45 Profitable Group Business Ideas For Friends [2024]

Updated: July 25th, 2023

Planning to start a business with friends?

Starting a business with your friends is nothing to be afraid of. Just look at companies like HP, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. They are all examples of big businesses founded by BFFs, and they reinforce the idea that you can start a huge business with your friends.

In this list, you'll find real-world examples of successful best friend business ideas to give you some inspiration.

Here's the list of the best group business ideas:

1. Start a tech company

Tech businesses are about the most exciting and potentially lucrative businesses you can start.

The global tech market size is expected to grow from $8,384B in 2021 to $9,326B in 2022.

But don't mistake the excitement for easy street: getting the tech startup off the ground requires a lot of work. There are many important factors, including how much capital you need, your business plan, and equipment needed to get started.

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

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

How I Started A $3.7K/Month Software Company In Kenya

Apps: Lab KE is a software development company generating $3,500 per month, specializing in problem-solving using technology and data for businesses and communities.

About
Marvin started Apps:Lab about 7 years ago
Revenue
Marvin grew the business to $6K/month
Costs
It cost Marvin $1200000 to start the business
Read by 9,447 founders

2. Become a watch maker

Step into a world where time is literally in your hands. Embrace the intricate art of watchmaking, crafting timepieces that combine intricate mechanics with timeless aesthetics. This unique business opportunity calls to those with a love of design, precision, and the ability to create enduring pieces of functional art.

The world of horology - the study of time and the art of watch making - is rooted deeply in history, tradition and an appreciation for craftsmanship. As a watchmaker, you would be entering a specialized industry where your creations can command significant prices, depending on your skill and creativity.

Beginning your journey into watchmaking does demand an investment of time and resources into learning this skilled craft. Watchmaking schools or courses can provide you with the technical knowledge required, and joining a watchmaking network or association could offer invaluable guidance and support.

Finding a niche for your work can add an extra edge to your endeavour. It could be creating eco-friendly watches, watches with innovative designs or reinvigorating cherished antique timepieces.

Lastly, this venture can be both fulfilling and profitable for those with a keen eye for detail, patience, and a deep appreciation for the blending of engineering and art. Align the gears of your ambition, and let the hands of time lead you to success in the watchmaking industry.

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

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

How These Three Brothers Started A $1.5K/Month Watch Brand

Three brothers from Bristol launched Bruder Watches Ltd, a watch brand with hypoallergenic qualities, and saw a "steady increase in sales" with a £44 average advertising cost per sale, on a self-funded start-up budget of £12,000 and a target audience of modern-day gentlemen aged 18-50.

About
Marcus started Bruder Watches over 3 years ago
Revenue
Marcus grew the business to $1.5K/month
Costs
It cost Marcus $12000 to start the business
Read by 6,535 founders

3. Start a startup consulting business

In a world where entrepreneurial spirit is soaring, startup consulting can be the gateway to turning dreams into reality. At its core, a startup consulting business assists other budding entrepreneurs to navigate the rough waves of launching their own ventures.

As a startup consultant, you'll amass a wealth of strategic ideas, digest complex data, offer sound advice, and form step-by-step action plans that will encourage potential business owners to take their ambitious concepts off the ground. It's not only about nurturing your client's business but also honing your expertise.

This business venture requires adept judgement, a commanding understanding of business dynamics and the ability to embrace constant learning. If you're the kind of person who thrives in a challenging, ever-evolving landscape, and enjoys the satisfaction that comes with mentoring entrepreneurial enthusiasm, a startup consulting business could well be your calling. Unleash your skills in the world of startups where every day is a learning curve. You could be the catalyst for the next big idea.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $18,933,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $225 (?)

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

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

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

About
Cody started SupportNinja about 9 years ago
Revenue
Cody grew the business to $1.4M/month
Costs
It cost Cody $400000 to start the business
Read by 9,895 founders

4. Create an online course

An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.

As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.

With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.

For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.

How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)

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

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

Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.

About
Kelan started The Savvy Couple over 7 years ago
Revenue
Kelan grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Kelan $500 to start the business
Read by 27,366 founders

5. 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 4,558 founders

6. Start a data science company

Data science deals with the vast volume of data using modern tools and techniques to find unseen patterns. Data science experts can add value to any business using the data well. Data science companies help businesses to:

  • Mitigate risk and fraud
  • Deliver relevant products
  • Offer a personalized experience

Given the critical role of data science in business analytics, starting a data science company can be a great idea.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $250,000/month

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

How We Developed A Leading IP Infringement Analytics Platform

White Bullet CEO and founder, Peter Szyszko, discusses how he identified and began targeting IP-infringing websites and apps with his IPI Analytics Platform, which has seen the company grow and expand into new areas such as social media antipiracy and connected TV.

About
Peter started White Bullet over 11 years ago
Revenue
Peter grew the business to $100K/month
Read by 6,366 founders

7. Start a beauty business

The beauty industry is growing at a rapid pace - valued at $511B in 2021, with an annual compounded growth rate of 4.75% worldwide. The beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716B by 2025.

If you are thinking of starting your own beauty business, there are many opportunities in this space to succeed. The most profitable branches in this industry include makeup, skincare, and hair products.

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

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

How I Started A $650K/Month Hair Extensions And Products Business

Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.

About
Mikey started Private Label Extensions over 11 years ago
Revenue
Mikey grew the business to $650K/month
Costs
It cost Mikey $14000 to start the business
Read by 36,624 founders

8. Become a music band manager

A music band manager is a professional representative and advisor to a musician or a band. The main duties of a band manager include negotiating contracts on behalf of the band.

The music band manager earns a commission of what the music band earns from gigs. To maximize earnings, the manager should act as a liaison between bands and the key players in the music industry and secure the best contracts and deals.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

How I Transitioned From A Career In Law To Starting A $40K/Month Business Managing Music Artists

A former attorney has successfully transitioned into managing musical artists, producing live events and recordings, grossing approximately $40,000 per month - all based on his lifelong passion for music, clients and employee's passion-led performance.

About
Charles started Blind Ambition Management over 24 years ago
Revenue
Charles grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Charles $5000 to start the business
Read by 6,253 founders

9. Start a food truck

Food trucks are a highly profitable business that offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck. This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it's more challenging than it looks. To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.

To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences. Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.

How much you can make: $29,166 — $61,650,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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 14,601 founders

10. 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 15,279 founders

For artists, getting the attention of traditional brick & mortar stores is an enormous challenge with slim odds of success. Fortunately, online marketplaces make it possible for artists across the globe to sell their artwork internationally.

With art galleries contributing up to 45 billion dollars, they can be a great business opportunity. If you are interested in the art industry, you can start an online art gallery.

12. Start a clothing line

There are millions of fashion and clothing brands around the world.

From small, niche brands run out of people's apartments to huge brands like Nike & Uniqlo, starting a clothing brand is a great business that requires minimal costs to get started.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $9,975,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,434 (?)

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

How I Turned A Silly Idea Into A $1M+ Brand

Founder Kyle Bergman turned a personal problem into a viral apparel brand, generating over $300k in sales within 18 months through Amazon and his own website, and raising $108k through a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign.

About
Kyle started Swoveralls about 7 years ago
Revenue
Kyle grew the business to $100K/month
Read by 31,350 founders

13. Start an online advertising agency

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

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

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

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

With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.

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

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

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

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

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

About
Iman started Grow Your Agency almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Iman grew the business to $120K/month
Read by 14,411 founders

14. Start a men's fashion blog

The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and men's fashion is no exception. If you have an affinity for trendy attire and an eye for style, turn that flair into a thriving business with a men's fashion blog. Blogs are a profitable digital platform where you can share insights on the latest men's fashion trends, style tips, product reviews, and much more.

With a good sense of SEO and online marketing, you can attract a wide audience and monetize your website through ad revenue and brand partnerships. Introduce style guides, run interviews with fashion influencers, and review designer collections.

A men's fashion blog is a brilliant business venture to embrace your passion for fashion while providing valuable advice and inspiration for others. Create a virtual fashion rendezvous that cultivates innovation, style, and sophistication in the realm of men's fashion! Start today, generate traffic tomorrow.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

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

Starting A Men's Style Publication Reaching A Million People Per Month

Learn how one entrepreneur built a million-person audience across various digital channels while generating $10-15k in monthly revenue through advertising brand partnerships, digital products, and affiliate programs with his digital media brand focused on helping shorter men dress better.

About
Brock started The Modest Man almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Brock grew the business to $4K/month
Read by 7,649 founders

15. Start a content marketing agency

Content is the currency of the digital world. Today, more and more businesses need to work with writers and content marketers. If you want to get into these kinds of jobs, you should start a writers' or content marketing agency.

Worldwide content marketing industry revenue was estimated at roughly $66B in 2021. The source projected that it would increase to $76B in 2022 and that it would continue growing over the further years to reach $137B in 2026.

Content marketing will continue to grow in significance with the increased use of digital channels. Therefore, the demand for content marketers is projected to grow by 27% over the next few years.

How much you can make: $500 — $741,666/month

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

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

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

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

About
David started Article-Writing Co about 13 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 23,688 founders

16. Start a travel company

Travel companies sell transportation, lodging, plan trips, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups.

If you love traveling, you can start a company that organizes trips for different people. Choose a niche and ensure travel packages that suit them best.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $114,200,000/month

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

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People

Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.

About
Matt started Under30Experiences about 12 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $5000 to start the business
Read by 10,226 founders

17. Start a SEO agency

An SEO agency is a company that provides search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in search engines through organic or paid means.

SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these earnings grow dramatically over the next few years. Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with an excellent chance for success.

It’s easier than ever to start your SEO agency. The tools are there, and the competition isn’t as stiff as it used to be. If you’re considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency, it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month

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

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

How I Started An SEO Agency For Lawyers Generating $3.6M/Year

Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.

About
Chris started Rankings.io about 11 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $700K/month
Read by 36,872 founders

18. Start a branding agency

A branding agency helps create, develop, maintain and improve brands. The role of branding agencies is to create, plan, measure, and manage branding strategies for clients to support them in advertising and other promotions.

Business branding has always been a vital part of a business. With branding, businesses reach more customers daily and stay relevant to their existing customers. As companies compete to get more customers and remain relevant, there is a high demand for branding solutions.

Starting a branding agency can be a profitable and satisfying business venture. To start a branding agency, you must be able to weave together disparate pieces of data and information into compelling narratives so you can help a business convey its story or express its unique values and culture.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $741,666/month

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

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

How I Started A $5,000/Month Luxury Branding Agency

How one founder started a luxury boutique branding house and quit her corporate job, becoming a successful entrepreneur with a team of contractors, interns, and VAs, expanding services to personal styling, social media management, and content creation, while building an online course and planning to become a community for female entrepreneurs.

About
Elva started Elva Li Luxury Branding almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Elva grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 13,921 founders

19. Start a product review blog

A product review blog typically includes a description of the product, as well as a rating and review. This can be anything from reviewing gadgets to books to software.

To start a product review blog, you need to have strong writing skills and be familiar with the available products. You should also have a good understanding of how to market your blog and generate traffic.

The recent trend that is making this business more popular is the growth of social media. With more people using social media, businesses are looking for ways to connect with their customers. Product review blogs provide businesses with a way to connect with their customers and generate positive reviews.

Starting a product review blog is a great way to share your opinion on different products. This type of blog can be very profitable, as you can generate revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)

How My Blog With Body-Safe Sex Toys Reviews Turned Into A $2K/Month Side Hustle

Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.

About
Cy started Super Smash Cache over 9 years ago
Revenue
Cy grew the business to $2K/month
Costs
It cost Cy $14 to start the business
Read by 17,335 founders

20. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.

Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.

Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.

Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

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

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

About
Kamil started E-commerce Mentoring about 7 years ago
Revenue
Kamil grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Kamil $1000 to start the business
Read by 24,330 founders

21. Start an e-book publishing business

Do you have a flair for storytelling and an eye for editing? Dive into the realm of digital literature with an e-book publishing business. In this exciting venture, you will work with authors to bring their stories to life on digital platforms. You assist in the publishing process, from proofreading and formatting to designing the book cover and promoting the final product.

This business thrives on creativity, so there are endless opportunities to cater to various genres and authorial styles. It's a rewarding venture that not only capitalizes on the growing popularity of e-books but also helps authors reach their audience. Plus, it's a business idea that can be run from anywhere and at any time.

Sound thrilling? Start your e-book publishing business today and change the literary world, one book at a time.

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

How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)

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

How We Started A Digital Flipbook Making Tool That Makes $9.6M/Year

Flipsnack is an online tool that allows anyone to create digital flipbooks and has increased its business revenue by over 50% year over year, with YoY growth rates between 50% - 84%, shifting from a B2C approach and focusing more on B2B.

About
Janina started Flipsnack about 13 years ago
Revenue
Janina grew the business to $800K/month
Read by 8,300 founders

22. Start a gardening business

A gardening business makes money by planting trees, growing specific produce, maintaining landscapes, and more.

Gardening companies work with homeowners to install, maintain and repair their landscaping areas. For instance, a typical gardening business provides all-inclusive services to create and maintain a lawn, such as mowing, fertilizing, and edging.

Owning a gardening business can be a very flexible and profitable business venture.

How much you can make: $27,000 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 560 days (?)

How I Designed A $150K/Month Portable Pressurized Shower And Went On Shark Tank

Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.

About
Chris started RinseKit over 9 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,081 founders

23. Start a coffee shop

Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.

If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $52,500/month

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

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

We Built A Coffee Shop In A Van That Makes $180K/Year

This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.

About
Beth started Camper Cafe almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Beth grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Beth $5000 to start the business
Read by 5,857 founders

24. Start a craft beer business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About
Matija started Varionica about 10 years ago
Revenue
Matija grew the business to $56K/month
Costs
It cost Matija $10000 to start the business
Read by 5,009 founders

25. Start a cake business

Everyone loves cake, right? Sink your teeth into a wholesome cake business. Here you can bring joy, comfort, and flavor to people’s lives with your scrumptious creations.

Custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, baby showers are in constant demand and people appreciate quality. Attract clients with your unique cake designs, delectable flavor combinations, and exceptional customer service, and you’ll be rolling in dough in no time.

Link up with local restaurants, cafes or event planners as dessert suppliers to expand your business. Offer classes or cake decorating kits for those DIY enthusiasts.

Why wait any longer? Pop on your apron and whip up some decadent magic with your very own cake business.

If the thought of bringing a sweet spark to someone’s day excites you, this could be the recipe for your enterprise success! Enjoy the icing on the cake of life with your passionate cake venture.

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

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

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

I Opened My Dream Bakery With Just $500 [Based In Texas]

From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.

About
Amanda started Bradford Bakery over 3 years ago
Revenue
Amanda grew the business to $4K/month
Costs
It cost Amanda $500 to start the business
Read by 4,092 founders

26. Start an event organizing business

Here's an idea for those who excel at bringing people together and crafting unforgettable experiences: an event organizing business. Simply put, this venture involves planning events - be they weddings, corporate conferences, or intimate family celebrations - down to the last, memorable detail.

It's the ideal line of work for individuals who have a knack for multitasking, negotiating, and curating aesthetic elements. With each event you plan, you not only construct a tangible experience but also create delighting memories for your clients.

An event organizing business does not necessitate an enormous initial investment. It does demand keen attention to detail, tireless energy, and a skill for juggling diverse tasks. And the payoff? The satisfaction of making dreams come true and the chance to shape unforgettable moments.

But while it is rewarding, this business is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a resilient spirit, ready to face unforeseen challenges around every corner. But fear not, these challenges are nothing but stepping stones paving your path to mastery in event management.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $500,000/month

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

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

About
Jonny started Ticket Tailor over 13 years ago
Revenue
Jonny grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Jonny $1000 to start the business
Read by 10,394 founders

27. Start a cupcakes shop

Opening a cupcake shop allows you to share your baking talents and decorate delectable bite-sized treats that will have customers coming back for more.

To start, source a small retail space with room for baking and decorating cupcakes onsite to entice passersby and develop mouthwatering recipes and frosting flavors that set you apart.

Then, market your shop on social media and offer specials to build local awareness, undercut competitors' prices initially to attract customers, and ensure top-notch customer service and consistency to convert them into regulars.

Consider diversifying into customized cupcakes for birthdays, weddings, and other events to boost revenue, and explore expanding your hours, delivery options, or online ordering to increase accessibility and sales.

If your cupcake shop offers high-quality products, excellent service, and attractive presentation, it can attract a large number of customers who are eager to sample its latest baked goods and consider it to be the best cupcake shop in town.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $4,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $285 (?)

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

I Opened My Dream Bakery With Just $500 [Based In Texas]

From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.

About
Amanda started Bradford Bakery over 3 years ago
Revenue
Amanda grew the business to $4K/month
Costs
It cost Amanda $500 to start the business
Read by 4,092 founders

28. Start a dance studio

The dance studio business idea involves providing a space for people to learn and practice various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and salsa. To start this business, you will need a space to hold classes, essential equipment, and instructors. You must schedule classes, advertise the business, manage finances, and create a positive student experience to operate it.

How much you can make: $8,400 — $40,000/month

How long does it take to build: 912 days (?)

How I Grew My Fitness Studio To $480K/Year Despite The Pandemic
About
Bryan started The LOOK Fitness about 8 years ago
Revenue
Bryan grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Bryan $150000 to start the business
Read by 2,942 founders

29. Start a sports skills coaching business

Unleash your passion for sports and help others excel in their favorite games by starting a sports skills coaching business. Partnering with individuals, schools, or sports clubs, you can offer personalized training to help athletes improve their performance and achieve their sports goals.

Your deep understanding of the game, strategic insight, and ability to break down complex techniques will be invaluable. No two days will be the same as you're constantly tweaking training plans, responding to individual progress, and witnessing the exciting growth of your athletes.

Expand the scope of your sessions beyond just skill development. Include fitness, nutrition, and psychological strength training. Your enterprise could become the guiding light athletes need to reach the next level of their career. Wrap your life around the exhilarating world of sports and inspire others with your passion and expertise.

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

On Starting A Business Helping Student Athletes Monetize Their Personal Brand

Athlo agncy co-founder Jay Fuller shares the story of how the personal branding startup for college athletes navigating NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) was able to generate brand awareness through strategic partnerships and grassroots marketing initiatives, securing athlo ambassadors, event participation, and on-campus workshops with two different universities in pre-launch mode.

Revenue
Jay grew the business to $16K/month
Read by 1,941 founders

30. Start a skincare products business

Skincare is a widely expanding industry estimated to exceed $189 billion by 2025. The statistics show that the skincare business is an incredible opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in skincare.

If you have a passion for helping people look their best and want to start your own business, a skin care products business may be your opportunity.

While the industry is competitive, it also provides entrepreneurs who want to join the field with many opportunities. Determine the beauty business idea you want to launch, launch a digital presence, and develop a marketing strategy.

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

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

We Built A $3M/Year Wholesale CBD Operation

Beyond Botanicals, a CBD manufacturing company in the USA, focused on private label CBD, wholesale CBD, and retail CBD products, started with a $7,000 loan and rose to over $3M in annual revenue in just three years, largely due to good taste as a competitive advantage and traditional marketing approaches.

About
Mark started Beyond Botanicals about 7 years ago
Revenue
Mark grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Mark $7000 to start the business
Read by 4,619 founders

31. 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 13,623 founders

32. Start an acting lessons business

Mumbai is the hometown of Bollywood, and many people are coming to Mumbai to become actors. As the owner of an acting classes business in Mumbai, you will provide training, coaching, and support to those considering getting into the Mumbai Bollywood industry. To get started, you may choose to work with children or with a career-oriented adult audience interested in stage acting, film, commercials, voice-over work, or other areas of specialization.

33. 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 19,398 founders

34. Develop an online survey tool

Online survey tools are a great way for businesses to gather customer feedback. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to collect data from large groups of people. This service offers a variety of features, including a survey builder, a data collection tool, and a reporting system.

If you are interested in starting a business that helps businesses to gather customer feedback, then starting an online survey tool could be a great option for you. This business is growing in popularity as more businesses are using online surveys to collect data.

Typeform is a popular online survey tool that allows you to ask customers questions and get their feedback on the product. This can be used for many different purposes such as improving services or developing new products. Typeform told TechCrunch on the occasion of today’s funding announcement that its annual recurring revenue surpassed $70 million in 2021 after tripling over the preceding three years.

Building an online survey tool is a good business idea because there is a lot of demand for data collection. Businesses need to know more about their customers in order to be able to make better decisions.

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

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

How I Started A $1.6M/Month Online Surveys And Research Tools Software

QuestionPro's Founder, Vivek Bhaskaran, shares the story of how he started the most robust survey software on the market, which has provided innovative technology to Fortune 100 companies, academic institutions, small businesses, and individual DIY researchers for over 12 years.

About
Vivek started QuestionPro about 19 years ago
Revenue
Vivek grew the business to $1.6M/month
Costs
It cost Vivek $60000 to start the business
Read by 11,404 founders

35. Start a crypto cybersecurity system

Cybercriminals can gain access to entire investments by stealing crypto wallet account keys. Therefore, you must treat crypto accounts with the utmost caution.

Cyber security experts focus on helping companies secure their networks and data from attacks by cybercriminals. Blockchain technologies are receiving massive attention from the research community in different application fields.

Becoming a cybersecurity expert focusing on crypto can be a rewarding career. Coinbase and other cryptocurrency exchanges use blockchain in cybersecurity, allowing users to trade everything from Bitcoin to Litecoin and Ethereum on the company’s secure blockchain platform.

How much you can make: $91,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

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

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

About
Taylor started Eden Data about 4 years ago
Revenue
Taylor grew the business to $230K/month
Read by 34,596 founders

36. Start a construction company

Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.

Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.

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

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

How I Gamed The YouTube Algorithm and Went Viral With 25M Views

Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.

About
Andrew started MTN SIDE BUILDERS about 6 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Andrew $50000 to start the business
Read by 8,475 founders

37. Start a kids store

The kid's store business is a large market attracting millions of annual global sales and steady growth. If you plan to start a kids store business, you can specialize in clothing, toys, and accessories or sell all of these in one store.

Research the local market to discover what is appealing, and find the best suppliers. Define a business model and apply for applicable licensing. For kids apparel stores, a physical storefront acts as an anchor and helps build a local customer base. An online store will help you reach a wider market as you supply to those outside your locality.

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

38. Start an auto parts shop

If you want to start a retail business in the automobile industry, consider an auto parts business.

The auto parts business is one of the most successful businesses in the world. There are many Auto Parts Businesses in the United States, Canada, and the UK, where most are part-time.

Listed are the steps on how to start an auto parts shop business.

  • Pick a location
  • Do your market research
  • Secure all permits and licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions

How much you can make: $45,000 — $600,000/month

How I Started A $12K/Month Aftermarket Vehicle Accessories

This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.

About
Mitchel started Adrenaline Offroad over 6 years ago
Revenue
Mitchel grew the business to $45K/month
Read by 18,229 founders

39. Start a niche blog

Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.

The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.

Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.

To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.

To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.

How much you can make: $200 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $450 (?)

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

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

About
Pat started Starter Story over 6 years ago
Revenue
Pat grew the business to $250K/month
Costs
It cost Pat $100 to start the business
Read by 55,814 founders

40. Start a web development business

A web development business is a company that builds and takes care of websites. They typically use coding and design skills to create online spaces that meet the needs of individuals or businesses.

These businesses help ensure websites work well and look good, playing a key role in the online presence of their clients.

How much you can make: $6,600 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

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

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

About
John started Vuetify almost 7 years ago
Revenue
John grew the business to $25K/month
Read by 45,184 founders

41. Start an ecommerce store

An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.

eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.

To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.

How much you can make: $450 — $62,500,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.

About
DShawn started Southern Elegance Candle Company over 8 years ago
Revenue
DShawn grew the business to $140K/month
Read by 70,476 founders

42. Start a hotels business

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

Here are some tips to consider before forming a hotel:

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

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

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

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

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

About
Ezinne started SKNMUSE almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Ezinne grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Ezinne $1000 to start the business
Read by 3,249 founders

43. Start an executive coaching business

Are you passionate about helping others reach their peak professional potential? Turning this passion into an executive coaching business may be your perfect entrepreneurial path.

Executive coaching relies on your talent for assisting high-level professionals in refining their leadership skills, improving their strategic thinking, and boosting their confidence. It holds substantial promise for both its profitability and personal fulfillment.

A key part of your role will be providing expert advice and guidance to business leaders, helping them make critical decisions and overcome personal obstacles. Your impact can shape the future success of their organizations, placing you at the heart of the corporate world.

Investing in an executive coaching business puts you in the driver's seat of your career and gives you the chance to impact a wide array of industries. You hold the power to develop leaders, shape successful businesses, and truly make a difference, one executive at a time. If that's not rewarding, then what is?

How much you can make: $48,000 — $416,666/month

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

How long does it take to build: 93 days (?)

How the CEO Whisperer Founded & Grew the COO Alliance to $2.5M in Revenue & 7 Employees

COO Alliance, founded by successful entrepreneur Cameron Herold, provides an online support group for COOs to access helpful tools and guidance in growing their companies, with Herold's expertise leading a growth in sales from $2 million to $106 million during his time as COO for 1-800-GOT-JUNK.

About
Cameron started COO Alliance almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Cameron grew the business to $417K/month
Read by 696 founders

44. Start a saas company

SaaS (Software as a Service) is software that allows users to access and use it over the internet. It is a subscription-based service that provides users with access to software that they can use for their business. It offers a variety of features, including a project management tool, an automation engine, and a workflow designer.

To start a SaaS company you should be familiar with the SaaS business model and have a good understanding of how to build and market a SaaS product. You should also have strong technical skills and be able to develop a high-quality software product.

Salesforce is one of the best SaaS companies in the world. Salesforce provides an integrated CRM platform that brings companies and customers together. The company is one of the most innovative cloud software solutions providers on the market, generating nearly all its annual recurring revenue from SaaS tools. According to Salesforce's latest financial reports, the company's current revenue (TTM) is $26.49 B.

Starting a SaaS company is a great way to enter the tech industry. This type of company is growing in popularity as more businesses are looking for ways to save money and reduce their IT costs. SaaS companies typically have high margins and offer a lot of flexibility for entrepreneurs.

How much you can make: $500 — $166,666,666/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

I Turned My Side Project into A $26K/Month SaaS Tool

AI-powered web application, Excelformulabot.com, generates Excel formulas within seconds for a subscription fee of $6.99/month or free for five formula requests per month, resulting in $14k/month in recurring revenue since its launch in September 2022, accruing millions of visitors through word of mouth, influencer marketing, SEO, and PPC, implemented through no-code web application Bubble.io, while preparing to penetrate a B2B market and focus on B2B outreach in the future.

About
David started Excelformulabot almost 2 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $23K/month
Costs
It cost David $196 to start the business
Read by 19,239 founders

45. Print on demand business

A print-on-demand business involves selling customized products without upfront inventory costs.

The business model utilizes dropshipping production and fulfillment services to print custom apparel, home goods, phone cases, and other merchandise one order at a time.

By leveraging online marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts, print-on-demand sellers can focus on designing trendy and unique products while reaching global audiences.

With minimal startup costs and the freedom to run operations from home, launching a print-on-demand model empowers aspiring founders to monetize their creativity and build ascalable business at their own pace.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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

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

About
Roy started Ultimate 3D Printing Store almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Roy grew the business to $330K/month
Costs
It cost Roy $65000 to start the business
Read by 29,102 founders

How do I start a group of friends business?

So, you've got an amazing business idea, but you don't want to go it alone. You want to start a group of friends business! But how do you get started? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, it's important to have a clear idea of what your business will be and what each person's role will be. Make sure everyone is on the same page from the start.

Next, you'll need to figure out the logistics of starting your business. Who will be responsible for what tasks? How will you divide up the work? How will you handle disagreements? It's important to have a plan for these things from the beginning.

Finally, you'll need to promote your business and get customers. This is where your creativity and marketing skills will come in handy! Get the word out about your business in whatever ways you can, and make sure potential customers know what your business has to offer.

With some careful planning and a lot of hard work, starting a group of friends business can be a great way to turn your shared passion into a successful enterprise!

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.