The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Connecticut [2024]

Updated: July 11th, 2024

Interested in starting a business in Connecticut in 2024?

We put together 42 of the best businesses you can start in Connecticut today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Connecticut.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a crm business ($600K/year)

Starting a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) business could present a lucrative opportunity for you in Connecticut. CRMs are essential tools for businesses of all sizes, helping them manage interactions with current and potential customers, streamline processes, and enhance profitability. Given the increasing necessity for digital-first strategies, a CRM business can meet a growing demand in various sectors.

A prime example of a successful CRM enterprise is Workbooks CRM, founded by John Cheney. Initially based in the UK, Workbooks expanded into the US market in 2018, choosing East Hartford, Connecticut as its operational hub. The company recognized a gap in the market for affordable CRM solutions targeted at mid-sized businesses and has since grown to serve over 1,400 customers across 30 countries. If you're interested in more details about their journey, you can read the full case study.

How We Started A $50K/Month Cloud-Based CRM Software

Workbooks CEO, John Cheney, shares how he identified a gap in the market for affordable CRM solutions for mid-sized businesses and, after raising over £8m in seed capital, expanded globally, serving over 1,400 customers across 30 countries.

Read by 5,140 founders

2. Start an electronics repair business ($48K/year)

Starting an electronics repair business could be a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a knack for fixing gadgets and a passion for technology. In Connecticut, the success of businesses like Allen Chiang's Retro Radio Farm highlights the potential in this field. Allen has turned his hobby of repairing and restoring vintage radios into a profitable side business, making around $50,000 annually, with an impressive growth rate of 20% per year.

By offering unique services like Bluetooth MP3 upgrades for old radios, Allen has carved out a niche market. This example shows that you could successfully combine technical skills, creativity, and a love for retro tech to start a thriving home-based electronics repair business in Connecticut. The story of Retro Radio Farm demonstrates that even a side business can grow significantly with the right approach and dedication.

Finding and Repairing Retro Radios Turned into a Successful Side Hustle

Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.

Read by 8,269 founders

3. Start a lead generation business ($2.33M/year)

A lead generation business could be a lucrative venture to start in Connecticut, especially given its diverse economic landscape. The state's mix of thriving industries—from technology and healthcare to finance and education—provides a myriad of clients who are eager to buy quality leads to stay ahead in a competitive market.

With a solid understanding of digital marketing strategies, you could help local businesses increase their sales and customer base by offering tailored lead generation services. For more details on starting this business, you can explore the idea further here and read successful case studies from others in the industry.

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.

Read by 24,485 founders

4. Start an online advertising agency ($2.12M/year)

Starting an online advertising agency in Connecticut is a promising venture due to the state's concentration of small businesses and startups needing digital marketing expertise. Connecticut's strong economy and vibrant entrepreneurial community could provide a steady stream of clients seeking to expand their online presence.

Moreover, you could benefit from the state's well-educated workforce, allowing you to collaborate with skilled professionals to offer comprehensive advertising solutions. By leveraging your digital marketing skills and initially offering services at discounted rates, you could quickly build a solid portfolio and establish a reputation for quality service, ultimately leading to consistent growth for your agency. For inspiration and guidance, you could explore successful case studies of online advertising agencies.

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.

Read by 15,339 founders

5. Start a consulting business ($1.46M/year)

Starting a consulting business in Connecticut is a promising idea, given the state's thriving industries and a strong demand for professional expertise. Connecticut is home to major sectors like finance, insurance, and manufacturing, making it an ideal location for offering specialized consulting services.

You could leverage your industry knowledge to assist businesses in optimizing their operations, improving compliance, or implementing new technologies. To get more insights and learn from successful consultants, check out these detailed case studies. For a step-by-step guide on starting your own consulting business, visit the business idea page.

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.

Read by 35,436 founders

6. Start a life coaching business ($223K/year)

For those living in Connecticut, starting a life coaching business could be a highly lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Given the state's population density and high average income, there's a considerable market for personal and professional development services. You could capitalize on this growing demand and tailor your services to meet the unique needs of Connecticut residents.

Life coaching is a multi-billion dollar industry, showing a 33% increase in life coaches from 2015 to 2019. Starting a life coaching business in Connecticut requires minimal investment—just a computer, a high-speed internet connection, and a LinkedIn profile. If you're interested in learning more about how to get started, check out our guide on coaching businesses or read about successful life coaches that have thrived in the industry.

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 45,692 founders

7. Start a career coaching business ($582K/year)

If you have a knack for mentoring and expertise in human resources, starting a career coaching business in Connecticut could be an excellent opportunity. Connecticut is home to several major corporate hubs and educational institutions, providing a robust potential client base of professionals seeking career growth and transitions.

Moreover, the flexibility to offer in-person or virtual coaching sessions allows you to cater to a wider geographic area, including numerous suburban and rural communities in the state. You could make a substantial impact by helping your clients achieve their professional goals, while also enjoying the benefits of a home-based business. Read some success stories for inspiration on how others have thrived in this field.

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.

Read by 22,039 founders

8. Start a finance blog ($1.95M/year)

Starting a finance blog in Connecticut offers a unique opportunity due to the state's affluent population and strong financial sector. With cities like Stamford and Hartford being key financial hubs, you could attract a knowledgeable audience keen on financial advice, investment insights, and budgeting tips.

Additionally, Connecticut's high median household income means potential readers are likely to have disposable income, making affiliate marketing and sponsored content particularly lucrative. Given the low startup costs and the ability to work from home, this business idea allows you to maximize profitability with minimal financial risk. For more inspiration, check out some successful finance blog case studies.

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

Read by 27,767 founders

9. Become a business coach ($527K/year)

Becoming a business coach in Connecticut could be a strategic move given the state's thriving small-business ecosystem. With more startups emerging, many entrepreneurs could benefit from guidance in specialized fields like marketing, e-commerce, stress management, and leadership. This demand translates into a substantial opportunity for you to share your expertise and help local businesses grow and succeed.

Additionally, given the diversity of industries in Connecticut, you could build a broad client base, ranging from tech startups in Stamford to small manufacturing companies in Hartford. By leveraging your skills to help these businesses identify new opportunities and optimize existing ones, you could create a rewarding career. For more insights, check out how to start a business coaching business or explore successful case studies on StarterStory.

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.

Read by 25,100 founders

10. Start a car battery shop

Starting a car battery shop in Connecticut could be a lucrative business opportunity given the state's diverse climate, which can have a significant impact on car battery longevity. The fluctuating temperatures from cold winters to hot summers increase the need for car battery replacements, thus ensuring a steady demand for your services.

Additionally, Connecticut's dense population and the high rate of vehicle ownership create a broad customer base, from everyday commuters to commercial vehicle operators. Expanding services to include battery testing, installation, and recycling can further differentiate your shop from competitors. To get more detailed insight and success stories, visit Starter Story’s car battery shop page or check out successful case studies for practical examples.

How We Started Our Business Of Thematic Websites While Living Abroad

A husband and wife team developed a portfolio of online businesses generating income to cover their basic bills, allowing them to travel and develop other businesses, with one blog generating around $870 per month.

Read by 5,052 founders

11. Start a crm business ($2.93M/year)

Starting a CRM business in Connecticut could be a promising venture given the state's strong business environment and concentration of small to medium-sized enterprises. You could provide essential tools to help these businesses streamline their customer interactions, manage sales pipelines, and generate insightful analytics, thereby positioning yourself as a crucial partner in their growth.

With the CRM market being a $50B and growing industry, there's substantial opportunity for growth. To get started, you could explore more details on the business idea or learn from successful case studies that have tapped into this lucrative market.

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,712 founders

12. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)

Starting a cannabis business in Connecticut could be a lucrative opportunity, especially considering the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. You could tap into a market that is projected to reach $22 billion, providing ample room for growth and innovation in this already expanding industry. The state’s supportive regulatory environment further simplifies the process for budding entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the cannabis industry offers diverse avenues for business, whether you are interested in cultivation, retail, or ancillary services. Read some inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this market to help shape your entrepreneurial journey. For more details on starting your own cannabis business, check out this comprehensive guide.

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.

Read by 17,251 founders

13. Start a newsletter ($3.2M/year)

Starting a newsletter in Connecticut could be a great business idea given the rising trend in newsletter readership, which has increased by over 50% in the past five years. With Connecticut's diverse communities and thriving local industries, you could cater to niche markets and position yourself as a trusted expert.

Creating a well-written newsletter can help you build strong connections and educate your subscribers, which in turn can foster customer loyalty. To get started, check out more details on the business idea and explore successful case studies to inspire your own venture.

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

Read by 27,767 founders

14. Start a no code platform ($4.1M/year)

Investing in a no-code platform business in Connecticut could be a lucrative opportunity, especially given the state's robust educational institutions and thriving tech sector. You could empower small business owners and hobbyists across Connecticut to develop and deploy their own applications without needing extensive technical skills. This democratization of app development is particularly appealing in a state known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Moreover, with the increasing demand for digital solutions in today's market, you could turn imaginative ideas into practical and affordable applications. Whether targeting local startups or educational institutions aiming to teach tech skills, the possibilities are expansive. For more details on this business idea, check out this article or review some successful case studies to get inspired.

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,578 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.