15 Lucrative Business Ideas For Military Spouses

As a military spouse, frequent relocations and unpredictable schedules can make traditional employment challenging. However, these unique circumstances also present opportunities for you to carve out a flexible and rewarding career. By exploring these 15 business ideas, you could find the perfect venture that aligns with your skills, passions, and lifestyle.

From home-based enterprises to digital ventures, the possibilities are diverse and accessible. You could start a business that not only brings in an income but also offers the flexibility to adapt to the demands of military life. Read on to discover business ideas that could help you achieve financial independence and professional satisfaction, no matter where you are stationed.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an eCommerce store could be an ideal business venture for Military Spouses, offering flexibility and scalability to fit different lifestyles and schedules. With the ability to operate from anywhere, you could effectively manage your business while accommodating frequent relocations common to military life. Additionally, the lower overhead costs and extended reach of an eCommerce business make it an attractive option to supplement your household income or even create a full-time operation over time.

Why start an eCommerce store?

• It's highly flexible and can be managed from any location, making it perfect for Military Spouses who may frequently relocate.
• Lower overhead costs mean you don't need to invest heavily in physical storefronts or large inventories.
• The potential to reach a global audience, extending your customer base far beyond local markets and increasing sales opportunities.

For more insights and inspiration, read the success stories of others who have ventured into this space here.

2. Start a digital marketing business ($159K/month)

Starting a digital marketing business is a great opportunity for military spouses, especially given the flexibility and scalability it offers. This field is dynamic and ever-evolving, making it both exciting and accessible to learn. By focusing on a specific niche and targeting a dedicated audience, you could create a steady stream of income while helping businesses grow their online presence.

Why start a digital marketing business?

• Digital marketing can be done from anywhere, making it perfect for the mobile lifestyle of military spouses.
• The demand for digital marketing services is high, providing steady income opportunities.
• Advancing your career in digital marketing requires minimal upfront costs, often just investing in online courses and tools.
  

For more information on the profitability and success stories, visit Starter Story.

3. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)

Starting an online retail store could be a versatile and feasible business idea for military spouses. With just a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service, you could launch an ecommerce platform tailored to a specific niche or market. You also have the option to adopt a dropshipping model or sell self-made products, offering flexibility both in terms of inventory and business management.

Moreover, running an online retail store allows you to operate from anywhere, which is ideal given the potential relocations common to military life. With a properly executed plan, this venture could grow into a significant income stream.

Why consider starting an online retail store?

• Flexibility in location. You can manage your business from anywhere, making it adaptable to relocations.
• Low startup costs. All you need is a computer, domain, and web hosting to begin, making it budget-friendly.
• Unlimited growth potential. With the right niche and marketing strategies, you could scale your business to a global market.

For more insights on the potential profitability and success stories, check out this page.

4. Start an etsy shop ($49.3K/month)

Starting an Etsy shop could be an excellent opportunity for military spouses to supplement their income and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit. With Etsy being an online marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies, it provides a flexible platform to build your brand and reach new clients without being tied to a specific location. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for military spouses who may need to relocate frequently, allowing them to maintain a steady source of income regardless of where they are stationed.

Why start an Etsy shop?

• It offers flexibility and portability, essential for military spouses who may have to move frequently.
• You can turn a hobby or passion into a profitable business, creating a new income stream while doing what you love.
• Setting up shop on Etsy is straightforward, requiring just a few key elements like an account, a PayPal account, and a visually appealing storefront.

For more insights into building a successful Etsy business, check out these etsy-seller business success stories.

5. Start a SEO agency ($130K/month)

Starting an SEO agency can be a highly lucrative and flexible business venture for military spouses. This industry offers significant earning potential, with experts already making six-figure incomes and seeing dramatic growth. SEO services are always in demand as businesses strive to improve their online visibility, making it a sustainable option no matter where you might be stationed.

The tools and resources needed to start an SEO agency have become more accessible, allowing you to build a strong foundation before the market becomes too saturated. It's beneficial to learn from how other successful digital agencies operate to fine-tune your strategies. For more insights, you can explore the detailed guide on how to start an SEO agency here.

Why consider starting an SEO agency?

• It offers location flexibility, which is crucial for military families constantly on the move.
• The initial investment is relatively low, making it accessible to start even with limited resources.
• You have the potential to build a scalable business that can grow as your skills and client base expand.

6. Create an online course ($80.4K/month)

Starting an online course is an excellent business opportunity for military spouses who possess specialized skills or knowledge. By developing and selling digital classes, you could fill educational gaps and share expertise while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. This option offers substantial passive income potential with minimal startup costs, making it an ideal venture for those who are often relocating or require a flexible schedule.

Why create an online course?

• You could achieve passive income. After the initial creation, your course can generate revenue for years as new students enroll.
• You already have expertise to share. Teaching a subject you’re knowledgeable about can come naturally and be fulfilling.
• It provides location flexibility. As a military spouse, you can manage and promote your courses from anywhere in the world.

Learn more about how much online courses make at /ideas/online-courses-business/how-much-do-they-make.

7. Start a blog ($46.5K/month)

Starting a blog can be an excellent way for military spouses to supplement their income or even create a full-time business. Given the flexible lifestyle blogging provides, it is an ideal fit for the often transient life of military families. You could share your unique experiences and insights, attracting a loyal audience and monetizing through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts. This makes it a lucrative and adaptable business opportunity.

For more inspiration on starting a blogging business, check out these success stories.

Why consider starting a blog?

• It’s location-independent, allowing you to work from anywhere, which suits the frequent relocations in military life.
• Your personal experiences and unique perspective can attract a dedicated audience, increasing your potential for income.
• Blogging offers multiple revenue streams like ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content, making it a versatile income source.

8. Start a newsletter ($261K/month)

Starting a newsletter offers a flexible and scalable way for military spouses to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-fledged business. Given the increase in newsletter readership by more than 50% over the past five years, this form of content delivery is more relevant than ever. By creating a well-written newsletter, you could establish yourself as a trusted expert, build strong connections with your audience, and market your products or services effectively.

Why start a newsletter?

• Low startup costs and high scalability: You can start small and grow your subscriber base without significant financial investment.
• Flexibility and portability: Write from anywhere, making it perfect for the mobile lifestyle of a military family.
• Expertise and influence: Share your unique experiences and knowledge to become a trusted voice in your niche, driving engagement and sales.

For more insights and tips, check out the Starter Story on newsletter publishing businesses.

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

If you’re a military spouse looking for a reliable way to earn passive income, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a fitting choice. This business model allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services from other companies online. With the flexibility to work from anywhere, you could easily integrate this venture into your lifestyle, utilizing your unique networks and community connections to enhance your marketing efforts.

Why start an affiliate marketing business?

• Flexible and location-independent, perfect to adapt to the transient lifestyle of a military spouse.
• Requires low upfront costs, allowing you to start with minimal financial risk.
• Provides potential for a steady stream of passive income, giving you financial stability while managing household responsibilities.

For more insights into making this business model work for you, visit affiliate marketing business success stories.

10. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)

Starting a consulting business can be an excellent opportunity for military spouses seeking to supplement their income or even establish a full-time venture. Given the current boom in the consulting industry, which is valued at around $250 billion globally, there is ample potential for success. Consulting leverages your expertise and skills, allowing you to offer valuable insights to clients while enjoying flexible hours that align with the unique lifestyle of a military family.

Why start a consulting business?

• Your expertise is in demand. The consulting industry continues to grow, providing a lucrative market for specialized knowledge.
• It offers flexibility. You can work remotely and tailor your hours around your family's needs and military obligations.
• Minimal upfront investment. Unlike other businesses, consulting primarily requires your knowledge, a computer, and an internet connection to get started.

For more insights and success stories, visit Starter Story.

11. Start a content marketing business ($109K/month)

As a military spouse, starting a content marketing business can be a rewarding and flexible way to supplement your income. Content marketing involves creating and distributing valuable content to attract and convert customers, and businesses with a content marketing strategy see up to 67% more leads than those without. With the increasing demand for content marketing services, you could leverage your writing, SEO, and social media skills to create a successful business that you can manage remotely, making it ideal for the transient military lifestyle. To learn more about creating a successful content marketing business, visit this Starter Story guide.

Why start a content marketing business?

• High demand ensures a steady stream of clients, increasing your earning potential.
• The flexibility of remote work fits well with the unpredictable schedules and relocations common in military life.
• Low startup costs compared to other businesses make it easier to get started.

12. Start an online community ($55.4K/month)

Starting an online community as a military spouse can be a highly lucrative and flexible business endeavor, perfectly suited to your unique lifestyle. By bringing together people who share common values and interests, you can leverage the power of connection to create a consistent revenue stream. Whether you're promoting affiliate links, running ads, or charging for premium memberships, there are numerous ways to monetize your community.

For instance, you could easily sell products, offer sponsored content, or manage a membership with exclusive benefits, transforming your side hustle into a profitable venture. Check out success stories from other military spouses on Starter Story to see how they’ve turned their online communities into thriving businesses.

Why start an online community?

• You could build a support network that understands your lifestyle and challenges, providing immense personal and financial satisfaction.
• Flexibility is key. An online community lets you work from anywhere, which is perfect for military spouses who may need to relocate frequently.
• Diverse income streams. From ads to affiliate marketing and membership fees, you’re not limited to just one source of income.

13. Start a web development business ($101K/month)

Whether you're stationed at home or abroad, starting a web development business offers a flexible and profitable opportunity for Military Spouses. Leveraging coding and design skills, you could create and maintain professional websites for individuals and businesses, ensuring their online presence looks and works seamlessly. This business can be run from virtually anywhere, providing the adaptability needed to accommodate your dynamic lifestyle.

Why consider starting a web development business?

• Web development skills are in high demand, allowing you to secure a steady stream of clients.
• You can work remotely, offering the flexibility to manage your business from home or any location.
• This business can grow with you, allowing for scalability and long-term financial stability even if you relocate frequently.

For more insights into starting a successful web development business, visit Starter Story's web development business success stories.

14. Start a content writing company ($47.4K/month)

Launching a content writing company is a lucrative business venture for military spouses, given the flexible nature of the work. As a content writer, you could offer services like blog posts, product descriptions, and eBooks, allowing you to work from anywhere and tailor your schedule around your unique lifestyle demands. The steadily increasing demand for online content provides a robust market for your services, making it a great side business or a full-time endeavor.

For actionable guidance on starting a content writing business, you could explore resources like Starter Story which offers practical advice and success stories from those who've walked this path.

Why consider starting a content writing company?

• Provides flexibility to work around your schedule and relocate easily if needed.
• Requires minimal startup costs, making it accessible for those looking to earn extra income.
• Leverages your unique experiences and skills, turning them into marketable content that can attract a wide audience.

15. Start a women's clothing line ($79.8K/month)

Starting a women’s clothing line can be an excellent opportunity for military spouses to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. With a flexible schedule and the ability to work from anywhere, this venture perfectly fits the mobile lifestyle that comes with being a military spouse. Additionally, the ever-evolving fashion industry ensures there are ample opportunities for growth and creativity, allowing you to tap into emerging trends and design unique pieces.

For more information, check out these tips on starting a women's clothing line.

Why start a women’s clothing line?

• You have the flexibility to design and manage your business from anywhere, making it ideal for the mobile military lifestyle.
• Capitalize on the growing fashion trends to build a profitable and creative business.
• Turn your passion for fashion into a thriving business venture, offering you both personal and financial fulfillment.

16. Start a digital agency ($209K/month)

Starting a digital agency is a highly flexible and scalable business idea, perfect for military spouses who may frequently move or need to adapt to different life circumstances. By leveraging your skills in digital marketing, website development, and SEO, you could help businesses achieve their marketing and technology goals while working from anywhere. With the global digital agency market already valued at nearly $305B in 2020, the growth prospects are promising, making it a profitable and stable opportunity for entrepreneurial military spouses.

Why consider starting a digital agency?

• You could work from anywhere, making it perfect for the mobile lifestyle of military families.
• The demand is high, with businesses continually seeking digital marketing experts to enhance their online presence.
• High scalability allows you to start small and grow your agency as you gain more clients and experience.

17. Start a marketing agency ($278K/month)

Starting a marketing agency as a Military Spouse offers a flexible and rewarding business opportunity that can easily travel with you, no matter where you're stationed. With the growing demand for digital marketing services, you could leverage your creativity and strategic thinking to help businesses reach their target audience more effectively. Plus, as a marketing professional, you wouldn't need a large upfront investment in equipment or office space, making it an accessible option for many.

Why start a marketing agency?

• You could work remotely from anywhere, providing flexibility to adapt to frequent relocations.
• The digital marketing field is expanding, ensuring a steady demand for your services.
• Building a successful agency could provide a stable income that can move with you, ensuring financial continuity.

For more details on how to start a marketing agency and find success, check out this resource.

18. Start a social media marketing service ($150K/month)

Starting a social media marketing service is a practical and lucrative venture for military spouses due to its flexibility and scalability. This business involves helping companies grow their online presence through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, by creating and managing content, analyzing engagement metrics, and optimizing marketing strategies. Given the often transient lifestyle of military families, a social media marketing service allows you to work from anywhere, adapting easily to relocations, and it can expand as you gain more clients.

Why start a social media marketing service?

• You could work from anywhere, making this business adaptable to frequent relocations common in military life.
• With minimal initial investment, you can leverage your understanding of social media trends to generate recurring revenue and ensure both stability and growth.
• Helping businesses succeed online can turn you into an indispensable asset, providing a meaningful and impactful career path.

For more insights, explore our success stories in social media marketing.

19. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)

Breaking into the ecommerce world offers the exciting challenge of building your own online brand from the ground up. An ecommerce brand involves creating a web-based store where you sell your products directly to consumers. This kind of venture provides the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it particularly suited for military spouses who may need to relocate frequently. Plus, ecommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easier than ever to set up shop and start selling.

Why start an ecommerce brand?

• You have the flexibility to run your business from anywhere, accommodating frequent relocations.
• Ecommerce offers the potential for unlimited growth, allowing you to scale your business at your own pace.
• You get to control every aspect of your brand, from product offerings to customer experience, making it a highly personalized venture.

For more details on what it takes to launch an ecommerce brand, visit this page on Starter Story: Ecommerce Brand Success Stories.

20. Become an ecommerce consultant ($666K/month)

As a military spouse, starting an eCommerce consulting business could be a lucrative and flexible way to supplement your income. The demand for eCommerce experts is continuously rising as more businesses shift towards online models, making your skills indispensable. With your ability to work remotely, you could easily tackle tasks such as conversion rate optimization, designing marketing strategies, and negotiating with suppliers, regardless of where you're stationed.

Why start an eCommerce consulting business?

• Flexibility to work from any location, making it ideal for the mobile lifestyle of military families.
• High demand for eCommerce expertise ensures a steady stream of potential clients.
• Opportunity to leverage your skills in digital marketing and strategy to generate substantial income.

For more insights on becoming an eCommerce consultant, check out success stories and tips on Starter Story.

21. Start an aerial imagery business

Starting an aerial imagery business could be a highly rewarding endeavor for military spouses. This venture involves capturing high-quality images and videos using drones, which can be used in a range of industries like real estate, agriculture, and construction. Given the mobility often required of military families, a drone-based business offers the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere, adapting to relocation challenges while supplementing your income.

Why consider starting an aerial imagery business?

• You could operate your business from any location, making it highly adaptable to frequent moves.
• The niche market and continuously evolving technology offer substantial earning potential.
• High-quality aerial imagery is in high demand across various industries, ensuring consistent job opportunities.

For more tips on starting your aerial imagery business, check out this Starter Story link.

22. Start a social media analytics business ($164K/month)

Starting a social media analytics business could be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial military spouses. This venture involves analyzing social media metrics to help companies improve their online presence and marketing strategies. By providing insights into engagement rates, audience demographics, and performance trends, you will enable businesses to make data-driven decisions that could significantly boost their brand and sales.

This type of business is ideal for military spouses who excel in data analysis and strategic planning, as it allows them to work remotely and flexibly. Considering the growing demand for actionable insights in the digital landscape, your expertise could become essential for firms looking to outpace their competitors.

Why start a social media analytics business?

• You could work remotely, allowing for flexibility despite frequent relocations.
• The growing digital market ensures a consistent demand for your analytical expertise.
• Your efforts will directly support businesses in making effective, data-driven marketing decisions.

For more insights on starting this business, check out our startup cost guide.

23. Start a mobile phone business

Got an eye for tech and a knack for sales? Starting a mobile phone business might be your calling. The increasing demand for smartphones and accessories offers a lucrative opportunity, especially for military spouses who may need flexibility. You could start small, sourcing the latest models and accessories from reliable suppliers, and gradually build a customer base both online and offline.

Combining your tech expertise with effective marketing strategies could help you carve out a niche in this growing market. With the freedom to operate from anywhere, this business model suits the mobile lifestyle of military families and offers the potential for substantial rewards. For insights and inspiration, check out these success stories.

Why starting a mobile phone business?

• The demand for smartphones and accessories is continuously growing, providing a steady market.
• Flexibility to operate remotely suits the transient lifestyle of military families.
• Tech-savvy entrepreneurs can capitalize on their skills to stand out in a niche market.

24. Start an animation business ($23K/month)

With the growing demand for animated content in social media and advertisements, starting an animation business as a military spouse can offer a fantastic way to supplement your income or even become a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor. By collaborating with a team of specialists such as illustrators, animators, and scriptwriters, you could bring clients' visions to life through engaging animated videos for platforms like Instagram. A venture into animation is not only creative and innovative but also adaptable to your unique lifestyle needs. For more tips on getting started, check out this guide on animation business startups.

Why start an animation business?

• You could work remotely from anywhere, making it easy to adapt to relocations common in military life.
• There's a growing market for animated content in ads, social media, and entertainment, offering numerous project opportunities.
• Entering the animation industry allows you to leverage creativity for profitable outcomes, transforming your artistic talents into a sustainable business.

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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

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

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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