21 Business Ideas For Home Dads [2024]
Juggling the demands of parenting and the desire to contribute financially can be a challenge for home dads. The good news is that the digital age and changing economic landscape present numerous opportunities to start a business from home. You could explore various ventures that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Imagine turning your skills and passions into a source of income without sacrificing family time. From freelance work to e-commerce, the possibilities are vast and diverse. This article aims to provide you with practical business ideas specifically suited for home dads in 2024.
Whether you have a knack for writing, a flair for design, or an interest in technology, there are plenty of pathways to consider. You could start as a freelance consultant, run an online store, or even create digital content. Let’s dive into some ideas that could help you achieve financial freedom while staying close to your loved ones.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other home dads businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
Starting an Etsy seller business can be an ideal way for Home Dads to supplement their income and turn a creative hobby into a profitable venture. Etsy's platform allows you to reach a global market while working from home, offering flexibility to balance business tasks with childcare duties. With a minimal initial investment and the ability to manage operations on your schedule, Etsy provides an excellent opportunity to generate extra revenue and possibly grow into a full-time business.
Why start an Etsy seller business?
- Flexibility to work from home and around your family's schedule.
- Minimal startup costs, as you only need an Etsy account, PayPal, and a product idea.
- Great potential for turning a hobby into a profitable venture, with access to a global market.
For more insights, check out successful Etsy seller stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
2. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)
Starting an online retail store is a practical way for home dads to supplement their income while managing family responsibilities. With just a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service, you could launch a store that fits around your schedule. You could choose a drop shipping model for minimal upfront investment or sell your own handcrafted items to add a personal touch.
Why start an online retail store?
- Flexibility to work around family schedules.
- Low startup cost makes it accessible.
- Potential to expand into a full-time business.
For more insight into what it takes to start an online retail store, check out this detailed guide on profitability.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store as a Home Dad could be an excellent way to supplement your income while balancing family commitments. With the flexibility to work from your own home, you could effectively capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping without the overhead costs associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar store. This venture allows you to convert your hobbies or interests into an income stream, offering the potential to reach a global audience with your unique products.
Why consider starting an ecommerce store?
- It offers flexibility, allowing you to work around your family's schedule.
- The initial investment is lower compared to starting a physical store.
- You could reach a wider audience by selling your products online.
For more tips and success stories, check out these ecommerce store success stories. (/ideas/ecommerce-store/success-stories)
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
4. Start a naming and branding service ($92.4K/month)
For entrepreneurial-minded Home Dads, starting a naming and branding service could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. This venture involves helping companies, startups, and individuals develop unique brand names, logos, and entire brand identities. By leveraging your creativity, strategic thinking, and passion for marketing, you could provide a valuable service in an ever-growing market where businesses need to stand out. To get more insights, you can check out some naming and branding service success stories here.
Why start a naming and branding service?
- Flexibility and creativity: Work from home and set your own schedule while doing something creatively fulfilling.
- Growing demand: Businesses constantly seek unique identities to stand out in crowded markets.
- Diverse opportunities: You could work with a variety of clients, from startups to established companies, offering ample opportunities for growth and learning.
How much you can make: $515 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 31 days (?)
Squadhelp is a 3 million dollar per year business that's growing rapidly each day and has helped more than 20,000+ businesses create a unique name, a crucial factor in connecting with target customers.
5. Become a solopreneur ($285K/month)
Choosing to become a solopreneur as a Home Dad can significantly supplement your income and offer financial independence. With the solopreneur path, you'd be in charge of every aspect of your business, from marketing and customer service to product development and bookkeeping. The ability to control every decision and the flexibility it offers can be highly appealing, especially for those with a versatile skill set who thrive on independence.
Leveraging technology and outsourcing tools can help you manage the workload efficiently, making the seemingly daunting task more manageable. Plus, starting small and focusing on a niche you are passionate about allows for gradual growth and expertise development. If you're looking for an opportunity that offers creative freedom, entrepreneurial responsibility, and a substantial potential for growth, becoming a solopreneur might be your perfect fit. Learn more about solopreneur success stories here.
Why consider becoming a solopreneur?
- You'd have complete control over your business and decisions, allowing for a tailor-made work-life balance.
- Flexibility to work around your family's schedule, ensuring you can be present for important moments.
- Potential to turn your passion or skill set into a thriving business, providing both financial and personal fulfillment.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $25,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
6. Start a marketing agency ($250K/month)
Starting a marketing agency could be an excellent business idea for Home Dads. With businesses constantly seeking new, effective ways to reach their audience, your agency could help them navigate the complex world of digital marketing, from social media to email campaigns. Even if you're new to the field, many successful agencies began with entrepreneurs learning on the job, and there's plenty of online resources to guide you.
Why starting a marketing agency?
- Flexible working hours allow you to balance business and family life.
- Minimal upfront investment if you leverage existing tools and online resources.
- You're helping businesses grow, which can be highly fulfilling and lucrative.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
7. Start an email marketing tool ($249K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business could be an ideal venture for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or launch a full-scale business. Email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels, providing opportunities to generate leads, increase sales, and extend your reach. With the booming email marketing industry expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, there's a significant demand for innovative solutions to help businesses manage, create, and automate email campaigns.
Building an email marketing tool requires a relatively low initial investment, primarily involving domain and hosting setup, making it accessible for entrepreneurs with tight budgets. This business can fit seamlessly into the flexible schedule of Home Dads, allowing them to balance family responsibilities while growing a profitable venture. Additionally, creating such a tool empowers you to impact a variety of sectors, from small startups to large enterprises, by providing essential marketing services.
Why starting an email marketing tool?
- You could turn a low-cost investment into a profitable business opportunity quickly, leveraging the growing market.
- This business model fits well into a flexible lifestyle, making it perfect for balancing family duties with entrepreneurial aspirations.
- It allows you to create a tool that helps various businesses thrive, offering a highly rewarding experience through meaningful contributions.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
8. Start a hightop sneaker business ($2.5K/month)
Starting a hightop sneaker business could be an excellent opportunity for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or dive full-time into entrepreneurship. This venture allows for flexibility in scheduling and scaling, whether you’re creating small batches of custom designs or expanding into larger orders to meet growing demand. By leveraging social media marketing and potentially collaborating with influencers, you can effectively reach your target audience from the comfort of your home, turning your passion for fashion and footwear into a thriving business. For more ideas on taking the leap, visit Starter Story’s how-to guide on starting a hightop sneaker business [link to how-to-start-hightop-sneaker-business].
Why starting a hightop sneaker business?
- You could work from home, giving you the flexibility to manage both your family responsibilities and business operations.
- You have the creative freedom to design trendy and practical footwear that can attract a wide range of customers.
- You can start small and scale at your own pace, allowing you to grow your business sustainably while keeping initial costs manageable.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 337 days (?)
Founder Casey Woodard started KickFlips, a sneaker and streetwear flipping resource, which currently brings in around $4,000 per month in revenue with roughly $150 in expenses, boasting a little over 1,500 users almost exclusively through word of mouth and referrals.
9. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
Starting an online course business is a fantastic way for Home Dads to supplement their income while leveraging their expertise in a specific field. You could create and sell digital classes that cater to various educational needs, turning your knowledge into a stream of passive income. The best part is that this venture requires minimal initial investment and offers the flexibility to work around your parenting schedule.
By identifying gaps in the education market related to topics you are passionate about, you could develop engaging video lessons and supplemental materials that provide value to eager learners. Whether it's a self-paced course or a cohort-based program, teaching online can be fulfilling and financially rewarding. For more insights, check out how to start an online courses business.
Why create an online course?
- Passive income potential: Once your course is up and running, you could continuously earn money as new students enroll.
- Flexible schedule: You could balance course creation and family time, making it an ideal side business for Home Dads.
- Low startup costs: With minimal investments in screen recording apps and basic video equipment, your entry barrier is relatively low.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
10. Start a tablecloth business
Thinking of turning your creative flair into a profitable venture? Starting a tablecloth business might be an ideal fit for Home Dads who want to supplement their income. This business allows you to design, produce, and sell tablecloths that transform dining settings into artistic displays, meeting everyday needs as well as special occasions.
The flexibility of this business model means you could focus on customized designs, niche markets like wedding planners, or broader consumer bases looking to enhance their home's aesthetics. You could manage production from small handcrafted items to larger factory-driven batches, fitting your resources and ambitions.
Why start a tablecloth business?
- It's a creative outlet that you can manage from home, allowing for a good work-life balance with family.
- Demand is consistent and spans various markets, from everyday consumers to event planners.
- You have the potential to scale up production based on your goals, making it suitable for both part-time and full-time efforts.
For inspiration and further insights on starting a tablecloth business, consider exploring this detailed guide on how to start a tablecloth business.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
Logoclothz is a profitable startup that simplifies the process of buying promotional products, specializing in custom tablecloths, with an average revenue of $15K per month and a 40% growth rate per month within only 9 months of operation.
11. Start a skateboard company
Starting a skateboard company can be an exciting venture for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or build a full-fledged business. Leveraging the global appeal and growing popularity of skateboarding, you could tap into a dynamic market that is expected to reach approximately $166 million in the coming years. Proper planning, registration, and obtaining a business license are prerequisites, but your creativity and passion for skateboarding can turn this opportunity into a thriving business.
Why start a skateboard company?
- Skateboarding is a booming industry with a bright future, offering a lucrative market for innovative and quality products.
- Owning a skateboard company allows you to merge your passion for skateboarding with entrepreneurship, making work feel like play.
- Flexibility to work from home means you can balance family responsibilities while managing your business.
For more insights, check out these success stories of skateboard companies.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.
12. Start a software business ($209K/month)
Starting a software business can be an excellent opportunity for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or create a full-time venture. This type of business allows you to innovate, address unique problems, and develop valuable solutions for users, all from the comfort of your home. By leveraging your coding and problem-solving skills, you could create scalable products that require minimal ongoing distribution costs, leading to significant profit margins.
Why start a software business?
- You have the flexibility to work from home, making it easier to balance family responsibilities.
- Software businesses offer high scalability, meaning your product could reach a large audience with low distribution costs.
- The tech industry is rapidly growing, providing numerous opportunities for innovation and financial success.
For more insight on this business idea, check out this collection of success stories of software businesses.
How much you can make: $350 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
13. Start a content writing company ($50K/month)
Starting a content writing company is an excellent way for Home Dads to supplement their income or even establish a full-fledged business. Content writing involves creating, editing, and publishing digital content, such as blog posts, product descriptions, eBooks, and more. This business allows you to work on your terms, choose your workload, and develop essential skills that are highly valued in today’s digital landscape. With businesses keen to capture the online audience's attention, there's a substantial demand for quality content, making this a lucrative opportunity.
Check out these inspiring success stories to see how others have achieved this.
Why start a content writing company?
- Flexible schedule: You could work around your home responsibilities and choose the hours that suit you.
- Low startup costs: All you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.
- High demand: Businesses are always looking for quality content to boost their online presence.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
14. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog is a fantastic way for Home Dads to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business. Whether it’s sharing parenting tips, DIY projects, or personal experiences, a blog can become a creative outlet that reaches a broad audience. With a consistent posting routine and a well-planned content strategy, you could grow your blog into a reliable income stream through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
Why start a blog?
- Flexible schedule: You could write and post at times that fit your family's routine, making it a convenient option.
- Low startup cost: Blogging is a low-investment business idea; all you need is a domain, hosting, and your unique content.
- Scalable potential: With effective promotion and engaging content, you could reach a large audience and significantly boost your earnings. For more information, check out these success stories.
Starting a blog enables you to share your passions or expertise while supplementing your income—all from the comfort of your home.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
15. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)
Starting an SEO agency can be a great side business for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or make extra money. With the growing demand for search engine optimization services, there are ample opportunities to help businesses improve their online visibility. The flexibility of this career allows you to work from home and set your own hours, making it an ideal fit for managing both professional and family responsibilities.
The SEO industry is expected to see significant growth, leading to high earning potential for those who establish themselves now. By learning from successful digital agencies, you can build a strong foundation for a lucrative new career. For more insights, check out these success stories from SEO agencies here.
Why start a SEO agency?
- Provides a flexible work schedule, allowing you to balance work and family life more effectively.
- High earning potential as the demand for SEO services continues to grow.
- Opportunity to help businesses succeed online, offering rewarding and engaging work.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
16. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)
Starting a digital marketing business is an excellent avenue for Home Dads to supplement their income or even create a full-time side business. This field offers flexibility and the ability to work from home, making it ideal for those balancing family responsibilities. By harnessing online digital marketing courses, Home Dads can quickly build up their skills and find a niche that caters to specific audiences, both locally and internationally.
Why start a digital marketing business?
- You could easily work around your family's schedule, giving you the flexibility to balance work and home life.
- The digital marketing field is constantly evolving, making it a dynamic, in-demand industry that opens up numerous opportunities for growth.
- By focusing on a niche market, you could stand out and attract clients interested in your specialized services.
For more insights, you might find this guide on how to start a digital marketing business helpful.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
17. Start a digital agency ($186K/month)
Starting a digital agency can be an excellent way for Home Dads to supplement their income, make extra money, or even build a full-fledged business from home. The job involves helping other businesses reach their advertising, marketing, and technology-related goals, which is a service in high demand. With the proper skill set, tools, and a passion for digital marketing, you could establish a profitable digital agency without needing to step out of your home.
The global digital agency market, valued at nearly $305B in 2020, continues to show growth prospects, thanks to increasing digital content consumption. Hence, there’s a substantial market you can tap into by offering your digital marketing expertise to businesses across various sectors.
Why consider starting a digital agency?
- Flexible work hours allow you to balance family responsibilities while growing your business.
- The demand for digital marketing services is continually increasing, providing a vast market for your agency.
- You can build and expand your digital agency with minimal startup costs, relying on digital tools and platforms.
Learn more about starting a digital agency here.
How much you can make: $100 — $3,699,632/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.
18. Become an online dating consultant ($15.9K/month)
Starting an online dating consultancy as a Home Dad offers a unique and flexible way to supplement your income while leveraging your personal experiences and skills. As a dating consultant, you could provide valuable advice to individuals navigating the complex world of online dating, helping them create compelling profiles, draft engaging messages, and make great first impressions on dates. This business model is well-suited for Home Dads who need a balance between professional endeavors and family responsibilities, allowing them to work from home and set their own schedules. For more on this, check out some online dating consultant success stories on Starter Story.
Why becoming an online dating consultant?
- It's a flexible business model allowing you to work from home and set your own hours.
- You could tap into a rapidly growing industry with a high demand for personalized services.
- This profession allows you to use your own relationship experiences to help others succeed in their dating lives, which can be highly rewarding.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
19. Become a business coach ($43.9K/month)
Starting a business as a business coach could be a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity for Home Dads looking to supplement their income or even launch a new career. By leveraging your experience and specialized skills in areas like marketing, e-commerce, or leadership, you could provide valuable guidance to small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who are navigating the challenging business landscape. As a business coach, you would play a crucial role in helping clients identify and capitalize on growth opportunities while also laying down a strong foundation for your own financial stability.
The demand for skilled business coaches continues to grow, and with the flexibility that comes with being your own boss, you can easily manage your professional life alongside family responsibilities. To learn more about what it takes to become a business coach, check out these success stories.
Why becoming a business coach?
- You'll utilize and monetize your specialized skills, turning your expertise into a valuable service.
- Flexibility allows you to work around your family's schedule, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Helping others succeed in their business ventures provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $293,220/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
20. Start a pet sitting business
Starting a pet sitting business could be a perfect fit for Home Dads interested in supplementing their income or making extra money while working from home. This business offers the flexibility to work around your family's schedule and the opportunity to spend time with various pets, which can be a stress-relieving and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the relatively low startup costs and the potential for repeat customers make it an attractive entrepreneurial venture for Home Dads.
Learn more about pet sitting business startup costs.
Why consider starting a pet sitting business?
- You could enjoy a flexible schedule that allows you to balance work and family life.
- Working with animals can provide a fulfilling and low-stress work environment.
- With a growing pet care industry, there's ample opportunity to build a loyal customer base.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
A technician-turned-CEO built an in-home pet care enterprise that generates $8k per month by documenting business operations and empowering employees, inspired by the successes of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc and researcher Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and empathy in the workplace.
21. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could be an excellent way for Home Dads to supplement their income while enjoying the flexibility of an online job. Freelance writing allows you to work from home at any time, making it easy to juggle your family responsibilities and work commitments. By leveraging strong writing skills and being a self-starter, you could carve out a niche for yourself in the freelance market and earn a good income writing about various topics assigned by clients.
Why consider becoming a freelance writer?
- Freelance writing offers a highly flexible schedule, allowing you to work around your family's needs.
- It requires minimal startup costs, mostly just a reliable computer and internet connection.
- You could capitalize on your writing talent, turning a passion into a sustainable income stream.
For more information, check out successful freelance writing stories on Starter Story: /ideas/freelance-writer/success-stories.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
