18+ Unique Business Ideas To Start In North Carolina
Interested in starting a business in North Carolina in 2024?
We put together 96 of the best businesses you can start in North Carolina today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in North Carolina.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a bicycle company ($12M/year)
Starting a bicycle company in North Carolina could be a fantastic business opportunity, especially if you are passionate about cycling and have an eye for design and quality. Leveraging word-of-mouth marketing and social media, you could build a trusted brand, much like State Bicycle Co., which was started by Mehdi Farsi in Tempe. This company managed to grow to over $50M in annual sales and produced over 100,000 bikes by focusing on attractive, affordable products and engaging with their community of cyclists.
Mehdi Farsi and his brother Reza identified a market gap for complete bicycles that were both budget-friendly and visually appealing, using their background in business and marketing to bootstrap the venture. You could explore a similar path in North Carolina, focusing on quality and community engagement to build your brand. For more insight into how they achieved this impressive success, you can read their full story here.
"Co-founders of State Bicycle Co. reveal how they bootstrapped their company to over $50M in annual sales and produced over 100,000 bikes by creating a trusted brand through word-of-mouth and social media, sponsoring talented riders, limited-edition releases, and focusing on product quality."
2. Start a social media marketing agency ($6M/year)
Starting a social media marketing agency in North Carolina can be a highly lucrative opportunity, especially given how integral social media has become to modern marketing strategies. By focusing on this specialized area, you could help local businesses in North Carolina amplify their online presence, engage with their audience, and drive sales through targeted social media campaigns.
Ignite Social Media, founded by Jim Tobin in Cary, NC, is an excellent example of this successful business model. Launched in 2007, Ignite Social Media carved out a niche as America’s first social media agency and has since worked with renowned clients like Microsoft and Intel. To dive deeper into how this pioneering business maintains its edge, check out their story.
Learn how the founder of Ignite Social Media launched the first-ever social media agency in the US, attracting big-name clients like Microsoft and Intel through organic leads and referrals, and stay on top of the constantly changing industry by focusing on one area of marketing.
3. Start a real estate business ($6M/year)
Starting a real estate business in North Carolina could be a lucrative endeavor, given the state's diverse geography and growing economy. Real estate investment and property management are particularly promising, allowing you to tap into both urban and rural markets. T. Cory Lewis, the founder of T. C. Lewis & Co. Real Estate, demonstrated the potential of this industry with his multifaceted firm operating in the Appalachian mountain region. His company, which began humbly with meetings in bookstores and coffee shops, has now grown into a well-recognized firm.
T. C. Lewis & Co. Real Estate provides comprehensive services including sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being a cornerstone for investor relations and organic growth. This business, based in Asheville, North Carolina, has earned several accolades such as being listed among Inc. magazine's Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies. For more insights into how Cory Lewis built his successful enterprise, you could read the full case study here.
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
4. Start a zapier consulting agency ($4.68M/year)
Starting a Zapier consulting agency in North Carolina could be a lucrative opportunity for those with a knack for automation and workflow optimization. Zapier's platform allows businesses to integrate various apps, automating repetitive tasks and streamlining operations, which is invaluable to companies looking to improve efficiency and reduce errors. By becoming an expert in these integrations, you could help businesses across North Carolina eliminate mundane tasks, focus on core activities, and drive growth.
Digital Position™, founded by Roger Parent in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an excellent example of a successful consulting business in this niche. Dissatisfied with being underpaid, Roger left his job to start his own digital marketing agency, which is now generating over $330k per month. You can read more about Roger's inspiring journey and business success in this case study.
Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.
5. Start a construction company ($4.2M/year)
Starting a construction company in North Carolina, especially given the state's ongoing growth and development, could be a lucrative venture. With a focus on customer satisfaction and high-quality workmanship, you could establish a thriving business that caters to both residential and commercial clients. One noteworthy example is Carolina Exteriors, a booming residential home improvement service co-founded by Clifton Muckenfuss in Apex, NC.
Founded in 2010 amidst the housing crisis, Carolina Exteriors has grown to generate $4,000,000 in annual revenue, employing 12 full-time staff members and over 50 trade partners. Their emphasis on customer-focused service and solid business practices has set them apart in the Raleigh Metro Area. To learn more about their journey and insights, you could check out their full case study here.
Carolina Exteriors is a residential home improvement service that generates $4,000,000 in revenue annually, with 12 full-time employees and over 50 trade partners, developed in response to the previous housing crisis and their founders' belief that contractors needed to be more customer-focused.
6. Start a bedding company ($1.8M/year)
Starting a bedding company offers a promising venture, particularly if you focus on health-conscious and eco-friendly products. In North Carolina, Turmerry serves as an inspiring example, illustrating how you could create a successful business with a strong commitment to sustainability. Founded by Rumana Bai, Turmerry stands out for its environmentally responsible bedding products, which include latex mattress toppers and pillows made from pure and organic non-GMO materials.
Located in Charlotte, NC, Turmerry has grown impressively, achieving a 6000% year-over-year revenue increase. The company has garnered a loyal customer base by prioritizing natural, non-toxic materials and forging partnerships with organizations like American Forests. For more on their journey, check out Turmerry's case study.
An aspiring founder shares how they started an online retail store providing natural and non-toxic bedding products, growing their YOY revenue by 6000%, and focusing on sustainability and community impact through partnerships with American Forests and introducing 100% Natural and Organic Hair Oil.
7. Start a candle business ($1.68M/year)
If you're entrepreneurial and living in North Carolina, starting a candle business could be a lucrative venture. Candles are a popular home decor item and can be tailored to local tastes and cultural themes. For inspiration, look no further than the Southern Elegance Candle Company, which was started in Raeford, North Carolina by D'Shawn Russell.
What began as a side hustle at a local Farmers Market, making around $200 per weekend, quickly grew into a thriving business averaging $20,000 per month in sales. By focusing on Southern-themed fragrances, Southern Elegance has captured the hearts of many in the region and beyond. You can read more about their amazing journey here.
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
8. Start a custom app development service ($1.2M/year)
Starting a custom app development service in North Carolina could be a lucrative business idea, tapping into the state's robust tech ecosystem. With a growing demand for technology solutions across various industries, you could help businesses enhance their operations with tailor-made applications.
A specific example is Imaginovation, founded by Michael Georgiou and Pete Peranzo in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2011. This award-winning technology company has consistently grown over 40% in revenue annually and has been honored as one of the Top Technology Companies in North Carolina by Clutch. To learn more about their journey, you can read their case study.
Imaginovation, a technology and app development company in Raleigh, NC, was recently named one of the Top Technology Companies in North Carolina by Clutch and has grown an average of over 40% in revenue every year since it was founded in 2011 by co-founders Michael Georgiou and Pete Peranzo.
9. Become a shopify app developer ($780K/year)
If you're looking to capitalize on the booming ecommerce industry in North Carolina, you could become a Shopify app developer. Leveraging your coding skills to create useful apps for Shopify store owners can be a lucrative business. For instance, ByteStand, founded by Todd Trimakas in Charlotte, demonstrates the potential in this field. ByteStand's successful apps, such as FreshCredit and FBA Shipping, generate around $17,000 per month and support over 2,000 shops.
Todd's journey from selling overstock items on Amazon to developing Shopify apps is an inspiring one, showing that with dedication and the right idea, you could thrive in this sector. For a detailed look into Todd's process and how ByteStand was built from the ground up, you can check out this case study. It’s a compelling example of how entrepreneurial drive can translate into a profitable business in North Carolina.
ByteStand, a software development company run by ecommerce experts, created Shopify apps, including FreshCredit and FBA Shipping, which generate approximately $17,000 per month in revenue, with over 2,000 shops using their software.
10. Start a cryptocurrency exchange service ($600K/year)
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in cryptocurrencies, starting a cryptocurrency exchange service might be an exciting opportunity for you in North Carolina. The growing popularity and adoption of digital currencies present a ripe environment for launching such a venture. An excellent example of success in this field is SimpleSwap.io, a user-friendly, non-custodial exchange service that boasts over 200,000 monthly active users and generates an average monthly revenue of $50,000.
SimpleSwap was created with the idea of simplifying the cryptocurrency exchange process while ensuring safety and convenience for its users. By offering support for over 300 crypto and fiat currencies and providing superior customer service, SimpleSwap has carved out a significant market share. For a deeper dive into their business journey, check out their case study. This could serve as a solid inspiration for launching your cryptocurrency exchange in North Carolina.
SimpleSwap, a user-friendly and reliable service for cryptocurrency exchanges, attracts over 200,000 monthly active users with an average monthly revenue of $50,000 by offering a simple and convenient exchange process and superior customer support.
11. Start a digital marketing business ($300K/year)
Starting a digital marketing business in North Carolina could be a lucrative opportunity, especially given the growing demand for online visibility among local businesses. You could help companies in specialized niches, such as the disaster restoration industry, achieve positive ROI through targeted digital marketing and SEO services. This kind of business can leverage word-of-mouth marketing and strong client relationships to build trust and drive growth.
A compelling example of success in this field is Restoration Digital Marketing, which was started by Jeff Carrier in Asheville, North Carolina. This business generates over $25,000 per month by helping restoration companies excel in their digital marketing efforts. To dive deeper into how Jeff Carrier built his successful venture, you can read the full case study here.
Restoration Digital Marketing generates over $25,000 per month helping restoration companies achieve positive ROI through its specialized digital marketing services, and its success has been fuelled through word-of-mouth marketing tactics and developing client relationships.
12. Start a jewelry making business ($240K/year)
Starting a jewelry making business could be an excellent opportunity in North Carolina, especially if you have a passion for creativity and craftsmanship. One inspiring example is Aziza Jewelry, founded by Aziza Browne in Asheville, North Carolina. Aziza's business, which generates $5k/month, specializes in custom word necklaces and Mother-Daughter Earring Sets. Her pieces have become popular gifts, especially as "Push Presents" for new moms.
By leveraging social media for marketing, investing in yourself, and making industry connections, you could create a thriving jewelry business in North Carolina. To learn more about Aziza's journey and gather insights on starting your own jewelry making business, check out the full case study here.
A jewelry business founder discusses how she started her $5k/month side hustle selling custom word necklaces and shares advice on making connections in your industry, investing in yourself, and using social media for marketing.
13. Start a surprise travel agency ($180K/year)
Starting a surprise travel agency could be a unique and exciting business venture in North Carolina, particularly for those passionate about travel and planning. Whisked Away Surprise Travel, founded by Charlotte Curry McGhee in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as a compelling case study. This business helps clients who are overwhelmed by the travel planning process by offering curated surprise trips, where the destination is revealed just a week before departure.
Since its launch in March 2017, Whisked Away has seen exponential revenue growth each year, demonstrating a strong demand for stress-free, surprise travel experiences. By allowing clients to select their region, budget, and travel dates, and then handling all the details, Whisked Away turns a potentially stressful activity into an enjoyable adventure. If you're considering launching a business in North Carolina, this could be an inspiring model to follow. For more details on Whisked Away's journey, you can read the full case study here.
Whisked Away Surprise Travel is a curated travel service for clients overwhelmed by the planning process, with revenue growth exponentially increasing each year since its launch in March 2017.
14. Start a stuffed animals business ($120K/year)
If you're considering a unique business idea in North Carolina, you could start a stuffed animals business tailored to specific niches and audiences. One successful example is ZZZ Bears, founded by Justin Baum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ZZZ Bears features a line of military-themed teddy bears named SGT SLEEPTIGHT, designed to help children, especially those from military families, sleep soundly by warding off nighttime fears.
Justin Baum leveraged his background in advertising and his passion for supporting military families to grow ZZZ Bears through strategic partnerships and effective digital marketing. This North Carolina-based business has seen success through platforms like Facebook ads and retail giants such as Target. To learn more about how ZZZ Bears was built, you can read the full case study here.
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.
15. Start a graphic design business ($96K/year)
Starting a graphic design business in North Carolina offers a wealth of opportunities, especially with the growing demand for digital and creative services. If you have a knack for design and an entrepreneurial spirit, you could launch a successful venture just like Scott Tarcy did with CADdesignhelp.com in Charlotte, NC. Scott took his background in mechanical engineering and turned a side hustle into a thriving business, creating CAD designs and prototypes for various clients. Leveraging his design skills, Scott expanded his service-based business to include an eCommerce store, now averaging $9,000 a month in revenue.
Scott's journey is a perfect example of how you could start small and scale up, focusing on client acquisition and multiple streams of income. Starting in North Carolina, a state with a burgeoning tech scene, you have the potential to tap into a rich market of small businesses and independent inventors in need of graphic design services. For a deeper dive into Scott's inspiring story, check out his case study.
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
16. Start an animation business ($84K/year)
Starting an animation business in North Carolina could be a highly profitable venture for entrepreneurial-minded individuals, especially given the rise in digital content across various platforms. You could focus on creating custom explainer animations, logo animations, and social media stickers for clients ranging from start-ups to marketing companies. These services can command premium rates, with explainer animations alone bringing in between $5,500 and $7,500 per project.
Drive 80 Studios, founded by Mike Doyle in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a prime example of a successful animation business in the state. Mike generates between $75,000 and $100,000 annually by offering a diverse range of animation services tailored to the needs of his clients. His business underscores the potential for financial and creative success in this field. For a deeper dive into his journey, you can check out the case study here.
An animation company owner generates between $75,000 and $100,000 annually from producing custom explainer animations for start-ups and marketing companies for between $5,500 and $7,500; logo animations for companies that market using videos at $200 to $500; and Instagram Stories stickers beginning at $350.
17. Start a woodworking business ($30K/year)
If you have a knack for woodworking, starting a woodworking business in North Carolina could be a rewarding venture. Steve Smith, a high school marketing teacher from Greensboro, North Carolina, exemplified this by starting 2Puggles as a part-time experiment. His woodworking business focuses on creating wooden earrings, bookmarks, coasters, and clocks. Despite being a part-time endeavor originally, 2Puggles generates $15,000 annually, showcasing the lucrative potential within the woodworking niche.
Engaging in craft shows, launching Kickstarter campaigns, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals were key strategies in the growth of 2Puggles. Such an enterprise could thrive in North Carolina, where local craftsmanship is cherished. To delve further into Steve's journey and gather inspiration, you can read the full case study here.
This high school teacher experimented with building a part-time woodworking-based business, 2Puggles, which generates $15,000 annually and has enjoyed significant growth after starting in crafts shows, Kickstarter, and relying on word of mouth referrals to generate revenue.
18. Start a mobile photography business ($24K/year)
Starting a mobile photography business in North Carolina could be an exciting opportunity for those with a passion for capturing moments. With the scenic beauty of the state ranging from the Blue Ridge Mountains to its picturesque coastlines, you could offer on-location photo sessions for families, engagements, and special events, setting you apart from traditional studio photographers.
Two Little Monkeys Photography, started by Samantha Bachand in Monroe, NC, is a shining example of success in this field. Samantha built her newborn and family photography studio from the ground up with just a Canon 40D, even during challenging times. Since its founding, her business has seen steady growth. You can read more about her inspiring journey in this case study.
How a single mother went from starting a newborn and family photography studio with just a Canon 40D - risking everything after a turbulent time as a teenage mother - to achieving steady growth of 5-10% YoY.
19. Start an exercise app ($3K/year)
Starting an exercise app can be a lucrative business opportunity, especially in health-conscious states like North Carolina. Raleigh-based entrepreneur Justin Anyanwu exemplifies this with Lazy Jar, an innovative fitness app under his company Innovative Bit. Lazy Jar incentivizes users to stick to their workout routines by charging a fee if they fail to meet their fitness goals, combining financial motivation with health benefits.
Begun in Raleigh, North Carolina, Lazy Jar currently averages $250 in monthly revenue and has been featured in reputable publications such as TechCrunch, LifeHacker, and Fast Company. This success story demonstrates that if you have a unique take on fitness and the technical skills to develop an app, you could make a significant impact in the growing health and wellness market. For more details on Justin's journey, you can read the full case study here.
Lazy Jar is a fitness app that charges users for failing to meet their weekly fitness goals, launched by Justin Anyanwu, which currently averages $250 per month and has been featured in publications such as TechCrunch, LifeHacker, and Fast Company.
20. Become a social media consultant ($1.2K/year)
Starting a business as a social media consultant in North Carolina can be a highly effective venture given the increasing importance of digital presence for both local and global businesses. By leveraging skills in social media strategy, content creation, and analytics, you could assist companies in optimizing their online presence, ultimately driving revenue and customer engagement. There's a broad market, ranging from small local businesses to larger enterprises, in need of experts to manage and grow their social media platforms effectively.
One inspiring example is BT Neil Consulting, founded by Cornelia "Miss Co" Malloy, who started her online consulting business in Dunn, NC. Cornelia successfully uses social media to promote her multiple brands and deliver valuable digital resources in various fields such as career, business, and long-term care placement. Her journey illustrates the importance of consistency and perseverance in building a reputable consulting business online. For more details on her story, you can check out the case study.
BT Neil Consulting founder, Cornelia "Miss Co" Malloy, shares how she started her online consulting business and the struggles she faced when trying to build awareness and gain customers while highlighting the importance of consistency and not giving up.
21. Start a lead generation business ($2.33M/year)
Starting a lead generation business in North Carolina could be a lucrative venture given the state's diverse economic landscape, including thriving sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. By leveraging your understanding of digital marketing, you could help local businesses across industries gain new clients and grow their bottom line.
Additionally, North Carolina is home to several major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, providing a robust market of potential clients in need of effective lead generation services. Entrepreneurs who excel at networking and digital marketing could find numerous opportunities to assist these businesses in capturing high-quality leads. To get inspired, you can read about successful lead generation businesses that have thrived.
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.
22. Start a real estate business ($3.26M/year)
Starting a real estate business in North Carolina could be a lucrative venture considering the state's booming housing market and growing population. The region's diverse landscapes and a mix of urban and rural areas provide opportunities for various types of real estate investments. Whether you are interested in residential, commercial, or industrial properties, North Carolina's steady economic growth makes it an ideal place to dive into the real estate market.
Moreover, the state is home to several rapidly expanding cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, where the demand for housing and commercial spaces is consistently high. With a background in architecture and a keen eye for visual detail, you could capitalize on these opportunities to build a thriving real estate business. For more detailed insights, check out successful case studies and detailed business ideas on our website.
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
23. Start a specialty food business ($597K/year)
Starting a specialty food business in North Carolina could prove to be a lucrative venture. The state's diverse agricultural sector and proximity to ports make it easier to source unique and premium ingredients, catering to a growing consumer demand for high-quality, health-conscious foods.
North Carolina's vibrant food culture and numerous farmers' markets provide excellent platforms for introducing specialty food products to a broad audience. You could also leverage these local venues to test-market and refine your offerings. For more insights, check out successful specialty food business stories from entrepreneurs who turned their culinary passions into profitable businesses.
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
24. Start a food startup ($2.32M/year)
North Carolina's vibrant culinary scene and growing population create a fertile ground for starting a food startup. With its rich agricultural heritage and diverse local produce, you could tap into fresh, high-quality ingredients to create unique culinary offerings that attract both locals and tourists. Furthermore, cities like Asheville, Raleigh, and Charlotte are known for their food culture, providing ample opportunities for your business to thrive.
Whether you envision opening a cozy bakery, a trendy food truck, or even starting an online food blog, the possibilities are endless. You could also consider becoming a food manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer, offering a variety of snacks, sweets, or meals. For more inspiration and details on how to get started, check out more details on the business idea and read about successful food startup case studies on our website.
Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.
25. Start a tutoring or education business ($734K/year)
North Carolina's robust education system and diverse population create a prime environment for launching a tutoring or education business. With a variety of school districts and renowned higher education institutions across the state, there are plenty of opportunities to tap into a wide market of students seeking extra academic support. You could leverage this need by offering specialized tutoring services tailored to local curriculum standards or college prep.
Additionally, as an entrepreneur, starting a tutoring business in North Carolina allows you to set your own schedule and operate independently. You could build strong, lasting relationships with both students and their parents, creating a loyal client base that could lead to word-of-mouth referrals. Check out more details on how to start this business and read successful case studies for inspiration.
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
26. Start an online fitness business ($916K/year)
Starting an online fitness business in North Carolina could be a lucrative endeavor due to the burgeoning demand for convenient and accessible fitness solutions. Given the state's diverse and growing population, there's a substantial market for tailored, virtual fitness programs that cater to various demographics, from busy professionals working from home to health-conscious retirees.
North Carolina's vibrant tech scene and strong internet infrastructure create an ideal environment for launching a digital business. You could leverage these resources to offer personalized training sessions, nutritional advice, and wellness programs, tapping into the flexibility of online platforms. For inspiration and successful case studies, check out these success stories from other entrepreneurs who have thrived in the online fitness industry.
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
27. Start a beverages business ($21.5M/year)
Starting a beverage business in North Carolina could be a lucrative venture thanks to the state's robust agricultural sector, which provides easy access to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The region's rich tradition in agriculture ensures that you could craft unique and fresh beverages such as juices and teas that resonate with local consumers. Additionally, North Carolina's supportive business environment and diverse population offer you a broad customer base to test innovative drink concepts.
Moreover, North Carolina's thriving tourism industry provides an excellent opportunity for you to market and sell your beverages to visitors and tourists, enhancing brand visibility and growth potential. You could explore the potential by drawing inspiration from successful beverage business case studies within the state and beyond. For additional information and insights into starting this type of business, visit our detailed guide.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
28. Become an ecommerce consultant ($10M/year)
Starting an ecommerce consultancy in North Carolina could be an excellent business idea due to the state's robust and growing business environment. With North Carolina being home to thriving tech hubs like the Research Triangle Park, there is a significant demand for professionals who can help traditional businesses pivot to ecommerce models and optimize their online presence. Local businesses. seeking to expand their digital footprint, could greatly benefit from your expertise in conversion rate optimization, advertising campaigns, and navigating ecommerce development opportunities.
Additionally, North Carolina's diverse economy and solid entrepreneurial support systems offer a fertile ground for setting up your consultancy. By leveraging your knowledge to help local businesses identify profitable products and negotiate with suppliers, you could tap into a steady stream of clients eager to succeed in the online marketplace. For more insights and details on how to start this business, you could explore more here or check out successful case studies from others in this field.
Boundless Labs is an email marketing agency for eCommerce brands that has generated over $25 million in email attributable revenue for their clients since launching 18 months ago and currently makes around $90K per month, with plans to reach $100K per month by the end of January 2020 through client referrals, strong relationships, and hard work.
29. Become an author ($2.72M/year)
North Carolina's vibrant literary scene and rich history provide a fertile ground for aspiring authors. You could tap into the state's supportive network of writing communities, local bookstores, and literary festivals to showcase your work and build a loyal reader base. Leveraging the resources around cities like Asheville and Chapel Hill, known for their cultural and educational environments, might give you an edge in connecting with a diverse audience.
With the growth of self-publishing options, you could retain greater control over your creative process and profit margins. Additionally, engaging with local book clubs, schools, and community events could help you secure speaking engagements or workshops, providing multiple revenue streams. This multifaceted approach could set you up for long-term success and establish you as a recognizable author in the region.
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
30. Start a career coaching business ($582K/year)
If you're considering starting a career coaching business in North Carolina, there are several unique opportunities you could capitalize on. The state boasts a diverse economy with thriving sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance, which means a wide range of professionals seeking career transition and growth support. By offering personalized guidance, resume building, interview prep, and continual professional development options, you can cater to the needs of North Carolina's dynamic workforce.
Additionally, the state's higher education institutions, such as UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University, produce a steady stream of new graduates entering the job market each year. A career coaching business could provide a valuable service to this demographic by helping them navigate their early career paths. With the flexibility to offer both in-person and virtual meetings, you have the potential to build a diverse client base across the state. For more insights, click here or check out these success stories for inspiration.
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.
31. Start a podcast ($1.17M/year)
Starting a podcast in North Carolina presents a unique opportunity given the state's diverse population and vibrant cultural scene. With thriving universities, tech hubs, and a growing community of creatives, you could tap into a vast array of topics from local history and food culture to business and technology.
Given the lower cost of living compared to many other states, you could start a podcast on a budget and still produce high-quality content. Plus, with the potential to attract local sponsorships and advertisers, your podcast could become not just a passion project but a profitable business. Learn more about starting a podcast or check out some successful case studies for inspiration.
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
32. Start a travel blog ($1.76M/year)
Starting a travel blog in North Carolina is a compelling business idea due to the state's rich and diverse landscapes. From the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene Outer Banks, you could captivate readers with experiences ranging from hiking and mountain biking to beach vacations and water sports. Moreover, North Carolina's charming small towns and vibrant cities provide endless content opportunities for food, culture, and history enthusiasts.
As an entrepreneur, you could monetize this venture through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and partnerships with local tourism boards. By focusing on the unique attractions and hidden gems within the state, you could quickly build a loyal readership. To get started and draw inspiration, check out some successful case studies on our website or learn more about the travel blog business idea here.
Learn how Jessica started a niche travel blog and quit her 9-5 job, earning a living wage through Instagram advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate income, while traveling 3-4 times a month and increasing her website traffic from 400 to 25k page views in a year with Pinterest and Instagram growth tactics.
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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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
