The 48 Best Small Business Ideas For Men in 2024
Are you looking for a small business idea you can start from home?
From our hundreds of case studies, we put together the best business ideas that men are starting in 2020.
Whether it's starting a fashion brand, an e-commerce store, or a online blog, I hope you'll get some inspiration of this list of real online success stories of other men.
Here they are:
1. Start a men's underwear brand
Underwear is essential to any person’s wardrobe, and the men’s underwear industry has grown quite large.
Many companies, such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss, specialize in men’s underwear. These companies have been able to keep up with the demand of this growing industry by offering quality products at reasonable prices.
The demand for men’s underwear has risen because it offers an alternative to traditional cotton briefs. Men are increasingly realizing that they don’t want the same old thing when it comes to their underwear; they want something that feels like luxury and provides them with comfort and support.
With so many opportunities available today, it’s easy to see why more people are turning to this industry to start their businesses.
How much you can make: $800 — $475,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 470 days (?)
Founder Krystian Frencel shares how he built a men's luxury underwear brand, Bunch of Animals, to $5,000/month with no previous e-commerce or product creation experience, offering softer than soft boxer briefs featuring seamless designs in collaboration with artists from around the world.
2. Start a fashion business
In 2022, the fashion industry was valued at $473.42B, with a growth rate of 8.3% over last year. To become successful in this highly competitive & ever-growing industry, you must have passion, perseverance, and the ability to take risks.
With platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the way that fashion products are marketed online has completely changed, so it’s essential to keep up with these trends.
How much you can make: $100 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.
3. Start a hair product line
Starting a hair product line can be a fun and profitable way to build a new income stream. It's also fairly easy, as long as you plan it out (and maybe do a little bit of market research before creating your sales funnel). There's a reason we often talk about trends in hip-hop and pop culture when we talk about hairstyles — they often have a lot to do with advancements in the hair product industry. The industry is expected to grow to 102 billion dollars by 2024.
How much you can make: $550 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
4. Start a digital magazine
A digital magazine is an electronic publication that takes a digital format rather than printed on paper.
Ideally, digital publications and traditional print magazines are not all that different. The only difference is the medium of delivery. To start a digital publication, decide the publication’s goals and pick a topic or theme. Then, create a content strategy and choose the right software.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Flipsnack is an online tool that allows anyone to create digital flipbooks and has increased its business revenue by over 50% year over year, with YoY growth rates between 50% - 84%, shifting from a B2C approach and focusing more on B2B.
5. Start a journal brand
A journal is a newspaper or a magazine that covers a particular subject or a professional activity based on the author's thoughts and feelings. The beauty of journaling is there is no right or wrong way to start.
The approach depends on your personal experience and can take many forms.
Find a journaling habit that works for you and create a writing routine. Get creative and journal about anything that comes to mind, so long as it interests your target audience.
How much you can make: $200 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
6. Start a men's clothing line
Men’s fashion is an increasingly popular niche. Market research has revealed that the growth of the menswear market has outpaced that of the women’s market.
The market growth is likely credited to a cultural shift as more men focus on their appearances than before.
If you want to start a men-focused fashion line, 2024 presents the best opportunity. Men’s wear offers a wide variety of products, which increases the growth potential. To start a men’s clothing line, start by thinking about your clothing brand’s identity.
Then, identify the target market and understand what the customers want. The success of your men’s clothing brand depends on your marketing strategy.
You can reach a wider market with a mix of online and traditional marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $150 — $475,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
This case study showcases how Valentin Ozich built an online menswear brand, I Love Ugly, from scratch with a clear vision of creating premium streetwear catered to men that's affordable and sold primarily online, with some products selling upwards of 50,000 units/pieces globally and still remain some of the strongest sellers today.
7. Start a fertility business
Starting a fertility business from home can be quite profitable, but you need to do a lot of legwork before trying to sell yourself and your services to potential clients for the first time.
Being a highly specialist industry, with high turnover and profit margins, as well as an increased public awareness of the need for accessible fertility treatments, starting your own fertility business is something you ought to consider. Starting a fertility business gives you plenty of flexibility, but it's important to do your homework before making a huge decision.
How much you can make: $150,000/month
Legacy, a male fertility company founded by Khaled Kteily in 2018, offers a mail-in kit for at-home sperm testing and cryogenic storage of sperm, with its base product at $195 and a $3,995 "For Forever" package, and has reported an average of $150,000 in monthly revenue.
8. Start an athletic clothing line
An athletic clothing line is a great business idea for those interested in the fitness and sports industry. The business idea is to design and manufacture high-quality athletic apparel such as t-shirts, shorts, and leggings that can be worn during workouts and sports activities.
One of the essential tips for running a successful athletic clothing line is to focus on creating high-quality products. This means using durable materials, such as moisture-wicking fabrics, and paying attention to the fit and comfort of the clothing. Another tip is to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the athletic clothing industry, as this will help you design clothing that appeals to your target market.
Another important aspect of running a successful athletic clothing line is to have a strong marketing strategy. This can include leveraging social media and influencer marketing, attending fitness and sports events, and collaborating with fitness studios and gyms.
Finally, it’s important to have a strong customer service team in place. This includes providing excellent customer service through email, phone, and social media, as well as offering returns and exchanges if necessary.
Starting an athletic clothing line is a great business idea for those passionate about fitness and sports. By creating high-quality products, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and having a solid marketing and customer service strategy, founders can run a successful business in this line.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $660,000/month
How long does it take to build: 475 days (?)
Spuds, a men's performance apparel company founded by Paul Dickey, successfully raised funds on Kickstarter in 2017 to create their unique Classic Short range, made with a fabric that combines style and comfort but is also packed with technology and high-performance features, and hopes to fill the gap in the market for men's activewear that looks good but also performs well.
9. Start a men's clothing line
Men’s fashion is an increasingly popular niche. Market research has revealed that the growth of the menswear market has outpaced that of the women’s market.
The market growth is likely credited to a cultural shift as more men focus on their appearances than before.
If you want to start a men-focused fashion line, 2024 presents the best opportunity. Men’s wear offers a wide variety of products, which increases the growth potential. To start a men’s clothing line, start by thinking about your clothing brand’s identity.
Then, identify the target market and understand what the customers want. The success of your men’s clothing brand depends on your marketing strategy.
You can reach a wider market with a mix of online and traditional marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $150 — $475,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
This case study showcases how Valentin Ozich built an online menswear brand, I Love Ugly, from scratch with a clear vision of creating premium streetwear catered to men that's affordable and sold primarily online, with some products selling upwards of 50,000 units/pieces globally and still remain some of the strongest sellers today.
10. Start a men's fashion blog
The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and men's fashion is no exception. If you have an affinity for trendy attire and an eye for style, turn that flair into a thriving business with a men's fashion blog. Blogs are a profitable digital platform where you can share insights on the latest men's fashion trends, style tips, product reviews, and much more.
With a good sense of SEO and online marketing, you can attract a wide audience and monetize your website through ad revenue and brand partnerships. Introduce style guides, run interviews with fashion influencers, and review designer collections.
A men's fashion blog is a brilliant business venture to embrace your passion for fashion while providing valuable advice and inspiration for others. Create a virtual fashion rendezvous that cultivates innovation, style, and sophistication in the realm of men's fashion! Start today, generate traffic tomorrow.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Learn how one entrepreneur built a million-person audience across various digital channels while generating $10-15k in monthly revenue through advertising brand partnerships, digital products, and affiliate programs with his digital media brand focused on helping shorter men dress better.
11. Start a sex toys business
The sex toy industry is growing rapidly, and there's no sign of this slowing down.
The reasons for this growth are varied. The rise of social media has made it easier to find out about new products and services, which has given companies greater access to their customer base and helped them grow their businesses. More people are also getting comfortable with buying things online; not only does this make it easier for them to shop in private, but it also helps them avoid embarrassment if they're nervous about their purchases being seen by other customers while they're waiting in line at a store.
The industry itself is changing as well: companies are offering more variety than ever before, which means that there's something for everyone—even those who might not have considered themselves interested in this sort of thing before now can find something that suits their needs perfectly!
There are already individuals who made it big in this industry and these stories are the proof of their success.
How much you can make: $500 — $5,260,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $625 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SexToysForMen.Co founder shares how he stumbled into the adult toy industry, and through organic content marketing and referrals, has grown the business to bring in monthly revenue of $2,000-$3,000 with an email list accounting for 30% of sales.
12. Start a watch brand
Launching your own watch brand is a fantastic opportunity to tap into the thriving global market for luxury accessories and innovative timepieces.
By focusing on utilizing quality materials and distinctive designs that reflect your customer’s personal style and vision, you can develop an iconic brand identity and turn your passion into profits.
Whether you choose to debut a high-end mechanical watch collection or smartwatches with integrated technology, starting a watch company offers you the chance to make your mark on the wristwatch industry.
Through strategic branding and marketing efforts, your startup watch brand can capture market share and grow from a small business to a flourishing fashion empire.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $320,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
Founder Ronnie Teja's purpose-driven watch brand, Branzio, has seen $25k in sales per month and is set to double in the next six months thanks to a focus on branding and building an aspirational brand with a loyal customer base.
13. Start a men's grooming company
A men’s barbershop just covers basic hair and facial hair needs. However, a men’s grooming service offers other services like waxing, plucking, facial peels, deep tissue massage, and much more.
According to experts, the demand for male grooming products and services will grow at approximately 6% CAGR, to reach $110 Billion in the next few years.
Therefore, 2024 could be the best time to start a men’s grooming business.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
American men's grooming company Beardbrand has grown from a $30 investment to seven figures and bootstrapped its expansion, thanks to a focus on content creation that allows the firm to control its audience and own its email database. The company originated after founder Eric Bandholz attended a beard enthusiasts' gathering and coined the term "urban beardsman" to describe traditional men who "didn't fit the typical stereotypes," and has benefited from coverage including a New York Times piece and TV appearance on Shark Tank.
14. Start a wallet brand
The wallet's market share is increasing at a CAGR of 8.87%, reaching $8.78 billion in a few years. As the demand for wallets keeps rising, starting your wallet brand creates a chance to earn a profit in the future.
To start your wallet brand, begin with complete market research focusing on identifying the gaps. Then, study the competition and come up with a unique wallet design that suits the lifestyle of your target customers.
How much you can make: $200 — $60,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Designer Kan Yamamoto started an eco-friendly paper wallet side hustle that now brings in around $1,000 in monthly sales, with 35-40% gross margins and 60-100 daily visitors mainly through organic search, Instagram, and Reddit.
15. Start a women's clothing line
Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.
Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).
How much you can make: $500 — $33,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
16. Start a soap business
Soap-making business is a growing industry that can be home-based or a small local business. Soap business is one of the most lucrative home-based businesses that perfect your decision to work in your free time while you earn good cash.
Starting a soap business sounds simple enough. You can buy supplies for probably less than $1,000. Popular skincare products are now being sold online, and this doesn’t seem like a challenging field to break into. Below are some success stories of the soap business that will inspire you.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
17. Start a fashion business
In 2022, the fashion industry was valued at $473.42B, with a growth rate of 8.3% over last year. To become successful in this highly competitive & ever-growing industry, you must have passion, perseverance, and the ability to take risks.
With platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the way that fashion products are marketed online has completely changed, so it’s essential to keep up with these trends.
How much you can make: $100 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.
18. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
19. Start a rescue product
How much you can make: $20,000/month
This case study is about a volcanologist and inventor, Dr. Rob Yonover, who created a patented survival gear called SeeRescueStreamer, which led to sales of $20,000 per month with significant sales from international accounts, military group customers, and an appearance on ABC Shark Tank.
20. Start a denim brand
How much you can make: $2,000/month
Learn how Susie Shaughnessy created Crawford Denim and Vintage Co, a small-batch denim brand that mixes vintage and modern styles and is made in California from USA goods and deadstock and how she scaled back the business last year and is focusing on incremental growth and working with boutiques and increasing unique denim styles.
21. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
22. Start a drinkware brand
A drinkware brand sells home and houseware products like cups, koozies, mugs, and other drinking accessories. If you've decided to try and create a business selling drinkware, there are certain things you need to know. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. You can get started for free, avoiding the hefty cost of setting up a brick-and-mortar shop. And if you take advantage of the right marketing strategies, you could be on your way to making money within a few weeks. The demand for custom-branded drinkware in the workplace has increased substantially over the past decade.
How much you can make: $416,000 — $12,000,000/month
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
23. Start a dating coaching business
A dating coach offers training and guidance to improve the client's success in dating and relationships.
The dating coach evaluates the results of the client's actions and decides what changes to make to the client's dating approach to improve the outcome. Besides, dating coaches offer guidance and support, helping clients negotiate the often confusing first stages of their early romantic experiences.
Dating coaches have been around for years. A more recent trend is dating coaches who help people with conditions like autism overcome their situations and begin dating people they love. Do you love helping people achieve their dating goals? You can start a dating coach service today!
To start, identify a niche and create a website, to help you reach more people. You can target teenagers, divorced people, or older adults and help them through their dating life.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $683,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
Meet Ta'Veca Collins, founder of Romance On The Go, a concierge service that promotes romance and intimacy; since becoming a preferred vendor for The W Hotel Fort Lauderdale, their gross income has increased to around $3,200.00 monthly, and they are currently expanding their team to meet the demands of new partnered hotels.
24. Start an etsy business
If you are an artist looking for ways to turn your skills into revenue, Etsy is your platform.
Etsy is a marketplace for artists and can bring in extra income or even replace your current job.
You can create art pieces and create a successful Etsy shop. Once your Etsy shop is online, consider joining a team to help you learn Etsy’s basics and how to market stuff on Etsy.
How much you can make: $100 — $135,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
25. Start a women's clothing line
Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.
Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).
How much you can make: $500 — $33,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
26. Start a preppy clothing business
How much you can make: $21,000/month
Lazyjack Press, a luxury men's accessories brand, offers high-quality, Italian silk ties, pocket squares, bow ties, and socks with uniquely named designs and a focus on fun, appealing to audiences of all ages, and is primarily sold through trade shows and pop-up shops.
27. Start a sustainable clothing line
Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.
The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $88,000/month
How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)
Minimalismbrand is a sustainable and durable clothing brand that has achieved $200k in annual revenue after starting with just €2k, focusing on quality over quantity, and prioritizing transparency through showing their numbers and production process.
28. Start a fashion accessories brand
Fashion accessories are an integral part of our wardrobes and are chosen specifically to compliment a person's outfit.
Typical fashion accessories include footwear, apparel, jewelry, wallets, handbags, hair accessories, and watches.
The global fashion accessories market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).
How much you can make: $1,500 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
CuffStyle created Cuff Adapters, silicone tabs that fit over shirt cuff buttons allowing cufflinks to be worn with standard button-down shirts, and has sold over 2,000 packs and received 100+ reviews with a 4.6/5 star rating on Amazon, with plans to move into big-box retail and B2B sales.
29. Start a wireframing software business
How much you can make: $6,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1095 days (?)
Founder Brian Nyagol started Brainverse Technologies in Kenya, Africa, focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises digitize their business, digitalize their processes and build effective digital footprints, with an average monthly revenue of $4,500, serving a total of 113 clients in the past 2 years through referrals and online advertising.
30. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
31. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
32. Start a volleyball net product
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
33. Start a shoe brand
Starting a shoe business can be very lucrative - you can make money by selling shoes, but you can also make money by buying shoes and then reselling them at a higher price.
It's an industry that's been around for hundreds of years, so it's well-established and has plenty of room for growth—especially if you can get in at the ground level. It's also easy to start with minimal investment: even if you only have enough money for two months' worth of inventory, you can still get started right away.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
34. Become an online dating consultant
An online dating consultant is a person who provides advice to people in the world of Internet dating. An online dating consultant can help you direct your profile, help you write your first message to an online match, and help you make a great impression on your date.
Online dating can potentially be one of the world’s most remarkable customer service industries.
How much you can make: $5,200 — $11,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
35. Start an axe throwing business
Throwing axes is a great way to relieve stress, bond with friends and coworkers, and even make some money.
Axe throwing is a new and exciting activity that is growing in popularity, especially for corporate or business events.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $80,000/month
Forged Axe Throwing is a successful axe throwing venue that teaches people the art of axe throwing while hosting tournaments, generating $960k of revenue per year and hosting over 30k people in their venue in a year.
36. Start a socks business
Socks are a low-cost, high-profit business. One of the more affordable businesses you can start.
The market itself has a size of 47 billion USD in 2020 with an annual growth rate of 6%..
If you want to be successful in this industry, it is important that your socks are comfy to wear and stylish to look at. People would want to wear socks that will make them look great without sacrificing comfort.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Learn how Dane Jensen and his business partner grew their sock business from a monthly subscription to a $12M+ revenue business that mainly sells custom socks, by developing a manufacturing supply chain in the United States, using various marketing channels, and gradually expanding the business.
37. Start a lighting store
The lighting fixtures market will reach a CAGR of 5.4% over the next few years. The massive demand for modern lighting fixtures will fuel the market growth as consumers look to optimize power consumption and save more on utility bills.
Thus, starting an interior and exterior lighting fixtures store can be a profitable business venture. If you are passionate about supplying lighting fixtures, consider setting up a brick-and-mortar shop in your neighborhood.
If you already have an online store that is doing well, you can target the areas with a high demand for lighting fixtures and open a physical store there.
How much you can make: $35,000/month
Any Old Lights, a UK-based vintage nautical and industrial lighting store, has grown to turn over £250,000 annually by being on the forefront of SEO tactics and building their own Revivals brand of lighting, as well as sourcing and selling maritime antiques and curios.
38. Start a fitness equipment company
A fitness equipment business is a type of physical activity-oriented business that produces, assembles, or sells physical fitness equipment.
Generally, fitness equipment is used in gyms, and schools, but can also be applied for personal use. These businesses can be run from a storefront or online service.
A fitness equipment business provides a unique opportunity for people to start their own business. It is an ideal opportunity for those interested in marketing, fitness, management and retail.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Bells of Steel, an e-commerce fitness equipment company, generated $15 million in sales by creating a high-value product line and focusing on word-of-mouth marketing, email marketing, and social media ads.
39. Start a women's clothing line
Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.
Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).
How much you can make: $500 — $33,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
40. Start a surfboard business
How much you can make: $8,000 — $80,000/month
How long does it take to build: 44 days (?)
Slyde Handboards, co-owned by Steve Watts and his wife, saw revenue double every year since its LLC in 2010, becoming successful at attracting and retaining customers through its onsite content and efficient press coverage, and offering useful advice on how to find a manufacturer for a new product.
41. Start a white label fitness apparel business
A fitness apparel business sells fitness clothing, accessories, and other health and exercise products.
A white label fitness apparel business will manufacture custom gym clothes so that the retailers add their brand and logo and choice of pattern to make unique fitness apparel.
Fitness apparel is in demand and can be a great investment. If you are in the clothing design industry and looking to start a business in the fitness industry, you may consider a white-label fitness clothing line.
How much you can make: $650 — $108,333,333/month
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
42. Start a custom prints business
Custom print businesses often focus on printing everything, including business cards, photos, and even custom T-shirts.
To start an online custom prints business, choose a niche to help your business stand out and attract the right target audience. Then, focus on producing quality prints of different sizes, materials, and designs. You may hire designers online or search for designs in online design communities. Then, validate the designs before you begin mass production. Finally, set up an online store, and launch the business.
Remember that with the growth in popularity of selling custom prints, expect to face stiff competition. Therefore, you should market your custom prints on social media to maximize your reach.
How much you can make: $3,700 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Framed Tweets, an online store that offers customers the opportunity to frame tweets as art, started by grossing $20k in its first year and increasing to $110k in the second year, and now has monthly gross sales of $20k from Instagram ads, spending about $300 a day.
43. Start a supplements company
A supplement business makes money by selling dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods to customers.
These products are often sold directly to customers or through distributors and retailers.
Your target customers will likely include fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, wellness influencers, and those who prioritize their nutrition daily.
Starting a supplement brand is becoming increasingly popular because it's relatively inexpensive, and you can run the business from your home.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 220 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
44. Start an electronics repair business
The electronics industry itself is worth more than $2 trillion. And electronics repair is a lucrative business that can be started with little to no money.
One of the most important things an electronics repairman must do is to make sure they have the right tools and equipment for the job. This will include everything from soldering irons, wire cutters, screwdrivers and more. A good way to save money on these tools is by buying them used or refurbished.
It's also important for an electronics repairman to have a solid understanding of how electronics work, including the basics of circuit boards and electricity, so they can troubleshoot problems and fix them as efficiently as possible.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.
45. Start an online advertising agency
An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.
To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.
Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.
Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.
With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.
How much you can make: $2,797 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
46. Start a luxury brand
Statistics show the global luxury products market will grow by a CAGR of 3.75. Increased wealth and income among the affluent members of society are some factors fueling the growth.
If you are looking for an eCommerce business opportunity, consider starting a luxury brand and selling online. You can sell fashion and accessories online or set up a store locally, targeting the affluent class in your locality.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $2,583,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 325 days (?)
Maxwell-Scott is a British-born luxury leather goods company handmade in Tuscany that sells to AB degree-level educated professionals with high disposable income and is now taking $400,000 a month across websites in 7 countries.
47. Start a career coaching business
A career coaching business involves providing personalized guidance, support, and strategy services to help clients navigate professional transitions and growth opportunities.
As a career coach, you design custom sessions to assist with resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals tailored to each client’s aspirations.
With flexibility for in-person or virtual meetings, building a client base lets you empower breakthroughs through specialized advice and accountability.
Launching a coaching practice can be a great opportunity for those with speaking talents and human resources expertise to monetize their natural motivational abilities while setting their own schedule.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
48. Start a water filter store
How much you can make: $1,500 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)
PureFilters is an online supplier of furnace filters in Canada with a focus on customer experience, boasting a wide selection of the best brands and a roster of 300 five-star reviews, all achieved through rigorous process building, investments in automation and use of outsourced help to manage this $60k/mo business with less than 10-12 hours spent per week.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
