45 Fun After School Business Ideas You Can Start With Little Capital

Updated: July 24th, 2023

If you are thinking for after school business ideas to begin your path to entrepreneurship, you are in the right place.

With starting a after school business, there are plenty of opportunities that can help you follow your dreams and build a successful career. 

In this post, you will discover profitable business ideas, perfect for those who want to have 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 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 19,404 founders

2. 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.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How Two Teachers Started A T-Shirt Business Doing $1.2M/Year

Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.

About
Brian started Tumbleweed TexStyles over 12 years ago
Revenue
Brian grew the business to $93K/month
Read by 19,273 founders

3. Start a chimney repair business

Brick and stone chimneys require maintenance and upgrade to keep them structurally sound and functional. Some regular chimney repair tasks will include repairing and replacing rain pots, rebuilding chimney crowns, and installing new bases and flashing counters.

Thus, starting your own chimney repair business can be a very profitable, so long as you have basic masonry skills and experience. To start, you can offer the services to your neighbors just to showcase what your business offers. If you are not an experienced mason, you can hire skilled professionals and outsource the orders to them.

How much you can make: $21,000/month

How I Started A $21K/Month Chimney Service Company While Working Full-Time

Patriot Chimney, a Virginia-based chimney repair company founded by three friends, generated over $212,000 in its first year of operation, using a mix of digital and in-person marketing and customer retention strategies, and plans to expand its business and customer base with new initiatives including an online store and non-profit organization.

About
Mitchell started Patriot Chimney over 5 years ago
Revenue
Mitchell grew the business to $21K/month
Read by 14,694 founders

4. Become a mobile personal trainer

Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.

The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services .

To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.

How much you can make: $600 — $8,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 532 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

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 8,035 founders

5. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

About
Ryan started Payment for Stripe over 9 years ago
Revenue
Ryan grew the business to $60K/month
Read by 19,029 founders

6. 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.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

About
Neel started MaidThis Franchise almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Neel grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Neel $800 to start the business
Read by 20,643 founders

7. Become a proofreader

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

  • Have an excellent grasp of grammar
  • Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
  • Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
  • Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

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

How I Added $2,000 To My Monthly Income Proofreading Blog Posts

A proofreader was able to build a consistent income of ~$2,000 per month from scratch with zero experience in the field, no expenses, and barely any upfront costs by targeting bloggers and content creators who want their content to be copy edited and proofread.

About
Lenny started The Blog Proofreader almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Lenny grew the business to $2K/month
Read by 14,279 founders

8. Start a food delivery business

In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.

The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.

You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $83,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

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

How I Took Food Trucks Corporate And Built A $18M Business

Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.

About
Jeffrey started Food Fleet about 12 years ago
Revenue
Jeffrey grew the business to $1.5M/month
Read by 14,602 founders

9. Start a personalized gift business

Personalized gifts are great for celebrating important dates, joyous occasions, and memorable moments. The personalized gifts include photo frames, key chains, to group gifts.

A personalized gifts business is a low-capital idea since you do not need a physical storefront or office space to start the business. Besides, you can put as much time into the business as possible, which means you can run the business as a side hustle.

Check out our guide on how to start a personalized gift business

How much you can make: $1,000 — $416,000/month

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

Learnings From Starting A Curated Gift Boxes Ecommerce Side Hustle And Growing It To $12K/Month

Bestowe Gifting quadrupled their sales during the pandemic by shifting to online sales and offering unique, locally sourced gifts, resulting in a successful eCommerce side hustle that allowed the founder to pay themselves and expand their custom business.

About
Catherine started Bestowe Gifting over 6 years ago
Revenue
Catherine grew the business to $12K/month
Costs
It cost Catherine $20000 to start the business
Read by 12,969 founders

10. 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 13,626 founders

11. 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, 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 12,595 founders

12. Start a jewelry making business

The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.

The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.

If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.

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

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

How A Teacher Started A Successful Handmade Jewelry Business Online

A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.

About
Alex started Gold Pan Pete Design over 11 years ago
Revenue
Alex grew the business to $2.5K/month
Read by 41,768 founders

13. Start a mobile photography business

Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.

There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!

To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.

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

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

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

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.

About
Brandon started Photobooth Supply Co. about 11 years ago
Revenue
Brandon grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 15,282 founders

14. Start an used book store

Starting a used book store may seem quaint and outdated in today’s digital age, but it can be a thriving and lucrative business.

For bibliophiles and avid readers, a used book store offers a treasure trove of pre-loved books at affordable prices. Not only do customers get to add to their libraries, but they also get to support sustainable practices by giving these books a second life.

A used book store can also serve as a community hub, providing a space for book clubs, readings, and other literary events. So why not dust off the old business plan and open the doors to your used book emporium?

15. Start a mobile pet grooming

Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.

Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.

Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.

16. Start a personal shopper business

A personal shopper business is a service that helps individuals find and purchase the perfect clothing, accessories, and other personal items for their specific needs and style. As a personal shopper, you will work with your clients to understand their preferences and budget and then use your expertise and resources to curate a selection of items for them to choose from.

To start a personal shopper business, you must have a strong sense of fashion, an eye for style, and excellent communication and customer service skills. It will help if you are organized and efficient, as you must manage multiple clients and their requests simultaneously.

To begin your business, you must establish your target market and determine your pricing structure. You will also need to create a website or online platform to showcase your services and portfolio. Consider building relationships with retailers and designers to access the best products for your clients.

To start a personal shopper business, you will need to:

  • Determine your target market and pricing structure.
  • Create a website or online platform to showcase your services and portfolio.
  • Build relationships with retailers and designers to access the best products for your clients.
  • Develop a marketing plan to attract and retain clients.
  • Establish a system for managing client requests and communication.

17. Start a pest control business

Pest control is a booming industry that has been around for decades. It will only grow as new pests and diseases enter our world.

Pests can be a serious menace, and homeowners are willing to pay what it takes to get rid of pests around their homestead.

Pest control can be a lucrative business that can make you a lot of money.

18. Start an ebay reseller business

The basic idea of eBay reselling is to buy a discounted product, sell it on eBay, and ship it out for a profit.

Buying and reselling on eBay can be a profitable business. You can pick something at a lower price during its off-peak selling season and resell it individually when its demand is high.

To start an eBay reselling business, you should register as a business seller.

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

How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)

Starting Up A Reselling Business And Pulling In $4K/Month Revenue

Reselling business that has grown into a full-time venture, generating around $4,000/month, by cross-listing products on multiple platforms, primarily focusing on fashion but also including hard goods and furniture, while also offering downsizing services and planning to launch a website about the work-from-home lifestyle.

About
Shelby started Rooted Drawers about 7 years ago
Revenue
Shelby grew the business to $4K/month
Read by 968 founders

19. Start a graffiti removal business

Are you interested in starting a graffiti removal business? Great choice! This is a great way to make a positive impact in your community and earn some extra income.

So, what does a graffiti removal business entail? Essentially, your job will be to remove graffiti from buildings, walls, and other surfaces in your area. Removing graffiti can be done through various methods, such as pressure washing, sandblasting, or specialized graffiti removal products.

You’ll need a few key things to start your graffiti removal business. First, you’ll need to purchase or rent the equipment you’ll need, such as pressure washers, sandblasters, and protective gear. You’ll also need to research and buy effective and environmentally friendly graffiti removal products.

In terms of operating your business, you’ll need to advertise your services to potential clients and negotiate prices with them. You’ll also need to schedule and coordinate your work with clients and be prepared to travel to different locations.

Starting a graffiti removal business is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in your community. It is also a good opportunity to earn some extra income. Just be sure to research, invest in the right equipment, and be prepared to work hard and make your business a success!

20. 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 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 7,708 founders

21. Start a language translation service

Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.

To become a language translator , master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Buying A Translation Company And Growing It To $4M/Year

DEMAN Translations grew from 6 employees and 1.5 million euros in turnover in 2015 to 17 team members and 3.5 million euros in sales in 2020 after acquiring 12 other translation agencies, with a goal to reach 6 million euros this year and 10 million euros in 2022.

About
Cédric started DEMAN Übersetzungen almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Cédric grew the business to $550K/month
Costs
It cost Cédric $1250000 to start the business
Read by 7,782 founders

22. Start a pool cleaning business

Pool cleaning services serve affluent homes and commercial places. Their service involves adding and testing chemical levels and catching debris to keep the swimming pools clean. A pool cleaning company ensures the swimming pool water stays clear and inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Starting a pool cleaning business fulfills your entrepreneurial spirit and is also profitable. Suppose you are starting a pool cleaning business. In that case, you need a basic understanding of how to mix pool cleaning chemicals, invest in professional pool cleaning equipment, and market your pool cleaning business.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How I Started A $8K/Month Pool Service And Installation Business

Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.

About
Dan started Dundas Valley Pools almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Dan grew the business to $8K/month
Read by 15,192 founders

23. Start a snow removal service

Snow plowing is a high-margin scalable business with low overhead costs. Although seasonal, you can earn a decent living by plowing snow in winter. Entrepreneurs with a dump trailer and snow plow can serve commercial and residential customers and stay busy during or after a snowstorm.

24. Start a personal concierge business

A personal concierge is a professional who makes arrangements and performs tasks on behalf of busy people. Services offered by a personal concierge include:

  • Carrying out personal errands
  • Event planning
  • Moving/relocation services
  • Dinner reservations
  • Home and carpet cleaning services
  • Home repair and maintenance services, e.tc.

Personal concierges work remotely and can serve many people. To become a personal concierge, choose a niche and write a business plan. Determine the business structure and obtain necessary licenses or permits. Finally, register and market your business.

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

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

25. 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 , keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.

26. Start an electronics repairing service

Electronics repair businesses repair damaged or malfunctioned equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, phones, and gaming devices. If you love working with electronics and are interested in working as a repair technician, consider starting your own electronics repair business.

The electronics repair business can be profitable and fun if you love and enjoy keeping the devices working.

To start, hire electronics service technicians to keep your business growing. Find someone who will treat customers with trust, honesty, and the highest degree of courtesy while exhibiting the highest levels of technical competency.

27. Start a smoothie business

Smoothie is a blend of whole fruits containing bananas, yogurt, honey, ice cream, and other ingredients.

Smoothie businesses attract health-conscious consumers, and their mass appeal has grown tremendously.

In the US alone, smoothie bars are a 3-billion-dollar industry. Therefore, starting your smoothie business can be a great idea from an entrepreneur’s standpoint. To start your smoothie bar, consider an ideal location, and ensure a proper shop format. The alternative smoothie shop formats include:

  • Dine in Plenty of seating space: customers order and pay at the counter.
  • Window only: Serves takeaway smoothies with customers ordering and paying at the counter
  • Food truck: Mobile smoothie shop allowing you to connect with a more extensive customer

The rising popularity of healthy juices and the low startup cost makes the smoothie industry an appealing frozen food business idea.

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

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

How One Woman Went From WIC To CEO Of Her Own Smoothie Empire

Simple Green Smoothies boasts a free 7-day smoothie challenge that has helped over 2 million people take control of their health and generates revenue with programs ranging from a 21-day cleanse to a plant-based meal planner, bringing in as much as $30k a month and also working to help women farmers in Cambodia build mushroom farms through World Hope International.

About
Jen started Simple Green Smoothies over 11 years ago
Revenue
Jen grew the business to $30K/month
Read by 10,818 founders

28. Start a website development business

Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.

To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.

How much you can make: $200 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

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

How I Started A $20K/Month Web Design Agency

How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.

About
Scott started Up And Social almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Scott grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Scott $2500 to start the business
Read by 25,496 founders

29. Become a ghost blogger

A ghost blogger is simply a writer who specializes in producing blogs for other people.

As a ghost blogger, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on word count and topic.

Ideally, the ideas and knowledge contained in the article originate from the publicly named author.

Therefore, as a ghostwriter, your role is to put the ideas into words.

How much you can make: $450 — $24,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $125 (?)

How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

I Make $300K/Year With A Team Of Ghostwriters That Create Content For Brands

Content strategist Lacy Boggs leveraged her love of blogging and desire for a more flexible schedule to grow her business from a solo "Ghost Blogger" to a full agency with four writers and a cabal of contractors that helps businesses create bespoke content strategies and consistent traffic, yielding over a ($300k) year in revenue.

About
Lacy started The Content Direction Agency almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Lacy grew the business to $24K/month
Costs
It cost Lacy $50 to start the business
Read by 4,374 founders

30. Start a car wash

As more people purchase vehicles, the demand for carwash services will keep increasing. Starting a car wash can be the ticket for the budding entrepreneur looking for an innovative business idea with low startup costs.

You must choose an ideal location and invest in quality car wash equipment to operate a successful car wash. Proper advertising and marketing are critical to running a successful car wash business.

How much you can make: $3,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $36K/Year Auto Detailing Business Working 3 Days Per Week

Joey Sanchez turned his love for car detailing and buying and selling cars into a successful mobile auto detailing business in Phoenix, Arizona, making $3K a month working only 3 days a week, with plans to eventually open a shop location.

About
Joseph started Wolf's Auto Detailing about 3 years ago
Revenue
Joseph grew the business to $3K/month
Costs
It cost Joseph $5000 to start the business
Read by 3,048 founders

31. 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.

How much you can make: $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 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 4,560 founders

32. Start an e-book writing business

An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.

Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)

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

How We Started A $514K/Year Content Curation Agency With Just $35 [From India]

Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.

About
Vaibhav started Content-Whale Private Limited almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Vaibhav grew the business to $62.5K/month
Costs
It cost Vaibhav $35 to start the business
Read by 5,119 founders

33. Start a domain registrar

Starting a domain registrar business can be lucrative and rewarding for those passionate about technology and the internet. A domain registrar is a company that allows individuals and businesses to register and purchase domain names, which are used to identify a specific website or web page on the internet.

To start a domain registrar business, you will need to invest in the necessary infrastructure and resources to support the registration and management of domain names. This includes a domain name server (DNS), a website and online platform for customers to browse and purchase domain names, and a team of customer service representatives to assist with any issues or questions.

In addition to these technical requirements, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the domain name industry and the various options and regulations that apply to different types of domain names. This will allow you to provide valuable guidance and recommendations to your customers as they select and register their desired domain names.

To succeed as a domain registrar, it is also essential to have a strong marketing and sales strategy in place to attract and retain customers. This can include targeted online advertising, partnerships with web hosting companies and other industry leaders, and offering competitive pricing and discounts to attract new business.

Starting a domain registrar business requires a combination of technical expertise, knowledge of the industry, and strong marketing and sales skills. You can build a successful and profitable business in the domain name industry with various factors.

34. Start a pet sitting business

A pet sitter is a professional who provides daily care for pets while the pet owners are at work or on vacation. The pet sitter's duties include:

  • Cooking special meals for pets as instructed by pet owners.
  • Reporting any behavioral issues to pet owners.
  • Playing with the pets to encourage their mental and physical stimulation.

One of the advantages of working as a pet sitter is that it's not a stressful career. You also get to work with different animals while enjoying a work-life balance.

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

How I Started A $8K/Month In-Home Pet Care Service

A technician-turned-CEO built an in-home pet care enterprise that generates $8k per month by documenting business operations and empowering employees, inspired by the successes of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc and researcher Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and empathy in the workplace.

About
Benny started Hands N Paws almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Benny grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Benny $1000 to start the business
Read by 7,245 founders

35. Start an errand service

Errand services help people and businesses who have daily errands to run but need an extra hand. So, they seek professional help who can do their chores on time with utmost efficiency.

You can provide various services as an errand business, including grocery shopping, picking up + sorting through mail, going to the bank, and much more.

Starting an errand business is relatively easy. Consider offering package deals as a way of getting and retaining customers. Most errand businesses charge per hour, and you may charge per mileage if the task involves driving.

36. 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.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $81,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How We Make $7.5K/Month With A Productized Service

Draftss.com is a productized graphic design and front-end code service on subscription that made $66k ARR in 2019, has an MRR of $9.6k as of July 2020, and offers add-ons such as designers being added to team in interacting tools and front-end code services on WordPress using various page builders like Elementor and Divi.

About
Junaid started Draftss about 6 years ago
Revenue
Junaid grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Junaid $100 to start the business
Read by 11,390 founders

37. Start a house painting business

Starting a house painting business can be a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. With the right skills, equipment, and a bit of luck, you can provide a valuable service to homeowners looking to spruce up their living spaces.

You'll need to invest in basic painting supplies such as brushes, rollers, ladders, and drop cloths to get started. You'll also need to invest in protective gear, such as masks and gloves, to ensure the safety of yourself and your clients.

Once you have your equipment, you can start marketing your services to potential clients. You can use social media, word-of-mouth referrals, or even old-fashioned flyers and business cards to get the word out.

As your business grows, you should invest in additional equipment, such as sprayers and power washers, to expand your services. You can also consider hiring additional workers to help with larger jobs and to allow you to take on more work.

With hard work, determination, and a little luck, your house painting business can thrive and provide a steady income stream. And who knows, you may even find yourself becoming the go-to painter in your community.

38. Become a mobile DJ

Mobile DJ carries their DJ kit with them and entertains clients at weddings, birthdays, and corporate parties or events. There is plenty of demand for mobile DJs, and customers will pay well to be entertained at their premises or parties.

To become a mobile DJ, first, learn the art of DJing, specifically how to DJ open-format style. If you are a beginner, enroll in online classes where you will learn the best DJing practices.

39. Start a daycare

Daycares provide educational, medical, and social services for the children of working parents either during school hours or when the parents are out of the home for an extended period of time. This can be a lucrative enterprise if you start a daycare in an area where it is needed.

As the growth of families has become dependent on two incomes, the need for quality daycare has skyrocketed. Starting a daycare business is challenging but rewarding. You will face many challenges but can overcome them as long as you are ready to make the sacrifices required.

40. 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.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month

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

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

How This Couple Left France To Build Their "American Dream:" A Six-Figure Online French Bakery

French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.

About
Anthony started Pastreez about 7 years ago
Revenue
Anthony grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Anthony $7000 to start the business
Read by 6,753 founders

41. 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 4,560 founders

42. Start a knitting business

The knitting business idea is all about creating handmade knit items such as scarves, sweaters, hats, and more. To start this business, you will need key tools and materials, including knitting needles, yarn, and patterns.

To operate this business successfully, you will need to have a good understanding of knitting techniques and be able to create high-quality items that appeal to your target audience. You should also have strong marketing and sales skills to attract and retain customers.

One way to grow your business could be by offering knitting classes or workshops to beginners interested in learning how to knit. The lessons and workshops can not only help you generate additional income, but they can also help to build a community of loyal customers.

To sell your handmade knit items, you could consider setting up an online store or participating in local craft fairs and markets. You could also consider partnering with local boutiques or retailers to sell your wholesale products.

Overall, the knitting business idea is a great way to tap into your creative side and create beautiful, handmade items that people will love. You can build a successful, fulfilling, and financially rewarding business with the right tools, skills, and marketing strategies.

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

How My Business Makes $500K/Month Selling Yarn Products To Clothing Companies And Knitters

Meet Evgenia, the founder of Woolstock, a yarn and knitting company that started with a few thousand a month and quickly grew to making 500,000 US dollars per year by listening to customer needs, expanding product ranges, and focusing on social media marketing and partnerships.

Revenue
Evgenia grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Evgenia $15000 to start the business
Read by 1,338 founders

43. 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.

The average Computer Repair Technician in the US makes $51,129. The salaries of Computer Repair Technicians range from $19,892 to $74,573, with a median salary of $55,440.

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.

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

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

I Was Too Young To Drive But Started My Business Anyway: Now We're Approaching $200M/Year

OWC Larry, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, shares how he started his business at a young age with just a credit card, now experiencing a solid year-over-year growth with a CAGR of 43.78% over the past 33 years.

About
OWC started OWC (Other World Computing, Inc.) over 35 years ago
Revenue
OWC grew the business to $13.5M/month
Costs
It cost OWC $20000 to start the business
Read by 4,738 founders

44. Start a boat cleaning service

Boat cleaning is a low barrier to entry business, with high-profit margins and low competition. If you love working on boats and looking forward to starting a boat business, this could be your best time to start the boat cleaning business.

To start a boat cleaning business, target the regions where boats are a popular means of transportation and fishing. Advertise your business, and focus on offering superior service so customers keep returning and referring your services to others.

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.