60 Spare Room Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Interested in starting a spare room business in 2024?

We put together 60 of the best spare room businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other spare room businesses to help you see what it really takes.

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 , 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 (?)

How I Found Success With A $20K/Month Catering Company After Starting Many Businesses

Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.

Revenue
Nestor grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Nestor $500 to start the business
Read by 8,165 founders

2. Become a mobile personal trainer

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

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

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

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

How I Started A $60K/Month Personal Training Company

Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.

About
Chris started Live Fit about 13 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Chris $50000 to start the business
Read by 8,001 founders

3. Start a vacation rentals business

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

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

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

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

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

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

How We Started A $12K/Month Beachside Vacation Rental Business

This case study explores how a couple turned their childhood homes into vacation rentals, welcoming around 3k guests annually and generating an average revenue of $50k per year and property by focusing on a strong online presence and organic traffic.

About
Julio started Cardiff Vacations almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Julio grew the business to $12.5K/month
Costs
It cost Julio $30000 to start the business
Read by 7,511 founders

4. Start a freelance writing business

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Stay on the cutting edge
  • Be a self-starter
  • Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
  • Proper communication skills

How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

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

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

About
David started Article-Writing Co about 13 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 23,594 founders

5. Start a sewing and alteration business

Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.

A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.

To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.

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

These Two Founders Started An On-Demand Clothing Alterations Startup

ALTRD is a clothing alteration service launched by two socially oriented entrepreneurs that connects customers with skilled immigrant women tailors in New York who work from home and has already built an impressive team of 25 experts while making an effort to offer convenient and quality tailoring solutions as well as opportunities for women in need of work.

About
Saara started ALTRD almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Saara grew the business to $1K/month
Read by 7,569 founders

6. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

About
Ryan started Payment for Stripe about 9 years ago
Revenue
Ryan grew the business to $60K/month
Read by 18,920 founders

7. 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

How I Started A $15K/Month SAT Tutoring Business While In College

A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.

About
Adam started SoFlo Tutors about 5 years ago
Revenue
Adam grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Adam $100 to start the business
Read by 18,693 founders

8. Start a pet bakery

Pet bakeries use the highest quality human-grade ingredients to produce quality dog cakes and other treats. With the growing demand for pet food treats, starting a pet bakery can be a promising venture.

How much you can make: $33,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Created A $11K/Month Online Course About How To Start and Grow A Dog Treat Business

Kristin Larsen's Diva Dog Bakery program teaches students how to start their own successful dog treat bakery business that has consistently brought in five figures a month since launching in November 2020.

About
Kristin started Diva Dog Bakery over 3 years ago
Revenue
Kristin grew the business to $33K/month
Costs
It cost Kristin $2500 to start the business
Read by 6,919 founders

9. Start a life coaching business

Life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.

Life coaching is a popular industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015-2019.

This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You’ll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to start. Then, you can begin coaching part-time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.

How much you can make: $100 — $660,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

About
Foti started GrowthMentor over 5 years ago
Revenue
Foti grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 41,912 founders

10. Become a proofreader

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

  • Have an excellent grasp of grammar
  • Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
  • Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
  • Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

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

How I Added $2,000 To My Monthly Income Proofreading Blog Posts

A proofreader was able to build a consistent income of ~$2,000 per month from scratch with zero experience in the field, no expenses, and barely any upfront costs by targeting bloggers and content creators who want their content to be copy edited and proofread.

About
Lenny started The Blog Proofreader almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Lenny grew the business to $2K/month
Read by 14,234 founders

11. Start a woodworking business

While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.

Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.

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

How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

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.

About
Sasha started Timber Grove Studios almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Sasha grew the business to $6.5K/month
Read by 58,320 founders

12. 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 (?)

From Getting Fired At 24 To Growing A $140K/Month Online Community

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.

About
Patrick started Wall Street Oasis almost 18 years ago
Revenue
Patrick grew the business to $200K/month
Read by 21,109 founders

13. Start a podcast

The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.

It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.

To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.

First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.

Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.

Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.

Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

About
Jeremy started Counterweight Creative almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Jeremy grew the business to $16K/month
Read by 17,642 founders

14. Start an affiliate marketing business

Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.

To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

About
Spencer started Buildapreneur over 6 years ago
Revenue
Spencer grew the business to $80K/month
Read by 22,698 founders

15. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $4,500,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

About
Chhavi started Mrs Daaku Studio almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Chhavi grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Chhavi $500 to start the business
Read by 13,573 founders

16. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

About
Ryan started Payment for Stripe about 9 years ago
Revenue
Ryan grew the business to $60K/month
Read by 18,920 founders

17. Start a subscription box business

Subscription box businesses offer customers a niche set of products on a monthly basis.

They're in high demand as they add value to customer service, offer exclusive products and can be highly profitable.

To start a subscription box business, understand your niche market, provide quality products, perfect your box design, build a good relationship with fulfillment companies, and market your service.

How much you can make: $400 — $16,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

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

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

About
Lindsay started Vowed Box Co. over 6 years ago
Revenue
Lindsay grew the business to $400/month
Read by 29,979 founders

18. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.

Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.

Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.

Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.

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

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

About
Kamil started E-commerce Mentoring about 7 years ago
Revenue
Kamil grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Kamil $1000 to start the business
Read by 24,254 founders

19. Start a website development business

Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.

To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.

How much you can make: $200 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

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

How I Started A $20K/Month Web Design Agency

How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.

About
Scott started Up And Social almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Scott grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Scott $2500 to start the business
Read by 25,423 founders

20. Start a lettering service business

21. Become a scrapbooker business

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby that involves designing and putting together a visually appealing album of memories and memorable moments. It can be a great business idea for those passionate about crafting and design.

To start a scrapbooking business, you will need a few essential supplies such as paper, stickers, markers, and other decorative items. You may also need a computer and photo editing software to create digital layouts and designs.

For success, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the different scrapbooking techniques and styles. It would help if you also were skilled in design, creativity, and customer service.

Several ways to offer scrapbooking services include hosting parties, creating customized albums for clients, or selling scrapbooking supplies. You can also consider offering online classes or tutorials to teach others how to scrapbook.

Marketing your business is crucial to attracting potential customers. You can use social media, online directories, and local advertising to showcase your skills and services. You can also consider joining local craft fairs and events to showcase your work and connect with other crafters.

Overall, a scrapbooking business can be a rewarding and fulfilling venture for those passionate about creativity and design. You can turn your hobby into a successful business with the right skills, supplies, and marketing efforts.

22. Start an art collectible business

Starting an art collectibles business can be a rewarding and exciting venture for those passionate about art and interested in acquiring and selling unique and valuable pieces.

The business of art collectibles involves buying and selling works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and other rare and one-of-a-kind pieces. This can include everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces by up-and-coming artists. The goal of an art collectibles business is to find and acquire high-quality pieces that have a strong market demand and then sell them to collectors or art enthusiasts for a profit.

To start an art collectibles business, you will need to invest in a diverse collection of pieces, either by purchasing them outright or by working with artists and dealers to acquire them on consignment. You will also need to research the market and determine which types of art are in high demand and what prices you can expect to sell them for.

In addition to having a passion for art, a few key skills and qualities can help you succeed in the art collectibles business. These include:

  • Strong knowledge of art history and different art movements
  • The ability to spot and evaluate high-quality pieces
  • Good business sense and financial skills to manage your inventory and pricing
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills to work with clients and other industry professionals

To get started, you may want to consider joining a professional organization, such as the International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art or the American Association of Auctioneers, to connect with other professionals in the field and learn more about the industry. You should also consider developing a strong online presence through your website or selling your items through online platforms such as eBay or Etsy.

Starting an art collectibles business can be challenging but rewarding for those passionate about art who have a strong understanding of the market. With hard work, dedication, and a little luck, you can turn your love of art into a successful and fulfilling career.

23. Sell stock photos

Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.

Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.

Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

How This Solo Founder Built A $120K/Year Stock Photographs Website

Picjumbo is a free stock photo site created by solo founder Viktor Hanacek that has amassed 150,000 monthly visitors, 5,000 free photos, over 10,000 premium photos, and brings in over $10,000/month in revenue through advertising and premium membership.

About
Viktor started picjumbo over 10 years ago
Revenue
Viktor grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 3,996 founders

24. Start a handmade products kiosk business

25. Start a portrait photography business

You have been using your android or apple phone for years, taking photos of all your friends, kids, family, and anything that inspires you. Now, you leap and consider starting a portrait photography business.

Portrait photography captures a person’s essence, personality, identity, and attitude utilizing backgrounds, lighting, and posing.

To start portrait photography, hone your skills and acquire a professional camera and photo editing software. You can make money by selling photos on social media channels like Instagram or a stock photography website.

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

26. Become a graphic designer

Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.

Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $81,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How We Make $7.5K/Month With A Productized Service

Draftss.com is a productized graphic design and front-end code service on subscription that made $66k ARR in 2019, has an MRR of $9.6k as of July 2020, and offers add-ons such as designers being added to team in interacting tools and front-end code services on WordPress using various page builders like Elementor and Divi.

About
Junaid started Draftss almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Junaid grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Junaid $100 to start the business
Read by 11,323 founders

27. Become a tee shirt designer

Have you always had a passion for fashion and creativity? Well, then the field of tee shirt design could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a tee shirt designer, you would be responsible for fitting model garments, ensuring size uniformity, and using your design and aesthetic skills to create unique and eye-catching tee shirts that will captivate your customers’ attention.

With this exciting career, you’ll have the chance to let your creativity run wild and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

How much you can make: $6,600 — $101,000/month

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

Generating $15K/Month In Extra Income With A Graphic Design Library

Designious co-founder Alex Dumitru shares how the graphic design library generates $12-13k in monthly revenue by creating digital products that appeal to print-on-demand entrepreneurs and graphic designers, while also offering a flat-rate membership and useful resources that solve little problems.

About
Alexandru started Designious about 16 years ago
Revenue
Alexandru grew the business to $15K/month
Read by 4,214 founders

28. Become a domain reseller

A domain reseller is an act of buying domain names from an accredited domain registrar to sell to customers as a service.

Thus, a domain reseller is a middleman between the registrar and the domain name customer. To become a domain reseller, learn the basics of domain reselling and choose the best domain reseller program based on your business objective.

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

How much does it cost to start: $400 (?)

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

How We Created A $1.3K/Month Domain + Logo Package For Startups

Indiebrands sells company names completed by ready-made logos and a great top-level domain, making an average monthly revenue of $1,300 in the last 12 months and growing about 200% in the last year through selling to startup founders and indie hackers.

About
Laurids started Indiebrands over 3 years ago
Revenue
Laurids grew the business to $1.3K/month
Costs
It cost Laurids $400 to start the business
Read by 2,882 founders

29. Start an adwords website business

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

30. Start an art prints business

How much you can make: $1,200 — $83,333/month

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

How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)

I Run A $1.2K/Month Custom Dog Portrait Business With A Mission To Rescue Lost Dogs

Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka has seen massive growth since starting in 2021, with yearly revenue doubling year after year and an average of $1,200 a month in sales, and founder Tiffany's 2021 goal is to scale by teaming up with celebrities and influencers.

About
Tiffany started Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Tiffany grew the business to $1.2K/month
Costs
It cost Tiffany $473 to start the business
Read by 1,689 founders

31. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $4,500,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

About
Chhavi started Mrs Daaku Studio almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Chhavi grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Chhavi $500 to start the business
Read by 13,573 founders

32. Start a social media management business

Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:

  • Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
  • Setting up social media accounts
  • Posting on behalf of their clients
  • Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
  • Marketing analysis.

To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.

The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $251 (?)

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

How I Started A $7.5K/Month Social Media Consulting And Training Business

A social media manager turned entrepreneur created a program that has brought in almost $100,000 in one year, designed to teach women how to run successful social media businesses in less than 30 days.  

About
Amanda started Social Media Manager Society over 3 years ago
Revenue
Amanda grew the business to $20K/month
Read by 6,648 founders

33. Start a membership site business

A membership site business involves creating a platform where individuals with shared interests or needs can access premium content and engage in a community of like-minded individuals.

As a founder of a membership site business, you are responsible for developing high-quality blogs, videos, discussion forums, and resource libraries exclusive to paying members.

These members subscribe on a monthly or annual basis, providing predictable recurring revenue for your business.

With the ability to target specific demographics and cater to niche audiences, membership sites offer a lucrative business model that is fueled by digital community demand and infinite content possibilities.

This makes it an accessible startup option for creators seeking low-cost entry into the online business world.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

How I Created A $5K/Month Online Course About Blogging

How a full-time blogger created a 5-figure online business from a hobby, and now helps people start a side hustle and earn passive income with a signature program that teaches how to start and grow a blog, reach 100K page views and $5,000/month, and live life on their own terms.

About
Lidiya started Let's Reach Success about 11 years ago
Revenue
Lidiya grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Lidiya $100 to start the business
Read by 14,248 founders

34. Start a phone answering service business

35. Start a phone repair business

The unprecedented growth of the mobile phone industry has given rise to many businesses that depend on the industry.

The mobile phone repair business is one example of a profitable opportunity in the telecommunication industry. People cannot live without a mobile phone, so visiting a repair shop is often the first option when their current set is damaged.

Thus, you could consider opening a mobile phone repair business if you are a cell phone engineer. The phone repair business is low-capital and allows owners to define their work routines.

36. Start a resume and cover letter business

Resumes and cover letters are crucial tools for job seekers to advertise their skills and experiences to potential employers.

Starting resume and cover letter writing is a profitable idea you can pursue as a full-time career or a side hustle. However, it requires dedication and passion to be successful. A resume and cover letter business can be both lucrative and fulfilling by helping others achieve their career aspirations.

The resume writing business is a multi-million dollar industry. Everyone is worried about making sure that they have a good resume. The resume and cover letter writing business is actually one of the coolest things you can do at first.

You get to help people turn their careers around and serve them in your own way.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

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

I Launched A $30K/Year Etsy Shop That Sells Resume Templates [Side Hustle]

Founded by a corporate career coach in 2018, ByRecruiters has sold over 6,000 digital resume templates in 50+ countries, generating $1,500 to $4,000 per month and boasting a 116.91% return on ad spend through Etsy.

About
Ana started By Recruiters over 5 years ago
Revenue
Ana grew the business to $3.5K/month
Costs
It cost Ana $5 to start the business
Read by 15,940 founders

37. Start a meal planning business

Couples, individuals, and families often find themselves in the “what’s for dinner dilemma.” Thus, finding help on what to cook for dinner or what groceries to bring home for their next meal can be a relief.

If you are a meal planning specialist or a registered dietitian, starting an online meal planning portal can be helpful to thousands of people who find themselves struggling with what to cook. To start, learn the tips you need to expertly plan meals. Then, configure your online meal planning portal and focus on getting the audience to your website.

Drive traffic to the portal through a blog or guest posting about the portal on other platforms.

How much you can make: $62,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

How We Started A $600K/Month Business Selling Keto Cookbooks And Mealplans

Nourishing Brands is a direct-to-consumer media company that generates more than $600k per month and sold over 300,000 cookbooks in 2020 through their popular health websites like KetoSummit.com by transitioning from digital events to cookbooks, evergreen courses, and paid media.

Revenue
Jeremy grew the business to $600K/month
Costs
It cost Jeremy $500 to start the business
Read by 8,643 founders

38. Start a herb gardening business

Growing and selling herbs can be a profitable business venture. You do not need a large space to start a herb garden. In fact, you can use vertical farming technique to grow herbs in your backyard, and earn profits from your business.

39. Start a music lessons business

How much you can make: $45,000 — $70,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Private Music Lessons Business

This case study follows Brooke Schrager's journey of starting a customized in-home music lesson business with only 10 students in January 2016 and growing it to over 200 students with monthly revenue of $20,000 in May 2021.

About
Brooke started Lessons By Brooke & Company over 8 years ago
Revenue
Brooke grew the business to $45K/month
Costs
It cost Brooke $1000 to start the business
Read by 6,413 founders

40. Start a bookkeeping business

A bookkeeping business keeps track of monies coming into and out of business and maintains an accurate financial record, as per the International Association of Bookkeepers.

As a bookkeeping business, your role is to help small and medium-sized enterprises in the:

  • Preparing their year-end tax and VAT returns
  • Keeping on top of day-to-day cash flow
  • Running finances efficiently

To become a bookkeeper, you must be accurate in your work and understand financial topics well.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $100,000/month

Helping Youtubers & Online Content Creators With Their Accounting Turned Into A $300K/Year Business

A case study about FreeCashFlow.io, an accounting agency that specifically caters to the financial needs of Onlyfans models and entrepreneurs, helping them with bookkeeping, taxes, and financial management, all while overcoming the stigma associated with the industry.

About
Alan started Free Cash Flow over 2 years ago
Revenue
Alan grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Alan $500 to start the business
Read by 6,057 founders

41. Become an interior designer

Interior designing involves making indoor spaces safe, functional, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential & decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials.

The global luxury interior design market is growing at a CAGR of 9.0%. The growth metrics show there is great potential for entrepreneurs targeting households.

If you are starting a luxury interior design business, focus on style and specialty. Add valuables with creative professions, such as interior design, so you stand out from the rest. Ensure you hire the right people and hone the brand identity.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

How We (Mother And Daughter) Started A $1M/Year Boutique Design Firm

Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.

About
Annemarie started diSalvo Interiors about 27 years ago
Revenue
Annemarie grew the business to $110K/month
Read by 8,243 founders

42. 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 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 (?)

How I Make A Living As A Professional Cuddler

Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.

About
Sam started Snuggle with Sam over 7 years ago
Revenue
Sam grew the business to $11.3K/month
Read by 15,263 founders

43. Become a business consultant

Business consultants serve as professional advisors who help companies achieve their goals or to streamline operations in a particular business area.

Business consulting is big business. Experts project the demand for consultants to keep increasing in the coming years. Therefore, becoming a certified business consultant can be rewarding.

To become a business consultant, you need a bachelor’s degree and expertise in a specific area. Are you ready to start your business consulting career and develop a professional network and web presence to help you connect with clients?

How much you can make: $4,500 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 66 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $20M/Year Sales And Marketing Consulting Firm

Pedowitz Group, a $20M+ consulting agency, shares the story of how they grew their business by prioritizing customer retention/loyalty, being platform-agnostic, and focusing on strong results aligned with clients' key business objectives.

About
Jeff started The Pedowitz Group about 17 years ago
Revenue
Jeff grew the business to $1.5M/month
Costs
It cost Jeff $500 to start the business
Read by 3,669 founders

44. Start a laundry business

Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.

One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.

Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.

How much you can make: $24,000 — $83,333/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

I Built A $318K/Year Business By Digitalizing The Laundry Industry

Dhobilite disrupted the laundry market in India by using smartphone technology and becoming India's first app-based, on-demand cleaning service provider, expanding to more than 15 cities, with 20+ stores and 30+ franchises, offering premium online dry cleaning and laundry services, with revenue equally distributed between dry-cleaning and laundry.

About
Nishant started Elite DhobiLite Laundry Pvt. Ltd. almost 13 years ago
Revenue
Nishant grew the business to $26.5K/month
Costs
It cost Nishant $80000 to start the business
Read by 4,614 founders

45. Start a customer service rep business

46. Become a tech rentals provider

Tech rentals are a type of business that provides people with access to technology. It offers short-term rentals of the latest devices and gadgets to consumers and businesses.

To get started, you'll need a wide selection of the latest devices, as well as a strong marketing strategy to reach your target market. You'll also need to be able to provide excellent customer service and support.

Tech rentals's estimated annual revenue is currently $10.7M per year. Tech rentals's estimated revenue per employee is $260,000.

The recent trends such as the rise of the sharing economy and the popularity of short-term leases make this an ideal time to start a tech rental business. This type of business is growing in popularity as people are looking for ways to use technology without having to purchase it.

How much you can make: $200,000/month

We Started A $2.4M/Year Coliving Business In Singapore

Casa Mia Coliving, a sustainable and modern co-living and property management company in Singapore offering affordable accommodation, has an annualized revenue of $2.5M with 150 bedrooms across popular neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and boasting a 10x LTV/CAC ratio, all while focusing on unit economics and profitable growth.

About
Eugenio started Casa Mia Coliving over 4 years ago
Revenue
Eugenio grew the business to $200K/month
Read by 3,572 founders

47. 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 , keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.

48. Start a power tool rentals business

49. Start a party rental business

A party rental business helps people get the products or the services they need to make their party a fun-filled event.

Party rental businesses can include:

  • Photo booth rental
  • Renting wedding clothes
  • Party boat rental
  • Sound equipment rental
  • Outdoor equipment rental
  • Cake structure rental

To start a party rental business, begin with what you know much better. Then as you gain experience, you may diversify to renting other party accessories or partner with experts in different fields.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $400,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $35K/Month Event Decor Business

Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.

Revenue
Akshay grew the business to $35K/month
Costs
It cost Akshay $500 to start the business
Read by 16,973 founders

50. Start a travel planning business

Travel planning business is a service that helps people to plan their vacations, holidays, and trips. They offer information about destinations, hotels, flights, and other travel-related services. A travel planner can help you with any aspect of your journey. They will be able to suggest the best destinations for your budget and itinerary preferences.

To succeed in this competitive environment, a travel planner needs to have the following skills:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • A strong understanding of the various destinations
  • Good knowledge of hotels and other travel-related services
  • Good communication skills

How much you can make: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 285 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How We Started The $35M/Year Dubai's Leading Tour Operator

Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.

About
Manoj started Rayna Tours over 18 years ago
Revenue
Manoj grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 6,641 founders

51. Start a vintage reselling business

Designer vintage collection rises in value as it ages, making it a profitable business.

To start the vintage reselling business, research the market to find highly valued items. Then, analyze the target audience to determine what qualities they are likely to look out for when buying vintage products.

To start the business, you can source vintage products from craigslist and eBay.

Provided you can source quality products and target an audience with a bigger budget, you can earn good profits from a vintage reselling business.

52. Become a voiceover artist

A voiceover artist business involves recording your voice in various media, such as commercials, television shows, and video games. To start this business, you’ll need high-quality recording equipment, a portfolio of previous work, and a platform to showcase your skills. You’ll also need to reach out to clients and negotiate contracts.

To succeed in this business, you’ll need excellent voice-acting skills and the ability to market yourself effectively.

How much you can make: $9,000/month

I Turned My Passion For Voice Acting Into A $108K/Year Business [India]

Voice-over marketplace, VoiceOverMehak, has reached almost $100,000 in sales this year, operating with premium voice talents worldwide in almost all major spoken languages, having taken inspiration from leading competitors to build its own business model of no joining fees or commissions from voice talent in order to make affiliate marketing services more profitable.

About
sandeep started voice over mehak almost 11 years ago
Revenue
sandeep grew the business to $9K/month
Costs
It cost sandeep $10000 to start the business
Read by 1,847 founders

53. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

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

54. Start a bike rental store

Bike rental is one of the most profitable business ideas most people overlook. Today, bike rental is in high demand, especially among people who love outdoor activities. Today, people prefer renting a bike as opposed to buying one. Moreover, bikes offer a hassle-free and quicker ride option for daily commuters. In that regard, starting your own bike rental business is exciting and can be profitable.

If you are starting a bike rental business, some avenues you could use to increase business profitability include:

  • Targeting tourists
  • Reaching out to biker clubs
  • Biking training schools
  • Cater to employees in organizations that encourage the use of bikes

Use bike rental software to manage bookings, and market your business on social media and biking clubs, to maximize bookings.

55. Start a hair styling training center

56. 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 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

57. Start a personal shopper business

A personal shopper business is a service that helps individuals find and purchase the perfect clothing, accessories, and other personal items for their specific needs and style. As a personal shopper, you will work with your clients to understand their preferences and budget and then use your expertise and resources to curate a selection of items for them to choose from.

To start a personal shopper business, you must have a strong sense of fashion, an eye for style, and excellent communication and customer service skills. It will help if you are organized and efficient, as you must manage multiple clients and their requests simultaneously.

To begin your business, you must establish your target market and determine your pricing structure. You will also need to create a website or online platform to showcase your services and portfolio. Consider building relationships with retailers and designers to access the best products for your clients.

To start a personal shopper business, you will need to:

  • Determine your target market and pricing structure.
  • Create a website or online platform to showcase your services and portfolio.
  • Build relationships with retailers and designers to access the best products for your clients.
  • Develop a marketing plan to attract and retain clients.
  • Establish a system for managing client requests and communication.

58. Start a cosmetic store

The cosmetic industry is growing rapidly. Starting a cosmetic shop can be highly profitable, but only if you stock trendy, skin-friendly products.

If you are passionate about the beauty industry, consider starting a cosmetics brick-and-mortar shop.

Cosmetic shops sell products ranging from anti-aging, aromatherapy, lotions, beauty spa, cosmetic store, and even make-up.

To start a cosmetic store, research the market and source products from well-known brands in the beauty industry.

How much you can make: $8,500 — $490,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

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

How I Started A $8.5K/Month Cosmetics Brand

A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.

About
Alexis started FBI Cosmetics Inc. over 3 years ago
Revenue
Alexis grew the business to $8.5K/month
Costs
It cost Alexis $1500 to start the business
Read by 8,163 founders

59. Start a knitting business

The knitting business idea is all about creating handmade knit items such as scarves, sweaters, hats, and more. To start this business, you will need key tools and materials, including knitting needles, yarn, and patterns.

To operate this business successfully, you will need to have a good understanding of knitting techniques and be able to create high-quality items that appeal to your target audience. You should also have strong marketing and sales skills to attract and retain customers.

One way to grow your business could be by offering knitting classes or workshops to beginners interested in learning how to knit. The lessons and workshops can not only help you generate additional income, but they can also help to build a community of loyal customers.

To sell your handmade knit items, you could consider setting up an online store or participating in local craft fairs and markets. You could also consider partnering with local boutiques or retailers to sell your wholesale products.

Overall, the knitting business idea is a great way to tap into your creative side and create beautiful, handmade items that people will love. You can build a successful, fulfilling, and financially rewarding business with the right tools, skills, and marketing strategies.

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

How My Business Makes $500K/Month Selling Yarn Products To Clothing Companies And Knitters

Meet Evgenia, the founder of Woolstock, a yarn and knitting company that started with a few thousand a month and quickly grew to making 500,000 US dollars per year by listening to customer needs, expanding product ranges, and focusing on social media marketing and partnerships.

Revenue
Evgenia grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Evgenia $15000 to start the business
Read by 1,315 founders

60. Start a car washing and detailing business

The carwash business is already a multi-billion-dollar industry with room for growth.

With the number of vehicles per household increasing daily, starting a car wash and detailing business could be a profitable idea.

If you have a piece of vacant land in the right location, you can get into the carwash business. You can set up an in-bay automatic carwash, self-washing carwash, touch-free carwash, or a wide range of other options.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.