20 Business Ideas For Students [2024]
In 2024, students have more opportunities than ever to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. With access to advanced technology and resources, you could easily start a business while balancing your studies. Whether you're interested in tech, arts, or helping others, there's a business idea out there for you.
You could explore e-commerce by selling products online, taking advantage of platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Alternatively, consider starting a freelance service where you offer skills such as graphic design, content writing, or coding. These ventures require minimal initial investment and can be managed alongside your academic commitments.
For those passionate about sustainability, you could create a business focused on eco-friendly products or services. From selling reusable goods to offering consultancy on sustainability practices, the possibilities are extensive. These ventures not only provide a sense of purpose but also appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other student businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
Starting an online course can be a smart business move for students looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. This endeavor allows you to leverage your expertise in a particular subject by creating and selling digital classes that can be accessed by students worldwide. By developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you can tap into the growing demand for flexible, self-paced learning opportunities while enjoying the potential for passive income.
Why create an online course?
- Low startup costs make it an accessible business for students with limited budgets.
- You can monetize your expertise and knowledge, turning your skills into a profitable venture.
- Flexible scheduling allows you to balance course creation with your academic responsibilities.
To learn more about starting an online course business, check out how to start an online courses business.
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.
2. Start a tutoring or education business ($61.2K/month)
Starting a tutoring or education business as a student can be a smart move to supplement your income and gain entrepreneurial experience. As a tutor, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, allowing you to balance your academic commitments efficiently. This venture also provides an opportunity to build lasting relationships with students and their parents while earning well for your efforts.
Why starting a tutoring or education business?
- You could set your own working hours, giving you the flexibility to manage studies alongside your business.
- You'll enhance your professional skills, like communication and leadership, which are invaluable in any career.
- Helping others improve their academic performance is not only financially rewarding but also personally fulfilling.
For more tips and stories, check out our tutoring or education business insights.
How much you can make: $50 — $235,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
3. Start an online newsletter writing business ($596K/month)
Starting an online newsletter writing business makes perfect sense as a student. With a small investment of time and resources, you could build a loyal audience and generate a steady stream of income by sharing engaging content that interests your subscribers. Plus, it's a flexible venture that accommodates your academic schedule, allowing you to work during your free time.
Why start an online newsletter writing business?
It’s a low-cost startup. All you need is a computer and an email marketing tool, making it financially accessible.
You could build a portfolio. An online newsletter showcases your writing and marketing skills, which is impressive for future job prospects.
Potential for recurring revenue. With a strong subscriber base, you could create consistent income through paid subscriptions and sponsorships.
For more details on how to get started, check out this resource.
How much you can make: $500 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
College student, Whitney Bowen, launched Fem 'n STEM during the COVID-19 lockdown selling STEM boxes for kids between the ages of 8-12 and has earned $1.5k in monthly revenue within the first month of launch using social media to advertise and using WIX to create an online store.
4. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
Starting an online fitness business as a student is an excellent way to supplement your income while making a positive impact on others' health. With the rapid growth in popularity of online fitness due to its convenience and accessibility, you can begin this venture right from your home with minimal upfront costs. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, allowing you to maximize your time and resources.
Why start an online fitness business?
- You could minimize costs by avoiding overhead expenses like rent and maintenance for a physical location.
- The flexibility of an online business allows you to balance coursework and entrepreneurial endeavors easily.
- You'll reach a broader audience, as online fitness is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, expanding your potential client base significantly.
For more insights and success stories, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
5. Start an online courses business ($118K/month)
As a student, starting an online courses business can be a highly rewarding way to supplement your income and share your expertise. You could create valuable content in a field you're passionate about, such as mechanical engineering, and build a scalable business. Platforms like social media and email marketing can help you reach your target audience without requiring significant upfront investment.
Once your courses begin to gain traction, word of mouth can further boost your reach and help your business grow. The flexibility of running an online course business allows you to manage your time effectively alongside your studies. For more tips on starting this venture, check out this guide here.
Why start an online courses business?
- You could earn passive income for years with the initial content you generate.
- You already have the knowledge you need; just focus on sharing it.
- Teaching others new skills is not only profitable but also personally rewarding.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Solopreneur Justin Welsh built a knowledge business through social media with over $2M in annual revenue and no full-time employees, offering flagship digital courses with a monthly revenue of $80K and $45K respectively, through LinkedIn and Twitter growth as well as organic and affiliate marketing.
6. Start a content marketing agency ($80.9K/month)
Starting a content marketing agency as a student can be a promising way to supplement your income and gain valuable experience in a growing industry. With the worldwide content marketing industry projected to reach $137B by 2026, the demand for skilled content marketers will also continue to rise. This provides a fantastic opportunity to develop a business by offering content creation and marketing services to companies in need.
Running a content marketing agency allows you to leverage your writing and strategic skills. You get to work with a variety of clients, build a versatile portfolio, and potentially turn this side hustle into a full-fledged business before you even graduate. For further insights, you can check out how profitable a content marketing agency can be.
Why consider starting a content marketing agency?
- Flexible hours allow you to balance your business with your studies.
- The growing demand in the industry ensures a steady stream of potential clients.
- You can build a diverse skill set and portfolio that will aid in future employment or entrepreneurial ventures.
How much you can make: $500 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 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.
7. Start an online community ($22.7K/month)
Starting an online community brings together people who share common values and interests, making it an ideal side hustle for a student. You could leverage your passions and hobbies to build a niche community where members engage, share insights, and provide mutual support. Over time, this engagement could translate into various monetization strategies, such as selling products, promoting affiliate links, or running ads.
Why start an online community?
- You could generate income by offering sponsored content or selling memberships.
- You could build strong, lasting connections with like-minded individuals.
- You could develop valuable skills in community management and digital marketing.
Explore more about successful online communities here: Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.
8. Start a sales software business ($602K/month)
Thinking of supplementing your income while still in school? Starting a sales software business could be your answer. This venture focuses on creating and distributing software that helps companies efficiently manage their sales processes, streamline lead generation, and improve customer relationship management. Not only would you be providing essential tools for businesses, but this market is also rapidly growing, with high potential returns and a significant impact.
Why start a sales software business?
- Businesses need efficient sales solutions, making your software highly valuable.
- Tailoring software for different industries ensures a broad customer base.
- The market potential is high, offering substantial returns and opportunities for innovation.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $1,666,667/month
How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)
Integrately founder Abhishek A Agrawal built a 1-click integration platform which acquired around 1,500 paid customers within the first month of its launch, showing that people are looking for an easy way to automate their processes.
9. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business can be an excellent choice for students looking to supplement their income or start a side hustle. With flexible work hours and the ability to work from anywhere, you can easily balance your writing gigs with your academic responsibilities. Plus, freelance writing across various niches allows you to explore and write about topics that interest you, further enhancing your knowledge and skills.
Why pursue freelance writing?
- Flexible work hours let you manage your studies and writing projects seamlessly.
- You can work from home or any location, making it easy to fit writing into your schedule.
- Writing across multiple niches enhances your knowledge and builds a diverse portfolio.
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.
10. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog as a student is an excellent opportunity to supplement your income while creatively expressing your thoughts and interests. Blogs have evolved into highly lucrative businesses, allowing you to reach a broad audience and work flexibly from any location. With 77% of internet users regularly reading blogs, there is a massive potential audience for your content.
To get started, it's essential to focus on a niche you are passionate about and develop a consistent content strategy. Initially, you can build your audience by engaging with readers through a mailing list and regularly updated posts. For more inspiration and practical tips, you can read various success stories at Starter Story on how profitable blogging can be.
Why start a blog?
- Minimal startup costs: Blogging requires little initial investment, mainly a domain name and a hosting service.
- Flexible working hours: You can blog around your class schedule and other commitments.
- Personal and professional growth: Blogging hones your writing skills and can establish you as an authority in your chosen niche.
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.
11. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)
Starting a newsletter as a student is a smart way to supplement your income and even launch a side business. In the past five years, there's been over a 50% increase in the number of people who read newsletters, making it an increasingly popular medium for sharing your expertise, educating subscribers, and building a loyal community. Whether you're focused on topics like student life, an academic subject, or a niche interest, a well-written newsletter can help you establish yourself as a trusted expert while generating revenue through subscriptions or ads.
Why consider starting a newsletter?
- Minimal startup costs and high scalability. You could begin with just your laptop and an email marketing platform.
- Build a loyal audience while you're still in school. Grow your subscriber base and credibility concurrently, setting yourself up for future opportunities.
- Flexible schedule. You could write and send your newsletters on your own time, fitting seamlessly into a student’s busy life.
For more insights, check out these newsletter publishing success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
12. Start an ecommerce platform ($202K/month)
Starting an eCommerce platform as a student can be a brilliant way to generate additional income, making your entrepreneurial journey financially viable while still in school. The eCommerce industry has seen significant growth, with over 2 billion people preferring to shop online. This trend offers a wealth of opportunities to tap into global markets right from your dorm room, providing speed and convenience to your customers.
Building an eCommerce platform could set you on a path toward creating a business that's not only futuristic but also scalable. You might want to explore ideas to sell products ranging from fashion items to tech gadgets, leveraging platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to get started easily. Check out successful student-led eCommerce stories to get inspired and map out your plan.
Why consider starting an eCommerce platform?
- eCommerce is growing rapidly, giving you access to a booming market.
- You can start with relatively low upfront costs using various online tools.
- Managing an eCommerce business offers flexible hours, perfect for balancing with your studies.
For more detailed information and success stories, check out Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
13. Become a social media marketer ($44.5K/month)
With social media being a crucial part of modern communication and marketing strategies, starting a business as a social media marketer is a fitting choice for students. You could leverage your familiarity with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to help businesses grow their online presence, all while earning extra income. Additionally, this venture requires minimal initial investment, relying more on your time and effort rather than significant financial resources.
An example of a student-led social media marketing business could look like creating engaging and shareable content, managing multiple businesses' social media accounts, or offering consultancy services to optimize their online presence. The flexibility of this work allows you to balance your academic responsibilities with your entrepreneurial aspirations. For more tips, you can check out success stories and practical advice on Starter Story.
Why consider becoming a social media marketer?
- Low startup costs: You could begin with the tools and internet access you already have.
- Flexible work schedule: Balance your business efforts with your studies, working from anywhere at any time.
- High demand: Businesses of all sizes continuously look for ways to improve their online engagement and customer reach.
How much you can make: $100 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)
This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.
14. Create an android app ($31.3K/month)
Developing an Android app is an excellent business idea for students looking to supplement their income and gain entrepreneurial experience. As a student, you are often in touch with the latest trends and challenges, making you well-positioned to identify a problem or need that your app can solve. By focusing on creating a user-friendly and effective app, you could launch a successful side business with relatively low initial investment.
An Android app can be developed and marketed even from a small dorm room, allowing you the flexibility to work around your academic schedule. Moreover, a well-designed app that addresses a specific problem can attract a significant number of users, potentially leading to lucrative returns. For more success stories and practical tips on how to get started, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why create an Android app?
- Low initial investment. Developing an app primarily requires your time and creativity rather than substantial financial resources.
- Flexible schedule. You can work on your app development project alongside your studies, adapting it to your academic timetable.
- Real-world experience. Building and marketing an app offers invaluable hands-on experience in tech and business that future employers will appreciate.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $69,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Minimalist Phone, a phone app that helps people prioritize their mental health by discouraging screen time, generated $20,000 monthly revenue from an initial investment of $3,100, with an estimated total of 500,000 downloads on Google Play soon.
15. Start an online cooking recipes business ($51.3K/month)
Ever thought about turning your passion for cooking into a business? As a student, an online cooking recipes business might be the perfect venture to supplement your income. By creating and sharing recipes, you could help people make delicious meals at home, catering to various cuisines, dietary needs, and skill levels. Monetization avenues include subscription models, ad revenue, and selling related products like cooking utensils and exotic ingredients.
If this interests you, the effort required involves recipe development, engaging photography, and a strong online presence. Managed effectively, it can turn your love for cooking into a thriving side business. For inspiration on how to get started, check out some success stories here.
Why start an online cooking recipes business?
- You could share your passion and knowledge with a wide audience, making cooking accessible and enjoyable.
- An online recipes business can be run flexibly, making it perfect for a student’s schedule.
- Low startup costs make it an ideal venture for those just getting started in entrepreneurship.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 86 days (?)
Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.
16. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
Starting an online food business could be an exciting and profitable venture for students. This type of business allows you to leverage the growing demand for convenience and variety in the food industry by offering ready-to-eat meals or pre-packaged ingredients through an online platform. Balancing your studies with entrepreneurship, this venture provides an opportunity to generate extra income and gain valuable business experience, all while indulging your culinary passion.
By starting an online food business as a student, you could explore various niches such as healthy meals for busy professionals, globally inspired meal kits for adventurous eaters, or easy-to-follow recipes for cooking novices. The flexibility of managing an online platform allows you to work around your class schedule, giving you the freedom to innovate and adapt to food trends and preferences. For more insights on starting your own online food business, check out this page from Starter Story.
Why start an online food business?
- You could capitalize on the increasing demand for convenient, diverse meal options.
- You’ll gain practical business skills and experience while still in school.
- Running an online food business gives you the flexibility to balance work and studies.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
17. Start a fashion magazine business
Starting a fashion magazine business as a student can be both lucrative and creatively fulfilling. It allows you to merge your passion for fashion with entrepreneurial skills, providing a platform to share the latest trends and fashion advice with a wider audience. With the current digital landscape, creating an online fashion magazine has never been more accessible, enabling you to reach fashion enthusiasts globally.
Why start a fashion magazine business?
- Leverage your fashion network: Utilize your university connections and build relationships with budding designers and fashion influencers to source exclusive content.
- Flexibility: You could manage your editorial calendar around your class schedule, making it a perfect side hustle.
- Digital tools: Use social media platforms and other online marketing tools to easily promote your magazine and engage with your audience directly.
18. Start an employee training business ($49.3K/month)
Starting an employee training business as a student can be highly rewarding and practical. Not only do companies consistently seek out effective training programs to enhance employee performance, but this niche also allows you to leverage your expertise in specific fields such as safety, cyber security, or project management. With the rise of digital platforms, you could easily develop computer-based training modules or offer on-site and off-site lectures tailored to various industries.
By focusing on a specialized area, you could create a unique value proposition that aligns with the evolving needs of companies, making it a lucrative and scalable business venture. For those entrepreneurial students who are knowledgeable and passionate about teaching, this could be the perfect side business or primary career path, providing you with the flexibility to manage your class schedule and business simultaneously.
Why consider starting an employee training business?
- There is a growing demand for specialized training, making it a sustainable business model.
- You can develop scalable training programs that generate ongoing revenue with minimal upkeep.
- This type of business allows you to work flexibly around your study schedule, offering both digital and in-person training options.
For more details, check out these success stories of employee training businesses.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)
Sustain Academy is an online sustainability academy that offers a 10-week LIVE online sustainability course followed by 1:1 mentorship, taught by the world’s best field experts; so far, more than 100 companies from over 10 different countries have trained their employees with them.
19. Start a massage parlour business ($89.1K/month)
Starting a massage parlour business could be an excellent avenue for students looking to supplement their income or embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Not only does it offer a chance to earn extra money while still in school, but it also allows for flexible hours that can fit around your academic schedule. With the growing popularity of wellness services, a well-run massage parlour can quickly build a loyal client base, providing a stable revenue stream.
Learn more about starting a massage parlor business here.
Why start a massage parlour business?
- The wellness industry is booming, and people are increasingly investing in self-care.
- Flexible working hours make it easier to balance school and business responsibilities.
- Providing quality massage services can build a loyal customer base and create a sustainable income stream.
How much you can make: $11,300 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Founder of a high-end escort service in The Netherlands discusses the ups and downs of running a controversial business, with revenue reaching multi-million dollars annually and a focus on creating a professional and intimate experience for clients.
20. Start an improved fuels creation business
Venturing into the improved fuels creation business can be an exciting opportunity for students interested in sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging the latest advancements in biofuels and renewable energies, you could not only supplement your income but also make a positive environmental impact. With a mix of practical experience and academic learning, students can explore innovative ways to create eco-friendly fuels that can attract both consumers and investors.
Why consider starting an improved fuels creation business?
- The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions presents a lucrative market opportunity.
- Balancing studies and entrepreneurship is feasible, as this business can start with small-scale experiments and grow over time.
- Working in this field provides invaluable hands-on experience and could pave the way for a future career in renewable energies.
For more information and to explore the potential startup costs, you can check out this resource.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
