35 Business Ideas For Firefighters [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a firefighter in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a firefighter could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Firefighters?

We put together 35 of some of the best firefighter business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a video production company ($156K/month)

Starting a video production company could be a compelling venture for a firefighter looking to supplement or diversify their income. With your unique experience and insights, you could create impactful safety training videos, public service announcements, and educational content for fire departments or community organizations. These videos could help fill a critical need for high-quality, relatable resources in the industry.

Additionally, your disciplined work ethic and ability to perform under pressure would translate well into the fast-paced, detail-oriented world of video production. By honing your skills in video editing and production, you could offer services ranging from commercials to corporate videos, reaching a broad range of clientele beyond the firefighting community. This side business could not only provide extra income but also expand your professional skills and opportunities.

2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a firefighter. You could create content around the unique challenges and experiences of firefighting, safety tips, or general public preparedness. This niche not only has the potential to draw in a dedicated audience but also positions you as a knowledgeable and trusted voice in the community.

With basic recording equipment and an affordable hosting platform, you could launch your podcast with minimal upfront costs. Promoting your episodes through social media and online communities could help you build a loyal listener base. As your audience grows, you could even attract sponsors or advertisers, allowing your podcast to become a profitable side business.

3. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a practical and rewarding endeavor for a firefighter looking to increase their income or launch a side business. Your unique perspective and experiences could provide valuable content, such as fire safety tips, emergency preparedness advice, or behind-the-scenes looks at day-to-day firefighter duties, which could resonate with a broad audience. As you build your subscriber base and watch hours, you could join the YouTube Partner Program to start monetizing your content through ads and sponsorships.

Moreover, firefighter-related content is not only informative but also engaging, potentially attracting followers who are interested in learning more about this heroic profession. By sharing personal stories, conducting Q&A sessions, or even demonstrating firefighting techniques, you could grow a dedicated viewer base. While building a successful channel takes time and effort, leveraging YouTube’s established monetization system could eventually provide a significant supplementary income stream.

With persistence and creativity, your YouTube channel could evolve into a successful venture, driven by your passion for firefighting and content creation.

4. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your unique schedule and skill set to start a natural beauty product business, focusing on items like aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter. This side venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to tap into the booming natural skin care products market, which was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021.

Given your understanding of the importance of skin care due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions, you could develop products that cater specifically to individuals needing relief from such elements. By crafting and selling chemical-free, natural beauty items, you could turn your commitment to health and wellness into a profitable business opportunity.

Considering the considerable demand for pure, synthetic-free skin care solutions, this business idea holds significant potential for growth. With determination and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, you could successfully launch your own natural beauty product line.

5. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your physical fitness and extensive knowledge of exercise routines to start a fitness equipment company. This venture allows you to merge your professional expertise with entrepreneurial ambition by designing, assembling, or selling equipment tailored to the intensive fitness regime required in your line of work. Your firsthand experience with the physical demands of firefighting makes you uniquely qualified to identify and market high-quality, effective fitness tools.

You could run this business from a storefront or take advantage of the growing online market, offering a flexible way to supplement your income. The dual focus on both physical fitness and business management can provide a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time career transition. Whether supplying gyms, schools, or individuals seeking personal fitness solutions, your insider knowledge could give you a competitive edge in the industry.

6. Start a soap business ($67K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your unique schedule to start a lucrative soap-making business. This home-based or small local business allows you to work during your free time, turning your off-duty hours into extra income.

With an initial investment of probably less than $1,000 for supplies, you could tap into the growing demand for popular skincare products sold online. The simplicity of entering the soap industry and the potential for good returns make it an attractive side business to supplement your income.

7. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)

If you're a firefighter with a passion for baking and dogs, starting a dog treat business could be a perfect way to supplement your income. Creating healthy, natural, and tasty treats can not only fuel your entrepreneurial spirit but also bring joy to countless furry friends.

By focusing on nutritional quality and safety, you could carve out a niche with specialty items like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes, further distinguishing your brand. Additionally, leveraging online and local markets can help you transform this side business into a thriving enterprise that fits seamlessly around your firefighting schedule.

8. Make a body care products ($44.3K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your background in health and wellness to create a line of body care products. Focusing on items like soaps, lotions, and scrubs designed to improve skin health can be a natural extension of your commitment to helping people. Given your hands-on experience with the physical demands of firefighting, you would understand the importance of skin care, making you uniquely qualified to produce effective and reliable products.

Starting a body care product line allows you to ease into entrepreneurship while capitalizing on the growing consumer interest in self-care and natural products. With some initial research on ingredients and packaging, and by adhering to safety standards, you could create a brand that stands out by promoting eco-friendly and sustainable options. Online platforms like Etsy or a personalized website make it simpler for you to reach a broad audience without needing a physical storefront.

This business idea combines creativity with market needs, offering you the potential to turn your entrepreneurial venture into a well-loved brand. If the prospect of crafting tangible products that help people appeals to you, entering the body care market could be both rewarding and profitable.

9. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)

Starting a supplements company could align seamlessly with your career as a firefighter, given the physical demands and commitment to health that your job requires. Leveraging your firsthand experience with fitness and wellness, you could build a brand that resonates with fellow fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone prioritizing their nutrition. Your unique perspective can also add credibility, helping you connect authentically with your target customers.

This venture could be particularly appealing because setting up a supplement business is relatively inexpensive and can be managed from your home. You could sell dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods directly to customers or collaborate with distributors and retailers. This side business offers a flexible way to supplement your income, allowing you to balance your firefighting duties while pursuing entrepreneurial success.

10. Become a wellness coach ($48.2K/month)

As a firefighter, your extensive knowledge in physical fitness, stress management, and overall well-being uniquely positions you to start a business as a wellness coach. Given the physically demanding nature of your job, you could leverage your expertise to guide others toward achieving their health goals, whether it be weight loss, improved energy levels, or stress management.

Health and wellness coaching is gaining popularity, and with your background, you could choose from various paths such as becoming a personal trainer, a corporate wellness coach, or even a nutritional therapist. This side business not only has the potential to supplement your income but also allows you to share your passion for health and wellness with others.

Starting a wellness coaching business can be tailored to your career goals, budget, and the time you can commit, making it a flexible and rewarding venture for entrepreneurial firefighters.

11. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)

As a firefighter with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills by becoming an IT consultant. In this role, you could help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure, ensuring their systems run smoothly and meet their specific needs.

By analyzing and diagnosing IT systems, you could offer valuable insights and solutions to improve efficiency and security. This side business could provide you with a flexible and lucrative opportunity to supplement your income while utilizing your expertise from a practical and analytical perspective.

12. Become a corporate trainer ($9.79K/month)

As a firefighter, your extensive experience in high-pressure situations and teamwork can seamlessly translate into a successful corporate trainer role. You could design and deliver training programs that focus on developing leadership, crisis management, and team cohesion in a corporate setting. Your real-world insights and practical strategies would be highly valuable to businesses looking to enhance their employees' performance and resilience.

Moreover, starting a business as a corporate trainer could allow you to make extra money while still aligning with your passion for helping others. By tailoring your courses to meet the specific needs of organizations, you can establish yourself as a trusted advisor in professional development. This entrepreneurial path offers the rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on workplace culture and efficiency.

13. Become a massage therapist ($87.2K/month)

As a firefighter, you could find starting a massage therapy business a rewarding way to supplement your income while helping others. The physical demands of your job make you highly aware of the importance of muscle care and relaxation, allowing you to offer specialized insight to your clients. Independent operation is a flexible option—you could run your massage therapy business from home or rent a massage studio on an hourly basis.

The massage industry is growing, and there are many avenues to explore within it, from sports massage to general wellness services. Building a successful massage therapy business is more achievable than you might think, especially if you apply core business skills and leverage your community connections. This venture could provide a fulfilling way to balance your firefighting career while offering an important service to your community.

14. Start a social media analytics business ($177K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage the growing demand for actionable social media insights by starting a social media analytics business. This venture would involve helping companies understand and maximize their social media metrics, enabling them to enhance their online presence and marketing strategies effectively.

With your analytical skills, you could provide valuable insights into engagement rates, audience demographics, and performance trends through advanced analytical tools and personalized reports. This side business allows you to become a crucial partner for firms aiming to outpace their competitors in the digital landscape.

By acquiring the right tools and expertise in social media platforms, you could build a successful business that not only supplements your income but also offers meaningful, data-driven solutions to clients. This entrepreneurial path could be a compelling opportunity for those who excel in data analysis and strategic planning.

15. Start a laptop accessories brand ($405K/month)

As a firefighter, you could supplement your income by starting a laptop accessories brand, leveraging your structured problem-solving skills and attention to detail. This side business can be managed during your off-duty hours, providing you a flexible way to earn extra money. You could focus on developing eco-friendly and sustainable products, meeting current market trends and tapping into a growing demand for environmentally conscious choices.

Creating customized carrying cases, docking stations, or external hard drives personalized to user needs allows you to bring practical and innovative solutions to the market. Your discipline and teamwork skills from firefighting can be seamlessly transferred to the entrepreneurial world, helping you manage and grow your brand. This venture not only enables you to diversify your income but also lets you explore your interests in product design and marketing.

16. Become a content strategist ($64K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your unique experiences and insights to start a content strategist business, targeting industries related to safety, emergency services, and public health. Given your on-the-ground expertise, you have a deep understanding of what messages resonate with these audiences, whether it's educational content for fire prevention or informative articles on first response protocols. This unique perspective can set you apart in the market, making your content more relatable and impactful.

Furthermore, many of the skills you use daily—such as high-level communication, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure—are directly transferable to a role as a content strategist. You could collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure that their content strategies are both comprehensive and aligned with their business goals. Overall, this side business could offer you a fulfilling and lucrative way to supplement your income, using skills you already possess in a new and exciting way.

17. Start a recruiting agency ($109K/month)

Starting a recruiting agency could be an excellent opportunity for you as a firefighter to supplement your income and diversify your career. With your firsthand experience and understanding of the rigorous demands and qualifications required in the field, you could specialize in recruiting professionals for fire departments and emergency services, ensuring that candidates meet the necessary standards and are well-prepared for the job.

Given the projected growth of the global online recruitment market from $29 billion in 2019 to an estimated $43 billion by 2027, there’s significant potential for profitability. Moreover, obtaining real-world experience in this area allows you to build valuable networks and refine your recruiting strategies over time. This venture could ultimately provide you with a robust and rewarding side business, leveraging your existing skills and expertise in a new and impactful way.

18. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)

Adding a freelance writing business to your income stream could be a great fit for you as a firefighter. With your unique schedule and considerable downtime between shifts, you could leverage those periods to engage in paid writing assignments. Freelance writing offers the flexibility to define your own work hours and tackle projects that suit your interests and expertise.

Imagine writing informative articles, blog posts, or guides on fire safety, emergency response, or fitness tips for first responders. Your firsthand experience and strong writing skills could make your content highly valuable to clients in these niches. It's a side hustle with the potential for a full-time income, allowing you to be your own boss and hone essential skills like meeting deadlines and effective communication.

19. Start a hygiene product company ($1.18M/month)

As a firefighter, starting a hygiene product company could be a strategic and rewarding way to supplement your income. Given your firsthand understanding of the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene, particularly in environments requiring rigorous sanitary standards, you are well-positioned to identify and address gaps in the market. With a business producing and selling items such as soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, you could leverage your credibility and expertise to build trust with consumers seeking quality hygiene products.

To ensure a successful venture, you might focus on sourcing high-quality raw materials and developing a range of products catering to various needs. Your rigorous training and attention to detail as a firefighter equip you to maintain high standards in product quality and safety. Additionally, a robust online presence through a dedicated website and active social media could help you reach a broader audience, making your business a viable and profitable endeavor.

Ultimately, starting a hygiene product business allows you to translate your commitment to safety and health into a new entrepreneurial chapter, broadening your professional portfolio while providing valuable products to the community. With passion, dedication, and strategic planning, your venture could not only enhance financial stability but also make a positive impact on public health.

20. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As a firefighter, you possess a wealth of knowledge in areas such as safety, leadership, and crisis management, all of which can be invaluable to entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. By launching a startup instructing business, you could leverage these skills to guide new business owners through the initial stages of their ventures. You could offer practical advice on business planning, marketing strategies, and overall direction for success.

To keep initial costs low, identify your areas of expertise and target a specific industry or niche where your insights can make the most impact. Establish a basic online presence through a website or social media to showcase your services to potential clients. By offering affordable rates and building a reputation through satisfied customers, you could turn this side business into a steady source of supplementary income.

21. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills to develop a user feedback app that helps businesses fine-tune their products and services. This platform would gather, organize, and analyze real-time customer feedback, providing companies with the actionable data they need to improve their offerings and satisfy clients. Imagine being the go-to source for businesses aiming to better understand their customers without disrupting the user experience.

Creating such an app involves technical expertise in app development, data analysis, and user experience design, but the effort could set you up for recurring revenue through subscription models. By venturing into this entrepreneurial space, you could build a steady source of extra income while providing a valuable tool that makes a difference for businesses across various industries. This dual role allows you to continue your dedicated service as a firefighter while exploring the exciting world of tech entrepreneurship.

22. Start a social media management business ($128K/month)

Starting a social media management business could be a practical way for you as a firefighter to supplement your income. You already possess essential skills such as crisis management and communication, which can be leveraged in developing marketing strategies and managing clients' social media accounts. With the flexibility to define your work schedule, you could manage your social media tasks during your off-duty hours without impacting your firefighting responsibilities.

A social media management business involves setting up and posting on behalf of your clients, analyzing marketing efforts, and developing strategies for increasing their social media presence. Your experience in high-pressure situations could be invaluable in making quick, effective decisions, a crucial trait for keeping up with fast-paced social media environments. By choosing the niches you are passionate about or familiar with, you could turn this venture into a rewarding side business that complements your primary career.

23. Start an online reputation management business ($167K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your public service background and community trust to build an online reputation management business. Helping individuals and businesses improve their digital footprints by curating positive web content and mitigating negative commentary through SEO and PR strategies could make for a lucrative side venture.

Given your experience in high-pressure situations and your problem-solving skills, you could excel in crisis management and online reputation recovery. The flexibility of this business allows it to be run from anywhere, making it a perfect fit for your irregular hours and shifts, while helping you tap into a billion-dollar industry.

24. Create a calendar sync tool ($89.3K/month)

As a firefighter, you likely juggle demanding and unpredictable schedules, sometimes working shifts that vary week by week. Creating a calendar sync tool could help you and your colleagues manage these complexities more efficiently. This tool can integrate multiple calendars, ensuring you never miss important events, appointments, or training sessions, and consequently making your daily life less stressful.

With the rise of remote work and varied time zones, a calendar sync tool becomes even more crucial. By starting this business, you could address a universal need for better organization, offering a solution that can be scaled and customized for different professional and personal uses. Not only could this venture provide a valuable service, but it could also prove financially rewarding as you tap into an essential aspect of modern-day scheduling challenges.

25. Start a jewelry product ($167K/month)

As a Firefighter, delving into a jewelry business allows you to blend artistry with entrepreneurship, creating an opportunity to supplement your income in a flexible and rewarding manner. Crafting and selling custom or unique jewelry pieces enables you to express your creativity while catering to a market that appreciates bespoke and individualistic items.

To kickstart this venture, all you need is a basic set of tools, a good eye for design, and a reliable supplier for materials like gemstones, metals, and beads. Leveraging online platforms like Etsy or your own ecommerce site can help you reach a wide audience without the overhead costs of a physical store. Additionally, using social media tools such as Instagram for marketing can attract a fashion-conscious customer base, and offering personalized or limited-edition pieces can foster customer loyalty. Starting a jewelry business can turn your artistic passion into a profitable, flexible side business that fits well alongside your firefighting career.

26. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your downtime to start a social media automation business, managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth for your clients. This business involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, helping small businesses and influencers save time and enhance their social media presence.

Given the increasing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant market for automation services. If you have a knack for technology and marketing, developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients can turn this into a lucrative and fulfilling side business or even a full-time venture.

27. Start a custom company uniforms business

Starting a custom company uniforms business could be a compelling opportunity for firefighters looking to supplement their income. Your firsthand experience with safety gear and practical attire gives you a unique perspective on the importance of functional, high-quality uniforms. As a firefighter, you could leverage your network and understanding of what makes effective and durable clothing, making you uniquely qualified to address the specific needs of various industries.

Moreover, this venture allows you to exercise creativity and customization, giving you the chance to work closely with clients to create tailored uniforms that reflect their brand and values. With the potential for repeat business, especially as companies grow or renew their attire, you could build steady, long-term relationships and a sustainable business model.

28. Create a social media scheduling tool ($119K/month)

As a firefighter, you possess unique time management skills and a disciplined work ethic, both of which are crucial for launching a successful social media scheduling tool. This tool would allow businesses to plan and schedule their social media posts in advance, giving them the structure needed to maintain a consistent online presence without the last-minute scramble.

Given the high demand for social media management across virtually all industries, your tool could resonate with a wide audience, providing you with an excellent opportunity to supplement your income. Plus, since you can develop and manage this business during your downtime at the firehouse, it could easily fit around your current work schedule, leading to an ideal side business or even a full-time endeavor in the future.

29. Start a laundromat ($54.7K/month)

Starting a laundromat could be a practical and lucrative side business for a firefighter looking to supplement their income. With a flexible work schedule that often includes extended shifts, you could manage your time effectively to oversee the operations or even hire part-time staff to handle daily activities. Laundromats are largely self-service, meaning minimal hands-on management is required, allowing you to focus on your primary job while generating passive income.

Given the right location and competitive pricing, a laundromat could attract a steady stream of customers, maximizing revenue. The consistent need for clean clothes ensures a continual demand, making laundromats a stable business choice. Plus, the relatively low overhead and straightforward operations make it a viable venture for entrepreneurial-minded firefighters seeking to diversify their income streams.

30. Start a party planning business ($164K/month)

Starting a party planning business could be an excellent fit for a firefighter looking to supplement their income or embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. Your organizational and multitasking skills honed on the job are directly transferable to tasks such as budgeting, establishing party timelines, and coordinating diverse aspects of events like catering and transportation.

As someone who is client-focused and adept at handling high-pressure situations, you could thrive in managing the numerous details that go into a successful event. Your creative flair and desire to help people enjoy themselves can be channeled into themed décor and the overall atmosphere, making memorable experiences for clients.

Moreover, your inherent teamwork abilities and diplomacy can be strong assets when liaising with clients, vendors, and venues. Leveraging these skills could allow you to excel in the party planning business, offering a fulfilling and profitable side venture or possibly a future full-time career.

31. Start a snow removal service

Starting a snow removal service could be a highly lucrative opportunity for firefighters, especially considering your adaptable schedules and the seasonal nature of the work. During the winter months, you could utilize a dump trailer and snow plow to offer services to both commercial and residential clients. This high-margin, scalable business requires low overhead costs, making it a practical venture.

Moreover, your physical preparedness and problem-solving skills as a firefighter would serve you well in handling the demanding nature of snow removal. During or after a snowstorm, you could stay actively engaged, supplementing your income in a substantial way while providing a necessary service to your community.

32. Start a wireframing software business ($199K/month)

As a firefighter, you could leverage your problem-solving skills and attention to detail to enter the tech industry by starting a wireframing software business. With a penchant for design and a passion for technology, you could develop software that assists UI/UX designers in planning and mocking up website and app layouts, making their creative process more efficient.

This market is growing due to the increasing demand for intuitive, user-friendly interfaces in digital products. By focusing on research and development, you could ensure your software meets the evolving needs of designers. If the thrill of tech innovation excites you, this business venture could be both profitable and personally fulfilling, offering a way to supplement your income while leveraging your unique skill set.

33. Start a watch brand ($157K/month)

As a firefighter, starting a watch brand offers you a practical way to supplement your income or even establish a thriving side business, leveraging the global demand for luxury accessories and innovative timepieces. You could focus on developing high-quality, distinctive designs that resonate with your customer’s personal style and vision, potentially creating iconic timepieces that stand out in the market.

Whether you opt for a high-end mechanical watch collection or smartwatches with integrated technology, your background in discipline and precision can be advantageous. Strategic branding and marketing efforts could enable you to capture market share and grow from a small business to a flourishing fashion empire. This venture not only fits your entrepreneurial mindset but also aligns with the meticulous and reliable nature often associated with firefighting.

34. Start a poetry business

As a firefighter, you have a unique experience that can lend itself beautifully to the art of poetry. Starting a poetry business could allow you to channel your experiences and emotions into creative works that resonate with others, providing an additional income stream. Imagine crafting bespoke poems for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or even for commemorating heroic acts and community events.

You could offer custom poems and greeting cards or even perform spoken word art at local venues or online events. By establishing an online presence, you could expand your reach to a global audience, using social media and a dedicated website to showcase and sell your work. Whether you are passionate about writing or seeking a creative outlet, a poetry business offers a unique blend of art and entrepreneurship that can complement your firefighting career.

35. Start a city maps business ($140K/month)

As a firefighter, your extensive knowledge of city layouts and local landmarks could uniquely position you to create and sell customized city maps. This business idea leverages your familiarity with various neighborhoods and specific areas, which not only supports creating accurate and detailed maps but also provides a personal touch that customers may appreciate for both decorative and practical uses.

You could start by researching popular or historic sections of your city that people might be interested in. Then, designing the maps using graphic design software, or outsourcing the work if necessary, allows you to focus on the accuracy and uniqueness of each map based on your expert knowledge.

Selling these maps online through platforms like Etsy, your own website, or at local markets and events could supplement your income while allowing you to lend your expertise to a new, entrepreneurial venture.

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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

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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

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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