16 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Elizabeth, New Jersey [2024]

Updated: February 8th, 2023

Elizabeth, New Jersey, is a bustling city with a population of over 130,000 people. With a diverse population and a strong economy, it is a great place to start a business or side hustle.

According to recent data, the median household income in Elizabeth is $56,000, and the unemployment rate is lower than the national average. With a large consumer base and a growing demand for goods and services, there are many opportunities for individuals to make extra money in the city.

Whether you’re looking to start a small business, find a part-time gig, or earn extra cash on the side, Elizabeth is a great place to start.

This post provides 16 side hustle ideas and ways to make money in Elizabeth, NJ.

Here they are:

1. Become A Dog Walker

Starting a dog walking service in Elizabeth, NJ, is an excellent opportunity for animal lovers and entrepreneurs. This service would involve walking, exercising, and providing companionship for dogs while their owners are away at work or on vacation.

Elizabeth, NJ, is a densely populated city with many pet owners who may not have the time or ability to walk their dogs regularly. Additionally, there is a growing demand for pet-related services in the area, as more and more people choose to adopt pets as part of their families.

How To Get Started

Research the local market and competition, obtain necessary licenses and insurance, and consider getting certified in pet first aid and CPR. Then, you can advertise your services through social media, flyers, and word of mouth. Build a strong reputation by providing excellent service and building relationships with clients and their pets. Be sure to also consider and abide by local rules and regulations regarding dog walking and pet care.

  • Potential Earnings: $18 per hour
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Leashes, Harnesses, Poop bags, Treats.

2. Start car rental business

Starting a car rental business in Elizabeth, NJ, can be a fun and profitable way to make money. The business idea is to provide customers with various vehicles to rent for short-term or long-term periods.

Elizabeth is a densely populated city with a diverse population and a high demand for transportation. It is also a central transportation hub with a busy airport, train station, and bus terminal, making it an ideal location to start a rental car business. Tourists, business travelers, and residents need rental cars, adding to the potential customer base.

How To Get Started:

Secure funding through personal savings or by applying for a business loan. Next, you will need to acquire a fleet of vehicles by purchasing or leasing them. Acquiring the proper insurance coverage for your vehicles and business would also be essential. You will also need to secure a location for your business by renting a storefront or setting up a virtual location for online bookings. Finally, you’ll need to establish business licenses and permits and comply with any regulations set by the city of Elizabeth, NJ.

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on vehicle type and duration
  • Cost To Start: High
  • Tools Needed: Cars, Smartphone and GPS.

3. Become an online coach

Elizabeth is a diverse and bustling city with over 130,000 people. Starting a business in Elizabeth can provide access to a large potential customer base. Additionally, the proximity to major cities such as New York City and Newark can also provide networking opportunities and business expansion.

Starting an online coaching business can also be a fun and profitable way to make money.

How To Get Started:

Starting an online coaching business in Elizabeth, NJ, can be a great idea as it allows for flexibility and reach to a broad audience. To get started, conduct market research to identify the target audience and services in demand, then create a business plan and an online presence. Finally, obtain the necessary certifications and licenses to operate as a coach in New Jersey.

  • Potential Earnings: $14.53 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Laptop, Video Editing Platforms, Internet connection

4. Start a house rentals business

The business idea is to purchase or rent properties in the city and then rent them out to tenants. Elizabeth is a great city to start this business in because it is a diverse and growing community with a high demand for rental properties.

How To Get Started:

Research the market and identify the areas where rental properties are in high demand. You should also research the rental rates in the area and compare them to other cities to ensure that you are pricing your properties competitively. Additionally, it would be best to consider hiring a real estate agent to help you find suitable properties for your business.

  • Potential Earnings: The average rent for an apartment in Elizabeth is $1,575
  • Cost To Start: High
  • Tools Needed: Ready houses, Internet, Computer or smartphone, marketing tools.

5. Start offering in-person services

This could include services such as personal training, tutoring, home cleaning, and more. Elizabeth is a great city to start this type of business because it has a large population and a diverse community that needs various services. Additionally, starting a business in Elizabeth allows for easy access to the surrounding cities and towns, giving you a more extensive potential customer base.

How To Get Started:

To get started, research the different types of in-person services that are in demand in Elizabeth and surrounding areas. Identify the services that align with your skills and interests and that you have the required credentials to provide. Once you have a clear idea of your services, create a business plan, and start reaching out to potential clients. Look into different marketing strategies, and build a website and social media presence to promote your business.

  • Potential Earnings: $28.67 an hour
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Laptop, Internet access, Transportation.

6. Start YouTube channel

Elizabeth, NJ, is a great city to start a YouTube channel because it is a diverse community with a wide range of interests. This means a large potential audience for the videos that will be created. Additionally, Elizabeth has a growing population of young people who are active on social media and are likely to be interested in watching videos on YouTube.

Starting a YouTube channel as a side hustle in Elizabeth, NJ, can be a fun and profitable way to make money. You can create and upload videos on various topics, such as beauty, fashion, cooking, and DIY projects.

How To Get Started:

To create a YouTube channel, create a Google account or sign in to an existing one. Then, go to YouTube and click on the “Sign In” button on the top right corner of the page. Once logged in, click on the three lines in the top left corner and select “My Channel” from the dropdown menu. Fill in the information asked, and you are ready to start creating and uploading your videos.

  • Potential Earnings: Up to $1,006/week, depending on the number of views
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Laptop, Internet, a camera, tripod, lighting equipment, and video editing software

7. Monetize property on Airbnb

Monetizing your property on Airbnb as a side hustle in Elizabeth, NJ, is a great business idea for anyone looking to make extra money. This is because the city of Elizabeth is a vibrant and bustling community that attracts many visitors every year. Whether they are here for business or pleasure, there is always a demand for affordable and comfortable accommodation.

How To Get Started:

To start monetizing your property on Airbnb, the first step is to create an account and list your property. This includes taking professional photos, writing a detailed description, and setting your pricing and availability. Once your listing is live, you can start accepting bookings and communicating with guests. Be responsive and helpful to your guests to ensure they have a positive experience and leave a good review on your listing.

  • Potential Earnings: $924 per month.
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed: Computer, Internet, Photos of your ready-to-let house, and Airbnb account.

8. Start an online marketplace for local artisans and craftspeople

Starting an online marketplace for local artisans and craftspeople in Elizabeth, NJ is a great business idea. Elizabeth is known for its vibrant and diverse community, which includes a large population of local artisans and craftspeople who create jewelry, pottery, woodworking, textiles, etc.

An online marketplace for local artisans and craftspeople in Elizabeth would provide a platform for these individuals to showcase their work and connect with potential customers.

How To Get Started:

To start an online marketplace for local artisans and craftspeople in Elizabeth, the first step would be to reach out to the local artisans and craftspeople and gather information about their work and products. Next, build a website or online platform that is easy to navigate and allows customers to search for and purchase products quickly. Finally, market the marketplace to potential customers and build a solid social media presence to attract more visitors and sales.

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on popularity
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Laptop and internet.

9. Launch paid newsletter

For several reasons, starting a paid newsletter in Elizabeth, NJ, is a great business idea. First and foremost, Elizabeth is a vibrant and diverse city with over 130,000 people. This means that there is a large audience to target and reach with a newsletter focused on local news, events, and happenings.

Another reason starting a paid newsletter in Elizabeth is a good idea is that there is a lack of local media outlets in the city. Many residents rely on national news sources and may not be aware of all the events and happenings happening in their city. By starting a paid newsletter, you can fill this gap and provide valuable information to the community.

How To Get Started:

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on the subscriber base.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Computer and Internet Access.

10. Start a laundromat business

Starting a laundromat in Elizabeth, NJ, can be a great business idea as it is a densely populated city with many potential customers. Many people in the area may not have access to their washing machines and dryers, making a laundromat a convenient option for them. Additionally, the city is home to a diverse population, including many immigrant families who may not have the resources or knowledge to start their laundromat.

How To Get Started:

To get started with opening a laundromat in Elizabeth, NJ, the first step would be to conduct market research and gather information on the local competition, as well as the demographics and needs of the area. This will help you to determine the best location for your laundromat and the types of services and amenities that you should offer. Next, you will need to secure funding for your business, which may include applying for a small business loan or seeking investors. Once you have the funding, you can acquire the necessary equipment, supplies, and licenses to open your laundromat.

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on location and competition.
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed: Laundry machines, coin/card operated systems, detergents, softeners, vending machines, folding tables, ironing boards, laundry carts, and signage.

11. Start Volume Photography Business

Are you passionate about photography and want to turn your hobby into a profitable business? Starting a volume photography business in Elizabeth, NJ, is great!

The city is home to a wide range of businesses and events, including corporate events, weddings, and family gatherings, which are all great opportunities for volume photography services. Additionally, Elizabeth is located near other major cities in the area, such as Newark and New York City, which allows for even more potential clients.

Starting a volume photography business is a fun and profitable way to make money because it allows you to be creative and work with various clients. Additionally, volume photography is in high demand, as businesses and individuals always look for high-quality photography services for their events and promotions.

How To Get Started:

To get started, it is essential to research the competition and market demand for volume photography services in Elizabeth. Networking with other local photographers and building relationships with businesses and event planners can also help to establish your business and attract potential clients. Before starting, it is also crucial to have a business plan, including a budget, marketing strategy, and goals for your business.

  • Potential Earnings: $12-$38/hr
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Computer, image editing software, cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment.

12. Start leasing garage space

If you have ample space in your compound, you can build a gage and lease it out to individuals and businesses needing additional storage space.

Elizabeth is a great city to start this business in for several reasons. First, it is a densely populated area with a diverse population, which means there is a high demand for storage space. Additionally, the city has a thriving industrial and commercial sector, which means a large business market needs storage space for equipment and inventory.

Another reason this business idea is a good fit for Elizabeth is that the city has many older homes and buildings that may not have modern storage solutions. By leasing out garages, individuals and businesses can access extra storage space without renovating their existing properties.

How To Get Started:

Getting started with a garage lease business in Elizabeth, NJ, is relatively straightforward. First, identify potential properties to lease as garages, such as unused commercial or industrial properties or older homes with large garages. Next, establish a pricing structure and create a marketing strategy to attract potential renters.

  • Potential Earnings: $150-$200 per month for a 10x20ft garage.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Garage space

13. Sell Custom Baked Products

If you love baking, you can provide custom-baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries to individuals and businesses in Elizabeth, NJ.

Elizabeth is a great city to start this business in because it has a vibrant food culture and a diverse population with a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. Additionally, the city is home to many events, such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, which can provide a steady stream of business for a custom-baked products business.

Another reason this business idea is a good fit for Elizabeth is the city’s growing population and proximity to New York City. This means a large market of potential customers looking for high-quality and unique baked goods.

How To Get Started:

To start your baked products business, you must obtain state and local government licenses and permits. Next, you will need to develop a menu and pricing structure for your products. Also, it would be best to create a marketing strategy to attract customers and promote your business.

  • Potential Earnings: $10,000 to $50,000 per year.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Ovens, mixers, baking pans, and pastry bags.

14. Start a moving company

A moving business in Elizabeth, NJ, is an excellent idea for several reasons. First, the city is located in the heart of New Jersey and is home to a large population with a high turnover rate due to a strong economy and growing population. This means a steady demand for moving services in the area.

Second, Elizabeth is a transportation hub with easy access to major highways and the Newark Liberty International Airport, making it convenient for customers to move in and out of the city.

How To Get Started:

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on the distance.
  • Cost To Start: Medium.
  • Tools Needed: Moving truck, dollies, furniture pads, packing materials, tools for disassembling and reassembling furniture, and insurance.

15. Become a handyman

A handyman provides a wide range of home repair and maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in the area. This could include anything from minor repairs and maintenance tasks to larger projects such as remodeling and renovation work.

One of the reasons why starting a handyman business in Elizabeth, NJ, is a good idea is because of the city’s enormous population and high demand for home repair and maintenance services. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of older and newer homes, which means there is a wide range of homes needing different types of repairs and maintenance.

How To Get Started:

To start a handyman business in Elizabeth, NJ, you must research the local market, create a business plan and register your business. Additionally, you will need to obtain the licenses and permits required by the state and municipality. Finally, you will need to purchase the necessary tools and equipment for your business and start marketing and promoting your services to potential clients.

  • Potential Earnings: $50 to $100 per hour
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Basic home repair tools such as a drill, hammer, screwdrivers, saws, plumbing, and electrical tools.

16. Start on-demand dog park

An on-demand dog park is a designated area where dog owners can take their pets to play and socialize with other dogs on a pay-per-visit basis. This dog park is perfect for busy pet owners who may not have the time or resources to take their dogs to traditional dog parks regularly.

Elizabeth, NJ, is an ideal location to start an on-demand dog park for several reasons. Firstly, the city has a large population of dog owners who would benefit from having a convenient and accessible dog park nearby. Additionally, Elizabeth is a densely populated urban area, so many pet owners may not have access to backyard space for their dogs to play in. An on-demand dog park would provide a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to run and play, which would be a massive relief for pet owners.

How To Get Started:

Research the regulations and permits required by the city to open a dog park. Next, secure a location that is easily accessible and has enough space for dogs to run and play. Finally, create a business plan, establish pricing and marketing strategies, and find ways to improve the park to attract customers.

  • Potential Earnings: $30-$60 Per dog
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Leashes, Harnesses, Poop bags, Treats.
meet the author
David Gitonga

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