37 Best Seasonal Business Ideas For 2023

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Are you looking for profitable seasonal business ideas you can start in 2023?

Just because your services or products aren’t in demand all year long, does not mean your business idea is not viable.

Many entrepreneurs have started seasonal businesses and succeeded in their line of business.

If you're looking to start your own seasonal business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.

We put together a list of the most profitable seasonal business ideas you can start today!

Here they are:

1. Start a christmas tree accessory business

The Christmas tree tradition has been with us for centuries and is never slowing down. Every December, people in different regions around the globe head to the nearest Christmas tree accessories shop to purchase décor supplies. Others prefer hiring a Christmas tree business to help with the décor.

If you are looking for an easy-to-start seasonal business, the Christmas tree accessories business can be the real deal. Focus on the current Christmas décor trends and supply your customers with unique and cozy Christmas tree decoration accessories.

How much you can make: $35,000/month

2. Start a tour guide business

Can you offer a native perspective of a town you know well? If yes, starting a tour guide business can be a significant business venture. Tour guides charge tourists per tour and provide visitors with an area with local tour narration and navigation.

To start a tour guide business, choose an area you know, and study its history. Visitors will often ask questions and expect you to answer them. Therefore, you have to be well-versed in the areas you will cover.

You can partner with a tour & travel company or a game park near you and offer the visitor's tour guide services.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $43,300,000/month

3. Start a landscaping business

A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.

For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.

Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

4. 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

5. Become a mobile personal trainer

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

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

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

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

6. Start a tutoring business

Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.

If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.

Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

7. Start a chimney repair business

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

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

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

8. Start a party planning business

Party planning involves budgeting, establishing party timelines, selecting and reserving ideal party sites, acquiring permits, theme décor, and coordinating party catering and transportation.

Are you organized, creative, and client-focused? You can put those skills into starting a successful party planning business. To become a party planner, you must desire to help other people enjoy themselves. Besides, you need diplomacy, salesmanship, and multitasking skills.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $400,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 6 hours/week

9. Start a moving service business

Moving service businesses pack, load, transport, unpack, clean, and carefully arrange items at the new location.

The demand for moving services is high among businesses, office owners, and residential customers.

As the owner of a moving truck business, your responsibility is to find potential customers (people who are moving home or office), hire a number of packers depending on the scope of work, and transport the items safely to the new location.

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

10. 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 (?)

11. Start a gift baskets business

A gift basket is delivered to the recipient at the workplace or residence. A gift basket business is a noble idea because, with a proper strategy, you can remain in business all year round.

To start a gift basket business, choose a niche or a sales channel, and register your business appropriately. Then, with a proper marketing strategy, you should be able to reach a broader customer base.

How much you can make: $550 — $125,000/month

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

12. Start a pet sitting business

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

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

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

13. Start a pool cleaning business

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

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

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

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

14. Start a window cleaning business

If you are ambitious about cleaning spaces, you may consider the window cleaning business opportunity.

Starting a window cleaning business offers several advantages. First, you get to choose a suitable work schedule. Also, you have access to repeat business since windows need regular cleaning to keep their shiny appearance.

Besides, starting a window cleaning service is not capital-intensive and comes with minimal overhead costs.

How much you can make: $60,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)

15. Start an ac repair business

Research shows the HVAC market will grow at a CAGR of 6.1% and reach $82.5 billion in the next few years.

The growing construction business in major emerging economies and the ever-increasing end-user markets, such as data center markets, are some of the major factors driving the growth of the HVAC services market.

Like other electrical appliances, HVAC units break often and require regular maintenance. As a result, the demand for HVAC repair is high.

Therefore, starting an AC repair business can be profitable. To start, you need a skilled AC repair technical team. Target commercial and residential customers, and market your business online as most people search for AC repair services through the web.

How much you can make: $200,000 — $1,878,618/month

16. Become a roofing contractor

A roofing contractor installs and repairs roofs on homes, offices, and commercial buildings. The construction industry is snowballing, and demand for roofing contractors is growing exponentially. Therefore, starting a roofing company or becoming a roofing contractor can be a big business idea.

To start the roofing business, you must complete technical training and become certified as a professional roofing contractor. Once you have the certification, you can apply for the roofing license and start marketing your business.

How much you can make: $665,000/month

17. Become a face painter

Popular at children's parties, weddings, and even some corporate events, face painting is a great creative activity that sparks joy among people of all ages.

If you love making people happy and helping them celebrate different events in life, consider starting a face-painting business.

If you are planning to start a face painting business on a professional basis, it would be wise to take an introductory training course to learn the basics of face painting and the safety and health precautions involved in the business.

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

18. Start a beach wedding company

If you have been aspiring to start a business that relates to weddings, you may consider starting a beach wedding company. Beach weddings have a naturally intimate romantic vibe and can be a perfect fit for couples looking for a unique experience.

Besides, beach weddings can be cheaper since there is not much décor to do and the ceremony and reception take place in the same venue.

How much you can make: $165,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)

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

19. Start a bridal accessories store

Bridal accessories are a great way to help you complete your wedding day look. Bridal accessories are something similar that surrounds weddings in our society. Bridal accessories are all the rage nowadays. These pretty things create the perfect set of accessories for the bridal.

The Bridal Wear market in the USA is estimated at $26B in 2020.

A bridal accessories store can provide you with high income and the ability to hire. Bridal occasions are exceptional and endure several phases. You could start a bridal accessories business with access to millions of customers from the first introduction until they get married.

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

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

20. Start a vacation rentals business

Vacation rentals host travelers for a short period. Often located in top vacation destinations, vacation rentals feature spacious rooms and a cozy lifestyle and are cheaper than booking a hotel.

Building or buying a vacation rental is a smart way of creating a passive income without much involvement in the business.

To make money through the vacation rental business, ensure a strategic location, often nearby attractions. Choose an area that is easily accessible and desirable all year round and create a beautiful space for your guests.

Stand out by optimizing the vacation rental listing online and featuring all available amenities.

How much you can make: $12,500 — $295,000/month

How long does it take to build: 280 days (?)

21. Start a backpack line

Backpacks enable you to carry camping items safely. Ideal bags for hikers are waterproof, lightweight, and flexible. Quality backpacks provide maximum protection for the contents. There is a demand for backpacks all year round, which increases during the camping season.

A backpack line business can reap enormous profits. It allows you to be your boss or start a business.

Building your line of backpacks might seem like a daunting task, but it can be rewarding to know that you have made something out of nothing. It will take time and hard work, but ultimately you are going to end up with a great product that resonates with your audience

To start your camping backpack line, research the current trends and focus on providing durable products.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

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

22. Start a RV rental business

The RV rental business is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to make money selling and renting recreational vehicles (RVs). This is a booming industry that continues to grow each year.

An RV rental business provides an appealing option for travelers and holidaymakers exploring the country. Starting an RV company can be fun as it offers you the flexibility to work on your preferred schedule. You can schedule drivers and cleaners and ensure RV maintenance without appearing physically.

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

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

23. Start a camping equipment rental business

Camping equipment is a great business to start and can make a good amount of money. For $10,000 you can start a rental company that grosses $100,000/year. However, starting a camping equipment rental business requires some careful consideration first.

The global camping equipment market is estimated at $16.4B in 2022 and is forecast to surpass $33.3B by 2032. Campers and tents are both popular items to rent but this depends on where you live. Check out the local demand for these types of products in your area before starting your business.

24. Start a tree maintenance business

The tree service business is a great venture because homeowners and commercial property owners will always have trees that need attention.

A tree service business offers services such as pruning branches, cutting away dead branches or pruning, transplanting, tree removal, and stump grinding, among others. Tree service companies use climbing and rigging techniques to help in the maintenance and appearance of trees.

Starting a tree trimming & tree maintenance service can be a great business opportunity, however, you will need specific skills to perform the tasks.

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

25. Start a snow shoveling business

Are you looking for a winter business idea? how about starting a snow shoveling service? Snow shoveling isn’t fun but can be a profitable side hustle.

To start a snow shoveling business, invest in safety gear and efficient snow shovels. Then, decide on a pricing plan for your snow shoveling service. You can adjust the pricing based on snow depth. Start marketing your snow shoveling business, targeting the neighborhoods where snowing is common.

26. Start a home decor business

Are you a talented interior designer? Do you know you can turn your hobby into a side income opportunity? Home décor as a side hustle is a great opportunity to build a brand as you earn extra income. You first need to work on your portfolio to launch a successful home décor side hustle.

The portfolio communicates to your potential customers your potential when it comes to home décor. You may use your home as an example or request a friend for an opportunity to do their home décor as a sample for your portfolio. Once you have a portfolio, market your business, and remember to include photos from your previous gigs to increase the chances of closing a sale.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $415,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

27. Start a swimwear line

Are you interested in a textile business? If you live near a beach, a potential business idea can be swimwear. People wear swimwear when going for an afternoon of water activities. Therefore, starting a swimwear line can be a great business idea if you live near a beach or a swimming pool. Swimwear shops stock men’s and women’s attire.

How much you can make: $800 — $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)

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

28. Start an ice cream truck business

Do you have childhood memories of a neighborhood ice cream truck that reminded you anytime is a good time for ice cream?

An ice cream truck is one of the truck business ideas with great potential. So long as you choose high-traffic streets and a business strategy, an ice cream truck business could be profitable.

Starting an ice cream truck makes you your boss and helps you reach your financial goals. To start the ice cream business, research the nearby ice cream businesses and identify some potential gaps, prepare a business plan, customize your ice cream truck and launch your business.

29. Start a holiday decorating service

Holiday decorators make the interior and exterior of businesses and homes festive. While the holiday decoration business is seasonal, it is also highly profitable and requires minimal startup investments. You do not need any special training to start the holiday decorating business. However, being creative and having experience in decorating is crucial to running a successful business.

How much you can make: $20,000/month

30. Start a surf school

A surf school is where surfing professionals share their surfing knowledge and educate students on beach safety and general aquatic awareness. Certified surf teachers teach surf lessons in a controlled and safe environment.

If you are a professional surfer, you can start a surfing school and turn your passion into a profitable venture. Surf schools charge students per lesson or hour.

31. Start a hiking guide

Do you love hiking? Imagine getting paid to do what you love! Hiking guides are professional hikers with vast knowledge of local trails and nature. Hikers hire local hiking guides to accompany and educate them during hiking expeditions.

If you are looking for an exciting outdoorsy entrepreneurship opportunity, you may consider becoming a hiking guide.

32. Start a speed boat rental business

Boat hiring and boat rental services are tapping into the booming tourism sector. Water activities have become a significant tourist attraction, especially in coastal areas. Thus, boat hiring and rental are among the most attractive maritime business opportunities.

33. Start a spring cleaning service business

Spring cleaning removes allergens you may not get to touch during your regular cleaning. Spring, is the perfect time to get rid of stuff you no longer use, go through closets, drawers, and cabinets, and dust every part of your home.

Starting a spring-cleaning business can be a profitable business opportunity. Spring cleaning companies charge per hour or square meter. To launch your spring cleaning service, purchase all necessary cleaning gear, hire and train staff to help you deliver the cleaning service.

34. Start a weather stripping service

Weatherstripping professionals help homeowners prevent leaks around movable house components such as doors and windows. Homeowners hire weather stripping experts to help replace and install weather strips around their homes. Therefore, weather stripping professionals ensure the home remains comfortable all year round.

Becoming a weather-stripping professional can be a profitable business. To become a weather-stripping professional, register for a prerequisite training program and get your business registered.

35. Become a swimming instructor

Swimming instructors help children and adults develop proper swimming techniques. Starting swim lessons can be a profitable side hustle. You can teach swimmers at a private or a public pool.

Swimming teachers charge students per session or hour. To become a swimming pool instructor, consider registering for relevant training courses and take the certification examination. Advertise your business online and target social groups in your area.

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

36. Start a gift wrapping service

Gift wrappers use wrapping papers and other supplies to box up and decorate presents on behalf of their customers. Starting a gift-wrapping business does not involve considerable capital and is easy to manage. You can market your business online for free and request current customers to give recommendations.

37. Start a snorkeling lessons business

Snorkeling is an enjoyable and easy sport. To try snorkeling, a beginner must acquire some basic skills and learn how to use the snorkeling equipment. If you understand snorkeling, you can start a training school. Register your business, and identify safe snorkeling locations where you can train beginners.

Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story
Want to find more ideas that make money?

Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.

Get our 5-minute email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

meet the author
David Gitonga

"The best life hack of all is to just put the work in and never give up" - Bas Rutten (UFC Heavyweight Champion). Hey there! I am a talented freelancer passionate about writing and researching all topics business and entrepreneurship.