50 Profitable Cottage Industry Related Business Ideas
If you are looking for cottage business ideas to begin your path to entrepreneurship, you are in the right place.
With starting a cottage industry ideas, plenty of opportunities can help you follow your dreams and build a successful career.
In this post, you will discover profitable cottage business ideas, perfect for those who want a flexible job, capable of multiplying the average income while becoming your own boss.
Check out the full list below to help you find your next idea!
Here they are:
1. Start a bedding & pillow kiosk
A bedding & pillow sales kiosk business sells mattress covers, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, comforters, shams, quilts, and bed skirts.
Research has shown that the global home bedding market size will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% in the next decade.
The growth in demand attributes to the boom in the housing sector and the growing consumer spending on home furnishings, which have expanded the growth scenario for the market.
Therefore, a sales professional looking for the best sales business idea stands a chance to increase their income if they start the bedding & pillow sales kiosk business. To start your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business you need skills and the knowledge of sourcing good designs and high-quality materials. Also, you need proper negotiation skills so you can maximize your profit margins.
Follow these steps to start your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business.
- Decide how much you are willing to invest
- Research the market
- Come up a name for your bedding kiosk
- Choose a strategic location
- Acquire business licenses
- Get the required insurance for your business
- Obtain inventory for your kiosk
When you have your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business running, you can scale your sales by showcasing your beddings with professionally edited photos. In addition, sell your bedding online, in-person, and in whatever channel your target consumers feel convenient to use.
I’m Colin McIntosh, Founder & CEO of Sheets & Giggles, a pun-based, eco-friendly bedding brand that launched in May 2018 on Indiegogo with our first product: lyocell bed sheets made from eucalyptus trees.
That’s me in the middle after winning Denver Startup Week back in September.
2. Start a dog training business
Professional dog trainers can be an incredibly fulfilling profession, especially for dog lovers. You can choose to work as an independent dog trainer or work under a company as a part-time trainer. However, note that dog training takes more commitment for a part-time gig. To get started, you need some education to understand how dogs behave and train them in new tricks. You will find tons of online resources on dog training. Alternatively, you can work as an intern with local dog trainers to acquire the skills before setting up your dog training side hustle. The average hourly rate for dog trainers is just over $50/ hr.
Hey! My name is Donald and I run Fraternityk9 dog training. In this business, I specialize in dog obedience and behavior modification. Most people that enter our program are dog owners who either need or want their dog to listen whether the dog is displaying dog aggression or just pulling the owner down the street.
3. Start a pet store
Pet stores are retail businesses that sell animals and pet supplies. They are a leading industry category with sales of approximately $4.5B U.S dollars and positive sales growth of 2.7%.
You can set up a pet store in many places, like supermarkets, malls, or pet supply stores.
The first thing to do is to find a location for your store. A good place would be an area with many residential buildings, schools, and colleges as this will give you access to many customers. It would help if you also looked for a location near public transport as it will make it easier for people to come and visit your store.
I am Mike Leon, mechanical engineer, an avid bike rider, service dog trainer and inventor of the 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow LeashⓇ for safe bike, trike, scooter, and wheelchair dog-rides.
I am the owner of LEON Engineering, Inc. We design, build and sell the 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leash® to dog owners, walkers, trainers, military and law enforcement, search and rescue and those with special needs. Having sold less than 200 BTLs prior, My on-the-side hobby turned into a true business in 2009 with the launch of our first website. We went from shipping hundreds/year to thousands/year. Now, our business allows me to work comfortably from home, making 6 figures, while caring for my wife and enriching the lives of tens of thousands of dogs and their humans.
4. Become a virtual magician
Magic is timeless! If you love entertaining people and performing at corporate or social events, you can become a virtual magician.
Virtual magicians spice up events and provide fun diversion in an otherwise busy environment. As a virtual magician, your business is to entertain guests at family and corporate events.
To become a virtual magician, you will need a computer, a stable internet connection, and great creativity, so you always leave your audience amused.
Hello, my name is Daniel Chan and I am the founder of Dan Chan Presents, LLC. We are a unique company specializing in sophisticated magic entertainment that’s designed for savvy corporate audiences. Our shows feature world-class sleight of hand, playful pickpocketing, and thoughtful sleight of mind. I am known as The Billionaire’s Magician and have performed for many tech millionaires and Silicon Valley’s Elite.
Last year the company made 160K performing live, in person, corporate shows. Due to the unprecedented situation with COVID-19, I quickly pivoted my in-person event strategy to suit the new virtual format. I am one of the first in the magic industry to fully pivot to Zoom, and was recently featured in The Hustle as well as twice in Business Insider. In a single month, I was able to take an industry that was best experienced in person, and turn it into a compelling virtual experience that people can enjoy at home. Not only have I brought magic into people’s homes, but I was able to expand my marketing reach performing internationally in Europe, Australia, Africa, and China, all from the comfort of my home office.
5. Start a pickle business
Pickle is a juice of vegetables or fruits preserved in brine or vinegar. The global demand for packed pickles is snowballing, making it a viable fruit & vegetable business idea.
Hello, my name is Harris Derner and I am the co-founder of Brine Brothers, an All-Natural Premium Brine company. I started Brine Brothers in 2016 with my friend of 25+ years, Michael Belicose. Our current products are all-natural, drinkable pickle brines; ‘Darn Good Dill’ - the classic for pickle lovers and ‘Chili Cherry Fire’ - for those who like it hot. Pickle ‘brine’ (also referred to as pickle ‘juice’) is the liquid solution that transforms cucumbers into pickles.
6. Create a landing page builder
Let’s face it: creating a product is easy; creating a product that sells is the real challenge. Many startups have great-looking websites but lack a highly converting landing page. A landing page builder does just that; it builds landing pages for you.
Unbounce, a popular landing page tool, makes nearly $26M per year.
My name is Lars Helgeson and I am the founder of GreenRope, a CRM and marketing automation platform. Our company started in 2000 as an email marketing SaaS and in 2008 decided to focus on the challenges that businesses face in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
GreenRope has over 1,000 customers in over 20 countries, ranging from startups to universities and municipalities.
7. Start a sex toys business
The sex toy industry is growing rapidly, and there's no sign of this slowing down.
The reasons for this growth are varied. The rise of social media has made it easier to find out about new products and services, which has given companies greater access to their customer base and helped them grow their businesses. More people are also getting comfortable with buying things online; not only does this make it easier for them to shop in private, but it also helps them avoid embarrassment if they're nervous about their purchases being seen by other customers while they're waiting in line at a store.
The industry itself is changing as well: companies are offering more variety than ever before, which means that there's something for everyone—even those who might not have considered themselves interested in this sort of thing before now can find something that suits their needs perfectly!
There are already individuals who made it big in this industry and these stories are the proof of their success.
As of now, we gross around $2,000-$3,000/month in revenue, so it isn’t something to write home about necessarily, however, this journey has been very rewarding.
8. Start a pet bakery
Pet bakeries use the highest quality human-grade ingredients to produce quality dog cakes and other treats. With the growing demand for pet food treats, starting a pet bakery can be a promising venture.
Hi! My name is Kristin Larsen. I’m the founder of Diva Dog Bakery™, a program that teaches students how to start a thriving dog treat bakery business that earns $500 to $1,000+ per month.
Since launching the program in November 2020 to mostly my existing audience (which consists of people looking to start their own business, whether it’s a side hustle or a replacement for their full-time job), it has consistently brought in five figures a month.
9. Make a handcrafted drums business
Start a handcrafted drums business in an industry ready to boom. Firsthand drum builders and craftspeople have long sought out solid places to connect, guild-style, on the web. If you're on a shoestring budget, think about starting a handcrafted drums business.
The global handcrafted Drums & IBCs Market is expected to hit a market value of $16B by 2022 and is expected to reach $22.5B from 2022 to 2029. Starting your own handcrafted drums business in the modern age is much easier than it used to be. Because of the rise in sites like eBay over the past 20 years, it's much easier to pick up some used equipment and have your own drum kit up and running for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Hello, my name is Oran and I handcraft steel tongue drums used by musicians and also for sound therapy/meditation. The tongues or notes are tuned in a way that they all resonate with each other making it very easy to create alluring melodies, when the tongue is hit with you finger or a mallet, it vibrates creating sound waves. There is a hole underneath allowing sound to escape. No musical background is needed to play, so they are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Sales vary from month to month but tend to average out at $2000 a month from my website www.goya.ie. I’m continually creating new designs and experimenting with sounds which is a perfect way for me to spend my time.
10. Start a mobile auto detailing service
A mobile carwash business reaches clients whenever possible and offers its services conveniently. Therefore, car owners do not need to drive to different locations looking for a car wash, as the mobile service provider is there for the client.
The advantage of offering a mobile car wash business is that clients will call you to their location whenever they need their vehicles cleaned. You can serve more customers based on convenience compared to an immobile car detailing business.
My name is Matt Paskow. I started a mobile auto detailing business called Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing which services North County, San Diego.
11. Start a meal prep business
A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery to avoid customer disappointment.
A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.
Therefore, starting a meal preparation business can be a great way to earn extra monies.
When we first started, we sold around 200 bowls each week. We currently sell around 10,000 bowls each month. Most companies like this start the same way, cooking from their primary residence for family and friends. We were no exception. But as we continued to grow, we spent time and money to work out of rentable commercial kitchens until we were able to afford our own.
12. Start an auto repair business
Many people just love to tinker with, fix and repair cars. This is an all-consuming hobby for some people. They like to take things apart and figure out how things work. The process of fixing and repairing cars is almost therapeutic for them.
An auto repair business is a rewarding way to make extra money or build an entire business.
You can do it in the comforts of your own home, working around your schedule and getting paid handsomely for it. The United States automotive service market is expected to reach $75B by 2026.
My name is Johnny Van, I am the President and Owner of Finish Line Towing & Auto Repair. I have always been interested in cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles… you name it. My father was a major contributor to my love for automobiles, he started a towing company when I was a child. He always had about 2 or 3 trucks while working a full-time job also and he did this for around 25 years.
FLT does around $5,000,000 in sales a year between all our services and we are focusing on growing to other markets in Wisconsin and soon Illinois.
13. Start a soap making business
Are you looking for an easy business you can start from home? Soap making is a relatively easy cottage business you can start today.
Soap is one of the products you will find in every household. Therefore, soap is a product that will remain in demand, making soap making business a lucrative idea.
To start a soap-making business from home, research the competition and choose the niche your business will focus on. You can make scented soaps mixed with essential oils or non-scented soaps for washing utensils.
Choose a business name and create a business plan indicating your entity type, mission statement, and soap marketing strategy.
My name Warnisha Foster I am the CEO of Kiss My Crown Essentials. I founded Kiss My Crown Essentials in March of 2020 and I started offering my products a few at a time to see how they would go over with the public. My first product was Strawberry Rose’ Champagne Soap. The idea for this soap came from looking at my life as a single mom of four I started to feel burned out. I needed something to make me feel feminine, Make me feel like a woman, Grown and sexy. This did the trick.
Our mission here a KMCE is to let mothers like myself know that we are seen, we are beautiful and we are a necessity.
14. 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.
15. Become a computer refurbisher
Computer refurbishing is the process of restoring used computers to working conditions. Refurbishers typically purchase used computers from individuals or businesses, and then they clean them up, install new parts, and test them to make sure they are in good working condition.
To start this business, you'll need skills in data recovery, hardware repair, and software troubleshooting. It is a perfect idea for those who have an interest in technology and a knack for repairing electronics.
With the ever-growing popularity of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, there is a great demand for refurbished computers. And with data science and data analytics, you can easily identify which computers are in high demand and how to best refurbish them.
Starting this type of business is a great idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technology. If you can navigate the regulations, this can be a lucrative business with a lot of growth potential.
My name is Lawrence O'Connor, aka 'OWC Larry.' I am the founder and CEO of OWC (Other World Computing, Inc.).
Our CAGR over the past 33yrs is 43.78% (average growth rate since inception). It was 18.4% in the most recently completed year 2019 vs 2020 with just over 148 million revenue in 2020.
16. Start a locksmith business
Locksmith businesses make and install locking systems on residential, commercial, or automobiles. The global demand for locksmiths.
The increasing demand is driven by growing residential and commercial construction markets and disposable income per household.
Therefore, starting a locksmith business can be rewarding and profitable. To start the locksmith business, undertake the necessary locksmith training and acquire a locksmith’s license and permit. To provide quality services, you will need state-of-the-art locksmith tools and equipment.
17. Start an essential oils business
Essential oils can be a lucrative business. However, you must invest in the necessary oil extraction tools and equipment. If you are interested in selling essential oils, you may consider a white-label actual oils business.
Under a white label agreement, your package and label essential oils by another company with your logo and brand name. To start an essential oils white label business, identify a reliable oil supplier and complete the customer application form. Then, place the minimum order, repackage the products, and resell.
I am Nabiulla. I manage RealDrop Natural Oil, along with my IT recruiting and web development company SkyllsSolutions.
18. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice for professional writers for offering writing services to different clients via online platforms. Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
My name is David Tile. I own and operate a Content Writing Service, under the banner Article-Writing.co.
We don’t consider ourselves a content marketing firm. But a firm dedicated to the business of writing. Project management offers most often attached to marketing agencies. We work against marketing briefs delivering content on time and under budget.
19. Start a candle business
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
Hello! My name is D’Shawn Russell and I am the founder and CEO of Southern Elegance Candle Company. I started the company 4 years ago as a side hustle to make some extra money on the weekends and to get me out of the house. But it quickly grew to much more than I expected.
You can check out our brand story video here: Southern Elegance: Candles Crafted In The South
20. Start a craft business
If you have artistic passion and the skills to make unique art, consider starting a craft business. Craft businesses make jewelry, clothing design, card making, painting, sculpting, ceramics, among others.
According to research, the global handicraft market size will reach over $1252 billion in the next decade.
Checkout this video for steps to start your craft business.
The best websites to sell your crafts include:
Hi, I’m Theresa the owner of the blog DIY Lifestyle. On my blog, I share dozens of gluten-free, vegan, paleo, raw vegan and healthy recipes, fun crafts & DIYs, helpful life hacks, and travel tips. I started my blog because I was looking for a place to write down useful information to share with people all around the world but it quickly turned into something more.
21. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
Hello there! We are Lindsay Ann Gottschall and Courtney Joy Bleier, two sisters from Miami who started Ann + Joy. We make handmade real flower and resin jewelry and sell online and in stores around the world. We take pride in being one of the first companies to make real flower jewelry. During our first year of business, we blossomed almost immediately into a very successful Etsy shop. Etsy was constantly featuring our products on its website and in promotional emails. We are proud to say that since starting in early 2017 we have had over 5,000 sales online.
For all the readers, we are providing a 20% off coupon to our Etsy shop. Use code: STARTERSTORY at checkout!
22. Start a knife sharpening service
Every household has a bunch of knives in it. All those households have dull knives that may need sharpening to serve the owners well. Therefore, there is already a market for your knife sharpening business. To start the business, drive down the road, knock and ask the homeowners if their knives need sharpening.
I am Mikael Soderlind, I started Knife Aid in January 2019. Knife Aid is a mail-in knife sharpening service, modernizing an antique service by giving anyone who mails in their cutlery access to a master knife smith using the highest quality in techniques and materials to revive your knives.
As of January 2020, we are currently trading at $250,000 per month and have seen a steady increase month over month and continue to see the same in this coming year. Some of the main reasons for our success are that we are a service that pretty much every American home is in need of. Creating a business that speaks to the masses ultimately leads to great success. We have also had tremendous PR just this past year including top national publications and TV shows including Shark Tank and The View.
23. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
Bonjour! My name is Anthony Rosemond. I'm a Parisian chef & founder of Pastreez, an online French bakery.
We’ve sold over 1 million macarons to this date, with only a team of two.
24. Start a cleaning service
A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.
By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.
Hey! My name is Neel Parekh and I am the Founder and CEO of MaidThis® & MaidThis® Franchise, a cleaning franchise that helps residential homeowners and short-term rental hosts (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) with their cleanings.
- We made our niche focus on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, in addition to regular home cleaning, which is a rapidly growing industry. We became the first cleaning franchise specializing in vacation rental cleaning.
- Local businesses are often pretty old school and typically aren’t the best with marketing, especially digital marketing. We’re bringing new-age marketing tactics to this old-school industry.
- Remote work: we’ve been able to stay extra nimble and lean with having a global workforce. This was initially done out of necessity so I could travel, but quickly became a huge competitive advantage. Our office team works across 8 different countries.
25. 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.
26. Become a freelance app developer
A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.
To become a freelance app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.
Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.
Hi, I’m Andrew 👋I like to joke that I’m a jack of all trades and master of pun…
- An attorney take her legal tech startup from $0 to $1M in Annual Run Rate.
- A 71-year-old financial consultant build his first tech company and close customers like Yale, Brown, NYU, and Dartmouth.
- A doctor in Texas launch the first HIPAA compliant text messaging service.
- A photo booth startup build tools that are used by Amazon, Uber, Red Bull, NBC, the NFL and more.
27. Become a social media consultant
Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.
To become a social media consultant, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.
Hi, I’m Laura Roeder, the CEO and founder of MeetEdgar, a social media automation tool.
Here’s a recent team photo at one of our biannual company retreats. This was taken in Phoenix, Arizona.
28. 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 , 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.
Hi, my name is Nestor Nidome and I am the founder and owner of Elegante Catering. Serving the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside county) and now have expanded to serve all of Southern California. Our customers, mostly higher middle class, have enjoyed our delicious menu ranging from full service plated meals, made to order pasta bars to buffet-style menus such as Mexican fajitas bar and tacos.
Weddings because there is no higher compliment than to have the bride and groom come up to us complimenting us and letting us know how all their guests are raving about the food. As for corporate caterings we like to make it as simple as possible for them. We have 12 different menus they can choose from so that every month their employees enjoy a different menu. Plus once we have their information all they have to do is text us the Date, Menu, and Time they want. We understand that they have better, more important things to do than order food. This has allowed us to grow our monthly sales to $20,000.
29. Start a woodworking business
While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.
Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.
My name is Sasha Weekes and I’m the 25 years old owner of Timber Grove Studios. Our home-based woodshop is nestled in the hills of PEI’s countryside, and we specialize in decorative shelving and home decor with a focus on minimalist design and simplicity. Each piece is made to order with 20+ color options, meaning it will be the perfect fit for each customer's space. We ship Canada and U.S. wide.
Moving twice in two years has definitely caused organizational, financial and opportunity hiccups, but the business has grown steadily regardless so we’re very excited about where 2020 will take us. We’ve learned what to focus on during which months, as revenue can range anywhere from $2000 during slow months to $10,000 during high months. Net profit has run anywhere between 20-50% throughout the life of the business and varies month to month. It’s closer to 20% right now as we’ve been spending all we can on new tools and materials for our new larger products and our Christmas stock.
30. Start a mobile hair salon
With the ever-increasing number of people in the world becoming increasingly mobile, the demand for mobile hair services will also increase. Mobile hairstyling is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Making money while driving around in your car or truck may sound enticing.
Listed are the steps to start a mobile hair salon business.
- Plan your business
- Register your business
- Secure permits and licenses
- Get certificates
- Purchase needed materials and supplies.
- Connect with clients. Promote your business
31. Start a podcast
Do you have knowledge and passion that you'd love to share with other people? Or perhaps you are a content creator and looking for ways to expand your revenue streams? If you match any of these criteria, then becoming a podcast host could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Podcasts are the new radio. Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums for online audio, and it's not expected to slow down any time soon. But unlike traditional radio, podcasts are driven by content creators who have a passion for sharing stories with their listeners.
One of the main benefits that come with starting a podcast is the minimal investment needed to get started. All you need is a computer or phone with a microphone and a way to host it online. You can even create one on your own website if you want.
Hey there! I’m Jeremy Enns, the founder and Storyteller In Chief at Counterweight Creative, a podcast production and strategy agency.
I started the company 3 years ago, in 2016 with one client, making $15/hour and have grown into a team of 10 contractors producing more than 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10K/mo.
32. Start a skills training business
It is a great idea to start a skill training business with your website oriented towards helping people learn new skills. Starting your own skills training business is within reach. It doesn’t require a lot of money, but it can bring a significant impact on your life and others.
The global skills training market expects to reach $47.2B by 2027. If you’re looking for financial freedom, starting your own skills training business is the way to go. Training clients and building an impressive portfolio will allow you to charge higher rates and start living the life of your dreams.
I am Sumit Bansal from India and I have a website (TrumpExcel.com) where I teach people how to use Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets efficiently. On this site, I create written tutorials and videos and also sell online courses.
I started this site in 2013 and it gets more than 1 million pageviews every month. As of last month, my average monthly revenue was ~$10,000.
33. Become a handyman
Handyman offers various home repair services based on their skill set and the customer’s needs. Also known as a fixer, the handyman repairs works both on the interior and exterior.
The handyman business is a great part-time opportunity, and you can earn a high-profit margin while the overhead costs are low.
I’m Dan Stewart and I’m the founder of Dundas Valley Pools. We help homeowners with swimming pools in Southern Ontario, Canada maximize the summers in their backyard. We do this by providing personalized, on-site services such as pool openings/ closings, pool maintenance, equipment installations, pool renovations, and new pool installations. Since our humble beginnings in May of 2016 we have serviced 350+ pools, opened and closed 200+ pools, and have installed tons of high-quality pool equipment, pool liners, and winter safety covers for happy customers throughout Southern Ontario.
Dundas Valley Pools has grown from a company producing very little revenue in 2016 to a company that is earning an average of $8000/ month net revenue during the on-season. This year we hope to actually double that number. This is due to our expansion into more technical services as well as taking on larger jobs-- namely, new pool installations.
34. Become a personal chef
If you’re looking for a career that allows you to work within your own schedule, look no further. Becoming a personal chef means setting your own hours, planning your own schedule, and taking on as much or as little work as you want.
Not everyone has the time to prepare meals for themselves. If you love cooking, you can start a personal chef business in your area and earn a good income from the side gig. The side hustle can fit into your schedule easily, and you can offer delivery and pick-up or curbside options to ensure more people are buying your services.
Personal chefs can work at various locations, including their client’s homes or restaurant kitchens. They may have regular clients who call on them to prepare meals for them weekly, or they may get called in to prepare meals for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
I am David Buchanan, a professional chef, and owner of Chefs-Resources.com, a website geared towards providing professional chefs with free detailed culinary info (seasonality, flavor profiles, etc.) about fresh fish, oysters, and cuts of meat, as well as tons of free kitchen management articles. Paid subscribers get access to our premium kitchen management resources such as Excel sheets (prep sheets, recipe templates, ordering guides, etc.), video tutorials, and kitchen management articles.
The site is not about recipes, but I am a Chef, so here is one of my favorite personal creations...seared scallops, spring pea puree, lemon beurre blanc, fingerling potatoes, golden beets, asparagus, corn kernels.
35. Start an online t-shirt business
Running a t-shirt business is an opportunity many entrepreneurs are looking into as a side hustle or even a full-time business opportunity. While having your own physical store is possible, online businesses are becoming extremely popular in this field.
Launching your own successful online t-shirt business may feel daunting, but with the guidance & insights from people who are already pioneering this industry, it’s simpler than you may think. You can start with selling customized quotes t-shirts, tie-dye prints/screen printing t-shirts, or solid color t-shirts. The opportunities for this industry are endless.
What’s up Y’all! My name is Brian Wysong and I am the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of a Texas-inspired apparel brand called Tumbleweed TexStyles.
We also hire teachers to help us out with art, events and sales. We love to support students and teachers in any way we can.
36. Start a construction equipment rentals company
Construction equipment rental can be a profitable business idea, and the need for equipment rental has grown over the last few years. With the increased cost of construction equipment, renting has been a solution for many businesses. Especially new startups in the construction industry are opting for equipment rentals instead of purchasing as this is more cost-effective.
If you are starting a tools and equipment rental business, study the market and find which type of construction equipment gets more demand. Focus on regions where you will have more customers and less competition. Offering quality service will attract repeat business and more referrals.
37. Become a graphic designer
Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.
Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.
Hi, I’m Mike Moloney, the founder of FilterGrade. FilterGrade is a marketplace for creators where you can find digital assets such as presets, LUTs, video templates, and much more.
Today thousands of creators from all around the world buy and sell digital products on FilterGrade and more than 450,000 users visit the site every month.
38. 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.
I'm Bryan Clayton CEO of GreenPal which is best described as Uber for Lawn Care.
Good thing early investors told us no because with their capital they would have owned and controlled 30% of our business.e are self-funded and my cofounders and I own it all.
39. 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
Hi! 👋 My name is Tim Bornholdt, and I’m a co-founder of The Jed Mahonis Group. We are a custom iOS and Android app development consultancy, and we specialize in building native mobile app solutions for businesses of all sizes.
We’ve grown at a steady pace over the past eight years. We currently work with several large and small organizations including Great Clips, Profile by Sanford Health, Green Mill, and the USA CUP. My business partner and I started the company right out of college by investing $250 each and have since turned it into a nearly seven-figure a year agency.
40. Become an online fitness coach
Online fitness coaching is using live or recorded video to offer fitness classes to an online audience at a fee. To become successful in business, online fitness coaches should possess the following personal qualities:
- Stay focused on clients’ needs and goals
- Be ready to walk the talk
- Ask the clients questions
- Focused on educating the client
- Adjust to a language clients understand
Increase in number of internet usersand more hours spent online, online businesses will keep thriving.
Therefore, fitness coaches looking to expand their businesses or venture into new markets can consider starting an online fitness coach business.
I was once just an out of shape, overweight guy with a goal to make a change. I started my health and fitness journey by losing 90lbs. The discipline and drive it took to go from never exercising at all to achieving such significant weight loss taught me a lot about goals and how to attain them.
TeamFFLEX is my online personal training platform that coaches athletes, Hollywood actors, professional musicians and everyday people all around the world. Starting with literally 0 dollars and a hell of a lot of drive I successfully built my business into the 6 figures in less than a year. Today, TeamFFLEX LLC does $48,000 a month and is growing continually month after month.
41. Start an event planning business
Event planners handle different tasks related to making the business a success. Some of the event planner’s responsibilities include:
- Conducting research
- Creating the event design
- Finding an ideal site
- Arranging for food, décor, and entertainment
- Planning logistics to and from the event
- Sending invitations
- Supervising at the site etc
The events industry has grown enormously in the past year. According to research, consumers’ appetite for outdoor events is rising and will not slow anytime soon. Therefore, setting up an outdoor event planning and management company can be lucrative.
Hello, I am Akshay Patel from Albuquerque, NM the land of enchantment. I started an event rental and decor company that led me to an event venue. The View Event Center is a lavish space that is an indoor and outdoor event venue with panoramic city views. Our high-end venue with experienced staff will assist from venue decor to the smallest details entailed in making memories of a lifetime. Simply Decor, Tents, and Events ensures exclusive decor and thrives to bring your event to life through customized, elegant decor for all of their clients.
The full-service company will individually work with every client to design their event that will intrigue every eye in the room. Our company is broad that we get many different types of customers and we make many great connections with them as well. The company was making upwards of $380,000 a year.
42. 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.
My name is Samuel Wilson and I am the owner of The Locksmith Agency. The Locksmith Agency provides digital marketing services such as Website Development, SEO, and Google Listing optimization services specifically for the locksmith industry.
I now work with dozens of rock shops across the country and we’re making roughly $30k+ per month by helping them with their digital marketing needs such as local SEO and social media management.
43. Start a 3D Printing Business
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, makes it possible to produce a physical item by assembling a material layer by layer.
If you love creating stuff, then a 3D printing business may be for you.
My name is Roy Kirchner, an entrepreneur from Odessa, Florida. After years spent in the automobile and marketing and advertising industries, I decided in 2014 to form a new company solely focused on emerging new technology, 3D printing.
I started my company with an initial, out-of-pocket investment of $65,000, and today we are averaging monthly gross sales of $330,000.
44. 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.
Hi, my name is Jean-Philippe Brousseau, I’m a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Canada, Québec. I’m the founder and owner of phoneloops.com. We mainly sell our universal phone strap that provides a secure, yet relaxed grip on mobiles to B2B and B2C markets.
We’ve been in business since 2014 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. We’ve grown exponentially every year since. As of 2018, we’ve sold over one million Loops in 66 countries. We couldn’t be happier and we are super excited about what the future holds.
45. Start a hair extensions business
The hair extensions industry offers hairpieces and wigs for aesthetic and medical purposes. People looking for hair extensions are concerned about regular hair styling, so they prefer them.
If you follow hair and beauty trends and are passionate about starting a business in the beauty industry, you can start a brick-and-mortar hair extensions business. Research the market and find out the type of hair in demand.
- Vivian Kaye is the creator and CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki, a high-end black women's textured hair extension line that has grown to $6 million in sales without using paid advertising.
- She made the decision in 2012 to start a business that offered more than just high-quality, kinky, curly, and realistic-looking textured hair extensions.
- This brand offers a collection of 100% virgin human hair that is available in 6 textures and a wide range of coverage options to help you achieve your goal.
- The enterprise prospered in 2013 and made around $500,000 in sales in just one year of launching.
Read the full story on thestar.com ➜
46. Start an online rug store
Online rug stores sell fine hand-woven or hand-dyed antique rugs, carpets, and textiles. Some potential customers looking to purchase exceptional old rugs, carpets, and materials are auctions, collectors, academics, museum curators, and homeowners.
If you are a home décor enthusiast, purchase and resell rare and important rugs or carpets online or even open a store in the neighborhood. If you are starting, always begin with a nearby product, something local or with close suppliers. Costs will be less, and probably logistics problems will go near zero.
Also, take controlled risks, as it's easier to test and fail cheaper than ever. Online services and tools make you ready to launch with a few bucks, so go try, sell and take feedback. Probably, you are nearer than you think to success.
As you advance, source fine textiles and fragments of rugs from Europe, Persia, India, Turkey, Morocco, China, and other countries respected for their rug-making expertise.
Market your rugs and carpets online or open a local rugs store targeting rug and tag run & carpet lovers.
I ́m Manuel Mas and I run with my family Mundoalfombra.com since the year 2001, where we sell rugs and carpets, most of them created in our town in Spain: Crevillent (near Alicante). My brother Antonio is our CEO.
We’ve been growing by 20% since the beginning of this decade thanks to SEO, Google Ads, and Facebook and Instagram ads, making around $23K/month revenue.
47. Start a clothes business
Starting a clothing manufacturing business can be a lucrative and great opportunity. In fact, clothing manufacturing is expected to grow due to increase demand for quality clothing items around the world.
It's important that you first determine your niche in the clothing manufacturing world, whether that be streetwear clothing, fitness and athletic, or leisure.
Hello from sunny Singapore! My name is Donovan and I am the founder of Bryden.
I started Bryden back in 2015 with my partner and we are now a team of 8, with an average monthly revenue of $74,000 and serving customers in more than 20 countries from French Polynesia to USA.
48. Start a paper manufacturer
Numerous businesses mesh well with the typical small business model of low overhead, low inventory, and low to moderate output. A paper manufacturing business is one such type of enterprise. There is a built-in marketplace for your product with little work involved in marketing. Paper is one of the most widely used materials with a wide range of applications in our day-to-day life. It also finds applications across industries such as packaging, publishing, etc.
Some popular paper products manufacturing business ideas include tissue paper manufacturing, kraft paper manufacturing, stone paper manufacturing, thermal paper manufacturing, butter paper manufacturing, art paper manufacturing, seed paper manufacturing, notebook manufacturing, and many more.
49. Start a welding and fabrication business
The fabrication and welding business entails joining metals and creating decent products such as doors, windows, trailers, and even auto body parts. Starting your welding and fabrication business can be a brilliant idea if you are a welder. Research the different niches within the metal fabrication industry and choose a profitable one. Some options to consider include the following:
- Fabrication of heavy stainless steel
- Aluminum welding
- Steel fabrication
- Underwater welding and fabrication
- Trailer manufacturing
- Garage door design and fabrication
Once you have settled on the best welding and fabrication business, fill out all legal formalities for starting a welding and fabrication business, and get business insurance to protect you from any uncertainties.
50. Start a lawn care service
Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.
To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.
To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.
I'm Bryan Clayton CEO of GreenPal which is best described as Uber for Lawn Care.
Good thing early investors told us no because with their capital they would have owned and controlled 30% of our business.e are self-funded and my cofounders and I own it all.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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