The 98 Best Business Ideas To Start In China [2024]

Updated: June 21st, 2022

Interested in starting a business in China in 2024?

We put together 98 of the best businesses you can start in China today.

In this list of ideas, you can find:

  • Home-based businesses to start in China
  • Profitable online business ideas
  • Unique business opportunities for China
  • Low investment business ideas (under $5k to start)
  • Easy businesses you can start in China today

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, + a step-by-step on how to start your small business in China.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a paper recycling business

According to statistics, the demand for recycled paper is increasing at a CAGR of more than 7% in developing counties.
The high machinery cost and inefficient collection of waste paper are reasons behind the growing demand.

As a result, the primary focus of the local paper recyclers is the establishment of proper collection and segregation systems to facilitate waste paper collection. Therefore, starting a paper recycling business can be profitable.

How much you can make: $16,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How We Started A Paper Packaging Products Business That Makes $192K/Year

Bagitan Packaging in China started out as a thermography paper roll business and has since expanded to become leaders in the packaging industry with annual net revenue of $200,000 and over 50 employees, thanks to digital marketing and a focus on SEO.

About
Yuki started Bagitan Packaging over 15 years ago
Revenue
Yuki grew the business to $16K/month
Costs
It cost Yuki $200000 to start the business
Read by 2,147 founders

2. 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 in China, 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 (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Jewelry Wholesale Business

Silverbene, a silver jewelry design and manufacturing company, supplies over 3,500 jewelry stores worldwide, sending out over 90,000 items per month with a revenue of $450K USD per month, using information technology to standardize the production process and paying attention to international fashion trends while designing products.

About
Victor started Shenzhen Shibao Jewelry Co., Ltd over 6 years ago
Revenue
Victor grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Victor $200000 to start the business
Read by 12,040 founders

3. Start a toiletries making business

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

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How I Started A $6M/Year Paper Roll Company [Based in China]

Learn how Frank Ouyang founded Panda Paper Roll Company, a China-based paper roll manufacturing company that exports products worldwide, bringing in an annual sales revenue of $10M.

About
Frank started Panda Paper Roll over 13 years ago
Revenue
Frank grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Frank $400000 to start the business
Read by 3,236 founders

4. Become a business law consultant

How much you can make: $80,000 — $1,500,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)

How I Started A $1.5M/Month Law, Tax And Compliance Consulting Business With 28 offices in China And The Rest Of Asia

Asian-focused consulting firm Dezan Shira & Associates, founded in Hong Kong in 1992, has expanded to include 28 offices and a client base of several thousand companies with US$20 million in annual turnover, handling about US$8 billion in foreign investment into Asia, by determined hard work and creativity in marketing, billing structure and hiring equity-dependent staff.

About
Chris started Dezan Shira & Associates over 31 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $1.5M/month
Costs
It cost Chris $2000 to start the business
Read by 6,419 founders

5. Start a fulfillment business

As e-commerce becomes the pillar in our retail landscape, fulfillment businesses are becoming more important.

Fulfillment companies enable e-Commerce by processing order receipts, packing, delivering, and handling returns from clients. These businesses act as a third-party warehouse and their core responsibilities include preparing and shipping orders. Thus, they store goods until they are ready to send to stores and customers. If you are planning to start a fulfillment service, some of the services will include:

  • Same day-delivery
  • Customer support through chat, text, and phone call
  • Complete order tracking from arrival at the fulfillment center to delivery to customer's door
  • Custom API integration
  • Climate-controlled storage space

To start a fulfillment center you need to find space, streamline with software, and set up and understand business KPIs with the target e-Commerce companies.

How much you can make: $150,000 — $25,000,000/month

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

I Built A $24M/Year Branding And Fulfillment Company [Based In China]

"Founder of Honest FulPhilment built a $24M branding and fulfillment company based in China, offering a complete solution with high levels of service and excellent customer satisfaction through communication, onboarding, and product quality."

About
Philip started Honest FulPhilment about 5 years ago
Revenue
Philip grew the business to $2M/month
Costs
It cost Philip $5000 to start the business
Read by 5,265 founders

6. Start a taxi cab company

Tax services provide an essential service, including 24-hour availability and preparedness to offer transportation. The taxi cab business is earning huge profits, given the growing urban population.

To start a good taxi service, conduct market research and analysis so you understand your competition and define your unique selling proposition. Before starting the tax business, ensure you have a valid driver's license and an insurance policy.

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

How I Built A $3.5M/Year Taxi Company Competing With Uber & Lyft

Albert Williams grew a $3.5 million transportation company, The Best Deal, from a niche transportation sector; he attributes the company's success to providing excellent service and committing to continuous learning.

About
Albert started Best Deal Car Service over 10 years ago
Revenue
Albert grew the business to $250K/month
Read by 10,002 founders

7. 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

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

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.

About
Melodi started Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC almost 18 years ago
Revenue
Melodi grew the business to $54K/month
Costs
It cost Melodi $500 to start the business
Read by 19,322 founders

8. Start a saas product developer business

SaaS product is online software that uses a license to access. With cloud computing omnipresent, starting a SaaS company is a low barrier to entry idea with exponential growth potential.

Modern users recognize the SaaS cost-saving benefits and the ability to offer project collaboration. Besides, there are multiple technologies you can use to build SaaS platforms.

To build a successful SaaS product, you need database management skills, programming language, cloud computing, design & development skills.

If you decide to build a SaaS solution, start by conducting market research and competition analysis.

Before starting the development, you must choose a good app monetization model and select an appropriate technology stack.

How much you can make: $40 — $18,933,333/month

How long does it take to build: 114 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

About
Chris started MeetEdgar over 10 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $333K/month
Read by 14,147 founders

9. Start a career coaching business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Getting Fired At 24 To Growing A $140K/Month Online Community

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.

About
Patrick started Wall Street Oasis almost 18 years ago
Revenue
Patrick grew the business to $200K/month
Read by 21,106 founders

10. Start a barber shop

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

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

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

How I Started A $125K Barber Shop, Beard Grooming Brand And Barbering Academy

Antonio Camilleri built Antonio's Barber Shop from a small two-chair operation to two locations servicing over 250 daily clients and €1.5M in annual revenue with a product line generating a 30% profit.

About
Antonio started Antonio’s Barber Shop almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Antonio grew the business to $125K/month
Costs
It cost Antonio $500000 to start the business
Read by 8,064 founders

11. 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 (?)

How We Started A $82K/Month Custom iOS And Android Apps Development Agency

"We started a custom iOS and Android app development consultancy that now makes nearly seven-figures a year by landing clients like Great Clips and the USA CUP after building successful concept apps."

About
Rob started The Jed Mahonis Group about 12 years ago
Revenue
Rob grew the business to $80K/month
Costs
It cost Rob $500 to start the business
Read by 10,201 founders

12. Start a 3D Printing Business

3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.

You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.

Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

About
Roy started Ultimate 3D Printing Store over 8 years ago
Revenue
Roy grew the business to $330K/month
Costs
It cost Roy $65000 to start the business
Read by 29,030 founders

13. Start a catering business

A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.

Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don’t have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.

However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning.

To start a successful catering business in China, you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more.

In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $48,333/month

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

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

How I Found Success With A $20K/Month Catering Company After Starting Many Businesses

Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.

Revenue
Nestor grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Nestor $500 to start the business
Read by 8,161 founders

14. 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 in China. 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 (?)

How Two Friends Bootstrapped A SaaS Business To $55K MRR

Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.

About
Christopher started Snappa almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Christopher grew the business to $83.5K/month
Read by 20,130 founders

15. Start a gluten-free bakery

Gluten is a protein found in some grains such as wheat and barley, and it's responsible for binding bread, retaining moisture, and providing baked foods with a soft texture.

With the rising consumer interest in gluten-free products, the category has transitioned to a mainstream market segment.

Gluten-free pastries contain flour from gluten-free grains like brown rice, buckwheat, and sorghum. If you are interested in bakery business ideas, you may consider venturing into the gluten-free pastries market.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $90,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

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

How We Started A $25K/Month Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Desserts Business

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.

About
David started ChipMonk Baking about 5 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $90K/month
Costs
It cost David $5000 to start the business
Read by 13,402 founders

16. Start a wordpress template business

How much you can make: $4,333 — $18,933,333/month

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

How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)

I Turned My 'MVP Template' Into A Business That Now Makes $4,380/Month
About
Alexandro started SaasRock about 2 years ago
Revenue
Alexandro grew the business to $4.33K/month
Costs
It cost Alexandro $500 to start the business
Read by 4,988 founders

17. Start a handmade goods business

A handmade craft business entails selling own-crafted products on online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, an independent website, or social media.

To succeed in selling handmade goods, you'll need solid creative skills. Your creativity can help you build a strong brand.

And with online marketplaces, handmade shopping has become a popular trend.

In recent years, consumers worldwide have shown their support of independent businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the handmade goods business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $150,000/month

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

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

The $27K/Month Company That Turns Photographs Into Custom Handmade Portraits

PortraitFlip is a successful startup that delivers handmade portraits globally with a clientele base in the USA and yields 3.5crs through their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and they started with an initial investment of only Rs.23,000.

About
Sunny started PortraitFlip LLC over 6 years ago
Revenue
Sunny grew the business to $45K/month
Costs
It cost Sunny $60 to start the business
Read by 10,563 founders

18. Start a podcast agency

A podcast agency builds and promotes podcasts for other businesses. The podcast agencies develop strategies for making the client's podcast a success.

If you plan to start your own podcast agency, you may offer full podcast services or identify a niche and focus on it. Options include:

  • Podcast production agency - Creates audio content for podcasts
  • Podcast advertising agency - Advertise on podcasts
  • Podcast editing agencies - Edit podcast episodes
  • Podcast marketing agencies - Build podcasts to market the business or market businesses through other podcasts.
  • Podcast booking agencies - Booking podcasts guests.
  • Podcast promotion agency - Promote podcasts.

Building and growing a podcast requires some level of skills and expertise that many businesses may lack. Thus, they hire a podcast agency to help in all or particular aspects of podcast building and marketing.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $125,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

How I Started A $17K/Month Podcast Growth Service

Fame's founder, Tom Hunt, shares how he started a $17k/month podcast growth service for B2B SaaS and service businesses, and provides insights on how he grew the business to $20k MRR and his plans to hit $50k MRR by the end of 2021 through prioritizing revenue and customer satisfaction.

About
Tom started Fame over 4 years ago
Revenue
Tom grew the business to $17K/month
Read by 6,718 founders

19. 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 in China, 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 (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

About
Chris started MeetEdgar over 10 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $333K/month
Read by 14,147 founders

20. Build a SEO tool

SEO tools provide data and alerts about the health and success of a website. Website owners and businesses are looking for tools to help them quickly identify and fix SEO issues. Thus, starting an SEO business that focuses on developing SEO tools can be a rewarding career.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month

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

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

How I Bootstrapped My SaaS Company To $2.5M/Year In 5 Years As A Solo Founder

Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.

About
Todd started Prerender.io over 10 years ago
Revenue
Todd grew the business to $220K/month
Read by 15,727 founders

21. Start a blog

In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:

  • Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
  • 77% of internet users read blogs.
  • Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.

Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.

If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.

How much you can make: $200 — $160,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog

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.

About
Kelan started The Savvy Couple over 7 years ago
Revenue
Kelan grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Kelan $500 to start the business
Read by 27,276 founders

22. Start a content writing company

Content writing involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.

Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.

Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online. Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income.

To start a content writing company in China, research the market and choose a suitable niche. Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

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

How Dani Mancini Transformed Her Freelance Gigs Into A SaaS Business

Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.

About
Dani started Scribly over 5 years ago
Revenue
Dani grew the business to $37K/month
Read by 12,534 founders

23. Start an affiliate marketing business

Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.

To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

How I Built A $3.5K/Month Authority Site With A Full Time Job

Bar Games 101 is an authority website about classic bar games with over 200K monthly visitors and revenue over $4,000 for the month of August, achieved through consistent publishing of researched articles and outsourcing by the founder.

About
Patrick started AFH Media LLC about 9 years ago
Revenue
Patrick grew the business to $/month
Read by 30,088 founders

24. Start a cosmetic store

The cosmetic industry is growing rapidly. Starting a cosmetic shop can be highly profitable, but only if you stock trendy, skin-friendly products.

If you are passionate about the beauty industry, consider starting a cosmetics brick-and-mortar shop.

Cosmetic shops sell products ranging from anti-aging, aromatherapy, lotions, beauty spa, cosmetic store, and even make-up.

To start a cosmetic store, research the market and source products from well-known brands in the beauty industry.

How much you can make: $8,500 — $490,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

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

How I Started A $8.5K/Month Cosmetics Brand

A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.

About
Alexis started FBI Cosmetics Inc. over 3 years ago
Revenue
Alexis grew the business to $8.5K/month
Costs
It cost Alexis $1500 to start the business
Read by 8,160 founders

25. Become a chocolate maker

Rarely do you come across someone who does not love chocolate. That’s good reason to start a chocolate making business!

According to statistics, the global chocolate market size is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 4.6%.

Starting a chocolate business can yield profits in any part of the world. However, to achieve the high profit margins, you ought to make chocolate with quality ingredients. Then, create a niche with a unique selling proposition.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $4,500,000/month

Selling Dog-Themed Chocolate and Donating All Profits to Animal Rescue

Rescue Chocolate is an NYC-based vegan, organic and fair-traded chocolate company that donates profits to animal rescue organizations and has partnered with hundreds of fundraising groups in 8 years.

About
Sarah started Rescue Chocolate over 14 years ago
Revenue
Sarah grew the business to $12K/month
Read by 6,156 founders

26. Start a dog treat business course

How much you can make: $33,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Created A $11K/Month Online Course About How To Start and Grow A Dog Treat Business

Kristin Larsen's Diva Dog Bakery program teaches students how to start their own successful dog treat bakery business that has consistently brought in five figures a month since launching in November 2020.

About
Kristin started Diva Dog Bakery over 3 years ago
Revenue
Kristin grew the business to $33K/month
Costs
It cost Kristin $2500 to start the business
Read by 6,917 founders

27. Start an online advertising agency

An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.

To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.

Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.

Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.

With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.

How much you can make: $2,797 — $1,250,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

About
Iman started Grow Your Agency almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Iman grew the business to $120K/month
Read by 14,302 founders

28. Start an event management company

Do you have a basic understanding of events, possess great communication skills, and aren’t afraid to talk to C-suite executives, event attendees, donors, brand sponsors, and vendors?

Event management is a profession that is growing rapidly. Experts estimate that the event management and planning industry will experience a growth rate of 10% in a few years.

You can use your skills and passion by starting an event management company. Event management is not only an exciting career, but it is also a profitable business opportunity, with endless opportunities, you can focus on social and entertainment events, and corporate events, or become a general event management company.

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

How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)

How I Started a $150K/Month Ticketing Platform That Sells More Than 5 Million Tickets A Year Worldwide

A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

About
Jonny started Ticket Tailor over 13 years ago
Revenue
Jonny grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Jonny $1000 to start the business
Read by 10,347 founders

29. 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 (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

About
Kamil started E-commerce Mentoring about 7 years ago
Revenue
Kamil grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Kamil $1000 to start the business
Read by 24,266 founders

30. 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 (?)

How I Started A $30K/Month Web Development And Marketing Agency Focused On Locksmiths

The Locksmith Agency, run by Samuel Wilson, a licensed locksmith with over 10 years of digital marketing experience, is making $30k+ per month by providing digital marketing services such as Website Development, SEO, and Google Listing optimization services specifically for the locksmith industry.

About
Samuel started The Locksmith Agency (1-800-Unlocks) over 6 years ago
Revenue
Samuel grew the business to $30K/month
Costs
It cost Samuel $500 to start the business
Read by 6,410 founders

31. Start an outsourcing business

Outsourcing is when a business obtains a product or a service from an outsider provider rather than building it in-house. Small companies outsource so they have enough time to attend to critical functions like production.

Many businesses are looking to outsource their non-core activities. Therefore, starting an outsourcing business in 2024 has never been more lucrative.

Start your outsourcing business, identify a niche, and develop a well-researched and complete business plan. Then, invest in the necessary equipment and technology to enable you to deliver services to the customers.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need staff to help you with service delivery. Finally, when your business is up and running, start marketing and focus on delivering superior service to attract repeat customers.

How much you can make: $50,000 — $1,399,996/month

How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)

How I Started A $9M/Year Company Outsourcing Support For Startups

This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.

About
Cody started SupportNinja almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Cody grew the business to $1.4M/month
Costs
It cost Cody $400000 to start the business
Read by 9,841 founders

32. Start a sustainable clothing line

Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.

The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $88,000/month

How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)

How We Started A $18K/Month Sustainable And Durable Clothing Brand

Minimalismbrand is a sustainable and durable clothing brand that has achieved $200k in annual revenue after starting with just €2k, focusing on quality over quantity, and prioritizing transparency through showing their numbers and production process.

About
Pepe started Minimalism Brand over 6 years ago
Revenue
Pepe grew the business to $18K/month
Costs
It cost Pepe $2000 to start the business
Read by 8,245 founders

33. Start a PPC agency

Paid search marketing is an effective way for brands to generate qualified leads and a high return on investment. So it's no surprise businesses are looking for PPC agencies to set up marketing campaigns.

PPC agencies manage internet pay-per-click advertising campaigns that include strategy, design, implementation, SEO, and analysis of ads performance.

PPC professional is a highly sought-after role. 45% of small businesses use PPC advertising. Besides, PPC is a huge business driver for 74% of brands. According to statistics, the global PPC Software market will reach a CAGR of 7.68% within a decade.

Starting a PPC advertising business can be lucrative. f you are planning to start a PPC agency, take AdWords and Bing Ads certifications, and choose a niche.

How much you can make: $6,500 — $390,000/month

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

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

I Got Tired Of Being Underpaid And Left To Start A $4M/Year PPC & SEO Growth Agency

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.

About
Roger started Digital Position™ almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Roger grew the business to $390K/month
Costs
It cost Roger $1000 to start the business
Read by 8,074 founders

34. Start an ecommerce platform

Over the past decade, eCommerce has become an indispensable part of the global retail framework. According to statistics, over 2 billion people prefer shopping online.

While brick-and-mortar stores are still making more sales compared to online sales, the adoption of eCommerce is still rising, mainly because of the increased speed and convenience of online shopping.

Therefore, starting an eCommerce platform could set you on the right path to building a futuristic business.

How much you can make: $100 — $83,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)

How We Started A $700K/Month Business Getting Targeted Traffic For Online Sellers

StoreYa co-founders Eyal Reich and Yariv Dror, along with CTO Pasha Zaft, created a suite of marketing and advertising apps that include Traffic Booster, which has generated an average of $700,000 MRR and helped the business win a 2018 Google Acquisition Performance award, as well as becoming a PayPal exclusive advertising partner.

About
Eyal started StoreYa over 11 years ago
Revenue
Eyal grew the business to $2M/month
Costs
It cost Eyal $5000 to start the business
Read by 10,228 founders

35. Start an online video editing business

Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.

To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $208,000/month

How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)

How We Developed A $6K/Month Online Video Editing Software

VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.

About
Sabba started VEED over 5 years ago
Revenue
Sabba grew the business to $6K/month
Read by 11,764 founders

36. Start a solar energy business

Switching to solar energy has become the best way to save money by reducing utility bills. Are you interested in starting a business that focuses on renewable energy solutions?

A solar company can be a great business idea. You can set up a solar energy plant and sell the power to households and businesses without requiring them to purchase the entire solar energy system.

How much you can make: $600,000 — $2,000,000/month

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

How I Started A $600K/Month Company Selling Low Cost Solar Energy

Clean Energy Solutions, a solar-energy provider based in LA, has grown over 6700% from 2014 to 2019, with monthly revenue around $600,000 and plans to expand its energy-efficient affordable housing division, thanks to its unique solar program allowing clients to save money using solar energy at a lower price than their utility would charge.

About
David started Clean Energy Solutions over 10 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $600K/month
Read by 66,600 founders

37. 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 (?)

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

About
Bryan started GreenPal almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Bryan grew the business to $375K/month
Costs
It cost Bryan $250000 to start the business
Read by 4,523 founders

38. 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 in China, 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 (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

About
Hasan started H-supertools about 4 years ago
Revenue
Hasan grew the business to $2K/month
Read by 12,832 founders

39. 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 (?)

My Finance Newsletter & Community Hit A $3M Run Rate This Year

Contrarian Thinking is a premium membership community that teaches its 1.5 million members how to implement cash flow strategies to achieve financial freedom, with a current run rate of $3 million and a goal of $50 million ARR in five years.

About
Codie started Contrarian Thinking over 4 years ago
Revenue
Codie grew the business to $250K/month
Skills
Public Speaking, Copywriting, Community Building
Costs
It cost Codie $5000 to start the business
Read by 5,024 founders

40. Start a furniture business

The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.

The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.

The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $999,999/month

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

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

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.

About
Sasha started Timber Grove Studios almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Sasha grew the business to $6.5K/month
Read by 58,313 founders

41. Start a shipping business

The shipping business is an exciting and dynamic way to earn a living, and it’s a perfect opportunity for those looking for a change of pace from the typical 9-5 office job. This business entails transporting goods and cargo from one place to another. It can involve everything from small packages and envelopes to large freight containers and pallets.

To run a successful shipping business, you should keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, it’s essential to establish a good working relationship with your clients. You need to be reliable, punctual and have excellent communication skills. This will ensure that your clients come back to you time and time again.

Another tip for shipping business success is investing in high-quality equipment and vehicles. This could include a variety of trucks, trailers, and cargo containers. The right equipment is essential to ensure that your cargo arrives safely and on time.

Lastly, it’s essential to be well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry. This could include understanding the different regulations and laws that apply to shipping and staying up-to-date with new developments in the field. Being informed and knowledgeable about the industry will give you an edge over competitors.

Overall, the shipping business is an excellent opportunity for those who want to be their boss and take control of their career. With hard work, dedication, and a little know-how, you can make your shipping business a booming success.

How much you can make: $65,000 — $2,400,000/month

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

How I Started A $100K/Month Logistics And Delivery Service Company

How a logistics company grew its revenue over 300% in 2 years, starting with just 2 vans and 25k+ square feet of warehouse space, and focused on relationships, efficiency, and building trust with its customers.

About
Ben started Velocity International Group over 8 years ago
Revenue
Ben grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,184 founders

42. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 17,118 founders

43. Start a niche investment platform

A niche investment platform is a custom-tailored online exchange that deals with alternative asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, real estate, or athletic prospects.

As a founder of such a platform, you can make use of modern technology to create transparent trading ecosystems that cater to specialized investors.

You can provide flexibility around portfolio combinations, which will help you build an exclusive user base.

This, in turn, will provide recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.

For those seeking alternatives amid volatile stock markets, a niche exchange offers asset diversification to brokers and traders who have a passion for fine wine or up-and-coming athletes.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How We Raised $2.25M To Build An Investment Platform For Pop Culture Collectibles

Mythic Markets is an investing platform that turns high-value, geeky assets into stocks that almost anybody can buy, with 123 investors participating in their $90,000 Black Lotus IPO.

About
Joe started Mythic Markets over 6 years ago
Revenue
Joe grew the business to $7.5K/month
Costs
It cost Joe $3000 to start the business
Read by 6,123 founders

44. Start a marketing agency

Marketing agencies can be a great option for businesses looking to advertise in different ways. For businesses, hiring a marketing company can help them achieve success as they don't have to spend money on employees or needed equipment. Marketing agencies are not inexpensive and there are many different variables that come into play when deciding which one is the best fit for your business.

You want to start a marketing agency, but don't know where to begin. You're not alone, there are thousands of entrepreneurs across the globe that have the same ambition. Luckily for you, compiled a list of how other agencies were able to grow their agency and scale effectively.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $465,583,333/month

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

How long does it take to build: 36 days (?)

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

About
Jeremy started Counterweight Creative almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Jeremy grew the business to $16K/month
Read by 17,640 founders

45. Start a packers & movers business

Packers and movers are service providers that pack and move customers' belongings, easing the relocating experience from start to end.

The moving and packers' industry is set to experience growth over the next decade. The growing population and influx of multinational corporations are reasons for the current and anticipated demand for moving and packers' services.

Therefore, starting your movers and packers' in 2024 can be rewarding if you ensure the right business approach.

To start, identify the niche, prepare a business plan, and acquire the necessary equipment and freight. An online presence is essential for running the movers and packers. A website and active social media presence will advertise your business.

Besides, you must ensure proper competitor research to focus on strategies to help your business stand out.

How much you can make: $60,000 — $2,500,000/month

How I Started A $1M/Year Moving Company At 19 Years Old

A 23-year-old founder started a moving company that now averages $115,000 a month in revenue and has record monthly sales of $158,000 by prioritizing customer service and using simple, common sense practices like friendly movers and a transparent pricing structure.

About
Max started Skinny Wimp Moving over 8 years ago
Revenue
Max grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Max $18000 to start the business
Read by 50,956 founders

46. Start a logistics business

Logistics businesses focus on transportation and storage/warehousing, which are critical components of the supply chain. Without elaborate logistics, businesses will deliver goods to their customers efficiently and reliably.

A logistics business connects manufacturers and consumers through transportation and safe storage of products. Logistics may be a good place to start if you are interested in a supply chain-related business but not sure which one. You can work as a driver, connect manufacturers to storage warehouses and transportation companies, etc.

How much you can make: $83,333 — $2,000,000/month

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

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

I Built A $24M/Year Branding And Fulfillment Company [Based In China]

"Founder of Honest FulPhilment built a $24M branding and fulfillment company based in China, offering a complete solution with high levels of service and excellent customer satisfaction through communication, onboarding, and product quality."

About
Philip started Honest FulPhilment about 5 years ago
Revenue
Philip grew the business to $2M/month
Costs
It cost Philip $5000 to start the business
Read by 5,265 founders

47. 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

How I Started A $8.4M/Year Print On Demand Company [From China]

JetPrint is a Chinese print-on-demand company that offers customizable products to global e-commerce sellers, with watches and balls being their featured products. In a short amount of time, they went from starting with a few thousand US dollars in monthly income to making $700,000, and their app was approved by Shopify and recommended in the Shopify App Store. They attribute their success to service quality, innovation, and accurate audience targeting.

About
Mark started JetPrint over 6 years ago
Revenue
Mark grew the business to $700K/month
Costs
It cost Mark $750000 to start the business
Read by 1,152 founders

48. Start a shipping business

The shipping business is an exciting and dynamic way to earn a living, and it’s a perfect opportunity for those looking for a change of pace from the typical 9-5 office job. This business entails transporting goods and cargo from one place to another. It can involve everything from small packages and envelopes to large freight containers and pallets.

To run a successful shipping business, you should keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, it’s essential to establish a good working relationship with your clients. You need to be reliable, punctual and have excellent communication skills. This will ensure that your clients come back to you time and time again.

Another tip for shipping business success is investing in high-quality equipment and vehicles. This could include a variety of trucks, trailers, and cargo containers. The right equipment is essential to ensure that your cargo arrives safely and on time.

Lastly, it’s essential to be well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry. This could include understanding the different regulations and laws that apply to shipping and staying up-to-date with new developments in the field. Being informed and knowledgeable about the industry will give you an edge over competitors.

Overall, the shipping business is an excellent opportunity for those who want to be their boss and take control of their career. With hard work, dedication, and a little know-how, you can make your shipping business a booming success.

How much you can make: $65,000 — $2,400,000/month

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

How I Started A $100K/Month Logistics And Delivery Service Company

How a logistics company grew its revenue over 300% in 2 years, starting with just 2 vans and 25k+ square feet of warehouse space, and focused on relationships, efficiency, and building trust with its customers.

About
Ben started Velocity International Group over 8 years ago
Revenue
Ben grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,184 founders

49. Start a consulting business

Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.

If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.

How much you can make: $100 — $2,500,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $1.5M/Month Law, Tax And Compliance Consulting Business With 28 offices in China And The Rest Of Asia

Asian-focused consulting firm Dezan Shira & Associates, founded in Hong Kong in 1992, has expanded to include 28 offices and a client base of several thousand companies with US$20 million in annual turnover, handling about US$8 billion in foreign investment into Asia, by determined hard work and creativity in marketing, billing structure and hiring equity-dependent staff.

About
Chris started Dezan Shira & Associates over 31 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $1.5M/month
Costs
It cost Chris $2000 to start the business
Read by 6,419 founders

50. 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 in China 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 (?)

On Starting A Business Training Virtual Assistants

Filipino Virtual Assistance by FVA Business Consultancy, founded by Julmar Grace Locsin, offers online and offline training to empower marketers, enable businesses, and equip freelancers which has trained 25,000 students from their 31 courses, has 16 coaches assigned from different territories, and fifteen in the FVA team for global digital leadership that will impact the world through digitalization, one life at a time.

Revenue
Julmar grew the business to $1K/month
Costs
It cost Julmar $500 to start the business
Read by 7,666 founders

51. 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 (?)

How Two Moms Started A Business Selling Homemade Body Butter

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.

About
Meredith started Oh My Balm over 7 years ago
Revenue
Meredith grew the business to $2K/month
Costs
It cost Meredith $10000 to start the business
Read by 33,326 founders

52. Start a niche accessories brand

Niche accessories make excellent small business ideas. The profit margins in these businesses are pretty significant because of the product markup. You could have a small Etsy store or sell them through marketplace sites such as Amazon, Facebook, and eBay.

The niche market for custom accessories is estimated to be nearly $473.46B by 2020 and it contains a variety of product categories ranging from jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods to house decorations and small fashion apparel accessories. Niche accessories are currently enjoying strong growth, projected to continue during this decade.

How much you can make: $600 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 44 days (?)

How We Turned $20 Into A $100K/Month Accessory Brand

Braxton Manley started Braxley Bands with only $20, creating an elastic Apple Watch band and scaling the business to an impressive $100K a month on Shopify, all without any other capital or investment.

About
Braxton started Braxley Bands almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Braxton grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Braxton $20 to start the business
Read by 15,365 founders

53. Start an online language coaching business

The world has become more globalized. Businesses have become cross-border, and executives have to travel to meet new customers. One thing that is obvious is that there is a need for language translation services.

If you have proficiency in one or more foreign languages then you can consider working as a language coach.

Teaching a language online is intensive as you have to meet and communicate with the audience often, and check their progress. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn working online, consider starting online language lessons.

How much you can make: $240 — $13,500,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)

On Starting A Private German Lessons Online Service

Marlena Jorn started Marlena Jorn Tutors in teaching German to a group of people privately; she learned through experience what worked best to design her class structure and advertising/marketing materials, and from word of mouth has gained a very successful response so far.

About
Marlena started Marlena Jorn Tutors over 3 years ago
Revenue
Marlena grew the business to $240/month
Costs
It cost Marlena $300 to start the business
Read by 5,910 founders

54. 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 (?)

How I Started A $22K/Month One-Stop Shop Marketing Company For E-commerce Businesses

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.

About
Hailey started Power Move Marketing about 4 years ago
Revenue
Hailey grew the business to $22K/month
Costs
It cost Hailey $400 to start the business
Read by 10,813 founders

55. Start a natural health product business

A natural health products business covers many products, including foods, supplements, drinks, and weight management products. Typically, natural health products go into the production of drugs.

It is easy to imagine why you would want to start your own natural health products business. First, health and wellness are hot topics right now. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy regardless of background, culture, or economic status. Second, the natural health products industry will exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% and reach over 32 billion in the next few years.

Therefore, the natural health products business can be a profitable venture. To maximize profitability, focus on providing health products that solve the problems experienced by your target customers.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $1,000,000/month

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

How I Created A $30K/Month Greens Superfood Powder Supplement

SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.

About
Adam started Human Tonik over 4 years ago
Revenue
Adam grew the business to $200K/month
Costs
It cost Adam $50000 to start the business
Read by 14,885 founders

56. Start a jewelry product

How much you can make: $5,000 — $416,667/month

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

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Jewelry Wholesale Business

Silverbene, a silver jewelry design and manufacturing company, supplies over 3,500 jewelry stores worldwide, sending out over 90,000 items per month with a revenue of $450K USD per month, using information technology to standardize the production process and paying attention to international fashion trends while designing products.

About
Victor started Shenzhen Shibao Jewelry Co., Ltd over 6 years ago
Revenue
Victor grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Victor $200000 to start the business
Read by 12,040 founders

57. Start a home equipment business

There are some cool things about the home equipment industry that make it an appealing business. Starting a home equipment business isn't easy. To do it properly, you need the right tools and equipment. Starting a home equipment business will definitely improve your financial outlook but you need lots of capital to start one.

Having a successful home equipment business is largely dependent upon the training and experience of the owner. Starting a home equipment business can be ideal for people who want to start a business but don't want the hassle of managing a physical location.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $65,000/month

How long does it take to build: 650 days (?)

How This $65K/Month Step To Improve Car Roof Access Was One Of The Largest Shark Tank On-Air Deals

Moki Doorstep, a vehicle rooftop assistance step, raised $110,000 in sales and sold 3,000 units during their month-long Kickstarter campaign and licensed their product after immediate interest from a larger company, with their product now available in major retailers like REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, Pep-boys, and Duluth Trading Post.

About
Zachary started Moki Doorstep over 6 years ago
Revenue
Zachary grew the business to $65K/month
Read by 19,950 founders

58. Start a mobile phone cases & accessories kiosk

The increasing adoption of mobile phones and other handheld devices has created a secondary demand for phone accessories. Experts project the mobile phone accessories market will reach $166 Billion in the next decade.

High-demand mobile phone accessories include phone cases, batteries, headphones, portable speakers, etc.

Opening a mobile phone accessories kiosk can be a profitable way to make money. Do you plan to start a mobile phone accessories kiosk? Find a busy shopping mall where people buy phones. You can sell mobile phone accessories in retail or wholesale only.

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

Selling One Million Phone Accessories

Phone Loops founder Jean-Philippe Brousseau developed and launched his first product after realizing how often he dropped his phone and caused costly repairs, and to date, the company has sold over one million Loops in 66 countries.

About
JP started Phone Loops over 10 years ago
Revenue
JP grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 8,294 founders

59. Start an online retail store

Starting an online retail store is straightforward. All you need is a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service. Then, determine a niche for your online store, and conduct product research before listing products.

You can start your online store based on a drop shipping business model or list your self-made products in your online store.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $62,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 51 days (?)

How I Turned A $5K Investment Into A $7.2M Apparel Brand

This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.

About
Jonathan started On Cloud Faith almost 2 years ago
Revenue
Jonathan grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Jonathan $5000 to start the business
Read by 7,969 founders

60. Start an eco-friendly goods

How much you can make: $200 — $240,096/month

How We Invented And Launched A Notebook That Saves Paper

The Paper Saver is a sustainable notebook that reduces paper waste by utilizing used paper as pages, and has grown YOY on an average of 20% since its 2015 launch, with an expanded range including the Leather Paper Saver and the Sparkle Paper Saver for Kids.

About
Michelle started Paper Saver about 9 years ago
Revenue
Michelle grew the business to $6K/month
Read by 6,911 founders

61. Start a home tutoring business

A home tutoring company is an educational company that offers private tutoring from a tutor who visits the students at the student’s home.

Home tutoring is a growing business opportunity for motivated people and comes with the flexibility of working anytime, anywhere, and creates a passive income.

If you love teaching and helping others, one way to make money is to start a home tutoring business in China. Whether you want to tutor kids or adults, there’s a niche for you.

Once you have started your home tutoring business, promote it by putting fliers at other stores and on bulletin boards at colleges and libraries. Also, engage parents and guardians for home tutoring opportunities.

62. Become a bags manufacturer

Starting a bag making business is one of the most profitable and easiest industries to start your business. You can choose to manufacture bags of multiple materials. One of the categories gaining prominence is eco-friendly bags. With the rising toxicity and pollution levels in the environment, eco-friendly products have become the need of the hour. Consumers are shifting away from plastic bags and looking for alternative materials.

You can produce loads of alternatives from plastic bags like- Paper, Jute, and canvas clothes which are much more durable.

How much you can make: $833,333 — $2,000,000/month

63. Start a dating website

A dating website is a great way to connect people who are looking for love. It is a platform that helps people to find and connect with potential romantic partners. This service offers a variety of features, including a profile creation tool, a search engine, and a messaging system.

If you are interested in starting a business that helps people find love, then starting a dating website could be a great option for you. This business is growing in popularity as more people are looking for ways to meet partners online.

Tinder has taken over the world! It is so popular that it brings in revenues of $1.4B per year.

Some recent trends that are making dating websites more popular include the growth of the online dating market, the rise of mobile dating apps, and the increasing acceptance of online dating.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $11,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)

How I Started A $30K/Month Dating And Relationship Coaching Business

This case study follows Pat Stedman, founder of The Dynamic Man, LLC, and his journey to building a successful dating and relationship coaching business that now earns around $25,000 - $35,000 per month through coaching services and passive income products like his 19-hour video masterclass.

About
Pat started Pat Stedman Dating and Relationship Coaching over 9 years ago
Revenue
Pat grew the business to $30K/month
Read by 10,738 founders

64. Start a marketing and sales business

How much you can make: $35,000 — $8,333,333/month

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

We Created A $420K/Year Tool That "Redirects" Website Traffic

Sniply is a custom URL shortener that adds a custom CTA button to any page shared on social media, with 550 paying customers, including large marketing companies, and an annual revenue of about $420k, revolutionizing content marketing.

About
Matt started Sniply about 10 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $35K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $1000000 to start the business
Read by 3,838 founders

65. Start an online electronics store

An electronics store is where you can purchase any electronics, from smartphones to televisions. To start an electronics store, choose a niche first. You can sell brand-new electronics or focus on used electronics. Include high-quality and detailed product descriptions to increase the chances of success.

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

How long does it take to build: 342 days (?)

How We Designed A $1M/Month Portable Monitor For Laptops

Mobile Pixels Inc developed a portable monitor for laptops, the Duex, which raised $1.5m in pre-sales on Kickstarter/IndieGoGo and generated $4.3m in 2019 and is on track to bring in $12m in 2020, by pivoting to adjacent verticals based on the market and attracting attention through word-of-mouth branding.

About
Jack started Mobile Pixels almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Jack grew the business to $1M/month
Costs
It cost Jack $100000 to start the business
Read by 8,700 founders

66. Start a distribution warehouse business

A distribution warehouse business helps companies sell and fulfill their orders to customers. Focusing on the end of the supply chain, distribution warehouses pick and pack inventory and track the shipment until its delivery to the consumer.

To run a successful distribution warehouse business, you need inventory keeping skills, B2B e-Commerce skills, order management system, customer service skills.

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

How Two Broke College Students Built A $1M/Year eCommerce Fulfillment Center

OTW Shipping co-founders Nick and Parker hit $1M in revenue in their first year of operations, providing eCommerce brands with best-in-class fulfillment and shipping out over 120,000 packages, with plans to triple that number in the next 12 months.

About
Nick started OTW Shipping almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Nick grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Nick $15000 to start the business
Read by 5,726 founders

67. Start a fashion accessories brand

Fashion accessories are an integral part of our wardrobes and are chosen specifically to compliment a person's outfit.

Typical fashion accessories include footwear, apparel, jewelry, wallets, handbags, hair accessories, and watches.

The global fashion accessories market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).

How much you can make: $1,500 — $40,480,000/month

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

How We Invented A $10K/Month Innovative Cuff Adapters

CuffStyle created Cuff Adapters, silicone tabs that fit over shirt cuff buttons allowing cufflinks to be worn with standard button-down shirts, and has sold over 2,000 packs and received 100+ reviews with a 4.6/5 star rating on Amazon, with plans to move into big-box retail and B2B sales.

About
Eric started Cuff Style over 5 years ago
Revenue
Eric grew the business to $50K/month
Read by 6,745 founders

68. Start a NFT marketplace

An NFT marketplace is an online site for crypto-collectibles and non-fungible tokens where traders can buy-sell and discover exclusive digital items.

Launching an NFT marketplace requires setting up a blockchain network, integrating a chosen digital wallet, and creating smart contracts. Finally, you need to build a customer-facing web application.

Experts estimate that NFT marketplaces will continue experiencing a YoY growth of 30.72%.

Therefore, NFTs are becoming some of the most profitable blockchain-based experiments.

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

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

How We Accidentally Built The Most Advanced NFT System In The World

RMRK developed the most advanced NFT system in the world, generating $1 million per month in volume and $30k per month in revenue, due to founder Bruno's hack to put NFTs onto a chain without smart contracts.

About
Bruno started RMRK about 3 years ago
Revenue
Bruno grew the business to $30K/month
Costs
It cost Bruno $350000 to start the business
Read by 9,736 founders

69. Make a frozen yogurt dog treats

Approximately 68 to 70% of Americans own dogs. In addition, the dog food and snacks market is estimated to reach over 96 billion in the coming years.

Frozen yogurt dog treats are a profitable business idea if you can find the right clients. You can sell the dog treats as a home-based business, online on sites like Etsy and amazon, or create your own eCommerce business.

If you are starting a frozen yogurt dog treats business, ensure you find quality ingredients that promote dog health. In addition, ensure enough supplies, and market the products appropriately.

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

70. Start a leather goods exportation business

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

We Started A Leather Manufacturing Business From Our Parents Garage [$1.2M/Year]

American Bench Craft, a Veteran-owned leather goods manufacturer, shares their success story, with an annual revenue of over $1 million, due to their unique designs, sustainable sourcing, and reliable American craftsmanship, as well as their use of Klaviyo and local PR for marketing, and their focus on direct-to-consumer sales and corporate gifts.

About
Jason started American Bench Craft over 10 years ago
Revenue
Jason grew the business to $100K/month
Read by 3,406 founders

71. Start a website testing business

In today’s ever-changing and competitive world, the internet has become an integral component of our operations.

Most people search the internet for things they need, entertainment, and transactional purposes.

Therefore, more businesses seek to build websites and be present online and deliver services and solutions quickly and effectively. To achieve the goal, the businesses will test their websites often and fix any issues.

Therefore, starting a web testing service can be a great business venture.

How much you can make: $150,000/month

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

How I Bootstrapped A $1.8M/Year UX Research Software

PlaybookUX is a remote research platform that uses qualitative research to test and analyze digital assets with Fortune 500 firms and sole freelancers as customers, having achieved $1.8m in annual revenue with 1,100 customers and 100% YoY growth as a result of bootstrapping their business and keeping user feedback in focus.

About
Lindsey started PlaybookUX over 5 years ago
Revenue
Lindsey grew the business to $150K/month
Costs
It cost Lindsey $100000 to start the business
Read by 3,118 founders

72. Start an used electronics business

You can sell pre-used electronics online or set up a brick-and-mortar establishment. You can choose to specialize in a niche or sell everything from used computers, televisions, stereos, and gaming systems.

What is essential is researching the pre-owned electronics business. Set specific goals and limits for your business and work towards the goals. Find the niche that works best for you and explore it until you find success.

73. Start a market researching business

Market research analysts research, compile, and analyze information on products and market conditions. The experts identify potential new markets, sales opportunities, and effective marketing strategies.

The employment of market research analysts is projected to grow rapidly over the coming years.

If you love helping businesses reach strategic decisions to excel and beat the competition, then starting a market research business can be fun and rewarding.

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

How long does it take to build: 550 days (?)

How I Started A $15K/Month Market Research Agency With Just $400

This case study is about Abhishek Kumar, the founder of Deep Research, a boutique market research agency that helps startups gather customer insights and guide their product and growth strategies. With revenues consistently growing over the past 10 months, they have achieved their highest revenue of $15,000 last month through continuous service evolution and increased value.

About
abhishek started Deep Research over 1 year ago
Revenue
abhishek grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost abhishek $400 to start the business
Read by 3,899 founders

74. Start an office space rental

Demand for office space rental is booming. The forces that trigger the increase in demand for office space include a more significant number of startups, remote work culture, and an increase in office space per employee as businesses seek to decongest.

With demand for office space expected to increase, starting an office rental business is a wise investment. If you plan to start an office rental business, consider proximity to essential amenities, and ensure the office is accessible.

Before starting the office rental business, it’s a good idea you research the competition in your area. Be sure to understand the competitive landscape and choose where the office rental business fits best.

How much you can make: $14,000 — $300,000/month

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

I Created An Airbnb For Startups In NYC & Make $3.6M/Year

The founder of The Farm Soho, one of the earliest New York City co-working spaces, shares how he built his affordable workspace model for solopreneurs and startups, as well as discussing his tips for attracting and retaining customers while navigating the challenges of running a business.

About
Lucas started The Farm Soho almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Lucas grew the business to $300K/month
Read by 3,865 founders

75. Start a hotels business

If you are considering starting a hotel, then it is time to implement your plan. There are five key elements to understand if you want to succeed in this industry: location, size, budget, experience, and market demand.

Here are some tips to consider before forming a hotel:

  • Name your business
  • Decide on a marketing strategy
  • Start by renting out a room in your home.
  • Hire a business capital broker
  • Try Airbnb
  • Make a marketing plan
  • Offer complementary services

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

How long does it take to build: 325 days (?)

I Created A $120K/Year Skincare Brand For Black Women Recommended By Beyoncé

SKNMUSE, a premium beauty brand dedicated to elevating the beauty experience for Black Women, has a 40% customer retention rate, achieved a 169% increase in revenue, and made $30,000 in Q1 alone.

About
Ezinne started SKNMUSE almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Ezinne grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Ezinne $1000 to start the business
Read by 3,225 founders

76. Start a writing & editing business

A writing and editing business is a business that provides writing, editing, and sometimes proofreading services. Such businesses market their services to businesses, corporations, and individuals who might require those types of services.

The earning potential of writing and editing is incredible. Freelancing is one of the best ways to earn some extra money. If you like writing and editing, then freelancing can provide you with an opportunity to prove yourself as an expert, increase your network and help steer your career in a new direction.

Writing is one of the easiest businesses you can start. You might dream of becoming a professional writer, selling your stories to famous magazines, or writing books that millions around the planet will read.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $208,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. -1 hours/week

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Writing Custom Long-Form Articles

A freelance writing program that teaches intermediate-level writers how to command $1,000 - $3,000 per article, with creator Arlie Peyton generating $10k a month from writing custom long-form articles that get premium results in the eCommerce and SaaS industries and for personal brands.

About
Arlie started Writing Income Accelerator over 5 years ago
Revenue
Arlie grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 9,625 founders

77. Become a forex trader

How much you can make: $1,200 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $388 (?)

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

I Developed A $100K/Month Trading Software

Entrepreneur Sina Sinry started an eCommerce business selling the best performing forex robot, generating monthly earnings of over $100,000 from his digital products, which he developed with the help of professional developers and found success through Facebook Ads.

About
Sina started Sinry Advice over 4 years ago
Revenue
Sina grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Sina $388 to start the business
Read by 3,483 founders

78. Start a pet food delivery business

A pet food delivery can be a very low-cost business to start. You do not need to worry about inventory as you can take orders, and the pet food shop near you will fulfill them. Therefore, you can operate a pet food business without much of your involvement.

To start a pet food delivery business, create a website and target pet owners. Then, partner with a reliable pet food manufacturer or distributor who can take your orders and do the deliveries. A pet food delivery business can be a great way to earn a passive income.

79. Start a water purifying business

It is a very lucrative industry, especially if you select the right location for your business, and will be the center of attention in the coming years.

Water is a necessity. Daily, around the world, billions of people require clean drinking water and sanitation services. However, millions don’t have access to safe and affordable water. They either have to purchase it or otherwise search for systems that can purify water for consumption. This is where the water purifying business comes in handy.

Listed are the steps to start a water purifying business.

  • Plan your business
  • Register your business name
  • Complete all required business documents to run your business
  • Get insured
  • Promote your business

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

How long does it take to build: 232 days (?)

We Developed A $18K/Year Patented Ayurvedic Alkaline Water [India]

Pyotam is India's first ayurvedic alkaline beverage brand that provides water solutions through expertise and innovation, boasting a monthly revenue averaging Rs. 1,00,000/- ($13K) from a customer base of around 250 customers having sold 1,400 bottles so far.

About
Naveen started Pyotam almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Naveen grew the business to $1.5K/month
Costs
It cost Naveen $15000 to start the business
Read by 3,216 founders

80. Start a cartoonist business

How much you can make: $100 — $4,700/month

How much does it cost to start: $475 (?)

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

How We Started A $4.7K/Month Business Selling Custom Hand-Drawn Avatars

Avatoon.net founders share how they started a $4.7k/month business selling custom hand-drawn avatars and grew to an average of $5,000 per month with ~100 clients through SEO-focused marketing and serving returning companies.

About
Zoltán started Avatoon almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Zoltán grew the business to $4.7K/month
Costs
It cost Zoltán $800 to start the business
Read by 8,013 founders

81. Start an email marketing business

Email marketing is a popular and effective way for businesses to reach their target audience and promote their products or services.

With the rise of the internet and the increasing use of email as a communication tool, starting an email marketing business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture.

An email marketing business involves creating and sending marketing emails to a list of subscribers. The emails can be newsletters, promotional messages, or other types of content designed to engage and convert the recipient into a customer. The business owner is responsible for building and maintaining the email list, creating the content, and sending the emails using specialized software.

To start an email marketing business, you must have a strong understanding of marketing principles and a good grasp of best practices. This includes creating compelling subject lines, segmenting your email list, and analyzing your campaigns’ results. You will also need to be proficient in email marketing software like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.

To run a successful email marketing business, you must clearly understand your target audience and what they are interested in. This will help you create relevant and engaging content that resonates with your subscribers and encourages them to take action. A solid call to action in your emails is crucial, whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter. Starting an email marketing business requires marketing skills, expertise, and a willingness to learn and improve continuously. The right strategies and tools can be a rewarding and successful way to reach your target audience and grow your business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $8,333,333/month

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

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

How I Started A $55K/Month Email Marketing Agency Specialized in Ecommerce

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.

About
Chase started Boundless Labs almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Chase grew the business to $8.3M/month
Read by 11,751 founders

82. Start a copywriting business

A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.

To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.

To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.

How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 41 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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.

About
David started Article-Writing Co about 13 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 23,591 founders

83. Become a game developer

Are you passionate about video games and want to turn your hobby into a career? Have you always dreamed of creating your own game and seeing it come to life on the market? If so, then becoming a game developer may be the perfect business opportunity for you.

As a game developer, your job will involve creating, designing, and coding video games from start to finish. This includes coming up with ideas for new games, creating prototypes and mockups, coding the game using programming languages like C++ or Java, and testing and debugging the game to ensure it is functioning properly.

To start and run a successful game development business, you will need a few key things:

A strong foundation in programming and computer science. While you don't need to be an expert programmer, having a strong understanding of programming languages and computer systems will be essential to creating and coding your games.

Creativity and a knack for storytelling. Game development is about more than just coding - it's also about coming up with engaging and immersive storylines that will keep players coming back for more.

Marketing and business skills. Once your game is complete, you'll need to market it and get it in front of potential customers. This will require a strong understanding of social media, digital marketing, and business strategy.

A team of skilled professionals. Depending on the size of your business, you may need to hire a team of developers, artists, and other professionals to help bring your game to life.

With these skills and resources, you can start and run a successful game development business and turn your passion for gaming into a lucrative career.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $330,000/month

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

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

We Created A $100K/Month No-Code Tool For Video Game Developers

Construct 3, a browser-based game engine that allows anyone to create games without coding, has grown from a pay-once model to generating $100k per month in revenue through a subscription-based system, after launching with the help of early-adopter customers and a focus on organic growth, customer feedback, and white-hat SEO.

About
Thomas started Scirra Ltd almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Thomas grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Thomas $1000 to start the business
Read by 9,824 founders

84. Become a wedding photographer

Wedding photography is a highly sought-after service that involves capturing the special moments and memories of a couple’s big day. As a wedding photographer, you will be responsible for capturing the emotions and beauty of the wedding ceremony and reception through your camera's lens.

To start a successful wedding photography business, you must have a strong eye for detail, excellent customer service skills, and a passion for photography. You will also need to invest in high-quality camera equipment and editing software to produce professional-grade images.

In addition to having technical skills, it is important to have a strong marketing strategy to reach potential clients. This can include creating a professional website, utilizing social media, and networking with wedding coordinators and venues.

According to a recent survey, the average cost of a wedding photographer in the United States is $2,500. With the wedding industry expected to generate over $72 billion in revenue in 2021, there is a significant demand for wedding photographers.

To succeed in this business, having a strong portfolio and continuously improving your skills through education and training is essential. By offering top-notch service and beautiful images, you can establish a successful wedding photography business that captures the special moments of couples’ big day.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $14,000/month

How long does it take to build: 440 days (?)

How I Started A Career As Wedding Photographer That Generates Over 6 Figures Per Year

This case study is about a wedding photographer in Australia who earns over six figures annually by keeping things simple, offering transparent pricing, and focusing on online advertising with an effective website and SEO strategy.

About
Steven started SvenStudios almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Steven grew the business to $6K/month
Costs
It cost Steven $60000 to start the business
Read by 8,033 founders

85. Become an interior designer

Interior designing involves making indoor spaces safe, functional, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential & decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials.

The global luxury interior design market is growing at a CAGR of 9.0%. The growth metrics show there is great potential for entrepreneurs targeting households.

If you are starting a luxury interior design business, focus on style and specialty. Add valuables with creative professions, such as interior design, so you stand out from the rest. Ensure you hire the right people and hone the brand identity.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $415,000/month

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

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

How We (Mother And Daughter) Started A $1M/Year Boutique Design Firm

Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.

About
Annemarie started diSalvo Interiors about 27 years ago
Revenue
Annemarie grew the business to $110K/month
Read by 8,240 founders

86. Start a gym

Over the last decade, more people across the globe have become self-aware of the importance associated with living a healthy lifestyle.

As a result, the gym has become a trend for millions of people, leading to a rapid increase in the size and popularity of the global fitness industry. According to statistics, the global fitness club industry is worth over $96 billion.

Therefore, starting a gym could be a great business opportunity.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

How I Started A $60K/Month Personal Training Company

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.

About
Chris started Live Fit about 13 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Chris $50000 to start the business
Read by 7,999 founders

87. Start a data analysis service

A data analysis service is a great way to help businesses make sense of their data. This type of service can be used to provide insights into customer behavior, improve marketing campaigns, or simply help businesses make better decisions.

If you're interested in starting up a data analysis service, You will need knowledge in data analysis and the ability to communicate effectively with clients so they can benefit from what insights have been found by analyzing their information properly - this way it's not just about making money but also helping others!

iTechArt is a leading custom software development company that helps both startups and enterprises streamline their analytics process. They also generated revenue of $209 billion in 2019, while creating more than a million jobs over the past three years.

Starting a data analysis service is a perfect business idea for those with analytical skills and a desire to help businesses to make better use of their data. This business is in high demand and can be very profitable, with data analysts earning high salaries.

How much you can make: $20 — $2,500,000/month

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

I Built $1.54M/Year Tool That Finds The Best Investment Properties [From UK]

Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.

About
Michael started PropertyData almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Michael grew the business to $128K/month
Costs
It cost Michael $68000 to start the business
Read by 4,881 founders

88. Start a virtual call center business

Do you enjoy helping people and talking on the phone? If you want a business that provides flexibility regarding working location and time, consider starting a virtual call center business.

A virtual call center can be a lucrative low capital and a work-from-home business. Here is a list of what you need to start a virtual call center business:

  • Select a specialty area/niche
  • Buy computers and call center software
  • Find clients
  • Focus on growing your business

When starting a virtual call center business, some clients may require you to use their defined call center software.

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

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

89. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $4,500,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

About
Chhavi started Mrs Daaku Studio almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Chhavi grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Chhavi $500 to start the business
Read by 13,573 founders

90. Become a videographer

A videographer uses his video camera to record footage for different events.

Examples of events where videographers are common include weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, etc. Videographers are not only responsible for operating the camera. They must have the skills required for the production of a video, which includes the following:

  • Lighting
  • Sound
  • Maintenance
  • Equipment repair
  • Video editing

To become a videographer, pursue a videography education, and attend internships to gain experience. Build a portfolio, so your target audience finds you online and starts hiring your services.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

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

How We Started A $45K/Month Product Photography And Video Company

Results Imagery co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby launched their digital agency that focused solely on media creation for brands and product companies, helping clients monetize their conversion-centric media, with their current monthly revenue at $45,000.

About
Kyle started Results Imagery almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Kyle grew the business to $110K/month
Read by 9,319 founders

91. Open source library

Open-source libraries become a widely used method of software development, stories from some of the top names in the field can help you with your development or help build your confidence in adopting this methodology for your own projects.

Open-source libraries have a lot to offer the world of programming. The potential for improvement and simplification of a wide range of computer applications is huge. However, with so many options available, how are developers and architects to see which ones are right for them? Following open-source library success stories that could help you determine your best options.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $13,083,333/month

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

About
John started Vuetify almost 7 years ago
Revenue
John grew the business to $25K/month
Read by 45,081 founders

92. 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 (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Private Music Lessons Business

This case study follows Brooke Schrager's journey of starting a customized in-home music lesson business with only 10 students in January 2016 and growing it to over 200 students with monthly revenue of $20,000 in May 2021.

About
Brooke started Lessons By Brooke & Company over 8 years ago
Revenue
Brooke grew the business to $45K/month
Costs
It cost Brooke $1000 to start the business
Read by 6,411 founders

93. Start a craft beer business

Are you passionate about beer and ready to penetrate a niche within the alcohol industry? Craft beer is a potential business idea you may want to start.

Craft beer is an important and attractive niche consumer market with the potential to multiply profitability.

The good news is that starting your craft beer brewery is not as difficult as you think.

You can start brewing craft beer with nothing more than a bucket, a bubbler, a siphon pipe, and a kit. Eventually, you will start bottling your craft beer and delivering it to the market.

How much you can make: $56,000/month

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

How We Started A Six-Figure Craft Brewery [From Croatia]

Croatian craft brewery Varionica shares how they started with only 22 kegs and an old Opel Astra, grew to produce roughly 40,000 liters of beer per month, and expanded successfully during the pandemic through an online shop and retail store partnerships.

About
Matija started Varionica about 10 years ago
Revenue
Matija grew the business to $56K/month
Costs
It cost Matija $10000 to start the business
Read by 4,976 founders

94. Become a mobile makeup artist

A makeup artist is a beautician who offers general makeup services, including facial aesthetics, thorough makeup, and creating custom looks for celebrities and even actors on movie sets.

You can serve clients from their homes or offices as a makeup artist. Therefore, makeup artists avoid paying rent or paying expensive licenses. Besides, makeup artists get to meet different famous people.

To stand out as a professional makeup artist in China, keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.

95. Start a solar energy auditing business

Solar energy auditing assesses solar systems to determine your household’s energy consumption.

A solar energy audit helps households build a proper solar system while ensuring value for the investment by:

  • Revealing potential energy wastage sources
  • Evaluating thermal envelope to reveal any inefficiencies that result in energy loss
  • Allowing solar energy specialists to customize the system based on specific energy requirements
  • Understanding current energy consumption

Property owners and buyers have realized the importance of solar energy audits in increasing the home's resale value. As a result, the demand for solar energy auditors is high, creating a business opportunity for entrepreneurs in that line.

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

How long does it take to build: 480 days (?)

How A Solar Startup Grew Their Organic Traffic By 69X In 15 Months

SolarFeeds, a two-sided marketplace connecting solar installers and suppliers, grew their organic traffic by 69 times in 18 months by focusing on SEO and building an audience through solar-related content before launching their platform.

About
Willie started SolarFeeds about 4 years ago
Revenue
Willie grew the business to $1K/month
Costs
It cost Willie $150000 to start the business
Read by 3,249 founders

96. Start a tourist guide business

There's no denying the profitability of a tourism business. If you know the state and cities well, starting a tour guide business can be a very lucrative idea. All you need is a license, and you can soon start working as a tour guide.

Listed are the steps on how to start a tour guide business.

  • Register your tour guide name business
  • Obtain necessary licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions
  • Organize your business operations
  • Start to promote and get clients

How much you can make: $200 — $8,110,000/month

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

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

How We Built A No-Code Map Builder [400 Users In The First 3 Months]

No Code Map App is a no code builder that allows businesses to create custom interactive maps with dynamic filters automatically based on their dataset, generating >$400 in the first full month of monetization.

About
Nan started No Code Map App about 2 years ago
Revenue
Nan grew the business to $200/month
Costs
It cost Nan $200 to start the business
Read by 4,229 founders

97. Start an acupuncturist business

Starting an acupuncturist business can be a rewarding career path for those with a passion for holistic health and wellness. Acupuncturists use thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

To become an acupuncturist, you will need to complete a Master’s degree program in acupuncture and pass a certification exam. You will also need to obtain a license in your state, which typically requires continuing education credits to maintain.

As an acupuncturist, you will work with clients to assess their health concerns and develop a treatment plan using acupuncture techniques. You may also offer other complementary therapies such as herbal medicine or nutrition counseling.

To run a successful acupuncturist business, you will need to establish a professional website and social media presence, as well as build relationships with referral sources such as primary care physicians and chiropractors. It’s also important to keep up with industry trends and continuing education to stay competitive.

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

Leaving A Geologist Career To Start A Wellness And Acupuncture Center

Licensed acupuncturist, Moira McCarthy, shares her journey of leaving her career as an environmental geologist to start her own practice, which averages 65 to 70 clients per month at $90 per session, by attending health fairs and making public appearances to promote her practice.

About
Moira started Acupuncture Wellness Center over 26 years ago
Revenue
Moira grew the business to $6K/month
Costs
It cost Moira $15000 to start the business
Read by 5,371 founders

98. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

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

How This Nanny Started Her Own $940K/Month Childcare Business

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency has grown from a side hustle to over 20 locations in 5 states, offering an impressive franchise model with almost no overhead and a strong ROI, due to their online scheduling system, which creates a network of nannies and families ultimately providing quality in-home childcare for families.

About
Kristy started Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency over 13 years ago
Revenue
Kristy grew the business to $/month
Read by 3,477 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.