The 79 Best Businesses To Start In Singapore [2023]
Interested in starting a business in Singapore in 2023?
We put together 79 of the best businesses you can start in Singapore today.
In this list of ideas, you can find:
- Home-based businesses to start in Singapore
- Profitable online business ideas
- Unique business opportunities for Singapore
- Low investment business ideas (under $5k to start)
- Easy businesses you can start in Singapore today
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, + a step-by-step on how to start your small business in Singapore.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a catering business
A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.
Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don't have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.
However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning. To start a successful catering business in Singapore, you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more. In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $48,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
2. 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
3. Start a marketing agency
Marketing agencies can be a great option for businesses looking to advertise in different ways. For businesses, hiring a marketing company can help them achieve success as they don't have to spend money on employees or needed equipment. Marketing agencies are not inexpensive and there are many different variables that come into play when deciding which one is the best fit for your business.
You want to start a marketing agency, but don't know where to begin. You're not alone, there are thousands of entrepreneurs across the globe that have the same ambition. Luckily for you, compiled a list of how other agencies were able to grow their agency and scale effectively.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $465,583,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 51 days (?)
4. Start a lead generation business
Lead generation business aggregates consumer and business information that it can sell to businesses wishing to purchase new leads. A lead generation company earns money for every lead it generates for a client.
As the business landscape becomes more competitive, entrepreneurs prefer hiring a lead generation company to help increase sales. Therefore, if you understand how digital marketing works to attract customers, you can start your lead generation business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
5. Start a software business
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month
6. Start an antique business
Owning an antique and vintage business can be fulfilling and profitable for those targeting the elite.
Antique businesses focus on procuring items at a low price and restoring them, then selling them at a profit. The items can include old toys, cars, bikes, household items, crafts, vintage jewelry, etc.
Opening an antique item store in Singapore may seem somewhat daunting. However, once you have researched the items available and acquired the necessary skills and expertise, you will be ready to kick off.
For some, a storefront with enough storage for antique items might fit the bill. For others, an online store will work pretty well. Regardless of your approach, the secret is applying your entrepreneurship strategies to an overall framework for success.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
7. Become a property manager
A property manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a property. This can include tasks such as marketing and leasing units, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.
To succeed in this business, you’ll need to have strong people skills and be comfortable working with various clients. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented. If you have these skills, starting your own property management business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
The average property manager's salary in the United States is $54,183/year. The low-end range falls between 36k at 12% below to 79K+, which represents 24%.
With the recent craze of people wanting to invest in real estate, property management has never been more popular than now. Property managers often have the opportunity to work from home, making it an excellent option for those who want the flexibility of being their own boss.
The property management business is a great way to make money if you’re familiar with the real estate market and have strong people skills. You can make a lot of money by managing properties for investors.
How much you can make: $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 362 days (?)
8. Start a sign business
How much you can make: $20,000 — $800,000/month
9. Become a gift basket seller
A gift basket is typically a bundled gift filled with presents and delivered to the recipient at home or the workplace.
The gifting ritual is an old practice, and regardless of the occasion, people love giving each other gifts (and receiving them). According to data, the global gift market’s worth is estimated at $62 billion, with 62% of Americans preferring to give personalized gift markets over expensive items.
If you love unique gifting, starting a gift basket business in Singapore could be a gratifying and fun business idea. Many gift basket shops choose to operate entirely online since an online business allows them to work from anywhere, while customers can also purchase at their convenience.
How much you can make: $400/month
10. 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 Singapore. 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 (?)
11. Start a carpet cleaning service
One of the most common household decorative items is a floor carpet. Carpets are extensively used in commercial and residential spaces to provide an aesthetic look. The increased use of carpets has influenced the demand for carpet cleaning services.
If you are starting a carpet cleaning company in Singapore, you will need quality equipment and an on-point marketing strategy to stand out from the competition. You will be challenged by managing customer quoting, invoicing, allocating labor, and collecting payments. Therefore, invest in the right software for managing business operations and tracking invoicing.
How much you can make: $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $23 (?)
12. Become a freelance app developer
A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.
To become a freelance app developer in Singapore, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.
Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $91,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
13. 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 in Singapore, 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 (?)
14. Start a real estate business
Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.
Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.
To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Hi, I’m Druce and I’m one of the co-founders of Stacked. We are primarily a real estate media company with a focus on helping buyers and sellers in...
15. Start a graphic design business
Graphic designers create logos, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials for companies and organizations. They also design websites and other digital content, including social media graphics.
Graphic designers may specialize in one type of design (such as print or web design), or they can be generalists who do everything from logo design to social media graphics.
Starting a graphic design business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It’s not easy, but if you’re passionate about design and want to make a living, starting your own graphic design business is a great way to go.
Consider a suitable pricing structure when starting a graphic design business in Singapore. You may charge the customers per hour or fixed pricing based on the project’s nature.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 87 days (?)
16. Start a digital marketing business
Digital marketing businesses serve local and international companies to expand their reach and grow revenue. A top reason digital marketing is so exciting is that the field is constantly evolving and is easy to learn.
If you plan to start a digital marketing business in Singapore, educate yourself and understand how digital marketing agencies work. Then, focus on building your digital skills and advancing your career through online digital marketing courses.
To stand out, find a digital marketing niche and focus on the audience interested in your services.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $6,660,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,260 (?)
How long does it take to build: 58 days (?)
17. Start a car rental business
Car rental can be profitable if you are passionate about starting a business in the auto industry. Retail and corporate are the main segments within the car rental industry. Retail car rentals focus on individuals who rent cars for shorter periods, while corporate car rental targets companies that want to transport clients or employees.
If you are starting a car rental business in Singapore, target airports, hotels, railway stations, commercial offices, and other high-traffic areas.
Market your business, hire employees who will manage the operations and keep records, and purchase business insurance for both cars and employees.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $583,333/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
18. Start an auto parts shop
If you want to start a retail business in the automobile industry, consider an auto parts business in Singapore.
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
19. Start a transportation service
Transportation businesses offer ridesharing services, haul consumer goods, or ship supplies and products from one location to another. They target individual passengers, other companies, or global business partners.
If you are starting a transportation service in Singapore, decide who and what you will serve, set up the business structure, register the business, and apply for the required business licenses or permits. To ensure a profitable business, incorporate proper hiring procedures and keep up with maintenance and recertifications.
How much you can make: $12,000 — $364,000/month
How long does it take to build: 410 days (?)
20. Become a mobile makeup artist
A makeup artist is a beautician who offers general makeup services, including facial aesthetics, thorough makeup, and creating custom looks for celebrities and even actors on movie sets.
You can serve clients from their homes or offices as a makeup artist. Therefore, makeup artists avoid paying rent or paying expensive licenses. Besides, makeup artists get to meet different famous people.
To stand out as a professional makeup artist in Singapore, keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.
21. 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 in Singapore, 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 (?)
22. Become a social media consultant
Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.
To become a social media consultant in Singapore, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.
How much you can make: $100 — $990,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
23. Start a language translation service
Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.
To become a language translator in Singapore, master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
24. Start a moving company
Moving companies help people move their belongings from one location to another. The services can involve packing and shipping household items to physically moving them from one place to another. The moving can include anything from local moves to long-distance relocations.
Moving companies typically charge by the hour or job, so you’ll need to price your services accordingly. You’ll also need to invest in moving equipment, such as trucks and dollies.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $2,500,000/month
25. 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 in Singapore.
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
26. Start a stock photography business
Stock photography is typically sold on an exclusive basis to one buyer for a single usage fee. Stock photos are often available in different sizes, resolutions, and file formats. Businesses most commonly use stock photos for marketing purposes.
Stock photography is the supply of photographs often licensed for specific uses. Stock photos are the perfect marketing and advertising resource for website owners and bloggers.
You can build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income by uploading high-quality stock photos.
To start a stock photography business in Singapore, invest in some good photography gear and learn how to take stock photos. An excellent online presence can help you sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
27. Start a bookkeeping service
As the nature of business changes, bookkeeping is an essential function that is on-demand across all business sectors.
Bookkeeping services support businesses by handling their accounts receivables, creating and sending invoices to the correct accounts, and processing accounts payable to ensure business owners settle them when due.
To become a bookkeeper in Singapore, pick the niche market, choose a bookkeeping software, and set up the necessary business infrastructure. You need a website, an address, client database software, and file-sharing tools where your clients can access records on demand.
How much you can make: $8,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $515 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
28. Open an ice cream parlour
Ice cream is something that people of all ages equally enjoy globally, making it a profitable business to venture into.
This frozen dessert industry has registered massive growth in recent years, a trend that shows the industry’s potential.
If you are looking to start your ice cream business in Singapore, follow these steps:
- Decide whether to make your ice cream or to source from established ice cream brands
- Write an effective business plan for the ice cream shop detailing the goals, strategies, and plans
- Fund your business idea
- Choose a spacious shop in an area with plenty of foot traffic
- Offer different ice cream flavors
Opening an ice cream parlor is not easy work. However, if you do it right, it is rewarding and can be a lot of fun.
How much you can make: $16,000/month
29. Start a hair salon
Hair salons offer a wide range of beauty services including hair-cutting, waxing, nail treatment, massages, and complementary care such as aromatherapy.
With the increased demand for high fashion beauty services, starting a hair salon could be a profitable venture.
To start a hair salon in Singapore, you need a strong business plan and find a niche that attracts a local client base. To succeed, hire knowledgeable and experienced employees, and encourage them to maintain a good customer service culture,
How much you can make: $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
30. Start a transcription business
A transcription service converts live or recorded speech into a written or electronic text document. Transcription service is in demand globally across industries.
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a side hustle or a full-time job, so long as you have the right gear.
Do you plan to become a transcriber in Singapore? Take an online transcriptionist course and work on your listening skills. To succeed, you need a good typing speed and excellent language command.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
31. Start a restaurant
If you love cooking and are passionate about entrepreneurship, starting a restaurant can be a fun and lucrative business.
To get started, choose a great location, and hire an excellent support team. You will need a chef to inspect the food and line cooks, waiters, and waitresses to serve the customers. No matter the restaurant type, you need great culinary and business skills to make your dream come true.
If you plan to open a restaurant in Singapore, gain insight from consumer preferences and focus on serving modern consumers what they need.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $61,650,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
32. Start a ticket reselling business
Ticket reselling is a brokering business where you purchase event tickets in bulk and resell them at a higher price. Ticket reselling allows you to make more money within less time, so long as you target the busiest times and market well.
To become a professional ticket reseller in Singapore, join a ticket broker association and choose a specialty niche. Obtain necessary business licensure, build a professional website, and market your ticket broker business.
33. Become a temporary tattoo artist
Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B.
The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist in Singapore requires a lot of commitment and hard work.
Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
34. Start a cleaning service
A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.
By starting a house cleaning business in Singapore, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
35. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping allows you to start your online e-commerce store without stock-keeping. Therefore, you do not need huge capital, and the risk is minimal because the manufacturer is responsible for the inventory and ships it directly to the customer. Therefore, your responsibility remains to market and offer customer service.
To start a successful dropshipping business in Singapore, you need a mastery of online marketing and a focus on improving customer experience.
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
36. Start a meal prep business
A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery to avoid customer disappointment.
A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.
Therefore, starting a meal preparation business in Singapore can be a great way to earn extra monies.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $4,170,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
37. Start a cooking class
Online cooking classes can be a great side hustle for seasoned chefs or cooking enthusiasts looking for a way to earn some extra cash. You can create content and teach your audience how to prepare meals.
Consider creating members-only content to earn more from your cooking class side hustle. Alternatively, you can sell recipes for a small fee as well. To grow your reach, consider offering some free content on your social media pages as a way to build curiosity among potential audiences. You can charge your audiences a subscription fee so they can have exclusive access to your content.
To start cooking classes in Singapore, choose a niche and follow your passion. Create a website and maintain an active social media presence. Apart from online cooking classes or live sessions you can also offer exclusive offline weekend classes to give your audience a hands-on personal experience.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $100,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
38. Start a cleaning & maintenance business
A Cleaning & Maintenance business is a service-based business in which you are the owner, operator, and lone employee. In a cleaning and maintenance business, you provide a specific service such as carpet servicing or pest control. It's important to note that although it seems straightforward, this business type can grow very quickly if done properly.
Cleaning and maintenance can be a real hassle, especially if you have a lot of employees or just your own staff. The cleaning and maintenance industry generates over $40B a year in the US alone. This makes it one of the largest, most competitive industries in the USA.
Starting a cleaning and maintenance business in Singapore is pretty easy. You can start small with residential clients or businesses. Just make sure you check with your local government to ensure licensing (or certification) requirements.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
39. Start a mobile auto detailing service
A mobile carwash business reaches clients whenever possible and offers its services conveniently. Therefore, car owners do not need to drive to different locations looking for a car wash, as the mobile service provider is there for the client.
The advantage of offering a mobile car wash business in Singapore is that clients will call you to their location whenever they need their vehicles cleaned. You can serve more customers based on convenience compared to an immobile car detailing business.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
40. Become a nutritionist
A nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who guides you toward a healthy lifestyle by counseling on nutrition issues specifically to increase or decrease body weight.
They are called food experts because they teach you about healthy food habits and how to plan your meal, including all the nutrition, vitamins, and minerals that maintain good health and prevent diseases.
There are several courses available online to become a Nutritionist. You can also earn a bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, or a related area.
The requirements to become a nutritionist vary from state to state, but some states require licensing by one or more of the following associations:
- The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB)
- The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)
- Commission on Dietetic Registration (RDN)
There are several career opportunities for a certified nutritionist ranging from healthcare, food science & technology to working with large-scale groups like corporates, schools, and sports authorities. Some of the roles are:
- Clinical nutritionist
- Public health nutritionist
- Management nutritionist
- Sports nutritionist
- Registered dietitian nutritionist
An average salary of a nutritionist in the United States is $64,000 per year. A nutritionist can also work privately with their clients and charge them hourly. The average hourly pay for a nutritionist job in the US is $28 an hour.
Starting a nutritionist business in Singapore may feel overwhelming and confusing. Focus on knowing where to spend your time and energy to secure consistent nutrition clients. Seek referrals from other practitioners, such as personal trainers and doctors.
How much you can make: $600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
41. Start a cryptocurrency business
How much you can make: $3,699 — $900,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
42. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start in Singapore:
- Food & Drink Tours
- Adventure & Sporting Tours
- Sightseeing & Historical Tours
- Shopping Tours
- and many more!
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
43. Start a bed and breakfast business
Bed and breakfasts have been around for a long time. Owners interact with customers while they benefit from affordable lodging.
Travelers nowadays have a high interest in experiencing local culture, ready to take on the adventure of meeting and interacting with others from different backgrounds and perspectives in order to get a unique taste of how a small town or even neighborhood might live.
The great thing about starting at home B&B in Singapore is that you don’t need a degree in business. You only need enough capital to purchase essential items needed to open your very first one.
Listed are the steps to start a bed and breakfast business.
- Plan your business plan
- Secure needed permits, licenses, and certifications
- Hire Staff
- Open a bank account for business transactions
- Prepare your business for operation -Promote your business
44. 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 (?)
45. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery in Singapore, pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
46. 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 in Singapore 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 (?)
47. Start a book store
Starting a bookstore is a great way to start a small business.
Bookstores are found anywhere, from the smallest towns to the largest cities. Perhaps you have thought of running your bookstore in Singapore. People need to read and buy books, and that’s been true for thousands of years. A bookstore is also a great central location where people can browse and purchase books.
Listed are the steps to start a bookstore business.
- Register your business
- Get all required permits and licenses.
- Organize your business operational flow
- Promote your business
48. Become a delivery driver
The delivery driver side hustle can be a fantastic idea if you own a delivery car and a valid driver’s license. Receiving deliveries at home or at the office has become an almost undeniable convenience for most people. There are more and more platforms that deliver all kinds of products and, therefore, the demand for couriers is also increasing.
As an independent delivery driver in Singapore, you choose your most convenient working hours, and the more deliveries you complete, the more your earnings. Besides, you interact with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
Your core roles will include loading and unloading cargo, delivering goods to the customer, accepting any payments for shipments, and handling paperwork.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $25,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
49. Become a massage therapist
Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.
Building a successful massage therapy business in Singapore is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.
Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
50. Start a daycare
Daycares provide educational, medical, and social services for the children of working parents either during school hours or when the parents are out of the home for an extended period of time. This can be a lucrative enterprise if you start a daycare in an area where it is needed.
As the growth of families has become dependent on two incomes, the need for quality daycare has skyrocketed. Starting a daycare business in Singapore is challenging but rewarding. You will face many challenges but can overcome them as long as you are ready to make the sacrifices required.
51. Start a content writing company
Content writing involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.
Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.
Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online. Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income.
To start a content writing company in Singapore, research the market and choose a suitable niche. Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
52. Become a wedding planner
A wedding planner assists with designing, planning, and managing a wedding, so the bride and groom have the happiest day. Wedding planners enjoy a flexible working schedule and opportunities to travel locally and globally, and it’s a great career with numerous growth opportunities.
To start a wedding planning business in Singapore, identify your target clientele and study their wedding cultures so you can offer the clients excellent service. Remember, excellent wedding planning is all about having the passion and knowing how to harness that passion for designing weddings that bring out the emotions of those in attendance.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
53. Start a courier business
Courier service is a premium, all-inclusive service that collects and delivers shipments within the shortest possible time frame. Courier services serve individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, hospitals, etc.
If you dream of owning a courier service, you can start as a delivery driver and rely on self-employed delivery drivers to get the goods to customers. As the business grows, you can invest in delivery vans to handle bulky deliveries.
To run a convenient courier service in Singapore, ensure you have a reliable delivery car and proper time management skills.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
54. Start a home tutoring business
A home tutoring company is an educational company that offers private tutoring from a tutor who visits the students at the student’s home.
Home tutoring is a growing business opportunity for motivated people and comes with the flexibility of working anytime, anywhere, and creates a passive income.
If you love teaching and helping others, one way to make money is to start a home tutoring business in Singapore. Whether you want to tutor kids or adults, there’s a niche for you.
Once you have started your home tutoring business, promote it by putting fliers at other stores and on bulletin boards at colleges and libraries. Also, engage parents and guardians for home tutoring opportunities.
55. Create an online course
Online course businesses are one of the fastest-growing online business models. Creating an online course is an awesome way to generate extra income because it allows you to monetize the knowledge you already have. More people are taking online courses every day, and the COVID pandemic has accelerated that, with some online learning platforms having seen 15-fold growth in the number of users.
Another advantage is that these new platforms are so easy to use for instructors that you don't have to worry at all about the tech side of the business. You just need to focus on creating exciting content that is informational & engaging at the same time.
Starting an online course in Singapore allows you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with setting up a physical training facility, and it's a great way to reach as many people as possible.
How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
56. Start an errand service
Errand services help people and businesses who have daily errands to run but need an extra hand. So, they seek professional help who can do their chores on time with utmost efficiency.
You can provide various services as an errand business, including grocery shopping, picking up + sorting through mail, going to the bank, and much more.
Starting an errand business in Singapore is relatively easy. Consider offering package deals as a way of getting and retaining customers. Most errand businesses charge per hour, and you may charge per mileage if the task involves driving.
57. Become a nutritionist
A nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who guides you toward a healthy lifestyle by counseling on nutrition issues specifically to increase or decrease body weight.
They are called food experts because they teach you about healthy food habits and how to plan your meal, including all the nutrition, vitamins, and minerals that maintain good health and prevent diseases.
There are several courses available online to become a Nutritionist. You can also earn a bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, or a related area.
The requirements to become a nutritionist vary from state to state, but some states require licensing by one or more of the following associations:
- The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB)
- The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)
- Commission on Dietetic Registration (RDN)
There are several career opportunities for a certified nutritionist ranging from healthcare, food science & technology to working with large-scale groups like corporates, schools, and sports authorities. Some of the roles are:
- Clinical nutritionist
- Public health nutritionist
- Management nutritionist
- Sports nutritionist
- Registered dietitian nutritionist
An average salary of a nutritionist in the United States is $64,000 per year. A nutritionist can also work privately with their clients and charge them hourly. The average hourly pay for a nutritionist job in the US is $28 an hour.
Starting a nutritionist business in Singapore may feel overwhelming and confusing. Focus on knowing where to spend your time and energy to secure consistent nutrition clients. Seek referrals from other practitioners, such as personal trainers and doctors.
How much you can make: $600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
58. Become a massage therapist
Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.
Building a successful massage therapy business in Singapore is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.
Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
59. Become a temporary tattoo artist
Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B.
The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist in Singapore requires a lot of commitment and hard work.
Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
60. Start a moving company
Moving companies help people move their belongings from one location to another. The services can involve packing and shipping household items to physically moving them from one place to another. The moving can include anything from local moves to long-distance relocations.
Moving companies typically charge by the hour or job, so you’ll need to price your services accordingly. You’ll also need to invest in moving equipment, such as trucks and dollies.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $2,500,000/month
61. Start a mobile auto detailing service
A mobile carwash business reaches clients whenever possible and offers its services conveniently. Therefore, car owners do not need to drive to different locations looking for a car wash, as the mobile service provider is there for the client.
The advantage of offering a mobile car wash business in Singapore is that clients will call you to their location whenever they need their vehicles cleaned. You can serve more customers based on convenience compared to an immobile car detailing business.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
62. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery in Singapore, pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
63. Start a meal prep business
A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery to avoid customer disappointment.
A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.
Therefore, starting a meal preparation business in Singapore can be a great way to earn extra monies.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $4,170,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
64. 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 in Singapore, 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 (?)
65. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.
Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants in Singapore have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $850,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
66. Open an ice cream parlour
Ice cream is something that people of all ages equally enjoy globally, making it a profitable business to venture into.
This frozen dessert industry has registered massive growth in recent years, a trend that shows the industry’s potential.
If you are looking to start your ice cream business in Singapore, follow these steps:
- Decide whether to make your ice cream or to source from established ice cream brands
- Write an effective business plan for the ice cream shop detailing the goals, strategies, and plans
- Fund your business idea
- Choose a spacious shop in an area with plenty of foot traffic
- Offer different ice cream flavors
Opening an ice cream parlor is not easy work. However, if you do it right, it is rewarding and can be a lot of fun.
How much you can make: $16,000/month
67. Start a cooking class
Online cooking classes can be a great side hustle for seasoned chefs or cooking enthusiasts looking for a way to earn some extra cash. You can create content and teach your audience how to prepare meals.
Consider creating members-only content to earn more from your cooking class side hustle. Alternatively, you can sell recipes for a small fee as well. To grow your reach, consider offering some free content on your social media pages as a way to build curiosity among potential audiences. You can charge your audiences a subscription fee so they can have exclusive access to your content.
To start cooking classes in Singapore, choose a niche and follow your passion. Create a website and maintain an active social media presence. Apart from online cooking classes or live sessions you can also offer exclusive offline weekend classes to give your audience a hands-on personal experience.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $100,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
68. Start a language translation service
Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.
To become a language translator in Singapore, master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
69. Start a hair salon
Hair salons offer a wide range of beauty services including hair-cutting, waxing, nail treatment, massages, and complementary care such as aromatherapy.
With the increased demand for high fashion beauty services, starting a hair salon could be a profitable venture.
To start a hair salon in Singapore, you need a strong business plan and find a niche that attracts a local client base. To succeed, hire knowledgeable and experienced employees, and encourage them to maintain a good customer service culture,
How much you can make: $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
70. Start a courier business
Courier service is a premium, all-inclusive service that collects and delivers shipments within the shortest possible time frame. Courier services serve individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, hospitals, etc.
If you dream of owning a courier service, you can start as a delivery driver and rely on self-employed delivery drivers to get the goods to customers. As the business grows, you can invest in delivery vans to handle bulky deliveries.
To run a convenient courier service in Singapore, ensure you have a reliable delivery car and proper time management skills.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
71. Become a social media consultant
Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.
To become a social media consultant in Singapore, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.
How much you can make: $100 — $990,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
72. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start in Singapore:
- Food & Drink Tours
- Adventure & Sporting Tours
- Sightseeing & Historical Tours
- Shopping Tours
- and many more!
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
73. Start a leather bags business
How much you can make: $45,000 — $2,000,000/month
74. Start a credit card comparison website
A credit card comparison website is a business that allows users to compare and contrast different credit cards to find the best fit for their financial needs. This business operates by gathering information about various credit cards and their features, such as interest rates, rewards programs, annual fees, and other benefits. The website then presents this information in a clear and easy-to-understand format, allowing users to compare the different options and decide which credit card to apply for.
To run a successful credit card comparison website, it is essential to keep the information on the site up-to-date and accurate. This requires constantly researching and gathering new data about credit cards and their features and regularly updating the website with the most current information. Additionally, it is important to provide a user-friendly interface that allows users to compare different credit cards and find the information they need.
Another key to business success is establishing partnerships with credit card companies and financial institutions. By partnering with these companies, the website can offer exclusive deals and promotions to users, which can help to drive traffic to the site. Additionally, partnering with these companies can provide the website with valuable resources and expertise, which can help to improve the quality and accuracy of the information on the site.
Finally, to run a successful credit card comparison website, it is essential to focus on marketing and promoting the site to attract users. This can be done through various methods, such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, and paid advertising. By effectively promoting the site, entrepreneurs can increase visibility and drive traffic, leading to increased revenue and success.
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
75. Develop a mac app
Are you a passionate and skilled mobile app developer? You can start an Apple app development business as a part-time or a full-time job and earn from your passion.
According to a report published in CIO magazine, Mobile app developers are among the top 10 most in-demand technology jobs. In addition, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, app developer jobs will grow by 22% over the next decade.
Therefore, starting a mobile app coding business can be a rewarding business. iOS app developers mostly use Swift and Objective-C programming languages.
How much you can make: $21 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
76. Start an email automation platform
How much you can make: $3,500 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
77. Start an ecommerce platform
Over the past decade, eCommerce has become an indispensable part of the global retail framework. According to statistics, over 2 billion people prefer shopping online.
While brick-and-mortar stores are still making more sales compared to online sales, the adoption of eCommerce is still rising, mainly because of the increased speed and convenience of online shopping.
Therefore, starting an eCommerce platform could set you on the right path to building a futuristic business.
How much you can make: $100 — $83,333,333/month
How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)
78. Start a fashion supply business
How much you can make: $5,000 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 81 days (?)
79. Start a business management platform
How much you can make: $10,821 — $4,333,333/month
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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