage with their audience and increase their reach.

Start by developing a niche, personality, or style of content that will make you stand out in a sea of creators and film 15-60 second videos showcasing your genuine talents, commentary, or interests.

Use relevant hashtags, viral sounds, and collaborate with other creators through duets or collaborations. This can help you attract more followers and get featured on the "For You" feed.

Interact frequently with supportive comments and responding to fans to foster an engaged, growing audience that will eagerly await more of your entertaining and informative videos.

Stick to a regular posting schedule, find what works for your niche, take risks creatively, and you’ll be on the path toward TikTok fame and possible full-time income.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 183 days (?)

meet the author
Samantha Walls

I'm Sam Walls, COO of Starter Story - a platform and community for entrepreneurs and future founders to learn what it takes to build a great business. I joined the Starter Story team approximately 3 years ago, with the goal of providing our readers with the best, most valuable, and inspirational content on the internet.