45 Businesses You Can Start While Keeping Your Day Job
Some of the most successful businesses started as side projects.
If you are interested in starting a business but you still have a full-time job, you must pick an idea that can work with your busy work schedule, preferably something you can work during nights and weekends.
Here are 45 business ideas for people with a full-time job - all of these ideas come from real-world examples of entrepreneurs starting while they had a job:
Here's the list:
1. Start a speaker store
How much you can make: $1,000,000 — $4,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows the success story of a car audio enthusiast who started a business selling audio products, projecting to break 10 million dollars in sales this year, using word of mouth, social media and streamlined team members to build the business.
2. 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: $190 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
3. Start a wireframing software business
How much you can make: $6,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1095 days (?)
Founder Brian Nyagol started Brainverse Technologies in Kenya, Africa, focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises digitize their business, digitalize their processes and build effective digital footprints, with an average monthly revenue of $4,500, serving a total of 113 clients in the past 2 years through referrals and online advertising.
4. Start a museum tours business
How much you can make: $250,000/month
Meet Museum Hack: The NYC-based company that made $2.8 million in revenue in 2018, offering renegade tours of the world's best museums through VIP, fast-paced, story-based, and social events, and now adapting to social distancing with online storytelling workshops.
5. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
6. 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 (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
7. Start a shoe brand
Starting a shoe business can be very lucrative - you can make money by selling shoes, but you can also make money by buying shoes and then reselling them at a higher price.
It's an industry that's been around for hundreds of years, so it's well-established and has plenty of room for growth—especially if you can get in at the ground level. It's also easy to start with minimal investment: even if you only have enough money for two months' worth of inventory, you can still get started right away.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
8. Start a dog walking business
Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.
As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.
To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.
With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
9. Start a litter removal business
How much you can make: $60,000/month
This case study follows Brian Winch, who started Cleanlots in 1981 as a side hustle for $250 startup capital and now generates over $500,000 yearly revenue cleaning 150 cities' commercial properties, sharing his experience through his book Cleanlots – America’s Simplest Business (https://cleanlots.com/).
10. Start a boutique
You may consider opening a boutique if you are passionate about the fashion and textile industry.
A boutique is a shop that sells clothes. Opening a boutique is a dream for entrepreneurs who want to experience the joy and freedom of owning a cash business. Starting a boutique is easy and can be managed by a single individual. In addition, a boutique requires a comparatively smaller capital to start.
To succeed, the boutique owner must coming creativity and passion.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
11. Start a video game modding business
How much you can make: $230,000/month
Founder Kyle Capel started Hand Held Legend, a DIY upgrade shop for vintage handheld consoles, which generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and grew 30% in Q1 of 2020, offering an array of modern LCD upgrades for various consoles and serving an audience of mostly male customers aged between 13 and 45, 40% of which are international.
12. Start a mystery game store
Engaging their intellect and curiosity, who doesn't love a good mystery? By establishing a mystery game store, you'll cater to this innate fascination. The business proposition is simple: provide various tactile puzzle games, brain-churning intrigue games, and immersive mystery-based board games in one dedicated shop.
While online gaming has its allure, there's an undeniably compelling appeal associated with tangible games: the physicality of puzzle pieces, the anticipation when spinning a wheel, and the thrill of playing against others face-to-face.
Your store will bring individuals together, aspiring to create a buzzing community of mystery enthusiasts. It can serve as a hub for game nights, puzzle solving events, and intriguing product launches. As the proprietor of this venture, you'll possess the ability to stimulate minds, promote in-person connectivity and provoke thrilling wonder in each customer. Consider stepping into the enchanting world of mysteries and become a pioneer of this unique retail experience.
How much you can make: $85,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 377 days (?)
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
13. Start an earring business
An earring business is one type of jewelry business specializing in manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing a range of earrings. An earring business could involve designing earrings as jewelry for use in multiple pieces of jewelry or designing them for freelance fashion designers and clothing stores.
Earrings are a fantastic starter project for beginners. Earrings also have some quick success as people love to wear them and often have pierced ears ready to receive your creations.
Earring businesses have been growing in popularity and have the potential to bring in a good income. Running an earring business is creative, challenging, and exciting. Earrings have been on woman's ears for centuries. To put it simply, jewelry is one of the oldest trades around.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
14. Start a men's clothing line
Men’s fashion is an increasingly popular niche. Market research has revealed that the growth of the menswear market has outpaced that of the women’s market.
The market growth is likely credited to a cultural shift as more men focus on their appearances than before.
If you want to start a men-focused fashion line, 2024 presents the best opportunity. Men’s wear offers a wide variety of products, which increases the growth potential. To start a men’s clothing line, start by thinking about your clothing brand’s identity.
Then, identify the target market and understand what the customers want. The success of your men’s clothing brand depends on your marketing strategy.
You can reach a wider market with a mix of online and traditional marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $150 — $475,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
This case study showcases how Valentin Ozich built an online menswear brand, I Love Ugly, from scratch with a clear vision of creating premium streetwear catered to men that's affordable and sold primarily online, with some products selling upwards of 50,000 units/pieces globally and still remain some of the strongest sellers today.
15. Start a balloon decor business
Balloon decorations involve the creation of balloon-based arrangements and thematic shapes, covering backgrounds, ceilings, walls, columns, centerpieces, and entrances within the event and party venues. Balloon décor is popular in corporate events, entertainment and social events, children's parties, and weddings.
Balloon décor is a low overhead business and can be a profitable entrepreneurship opportunity. You do not need a storefront as you can work from home with a few pieces of equipment. You need proper planning skills to start and operate a successful balloon décor business. You should plan and analyze every step and challenge before starting the business.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
Balloon Haus LLC, founded by Janeen Brown, is a successful balloon boutique generating an average of $20K/monthly, providing custom exquisite and trendy balloon installations and decorations to notable clients such as Instagram, Marriott, and American Express.
16. Start a digital agency
A digital agency’s task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough knowledge and passion for digital marketing can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the proper skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset, you can start a successful digital agency.
The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020. The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.
How much you can make: $6,500 — $43,700,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
17. 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 (?)
Founder Ronnie Teja's purpose-driven watch brand, Branzio, has seen $25k in sales per month and is set to double in the next six months thanks to a focus on branding and building an aspirational brand with a loyal customer base.
18. Start a surprise travel agency
Are you looking for a scalable side hustle idea and one that allows you some flexibility?
A surprise travel agency is a good option that will enable you to choose a friendly niche market.
Besides, a surprise travel agency lets you gain exposure and experience while it is an opportunity with unlimited income potential.
If you love sharing travel recommendations and always find the best local spots when you visit a new city, this will be ideal for you.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
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.
19. Build an API
API is the acronym for “application programming interface” and is a software intermediary connecting applications.
More and more companies are adopting a digital business strategy to streamline their operations and provide better customer service.
Many benefits come with using an API, and we’ve compiled a list of the best API businesses today.
How much you can make: $3,600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Geocode.xyz, a geolocation API, has grown from thousands of daily users to over a hundred million in monthly API calls to revenues of over $15k per month, showing over 1,000% growth in the past year while providing a geocoding API for the world.
20. Start a tutoring business
Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.
If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.
Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.
21. Start an aftermarket car parts business
The aftermarket car parts business is a lucrative opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for cars and a desire to run their own businesses. This business idea involves selling aftermarket car parts, spare parts that the original vehicle manufacturer does not manufacture. These parts are typically used to repair or upgrade vehicles and can be found in various styles and brands.
To run an aftermarket car parts business, you will need to have a solid understanding of the car industry and the available types of parts. You will also need a good business plan, including a marketing strategy and a financial plan. You may need to invest in inventory, storage space, and a website or online store to sell your products.
There are several benefits to running an aftermarket car parts business. One of the biggest benefits is the potential for high profits, as car owners are often willing to pay a premium for quality aftermarket parts. This type of business can be run from various locations, including a physical storefront or online.
If you have a passion for cars and a desire to run your own business, the aftermarket car parts business may be the perfect opportunity. With the proper knowledge, planning, and marketing strategy, you can build a successful and profitable business in this exciting industry.
How much you can make: $45,000 — $325,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.
22. Start a fitness equipment company
A fitness equipment business is a type of physical activity-oriented business that produces, assembles, or sells physical fitness equipment.
Generally, fitness equipment is used in gyms, and schools, but can also be applied for personal use. These businesses can be run from a storefront or online service.
A fitness equipment business provides a unique opportunity for people to start their own business. It is an ideal opportunity for those interested in marketing, fitness, management and retail.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Bells of Steel, an e-commerce fitness equipment company, generated $15 million in sales by creating a high-value product line and focusing on word-of-mouth marketing, email marketing, and social media ads.
23. Start a software integration plugin
How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,141,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,050 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.
24. Start a digital agency
A digital agency’s task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough knowledge and passion for digital marketing can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the proper skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset, you can start a successful digital agency.
The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020. The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.
How much you can make: $6,500 — $43,700,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
25. Start a journal brand
A journal is a newspaper or a magazine that covers a particular subject or a professional activity based on the author's thoughts and feelings. The beauty of journaling is there is no right or wrong way to start.
The approach depends on your personal experience and can take many forms.
Find a journaling habit that works for you and create a writing routine. Get creative and journal about anything that comes to mind, so long as it interests your target audience.
How much you can make: $200 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
26. 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 (?)
A patch embroidery business based in New York City has grown to earn $6,500 per month on average within 18 months of starting, thanks to no custom embroidered minimum patches and a strong Instagram presence, with a future focus on B2B customers.
27. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start:
- Food & Drink Tours
- Adventure & Sporting Tours
- Sightseeing & Historical Tours
- Shopping Tours
- and many more!
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.
28. Build an analytics tool
Analytics tools are software or apps that help people to make data-driven decisions. They do this by providing users with the ability to access, visualize, and analyze the data.
If you have strong technical skills, then this could be a profitable business idea for you.
QlikView is one of the best Self-Service Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, and Data Analytics tool. In 2022, QlikView generates $750M in revenue.
With the rise of big data, more companies are realizing the importance of data and are looking for ways to make use of it.
Building an analytics tool is a great business idea because it's a tool that can be used by businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can use it to make better decisions about their operations, while larger businesses can use it to track and improve their performance.
How much you can make: $20 — $1,666,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.
29. Start a white label fitness apparel business
A fitness apparel business sells fitness clothing, accessories, and other health and exercise products.
A white label fitness apparel business will manufacture custom gym clothes so that the retailers add their brand and logo and choice of pattern to make unique fitness apparel.
Fitness apparel is in demand and can be a great investment. If you are in the clothing design industry and looking to start a business in the fitness industry, you may consider a white-label fitness clothing line.
How much you can make: $650 — $108,333,333/month
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
30. Start a niche blog
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.
The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.
Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.
To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.
To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.
How much you can make: $200 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
31. Start a sneaker reseller business
Sneaker reselling is a pretty great way to make money.
As a sneaker reselling business, you can purchase shoes directly from retailers or manufacturers and resell them to consumers at a profit.
The secret to a successful sneaker reselling business is to buy low and sell higher. You can start an online sneaker reselling business or sell the sneakers locally.
To maximize the profit margins, it might be worth holding out the best sneaker brands until the demand is high. Sometimes, the best deal on sneakers is when they have sold out.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $140,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows founder Chris Casseday's journey in creating 513 Kicks, an online sneaker shop that went from sporadic income to an average profit of $2,000 per month within two years through strategic branding, SEO, social media, and email marketing.
32. Start an IT company
How much you can make: $500 — $2,400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Apps: Lab KE is a software development company generating $3,500 per month, specializing in problem-solving using technology and data for businesses and communities.
33. Start a sports coaching business
Sports coaching is a fast-growing industry in all areas of the world.
If you have a sports coaching qualification and experience, you can turn those experiences into a profitable business.
You can offer coaching to teams or individuals depending on your preference and the nature of sports.
You may join sports associations or attend networking events to market your sports coaching abilities.
How much you can make: $4,759 — $8,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Girl Boss Sports, founded in December 2018, aims to increase the number of women sports coaches while keeping girls in sports by partnering with companies and organizations, and has brought in an average of $4,700 of revenue per month over the last 6 months by hiring over 20 female soccer coaches in Greater Seattle area.
34. 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 (?)
23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.
35. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
36. Start a supplements company
A supplement business makes money by selling dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods to customers.
These products are often sold directly to customers or through distributors and retailers.
Your target customers will likely include fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, wellness influencers, and those who prioritize their nutrition daily.
Starting a supplement brand is becoming increasingly popular because it's relatively inexpensive, and you can run the business from your home.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 220 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
37. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start:
- Food & Drink Tours
- Adventure & Sporting Tours
- Sightseeing & Historical Tours
- Shopping Tours
- and many more!
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.
38. Start a woodworking business
While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.
Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
39. Start a soap business
Soap-making business is a growing industry that can be home-based or a small local business. Soap business is one of the most lucrative home-based businesses that perfect your decision to work in your free time while you earn good cash.
Starting a soap business sounds simple enough. You can buy supplies for probably less than $1,000. Popular skincare products are now being sold online, and this doesn’t seem like a challenging field to break into. Below are some success stories of the soap business that will inspire you.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
40. 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 (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
41. Start a men's underwear brand
Underwear is essential to any person’s wardrobe, and the men’s underwear industry has grown quite large.
Many companies, such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss, specialize in men’s underwear. These companies have been able to keep up with the demand of this growing industry by offering quality products at reasonable prices.
The demand for men’s underwear has risen because it offers an alternative to traditional cotton briefs. Men are increasingly realizing that they don’t want the same old thing when it comes to their underwear; they want something that feels like luxury and provides them with comfort and support.
With so many opportunities available today, it’s easy to see why more people are turning to this industry to start their businesses.
How much you can make: $800 — $475,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 470 days (?)
Founder Krystian Frencel shares how he built a men's luxury underwear brand, Bunch of Animals, to $5,000/month with no previous e-commerce or product creation experience, offering softer than soft boxer briefs featuring seamless designs in collaboration with artists from around the world.
42. Start a candle business
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
43. Start a hammock brand
Over the past few years, the demand for hammocks has shot up.
The global hammock market is projected to reach $639 million in the next few years.
The demand for hammocks is growing among campers and outdoor enthusiasts due to the ease of installation and use. Hammocks are lightweight and ideal for carrying around when going for outdoor backpacking and hiking trips.
With hammocks' popularity rising, starting a hammock line today can be profitable. To start your hammock business, research the market to find out who uses hammocks more. You can be a hammock maker, a wholesaler, or a retailer.
Register your business and apply for the certificates you need to run a successful venture.
How much you can make: $240 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $49 (?)
Maca founder Ben started a direct-to-consumer handmade Mexican travel hammock business from scratch, generating sales through partnerships with Vanlife and RV communities and utilizing product reviews to build social proof and customer trust.
44. Start a podcast
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
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.
45. Become a mobile personal trainer
Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.
The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services .
To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.
How much you can make: $600 — $8,333,333/month
How long does it take to build: 532 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.
46. 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 (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
