The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Indiana [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Indiana in 2024?
We put together 69 of the best businesses you can start in Indiana today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Indiana.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a drinkware brand ($144M/year)
If you are entrepreneurial-minded and residing in Indiana, you could consider starting a drinkware brand. With a focus on specialized, insulated products for beverages, you could carve out a niche in a thriving market. An excellent example of success in this industry is BrüMate, founded by Dylan Jacob. This brand has seen exponential growth, reaching over $1.1M in sales per month by creating innovative drinkware items like the Hopsulator TRiO and Uncork'd Wine Glasses.
BrüMate, although started in Denver, Colorado, showcases the potential of this business model in any state, including Indiana. This could be your opportunity to innovate within the drinkware space, providing unique solutions for beverage enthusiasts. For more details on BrüMate's success, you can read their full case study.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
2. ($6M/year)
Starting a time-tracking and productivity software business could be a great home-based business idea for those in Indiana. Hubstaff, started by Jared Brown in Indianapolis, is an excellent example of this type of business. The company has grown its time tracking app to 10,000 paying customers and $6 million in annual recurring revenue by addressing a significant pain point: providing proof of work for remote teams and freelancers. By leveraging SEO tactics and developing a differentiated product, Hubstaff has successfully catered to the needs of business owners who require effective monitoring and time management tools.
If you're considering starting a business in Indiana, Hubstaff's model illustrates the potential of solving specific market problems through innovative software solutions. You could explore niches within time-tracking, productivity tools, or other types of business management software to create a successful venture. For more inspiration, you can read the full case study about how Hubstaff was built in Indianapolis here.
Hubstaff grew its time tracking app to 10,000 paying customers and $6 million in annual recurring revenue by solving a real problem in the market without any big incumbents, using SEO tactics and a differentiated product with proof of work features that answered the need for owners and managers to know how long development tasks should take, manage back-office tasks, and track remote team or freelancers' work.
3. Start a background check software ($6M/year)
Starting a background check software business presents a unique opportunity in Indiana, especially with the increasing need for security and comprehensive vetting processes in various sectors. You could develop software that integrates with multiple databases to provide thorough checks for schools, corporations, and volunteer organizations. This type of business not only addresses a critical need but also offers a scalable model with diverse applications.
One shining example in Indianapolis is Safe Hiring Solutions, founded by Michael McCarty. This security technology company serves over 7,000 clients and has earned a spot on the Inc 5000 list for the past five years. Safe Hiring Solutions signifies the potential success and growth you could achieve by launching a specialized background check software business in Indiana.
Safe Hiring Solutions, a security technology company that provides comprehensive background checks for schools, ministries, volunteer organizations, and corporations has more than 7,000 clients and has been included on the Inc 5000 list the past five years, with a number 16 ranking for the fastest-growing private company in the Indianapolis region by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
4. Start a board game ($3M/year)
Starting a board game business in Indiana can be a rewarding venture for those with a creative mindset and a love for games. Greg Hughes, from Indianapolis, Indiana, proved this by founding Continuum Games, initially launching with a $5 wholesale card game called Discombobulation. Hughes didn't stop there; he quickly expanded his product line and established a toy distribution network, which enabled his company to generate substantial monthly revenues.
If you have a passion for game design, you could follow in Hughes' footsteps and create a successful home-based game business in Indiana. Drawing inspiration from Continuum Games, which now manufactures and distributes over 40 games, you could turn your game ideas into a thriving business. For a more in-depth look into Hughes' journey and business strategies, check out the case study.
Continuum Games, Inc. President Greg Hughes started his toy and game distribution company with a $5 wholesale card game and today generates an average of $250k per month in revenue, rising to $600k in peak season from a combination of manufacturing and distribution of over 40 games.
5. Start a business communications software ($2.34M/year)
Starting a business communications software company could be a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs in Indiana. With the increasing reliance on remote work and digital communication tools, small businesses are in dire need of reliable and efficient VoIP services. These services help streamline communications, reduce operational costs, and improve overall productivity, making it a lucrative market to tap into.
One exemplary business that successfully ventured into this domain is MightyCall, which was started by Anna Miranchuk in Seattle, WA. MightyCall specializes in offering a hardware-free, B2B VoIP business phone service tailored for small business owners. As of January 2021, the business boasts over 6,000 small business clients and generates more than $200,000 in monthly revenue. You could explore a similar concept in Indiana, leveraging the growing demand for digital communication tools. For an in-depth case study, you can read more here.
MightyCall's Product Manager, Anna Miranchuk, explains how they launched and grew a B2B VoIP business phone service that brings in just over $200,000 per month as of January 2021, with a user base exceeding 6,000 small business owners and 25,000 active users, and shares lessons for aspiring founders who want to build or grow their own business.
6. Start a shopping cart software ($1.02M/year)
If you're entrepreneurial and tech-savvy, starting a shopping cart software business in Indiana could be a lucrative avenue. This idea centers around developing flexible, efficient, and cost-effective shopping cart solutions tailored for online businesses. The demand for adaptable, revenue-boosting e-commerce platforms is continually on the rise, especially given the frequent dissatisfaction with outdated and limiting existing solutions.
A shining example is PayKickstart, co-founded by Mark Thompson in Indianapolis, Indiana. This innovative platform focuses on providing subscription-based businesses with tools to maximize recurring revenue and enhance the customer experience. Remarkably, PayKickstart grew to $1 million in annual recurring revenue and doubled its size year-over-year by addressing flexibility and functionality gaps in the market. You can dive deeper into their success story here.
PayKickstart, a flagship product of a startup co-founded by Mark Thompson, reached $1 million in ARR and doubled in size year-over-year by solving the outdated, archaic solutions for selling various digital goods online and providing one that is focused on flexibility, minimal functionality, and profit boosts.
7. ($792K/year)
Starting a home-based business in Indiana is an excellent opportunity, and adopting innovative solutions like a queue management system could be very lucrative. You could emulate the success of Qwaiting, a cloud-based software originally founded by Rohit Garg. This queue management system aims to help businesses manage customer queues more efficiently, reduce wait times, increase productivity, and improve the overall visitor experience.
Qwaiting, although initially launched in Singapore, has found its place in the heartland of America too, with notable success in Elkhart, IN. This platform offers data analytics reporting, customer feedback support, and centralized management, attracting 500+ clients globally. If you're looking to start a tech-oriented business from home in Indiana, you could find inspiration from this venture. For more details on Qwaiting's journey, you can check out their case study. By leveraging such technologies, you could create a valuable and in-demand service for local businesses in Indiana.
Singapore-based Qwaiting's cloud-based queue management software helps businesses manage customer queues, reduce wait times, increase productivity and improve visitor experience. With average monthly revenue of $66k, Qwaiting has attracted 500+ clients and specialises in data analytics reporting, customer feedback support and centralised management.
8. Start a content writing company ($360K/year)
If you're in Indiana with a knack for writing and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a content writing company could be a great business idea. Content is king in today's digital marketing world, and businesses are constantly in need of quality content to connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
Apna Writer, founded by Sravani Sundeep, is a prime example of a successful content writing service that started in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Sravani's initiative grew from securing 1-2 new clients a month to at least 20, thanks to their commitment to providing reliable and high-quality content. This growth story proves that with dedication and a clear vision, you could build a thriving content writing company in Indiana. For more details about Apna Writer’s journey, check out their case study.
Apna Writer is a content writing service that has seen exponential growth from 1-2 new clients a month to at least 20 new clients a month, all due to providing reliable and quality content writing services that help clients achieve their business goals.
9. Start an antique business ($180K/year)
Starting an antique business in Indiana offers unique opportunities, especially for individuals with a passion for history and craftsmanship. You could leverage your interests and expertise to restore and sell antique items, a niche market with a dedicated customer base. A great example of this is Hoosierboy Restorations LLC, a business founded by Tim Showalter in Indianapolis, Indiana.
After a successful career in education, Tim cashed out his 401K and began restoring antiques and antique toys from his mother's garage. Over seven years, he expanded into a 2200 sq. ft. facility, emphasizing the importance of communication and organization in his growth. For more on Tim's journey and how he built Hoosierboy Restorations from scratch, you can read the full case study here.
How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.
10. Start a gardening tools company ($120K/year)
Starting a gardening tools company in Indiana could be a profitable venture, given the state's ample suburban and rural areas. Home gardening has gained popularity, and you could tap into this market by introducing innovative products that cater to both amateur and professional gardeners.
An inspiring example from Fishers, IN is Rotoshovel, which was founded by Rick Goren. Rotoshovel is the world's first and only electric shovel, making it a standout product in the gardening tools market. In its first 6 months, Rotoshovel sold over 600 units with minimal marketing and has secured vendor relationships with major retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s. You could read more about Rick Goren’s entrepreneurial journey and how he brought Rotoshovel to life in this case study.
Rotoshovel, the world's first and only electric shovel, has sold over 600 units with minimal marketing in its first 6 months and is in vendor relationships with some of the largest retailers in the US with a sales forecast of $5.56mm (40,000 units) for its Spring 2021 in-store launch.
11. ($12K/year)
If you're interested in the booming remote work industry, Steven Lin launched letsworkremotely in Bloomington, Indiana, creating a thriving platform for remote job seekers. This innovative business has grown to command several Facebook groups with over 100,000 members and boasts one of the most engaged remote communities online.
Through a strategic freemium job posting model, you could replicate this success by building a vibrant online community around shared interests or professional niches. Learn more about Steven’s journey and the potential for such a business in Indiana in this detailed case study.
Let's Work Remotely, co-founded by Steven Lin, has built the largest remote community possible with over 100,000 members, including four Facebook groups with engagement from over 60% of members, growing at a rate of 100 members per week and ranked in the top 0.1% of websites in the world, with plans to monetize the platform through a freemium job posting model.
12. Start a lead generation business ($2.33M/year)
Starting a lead generation business in Indiana could be a promising venture due to the state's diverse economic landscape, which includes a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries. Many local businesses in these sectors are looking to expand their customer base and could benefit from your expertise in digital marketing to generate high-quality leads.
With your ability to aggregate consumer and business information, you could help Indiana companies drive sales more efficiently, increasing their competitiveness. The state's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem means that businesses here are eager to invest in services that can deliver measurable results. For inspiration, check out successful case studies to see how others have thrived in this industry.
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.
13. Start an online advertising agency ($2.12M/year)
Starting an online advertising agency in Indiana offers unique opportunities due to the state's diverse economy, which includes sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. By leveraging your digital marketing skills, you could help local businesses reach a broader audience, enhancing their online presence and ultimately boosting their sales.
Indiana's low cost of living and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem create an ideal environment for launching and scaling your agency. You could build your portfolio by partnering with local businesses in different industries, providing a range of services from targeted social media campaigns to comprehensive digital strategies, all while growing your expertise and client base.
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.
14. Start a consulting business ($1.46M/year)
Starting a consulting business in Indiana is a promising venture, considering the state's diverse and growing economic landscape. You could tap into the burgeoning local industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology by offering specialized advice and solutions. Consulting businesses are experiencing significant growth, benefiting from a global market valued at approximately $250 billion worldwide.
To gain a competitive edge, you might explore successful entrepreneurial journeys and insights from industry experts. Visit our page on consulting business ideas to get started, or learn from successful case studies of individuals who have thrived in this sector. By leveraging your expertise and the available resources, you could build a profitable and impactful consulting business in Indiana.
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.
15. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($4.93M/year)
Starting an eCommerce marketing agency in Indiana could be a lucrative opportunity due to the rapidly growing digital landscape and the increasing number of online businesses looking for expert help. With the rise of eCommerce, Indiana entrepreneurs can leverage their digital skills to assist local and national businesses in staying competitive and growing their online presence.
Since balancing production, creative services, and brand growth is challenging for many businesses, your expertise could become indispensable. To maximize success, you should stay updated on industry trends and perhaps specialize in a particular niche. For more insights, check out successful case studies and learn more about starting an eCommerce marketing agency.
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.
16. Start a marketing agency ($2.99M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Indiana could be a smart move, thanks to the state's burgeoning business landscape. With Indianapolis and other growing urban areas fostering numerous small and mid-sized enterprises, you could find a steady stream of clients needing expert marketing services to stand out in the local market. Additionally, the relatively low cost of living and doing business in Indiana may allow you to offer competitive rates while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Entrepreneurial-minded individuals will appreciate that launching a home-based marketing agency requires minimal upfront investment in physical office space, giving you the flexibility to scale operations as needed. Indiana's central location and robust infrastructure also mean you could easily serve clients throughout the Midwest. For inspiration and practical tips, check out our successful case studies on how other agencies have effectively grown and scaled their businesses.
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
17. Start a content marketing business ($872K/year)
Launching a content marketing business in Indiana holds immense potential due to the state's diverse and rapidly growing industries. With companies in manufacturing, agriculture, tech, and healthcare all vying for a more substantial online presence, your expertise in developing and distributing valuable content could reap substantial rewards. Your proficiency in SEO and social media can help local businesses stand out and attract more leads, given that firms with a content strategy get 67% more leads than those without.
You could also benefit from hiring skilled content creators locally, providing job opportunities and fostering a thriving community of creatives. To get started and see how others have succeeded, check out more details on the business idea here, and explore various successful case studies here. This could be your chance to tap into a burgeoning market in Indiana and make a significant impact.
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.
18. Start a ppc agency ($282K/year)
Starting a PPC agency in Indiana could be a promising venture due to the increasing demand for digital marketing services among local businesses. With 45% of small businesses using PPC advertising, there is a substantial market of potential clients who are looking to improve their online presence and drive sales through effective campaigns.
Moreover, the state's diverse economy, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors, offers a varied client base for your services. By obtaining certifications in AdWords and Bing Ads and focusing on niche markets, you could position yourself as an essential partner for Indiana businesses aiming to generate qualified leads and achieve high ROI. For more insights, check out these successful PPC agency stories and business details on starting a PPC agency.
Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.
19. Start a saas product ($1.88M/year)
If you live in Indiana and have an affinity for tech, launching a SaaS product could be a profitable venture. Indiana’s growing tech landscape and lower operational costs compared to coastal states create an ideal environment for developing and scaling a SaaS business.
With the ability to target industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing—a stronghold in Indiana—you could develop a tailored software solution to meet specific local needs. Moreover, the recurring revenue model of SaaS provides a steady and predictable income stream, making it an attractive business opportunity. For inspiration, you can check out more details and successful SaaS business stories on Starter Story.
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.
20. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Businesses thrive on connections, and Indiana, with its diverse economy, offers a fertile ground for starting a B2B lead generation service. The state's thriving manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors rely heavily on continuous business-to-business interactions, making the demand for quality leads significant. You could leverage this demand to provide indispensable support to local enterprises trying to grow their client base.
Additionally, the scalability and technological flexibility involved in B2B lead generation align well with Indiana’s progressive business environment. If you have skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could create a robust service that not only supports local businesses but also positions you as a key player in Indiana's entrepreneurial landscape. To learn more about how to start this type of business, check out this guide on B2B lead generation services and explore some successful case studies.
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
21. Start a seo & lead generation service
Starting an SEO and lead generation service in Indiana presents a valuable opportunity. With Indiana's diverse economy and burgeoning tech scene, many businesses are seeking to enhance their online presence and grow their customer base. You could tap into this need by helping local businesses attract more prospects and converting them into loyal customers.
As a lead generation specialist, you could aid Indiana companies in collecting and analyzing data on potential customers, thus boosting their sales and performance. By mastering the fundamentals of SEO and digital marketing, you can provide essential services that businesses are eager to invest in. For inspiration, check out some successful case studies on Starter Story.
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
22. Start an etsy seller business ($581K/year)
Starting an Etsy seller business in Indiana offers a unique opportunity to tap into a vibrant market of consumers who appreciate handmade crafts, vintage items, and personalized art. With a relatively low cost of living and a supportive community for small businesses, you could use this platform to turn your creative passion into a profitable venture.
Indiana's central location also provides excellent shipping logistics, making it convenient to reach customers nationwide. You could start right from home with just an Etsy account, a PayPal account, a solid product idea, and a visually appealing storefront. For more details on how to launch an Etsy seller business, you can check out Starter Story’s comprehensive guide and get inspired by successful case studies.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
23. Start a web development business ($1.12M/year)
Starting a web development business in Indiana could be a promising venture due to the growing demand for digital presence among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state. Indiana's diverse economic landscape, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and technology startups, offers numerous opportunities for web developers to create customized solutions for various industries.
Additionally, the lower cost of living and doing business in Indiana compared to coastal states allows you to offer competitive rates, giving you an edge over competitors. For more detailed insights, you can explore more about this business idea and read through successful case studies to see how others have thrived in the field.
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.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
