20 Business Ideas For The Middle Class [2024]

In 2024, opportunities for middle-class entrepreneurs are more accessible than ever. If you have the drive and creativity, you could turn simple ideas into profitable ventures. This year offers a range of business possibilities that cater to various interests and skill sets.

You might consider starting an online service, like freelance consulting or digital marketing. Alternatively, e-commerce continues to grow, and you could sell niche products from the comfort of your home. With minimal investment, these ventures could provide substantial returns.

For those inclined toward community engagement, local service businesses such as tutoring or handyman services could also be lucrative. These ideas not only serve your neighborhood but also allow you to leverage skills you already possess. In 2024, the path to entrepreneurship is clearer and more attainable for the middle class.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other middle class businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store is a viable option for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or launch their own business. With lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores and the ability to reach a global audience, ecommerce allows you to operate flexibly from the comfort of your home. Given the rapid growth of online shopping, it's a great time to tap into this booming market and turn your entrepreneurial ideas into reality. For more detailed guidance, you could explore some success stories here.

Why start an ecommerce store?

• Lower startup costs: You don't need to invest in a physical retail space, significantly reducing your initial expenses.
• Flexible hours: Manage your store and fulfill orders at your own convenience, fitting your business around your existing commitments.
• Wide reach: The internet provides access to a global customer base, vastly expanding your potential market.

2. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)

Starting an online retail store is an accessible and potentially profitable venture for those in the middle class. With just a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service, you can establish a platform that suits various business models, whether it’s drop shipping or selling self-made products. This type of business offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn extra income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.

You could take advantage of numerous available resources and tools, making it easier to manage inventory, process payments, and market your products online. Learn from others who have successfully started online retail stores by checking out their success stories.

Why start an online retail store?

• Entry costs are relatively low. You don’t need a physical store, meaning lower initial investments and overhead costs.
• You could reach a global audience. The internet provides a vast customer base, far beyond your local area.
• Flexibility to manage your business on your terms. You can run your online store part-time, making it ideal for those balancing other commitments.

3. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Starting an Etsy shop could be an excellent way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even launch a new business. Etsy provides a platform to sell handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies, making it accessible for those with a creative flair or a knack for curating unique products. This venture allows you to build your brand, find new clients, and turn hobbies into a profitable side hustle.

Why start an Etsy shop?

• Low upfront costs make it an accessible business idea for middle-class entrepreneurs.
• You can leverage your existing skills and passions, turning hobbies into income streams.
• It's a flexible business model, allowing you to work around your current job and commitments.

For more information on starting an Etsy shop, visit Starter Story: How to start an Etsy business.

4. Start an ecommerce retailing business ($482K/month)

Starting an ecommerce retailing business could be a strategic move for middle-class entrepreneurs looking to supplement their income or even make it their primary source of revenue. By merging your passion for products with a user-friendly platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, you’re opening the door to a global customer base, giving you the flexibility to sell items that resonate with your interests or current market trends.

The capacity to control your brand and the potential for scaling your business makes ecommerce an appealing option. Plus, the skills you'll develop—ranging from website management to inventory control—can be incredibly valuable.

Why consider starting an ecommerce retailing business?

• It's a lucrative opportunity. Ecommerce allows you to tap into the vast online market, reaching customers worldwide.
• You have the freedom to follow your passion. Selling products you are passionate about can turn your hobby into a profitable venture.
• Flexibility and control. Running an online store enables you to manage your business on your own terms, offering scalability and brand autonomy.

Explore more about the potential of ecommerce retailing here.

5. Start an ask an expert business

Starting an "Ask an Expert" business can be a lucrative venture for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or build a side business. With your unique expertise, you could provide valuable insights to clients who seek specialized knowledge in your field, whether it's financial planning, health and wellness, or even gardening. Given the diverse avenues for monetization—from one-on-one consultations to scalable digital courses—this type of business offers flexibility and growth potential.

Why start an "Ask an Expert" business?

• Low initial investment. You can begin by leveraging your existing expertise and using readily available online platforms.
• High-profit margins. Offering digital products or services minimizes overhead costs.
• Flexibility in work hours. You can easily balance this business with your current job or other responsibilities.

For more about starting an "Ask an Expert" business, check out these insights from Starter Story.

6. Start a museum tours business

Starting a museum tours business could be a meaningful way to supplement your income while sharing your love for history and culture. By organizing guided tours, you could offer enriched, engaging experiences that captivate both locals and tourists. This venture also allows you to build strong community connections and provide an educational yet entertaining service.

Learn more about initial startup costs and marketing strategies with these museum tours business tips.

Why considering a museum tours business?

• You could balance it as a side hustle while maintaining your regular job.
• Low initial investment and leveraging existing museum infrastructure.
• Fulfilling potential to connect with people and share your passion for history.

7. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog could be an excellent opportunity for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even establish a full-time business. By focusing on a specific topic you're passionate about—whether it’s fashion, video games, or cooking—you could engage a dedicated online audience. Creating unique and informative content will not only help you connect with like-minded people but also open doors to monetization through affiliate links, brand partnerships, and even speaking engagements.

Why start a niche blog? - Low startup costs: You could begin with minimal investment while leveraging free or inexpensive blogging platforms. - Flexibility: Blogging allows you to work around your existing schedule, making it perfect for side hustles. - Scalability: With consistent effort, your blog could grow substantially, creating opportunities for passive income and full-time earnings.

For more insights on how much you could potentially make from a niche blog, visit Starter Story's blog profitability guide.

8. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)

Starting a newsletter could be an excellent side business or even a full-time venture for middle-class individuals. With over a 50% increase in readers over the past five years, newsletters are increasingly popular and provide a platform for you to market yourself as a trusted expert in your field. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or start a new business, newsletters enable you to educate subscribers and build meaningful connections with them.

Creating a newsletter offers an incredible opportunity to inform, persuade, and sell to your audience. You can leverage this platform to share valuable insights, promote products or services, and generate extra income.

Why consider starting a newsletter?

• Low startup costs: You only need an email service provider and quality content to get started.
• Growing readership: With the rising popularity of newsletters, there's a strong demand for quality content.
• Flexible and scalable: As your subscriber base grows, so can your revenue, making it a scalable business model.

For more insights into the profitability and potential of running a newsletter, check out this page.

9. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog is a versatile and lucrative option for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or create a full-time business. With the right niche, content strategy, and consistency, you could grow your blog to reach a broad audience, allowing you to monetize through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Given that 77% of internet users read blogs, and blogs are rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of online information, this could be a meaningful and engaging way to generate income while sharing your passion and expertise with others. For more insights on starting a profitable blog, check out these blogging business tips.

Why consider starting a blog?

• Blogging offers flexible work schedules, allowing you to create and manage content at any time from any location.
• Blogs are highly regarded as credible sources of information, increasing your potential for audience trust and engagement.
• With millions of monthly readers, blogging provides ample opportunities to monetize through various revenue streams, such as ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business is a practical way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or build a side business. By promoting other companies' products and services online, you could earn commissions for each sale, creating a steady stream of passive income. It's an accessible venture that requires minimal upfront investment and can be managed alongside your primary employment or other commitments.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

• You could generate passive income while keeping your current job, adding financial stability without a complete career shift.
• The startup costs are low; you just need a computer and an internet connection to get started.
• With the right strategy and niche selection, there is potential for significant long-term income growth, allowing you to scale up the business gradually.

If you're interested, you might want to check out tips for starting an affiliate marketing business on Starter Story for more details and guidance.

11. Start a content writing company ($50.4K/month)

Starting a content writing company is a smart choice for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or create a full-fledged business. This business model allows you to manage your time effectively, choosing your workload to fit your schedule, making it an ideal side hustle that could evolve into a primary source of income. With the increasing demand for digital content as businesses strive to capture online attention, content writing services are more needed than ever.

Why consider starting a content writing company?

• The flexibility to set your work hours allows you to balance other responsibilities while earning extra income.
• There is a high demand for quality content as more businesses rely on digital marketing, providing a steady flow of potential clients.
• Low startup costs make it accessible; all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

For more tips on beginning your content writing journey, check out some success stories or learning resources on Starter Story.

12. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

Starting a content marketing business can be an excellent way for middle-class entrepreneurs to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-fledged business. Content marketing involves creating and sharing valuable content to attract and convert target customers, and businesses with a solid content strategy reportedly get 67% more leads than their competitors. The high demand for these services offers a significant opportunity for those with skills in SEO and social media to step in and provide these much-needed solutions.

To get started, you will need to either possess or quickly develop a good grasp of SEO and social media marketing. Moreover, you can outsource content creation to skilled professionals, enabling a scalable business model. For more detailed insights and success stories, you can check out this page on Starter Story.

Why starting a content marketing business?

• High demand: Businesses are increasingly investing in content marketing to generate more leads.
• Flexibility: You can start small and scale as you build your expertise and client base.
• Low initial costs: Leveraging existing skills and technology minimizes the need for substantial financial investment upfront.

13. Start a media company ($210K/month)

Starting a media company can be a rewarding venture for middle-class entrepreneurs. With relatively low startup costs and a multitude of digital tools readily available, creating and distributing content has never been easier. By leveraging your unique voice and insights, you could capture a dedicated audience and turn your passion for storytelling into a profitable business. For detailed steps on getting started, you can explore Starter Story's tips for launching a media company.

Why consider starting a media company?

• The digital landscape offers access to a massive, global audience, increasing your potential reach tremendously.
• Modern tools and platforms allow for content creation and distribution at a fraction of traditional media costs.
• You can leverage your creativity and knowledge to produce unique content, setting yourself apart in a niche market.

14. Start a website development business ($387K/month)

Starting a website development business makes perfect sense as a middle-class individual. With only a relatively small investment to learn web programming languages, you could offer your services to various clients, from eCommerce business owners to local brick-and-mortar shops aiming to establish an online presence. This opportunity allows you to leverage your technical skills while earning supplemental income or even transforming it into a full-time business.

Why consider starting a website development business?

• You could enjoy the flexibility of working from home or anywhere with an internet connection.
• The demand for online presence is ever-growing, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients.
• It's a scalable business; you could start small and expand your offerings as your expertise grows.

For more insights on making this venture profitable, you can check out detailed success stories from website developers who have thrived in this field.

15. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($411K/month)

Starting an ecommerce marketing agency is an excellent business idea for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. With the constantly evolving nature of the ecommerce industry, there is a growing demand for specialized agencies to help online sellers stay competitive. Educating yourself on current trends and mastering digital skills can enable you to provide valuable services, making this a potentially profitable and fulfilling venture. For more insights and success stories, you can visit Starter Story's ecommerce marketing agency page.

Why start an ecommerce marketing agency?

• The ecommerce market is booming, with continuous growth and opportunities for niche agencies.
• You could work remotely with clients from around the world, providing flexibility and a wider client base.
• As a middle-class entrepreneur, the startup costs are relatively low compared to other businesses, making it accessible.

16. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)

Starting a social media marketing service is an excellent opportunity for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income and make extra money. This business involves helping companies enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You could work flexible hours, and as you gain more clients, your business could scale up, providing recurring revenue, stability, and growth.

Why start a social media marketing service?

• The demand is high, with businesses continually seeking to enhance their online presence.
• Flexible hours allow you to start part-time and scale up as your business grows.
• Establishing your expertise in social media marketing can lead to recurring revenue streams.

For more ideas on starting a social media marketing service, check out this link.

17. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)

Starting a digital marketing business could be an excellent opportunity for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. With the digital landscape constantly evolving, there’s always demand for skilled professionals who can help companies expand their online presence and grow their revenue. By focusing on building your digital skills through online courses and finding a niche, you could carve out a successful business that can cater to local and international clients.

Why consider a digital marketing business?

• Low startup costs. You can leverage affordable or even free online resources to acquire the necessary skills and tools.
• High demand. Businesses of all sizes need digital marketing expertise to stay competitive in today's market.
• Flexibility. You could work from anywhere and create a schedule that suits your lifestyle, making it ideal for balancing with other commitments.

For more tips on starting a digital marketing business, check out this comprehensive guide on Starter Story.

18. Start a digital agency ($186K/month)

Starting a digital agency as a middle-class entrepreneur could be a practical and rewarding venture. The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020, and with the rising consumption and creation of digital content, the future growth prospects are promising. With the right skills, tools, and mindset, you could build a successful digital agency that helps businesses meet their advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals.

Why start a digital agency?

• You could tap into a booming industry that shows substantial growth potential.
• Digital agencies have relatively low startup costs compared to traditional businesses, making it accessible for middle-class individuals.
• You could leverage your existing knowledge and passion for digital marketing to create a profitable venture.

19. Start a natural health product business ($188K/month)

Starting a natural health product business could be an excellent way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business. With a growing consumer interest in health and wellness, there's strong demand for natural products like supplements, foods, and drinks, and this market is projected to continue expanding significantly in the near future. By focusing on solving the health-related problems of your target customers, you could carve out a profitable niche in this rapidly growing industry.

You could begin by exploring various product categories such as weight management solutions, herbal supplements, and nutritious snacks. Consider leveraging e-commerce platforms and effective digital marketing strategies to reach a broad audience with lower initial investment. For more detailed insights on starting your own natural health product business, check out this Starter Story guide.

Why consider a natural health product business?

• The health and wellness industry continues to grow, offering long-term opportunities for sustainable profit.
• The diverse product range allows you to tap into various niches and demographics, enhancing your market reach.
• Being a part of this industry means contributing positively to people's well-being, creating a meaningful and rewarding business.

20. Become a financial advisor ($240K/month)

Starting a business as a financial advisor is a promising opportunity for middle-class individuals, especially those with a knack for financial planning and investment strategies. By leveraging your financial knowledge and acquiring relevant certifications, you could offer tailored advice to help people achieve their financial goals, providing a valuable service while generating a steady income. It’s a profession where you could gradually build your clientele through networking and referrals, making it ideal for a side business with the potential to grow into a full-time endeavor. For more insights, check out the profitability section here.

Why becoming a financial advisor?

• You could tap into a growing demand for personalized financial advice, offering solutions that meet unique client needs.
• It’s a scalable business with potential to start part-time and expand as your client base grows.
• Financial advising often leads to long-term client relationships, providing a consistent and recurring revenue stream.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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