Business Ideas For Gen Zs [2025]

Looking for business ideas that resonate with your generation's unique perspective? This article outlines 24 different avenues where you could start making your mark today. From online ventures to community-focused projects, there's something here for everyone with a zest for entrepreneurship.

With these ideas, you have the opportunity to leverage your digital skills and social consciousness. Whether you want to dive into e-commerce, launch a personal brand, or create a local service, these possibilities are designed to fit various interests and talents.

Read on to explore practical steps for turning these ideas into reality. The world is evolving, and there's never been a better time for a Gen Z entrepreneur like you to start something new.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other gen z businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a YouTube channel ($444K/month)

Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. A YouTube channel offers the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. It's a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. You'll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and engage with your audience regularly. A good understanding of SEO for videos and social media marketing can also drive traction.

Why start a YouTube channel?

• You can turn your passion into profit by sharing what you love or know.
• There's potential for significant financial rewards through multiple revenue streams.
• You have the flexibility to work on your own terms and schedule.

Discover more about starting a YouTube channel, including profitability and success stories, by visiting this page.

2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products.

Starting this venture involves selecting a niche you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site. You'll need to invest time in research, content creation, and SEO to attract loyal followers. Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content could generate income. For more inspiration and success stories, visit Starter Story's niche website ideas.

Why start a niche website?

• You could monetize your passion. Turning your interests into a business means you get to work on what you love while earning money.
• It's a scalable venture. Once established, a niche website can generate passive income, allowing you to focus on growth or other projects.
• Minimal startup cost. Compared to other businesses, creating a niche website requires a relatively low initial investment, making it accessible for young entrepreneurs.

3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business would make sense as a Gen Z because it allows you to tap into the growing e-commerce trend without the need to hold inventory, significantly reducing startup costs. You could leverage platforms like Shopify to set up your online store and market products in your chosen niche directly to customers. By focusing on digital marketing and customer service, you could grow a profitable business right from your home.

Why start a dropshipping business?

• Low startup costs. You don't need to invest in inventory upfront, making it accessible for young entrepreneurs on a budget.
• Flexible location. As long as you have internet access, you could run your dropshipping store from anywhere.
• Scalability. You could easily expand your product range without worrying about storage space, allowing for sustainable growth.

For more insights and tips on running a successful dropshipping business, check out some marketing ideas.

4. Create a mobile app ($89.6K/month)

Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? As a Gen Z entrepreneur, it's more feasible than you might think. Developing a mobile app allows you to harness your tech-savvy skills and innovate in a market constantly looking for fresh solutions. Whether it's for productivity, gaming, or a service that caters to specific user needs, mobile apps offer a significant opportunity for both supplemental income and potentially a full-scale business.

Starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision, some basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. You'll need to focus on planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and rigorously testing for functionality and bugs. Effective marketing is also crucial to attract users and achieve downloads.

Why pursue a mobile app business?

• Mobile apps are a cornerstone of modern life, providing countless opportunities for innovative solutions.
• Your tech skills give you a unique edge in a rapidly evolving market.
• With the right strategy, your app could turn into a major source of revenue.

For more insights on launching a mobile app, check out these mobile app success stories.

5. Start a podcast ($204K/month)

Starting a podcast is a flexible and creative way for Gen Z entrepreneurs to supplement their income. With minimal upfront investment, you could create engaging audio content on a topic you're passionate about, potentially attracting sponsors and advertisers. As the demand for audio entertainment and information-sharing grows, podcasting presents a unique opportunity to build a dedicated audience online.

Why start a podcast?

• Low startup costs mean you could launch a podcast with just a microphone and headphones.
• Your unique perspective could resonate with listeners, building a loyal and engaged audience.
• Podcasts offer monetization opportunities through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations.

For more insights on how to start your podcast, including tips and success stories, check out Starter Story.

6. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be a fantastic opportunity for Gen Z entrepreneurs to tap into a growing market while leveraging their unique interests and creativity. With subscription boxes offering a set of niche products on a recurring basis, you could cater to specific communities and create a reliable revenue stream. By identifying a niche, ensuring product quality, and establishing solid partnerships, you could build a profitable venture that resonates with your audience and stands out in the crowded market. For a detailed guide on initial setup costs, visit this Starter Story resource.

Why start a subscription box business?

• Subscription boxes are in high demand and offer continuous customer engagement, ensuring consistent revenue.
• As a Gen Z, you likely have fresh, unique ideas for niche markets that aren’t saturated yet.
• You could start small with minimal upfront costs and scale your business as it grows, making it a versatile and manageable venture.

For inspiration from successful entrepreneurs in this space, check out these subscription box business success stories.

7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($67.7K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business is a fantastic way for Gen Z to supplement their income with a flexible, scalable opportunity. By promoting other companies' products or services, you could earn commissions on each sale you generate, transforming your digital presence into a revenue stream. Learning to find the right products and brands to partner with is key, and you could start with something you are passionate about, whether that's tech gadgets, fashion, or eco-friendly products.

For more information on how to start your affiliate marketing journey, check out these affiliate marketing success stories and tips.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

• It requires low initial investment and can be done from anywhere, providing you with ultimate flexibility.
• The potential for passive income means you could earn money while you sleep, offering a significant long-term financial reward.
• As native digital communicators, Gen Z could leverage their social media skills to effectively market products and drive sales.

8. Start a niche blog ($126K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be an exciting way to share your expertise and connect with others who have similar interests. As a Gen Z, you could find it particularly rewarding since you can utilize your tech-savviness and creativity to create unique, influential content. By targeting an underserved niche—whether it’s fashion, video games, film reviews, or another passion—you could build a loyal following and turn your blog into a source of income. For more insights on niche blogging, click here.

Why starting a niche blog?

• Your tech skills are already on point. Use them to create engaging content that stands out.
• Niche blogs offer multiple revenue streams. From affiliate links to brand collaborations, your efforts could pay off in more ways than one.
• Community-building is second nature for you. Engage with followers through comments, social media, and events to grow a loyal audience.

9. Develop an ios app ($38.6K/month)

Interested in starting a side hustle or business as a Gen Z? Developing an iOS app might be your answer. With millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide, the potential reach is massive. The process is straightforward: identify a problem, design an engaging interface, and either find a developer or use a user-friendly app-building platform to bring your idea to life. Plus, revenue opportunities abound, whether through in-app purchases, ads, or direct sales.

Why develop an iOS app?

• You have access to a vast audience with millions of iPhone users worldwide.
• You don't need to be a coding expert; there are many tools and developers ready to help your vision come to life.
• Monetization possibilities include in-app purchases, ads, and direct sales on the App Store.

For further insights, check out this [successful iOS app startup story].

10. Start a social media automation business ($185K/month)

Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. This involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—could pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.

With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. To learn more, check out some success stories on Starter Story.

Why start a social media automation business?

• You could capitalize on the increasing demand for efficient social media management solutions.
• You’d be leveraging your tech-savvy skills and marketing knowledge to build valuable relationships with clients.
• The business model offers potential for recurring revenue through subscriptions and long-term service contracts.

11. Start an online course sales business ($78K/month)

Starting an online course sales business makes a lot of sense for entrepreneurial Gen Z individuals. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, there’s a huge opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge and skills by teaching others. Whether your expertise lies in music, cooking, or coding, you can create and sell online classes, turning your passion into a source of passive income.

To get started, choose a target audience, develop your course content, and select an online learning platform to host your courses. This business model allows you to earn money while helping others develop new skills, making it both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. For more insights, consider exploring these resources.

Why start an online course sales business?

• The growing e-learning market presents a lucrative opportunity for passive income.
• Turning your passion into a course allows you to monetize what you’re already an expert at.
• Helping others learn new skills is a rewarding way to make money.

12. Develop a lead generation tool ($80.6K/month)

Starting your own lead generation tool could be a lucrative and innovative business venture, especially for Gen Z entrepreneurs. As a digital native, you are already well-versed in the online ecosystem and can leverage your tech-savvy skills to create a platform that automates the process of attracting and capturing potential customers for businesses. With an increasing demand for streamlined marketing efforts, a well-designed lead generation tool can fill a significant gap in the market.

Integrate your tool with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to gather valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests. By offering businesses a way to automate and optimize their lead collection processes, you could not only create a steady income stream but also make a meaningful impact on their growth.

Learn more about the pros and cons of starting a lead generation tool business.

Why should you consider developing a lead generation tool?

• The high demand: Companies are eager for efficient tools to streamline their marketing and customer acquisition efforts.
• Tech and marketing skills: If you’re tech-savvy and have marketing know-how, you’re well-positioned to succeed in this space.
• Automation advantage: Automating lead generation allows companies to focus more on conversion, increasing your tool’s value.

13. Start an ai based business solution ($887K/month)

Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing.

By integrating AI solutions, companies could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You don't need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. Learn more about starting an AI-based business solution here.

Why starting an AI-based business solution?

• The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly, offering a chance to tap into a lucrative market.
• AI can reduce the cost of operations by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives.
• With user-friendly AI platforms, you don't need advanced technical skills to get started, making it accessible for anyone willing to learn.

14. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business is a great way for Gen Zs to supplement their income or even start a full-fledged business. With the increasing demand for high-quality visuals in digital marketing and content creation, you could build a diverse portfolio and earn passive income by licensing your photos to businesses and content creators. Investing in good photography equipment and honing your skills can pave the way for a lucrative side hustle or primary business.

For more insights, check out some successful stock photography business stories on Starter Story.

Why Consider a Stock Photography Business?

• Low initial investment: Start with a good camera and basic editing software, and you're ready to shoot.
• Passive income potential: Once uploaded, your photos can generate revenue continuously.
• Tap into digital demand: Businesses and content creators are always in need of high-quality images for their marketing efforts.

15. Start a health and wellness app ($117K/month)

Creating a health and wellness app offers Gen Z entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to blend their passion for technology with their commitment to health and well-being. With a growing awareness of physical and mental health among their peers, Gen Z is perfectly poised to leverage their tech-savvy nature to develop a platform that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. Such an app could serve as a virtual coach, helping users achieve their health goals, whether it’s reminding them to stay hydrated or guiding them through a comprehensive yoga practice.

In addition to the creative and technological aspects, this venture allows you to collaborate with health experts and engage in meaningful market research, thereby enhancing your business acumen. The potential to make a positive impact on lives, combined with tapping into an expanding market, makes this a highly rewarding endeavor. If you're passionate about health and technology, this venture holds the promise of building a thriving business while making a meaningful contribution to society. For inspiration and more details on costs and marketing strategies, you can check out some success stories.

Why start a health and wellness app?

• You could make a positive impact on people's lives by helping them achieve their health goals.
• As a tech-savvy Gen Z, you'll naturally excel in developing and marketing the app.
• The health and wellness market is growing, offering ample opportunities for success.

By starting a health and wellness app, you get to integrate your tech skills and passion for wellness into a project that could change lives and build a sustainable business.

16. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business could be an excellent option for Gen Z entrepreneurs looking to make extra money or start a side hustle. This business model requires minimal upfront costs and allows you to leverage your creativity to design unique products, from apparel to home goods. You won’t need to worry about inventory, as production and fulfillment are handled by third-party services, enabling you to run your business from anywhere.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

• You could monetize your creativity by designing trendy products without worrying about inventory.
• Low startup costs make it accessible, and you can run operations from the comfort of your home.
• Leveraging marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay can help you reach a global audience and grow your business at your own pace.

For more insights, check out this page on Starter Story.

17. Start an email marketing tool ($938K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool business could be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial Gen Zs looking to supplement their income or launch a side hustle. With the global email marketing tool market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there's immense potential for growth and profitability. This business can be as simple as purchasing a domain and hosting account, but the true potential lies in creating innovative features that cater to entrepreneurs, startups, and various industries.

Why start an email marketing tool?

• You could tap into a booming industry with significant market growth projected.
• It allows you to leverage your tech-savvy skills to create a valuable, sought-after service.
• As a Gen Z, you could bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to an evolving market.

For more insights and tips on making your email marketing tool profitable, check out Starter Story's success stories.

18. Start a wordpress plugin business ($3.37M/month)

Starting a WordPress plugin business could be an excellent way for Gen Z entrepreneurs to supplement their income or build a side business. In the digital era, WordPress powers countless websites, each requiring plugins to enhance functionality. If you come up with a solution to a specific problem, creating and selling a plugin could be a lucrative venture. Platforms like CodeCanyon could help you reach a broad audience to sell your plugins, and you could also market them on your own blog or dedicated website.

Why start a WordPress plugin business?

• There’s a massive market demand. WordPress is used by millions of websites needing unique plugins for various functionalities.
• It has low startup costs. You could develop and sell a plugin with just coding skills and a minimal financial investment.
• You get to solve real problems. Provide solutions that make websites better while generating income from your innovative ideas.

For more insights, check out starterstory.com.

19. Start a volleyball accessories business

Thinking about turning your passion for volleyball into a business? Consider starting a volleyball accessories business, an enterprise that caters to enthusiasts of this growing sport. In simple terms, this involves designing, manufacturing, and selling volleyball-related products such as knee pads, wristbands, custom jerseys, nets, and portable ball pumps. You'll supply players with essential gear that enhances their game.

This business idea stands out because recreational sports are gaining more popularity, and athletes constantly seek high-quality, reliable accessories. Starting this venture allows you to tap into a niche market, providing gear tailored to volleyball players' needs. Running this business will involve a mix of market research, developing supplier relationships, and creating an online presence. If you have a knack for sports and entrepreneurship, a volleyball accessories business offers a balanced mix of creativity and practical engagement in a sport you love.

Why starting a volleyball accessories business?

• You could tap into the growing popularity of recreational sports and meet the demand for high-quality volleyball gear.
• You could turn your passion for volleyball into a profitable venture by offering products that enhance the game experience.
• With an online presence, you could reach a wide audience of volleyball enthusiasts looking for specialized accessories.

For more insights, check out real volleyball accessories business success stories on Starter Story.

20. Start an ace hardware franchise business

Starting an Ace Hardware franchise can be an ideal business venture for Gen Z entrepreneurs looking to supplement their income or launch a full-fledged business. With a well-established brand and support from the parent company, you'll receive the necessary training and resources to kickstart your store. Plus, being attuned to the latest trends and community needs allows you to carve out a niche that appeals directly to your local market.

Why consider an Ace Hardware franchise business?

• Established brand recognition: As an Ace Hardware franchisee, you'll benefit from the strong reputation and customer trust already built by the brand.
• Community engagement: Hosting workshops and events in-store can create a loyal customer base and foster a sense of community.
• Comprehensive support: The franchise model provides essential training, systems, and supplier relationships, making it easier to focus on growing your business.

For more information on the pros and cons of starting an Ace Hardware franchise business, check out this detailed guide on Starter Story.

21. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Starting a stock investing business could be a smart move if you’re a Gen Z with a flair for financial markets. As someone who has grown up in the digital age, you have unique access to a wealth of information and resources that can help you analyze market trends and make informed decisions. With dedication and continuous learning, turning your passion for finance into a profitable business is within reach.

By leveraging online trading platforms and educational tools, you could navigate the complexities of the stock market and generate significant returns. Your flexibility and adaptability as a Gen Z make this venture especially appealing, allowing you to stay ahead of ever-changing market dynamics. To delve deeper into successful strategies, check out these stock investing business tips on Starter Story.

Thinking about starting a stock investing business?

• You have access to an abundance of online educational resources and trading platforms to enhance your skills.
• As a Gen Z, your digital savviness enables you to capitalize quickly on market trends and data.
• The potential for high returns could make this a highly lucrative side gig or full-time business.

22. Start a gas inspection business

Starting a gas inspection business could be a solid side venture or a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit for Gen Z individuals looking to supplement their income. With the increasing focus on safety and regulatory compliance in homes and businesses, there is a growing need for certified professionals to conduct gas inspections. This type of business offers the flexibility to set your own hours and the potential to scale based on demand.

Why consider starting a gas inspection business?

• There's a consistent demand. Homeowners and businesses need regular inspections to comply with safety regulations.
• It offers flexibility. You could manage your own schedule and take on as many or as few clients as you wish.
• It's scalable. With proper certification and marketing, you could grow the business to include additional services and employees.

For more details on the gas inspection business, check out the pros and cons on Starter Story.

23. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Considering the savvy, technologically inclined nature of Gen Z, starting a real estate investment firm can be an appealing venture. With real estate investment, you could tap into the market's potential for substantial profit through strategic property acquisitions and management. The steady income from rental properties and the possibility of significant appreciation in property values offer enticing financial rewards. For more insights on starting a real estate investment business, check out these success stories.

Why start a real estate investment firm?

• The demand for rental properties is rising, ensuring a consistent income stream.
• Real estate properties tend to appreciate over time, building long-term wealth.
• Utilizing technology and social media, you could easily market and manage properties efficiently, making it ideal for tech-savvy Gen Z entrepreneurs.

24. Start a baby subscription box business

Starting a baby subscription box business could be a rewarding venture for Gen Z entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping new parents navigate the overwhelming world of baby products. This business idea revolves around curating and delivering high-quality, essential baby products directly to the customer's doorstep, offering convenience and reliability.

By building a subscription-based service, you could establish a loyal customer base eager for monthly curated products tailored to their needs. For more details and inspiration on this entrepreneurial path, check out some success stories.

Why start a baby subscription box business?

• You could tap into the growing e-commerce trend and establish a recurring revenue model.
• There's a constant demand for baby products, meaning a steady stream of potential customers.
• You’ll have the opportunity to create a meaningful and impactful business that supports new parents and their little ones.

25. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

Starting a cold email service business offers a unique opportunity for Gen Z entrepreneurs to tap into the evolving landscape of digital marketing. By helping companies communicate directly with prospective clients through well-crafted emails, you could provide a valuable service that's always in demand. With a knack for persuasive writing and a good understanding of email marketing tools, you can turn this side hustle into a lucrative business.

Cold emailing may be an older method, but its modern applications make it incredibly relevant today. Imagine starting with small businesses for lead generation and scaling up as your portfolio of success stories grows. A combination of marketing skills and technical knowhow could set you on a path to financial independence.

Why start a cold email service business?

• You don’t need a huge investment to get started—just a computer and email marketing software.
• The digital marketing skills you develop will be valuable for numerous entrepreneurial ventures.
• As your success stories pile up, you could easily scale by expanding to larger clients or more sectors.

For more information on how to kickstart this business, check out some success stories.

26. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

Starting a SEO & lead generation service could be a highly rewarding venture for Gen Z entrepreneurs. This field focuses on attracting prospects to a business and nurturing them into loyal customers. By mastering SEO and lead generation, you could help companies grow their customer base while creating a lucrative income stream for yourself. Plus, you would learn valuable digital marketing skills along the way, which are vital in today's business landscape. Check out some success stories to get inspired!

Why consider starting a SEO & lead generation service?

• Digital marketing skills are in high demand, providing you with endless opportunities.
• You could work from anywhere, giving you the ultimate flexibility and freedom.
• Helping businesses grow can be incredibly satisfying, offering both financial and personal rewards.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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