• Starting a Business
  • Growing a Business
  • Business News
  • Science & Technology
  • Money & Finance
  • Subscribers For Subscribers
  • ELN Write for Entrepreneur
  • Store Entrepreneur Store
  • Spotlight Spotlight
  • United States
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
  • South Africa

Copyright © 2024 Entrepreneur Media, LLC All rights reserved. Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media LLC

JUST RELEASED: View the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023 Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

By Entrepreneur Staff • Jul 27, 2023

Starting your own business doesn't mean buying retail real estate and hiring employees.

Many of the best small businesses can be run right out of your home – some don't even require you to leave your computer chair. Many of the best online businesses can be accomplished full-time without tons of startup capital.

Not sure where to start? This article lists the top 10 best home business ideas you can launch in 2023.

1. Build an ecommerce store

Of course, building an e-commerce store is a popular way to run a new business out of your home, and for good reason. It's easier than ever, and with many tools and platforms to choose from, you can reach your target audience no matter your niche.

Want to sell homemade arts, crafts, jewelry and other knickknacks? Etsy is perfect. Want to sell T-shirts and other apparel or other products? Build a website with web development skills, or hire a development agency to do it for you.

Whatever you choose, you have the power to run an online store and start advertising via Google PPC and social media ads. You can start a dropshipping business with little upfront capital — just an internet connection and good business sense.

From there, you can transition seamlessly into your ecommerce store, one of the best business options in the post-pandemic era.

Consider hiring a graphic design business to handle design choices and digital marketing. Your ecommerce business will only thrive if you have a good marketing strategy.

2. Start an affiliate marketing brand

If you are already a blogger and have a fan base from social media or your online store, you could also start a side hustle and potentially get some passive income at the same time. With affiliate marketing, you can post about products or services from other brands on your blogs.

These partnerships can be lucrative and require no technical labor — no need for in-depth web design or slogging through online courses to learn new skills; all you need to do is build your brand and partner with others.

Each time someone clicks on a linked product and makes a purchase, you get a cut of the profits from that sale.

Affiliate marketing is easier than ever to join, primarily through large programs like the Amazon Affiliate Program. However, while affiliate marketing is cost-effective and easy to start, generating real income from potential customers may take some time.

You'll also need a blog and people reading it to be successful. Because of this, an affiliate marketing business is best considered a side income stream instead of a primary venture. Still, this is a great business idea for those who want to work in a home office and take advantage of low startup costs.

3. Become a virtual assistant

Have experience working as a secretary, office assistant or something similar? You can do the same work from home as a virtual assistant .

As a virtual assistant, you'll perform bookkeeping services, organize appointment calendars and help your clients with whatever else they need. You'll do it all from the comfort of your computer chair, using a headset and sometimes a webcam.

You can make a decent income as a virtual assistant without needing a college degree. However, you'll charge higher rates and make more money if you have some assistant experience. Be sure to polish your resume before applying to virtual assistant jobs.

Related: 20 Business Ideas for Stay at Home Parents to Start in 2023

4. Become a freelancer

You may have one or more skills you learned from your primary career or college days. In that case, you can earn through gig work as a freelancer.

Freelance job boards like Upwork, Fiverr and more offer plentiful work for those who have the experiences and skills to sell.

For example, you could:

  • Offer your skills with freelance writing.
  • Try to make it with web development and programming.
  • Try your hand at freelance graphic design.

As a freelancer , you control when you work and which clients you provide your services to. Build an extensive enough client base, and you may eventually make more money than you would at a traditional agency or business. Referrals will help you build your business venture, especially for gig workers like freelance writers.

If you've ever wanted to be your own boss, this could be the perfect home-based business idea. It may even become a long-term career.

5. Open your home to daycare clients

If your house has plenty of space and you like caring for kids, you can consider advertising your home as a daycare center. Daycare clients, like pairs of working parents, might be more than happy to drop off their kids so you can watch them for a fee if you have good recommendations and reviews.

Like many businesses of this type, your daycare business will take some time to get off the ground. You'll need to start slow, such as by watching the kids of friends and family members. But once you get some positive reviews rolling in, you should be able to attract new clients from outside your social network.

A daycare facility could be perfect if you can make money without leaving your house. This small business idea is excellent for those needing a business opportunity without startup costs.

6. Monetize your love of animals with pet sitting

Similarly, you can use apps like Rover to advertise your services as a pet sitter, dog walker or animal care provider.

People love their pets, but they sometimes have to leave them behind. You can provide them with peace of mind (for a fee, of course) by offering to watch their pets or host them at your home.

In any case, a pet-sitting business is easy to start and doesn't require much start-up cash. Usually, you just need to purchase basic supplies to help you care for your client's pets, like leashes, food and treats.

With the right go-getter attitude and a willingness to walk, you can make a good chunk of income just by doing this.

Related: 10 Ways to Grow Your Home Based Business

7. Host guests with Airbnb

Maybe you've always wanted to be a hotel host or show off your homemaking skills. In that case, your next home business idea could be hosting Airbnb guests.

With Airbnb, you can either rent out specific rooms in your house or rent out the property entirely for short time frames, such as a few days or a week. Airbnb allows you to connect with potential guests, and it can be an incredibly profitable business model if you have a property in a prime location, close to a downtown metro area or a gorgeous rural area.

Just be aware that this home business idea requires much work. You'll need to clean up after guests and make sure your property is welcoming to everyone who arrives.

8. Start a podcast

Those entrepreneurs with online brands are well-positioned to start a subsidiary business with podcasting.

Whether you have a personal training YouTube channel or a popular blog about entrepreneurship, podcasting is the "intellectual" medium of the modern age and one worth tapping into. When you set up a podcast, you'll talk about topics that interest you or your target audience, then post the episodes for listening on Spotify or your own website.

As your podcast becomes more popular, you can eventually attract the attention of advertisers. In exchange for fees, you'll insert small advertisements in the middle of your episodes, making money and delighting your target audience members simultaneously.

Starting a podcast, like affiliate marketing, takes time to build into a profitable income stream. You also need an audience already if you want your initial episodes to have listeners. If you have know-how in a successful business or niche topic, you'll be better positioned to capture an audience, too – even if you do this part-time.

Related: Listen to Podcasts to Grow and Inspire your Business - Entrepreneur

9. Offer social media management

Practically every business has a significant social media presence these days. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are vital for connecting with target audiences and consumers. But all that social media activity can be hard to keep track of, especially if a brand wants to post new content regularly.

You can work as a social media manager from home, monitoring, updating and organizing social media marketing materials and responding to complaints or comments. Social media managers are essential customer service and marketing team members, so you can often find work as part of a more prominent company or agency if you have the skills and resume for this role.

Related: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business from Home

10. Run a cleaning service

People with large houses also usually work very demanding careers. They don't always have the time to clean their properties. Therefore, you can fill that gap and potentially make a substantial profit by running a cleaning service.

Purchase some cleaning supplies and a van or truck, then advertise your services to homes and business owners around your area.

Eventually, you might build a cleaning service business into a larger enterprise with your employees and office. Or you can keep things small and manageable with just yourself; it's up to you.

Hire a photography business to take good photos and hone your digital marketing skills. SEO will help you bring local clients to this type of business more quickly.

Start a home business today

As you can see, there are plenty of stellar home business ideas you can start today. Decide what you want to do, draw up a business plan and get to work.

Check out Entrepreneur's other articles for more information about financial topics.

Entrepreneur Staff

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

  • This Black Founder Was Denied a Business Loan and Set Out to Prove the 'Gatekeepers' Wrong. He's Made More Than $500,000 So Far — But It's Just the Beginning.
  • I Tried 3 AI Headshot Generators and There Was a Clear Winner
  • Lock These Are the Highest-Paying Side Hustles for a Single Day of Work
  • An Outpost of a Popular Buffet Chain Has Racked Up Tens of Millions of Views on Social Media. Here's How It Keeps Going Viral .
  • Lock I Biohacked My Way to Better Mood, Sleep and Job Performance — and You Can, Too. Here's How.
  • SMART Goals May Be Holding You Back — Try This Effective Goal-Setting Technique Instead

Related Topics Red Arrow

Most popular red arrow, the ceo of catholic prayer and meditation app hallow says founders need to be part of something bigger than themselves.

On this episode of "The CEO Series," learn about the soulful journey of Hallow's CEO and founder Alex Jones.

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

10 Simple, Productive Activities You Can Do When You Aren't Motivated to Work

Quick note: This article is birthed out of the urge to do something productive when I am not in a working mood. It can also inspire you on simple yet productive things to do when you're not motivated to work.

Lifetime Access to Business Advice with This AI-Powered Service is Just $29.99

With Consultio Pro, you'll find expertise on topics like data analysis, financial analysis, innovation management, and so much more.

Get More Done with ChatGPT for Just $20

This ChatGPT course can help you streamline your business.

Save 37% on These Sony Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Get these wireless earbuds and save $45.

Successfully copied link

comscore

70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business

Meg Prater (she/her)

Published: July 31, 2023

A good business idea may seem hard to come by, but with some planning and preparation, you can easily launch a small business to supplement your income — or become your own full-time boss.

Small business ideas symbolically showing the spirit of a small business

Maybe you already have an idea of the business you’d like to start. But while you might feel ready for a new venture and passionate about your idea, you might be looking for some direction.

Get HubSpot's Free CRM to Start Your Business

To help get you started, here's a list of small business ideas separated into a few sections:

Best Small Business Ideas

Best businesses to start with little money, home business ideas, easy businesses to start, how to start a small business at home.

The first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur is finding a business idea that works for you. In this article, you’ll find dozens of small business ideas you can start from home and scale up as your clientele grows. Let’s get started.

latest business ideas from home

Free Business Startup kit

9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.

  • Business Name Brainstorming Workbook
  • Business Plan Template
  • Business Startup Cost Calculator

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Free Business Startup Kit

Fill out this form to build your business plan today., what makes a good small business idea.

Not all small business ideas are made equal: Some require more effort and funding than others, while some can be launched with few resources — or resources you already have. As a potential small business owner, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on training, rent, supplies, and other necessities.

Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:

  • Requires little to no training . A good small business idea will ideally leverage your existing field of expertise and require little to no training. That will not only shorten your time-to-launch, but also lessen your expenses, since training courses can cost a significant amount of money. Plus, you’ll be more confident offering services that you feel prepared to deliver.
  • Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
  • Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management . A great business idea needs few supplies and little inventory management. If you want to sell physical goods, you can either try drop-shipping and manually make goods in small batches.
  • Is based online . The best small business ideas are based online and can be carried out from your personal computer. This will automatically lower your commuting costs and give you greater flexibility over your personal and work life.
  • Can sustainably be managed by few people . As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.

Airbnb Co-founder, Brian Chesky, said, "If we tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn’t have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution for a problem in your own life."

If you’re like Brian and you’ve already thought about a solution for a problem you encounter in your life — or you’re on the path to doing so — then starting a small business may be in your future. It may also be for you if you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss.

Below, we include the absolute best ideas for you to start your small business — with resources and examples to help you get started.

1. Handyman

small business idea example: handyman

Image Source

Are you always fixing things around the house? Often on-call when friends need small projects completed? Create a website , conduct a competitive analysis to determine what your time and expertise are worth, and turn to the friends you’ve helped before for referrals.

A handyman business is a good idea if you’ve already built a robust set of skills to help others fix up their homes. Consider specializing in what you feel well-prepared to do — for instance, if you know your way underneath a sink and water system, then you might provide sink fixing services to start, then expand your offerings once you earn more skills.

No certifications are needed to become a handyman, and there are no special education requirements. You might need, however, a license if you’re planning to undertake jobs worth more than a certain dollar amount. Some states might not require this license.

To start your handyman business, we recommend the following resources:

  • Handyman License Requirements by State
  • The Most Requested Handyman Services
  • Association of Certified Handyman Professionals

2. Woodworker

Similarly, if you have a passion for crafting beautiful furniture or other home goods out of wood, that could be a small business niche for you. Get started by listing a few of your pieces on sites like Etsy . Once you build a following, consider starting a website, accepting custom orders, or expanding to refinishing work and upholstery.

A woodworker small business is ideal if you already have a passion for woodworking, as well as the tools to begin fulfilling orders as they begin to come in. Since delivering a well-made product is key to keeping your customers happy, you don’t want to be “training” as you create a custom shelf or a custom storage box. It’s recommended to have at least one year of experience as a woodworking apprentice.

To start a woodworking business, there are no special education requirements, but there are a wide range of woodworking training certifications online, so we suggest starting with a certification. The Woodwork Institute , YesTomorrow , and The School of Fine Woodworking are potential places to start.

3. Online Dating Consultant

Dating consultants usually charge for their time. They help people create successful online dating profiles, source possible matches from outside the typical online channels, and offer a level of personalization that a site like Tinder can’t. Think you’ve got a knack for the match? This might be the business for you.

Online dating consultants need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as heightened levels of empathy. The good news is that there are no special education or licensure requirements, though we recommend getting a certification such as IAP College’s relationship coach certification or Hart Academy’s online dating coach certificate .

To start an online dating consultant business, you’ll need a website that shares all about you and offers free dating resources your customers might benefit from. Once they download a resource, you can loop them in for a free consultation.

4. Sewing and Alteration Specialist

small business idea example: sewing and alterations

People will always need clothing hemmed and buttons mended — and you could be the person to do it. If you love sewing and have a sewing machine at home, start by offering simple services like those mentioned above and expand your repertoire to dressmaking and design as you build a customer base and demand.

You don’t need a special license or degree to begin a sewing and alterations business, but it’s essential to build your skills so you can take on more complicated projects. High-value clients will want to customize complicated items of clothing such as suits, pants, gowns, and dresses. That’s where you’ll see the highest potential for profits.

Altering these items require special skills, however. A few courses you might consider include:

  • International Open Academy's Tailoring Course for Beginners
  • Jackson Sewing Academy’s Basic Alterations Course
  • American Bespoke Tailoring Academy’s Programs

You’ll also need to shop for sewing supplies of all colors to accommodate your clients.

5. Freelance Developer

From building websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. As a web developer, you'll naturally have a technical skill set. Distill your knowledge and expertise so customers who don't have your experience are able to understand what it is you'll be helping them achieve.

To help with this, test your messaging on friends and family who don’t have a firm understanding of the work you do. If they’re able to summarize what you do, your messaging is likely effective among people outside of your industry. You can start finding your first freelance contracts by visiting different freelance websites .

Unlike a few other options in this list, a freelance developer does need some training to launch a successful business and start taking on projects, but if you’re a beginner, don’t worry. There are plenty of boot camps to get you up to speed with either full-stack or front-end web development. Some of these boot camps are even offered through accredited tech schools.

Some boot camps you might consider include:

  • Coding Dojo
  • Fullstack Academy
  • Georgia Institute of Technology Coding Boot Camp

These vary in price, so be sure to do extensive research to find one that fits you and your budget.

6. Personal Trainer

Offer in-home consultations, personalized nutrition and exercise regimens, and community boot camps to get the word out. Don’t forget to populate an Instagram feed with inspirational quotes, free exercise videos, and yummy snack ideas as well — it’s a common way for fitness gurus to build their brands in our digital world.

If you choose to go this route, it’s OK to start small at first, then scale up. For instance, MOURfit is a personal training business in Indianapolis that started in a shared gym, then grew to a private gym that offers group fitness, personal training, and nutrition services.

To start a personal training business, you’ll need a certification. If you already earned a degree in an unrelated discipline, we recommend starting with the NASM-CPT certification , which is nationally accredited and only requires a high school diploma or GED. You can also get a Bachelor’s degree in physical and exercise science — here’s one example from Emory & Henry College .

7. Freelance Graphic Designer

Set your own hours, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and business you’re proud of. From website design to blog graphics and more, many companies seek out experienced graphic designers for support on a variety of projects.

The good news? There are no special education requirements for becoming a freelance graphic designer, though we recommend seeking a credential (like SAIC’s graphic design certificate or RISD’s graphic design certificate ) or an Associate’s degree in design so you can confidently present your portfolio and complete your first few projects.

If you’re just starting out with graphic design, try these tips and tricks that are ideal for beginners. If you’re more experienced but need to build your portfolio to attract clients, these prompts will get your creativity flowing in no time. We also recommend reviewing other people’s work on portfolio websites to get a feel for what is “trendy” and receive feedback as you grow your small business.

Free Download: How to Hire and Work with Freelancers

8. Life/ Career Coach

If you have experience navigating career, personal, and social transitions successfully, put it to good use as a life or career coach. Many of us are looking for guidance in our careers — and finding someone with the time to mentor us can be tough.

Life/career coaches don’t come cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intense and hands-on training and advice they need to make serious moves in their personal and professional lives. After all, everyone needs some uplifting advice from time to time.

To start your life/career coaching business with confidence, you can look for a certification program (like the Life Coach School’s or Diane Hudson’s ), then apply your skills as you acquire new clients.

small business idea example: Career Coach Nariah Broadus

A resume writing business is economical, has few overhead costs, and has few educational requirements. We still recommend having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and a few resume samples on hand. If you still feel that you need to brush up on your resume writing skills, you can take a course like Coursera’s or LinkedIn Learning’s .

Once you’ve gotten resume writing down, you can expand your business to include cover letter writing, and even offer career coaching services in conjunction with these services.

10. Freelance Writer

If you have writing skills , there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore — just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business.

To become a freelance writer, it’s essential to choose a specialty. For instance, you might choose to only write for publications in the healthcare industry (maybe because you were previously a healthcare worker), or focus on lifestyle publications. Whatever the case, specializing will help you find your niche market and gain confidence as a new freelancer writer.

There are no educational requirements to freelance writing, but you do need strong writing skills. It also helps to enjoy writing. While a certification may beneficial, getting practice and writing every day is more important. Try these writing prompts to start.

11. Landscaper

Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair. It’s also a great choice if you enjoy doing it for your own home and have a good eye for landscape design.

The good news is that you can start small. For instance, you could offer your neighbors seasonal planting services and start with a few perennial plants, or simply offer mulching services.

To grow your landscaping business, you should consider taking some formal training. The following organizations offer courses:

  • New York Botanical Gardens

After completing a course and getting enough experience, you can apply for a certificate from a landscaping organization. While a certificate isn’t necessary to work in the field, it can build your credentials and help you make industry connections to take your landscaping business to the next level. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers offers one potential certificate you could pursue.

Some states require licensure, especially if you’ll be using pesticides and fertilizers. Be sure to review the requirements for your state.

Learn some of the basics now with this video on landscape design from Lowe’s:

12. Videographer

Video production requires you to have invested in the equipment up front, which can be quite expensive. But that’s also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or create a website with several selections of your work available for interested viewers.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a video production business. As with writing and other creative arts, though, it pays to specialize. Real estate videos differ radically from wedding videos, and wedding videos differ radically from in-studio interviews and testimonials. By specializing, you target a highly specific customer who’ll benefit the most from your services, and you can also skill-up more effectively in one shooting style.

While you can find general classes on videography, you should consider taking a class in the type of videography you’d like to do. For instance, you could take The Complete Wedding Videography Course , if that’s the route you’d like to take.

Hot tip: If you’re interested in specializing in video marketing, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing and download our starter pack below.

→ Access Now: Video Marketing Starter Pack [Free Kit]

13. Photographer

Start by conducting photo shoots for your family and friends. As you build a body of work, ask for referrals and reviews. Photography businesses often grow by word of mouth, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients. Photos where you tag those clients will show up in their friends’ newsfeeds, where they can view your work. You can also ask them to leave reviews on your Facebook business page.

Like with a video production small business, you’ll want to specialize. Will you do product shoots or portraits? How about wedding or fashion photo shoots? Once you specialize, you’ll be able to create a body of work that most accurately represents your strengths.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a small photography business, but we recommend investing in a few photography courses, especially if you haven’t used your camera in a while. Some courses you might start with include:

  • Cornell’s Digital Photography Certificate Program
  • New York Institute of Photography’s Course

From there, seek courses that help you build skills in your chosen specialty.

If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.

14. Bed and Breakfast Owner

small business idea example: bed and breakfast

This is another business venture that will require you to research the correct licensure from your state, but it will be well worth it to see your dreams come true. Consider what guests will be traveling to your area and create special packages and themed stays that coincide with their interests in your locale.

To start a bed and breakfast business, you’ll need a physical business location and a small staff for maintenance, customer service, and upkeep. For that reason, we recommend it if you have startup funds to start your business. (Don’t have any? Here’s how to start crowdfunding to launch your new business .)

A successful bed and breakfast business will also need an SEO-optimized website with a hotel booking system. If you create your website on the WordPress platform, you can easily create a B&B website using a hotel booking plugin — so there’s no need to code the booking form from scratch.

With Airbnb and hotels stealing market share, the competition is tough in the bed and breakfast space, so we recommend providing a unique angle to the stay. As mentioned, the stays can be themed — maybe your B&B is a vintage home with all original furniture, or maybe you offer traditional fare from your homeland.

15. Clothing Boutique Owner

If you dream of building your own fashion empire, why not start with a local boutique? Build buzz with impressive clothing styles, inspiring social media accounts, and heavy community involvement. While you can open a physical store, you can easily start online — and if that proves profitable, you can open up a local shop.

There are a few ways you can start a clothing boutique. First, you can make the clothes yourself if you already have experience in fashion design or know how to sew, knit, and curate colors and patterns.

Alternatively, you can design certain aspects of the clothing — such as a graphic or a logo — then send it to be printed on-demand at a local print shop when orders come in.

Lastly, you can dropship the items from a warehouse you’ve partnered with. This method is less reliable because there’s less quality assurance for each item, especially if you never visit the warehouses yourself. Regardless of the method you choose, starting a clothing boutique is highly doable, and you don’t need to have a fashion degree (though it certainly helps).

Take some inspiration from Sleep Ova , a luxury loungewear boutique based in Los Angeles, CA.

small business idea example: sleep ova

16. Specialty Food Store Owner

small business idea example: specialty food store

Gourmet foods, cheeses, sake, wine — you name a food, there’s a specialty food store out there for it. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to good use and open a store like American Provisions where you offer the kind of expertise and selection your audience couldn’t dream of getting from their local grocer.

To start your specialty food store, you’ll want to curate and source the items from makers that you love and trust. Ask around your community to find local makers of the food you want to sell, and the makers will likely be open to a partnership, especially if they get a cut of the profits.

When it’s time to sell, you’ll want to find a physical location, but if that investment is too high, you can start by setting up stalls at food festivals and local markets. Or you can go the ecommerce route and sell the products through your website, taking care to carefully pack perishable items.

17. Food Truck Owner

Always dreamt of owning a restaurant but not quite ready to take the plunge? Test out your concepts with a food truck. It’s a great way to become familiar with food and restaurant licensing in your state, see what people like and don’t like, and build a ravenous following before ever opening or investing in a brick-and-mortar location.

Food trucks will require a larger investment, but thankfully, you can rent the truck itself — the Food Truck Group and Roaming Hunger are two potential leasers you could look at. The cost will be high, so we recommend renting one in preparation for an event such as a food festival or concert. There, you’ll get to test out the popularity of your cuisine and see if the food truck business is right for you.

Taco Nganas , a taco truck in Memphis, TN, started with one food truck and expanded to three, building a loyal customer base along the way.

18. Car-detailing Specialist

small business idea example: car detailing

The devil is in the details, and you can be too. Car-detailing services that travel to the client are convenient for busy people who can’t find the time to run through the car wash. With this business, your clients only have to pay and the service will be done for them before they know it. Just make sure you have the flexibility, transportation, and equipment to take your business on the road.

There are no educational requirements for car detailing, but you should still take a course such as Auto Finesse’s detailing training to learn core concepts and brush up on your skills.

To get your car detailing business off the ground, you’ll need an SEO-optimized website and a way for customers to book online with you. Before you take that step, however, consider listing your services on websites like Angi , Thumbtack , and even Nextdoor.com so you can get your first local clients.

Don’t have a lot of money to start your business? Check out the ideas below.

1. Translator

Speak a foreign language? Start a translation service. Consider specializing in a specific genre of translation, like medical or financial translation, as you might be able to fill a niche need in your community.

small business ideas: translator

To become a translator, you should have a rock-solid grasp of two languages — ideally, you’ll be near native level for both. You don’t need special credentials to become a translator, but a certification (such as from the American Translators Association ) will legitimize your business and help you get clients.

Prior to gaining a certification, you can also pursue an online certificate, which will teach you the basics of translation. Some providers include:

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • The University of Arizona
  • University of Georgia

2. Garden Designer

Many people have the willingness to do the dirty work in their backyards, but few have the know-how to complete the first part of this process — designing and planning the backyard space. Draw up the designs for your clients’ outdoor spaces and let them do the actual digging.

But you can also offer installation services, or hire your own contractors to fulfill the design.

small business ideas: garden designer

To become a garden designer, you should seek at least one credential so you’re well-versed in the basics and prevent damage to a client’s landscape. The American Academy of Garden Design offers courses and certificates that start at $450. A cheaper option is New Skills Academy’s Garden Design Certification ($120).

Remember, the goal is to start a business for cheap, and a certification can have a high ROI after you book your first few clients for garden design.

3. Travel Planner

The time of the travel agent might be passing, but people are still looking for those with a knack for more nontraditional travel coordination. If you always plan the perfect vacations complete with beautiful hotels, the ideal location, and a bevy of delicious restaurants lined up for every evening, consider advertising your services as a more modern approach to travel planning.

You don’t have to only plan trips for individuals, either. If you’re experienced enough, you can even start a group travel company, like Art N Soul Escapes .

You can become a travel planner by first volunteering to plan a few trips for your family and friends. Try it and see if you like it. Once you feel like you’ve gotten a good taste, attend a travel planner program and get certified. Some options include:

  • The Travel Institute Training & Certification Program
  • Penn Foster Travel and Tourism Specialist Diploma

You can also seek employment at a travel agency first, then strike out on your own once you’ve learned the basics.

4. Home Inspector

A home inspector examines a house’s drywall, electrical wiring, energy efficiency, and structural integrity to find potential issues on behalf of a home buyer. Home inspectors work in the field. They visit homes in person and provide a written inspection report. Alternatively, some home inspectors offer virtual inspections, which may be a good fit if you’d prefer to work from home.

small business ideas: home inspector

Working as a home inspector requires certification and a great deal of expertise, but it can offer a flexible work schedule and stable income. Confirm the licensing requirements in your state before getting started with this type of small business. You’ll want to make sure you’re providing the best service to your clients by having all of your credentials in order.

To become a home inspector, you should invest in a certification program, such as:

  • International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
  • ATI Home Inspector Academy

Be sure to check local authorities and universities for a course.

5. Personal Chef

We all love to eat, but few of us have the time or energy to cook healthy, delicious meals. Advertise your services to local families and businesses alike. To save on start-up costs, consider scheduling certain groups of clients together — say, vegetarians — so you can cook larger quantities of the same dish.

You can also begin by selling food in batches at local farmer’s markets or via a food truck. Once you’ve generated some awareness, you can begin taking on clients. Alternatively, you can start a delivery meal prep service by cooking 5-7 days’ worth of meals for clients.

small business idea example: personal chef

Chef Paul’s mouth-watering dishes are available to clients across the country. His clientele niche consists of athletes, corporate businesses, and local gyms.

6. Property Manager

Many people maintain properties they don’t live in — often based in different cities or states. As a property manager, you can help a property owner ensure their home is well taken care of, handle small fixes as they arise, and serve as a liaison to renters. It’s helpful if you have a background in real estate.

This option is a great fit if you have stupendous organizational, administrative, and customer service skills. As a property manager, you’ll be handling everything from screening potential tenants to collecting rent.

To become a property manager, you must first complete coursework in your desired state. We recommend working at an existing property management company to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can then start your own property management business.

7. Massage Therapist

Soothe aching muscles and promote peace for your clients as a massage therapist. As a massage therapist, you’ll offer targeted, personalized care that’s an edge above in-shop or mall massage services. To start this small business, you should invest in customer service courses, as well as a massage therapy certification.

small business idea example: massage therapist

Be sure to look into training and certification courses in your city and state, and to invest in a portable bed to take on client visits.

8. Interior Designer

Similar to landscape design — there are many people who have the ability to buy the furniture and home decor they need to fill their rooms, but few who know where to start. It might take some time to build a portfolio, but documenting your projects and sharing them online can build a fanbase beyond your wildest dreams.

To start an interior design business, we first recommend trying your hand at decorating your friends’ homes and working with their vision and specifications. One big aspect of interior design is providing fantastic customer service and knowing how to fulfill a client’s design vision while employing your interior design expertise.

You can then take an interior design course to round out your knowledge, such as the one offered by The New York Institute of Art and Design .

Need inspiration? Check out Sandra Cavallo’s interior design Instagram account.

small business idea example: interior designer

9. Nonprofit Owner

If you dream of devoting your life to a cause you believe in, it might be time to start a nonprofit. You’ll need to incorporate your business and file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status — and then you’ll be required to meet ongoing standards of compliance, but the payoff is making a meaningful impact on a cause you believe in.

The best thing is that you can begin a nonprofit easily from your home, even before filing for 501(c)(3) status. First, create a non-profit website (ideally with a .org top-level-domain). Define your mission and goals, and figure out how you’ll execute your non-profit activities. For instance, if you’re raising money to buy books for local schools, who will deliver them? Which retailer will you use? Start small, then expand.

Thereafter, apply for exempt status so that you’re not taxed like a regular business. The profit margins may be smaller, but the job is endlessly rewarding.

Whether you’re a math whiz, piano master, or Shakespeare aficionado, there’s someone out there who needs a little help in your area of expertise and is willing to pay for it. Advertise your services through local schools, community colleges, community centers, and even social media to get the word out and build a customer base.

To start a tutoring business, you should first gain experience educating others by either volunteering or even teaching friends and family. But you can begin straight away by listing your services locally and online and launching a tutoring website.

Be sure to define your niche. Will you be tutoring students in their homes? Or opening a local tutoring location? Which subject will you teach? Create handouts, use textbooks, and know which online resources will be best for your tutee’s learning style.

11. Consultant

If you have significant experience in or knowledge of a specific subject, consider becoming a consultant. Perhaps you’re an expert at hiring practices, have a knack for SEO , or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. Identify your expertise and market yourself as a consultant and charge the going rate.

Download Now: Free Consultant's Success Kit

Some consulting industries are more competitive than others, so be sure to complete your research prior to starting a small consulting business. One way to find out how competitive a consulting niche is by doing keyword search . If your target niche is highly searched or already is dominated by big companies, you may have a harder time breaking in. You can use keyword research tools to uncover keyword volume and local demand.

12. Event Planner

An event planning business is an excellent choice if you have great organizational and interpersonal skills, and it’s relatively cheap to start. You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades.

The good news is that event planners are always in demand. It’s not a job that can be easily automated, so this small business idea is set to thrive regardless of the digital landscape. To start, you’ll want to look for a platform that will easily allow you to advertise your availability, such as event planner directories like Eventective and WeddingWire .

If you’re highly organized, are detail-oriented, and have experience planning large events, it might be time for others to benefit from your skills.

13. Personal Assistant

Personal assistants help business owners and executives take care of administrative tasks. To launch a freelance personal assistant business, you should leverage networking opportunities on LinkedIn and attend small business events at local chambers of commerce. Most local business owners might not even know they need a personal assistant until you market your services to them.

If you’re an organized, highly-detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

To become an assistant, choose a niche — will you be helping women business owners specifically? Do you have a specific field of expertise, like bookkeeping? A website can also go a long way, and be sure to print business cards for you to hand out during networking events.

14. Consignment Shop Owner

If you have an eye for style but don’t want to invest in the inventory of a brand-new boutique, consider starting a consignment shop. It will allow you to curate a collection of clothing that matches your goals and aesthetic, without the overhead of a boutique selling entirely new garments.

The beauty of a small consignment business is that you can now start one online. You can sign up on a platform such as Poshmark , Depop , and even Etsy , then easily start selling your own used fashion from home.

Once you’ve defined your niche — such as vintage clothing, unique locally made art, or colorful shoes — you can begin sourcing new products from your local stores and thrift shops.

15. Caterer

If the personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work on fewer but larger events, and hone in on your time management skills.

Becoming a caterer is a natural step for those who are used to cooking for large events — for instance, you may have already catered your friend’s wedding, or brought a 20-person meal to a potluck (that counts, too!).

It’s essential that you have enough temperature-regulated storage for the meals prior to each event, and that you arrange for reliable, temperature-controlled transportation to and from your home kitchen. Alternatively, you can lower your costs by inviting customers to pick up their order at your home.

16. Gym Owner

Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by creating your own gym — start one from the ground up, become an affiliate, or open a franchise location.

Available franchise opportunities include Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and more. Be prepared to take out a loan to finance your franchise — most agreements start with fees upward of $20,000. But the payoff can be tremendous due to brand recognition. You’ll have no trouble recruiting new members as long as you use local marketing strategies .

Alternatively, you can create a local studio, but ideally, it should be for a specific activity instead of general fitness. Yoga, pilates, bootcamp-style gyms, and martial arts perform well as independent fitness studios.

17. Boutique Agency Owner

What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position.

To start an agency, you would ideally have worked in your specialty for a number of years. You should also be prepared to interface directly with clients, fulfill their requirements, and temper their expectations (if they want results in an unreasonably short amount of time).

Consider building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk .

18. Coffee Shop Owner

Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game, but they usually require a little more cash upfront. Starting a shop from scratch requires more planning and work — but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.

A coffee shop is an excellent fit if you already have a full-time remote job and wish to supplement your income with a small business. You can manage the coffee shop as you work at one of the tables, but be sure to have the budget to hire an experienced barista who can pick up the slack.

If you would like to open a coffee shop and run it full-time on your own, you’ll need to undertake barista training, understand worldwide coffee sources, and have excellent customer service skills.

19. Moving Company

A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company . Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low.

Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry. You can partner with moving companies and offer to do their packing, or have them refer clients to you.

You could even take a niche approach to the industry as Astro International has by offering international moving services.

small business idea example: moving company

20. Home Staging

If you have a flair for interior design, a staging service might serve as your creative outlet and professional calling. You can build a portfolio with little initial investment by staging homes using the owner’s existing furnishings and decor. Most stagers eventually build up an inventory of furniture as they become more established and network with area realtors.

To get your first home staging clients, you should first rely exclusively on networking. Find your local realtors’ association and attend their events with business cards handy. Once you’ve gotten your first clients and built your portfolio, you can begin posting your designs on your home staging website.

small business ideas: home staging

If you don’t yet have enough experience, be sure to pursue an interior design course before opening this small business.

These home business ideas give you a few more business options that are either based at home or online.

Frontend, backend, and every type of code in between, this skill requires no in-person interaction with your clients. But one skill you’ll want to carry over from the in-person world for this type of business is active listening. It can be easy to zone out while building a product, but developing a connection with the client is just as important as developing the code for their website.

If you keep the client top of mind when you can’t be around physically, you can ensure that you’re meeting their development needs with your coding work.

Download Now: 25 Free HTML & CSS Hacks

2. Vending Machine Owner

Since 2015, the growth rate for vending machine businesses has increased 1.4%. Even as social distancing restrictions are still in place, this business can still be lucrative if you choose the right locations. High-traffic is key — places like hospitals, schools, and community centers are smart places to start placing your machines to generate enough revenue to cover cost and turn a profit.

small business idea example: vending machine owner

3. Social Media Manager

Do you have a knack for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts for companies and even individual people. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencers rely on marketing agencies or employees to help them run their social channels.

→ Free Download: Social Media Calendar Template [Access Now]

4. Data Entry Clerk

Many businesses seek data entry clerks to help them enter information into their computer systems and spreadsheets. If you have strong computer and typing skills, this might be the business for you.

5. Audio or Video Editor

As of March 2021, there are 1.75 million podcasts available to listeners. For this reason, brands are turning to audio and visual content to connect with consumers. The catch is that many don't have the time to invest in the production of this content, or they don't have the skills to do it. Audio and video editors are in demand when it comes to producing quality content for hungry audiences.

6. Voiceover Artist

Speaking of podcasts and videos, many content creators recognize the value and level of professionalism that great voice talent can bring to a project. There are gigs out there for podcast intros/outros, narration for explainer videos, or even voice work for audiobooks. Learn how to get started with no experience from Kat Theo below:

7. Dog Walker, Groomer, or Trainer

Licensing and insurance will be the two most important factors in opening a dog walking, grooming, or training business, but your canine colleagues will surely make up for the initial red tape. To test the waters before jumping in, consider walking dogs through companies like Rover. Ready to run your own show? Consider a franchise like Dogtopia .

8. Candy Seller

If you grew up in a close-knit, southern neighborhood, you're probably familiar with the " Candy Lady ". This home business can be started by anyone who's trustworthy in the community. Aside from selling the most popular snacks, a candy seller can provide the neighborhood with fresh fruit and produce that may be harder to find if you live in a food desert.

Online Business Ideas

If you want a business idea that you can run entirely online, check out the ones below. These ideas are ideal for those looking for a passive income stream. In other words, you shouldn’t need to do too much manual work to launch these businesses from your home or preferred business location.

1. Become an online reseller.

To become an online reseller, all you need is some business savvy and some funds to invest in product stock from manufacturers — or, of course,the willingness to sell your own used items. Generally, this is a low-touch but high-performance way of creating a passive income online business.

Online resellers usually use a platform, such as Facebook Marketplace or Amazon Sellers, to sell either their own or manufacturers’ stock. The benefit of using Facebook Marketplace is that you can begin today with your own Facebook account, and simply list items that you already own.

Interested buyers typically drive directly to your home for pick-up — but if you’re not interested in human interaction, you can leave it outside and have the buyer pay via an online platform.

online business ideas: amazon seller

Amazon Sellers requires a little more up-front investment, but the yield is usually higher and you can turn your Amazon reselling business into a more passive income stream. Amazon allows you to buy stock from various manufacturers, which they then keep in their warehouses. When an Amazon user buys from you, Amazon will fulfill that order and then give you a substantial cut.

2. Try affiliate marketing.

An affiliate marketing business is a great fit if you already own a website or a blog you wish to monetize. We’ve already shared how blogging is a great business to start — if you’ve already bought a domain name and begun writing content, then using it to start your affiliate marketing business is a great option.

Affiliate marketers create blog posts and content that contain affiliate links. When a user clicks on that link, a cookie is added to their browser that tracks their activity for a specified period of time. If they make a purchase at the affiliate website, then you get a commission — usually recurring, if you’re selling subscription products.

There are countless affiliate marketing programs for you to start your online business. These programs come with many benefits, such as pre-made advertisements and lazy copy for you to use.

To create a viable affiliate marketing online business, you should choose the right blog niche , such as technology, household decor and organization, or fitness, and then find affiliate marketing programs that offer products your readership would be genuinely interested in.

3. Become a content creator or influencer.

Instagrammers, YouTubers, podcasters, and TikTokkers with more than ten thousand followers can eventually turn their accounts into a small online business that generates passive income.

As a content creator or influencer on social media, you can not only earn money from sponsored partnerships, but you can monetize your audience in other ways, such as creating Subscriptions on Instagram , allowing companies to advertise on your YouTube channel, or creating a paid-only newsletter.

online business ideas: content creator

Becoming an influencer or content creator takes hard work, but it can be a fun way to create a small online business, assuming you’re posting content that you enjoy creating. First, you should choose a niche, such as thrifted fashion, work-from-home hacks, or even industry tips. Then, you should learn how to become a social media influencer and digital creator , then create a social media content calendar .

Most importantly, have fun with this online business idea as you give it a try. The good news is that it has little overhead — all you need is a willingness to spend time on social media content creation.

4. Open a dropshipping store.

We’ve mentioned dropshipping a few times already, but this is such a great online business idea that it’s absolutely worth mentioning again. Dropshipping businesses don’t manufacture what they sell, or even buy stock from manufacturers in advance. Instead, wholesalers fulfill the order directly after a buyer places an order through your website.

Opening an ecommerce store can be forbidding for those who don’t want to deal with inventory management or supply chain logistics . Dropshipping is the best alternative.

The only thing you need is the willingness to invest in an ecommerce website builder and the ability to manage relationships with local or international manufacturers. From there, you need to only publish your site and advertise your brand via ecommerce marketing .

Learn how to start a dropshipping business here , with examples.

5. Sell print-on-demand products.

Print-on-demand (POD) is another way to start a dropshipping business, except it’s a little more frictionless because most POD services allow you to create a storefront right on their website, instead of you needing to look for a separate ecommerce site builder.

With a POD online business, you design unique artwork. The print-on-demand provider will allow you to place that design on t-shirts, hats, tote bags, phone cases, and more. You do not keep any inventory; instead, the POD provider will print it only after a buyer makes an order, then ships it directly to them.

online business ideas: print on demand shop

The only thing you need to start this small online business is a penchant for design and the budget to pay for a print-on-demand subscription (although most providers are free, and they simply take a cut of the sale). Get acquainted with design principles and color theory , and you can get started with this business in no time.

6. Become an independent author.

Think becoming an author is only for those who are extremely lucky? Think again. Whether you write historical epics or self-help guides, chances are that there’s a market to read your work, and you can now easily publish it online .

We recommend editing and proofreading your book, or hiring someone to do it, before self-publishing it. Then, it’s as simple as signing up on a self-publishing platform such as Kindle Direct Publishing or Barnes & Noble Press , uploading your file and cover, and pushing it live. You’ll enjoy benefits such as large royalties (up to 70%) and the ability to unpublish the book at any time, in case you find a typo or another change you’d like to make.

To get this online business idea off to a strong start, invest in an author website , spend some time doing social media marketing , and learn the basics of book marketing .

7. Sell downloadable digital products.

Downloadable journals, templates, art prints, designs… Some people would simply prefer to print these at home, instead of paying for the full price of the paper and the design. Downloadable digital products can be a profitable small business idea for those who are already design-savvy or who are willing to learn how to use an online design tool .

online business ideas: digital products

But if you’re not too crafty, you don’t need to create full-on journals or beautiful art prints, either; you can create templates for marketplaces such as Canva’s . There, people are able to customize a base design to their specifications, so you don’t have to worry too much about creating something specially beautiful — it’s more about functionality and customizability.

If you plan to create digital products that buyers can print at home, think about printing specifications, such as recommended paper size, paper weight, PPI (pixels per inch; a higher PPI results in better print quality), and so on. It’s essential to create a positive customer experience, even if users are ultimately responsible for what the final result looks like.

8. Publish a subscription-based newsletter.

We’ve already discussed becoming an independent author, but if long-form writing, such as novels, seems out of reach, you can always go for something much shorter and simpler: Newsletters. And the best part about paid newsletters is that you typically don’t need to have a separate website and blog; instead, you can sign up on a platform and begin publishing right away.

A website can, of course, benefit you, but the core of your revenue will come from the newsletter itself.

online business ideas: paid newsletter

With newsletter monetization platforms such as Substack or even Patreon , you can publish shorter content that features your opinion, experience, and expertise. We recommend pairing this small business idea with a robust social media marketing strategy , where your followers can learn more about you and be swayed to subscribe to a gated newsletter.

Choose a niche you’re passionate about, and this online business idea can feel less like work and more like a profitable hobby.

9. Create an online course.

If you want to monetize your expertise a little further for your online business, then creating an online course is the best choice.

To create a course, you’ll need to sign up on an online course platform such as WordPress or Teachable , sketch out a curriculum, film your lectures, and create worksheets and guides. You can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you’d like, but to make this online business as passive as possible, you’d ideally record all your lectures at once and allow users to access them by paying a premium fee.

If you’d like to try your hand at it first, you can try publishing a course on a platform such as Udemy and see if it feels viable to you. To become an online course teacher, you don’t need a specific level of education, but you should have a strong grasp on the material you’re teaching and a strong set of customer service skills to handle inquiries or course refunds.

10. Transcript videos, shows, and podcasts.

A freelance transcription business is an excellent idea for those who speak only one language and are passionate about improving communication. Transcribers listen to speech, write it out — usually verbatim — and deliver it to the original publisher in an organized document.

This small online business is a good fit for those who are looking for a part-time side business. You should be able to type quickly and have a good listening ear. Indeed has listed the top transcription companies where you can get your foot in the door.

Once you understand how the industry works, you can consider opening your own small transcription business and offering services on freelancer marketplaces such as Fiverr or Upwork .

Whether you’re looking to start your venture today or you simply don’t want to jump through the normal hoops of launching a small business, the below ideas are extremely easy to start — so easy, all you’ll need to do is sign up on a website or tell your friends about your services.

1. Vacation Host

Have you ever used a home-sharing service instead of a hotel? You could make a living by hosting visitors in your own home or renting out a room. Consider becoming a host with companies like Airbnb .

To become a vacation host, you don’t need any special skills except friendliness, courteousness, and agility (in case of guest emergencies or language barriers). A customer service course will prepare you to welcome guests and give them a pleasant stay.

You’ll need to invest in supplies and toiletries, such as new bedding and one-time soaps and toothbrushes, but the overhead is relatively small, and you can stop at any time.

2. Pet Sitter

Do you have a passion for pets? Consider becoming a pet sitter. While the pet's owners are away on vacation, either host their pet at your home or make visits to their home. Join a pet sitting service like Wag to get started.

small business idea example: pet sitter

If you start a pet sitting business, be sure to have some experience with dogs, cats, and other household pets. You should also choose a niche based on timing. For instance, do you prefer long-term arrangements? You can market yourself as an excellent vacation pet sitter. Do you only do single afternoons, or only on weekends? You can pull in clients by telling them you’ll take care of their pets during their dates or weekend trips.

3. Daycare Owner

Childcare continues to be in high demand. While nannies and nanny shares are popular right now, a good daycare is hard to find. Fill a need in your neighborhood by opening your own. And, as always, make sure you’re complying with your city and state’s zoning, licensure, insurance, and inspection requirements.

Home daycares are especially a good fit if you’re an experienced parent and have all supplies ready at home. But be warned that you’ll also need to buy more supplies to accommodate the additional children you’ll need to take care of.

We recommend getting a soft start with this business by advertising it first to your friends, families, and close neighbors. That way, you can better gauge whether it’s a good fit for you and whether you want to make the full investment.

If there’s a topic you have a heavy interest in, then there’s an audience out there with a heavy interest in it too. A blog can be used to build an online community whose engagement can be monetized. Affiliate marketing , sponsored content , and co-marketing are some ways to make money once your blog develops a following.

→ Download Now: 6 Free Blog Post Templates

Blogging is one of the most accessible small businesses to start, and there are countless niches to choose from. That said, because there are many blogs online, you’ll need to learn blog SEO and keyword research to ensure your audience finds you. That way, you actually make money out of your blogging efforts.

The great news is that a small blogging business has a ridiculously low overhead. All you need is a custom domain and your time for writing blog posts.

5. Home-Baked Goods Seller

Warehouse-made, store-bought chocolate chip cookies will never compare to a batch made with love in someone’s home. Simple desserts can be easily baked and packaged to sell at local events or around your neighborhood. Use custom labels and watch the word spread about your goods!

You can begin a baked goods business easily by opening a Facebook and Instagram profile. Facebook and Instagram are both excellent platforms to market your goods, show pictures of your previous baked products, and even showcase happy clients.

Build a loyal following slowly, and save on costs by asking clients to drive to your home to pick up their order. Choosing a niche can be helpful here, or baking in a specific style that can’t be found at grocery store bakeries. The overhead can be especially low if you already have most essential baking supplies.

6. Ecommerce Store Owner

Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an ecommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down, an ecommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.

hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '5ec543ea-d1bb-42de-a97d-4ab1f00cc69b', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

Starting an ecommerce store is simple and easy. You can set up a shop using an ecommerce website builder , all of which start at a minimal monthly subscription (some even start at free). Be sure to take good photos of your products and write descriptive product pages .

If you don’t have inventory, you can always own an ecommerce store by using dropshipping . Instead of creating and shipping your products yourself, you’ll instead partner with a dropshipping website and have them mail out the orders directly to your client.

7. House Cleaner

With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.

To become a house cleaner, you should be prepared to invest in cleaning supplies and accessories, or be willing to use your own. If you plan to serve small businesses, you should buy industrial janitorial supplies so you can get work done more effectively.

Need some inspiration? This small business cleaning service grew virtually overnight on Instagram after their content went viral during the pandemic.

small business idea example: go clean co

8. Packing Services Facilitator

Moving is always a pain, and many people hire the entire packing process out. As a packing services facilitator, you’ll be going to people’s homes and packing up their smaller items into organized boxes. To start this business, you must be comfortable with face-to-face contact and with manual labor.

small business ideas: packing services facilitator

You can begin this business by advertising in your own neighborhood. Once you’re ready to expand, consider partnering with a local moving service that will refer new clients to you. That way, you’ll have a steady stream of clients, and you won’t have to invest in a moving truck (the moving service will take care of that for you).

Business Ideas for Students

1. etsy shop owner.

Creating novelties by hand is a fun and unique way to start a small business, and you can easily sell them via Etsy . Whether you make jewelry, knitted comfort items, or even custom wigs , there’s probably a market for your products and an Etsy buyer who’s ready to purchase.

small business ideas: etsy shop owner

This idea is excellent if you’re already an expert in the craft you aim to sell. That way, you don’t need to pursue additional education or certification courses. Once you set up your Etsy store, which is free, tap into your audience with creative marketing on social media and optimize your website using keywords that describe the products you make.

2. Tour Guide

Love the local history of your city or state? Consider becoming a tour guide. Sure, you’ll need to conduct plenty of research to be able to do the job well, but that’s half the fun. Set yourself apart by offering tours that speak to a specific niche of your community’s history.

You can start a tour guide business easily. First, decide what your specialty will be. Some tour guides, like the ones at Freedom Trail in Boston , offer historical walking tours of their town’s most haunted spots while others curate guided foodie tours for guests to get a true taste of the city.

small business idea example: tour guide

Maybe you love the outdoors and are an experienced backpacker — you can then offer hiking tours. To begin, use a platform such as TripAdvisor or Airbnb, where you can sign up as a tour guide provider. Remember to launch a website, and to file for sole proprietorship status .

3. Online Class Instructor

Tutoring is often done in person and with one client at a time. Remotely teaching an online class offers more flexibility because you can teach multiple students from home. English is a common subject for online classes because of how many people want to learn it. But anything that you have a mastery over could be translated to a virtual class.

4. Small-Batch Goods Seller

Using organic, all-natural ingredients is more expensive, but worth it. There are many products you can learn how to make at home without any preservatives, chemicals, or toxins. Candles, soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers are some examples of goods you can create and tailor with custom scents. Try starting out making soap with this complete beginner’s guide to soapmaking:

5. Makeup Artist

Many people prefer to have a professional do their makeup because they may lack the proper products or just the skills. It may be for a special occasion, photoshoot, or video shoot, or another event. Being able to do a variety of different looks will make your business more attractive to more customers.

To run a successful makeup artist business, you’ll need to be social media savvy . Instagram in particular is an excellent platform to advertise your services and get new clients.

You should also consider honing in on a specific niche. For instance, you might do wedding makeup exclusively.

6. Professional Organizer

A lot of people struggle with clutter or disorganization in their homes and offices. It can be a large undertaking to create organized systems and habits. Grab a lot of storage bins and a label maker and get started!

To become an organizer, you’ll first need to have the chops: Is your own home organized? Do you enjoy making order out of chaos? Then, launch a website to market your services locally. Be sure to create local listings to ensure people find your business, including listings on Angi, Houzz, and Thumbtack.

Meg Golightly, founder at Gosimplified , has made this small business idea into a successful career.

Is your head buzzing with small business ideas yet? After all that brainstorming, you’ll need a practical plan to get started with your new small business.

  • Identify your small business idea.
  • Start as a side business or hobby.
  • Decide on your software.
  • Create a business plan.
  • Decide whether you'll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
  • Create a business bank account.
  • Determine if your business idea works well from home.
  • Set up an office.
  • Get to work!

1. Identify your small business idea.

Whether you choose an option from the list above or have another idea up your sleeve, it’s important to have the experience, training, or skills necessary to be successful. Want to run a daycare but have never even visited a successful daycare center? Spend time conducting research to learn whether this is really the right fit for your experience, interests, and target audience.

2. Start as a side business or hobby.

Can you get your business off the ground as something you do in the evenings or on the weekends (a.k.a. a side job)? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand whether your idea has legs before you quit your nine-to-five job and lose your primary income.

3. Decide on your software.

You’ve got a lot of things on your plate when first starting up. But one step that’s critical (and often forgotten by first-time entrepreneurs) is deciding on the software that can help you be more efficient as your business grows.

Every business is different — but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management , accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks.

One of the most important software tools every small business should utilize is a free all-in-one CRM platform to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.

4. Create a business plan.

No business plan? No business. Particularly if your small business idea requires investors, you'll need to draft up a business plan to provide an overview of your market positioning, your financial projections, and your unique competitive advantages. You can download HubSpot's free business plan templates for free to get started.

One-Page Business Plan Template

Download Free Business Plan Templates

Your business plan should include the following elements:

  • Executive summary — A high-level overview of your company and market placement.
  • Business model — Outline what your business does, who your business serves, and how your business is structured. You should include a description of what products and services you offer, and how they meet the needs of your customers.
  • Market condition — A summary of pertinent competitor information. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
  • Products and services — Use this section to describe your products and services in detail, and outline what differentiates your product from others in the market.
  • Operations and management — Outline your business’ organizational structure, key roles, and responsibilities.
  • Marketing and sales strategy — This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. Include information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offering, and your sales strategy.
  • Financial plan — Create a detailed outline of your business financials. Include your start-up costs, your initial financial productions, and how you anticipate generating funding.
  • Appendix — Once the above pieces are complete, end the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.

Every business is different — but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management, accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks.

5. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.

Two common legal structures for small businesses are limited liability corporations (LLCs) and sole proprietorships.

An LLC is a more complex business structure than a sole proprietorship and can include individuals, corporations, and other LLCs as members. Additionally, LLCs are not subject to a separate level of tax and offer the business owner liability protection and tax advantages. LLCs are formed on a state-by-state basis.

Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and operated by one person and are not identified as a separate entity from the owner by the government. While a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, sole proprietors are personally liable for their business.

Besides an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options for you to consider.

Sean Flannigan, Sendle's Content Manager, says, "While many small businesses might be best served by choosing an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options."

"Partnerships are great for businesses operated by several individuals. It hews most closely to a sole proprietorship in that the individuals take on the business liability and pay taxes on a personal level."

He adds, "To completely avoid personal liability, small businesses might choose to incorporate as a corporation, S corporation, or B Corp. S corporations avoid corporate taxation whereas B Corps must meet a threshold for public benefit and accountability."

Additionally, Flannigan says, "There are tons of great reasons to become a B Corp beyond just doing good business. All that said, many small businesses that aren't aimed at super-fast growth choose to go with an LLC to keep things simple while shielding owners from too much liability."

Learn more about choosing the right structure for your business from the Small Business Administration.

6. Create a business bank account.

Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your business’s cash flow and financial health.

Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.

Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interest.

Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When you’re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.

Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to be based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office.

If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, it’s still important you have a designated workspace. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success.

Need a more professional space? If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space, and more.

9. Get to work!

You’ve put in the hard work and I’ve got good news — it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree that the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects that you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

Starting a Small Business: FAQ

What are the types of small businesses.

The types of small business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

Which business type is best?

The best business type is a limited liability company (LLC). Operating as an LLC means that your personal assets are separate from your business assets. If your business goes bankrupt, your personal holdings won’t be affected. That said, it’s also one of the costlier types, requiring a fee paid to the state.

The easiest business type to start is a sole proprietorship. The main downside is that there’s no differentiation between you and your business.

How do I create a business idea?

To create a business idea, determine your skill set, work preferences, startup budget, and available resources. It’s important to strike the right balance between what you can feasibly offer and what you can feasibly afford in the short and long term.

We recommend starting with your skill set so that you can easily determine the niche in which you can effectively compete. For instance, if you have ample experience as a writer, you might consider starting a freelance writing business. But if you know you’d prefer to work with clients face-to-face, you might choose to start a ghostwriting business instead. That’s why it’s so important to take your work preferences into account, as well.

After that, take a look at your budget and determine the type of business you can start based on the resources at your disposal. For instance, you might not be able to afford a physical office or location, so a location-based business will likely not be a good fit. In that case, starting an online business is your best option.

What are some of the most successful small businesses?

Every small business has the potential to be successful and profitable, provided it’s backed by a strong product-market fit and a robust business plan . These two elements are essential. Maybe post-natal services are one of the most successful small businesses to launch, but if you live in an area with declining population or a large elderly population, then that small business idea won’t yield a high return on investment.

Think carefully about the market where you’re launching your business, and you’ll be more than likely to see lasting success.

What are the top growing small businesses?

top growing small businesses as reported by the bureau of labor statistics

The top growing industries are healthcare support, technology, personal care, food preparation, and community and social service. As such, launching a small business in any of these fields is bound to yield a high return on investment, but remember to take your target market into account.

Here are some small business ideas for each of those industries:

Healthcare Support

  • In-home care assistant
  • In-home elderly care provider
  • Psychological care provider
  • Pre-natal and post-natal support specialist
  • Freelance programmer or web developer
  • Freelance IT support specialist
  • Freelance cybersecurity expert

Personal Care

  • Hair stylist
  • Nail technician

Food Preparation

  • Personal chef
  • Food truck owner
  • Food delivery

Community and Social Services

  • Non-profit owner
  • Education specialist

Brainstorm Your Next Small Business Venture

Selecting a small business idea to work on is a personal decision. Money is important, but you’ll need more motivation than that to keep going. Bounce ideas off your friends and family until you reach the perfect idea that works for your schedule, fulfills your life’s passion, and makes financial sense. Don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout this process — and remember to have a little fun while you’re putting in the work.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an  interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

How to Start a Business: A Startup Guide for Entrepreneurs [Template]

How to Start a Business: A Startup Guide for Entrepreneurs [Template]

Door-to-Door Sales: The Complete Guide

Door-to-Door Sales: The Complete Guide

Amazon Affiliate Program: How to Become an Amazon Associate to Boost Income

Amazon Affiliate Program: How to Become an Amazon Associate to Boost Income

How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

Product Differentiation and What it Means for Your Brand

Product Differentiation and What it Means for Your Brand

The 25 Best PayPal Alternatives of 2023

The 25 Best PayPal Alternatives of 2023

The First-Mover Advantage, Explained

The First-Mover Advantage, Explained

Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship: What's the Difference?

Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship: What's the Difference?

What Are Current Assets? Definition + Examples

What Are Current Assets? Definition + Examples

Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

HOME BUSINESS IDEAS

Starting a home business is an excellent option for entrepreneurs who are seeking flexibility in their schedule and work environment. 

There are a variety of home businesses you can start, and because of the minimal overhead expenses, most of them can be started fairly cheaply. In this guide, we’ll outline our top 40 home business ideas for the modern entrepreneur.

Exploring your options? Check out additional small business ideas .

White model house with white toy car parked in driveway. Captioned with

40 HOME BUSINESS IDEAS FOR 2024

We’ve broken down our favorite  home business ideas and ranked their startup costs, required skill level, and earning potential to help you decide which business idea is right for you.

1. GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

This business is ideal for artistically-minded people who can work independently, but also effectively communicate with clients to ensure they meet their design needs. Graphic designers usually have a degree in design or a related field.

Startup expenses for a graphic design business can be relatively low, but they typically include the cost of software and a company website. Growth prospects for the business are only limited by your sales success and capacity.

Learn how to start a graphic design studio .

2. PHOTO RESTORATION SERVICE

latest business ideas from home

Photo restoration is ideal for highly-skilled, detail-oriented digital photo editors who enjoy working independently. It’s a niche market, but there’s room for growth by operating online and/or hiring additional digital artists.

This home-based business requires a professional-grade scanner, as well as other high-end computer hardware and software, which can be a bit costly. With a steady stream of paying clients, you could expect profits of around $60,000 per year.

Learn how to start a photo restoration business .

3. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Portrait photography is an excellent business venture for folks who have an eye for visual composition and enjoy one-on-one human interaction. That said, previous digital photography and editing experience are helpful to have under your belt. Growth potential may be modest, but there are many different niches you could focus on, such as senior pictures, family portraits, or professional headshots.

Startup costs include an array of photography and computer equipment, including cameras, lenses, lights, and editing software. Earning potential for portrait photographers varies drastically depending on the consistency of their clientele.

Learn how to start a portrait photography business .

4. PHOTO EDITING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

This home business is a good fit for people with a keen eye for detail and a desire to master Photoshop or other editing software. Formal education related to photography and digital editing is helpful but not essential.

A home-based photo editing business can be started at a relatively low cost, although startup expenses do include a computer and editing software (if you don’t already have these), as well as a professional website and advertising. Since ongoing costs are also low, photo editing can easily turn into a high five-figure job.

Learn how to start a photo editing business .

5. ILLUSTRATION BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Working as an illustrator requires both artistic ability and entrepreneurial drive. Certain illustration niches (particularly in digital multimedia and eBooks) are growing at a decent rate, meaning the work can be fairly sustainable. In order to get started, you’ll need hardware such as a computer, printer, and scanner, as well as software and art supplies.

Commercial illustrators tend to charge between $25 and $100 per hour, but ultimately your earning potential will depend on your drive to win new customers, the quality of your work, and the particular niche(s) you decide to focus on.

Learn how to start an illustration business .

6. WEB DESIGN BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Creative, tech-savvy individuals are great candidates for a web design business, which is another one of many home business ideas. These days, virtually everyone has or needs a website, so work is easy to come by. While it’s possible to get into this market as a beginner, having previous experience with web design and relevant software is a major plus.

The average web designer makes around $75,000 per year, and the potential is even greater if you hire on a team of designers. Of course, this may require moving the business out of your home, which would increase overhead expenses.

Learn how to start a web design business .

7. ADULT COLORING BOOK BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Although they end up on paper, adult coloring books are initially designed digitally. Most coloring book designs are made with vectors, so it’s important for the designer to understand these visual principles. Anyone with a background in graphic design and enthusiasm for this rising trend has the potential to turn a decent profit in this industry.

Adult coloring books typically sell for around $10, and of course, your earning potential is determined by how many you can sell. The cost of design and publication can be significant, but so can the profits. This trend is on the upswing, as many adults are now using coloring books as a creative, even therapeutic, outlet.

Learn how to start an adult coloring book business .

8. CANDLE-MAKING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Someone starting a candle-making business should love handmade crafts and have significant sales and marketing skills. Folks who are willing to pay a higher price point for handmade candles are typically looking to enjoy a certain sensory experience. However, selling this type of specialty item does not offer as much financial security as some of the other home-based business ideas on this list.

Startup costs are low, but it’s important to keep in mind that you may need to purchase fire insurance. An ambitious candle maker can gross up to $50,000 per year -- sometimes even more via relationships with large retailers.

Learn how to start a candle-making business .

9. WOODWORKING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Woodworking businesses are started by self-motivated individuals with a deep knowledge of the craft. Most professional woodworkers start out as hobbyists, and often already have the necessary equipment and space at their disposal -- which typically makes their startup costs low.

The wood product manufacturing industry is massive and offers considerable opportunities for new businesses, but earning potential depends largely on your skill, product niche, and selling ability.

Learn how to start a woodworking business .

10. MAKEUP ARTIST BUSINESS

Makeup artist applying makeup to client.

Professional makeup artists are highly-skilled, artistic individuals with a passion for makeup and beauty products. Many makeup artists have formal training, but these days it’s possible to get sufficient education in this field via YouTube tutorials.

Startup costs are low, and jobs in the cosmetics industry are projected to grow steadily, making this a sustainable, low-risk business venture. Particularly with the help of effective social media marketing, talented makeup artists can make high five-figure or low six-figure salaries.

Learn how to start a makeup artist business .

11. SOAPMAKING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

If you’re interested in crafting handmade specialty products and have strong marketing and sales instincts, a soapmaking business could be a good fit for you. With solid profit margins, the growth and earning potential is only limited by your ability to find customers.

There are no formal training or experience requirements for soapmaking, and the startup costs are minimal.

Learn how to start a soapmaking business .

12. BED & BREAKFAST

A lovely country breakfast.

If you own a beautiful home and enjoy hosting guests, a bed & breakfast could be a good business for you. Because B&Bs typically only have a single location, the growth potential is low. B&B owners should have excellent interpersonal, cooking, and general maintenance skills.

Earning potential is determined by the size and location of your home, how many guests you’re able to accommodate, and the quality of experience you provide. Positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor can make a huge difference when it comes to achieving a steady clientele.

Learn how to start a bed & breakfast .

13. REIKI BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Open-minded, spiritual people with a passion for healing and the discipline to manage the day-to-day operations of a business might consider starting a reiki practice. Reiki healers need to undergo proper training and should have some basic knowledge of how to run and market a business.

Still, startup costs for a home-based practice are low. Depending on how many clients they’re able to see, healers make low to mid-range five-figure annual incomes.

Learn how to start a reiki business .

14. AIRBNB BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

If you travel frequently or have unused space in your home, starting an Airbnb business is a great way to monetize your existing assets. Because this home business involves renting out property you already own, startup costs are incredibly low. Just like owners of independent B&Bs, Airbnb entrepreneurs should be highly personable and have basic maintenance skills.

Earning potential varies considerably depending on your location, the size and availability of your space, and the effectiveness of your listing (which includes the quality your photos, description, and reviews).

Learn how to start an Airbnb business .

15. NANNY SERVICE

latest business ideas from home

If you enjoy spending time with kids and connect well with parents, a nanny service (or babysitting business) could be a profitable venture for you. Parents are always looking for reliable childcare, so this type of service is super sustainable. Startup costs are extremely low, and essential qualifications typically only consist of CPR and first-aid training.

That said, earning potential depends on your experience, the number of families you work with, and how many children they have. According to a 2017 survey by the International Nanny Association, the average hourly rate for nannies in the U.S. is $19.14 per hour.

Learn how to start a babysitting business .

16. DAYCARE

Child playing with colorful numbered puzzle pieces.

If you love children and have a kid-friendly, reasonably-sized home, you might consider starting a daycare. While there aren’t formal training requirements for daycare owners, most parents are quite cautious when it comes to finding safe, positive, and educational environments for their children -- so fostering this type of space is very important.

In order to do this, you’ll need to invest in things like children’s toys and educational materials, and take all necessary childproofing measures. Successful operations see profits of between $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

Learn how to start a daycare .

Start a Home Business in Your State

17. pet-sitting business.

Teenage girl playing with her dog in a sunny field.

If you love animals and setting your own schedule, pet-sitting could be a successful home-based business for you. There are no required skills, although most pet owners prefer their sitters have some previous experience.

Startup costs are minimal, and typically so is the earning potential. However, with a full slate of customers, a pet sitter can make $50,000 or more per year.

Learn how to start a pet-sitting business .

18. DOG-TRAINING BUSINESS

Bulldog puppy laying in grass.

Dog training is a good business for patient people who have extensive experience with dogs of all ages. Dog trainers typically have certifications to show their training experience and other credentials.

If you’re already certified, startup costs are incredibly low -- especially for home-based operations. Earning potential varies depending on the number of dogs you train, but rates can be as high as $100 per hour for private lessons.

Learn how to start a dog training business .

19. MOBILE DOG-GROOMING BUSINESS

Dog being groomed on grooming table.

If you’re comfortable interacting with dogs of various sizes, breeds, ages, and temperaments, you may consider starting a mobile dog-grooming business. This business calls for a bit more training and experience than other pet-related practices, as both the groomer and the dog’s safety can be put in jeopardy during the grooming process.

Startup costs are moderate, with the bulk of the expenses coming from the grooming equipment. Mobile groomers typically charge between $30 and $70 per session depending on the size of the dog.

Learn how to start a mobile dog-grooming business .

20. ACTING CLASSES BUSINESS

Actor reciting monologue from book.

Teaching acting classes can be a profitable home business for experienced actors. Much more than other businesses on this list, having formal training and a good reputation in the industry is critical if you want to succeed as an acting coach.

That being said, by operating out of your home, you’ll have virtually zero startup costs or overhead. Earning potential totally depends on two factors: your experience and your location.

Learn how to start an acting classes business .

21. ART LESSONS BUSINESS

Close-up of hands painting colorful abstract art piece.

Any practicing artist with excellent interpersonal skills might enjoy running an art lessons business. There are no formal requirements to become an independent art teacher, but having a background in art or art education could be a good selling point for your services.

Art supplies and marketing will make up the bulk of your startup expenses. If you’re a highly experienced artist, you could charge clients up to $70 per hour -- and depending on the consistency of your client base, this could earn you over $100,000 annually.

Learn how to start an art lessons business .

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the  Top LLC Formation Services And, use our free tools to help start your business: Use our  Business Name Generator  for help brainstorming your new venture’s name Learn  how to form an LLC , one of the  best business structures  for home businesses Use our free  business plan generator  to start planning your business today Get your unique logo with our free  Logo Maker  and start branding your business After finding your perfect idea learn how to  start a busines

22. FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION BUSINESS

The words "thank you" written in many languages.

If you are fluent in a foreign language, love interacting with people, and have a passion for teaching others and sharing your knowledge, foreign language instruction could be one of many profitable home business ideas to consider. Having a degree in the language, being a native speaker, and having a foreign language teaching certificate are all desirable qualifications.

Startup costs for foreign language instructors are extremely low. Private instructors typically charge between $20 and $70 per hour, adding up to a mid-range five-figure annual income.

Learn how to start a foreign language business .

23. TUTORING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Former teachers, as well as experts in particular academic subjects, are good candidates for starting a home tutoring business. Tutors should be very patient and have excellent interpersonal skills. Having experience working with children is also a plus.

As a tutor, you can expect to charge between $30 and $40 per hour (or more for certain subjects). Particularly when working with children and teens, you’ll hardly have to invest in any educational materials, as they’ll bring their own from school. However, it’s important to consider that a big chunk of working hours will be in the evenings, and that business will be slow during the summer.

Learn how to start a home tutoring business .

24. MUSIC LESSONS BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Anyone who is passionate about music, highly skilled at playing at least one instrument, and excited to share their craft could be a successful music teacher. Most music teachers have some formal music training or education, although some are self-taught. Either way, this line of work can be very sustainable, as students tend to stay with the same music teacher for years.

Odds are that as a skilled musician, you already own the equipment you need to get a home-based music lessons business going. With expenses so low, most of the $30 to $60 per hour you charge will be profit.

Learn how to start a music lessons business .

25. LIFE COACHING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Unlike formal counseling, life coaching doesn’t require any particular training or certification. Anyone with great people skills who has been able to achieve their own goals could be a good candidate for life coaching. That said, there are certification programs that can help you stand out and add legitimacy to your business.

Startup costs are minimal, as are overhead expenses -- and depending on your location, life experience, and overall client satisfaction, this type of practice can make you a very good living. The average life coach in the U.S. makes around $60,000 per year, but six-figure annual incomes are not at all uncommon for successful life coaches.

Learn how to start a life coaching business .

26. PERSONAL TRAINING BUSINESS

Trainer spotting his trainee on a lift.

To earn client confidence, a personal trainer should be a walking advertisement of their own successful diet and exercise regimen. You’ll be developing individualized sessions for your customers, taking note of their goals and cross-referencing those with optimal dietary advice and physical activity.

On average, personal trainers make $50,000 per year, but steady customer flow and dedication could see that price rise even higher. You may need to put forth an initial effort into acquiring a certification, plus $1,000 for advertising and a few hundred for liability insurance.

Learn how to start a personal training business .

27. SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

People who are highly familiar with a variety of social media platforms and have a knack for communicating with a range of demographics can be very successful in this home-based business. The number of companies using social media to engage with potential customers is on the rise, so if you bring the right skills to the table, you could run a very profitable and sustainable operation. No formal training is necessary, but it’s essential that you have a keen sense of how to engage people on various social media platforms – and this skill comes much more naturally to some than others. Successful full-time social media marketers earn an average of $50,000 per year, although many make over $100,000.

Learn how to start a social media marketing business .

28. WEB DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

latest business ideas from home

If you are skilled at computer coding, have excellent attention to detail, and enjoy problem-solving, you might consider working in web development. Web developers are well-versed in the fundamentals of design imaging, multimedia design, content management, and multimedia programming and technology.

Training requirements (and therefore, startup costs) vary -- many developers are self-taught, tech-savvy individuals, while others have Master’s degrees in programming. An entry-level developer can expect to make between $25 to $100 per hour, while more experienced developers can earn as much as $200 hourly.

Learn how to start a web development business .

29. SURVEY BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Anyone who is excited by the process of collecting and analyzing data could be a good fit for a survey business. Having a background in psychology and/or marketing is a plus, but not totally essential.

Startup expenses are minimal, especially if you’re using original content. While there are a lot of survey companies out there, there’s also plenty of demand. Still, some argue that you can’t make a living conducting surveys, but it really comes down to what niche(s) you’re working in and how many surveys you’re administering.

Learn how to start a survey business .

30. VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Someone who is organized, responsible, attentive, and tech-savvy may be a good virtual assistant business. Any experience as a personal or executive assistant would be helpful, as would a background in writing or marketing.

Startup costs are low and the industry is growing, but the main challenge is that many clients are looking to hire people from overseas who will work for a fraction of the price. However, if you can market yourself well and show that you provide a lot of value, earning $30,000 to $50,000 per year is not unrealistic.

Learn how to start a virtual assistant business .

31. CURRENCY TRADING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

If you are good with numbers and enjoy taking risks, you may want to look into currency trading. There are no experience or skill requirements, but you will need to be licensed if you decide to become a broker and trade for clients.

Startup costs are minimal, and growth and earning potential are unlimited. The primary factors influencing your profits are the amount of money you are working with and the success of your trades.

Learn how to start a currency trading business .

Learn more about starting a business by visting the  U.S. Small Business Administration .

32. ECOMMERCE STORE

latest business ideas from home

An eCommerce store is an excellent home business idea for someone who is knowledgeable about computer programming and web design, and interested in selling products online. That said, if you don’t want to create your own eCommerce website, you can always create a store on an existing platform like eBay or Etsy .

If you choose to build your own eCommerce website, startup expenses will include inventory, marketing, servers, and website security. These costs can be quite significant, especially when they require hiring professional help. However, if you invest the necessary time and money upfront, your earning potential is unlimited.

Learn how to start an eCommerce business .

33. LIVE STREAMING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Live streaming can be a successful and profitable home business for skilled gamers with engaging personalities. Since virtually every professional live streamer starts as a gaming enthusiast, they typically already have most of the necessary equipment. However, they may need to invest in a high-quality mic and some other streaming technology.

This industry is growing quickly, and full-time streamers who attract a large number of subscribers can make between $3,000 and $5,000 per month. The most popular streamers have annual incomes as high as $300,000.

Learn how to start a live-streaming business .

34. PODCASTING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

If you enjoy public entertainment and are a skilled interviewer and conversationalist, you may have considered podcasting. When it comes to running a podcast, having knowledge of a particular niche is important. Marketing experience comes in handy as well. Startup expenses are low, with the necessary equipment costing as little as $1,000 in total.

Earning potential depends entirely on the podcaster’s ability to attract listeners and sponsors. Some podcasters never turn a profit, while others bring in tens of thousands of dollars per episode. If you have the time and the passion, it’s possible you could run a highly lucrative podcast.

Learn how to start a podcasting business .

35. FREELANCE WRITING BUSINESS

latest business ideas from home

Freelance writing is the perfect business for skilled writers who enjoy having a flexible schedule and are motivated enough to meet deadlines and satisfy client demands. Research skills and a varied writing background are important points of leverage for a freelance writer.

Aside from any marketing expenses, startup costs only consist of a computer -- which you most likely already have. Freelance writers should initially expect to earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, and upwards of $50,000 per year after gaining some experience.

Learn how to start a freelance writing business .

36. PROOFREADING BUSINESS

Close-up of hand editing document in red pen.

A strong command of the English language and a very close eye for detail are critical traits of a successful proofreader. Having an English degree or some formal training in copyediting can be extremely helpful for professional proofreaders.

Most proofreaders charge around $25 per hour, which adds up to an annual income of about $50,000. There’s minimal growth potential in this line of work, but much like freelance writers, proofreaders have minimal startup costs and tons of flexibility.

Learn how to start a proofreading business .

37. GRANT WRITING BUSINESS

Close-up of hand penning notes on multicolored piece of paper.

If you’re able to write very clearly and concisely (and ideally have some experience with nonprofits), grant writing could be a good home-based business idea for you. Understanding the objectives of nonprofits as well as funders is essential for effective grant writers.

Grant writers in the U.S. make around $70,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average freelance writer. This can be a very profitable niche for writers with the desire to learn how to do it well.

Learn how to start a grant writing business .

38. BLOGGING BUSINESS

Close-up of laptop and smartphone with beam of light behind them.

In addition to the ability to craft engaging content, knowledge of and passion for a particular topic are the most important qualities for a blogger to have. Having some social media and web design experience can also be beneficial.

The main startup expenses bloggers have are domain registration and hosting, both of which can be fairly cheap. However, earning potential varies considerably, and some never make any money whatsoever. It’s an uncertain venture, but if you’re already creating the content, it’s worth trying to monetize.

Learn how to start a blogging business .

39. TRANSCRIPTION BUSINESS

Image of headphones sitting on laptop.

Transcriptionists convert voice recordings into written documents, which requires full attention, fast typing, and a solid grasp of English grammar. If you meet these criteria and don’t mind the nature of the work, a home-based transcription business is worth considering.

Required experience varies depending on your niche. Most transcriptionists don’t require formal certification, but those working in the medical field do. A full-time transcriptionist in the U.S. can expect to make a low to mid-range five-figure income.

Learn how to start a transcribing business .

40. CHILDREN'S BOOK BUSINESS

Image of woman reading to group of young children.

Most people who start children’s book businesses have previous writing experience, and many have already written their own books. However, even if you are in the early phases of a story concept, a children’s book business could be a worthwhile venture -- particularly if you have significant experience with children.

Startup costs are relatively high, with illustration, publishing and marketing expenses being the most significant. However, children’s books can be a quite profitable home business, especially if you’re able to create popular series. The only problem is that nothing is certain in this industry -- ultimately it comes down to how many books you’re able to sell.

Learn how to start a children's book business .

  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia

Explore More

latest business ideas from home

Low-cost Business Ideas

In this article, we outline our top 40 business ideas with low startup costs to help you find a low-cost business idea that aligns with your interests and goals.

latest business ideas from home

Online Business Ideas

Whether you’re looking to build an online empire or earn a little money on the side, one of the best things about owning an online business is having the ability to work as much or as little as you want -- from whatever location you prefer.

latest business ideas from home

Side-hustle Business Ideas

If you’re looking to scratch the entrepreneurial itch without giving up your day job, you’re probably on the hunt for a side-hustle that aligns with your personal interests and your schedule. These 40 side-hustles satisfy a range of interests and can easily turn into full-time careers.

latest business ideas from home

Teen Business Ideas

Our top 30 business ideas for teens include ideas for kids who are looking to make a little money after school, as well as those with a desire to start something from the ground up and watch it grow.

Businessman and businesswoman posing.

How to Start a Business

Businessman deep in thought.

How to Choose a Business Structure

Wooden blocks spelling out L L C.

What is an LLC?

Hands typing on laptop with the free online business plan generator.

Free Online Business Plan Generator

Digital.com logo

50 Business Ideas for New Entrepreneurs in 2024

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from links on Digital. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinions.

Technology has made starting your own small business easy, affordable, and possible. All you need to start a company online is an internet connection, web hosting , and a  domain name . The biggest challenge, however, is coming up with a viable and unique small business idea.

Ready to snag web hosting and a domain? Our featured hosting partners provide a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for a hosting plan to help keep costs as low as possible.

Featured Partners

The easiest option

Starts at $2.99 per month

  • Fail-proof setup
  • Great for beginners
  • Free AI tools

Hostinger logo

For new WordPress sites

Starts at $2.95 per month

  • Guided onboarding
  • Recommended by WordPress
  • 24/7 support

Bluehost Logo

Best security and scalability

Starts at $3.75 per month

  • All types of hosting
  • Enhanced security tools
  • Affordable as you grow

HostGator Logo

Ideally, the perfect small business idea for you fulfills three important criteria:

  • An activity you like doing
  • Something you are good at
  • Something in demand (i.e., people would pay for)

To help get you get started, we’ve come up with a list of online and offline business ideas that are easy to start. We have categorized each idea as follows:

  • Business type–is it an online or offline opportunity?
  • Investment–how much does it cost to start?
  • Earning potential–how much can you realistically earn?

We also indicate which ideas are well-suited to stay-at-home parents, undergraduate students, and those under 18.

Business to Business (B2B) Service Ideas

1. online bookkeeping.

Like many other professions, bookkeeping has gone online. This is great news for many bookkeepers and accountants who feel trapped in the office environment and long for more personal freedom and the ability to work during their own hours.

With easy-to-use  accounting software  and appointment-setting tools available, it’s never been easier to set up and manage client accounts.

  • Business type: Online
  • Investment: Low investment ⬇︎
  • Potential: Low value ⬇︎
  • Good for: Stay at home parents ✔

2. Business broker

A business broker assists the transaction between buyers and sellers. They must have adequate training and comprehensive knowledge of business law and standard practices in their respective industry. Business brokers are rewarded with commissions for the sales they make.

  • Potential: High value ⬆︎
  • Good for: Undergraduate students ✔

3. Office space rental

Office sharing is a booming industry largely driven by the needs of young entrepreneurs creating the next Google or Amazon.

If you already own a suitable property, you will only have to bear relatively low startup costs. However, this is a substantial investment if you don’t already have suitable property.

  • Business type: Offline
  • Investment: High investment ⬆︎

4. Language translation

Despite the impressive advancements of machine translation, the  demand  for skilled translators is still high value and will probably remain so for quite some time.

You can start looking for work on platforms such as  Fiverr  or  Upwork  and slowly build your clientele. It’s also a good idea to directly contact popular bloggers or a freelance writing business and ask if they would consider having their blog work translated into another language.

  • Good for: Stay at home parents ✔ undergraduate students ✔

5. Importing electronic original equipment manufacturer gadgets

If you look at top-selling items on  Amazon or eBay , you will probably notice many are imported. The formula is fairly simple: purchase your initial inventory, create a brand, and then  market and advertise your products online .

You can even use  dropshipping  or Amazon fulfillment services to do the whole thing and increase your average order value without a physical warehouse.

  • Business type: Online/offline
  • Good for: Stay at home parents ✔ undergraduate students ✔ kids and teens ✔

6. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketers promote products made by other people and then earn commissions on their sales. Amazon is easy to get accepted into and currently the most popular platform for affiliate marketing, but there are many alternatives as well. Affiliate marketing is often combined with blogging to create a seamless mix of content and promotion.

7. Data analyst consulting

With  the rise of big data , an increasing number of companies need to make sense of heaps of information to adjust overall business strategies. A data analyst has the technical expertise to do this and often has a background in economics, mathematics, or finance.

Data analysts  who work for large international corporations can earn more than enough money to support extravagant lifestyles.

8. Niche interest website owner

New trends start every day, and some become pop culture sensations. Your job as a niche website owner is to capture the market before it gets too saturated.

Creating a niche-interest website ( using WordPress ) will allow you to secure your place on the top of search engines, resulting in thousands of daily visitors. Using a tool like  StudioPress  can make this even easier. Blogging will grow your audience.

Ready to begin? Step one is choosing the right host.  Bluehost our top recommendation for most because of it’s affordable price point, beginner-friendly onboarding process, and any time customer support.

  • Potential: High value ⬆

9. Search engine optimization consultant

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to be relevant on the web.

A capable  SEO consultant  can turn a dying business into a prosperous operation in a matter of months. The best SEO professionals can earn as much as seasoned software developers.

10. Business incubator

The role of a  business incubator  is to help new companies and startups plan and begin small businesses successfully. A typical business incubator will provide clients with management training, office space, high-speed internet connectivity, and other necessities.

You don’t have to think too big – being a small,  local incubator  can be the perfect place to start.

Arts and Media Business Ideas

11. self-publishing.

Some self-published authors earn as much as  $100,000 yearly . You can achieve the same kind of success — and all you need is a few freely available tools and the ability to write a compelling book that will sell.

You don’t have to earn six figures to succeed with self-publishing. Just a few hundred extra dollars every month can go a long way. Many self-publishers begin with freelance writing or a simple website, relying on web hosts like Bluehost  to get started.

12. Social media consultant

This business is ideal for someone who knows how to use social media to obtain business objectives. You can specialize (e.g., in running  ads on Facebook and other social media platforms) , or be a generalist social media manager who can navigate LinkedIn, Snapchat stories, Twitter, and more accounts.  Social media tools  make this management easier.

While some social media consultants can earn big bucks, most can only manage to earn an  average wage .

13. Content writer

Businesses of all sizes embrace  content marketing  as their primary way of attracting customers and establishing their position as market leaders.

A content writer should be able to digest complex topics and turn them into engaging posts quickly and well-optimized for search engines. As such, it’s great for people who know a little bit about everything.

14. Podcasting

Podcasting is a fantastic way to make a few bucks on the side for anyone who deals with interesting or niche topics suitable for this format. There are already dozens of entrepreneur and business-focused podcasts out there.

Do you like video games or ethnic music? Interested in startups and entrepreneurship? Plenty of people would look forward to hearing your show on their way to work or school. Check out our full guide on how to start a business podcast to learn more about the process.

15. Blogging

Blogging is still alive and thriving. While it’s technically free to get started, you’ll have to be patient: it will take a while to get exposure and grow your audience. These days, the competition is fierce. Good knowledge of SEO is essential, as is the ability to create excellent content.

For anyone serious about starting, growing, and monetizing a blog, we recommend Bluehost + WordPress as the best place to get started. It’s easy to use, affordable, and flexible to match your needs & skills as you grow.

16. On-demand/streaming video content

PewDiePie is one of the biggest YouTube stars with over 111 million subscribers. His journey to stardom started in his room with a humble webcam and one simple  Let’s Play  video, which he does to this day.

Beyond live game streaming, there are still vast, unexplored seas filled with  opportunities  for anyone on YouTube who dares to go after them.

17. Handmade goods

If you are a crafty person, look at  Etsy , the largest online market for homemade and vintage goods.

You will find an amazing mix of leather wallets, lamps made from river wood, unique hand-printed t-shirts, jewelry, organic soup, and countless other things.  Top sellers  often expand beyond the platform, creating their own brands and opening stores across the globe.

Keep in mind you can sell your products on more than one site, including your own with an ecommerce platform like Shopify & BigCommerce .

18. Antique refurbishment

If you like working with wood and beautiful, valuable objects in general but don’t have the drive to create your own,  antique refurbishing  could be your ticket to success.

Depending on what you do exactly, you don’t need to invest a lot of money to get started, but you will need to  travel  across the country to get the best pieces on which to work.

19. WordPress themes

Are you a web developer or designer who earns passive income from a side business? If so, creating  WordPress themes  might be the right path for you. You can sell your themes on websites like  Envato Market .

Once your theme is finished, you will still need to provide customers with  ongoing support  and updates, but can do so when you please.

20. Drone videographer

If you like piloting drones, perhaps consider working as a  drone videographer . You get to go to interesting places, meet cool people, and eventually develop a portfolio that could land you a job in Hollywood or a high-paying company in the real estate industry.

Professional drones are expensive, but you can  start small  with a midsize one and a GoPro camera and go from there.

21. Subscription service

The main advantage of the subscription model is its predictable nature. As the number of your subscribers rises, you will know exactly how much you can expect to earn every month. Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi are great ways to connect with fans who support you monthly.

The  largest subscription services  in the world are well-oiled machines that generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.

Education-Related Business Ideas

22. language teacher.

For a long time, language teaching has been the go-to side business to make money for students and even full-time high school or university teachers. Now, with Skype and ubiquitous internet access, everyone can start  teaching languages  from the comfort of their home.

You don’t even have to know any  foreign languages  yourself – there are many advanced learners who are happy to practice their conversation skills.

23. Online course creator

One of the most popular platforms where people can access massive open online courses ( MOOCs ),  Coursera , has more than  100 million users  hungry for knowledge. Such courses go  far beyond  the traditional high school curriculum.

If you have any skill you think people might be interested in, there’s nothing stopping you from giving it a go. All it takes is a web camera, capture software, and basic editing skills.

Hospitality and Food Services Business Ideas

24. hostel owner.

With services like Airbnb, anyone can turn their house, garage, or single room into a  unique accommodation  for tourists and travelers from all around the world.

The platform takes care of the initial exposure and provides a way for owners and clients to communicate. If you happen to own a house in an attractive destination, you can even expect to  earn good money .

25. Event planner

The internet has enabled people to connect with like-minded individuals from across the globe, creating the best small business opportunity for  event planners .

Event planning requires organizational skills to  manage an event  like a wedding or a trade show. Money can then be made from entrance fees, sponsorships, on-premise sales to attendees, and more.

26. Food truck

Do you like to cook and always like coming up with new, creative ideas? Then opening a  food truck  might be just for you.

27. Catering business

These days, starting a catering business is all about finding the right niche. You can specialize in whatever type of food you like, any type of clients, and any type of venue.

You can cater to young professionals who want to organize networking events or be known as the  go-to caterer  for children’s parties. Picking a specialty can help you find underserved clientele.

28. Craft beer brewing

Producing small amounts of  beer  has recently turned into a popular hobby and fantastic business opportunity.

You will need to  invest  in equipment, acquire the necessary knowledge, and possibly even employ a handful of people to help you with the entire initiative. But seeing the finished product being served to customers in your favorite pub will be a wonderful reward.

29. Gluten-free bakery

This is just like a regular bakery, only  gluten-free . While starting a small home bakery won’t cost you much, a larger commercial operation is expensive.

You can get the necessary  equipment  for a competitive price if you search for used commercial components online. Learn how to use blogging to increase awareness of your business and grow revenue.

30. Guided tours

Are you situated in a popular tourist destination? If so, you may consider yourself lucky.

Starting a guided  tours business  can be a good opportunity. You can use it to make extra money during the summer, or it can be the start of a much larger business that employs other people to work as  guides . Consider setting up a website that enables people to book tours online.

Technology Business Ideas

31. mobile application developer.

Mobile applications are more popular than ever, and people are willing to pay good money for ways to manage their lives from their smartphones.

If you have a great idea and know how to code, you can run with it and  create your app  yourself.

Plenty of software developers  collaborate  with people on app creation if you just have an idea and need graphic design.

32. Virtual reality/augmented reality app developer

The virtual reality (VR) software market is expected to reach  $29.17 billion in revenue during 2022-2026 . A good chunk of that revenue could be in your pocket.

All you have to do is learn how to develop immersive VR and augmented reality  (AR) experiences . The internet is full of resources and communities of like-minded people to help you along the way.

Video:  Get an introduction to virtual reality by creating a VR app for Android in 15 minutes.

33. Virtual reality arcade owner

The first batch of  VR arcades  is just starting to pop up in some of the world’s largest cities.

Virtual reality is the perfect fit for arcades and could really bring new life to this dying business. The technology is still not 100% there, but it probably will be soon.

33. Indoor drone racing venue

Drone racing  is expected to be a multimillion-dollar sport within the next few years.

If you have a suitable indoor venue where you could host races or let people practice their  flying skills , definitely consider this business. Additional income could be made from posting the footage online.

34. Energy auditor

Green energy solutions can lead to dramatic savings, allowing some people to completely drop from  the grid .

As an  energy auditor , you will help businesses and individual home and apartment owners find ways to decrease their energy footprint as well as their monthly bills.

35. 3D printing services

3D printing  is taking the world by storm, and you can be part of this revolution if you invest in a high-quality 3D printer and offer it to other people.

They simply send projects for you to print and pick up, or you can send things in a box.

36. E-bike repair services

E-bikes  are finally becoming affordable for the average consumer. But most traditional bike shops lack the necessary expertise that would allow them to service the often complex electronic components found inside.

If you feel up to the task, this could be a tremendous  opportunity  to become the biggest player in your local area.

37. Web development

As long as there will be a web, there will be a need for web developers.

Modern web development requires more than mastering  HTML  with  CSS  and perhaps learning PHP or JavaScript. Any web developer who wants to be competitive must become familiar with various frameworks, supporting technologies, web designs, and trends.

Taking low-cost courses online is a good place to start.

38. Smart home contractor/consultant

Modern  smart home  solutions can do everything from remotely controlling light bulbs or  air-conditioning  in your house to a health-monitoring application on your smartphone. However, not everyone is in a position to set up or maintain the complex systems that make these conveniences possible.

Personal Services Business Ideas

39. dog walker.

Dog walking usually involves walking the dog from its home and then returning.

A dog walker can either be an individual or part of a business like  Rover . They will be paid for walking or for pet sitting.

  • Good for: Undergraduate students ✔ kids and teens ✔

40. Personal shopper

Shopping for groceries, clothes, or electronic goods can eat up a lot of time. A  personal shopper  can help busy people reclaim this time in exchange for a small fee.

You can go to stores in person , or give online recommendations about which products the client should buy.

  • Business type: Offline/online

41. Mobile pet grooming

As more and more people are postponing or foregoing the decision to have children, their attention turns to  their pets .

Many owners are willing to pay as much as several hundreds of dollars to give their beloved pets a  makeover . If you start a pet grooming business, set up a website that enables visitors to book appointments online.

42. Decluttering services

With the tremendous success of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, there has been a surge in demand for decluttering services. People need to get rid of useless things that become an emotional burden.

This business is far from being just a  cleaning service  in disguise. More often than not, people will be unwilling to give up even what’s clearly just trash, so you must also have a good understanding of human psychology.

43. Green cleaning services

The only thing that differentiates  green cleaning  services from regular cleaning ones is the type of products used. But this simple thing can turn otherwise unattractive businesses into something highly desirable.

People in upscale neighborhoods are willing to pay a lot of extra money just to know they are helping to preserve the  environment .

44. Beard care products

You can start your own  beard care  brand with a few cheap ingredients available online. When you create a good product, all you need to do is take care of its marketing and bulk manufacturing.

45. Pet daycare

If you love animals and pet sitting and have enough room to spare in your house, you can start a  pet daycare  business.

There’s not much to it: pet owners leave their animals whenever they have to go out for a longer time, and your job is to provide  everything  they need and ensure that the pets will be happy.

46. Daycare service

Even though you can start a  childcare service  from your home, it’s best to still prepare for a large investment.

If you live in a large city, definitely consider catering to a niche group of  parents  and charging premium prices for your services. You could focus on children with specific allergies or serve only organic food.

  • Good for: Stay at home parents ✔

47. Sustainable landscaping

Sustainable landscaping  business uses strategies to avoid negative environmental problems like excess stormwater run-off, drinking water pollution, and invasive species propagation.

These landscapes  often feature shade structures and bike racks made from recycled materials, wireless irrigation systems, native grasses, and large, open areas for sports and leisure.

Health Care Business Ideas

48. medical courier service.

This low-cost startup is an attractive option for those who are organized, responsible, and have a reliable vehicle. Medical couriers may deliver equipment, lab specimens, prescription drugs, documents, or even organs.

Couriers make an average of $36 an hour or over $70,000 a year. You can start as a sole driver and then expand by hiring other drivers. Consider forming a limited liability company (LLC).

  • Investment: Low investment⬇︎

49. Respite care

This business provides planned temporary relief to adult caregivers of elderly parents. This non-medical work may entail a few hours a week of assistance or stepping in while the caregiver takes a vacation.

Individual providers of respite care can expect to earn between $20 to $40 per hour or an average of $54,000 per year. You can start the business as a solo provider and then expand it into a highly profitable venture.

50. Growing medical marijuana

If you live in a state or country where medical marijuana is  legal , you can consider starting your own growing operation. The initial setup can be costly, but your days will be spent taking care of a  wonderful plant  and helping people improve their health and well-being in general.

Don’t Forget To Form Your Business

Once you’ve decided to set up a new company, the most important next step is to form your business and create a website . Most small businesses are set up as an LLC . This keeps all your assets separate from the company’s, limiting your personal liability while giving the pass-through tax benefits of being a sole proprietor.

Akshat Biyani Avatar

Lucrative Ideas for Online Side Hustles to Make More Money in 2024

Source: Unsplash

Are you looking for a side hustle to generate extra income in 2024?  

Here are five ideas for lucrative jobs you can do online, part-time to make more money on a monthly basis.  

The best part? If you don’t have them already, you can learn the skills you need for all these options by yourself, online, mostly for free.  

Web Design 

To start with, one of the most lucrative online side hustles is web design.  

In 2024, every business needs a website to succeed. Statistics show that the vast majority of customers check out businesses online before visiting physical stores. Plus, a study by Stanford University revealed that 75% of consumers assess the credibility of a business based on their web design.  

The bottom line? There’s a high demand for web designers.  

And thanks to content management systems such as WordPress, and intuitive drag-and-drop website builders like Elementor, Gutenberg, and Divi, you no longer have to be a coding whiz to design a visually appealing website.  

The best way to go is to brush up your skills by following some of the many exhaustive YouTube tutorials and getting started by building a few sample websites for your portfolio. Then, you can launch your side hustle and start generating an actual income.  

Bookkeeping 

Another online side hustle with a massive earnings potential is bookkeeping. While it may sound less glamorous, freelance bookkeepers are in high demand.  

If you’ve got a knack for math, juggling numbers, and organizing figures, bookkeeping may be the perfect side hustle for you. Many businesses need help tracking their invoices and expenses, and balancing their various accounts.  

Plus, you don’t need formal qualifications to launch your bookkeeping business. While some bookkeepers have a specialized degree, many start their career with a high school diploma or some trade school classes. If you want to polish your skills, you can consider taking an online bookkeeping course before getting started.   

Ben Robinson, CEO of Bookkeepers.com, which offers bookkeeping masterclasses, says: “There’s no denying you can achieve a lot with this career path, and you can learn how to become a bookkeeper through training courses. You don’t even need related work experience to qualify for bookkeeping training. And, you don’t have to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). If you have no previous experience in the accounting industry, this means you need to pick your bookkeeping courses wisely. They should cover all the essentials you need to learn to be a competent and capable bookkeeper.”  

Video Editing  

Is your hobby making fancams for X? Running a YouTube channel? Or uploading edits of your favorite shows and movies?  

Then becoming a freelance video editor is a fantastic way to make some extra money online. With the surge in video marketing content – especially short-form, vertical clips for TikTok, Shorts, and Reels – many businesses are looking for editors.  

Skill-wise, you’ll need to have a solid grasp on editing software like Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve. And you’ll have to be a pro at selecting the right cuts, effects, and animations to produce a captivating clip that fits the brand voice of your client.  

The good news? Many hobby editors have found that the transition to being a well-paid pro is fairly smooth. In fact, most video marketing clients are less demanding than YouTube’s comment section.  

Social Media Management 

Are you hooked on social media? Completely in tune with the conversation on X? Up-to-date with the latest TikTok trends?  

Then you’ve got a great shot a launching a lucrative career in social media management. Like having a website, maintaining a presence on social media is a key element in establishing a business’ online presence. Still, many marketers struggle to get their brand voice right and become part of the conversation without seeming artificial.  

That’s where social media managers come in. You’ll need to pinpoint how to best reach a business’ target audience – which platform and content type to leverage to generate the most engagement. And you’ll need to create content, from TikTok videos to Facebook posts, that is custom-tailored to resonate with that audience.  

If you’re a social media junkie with multiple viral posts under your belt, then this should be a breeze for you. Especially if you also study up on social media strategy by following some of the many specialists out there who’re sharing their knowledge on their own accounts.  

Search Engine Optimization  

Finally, another lucrative side hustle idea is search engine optimization (SEO). SEO describes a set of practices that help websites rank in the top spots on Google.  

A large part of SEO is doing research on what search terms people use to look for products or services – and then writing custom-tailored website copy and blog posts to target these keywords. Another part of it is making sure that your customers’ websites are fast enough, and that other sites link back to it (“backlink building”).  

Sounds complicated? With a little practice, it’s really not. If you’ve got some experience as a writer and some time to study up on SEO best-practices, you’ll be all set to start looking for your first clients.  

Plus, there are countless free online resources to stay up to date with the latest SEO trends and learn from the best.  

The Bottom Line  

Launching a side hustle can seem daunting, even if it’s tempting to make an extra income in 2024.  

Ultimately, the key is to pick a side hustle that builds on your strengths, and involves tasks that you genuinely enjoy – from writing SEO-optimized texts to editing videos that are perfectly on-beat.  

Go through the list above, assess your own strengths, and launch yourself into your side-hustle adventure!  

online-business-ideas

36 Online Business Ideas You Can Start in 2024

It seems that there’s no shortage of good online business ideas. The truth is, the internet has made it easy to create a business. With just a website, you can reach anyone in any location in the world. Target the right people with the right offering, and you would be making your own money in no time. Other benefits of running an online business include cost savings, increased flexibility, and less paper waste.

So if you’re quietly contemplating the idea of starting something of your own , here’s a list of the best small online business ideas that are within the reach of almost anyone who’s willing to take the plunge. From social media manager, to public speaking coach, to interior design consultant, the options are endless.

latest business ideas from home

Start selling online now with Shopify

latest business ideas from home

36 Best Online Business Ideas for 2024

Here is the list of the top online business ideas to get you started instantly. The best part is that all of these ideas have money-making potential, meaning you don’t need to validate them before you start. If you are looking for the best online business to start, this is the only list you will need.

Most Popular Online Business Ideas

→ Click Here to Launch Your Online Business with Shopify

1. open a t-shirt online shop.

Platforms like Printful and Shopify have made it insanely simple to start an online t-shirt business for anyone with a speck of imagination and an eye for design. But it doesn’t need to be an online t-shirt shop; you can set up an ecommerce shop selling anything. The key here is to learn about print on demand, which forms the base for such businesses.

open t-shirt business

2. Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping is the easiest option to start an ecommerce business without having to buy any products in advance. Use dropshipping apps to find thousands of products from suppliers to sell online. Then sell to customers across the world while building and promoting your own brand, all without needing to invest in warehousing or manufacturing costs. You don’t need to pay for inventory until it’s sold to an actual customer. From online boutique to jewelry store to women’s clothing store to one-product store, dropshipping works for most online store ideas.Check out our guide to starting a dropshipping business to learn more about this great opportunity.

3. Kickstarter/Indiegogo Advisor

Grabbing the attention of curious browsers on the most popular crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo is a tough job. If you’re inventive and know how to tap into human emotion, then this is a niche worth exploring. Many aspiring entrepreneurs look for personalized advice to carry their campaigns to the finish line, so try offering action-oriented eBooks or online courses targeted at this particular audience.

4. SEO Expert

One of the online world’s hottest professions at the moment, this business is a gold mine for the tech-savvy entrepreneurs. While everyone’s slightly obsessed with getting their sites SEO optimized, not many people can actually wrap their heads around this topic. If you decide to go into this field, you can think about offering link building, content creation, ecommerce SEO optimization , and similar one-off packages.

5. Selling Online Courses

Derek Halpern has built a really strong personal brand. He’s the founder of a software and business training company called Social Triggers and makes a LOT of money teaching people how to sell what they know best. And what he knows best is how to sell. If you’ve got some serious expertise, start making money out of it by selling online courses or simply teaching online.

online business opportunities

6. Bug Testing

Bug testing is a service that no software company can ignore. If you can build a platform to crowdsource expert skills and resources to tackle this area, then you have solid chances of turning a profit. One of the most unique online business ideas, providing bug testing resources can be a lucrative way to boost your income. To find relevant jobs, go through the listings on ZipRecruiter and Indeed .

7. Video Producer

YouTube is the second largest site in the world , so there’s no surprise that video is becoming one of the main communication mediums for businesses of all types and sizes. If you have video filming or editing knowledge, it won’t take you long to build your clientele. Everything from video production workshops and video editing services to soundtrack libraries and DIY tutorials can appeal to the business world. Producing a video might be one of the most attractive online business ideas with lots of creativity and challenges.

8. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are always in demand from small businesses to large multinationals. Starting a graphic design business can allow you to tap into this great opportunity. Showcasing your experience with your past portfolio can help you gain customers without aggressive outreach.

9. Website Developer

In the same vein as graphic design, website development is in constant demand as businesses are always trying to upgrade and improve their websites to get more sales. This means that you can work on new and existing websites concurrently, and get to try new things all the time. If being constantly challenged is what you are looking for, website development could be the best online business for you.

Website Design - Shopify Experts

10. App Development

Apps are an amazing lucrative market, so it is not surprising that more and more companies are investing in them. This means that there is a growing need for app developers to create their applications. Offering app development  is a great opportunity as you can work on vastly different applications on a daily basis.

11. Theme Designer

Just like a website developer, a theme designer is working with websites but in a different way. Choosing theme designer as your side hustle idea means building new website themes for business to use for their website. This could mean researching popular themes, identifying their shortcomings, and creating a theme that solves these pain points while remaining true to the popularity of the previous theme. If you are an expert in a certain industry, creating themes for this industry could see you reap much success.

12. Translator

If you are gifted with more than one language but have no interest in teaching others, try translating. Many companies need their website and collateral translated when they move into a different market. You can help them achieve it, while also keeping active in more than one language. Keep in mind the most common way of billing is cost per word, so price wisely to make smart money from this great online business idea.

13. Social Media Manager

Social media is an integral part of any business but it’s time-consuming and ever-changing – so really quite difficult to keep up with and, more importantly, capitalize on. Many business owners are willing to outsource this time-intensive task, so it’s a great opportunity for social media fanatics. Bundle together a few interesting offers, such as “Startup social media kit” or “Small Business Social Media Starter Kit” that encompass everything from social media graphics to analytics reports and the seamless experience will bring you more clients than you expect.

14. Remote Customer Service Agent

If you enjoy helping people but don’t want to be stuck in a call center or office all day, become a remote customer service agent and help people from the comfort of your own home. Choose between helping people via chat, email, phone, video, or other ways and save the day for people every day. This may not make you your first million, but it feels great to help people.

15. Virtual Assistant

This is one of the best online business ideas to pursue from home . As a virtual assistant, you would be answering emails, writing content, and doing other tasks on behalf of businesses   The role can mean anything from a data entry person to a researcher, so, be open to trying new things and uncover new skills while getting paid.

16.  Remote Sales Team

As more and more companies take on the lean, mean approach to business, outsourcing cold calling and telesales functions becomes a sort of standard in the startup and small business environment. Whether you want to sell highly-targeted sales pitches or customer data, such as phone numbers and email addresses, the potential is vast.

17. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is where a person promotes a product that another merchant sells. Using advertising, social media, blogging, and more, an affiliate marketer can attract customers to their landing page. When customers click a link to buy the product they will then be brought to the merchant’s store to buy the product. As an internet business idea, this is great for anyone no matter their previous experience. Check out our guide, Affiliate Marketing: Everything You Need to Know , to learn more about this business model. 

18. Lead Generation Service Provider

Most businesses are chasing customers and looking for ways to increase conversion rates . This means investing in activities like lead generation that could be time-consuming. Because of this, many companies outsource the task to a lead generation service provider. If you are good on the phone and enjoy researching and doing outreach to strangers, then this is your calling!

19. Become an Influencer

An influencer is someone with a large follower base on social media who is seen as an expert in a particular area, like makeup or fitness. These people keep busy by posting regularly about their lives and promote products which they feel are good to possess. What is great about this internet business idea is that you can get paid to promote a business to your following, similar to affiliate marketing. Influencer marketing is a huge online business trend right now that you can capitalize on. Try your hand at Vlogging and starting a Podcast , which are under-utilized channels of communication for influencers right now.

20. Handmade Goods Shop

It can take you less than a day to build a storefront to showcase your work and connect with customers on platforms like Amazon and Etsy . If you’re into crafts and DIY, it’s definitely a viable business option to consider. You can make the goods yourself or source them from suppliers in Hong Kong and China.  If you’re in a country that has ePacket shipping , sourcing products is likely to be a better and more cost-effective option.

21. Become a Private Chef

If cooking is one of your personal passions, there are dozens of opportunities to turn it into a decent business venture . You can start by setting up a catering website, experimenting with pop-up food stalls and local food markets, or joining platforms that encourage cooking enthusiasts to squeeze some money out of their passion. And if you’re not camera-shy, you can teach people how to cook special meals by selling online classes.

22. Nutritionist

The trend of healthy eating is here to say. Yet with so much contradictory advice online about what is good for us and what is not, more and more people turn to professional nutritionists for specialist tips and guidance. You can easily find free online courses to learn the fundamentals of this profession and start offering personalized nutrition plans online.

23. Get Baking!

From freshly baked butter croissants to colorful macaroons and pillow-soft morning bagels – the world of the great bake-off is a rich and ever-growing place. The beautiful thing about the online world is that a great passion can be turned into a great business almost overnight. You can start an online bakery or move your existing bakeshop online. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to sell baked goods online .

latest business ideas from home

24. Natural & Organic Beauty Shop

Online shoppers are getting more and more conscientious about their choices, and especially so when it comes to beauty products. Running a beauty shop that’s built on strong ethos and values that resonate with nature and animal lovers is one of the hottest online business ideas right now. Tropic Skin Care seems to be doing a great job connecting with these shoppers.

25. Women’s Sportswear

With LuluLemon spearheading the way, online sportswear shops for women are quickly climbing to the top of the most popular idea amongst ecommerce entrepreneurs. Since yoga pants are clearly here to stay, it’s safe to say that the athleisure trend is one of the best and, perhaps, the least explored niches in ecommerce right now.

26. 3D-Printed Products

One of the biggest technological breakthroughs of this age, 3D printing is dictating a new strategy in the ecommerce world. Some of the best selling 3D-printed products include jewelry, home accessories, bicycle parts, tech accessories and more. For some beautiful examples check out 3DigitalCooks , and DanitPeleg .

27. Ethical Fashion Brand

One thing is clear – clothes and accessories will always be one of the super-profitable online business ideas for an ecommerce site. However, with so many boutiques and fashion online stores in existence, rising above the noise is extremely difficult. Yet, one promising idea that savvy entrepreneurs have probably already noticed is the booming trend of “ethical fashion”. Brands, such as Pachacuti , People Tree , Sea Salt, and Matt & Nat have successfully crafted their brands around the concept of organic, ethical production of fashion items and are riding the trend to the top of the strongest brands list.

28. Mystery Objects Shop

If you have an eye for quirky stuff, maybe running a mystery object shop could help you combine the desire for unusual business ideas with a steady source of income.

Muddy Creatures are nailing the concept of a surprise purchase that taps into the explorer instinct many of us possess. There’s no exact science or skill fueling this business idea – let your imagination go wild…

Easy-to-Start Online Business Ideas for 2020

29. Online Researcher

Although it sounds like a too-good-to-be-true idea, some people are successfully earning a living off their skill to find information online. From data research for infographics to market research for budding startups, talented researchers know that you can put a price tag on knowledge.

30. Proofreader

If you love reading, becoming a proofreader could be your calling. Have other people send you their manuscripts for books, research papers, or whatever else you are interested in reading about, and give them honest feedback before they publish their works of art. This job requires attention to detail and expertise in the area to ensure that everything is ready to print.

31. CV Writing

Banging out a winning CV is a mission impossible for many. If you’re good with words and know how to highlight people’s best qualities, CV writing could be a pretty sweet place to start a business. Additionally, you can sell slick CV templates that will help job hunters to get noticed faster and yield better results.

32. Speechwriting

Giving speeches is a terrifying experience. Giving bad speeches… Well, no one wants to be in that situation. Wordsmiths have a hugely valuable skill to win people over using nothing else but the power of well-strung sentences. If you can write, cash in on this skill by crafting speeches that make birthdays, weddings, award ceremonies, or political debates a more memorable experience.

33. Self-Published Author

If you have the next Harry Potter manuscript sitting in your drawer and the publishing industry hasn’t been kind to you, try self-publishing. Using tools like Amazon’s direct publishing or working with dedicated consultants like I_Am . You not only get the satisfaction of pushing your work out there, but also an opportunity to earn residual income .Don’t think you can write a good novel? Then stick to what you know – self-help is a money-making genre!

34. Ghostwriter

If writing is your thing but you are lacking a topic to write about, become a ghostwriter for someone else. If normally requires you to write about someone or something in a lot of detail. It can take time and much research to finish this type of project so be sure to have a few months free to give to it.

35. Content Curation

The German Economist Schumpeter once said that there are “no original ideas”, only new combinations of old ones. Curation of curiosity-fueling content is an intriguing and little-known business model. One of the best success stories out there is Brainpickings – a platform that describes itself as “an inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more”. The subscription-based model and successful utilization of affiliate links have turned the blog into a self-sustaining business.

popular online business ideas

36. Foreign Language Teacher

Everyone knows that the quickest way to learn a new language is to mingle with native speakers. If you were lucky enough to be born in an English, French, Spanish (insert any of the world’s main languages) speaking country, then missing out on the opportunity to cash in on the skills you take for granted is exactly that – missing out! Use online communication tools, such as Skype or Google Hangouts, to connect with learners and leverage your privileges. Time is money, so package your hours into teaching sessions and you’re good to go.

How to Start an Online Business

Starting an online business, no matter how small you aim to have it can take time and money. It can also involve legal research and some accounting knowledge so you may find there is some upskilling involved in many different areas. Have no fear though because once you get the wheels moving on your adventure, starting an online venture will be fun and motivating. As a great source of income , side hustle opportunities are abundant as you don’t need to be located next to a customer in order to provide the goods or services to them.

The most important first step in how to start an online business is to:

1. Decide Your Business

This is the most important step as without it you don’t have a business. Check out our above list of the most popular online business ideas and choose which one suits you best.

2. Research Your Industry

Get to know what your industry is like. Maybe there is a pricing structure most of your competitor follow that will be good for you. Or maybe once you discover your competitors you will decide that your industry is over-saturated and you need to change your business idea slightly to compete.

3. Create Your Brand

With every good business comes a good brand and if you figure this out at the start you can become a more successful online business in the beginning. This includes having an amazing website, and social media (if your customers are there), killer logo creation , engaging in some PR, and some more outreach and marketing activities.

external branding

4. Begin Getting Customers

The final step to getting started is actually getting your first customer. Having great customers behind you means success for your business. To find these customers you should discover how to get in front of your audience, sending out the right message to entice customers, and devising a pricing structure that works for the majority of customers to effectively give customers what they need.

Online Business Ideas FAQs

  • Where to search online for the best small business ideas?

You can search for the best small business ideas on entrepreneurial blogs like Oberlo, Shopify, or 99designs.com. Alternatively, you can use Google to provide insight by searching around topics that you are interested in.

  • What to sell as your online business idea?

You can sell almost anything as your online business idea. If you want to sell clothing, you could consider dropshipping or print-on-demand. If you are an expert in a particular field you could sell your knowledge through consulting or courses. The sky's the limit when it comes to online business ideas.

Online business ideas are endless and all-inclusive. Most office-based jobs can now be done online through freelancing or remote working. The beauty of technology means that profitable online businesses will keep growing and growing, making the world a truly global marketplace. If you are considering moving away from the traditional career path and want to start your own business, read through our list of business ideas a few times and contemplate the many ways you can start a successful online business today.

Summary: Best Online Business Ideas for 2024

  • Start an online t-shirt business
  • Launch a dropshipping website
  • Offer advice on Indiegogo/Kickstarter
  • Start an SEO business
  • Sell online courses
  • Offer software bug testing resources  
  • Launch a video production company
  • Offer graphic design services
  • Sell web development services
  • Create apps for companies
  • Build website themes
  • Provide translation services
  • Manage social media for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
  • Offer remote customer support services
  • Provide virtual assistant services 
  • Become a remote sales agent
  • Launch an affiliate marketing business
  • Provide lead generation services
  • Do influencer marketing
  • Build a handmade goods store
  • Become a private chef
  • Offer nutrition consultancy 
  • Sell baked goods online
  • Build a natural & organic beauty store
  • Sell women’s sportswear online
  • Offer 3D-printed products
  • Create an ethical fashion brand
  • Start a mystery objects shop
  • Work as an online researcher
  • Become a proofreader
  • Offer CV writing services
  • Become a speechwriter
  • Self-publish books and e-books
  • Ghostwrite content 
  • Curate interesting content
  • Teach foreign languages

Which of these online business ideas are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments below.

Want to Learn More?

  • Free Business Name Generator
  • Wondering How to Grow Your Business? 4 Ways Dropshipping Can Help
  • Business Ideas That Will Make You Money
  • What Should You Sell Online

Is there anything else you’d like to know more about and wish was included in this article? Let us know in the comments below!   

latest business ideas from home

20 Best Websites To Sell Stuff Online (2024)

Here's a list of websites where you can make extra cash selling just about anything.

how to start a business 2019

How to Start a Business in 2024: A 10-Step Guide

Learn how to find an idea, source your products, develop your brand, manage your money, and everything in between with …

latest business ideas from home

11 Top Search Engines to Optimize For in 2024

Discover 11 leading search engines of 2024. Find out where to direct your optimization efforts for maximum impact.

Oberlo uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and improve your experience. By using our website, you agree to our privacy policy.

AllBusiness.com

Home Business Ideas: 8 Businesses With a Low Startup Cost

By Rose Wheeler

One positive thing that the pandemic brought us was the increase in home-based business opportunities. With remote working opportunities rising, more people are realizing that they have the resources and ability to do their jobs from home.

It can be freeing to forgo the traditional 9-to-5 office routine while also freeing up time for family and reclaiming hours spent commuting with a new home-based schedule. And online infrastructure continues to grow, with the majority of business operations taking place over the internet, making home offices realistically the next main working frontier.

Here are some of our favorite home business ideas to pursue this year.

1. Start a service-based online business

A service-based online company is a great business to run from home. The overhead cost is pretty much $0 (all you need is an internet connection, applicable software, and your natural talents). You won’t need to invest in or maintain an inventory of products, though you will want to establish boundaries to protect your time; time is money, after all.

Some of the most streamlined and best home businesses are run by creative professionals. Are you a pro at copywriting? You can start crafting marketing copy for busy small business owners. Do you have professional graphic design skills? Start a design business where you can create branding, websites, or sell design kits to clients. Are you a marketing whiz? Is consulting your strong point? Launch a business helping entrepreneurs with marketing strategy or content marketing, or coach them to achieve their sales goals.

You can sell and provide your services entirely online, either by building a referral-based business, cold pitching, networking, and even using platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr to book gigs.

While there is some uplift in networking and cultivating clients, booking just a few regular clients for ongoing projects or monthly retainers will help keep you in business.

2. Blogging

There’s always room for a niche blogger, so if you enjoy writing, starting your own blog is a great home business idea. Find a topic you are truly passionate about and bring it to an equally interested audience.

You can, of course, charge for subscriptions, but the best way to make money blogging is by exploring avenues for monetization and ad revenue. Programs such as Google AdSense will place ads on your site and pay you when people click on them. You can also partner with verified merchants to advertise their products, and when someone clicks through your link to make a purchase, you get a percentage of the sale.

Of course, you will need a robust audience to make much of a profit, but you can build traffic by having a highly focused niche, engaging in digital marketing, and refining your SEO.

3. Turn craftiness into cash

Whether it's sewing, painting, 3D printing, jewelry making, or something else entirely, there is a huge market for handmade creations and a desire to support small artisans. If you have that crafty gene, you can look into selling your creations for cash online and running your business from home.

Marketplaces such as Etsy allow you to market and sell your creations in a dedicated space while controlling your branding and ideals.

4. Take over an existing online store

If you can't come up with a work-from-home idea that suits your skills, you can always look into buying and taking over an existing e-commerce business . You can slide into the entrepreneur role and turn it into your own successful home business. This way you can benefit from the cash flow of an existing at-home business without the uncertainty of building a brand.

Of course, this route does require a good chunk of cash upfront, but if you have the savings, it's a low-risk avenue to achieving a home-based business. There are even marketplaces set up already for this very purpose, such as Shopify's Exchange , where you can buy a functioning and profitable online store.

5. Do bookkeeping or accounting

You don’t need to physically be in an office to run numbers, and many small businesses prefer to outsource their accounting.

If you’re interested in bookkeeping, you don’t even need to be a full CPA—just take a bookkeeping course for certification from an accredited institution such as the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

You can maintain a roster of business clients to run payroll, taxes, etc. all from your home office. You can even focus on doing bookkeeping for freelancers or entrepreneurs.

6. Bulk reselling

Another small business you can run from your home is reselling items . You can look into buying in bulk from vendors and selling the products individually at a profit.

Reselling is a great way to hone in on a niche market and take advantage of the off-price market to buy pre- or post-season items at a discount and resell them at a higher price.

Often, many items can only be purchased en masse (such as international imports or certain candies), so they need a distribution point to buy wholesale and sell piecemeal.

7. Virtual customer service

Customer service jobs are almost exclusively virtual now, needing only a phone or the internet to connect to a chat.

Businesses are looking more and more to hire a fleet of freelance customer service representatives, so there are plenty of opportunities to put your customer service skills to use from home. Some of these opportunities are either as a remote full-time employee or an independent contractor.

8. Teach online courses

In lieu of a product or executing a business service, put your knowledge to use, teaching others a skill, a topic, a hobby, etc.

The homebound boredom is real, and people are turning to online classes in droves to learn something new and interesting, whether merely for fun or so they can further themselves in the business world. From yoga classes to languages to cooking courses and more, if you know how to do something and do it well, there is a good chance there’s a class you could teach. Popular online class platforms include Udemy , Outschool , and Skillshare .

There is also freedom around the structure of teaching. You can opt for daily or weekly live courses, one-on-one or group sessions, downloadable content, or prerecorded training.

There’s no wrong way to teach, and the flexibility makes it more enjoyable all around.

The at-home business model is here to stay

The world has evolved past traditional views on commuting to work. Many skills and jobs require only training and a computer to do, so why not take advantage and do them from your home?

Whatever your specialty or interest—whether it's writing, customer service, consulting, marketing, teaching, or crafting—you have many avenues of home-based work to pursue. Hopefully, one of these home business ideas will be right for you.

RELATED: Entrepreneurial Moms Share Creative Strategies for Juggling Business and Family at Home

About the Author

Post by: Rose Wheeler

Rose Wheeler is a seasoned writer and content manager with more than 15 years of experience. She specializes in content related to digital marketing, small business, personal finance, and CMS. Her work has appeared on sites such as Selz, The Cheat Sheet, and Swaay. When she's not working with her awesome clients, Rose enjoys cooking, playing games, and curling up with a good book.

Company: The Blueprint by The Motley Fool

Website: www.www.fool.com/the-blueprint/

Connect with me on Twitter .

Home Business Ideas: 8 Businesses With a Low Startup Cost

Cart

  • SUGGESTED TOPICS
  • The Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • Managing Yourself
  • Managing Teams
  • Work-life Balance
  • The Big Idea
  • Data & Visuals
  • Reading Lists
  • Case Selections
  • HBR Learning
  • Topic Feeds
  • Account Settings
  • Email Preferences

It’s Time to Redefine Our Gendered Idea of “Ambition”

  • Rachel Simmons
  • Adrienne Kortas

latest business ideas from home

Rather than enforcing a binary point of view — you’re either climbing up the ladder or stepping aside — skillful managers don’t equate pace with potential.

What defines an ambitious worker? For far too long, we’ve only had one answer to that question: somebody single-mindedly dedicated to climbing the career ladder. But that model of ambition arose when professionals were typically men supported by women at home. Women today are integral to the workforce, but because they still disproportionately shoulder demands at home, they can’t always focus single-mindedly on climbing the ladder — and so are assumed not to be ambitious. That explains the problematic lack of women in positions of senior leadership today. For everybody’s benefit, the authors argue, it’s time for a new model of ambition — one that takes women’s perspective into account and puts a new emphasis on growth rather than  time .

Last fall, McKinsey’s “Women in the Workplace” report found that women continue to face blockers in the transition from entry-level positions to management roles. The problem — likened to a “broken rung” on the career ladder — has stunted women’s advancement and led to a persistent gender gap in senior leadership positions. The trend is most dire for women of color, who this past year have seen previous gains slip substantially.

latest business ideas from home

  • Rachel Simmons is an executive coach, learning-and-development specialist, and the bestselling author of Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl.
  • Adrienne Kortas is an executive coach and leadership-development consultant who specializes in designing and delivering women’s leadership-development programs.

Partner Center

Create any image you can dream up with Microsoft's AI image generator

Describe your ideas and then watch them transform into breathtaking images. whether it's social media visuals , business projects , or photos, image creator in microsoft designer can effortlessly handle any style or format. no downloads, fees, or complex software; just let your creativity flow.

Create custom images for free

Try out a few prompts

Prompt tile thumbnail

A kitchen in the farmhouse style with soup and spices on the countertop, warm light, shallow depth of field

Prompt tile thumbnail

A product photo of a juice bottle surrounded by paper waves, quilling style, pastel colors

Prompt tile thumbnail

A sleeping cat lying in the sunlight on a windowsill in mid-day, retro color palettes, shallow depth of field, blurred background

Prompt tile thumbnail

A female scientist with test tubes and a microscope in the background, constructivist poster style in blue, black and cream color palette with a minimal composition

Prompt tile thumbnail

Simple folk style illustration of a bluebird with red and yellow flowers

Prompt tile thumbnail

An abstract background of melting liquid with a metallic sheen, gold and grey colors, reflective studio light

Prompt tile thumbnail

A detail of a maple tree in the middle of a green field, blue sky, warm color palette, autochrome style, vintage

Prompt tile thumbnail

A castle made out of gumdrops and lollipops on a pink background, 3D hyper-surrealism, shiny, metallic, pastel colors

Why use Microsoft Designer's free AI image generator?

Designer makes creating your own images easy. Just write a description of the image you'd like and let AI do the rest! You'll get vivid, high-resolution images with stunning detail.

Lightbulb illustration

It's free

Gears illustration

It's fast

Layered image illustration

It's precise

Collection of images illustration

It's versatile

Turn words into high-quality images with help from ai.

Open Image Creator and sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.

Describe the image you'd like to create and select Generate .

3 tips for getting the best AI images

Cursor hovering over a prompt and generated AI image

Tip #1: Detail your vision

Cursor hovering over a prompt and generated AI image

Tip #2: Consider composition

Cursor hovering over a prompt and generated AI image

Tip #3: Refine and experiment

Frequently asked questions, can i generate ai images for free, what projects are best for ai-generated images, what model does microsoft designer use to create images, how can i ensure my ai-generated images are on brand.

First, clearly define your brand's identity—colors, fonts, image style, key motifs, and overall mood and aesthetic—and incorporate those elements into your prompts. Consider creating a set of brand guidelines to consistently guide the AI's output. When you generate an image that fits your brand, note the prompt you used. Likewise, observe which prompts don't work and refine them accordingly. A spreadsheet can be a handy way to log successful prompts so you can recycle them in the future.

Related articles

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • View all small business
  • View all taxes

Register for a NerdWallet account to access simple tax filing for a $50 flat fee, powered by 

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

5 Must-Know Tax Breaks for the 2024 Filing Season

Sabrina Parys

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Wondering which tax breaks you might be able to take advantage of this year? It might help to first take stock of any major financial decisions or changes you made last year.

Home upgrades, a new electric vehicle purchase or paying down some student loan interest are just a few activities that could equal some serious savings this filing season.

1. Get rewarded for going green

If you decided 2023 was the year to tackle some home improvements, you could reap the reward of tax credits worth up to $3,200 or more on your 2024 tax return.

The Inflation Reduction Act, a tax bill passed in 2022, expanded the energy efficient home improvement tax credit through 2032. The law also eliminated the lifetime limit clause, meaning taxpayers can now take advantage of the credit annually, if eligible.

If you purchased energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, air conditioners or even paid for a home energy audit in 2023, you may be able to snag a credit of up to $1,200 for those updates. On top of that, if you purchased heat pumps, water heaters or biomass stoves, it could get you up to $2,000, for a total of up to $3,200.

On the other hand, if you opted for a bigger overhaul by installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, you might be able to claim 30% of your total costs through another credit called the residential clean energy credit.

The advantage of the residential clean energy credit, in particular, is that any remaining amount above the 30% cap can be carried over to future tax returns, says Craig Chilcote, a Duluth, Minnesota-based CPA and managing partner of Anderson Kuiti & Asuma PLLC.

One big caveat: You can’t claim the residential clean energy credit and the energy efficiency home improvement tax credit at the same time.

2. Save on taxes by switching to an electric vehicle

One hot topic last year was the push for electric-powered vehicles. They’re better for the environment than traditional gas and diesel-fueled cars, and purchasing one could mean some serious savings in the form of an EV tax credit worth $3,750 to $7,500.

For those who drove a new qualified EV off the lot in 2023, your dealer should have given you the paperwork needed to claim the credit on the tax return you’re filing by April, but don’t forget the final step: filling out Form 8936.

For those contemplating an EV purchase in 2024, the rules and qualifying vehicles have changed a bit as new battery requirements have come into play. More importantly, you can either take the credit on your 2024 taxes in 2025, or ask the dealer to lower the price of the car by the credit amount immediately.

The key to taking advantage of this evolving incentive? Ensure you stay on top of your options by keeping up with the latest EV tax credit changes.

3. Leverage your student loan interest

Millions of borrowers began student loan repayments in late 2023, as the three-year pause came to an end. If you’re one of those borrowers, there’s one upside to consider: the student loan interest deduction.

While this tax benefit isn’t new, this may be the first time since 2021 that many filers can take full advantage. The tax break allows qualified student loan borrowers who paid interest on their loans to lower their taxable income by up to $2,500.

Keep an eye out for Form 1098-E from your lender, says Moira Corcoran, a Chicago-based CPA. That record is an indication that you paid more than $600 in interest in 2023 and probably can take advantage of the credit.

If you’re a parent who has been paying your child’s student loan and the loan is in your name, you get to take the deduction instead of your kid, even if you’re not a student.

4. Don't write off itemizing 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a major piece of tax law enacted in 2017, almost doubled the standard deduction , making it the go-to choice for many tax filers. According to the latest data from the IRS, nearly 90% of filers took it in 2020.

You may want to think twice before defaulting to the standard deduction, though, says Chilcote. For some taxpayers — especially homeowners or retirees with high unreimbursed medical costs — it may be worth thinking about the alternative: itemizing .

Even if rummaging through receipts and paperwork seems low on your list of to-dos, it might be worth the pain of digging. After all, these additional deductions could end up totaling more in savings than the standard deduction.

The good news is that your tax preparer or tax software often can help run both scenarios to see which one has the biggest benefit.

5. Prepare for some potential child tax credit confusion

One final tip for this tax season is to keep an eye on the possibility of a child tax credit expansion . If the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, currently awaiting a Senate vote, becomes law, the refundable version of the child tax credit would increase from $1,600 to $1,800 for the current tax year. The law also would allow filers to factor in the number of qualifying children they have when calculating their total refundable benefit.

While it’s unlikely these changes will affect most moderate- to high-income taxpayers, they could extend a significant benefit to lower-income families who are often unable to take full advantage of the credit due to low or no taxes owed.

For those who’ve already filed, the IRS will automatically update and take steps to help taxpayers entitled to an additional refund — no action is needed on the tax filer's part, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a recent news conference.

But this could change as the bill comes closer to reality. For those who have yet to file, most major tax software providers have confirmed that their programs will have the latest information to guide taxpayers through the change.

On a similar note...

latest business ideas from home

Simple tax filing with a $50 flat fee for every scenario

With this user-friendly tax software, registered NerdWallet members pay one fee, regardless of your tax situation. Plus, you'll get free support from tax experts. Sign up for access today.

for a NerdWallet account

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

AT&T Says Service Is Restored After Widespread Cellular Outage

White House officials said the incident was under investigation, but it did not appear to be a cyberattack. Verizon and T-Mobile said their networks were operating normally.

The AT&T logo.

By Jenny Gross and David McCabe

Jenny Gross reported from London and David McCabe reported from Washington.

AT&T said on Thursday that it had fully restored service to its wireless network after a widespread outage temporarily cut off connections for users across the United States for many hours, the cause of which was still under investigation.

The outage, which affected people in cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York, was first reported around 3:30 a.m. Eastern time, according to Downdetector.com , which tracks user reports of telecommunication and internet disruptions. At its peak, the site listed around 70,000 reports of disrupted service for the wireless carrier.

Multiple government agencies said they were looking into the incident, although the Biden administration told reporters that AT&T said there was no reason to think it was a cyberattack.

AT&T did not disclose the scope of the outage, nor the reason for it. When the outage first began on Thursday morning, the company listed the cause as “maintenance activity.”

Jim Greer, an AT&T spokesman, apologized in a statement confirming service was restored and said the company was “taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future.”

The outage underscored the importance of connectivity to daily life as individuals and businesses were cut off from communications and the ability to use mobile apps. AT&T advised consumers they could make calls over Wi-Fi and sought to respond to angry customers online. Many phones showed an “SOS” symbol on their screen, signaling they could only make emergency calls, while local governments offered alternate ways to reach 911.

Reports of outages on Downdetector began to fall midmorning, and at one point AT&T’s website showed that outages were limited to users in California , though users in other states were still reporting issues. Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also reported that its users were experiencing wireless service interruptions and said it was working to restore service.

Reports also surfaced early Thursday that FirstNet, the network AT&T maintains for emergency services personnel, had experienced outages, but AT&T said around 10:30 a.m. that the network was fully operational.

Verizon experienced 3,000 reports of outages at one point on Thursday and T-Mobile about half that. Both companies said in statements that their networks were operating normally.

“Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier,” Verizon said. “We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

In an email, T-Mobile said that it did not experience an outage. “Downdetector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks.”

Officials in Washington said they were working to understand the cause of the outage. A spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission said its inquiry was being handled by its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, which was in touch with AT&T as well as other providers.

John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, said on a call with reporters on Thursday that the Biden administration was told “that AT&T has no reason to think this was a cybersecurity incident,” although he added that they would not be certain until an investigation had been completed.

Mr. Kirby said that, in addition to the F.C.C., the Department of Homeland Security and the F.B.I. were collaborating with technology companies to investigate the outage.

The F.B.I. said in a statement it was in touch with AT&T and would respond accordingly if any malicious activity was found.

Throughout the day, cities urged residents to find alternate ways of reaching emergency or municipal services, like landlines or phones connected to Wi-Fi. The City of Upper Arlington, Ohio , said the fire department might not be notified of fire alarms because of the outage. It urged that any fire alarm be followed up with a 911 call.

The San Francisco Fire Department said on social media that it was aware of an issue affecting AT&T users who were trying to call 911. “We are actively engaged and monitoring this,” the fire department said. “If you are an AT&T customer and cannot get through to 911, then please try calling from a landline.”

The Massachusetts State Police said on social media on Thursday morning that 911 call centers across the state had been flooded with calls from people checking to see if the emergency service worked from their phones. “Please do not do this,” the police said. “If you can successfully place a non-emergency call to another number via your cell service then your 911 service will also work.”

Even in less extreme circumstances, the outage complicated the many elements of life that have come to rely on a reliable connection to the internet.

Staff at the First Watch restaurant in Dania Beach, Fla., had to turn away breakfast customers for a time while the outage prevented them from processing payments.

Debra Maddow, who lives in southwest Houston, said that she first noticed something was off after 7 a.m., when she went to check traffic and Google Maps was offline. Later, she visited a Starbucks to make an urgent call through its free Wi-Fi, she said.

“I’m really frustrated that they’re not telling us anything,” Ms. Maddow said in a phone interview over Wi-Fi. She said she tried to call AT&T for an update, but after a long time on hold, the call was dropped.

Victor Mather , John Keefe , Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Adam Goldman contributed reporting.

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

David McCabe covers tech policy. He joined The Times from Axios in 2019. More about David McCabe

Explore Our Business Coverage

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping the world of business..

A Funding Frenzy:  Anthropic, one of the world’s hottest A.I. start-ups, raised $7.3 billion over 2023. Here’s how the funding spree happened .

A Twist on Home Cooking:  Developers are transforming clusters of old homes into micro restaurants, combining the pleasures of dining out with the nostalgic comforts of home .

The Great Compression:  Soaring home prices in the United States have ushered in the era of the 400-square-foot subdivision house. The change could reshape the market .

A Billionaire’s Moonshots:  The entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian wants to help build the new space economy , one Prada spacesuit and Jeff Koons-filled lunar lander at a time.

E.V. Uncertainty:  In Michigan, one of six battleground states that could determine the 2024 U.S. presidential election, electric vehicles have emerged as a contested piece of the economic future .

A Climate Retreat:  Many of the world’s biggest financial firms spent the past several years pledging to fight climate change. Now, Wall Street has flip-flopped .

IMAGES

  1. 20 Small Business Ideas You Can Start From Home

    latest business ideas from home

  2. 30 Business Ideas for Starting Your Own Service Business

    latest business ideas from home

  3. 50 Online Jobs and Business Ideas for Moms

    latest business ideas from home

  4. 35 Small Business Ideas to Start at Home

    latest business ideas from home

  5. 50+ Easy Online Business Ideas for Stay at Home Moms

    latest business ideas from home

  6. 17 Small Online Business Ideas You Can Start Today

    latest business ideas from home

VIDEO

  1. 10 Home-Based Business Ideas Under $500, Start Your Own Business Today! (Part 1)

  2. Top 10 Home Business Ideas and Opportunities

  3. Business Ideas For Women

  4. ʜᴏᴡ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴀ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ

  5. Amazing Home Based Business Ideas

  6. 3 business ideas||2024 business ideas|home business idea|kamnavestment three business ideas

COMMENTS

  1. 19 Home Business Ideas To Start In 2024

    1. Virtual Assistant Business 2. Recruiting Agency 3. Doggy Daycare 4. Property Watch Service 5. Airbnb Management Service 6. Print-on-Demand Business 7. Sell Online Classes 8. Sell Homemade...

  2. 16 Ways to Make Money From Home in 2024

    Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out ...

  3. Home Business Ideas: 40 Top Remote Jobs in 2022

    1. Freelance writer If you're a great writer, then you could make a great freelance writer. And best of all, freelance writers work from all over the world. Whether you want to sit in your...

  4. 10 Profitable Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today (2024)

    1. Sell Handmade Products → Click Here to Launch Your Online Business with Shopify 2. Start a Dropshipping Business From Home 3. Start a Print-on-Demand Business From Home 4. Purchase Products in Bulk and Sell Them Online 5. Purchase An Existing Ecommerce Business 6. Start a Subscription Box Business From Home 7. Teach Online 8.

  5. How To Start a Small Business at Home (40 Ideas for 2024)

    40 best home business ideas Buy products in bulk and sell them online Sell homemade products Start a dropshipping store Start a print-on-demand business Offer online services Teach online classes Productize your service or expertise Grow an audience you can monetize Buy an existing small business Start a subscription-box business

  6. 49 Best Home Business Ideas for 2023

    1. Freelance Writing Use your wordsmithing skills to start a freelance writing business. We have advice for how to pitch a story if you're looking for your first byline. To make freelance writing your full-time business, you'll benefit from expanding your repertoire to incorporate multiple types of writing (editing skills also increase your value).

  7. 72 Home Based Business Ideas You Can Start Today

    Easiest business ideas to start from home Pet sitter Survey taker Uber driver Professional organizer Personal shopper

  8. The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

    1. Build an ecommerce store Of course, building an e-commerce store is a popular way to run a new business out of your home, and for good reason. It's easier than ever, and with many tools...

  9. How To Start A Small Business At Home (2024 Guide)

    File IRS Form SS-4 To Obtain an EIN. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is needed for businesses that have employees or have excise tax reporting obligations. The process of obtaining an EIN ...

  10. How to Start a Home Business

    4. Register your home business. If you decide to form your business as an LLC or C corporation, you'll need to register with your state to start and run your business from home legally. The exact ...

  11. 40 Best Startup Business Ideas for 2024

    7. Curate subscription boxes. Subscription boxes are a $22.7 billion dollar business globally, and the industry is still set to grow. Pick a niche, and then curate a collection of specialized ...

  12. 70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business

    Published: July 31, 2023 A good business idea may seem hard to come by, but with some planning and preparation, you can easily launch a small business to supplement your income — or become your own full-time boss. Maybe you already have an idea of the business you'd like to start.

  13. The 85 Best Small Business Ideas for 2024

    Here are our favorite small business ideas for stability, profitability, ease of running from home, ease of starting, and creativity: Best small business to start from home: web developer. Most stable small business idea: childcare owner. Most profitable small business: event planner. Easiest small business to start: notary.

  14. Home Business Ideas

    40 HOME BUSINESS IDEAS FOR 2024 We've broken down our favorite home business ideas and ranked their startup costs, required skill level, and earning potential to help you decide which business idea is right for you. 1. GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS

  15. Trending Home Business Ideas for 2024

    So, whether you want to supplement your income or begin a new career, you can discover trending home business ideas for 2024 in the guide below. Sell Homemade Products. ... If you love animals, the next entry on our list of home business ideas is for you. Opening your home as a pet hotel or becoming a dog sitter is one of the most popular ...

  16. How To Start a Small Business at Home: 30 Ideas for 2023

    17 Jul 2023 On this page What are the pros and cons for starting a business at home? 30 profitable home business ideas you can start today

  17. 33 Small Business Ideas to Make Money in 2024 (Low Investment ...

    To attract clients, target a niche audience, leverage past experiences, and highlight your success stories. With monthly retainers of $500 to $1,000, selling SEO services is one of the best business ideas to make money in 2024. 22. App development. App development is one of the best profitable small business ideas, since so many companies ...

  18. 41 Online Business Ideas You Can Start in 2023

    1. E-commerce store Starting an e-commerce website is relatively easy and cheap — at least when compared with opening up a brick-and-mortar store. You can start with a limited amount of inventory,...

  19. 50 Business Ideas for New Entrepreneurs in 2024

    HostGator Best security and scalability Starts at $3.75 per month All types of hosting Enhanced security tools Affordable as you grow Learn more Ideally, the perfect small business idea for you fulfills three important criteria: An activity you like doing Something you are good at

  20. 19 Small Business Ideas For 2024

    1. Tutoring 2. Music and Voice Lessons 3. Bookkeeper 4. Pet Care Services 5. Subscription Box Service 6. Dropshipping Website 7. Dog Grooming 8. Copywriter 9. Copy Editor 10. Wedding or Events...

  21. Lucrative Ideas for Online Side Hustles to Make More Money in 2024

    Plus, there are countless free online resources to stay up to date with the latest SEO trends and learn from the best. The Bottom Line Launching a side hustle can seem daunting, even if it's ...

  22. 36 Online Business Ideas You Can Start in 2024

    Producing a video might be one of the most attractive online business ideas with lots of creativity and challenges. 8. Graphic Designer. Graphic designers are always in demand from small businesses to large multinationals. Starting a graphic design business can allow you to tap into this great opportunity.

  23. Home Business Ideas: 8 Businesses With a Low Startup Cost

    Here are some of our favorite home business ideas to pursue this year. 1. Start a service-based online business. A service-based online company is a great business to run from home. The overhead ...

  24. 19 Home Business Ideas To Start In 2024

    Here are 19 home business ideas to start: 1. Virtual assistant business. A virtual assistant (VA) helps other business owners and executives handle some of the tasks required in day-to-day ...

  25. It's Time to Redefine Our Gendered Idea of "Ambition"

    Last fall, McKinsey's "Women in the Workplace" report found that women continue to face blockers in the transition from entry-level positions to management roles. The problem — likened to ...

  26. Free AI image generator from Microsoft Designer and DALL-E 3

    Describe your ideas and then watch them transform into breathtaking images. Whether it's social media visuals, business projects, or photos, Image Creator in Microsoft Designer can effortlessly handle any style or format. No downloads, fees, or complex software; just let your creativity flow!

  27. 15 Online Business Ideas For 2024

    1. Voice-Over Services 2. Online Plant Nursery 3. Digital Marketing Agency 4. Virtual Event Planner 5. E-Commerce Personal Shopper 6. Wellness Coaching 7. Remote Tech Support 8. Freelance...

  28. 5 Must-Know Tax Breaks for 2024

    One final tip for this tax season is to keep an eye on the possibility of a child tax credit expansion.If the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, currently awaiting a Senate ...

  29. AT&T Says Service Is Restored After Widespread Cellular Outage

    Explore Our Business Coverage Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping the world of business. A Funding Frenzy: Anthropic, one of the world's hottest A.I. start-ups, raised $7.3 ...

  30. How To Start A Business In 11 Steps (2024 Guide)

    The best way to accomplish any business or personal goal is to write out every possible step it takes to achieve the goal. Then, order those steps by what needs to happen first. Some steps may ...