19 Business Ideas For Women [2024]
Are you looking to start your own business in 2024? This article explores a range of business ideas tailored specifically for women like you, offering both flexibility and the potential for strong financial returns. From online ventures to creative services, you could find an opportunity that matches your interests and skills.
Whether you want to work from home or aim to establish a brick-and-mortar store, there are numerous options worth considering. The key is to identify what excites you and aligns with your strengths. Dive in to discover which business idea could be the perfect fit for you this year.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other woman businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be a fantastic way for women to supplement their income or even build a thriving business. With the growing demand for curated, niche products delivered monthly, this model offers a steady revenue stream. It's an opportunity to channel your creativity and expertise into a business that provides value and excitement to your customers.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could transform a passion for a niche market into a profitable venture, whether it's beauty, fitness, or gourmet foods.
- This business allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level, offering exclusive and personalized products.
- Subscription boxes generate recurring revenue, providing financial stability and growth opportunities.
Explore more about starting a subscription box business here.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business is a lucrative endeavor for women looking to leverage their skills and passions into a sustainable income. By creating and selling online courses on topics you are knowledgeable about, you could turn your expertise into a passive income stream. Whether you are a coding whiz, a master chef, or an expert in web design, there’s a growing demand for quality e-learning content.
The e-learning market is projected to soar to over $645 billion in the next few years, providing a vast opportunity to tap into this burgeoning industry. By targeting your audience effectively and choosing the right online learning platform, you could build a thriving business that allows you to make money while helping others learn. For more insights, check out some of these success stories.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You can generate passive income by creating content once and selling it to new students over time.
- You have the freedom to work from anywhere, making it a flexible business opportunity ideal for a balanced lifestyle.
- There's immense satisfaction in empowering others with new skills while also benefiting financially.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity if you're looking to supplement your income, make extra money, or even turn it into a full-time venture. This model allows you to sell products without the hassle of holding any inventory, which significantly reduces startup costs and operational complexities. As a woman, you could leverage your unique understanding of niche markets and your creative marketing skills to connect with your target audience effectively.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Minimal upfront investment. You won’t need to buy inventory in bulk or manage storage, making it easier to start with limited capital.
- Flexible work environment. Run your business from the comfort of your home, allowing you to balance work with other responsibilities.
- Empowerment through entrepreneurship. Owning a business could give you financial independence and the opportunity to support your community by selling products they love.
For more insights, check out successful dropshipping business stories.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
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.
4. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is an excellent opportunity for women looking to supplement their income or even establish a full-fledged business. This venture allows you to purchase goods or services for resale without the overhead of production costs, making it a practical option for someone with entrepreneurial aspirations. Initially, you could leverage social media platforms to build your reseller business, creating a website only as your business grows and expands.
By starting an ecommerce reselling business, you can focus on curating products that resonate with your target audience, ensuring you build a loyal customer base from the ground up. Read more about the pros and cons of an ecommerce reselling business on Starter Story for additional insights.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup costs with no need for immediate website creation.
- Flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to balance other responsibilities.
- Ability to curate and resell trending products, ensuring a steady demand and loyal customer base.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
5. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a great way for you to supplement your income, especially if you have a knack for capturing moments and have a passion for photography. By uploading high-quality stock photos to various platforms, you could build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income as businesses seek visual content for marketing purposes. With a relatively low initial investment in good photography gear and a strong online presence, you could successfully enter and thrive in this creative and flexible field.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could capitalize on your creativity while generating passive income by selling your stock photos online.
- The demand for high-quality images is consistently high, making it a lucrative opportunity for women with photography skills.
- Running a stock photography business offers flexible working hours, which is ideal for balancing personal commitments and professional growth.
For more tips and insights on starting a stock photography business, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
6. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a fantastic business venture, especially for women passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles. The app would serve as a comprehensive digital platform, providing personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. By creating an app that acts as a virtual coach, you could significantly improve the lives of your users while tapping into a growing market in health and wellness.
Developing this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, but the rewards could be substantial. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact and build a thriving business, this sector offers immense possibilities, given the increasing focus on health and well-being.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You'll positively impact lives by offering personalized health solutions in one accessible place.
- You could tap into the booming health and wellness market, currently valued at over $4.2 trillion globally.
- As a woman, you have unique insights into health and wellness challenges, allowing you to create a more empathetic and targeted user experience.
For more insights on starting a health and wellness app, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. Starting this venture involves selecting a niche you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site. You'll need to invest time in research, content creation, and SEO to attract loyal followers.
Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content could generate income. A niche website could become a reliable source of passive income once established. If you've got a specific interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project.
Why start a niche website?
- Flexibility and freedom: You could work from anywhere and set your own schedule.
- Sustainable income: Monetize through multiple streams like ads, affiliates, and digital products.
- Community impact: Share your expertise and connect with a dedicated audience who values your insights.
Explore more about how you could succeed with this idea here.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
8. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be a highly rewarding venture for women looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-time business. The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that listeners can enjoy online, offering a popular platform for both entertainment and information-sharing. With minimal startup costs, basic recording equipment, and a strong social media strategy, you could quickly grow your audience and attract potential sponsors or advertisers. For more inspiration and tips, check out this page on podcast name ideas.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- It offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to work around your primary job or other responsibilities.
- You could tap into subjects you're passionate about, creating meaningful content that resonates with listeners.
- A podcast provides a unique opportunity to establish yourself as an expert in your niche, which could lead to additional career opportunities.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
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.
9. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel can be a fantastic way for women to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. Whether you have a passion for beauty, cooking, education, or storytelling, YouTube offers a versatile platform to share your talents with a global audience. With revenue opportunities from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, your channel could turn into a lucrative side hustle or even your main source of income.
The key to a successful YouTube channel lies in consistency, engaging content, and a good understanding of video SEO and social media marketing. Although it requires dedication and hard work, the end results—both financially and personally—can be incredibly rewarding. If you're ready to put in the time and effort, it could be a worthwhile endeavor that allows you to share your unique voice with the world. Learn more about starting a YouTube channel.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- A YouTube channel empowers you to share your passion and expertise with a global audience.
- It offers multiple revenue streams including ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- Flexibility allows you to balance this venture with other commitments, making it a great side hustle or full-time business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent choice for women looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. This venture allows you to promote products and services for other companies and earn a commission for each sale, providing a steady stream of income over time. With the flexibility to choose products and brands that align with your interests, this business model can be particularly empowering.
To get started, it’s crucial to find the right products and brands to partner with, such as eCommerce stores or manufacturers whose products you genuinely support. You can learn more about how to succeed in affiliate marketing through various online resources and success stories.
Why consider an affiliate marketing business?
- It offers flexible work hours allowing you to balance other responsibilities.
- Low startup costs make it accessible, even if you’re starting with minimal investment.
- You have the potential to earn passive income while promoting products you already love.
For more information on affiliate marketing business success stories, you can check out our ideas page.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning your brilliant idea into a mobile app is more feasible than you might think, even without an extensive tech background. As a woman, starting a mobile app business offers a flexible and scalable way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even establish a full-fledged business. With the rise of various platforms and resources, you have the chance to create something that caters to a wide array of user needs, from productivity tools to entertainment.
While starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer, it’s an exciting venture with immense possibilities. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads. If you have an idea that can solve a problem or entertain millions, the world of app development awaits.
Why create a mobile app?
- You have the opportunity to tap into the ever-growing mobile app market, which offers immense potential for revenue.
- As a woman, this business allows you to leverage your unique perspective and address niches or problems that may be overlooked by others.
- Developing a mobile app business is a flexible option that can adapt to your schedule, making it ideal for balancing work-life commitments.
Interested? Check out some success stories to get inspired and understand the potential here.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. In simple terms, this involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.
With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s significant demand for automation. The real work involves developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to tailor services to their needs. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Learn more about the business startup costs and tips here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- It allows you to work flexibly from home, balancing other responsibilities.
- You tap into a growing market with increasing demand, creating potential for sustainable income.
- A strong social media presence can amplify your own brand, opening doors to new business opportunities.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
13. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is a brilliant opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded women to supplement their income, make extra money, or even build a full-time business. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche—such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more—you could share your expertise and passion with an engaged online community. This venture not only involves creating unique and informative content such as articles, how-to guides, and video interviews but also offers various monetization avenues like affiliate links, brand collaborations, and public speaking engagements. For more inspiration, have a look at niche blog success stories.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion into profit by sharing your expertise on a topic you love and know well.
- It offers flexible work hours, making it easier to balance with other responsibilities and commitments.
- Engaging with a dedicated audience and building a loyal community can be highly rewarding both personally and financially.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
14. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could be an empowering venture for women looking to supplement their income or create a standalone enterprise. The essence of this business hinges on analyzing market trends and making strategic financial decisions to buy and sell stocks for profit. For the financially savvy and those passionate about market dynamics, stock investing offers a lucrative avenue that combines learning with earning potential.
By leveraging educational resources and modern trading platforms, you could equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate the stock market effectively. While this business demands a deep understanding of market movements, it promises substantial returns for those who invest time and effort into mastering financial strategies. For more ideas and tips on starting a stock investing business, explore this link.
Why consider starting a stock investing business?
- It allows you to take control of your financial future by making informed investment decisions.
- You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it a convenient option for maintaining work-life balance.
- The potential for high returns makes it a compelling choice for long-term wealth building.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Considering starting an AI-based business solution as a woman? Leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline business operations is an innovative way to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks, gain valuable customer insights, and make informed decisions based on data analysis, all without needing an extensive tech background.
The market for AI solutions is expanding rapidly as businesses increasingly recognize the competitive advantages they offer. With user-friendly platforms and robust support systems, launching your own AI-based business solution could be a strategic move to tap into this burgeoning sector. Explore the possibilities and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- The AI industry is growing fast, giving you a chance to tap into a booming market.
- AI tools can automate tasks, freeing up your time for higher-level work and creativity.
- As a woman, you could bring unique perspectives and solutions to an industry that benefits from diverse voices.
For more information on how to profit from an AI-based business solution, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
16. Start a wreath making business
Starting a wreath-making business can be an excellent way for women to supplement their income or even begin a full-fledged enterprise. Wreath making combines creative expression with potential for profit, allowing you to monetize your craft skills while maintaining a flexible schedule. Whether it's for holidays, weddings, or home décor, wreaths are always in demand and provide you with a continuous stream of opportunities to sell.
If you’re interested in learning more about the intricacies of starting a wreath-making business, you can find additional resources and tips on Starter Story here.
Why starting a wreath making business?
- The craft industry often appeals to consumers looking for personalized and unique products, which is a niche you could capitalize on.
- As a woman, you could find this to be a fulfilling creative outlet that balances well with other personal or professional responsibilities.
- There are minimal startup costs involved, making it a low-risk endeavor to get started.
17. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers women a powerful avenue to supplement their income or even build a significant business. This venture involves buying, managing, and selling real estate assets to generate profit, tapping into the substantial profit potential of the real estate market. Rental properties can provide a steady income stream, and property value appreciation can result in impressive financial returns.
If you have a passion for real estate and a knack for identifying valuable properties, this venture could be the ideal fit for you. Success in this field requires market research, strategic planning, and adept financial and operational management skills. For more details on starting a real estate investment firm, take a look at some of the success stories.
Why start a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate investment offers both steady rental income and potential for significant property appreciation.
- You will gain control over your financial future through diversified investments.
- This field provides opportunities for professional growth and the development of valuable business skills.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
18. Start a laser cut coasters business
Starting a laser cut coasters business is an excellent opportunity for women who have a passion for design and precision craft. The versatility of laser cutting technology allows you to create custom and intricate designs on coasters, providing a unique and stylish product that stands out in the market. Whether you are an experienced artist or just starting in the world of crafts, this business can be a profitable side hustle or a full-time venture.
By leveraging laser cutting technology, you could achieve high-quality designs at a reduced cost, thus maximizing your profitability. This business not only allows you to express your creativity but also serves as a platform to deliver personalized and unique home décor items. If you're ready to dive into entrepreneurship, this could be your perfect opportunity.
Why consider starting a laser cut coasters business?
- Laser-cutting enables you to create precise and intricate designs, making your coasters unique and attractive.
- You can offer custom designs, tapping into a lucrative market of people looking for personalized home décor.
- This business can be started with relatively low overhead costs, enhancing your profit margins.
For more insights into the startup costs and benefits, be sure to check out Starter Story's detailed guides: startup costs.
19. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Creating a WordPress plugin business is an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or start a side hustle as a woman. If you have experience using WordPress, you know how vital plugins are for running successful websites. Developing and selling plugins that solve specific problems could help you generate a steady income. Platforms like CodeCanyon offer a marketplace for selling your plugins, or you could even create a dedicated website to showcase and sell your products.
Why start a WordPress plugin business? - Demand for quality plugins is high, ensuring a robust market for your products. - You could leverage your problem-solving skills to create innovative solutions, making your business stand out. - The flexibility of running an online business allows you to balance other responsibilities, making it an ideal opportunity for women seeking work-life harmony.
For more insights, you could explore these success stories of entrepreneurs who have thrived in the WordPress plugin industry.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
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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.
