25 Business Ideas For Social Workers [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a social worker in 2024?

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

We put together 25 of some of the best social worker business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)

Starting a therapy business could be a natural extension of your current role as a social worker, given your extensive experience in helping individuals navigate their personal challenges. By offering therapy services, you could utilize your expertise in a focused, one-on-one setting, enabling clients to develop plans to improve their mental and emotional well-being actively.

If you are seeking to supplement your income, this venture could provide a flexible means to do so, allowing you to set your own hours while maintaining your primary job. For those looking to dive fully into entrepreneurship, a therapy business offers the potential to create a meaningful impact while also generating a sustainable income.

To get started, you would need to decide on the specific type of therapy you want to offer and obtain the necessary certifications and licenses. This focused approach ensures you are well-prepared to meet your clients' needs effectively, leveraging your skills and experience to build a successful and fulfilling business.

2. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)

As a social worker, you could create an online course to supplement your income by sharing your expertise with aspiring professionals or those seeking support. Offering classes on topics such as mental health resilience, crisis intervention techniques, or effective communication skills would fill educational gaps and empower others with your specialized knowledge.

By developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you could build a student base and generate passive income, all with relatively low startup costs. Whether opting for self-paced or cohort-based structures, this venture enables you to monetize your instructional talents while providing valuable content to lifelong learners.

3. Become a business coach ($55K/month)

As a social worker, you could leverage your skills in empathy, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication to become a successful business coach. By specializing in areas like stress management, leadership, or organizational development, you could help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.

Helping small-business owners identify new opportunities and optimize existing ones would not only diversify your income but also enable you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of aspiring entrepreneurs. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to capitalize on your expertise, while also offering the flexibility to maintain your current role as a social worker.

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

Starting a recruiting agency could be an excellent side business or full-time venture for social workers. Given your extensive experience in understanding people’s skills, needs, and aspirations, you are uniquely positioned to match candidates with the right job opportunities. The global online recruitment market, valued at $29 billion in 2019 and projected to reach $43 billion by 2027, indicates a robust demand for effective recruitment services.

Moreover, your deep network in various social services and healthcare sectors can offer a ready-made client base, increasing your chances of success. Imagine the satisfaction of helping both job seekers find meaningful work and organizations find skilled employees, all while supplementing your income or creating a new entrepreneurial path.

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

Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent way for social workers to supplement their income or even transition into a new career while leveraging their existing skills and understanding of human behavior. The core idea is to manage multiple social media accounts effortlessly, driving engagement and growth for clients who range from small businesses to influencers. This involves creating and managing tools and services that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms.

Given the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for automation solutions. As a social worker, your ability to empathize and understand client needs can be a substantial advantage in tailoring these services. If you have a knack for technology and marketing, diving into this field could provide you with a flexible and lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity.

6. Start an internet privacy app ($143K/month)

As a social worker, your deep understanding of personal confidentiality and client privacy puts you in a unique position to develop an internet privacy app. You could leverage your knowledge about the importance of protecting sensitive information to create a solution that resonates with a wide audience increasingly concerned about their digital footprint. With rising incidences of data breaches, like those involving Cambridge Analytica and Equifax, more people are looking for trustworthy privacy solutions.

By developing an easy-to-use and fast privacy app, you could provide a valuable service that safeguards users' online activities from tracking. Your app could offer features such as anonymous browsing, secure searches, and data encryption to ensure user interactions are private and safe. This venture could not only supplement your income but also emerge as a vital resource in the digital age where privacy concerns are paramount.

7. Start an online community ($21.6K/month)

Starting an online community could be an excellent side business for entrepreneurial-minded social workers. You could bring together individuals who share common values and interests, such as mental health advocates, social justice enthusiasts, or those seeking support for various social challenges. By leveraging your expertise and network, you could create a valuable space for interaction and support, making it a compelling platform for potential members.

Potential revenue streams include selling memberships, promoting affiliate links, and running ads, giving you multiple ways to monetize your efforts. Additionally, you could offer sponsored content or sell specific products that cater to the needs of your community, providing further income opportunities. This approach not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a broader impact, aligning well with your professional ethos as a social worker.

8. Start an embroidery business ($8.25K/month)

Starting an embroidery business as a social worker could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. You could capitalize on the growing global demand for embroidery supplies by offering custom embroidered items such as caps, t-shirts, polo shirts, and jackets. This venture offers flexibility, making it easier to balance with your primary responsibilities as a social worker.

Before diving in, consider whether you possess the necessary skills and knowledge of different fabrics and stitching. If not, you could take courses or attend workshops to build your expertise. The scaling of your business can be incremental, allowing you to start small and grow as demand increases, ensuring a manageable initial investment.

As a social worker, you have a unique understanding of community needs, which could give you an edge in identifying and targeting potential customers. Whether it’s local organizations, youth groups, or schools, your network could provide a steady stream of clients seeking personalized embroidered goods.

9. Become a business law consultant ($518K/month)

As a social worker, you could leverage your keen understanding of regulatory frameworks and advocacy skills to transition into a role as a business law consultant. The growing complexity of laws and regulations in the business environment means there is a high demand for expert guidance in this area. Your ability to analyze and navigate intricate compliance issues could be invaluable to small and mid-sized businesses looking to avoid legal pitfalls.

You could offer services such as contract reviews, compliance auditing, and legal risk assessments, helping businesses operate safely within legal boundaries. This avenue allows you to utilize and expand your skills beyond social work, while providing a potentially lucrative supplemental income. This dual role could enable you to diversify your professional portfolio and establish yourself as a trusted advisor, enhancing both your career satisfaction and financial stability.

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

Starting a freelance writing business could be a viable and rewarding way to supplement your income or establish a side business as a social worker. Your experience in social work provides you with unique insights and compelling stories that could resonate deeply with various audiences, from academic circles to mainstream publications. You could write articles, blogs, or even ebooks on subjects related to mental health, community development, or social justice, offering expert opinions and practical advice based on your professional background.

As a freelance writer, you would have the flexibility to set your work schedule and write from home, making it easier to balance with your existing career. The qualities required for successful freelance writing, such as strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and being a self-starter, are likely already part of your professional skill set. Your ability to communicate effectively and stay current on trends and tools would further enhance your ability to thrive in this entrepreneurial venture.

11. Start a PPC consulting agency ($87.3K/month)

Starting a PPC consulting agency could be an exciting way to supplement your income or establish a side business as a social worker. Leveraging your understanding of digital marketing and paid advertising, you could assist various businesses in optimizing their PPC campaigns, which are known to offer a remarkable 200% ROI. Given that many business owners struggle to effectively implement PPC strategies, your expertise could be invaluable in guiding them towards successful, cost-effective advertising.

If you're not fully confident in your knowledge of Google Ads, there's always the possibility to outsource a PPC consultant to help enhance your client projects. This flexibility allows you to continue focusing on your main career while gradually building your consulting business. By entering the world of PPC consulting, you could diversify your professional skill set while helping other businesses grow.

12. Start an online newsletter writing business ($596K/month)

As a social worker, you could leverage your expertise to start an online newsletter writing business that focuses on providing valuable insights, resources, and updates related to social work. By sharing your knowledge on current trends, research, and best practices in the field, you could create a community of engaged subscribers who benefit from your professional experience.

You could send the newsletter weekly or monthly, depending on your content availability and objectives. By choosing a suitable email newsletter tool, personalizing templates, and defining a clear goal for your newsletter, you could develop a professional strategy that helps you supplement your income or even pivot to a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

13. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)

As a social worker, you're already adept at understanding and communicating with diverse groups of people, which adds great value to a social media marketing service. You could use your skills to help businesses enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. By creating compelling content and analyzing engagement metrics, you could fine-tune strategies to boost client success.

This entrepreneurial pursuit allows for flexible hours and can scale up as you gain more clients, making it an excellent side business or even a full-time venture over time. Moreover, by establishing your expertise in social media trends and marketing best practices, this business could offer recurring revenue, providing both stability and growth while leveraging the skills you already excel in.

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

As a social worker with a deep understanding of individual needs and a compassionate approach, transitioning into a wellness coach could be a natural extension of your skill set. You could leverage your expertise in stress management, mental health, and holistic well-being to offer tailored coaching services that help clients achieve their personal health goals.

Given the rising popularity of health and wellness coaching, you could explore various niches such as becoming a corporate wellness coach, a yoga teacher, or a nutritional therapist. These avenues not only allow you to supplement your income but also provide the flexibility to tailor your services to fit your schedule and budget.

Starting a wellness coaching business could enable you to continue making a meaningful impact on people’s lives, much like you currently do as a social worker, but with an added focus on overall health and wellness.

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

As a social worker, you could start a podcast to share your wealth of knowledge and experiences on mental health, social issues, or community resources. This medium allows you to reach a broader audience, raise awareness on critical topics, and provide valuable insights that could benefit listeners across various demographics.

By choosing a niche you are passionate about, such as trauma recovery or social justice, you could attract an audience eager to learn and engage with your content. With some basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, you can produce episodes that not only supplement your income through advertisements and sponsorships but also enhance your professional credibility and network.

Promoting your podcast through social media and online communities can help you build a loyal following, turning your side project into a meaningful and profitable venture. Such an entrepreneurial step not only diversifies your career but also amplifies your impact as a social worker.

16. Create a website builder ($667K/month)

As a social worker with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a website builder business could supplement your income by leveraging your understanding of community needs and advocacy skills. By developing a user-friendly tool to help individuals and businesses design their own websites with ease, you tap into the growing demand for online presence among small businesses, freelancers, and personal brands.

Imagine offering a platform featuring drag-and-drop capabilities, customizable templates, and integrated functionalities like eCommerce and SEO tools, making it accessible even for those without tech backgrounds. This venture not only allows you to generate extra revenue but also empowers others to establish their digital footprint efficiently.

The journey involves enhancing your understanding of web development and user experience, but the potential payoff is substantial. You could create a service that aligns with your mission to support people and communities, all while exploring a dynamic, tech-driven market.

17. Start a gym management software ($103K/month)

As a social worker, you could consider starting a gym management software business to supplement your income and leverage your expertise in helping others. This opportunity aligns well with your passion for improving community well-being and mental health. By creating a user-friendly software that streamlines operations for gym owners, you can support them in delivering better services, which indirectly promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle for their clients.

Additionally, your skills in empathy and communication would be crucial in understanding the unique needs of gym owners and members, allowing you to tailor your software for maximum impact. Focusing on excellent customer service and staying current with industry trends will ensure your software remains relevant and competitive in the market. This entrepreneurial venture could provide a fulfilling and financially rewarding complement to your primary profession as a social worker.

18. Become a fan page administrator

As a social worker, you could leverage your expertise in social media and community engagement to start a side business as a fan page administrator. By creating and managing fan pages for organizations, public figures, or even causes you are passionate about, you can help foster supportive online communities. This entrepreneurial venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to advocate for social issues and connect with a broader audience.

Moreover, your skills in empathy and communication are valuable assets in this role, enabling you to effectively manage interactions and create content that resonates with followers. This could become a fulfilling way to combine your professional skills with your passion for social advocacy, offering an additional revenue stream while making a wider impact.

19. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)

As a social worker with expertise in communicating complex ideas and offering guidance, you could leverage your skills by becoming a blogging coach. You could create online courses that teach essential blogging strategies such as selecting impactful blog topics and optimizing blog content to drive conversions, appealing particularly to other professionals in the social work field who aim to share their knowledge and experiences.

Additionally, social workers are uniquely positioned to understand and address the importance of content creation related to community support, mental health, and social issues, making your coaching especially valuable. As businesses and individuals increasingly incorporate blogging into their content marketing strategies, you could meet the rising demand for blogging coaches and significantly supplement your income or even pivot entirely to a lucrative side business.

20. Start an ACT tutoring business

As a social worker, you could find a natural extension of your desire to help others in starting an ACT tutoring business. Your innate skills in understanding individuals' unique needs and providing support can be tailored to address students' academic strengths and weaknesses, aiding them in achieving their college admissions goals.

The personalized approach you already employ in social work is directly translatable to creating curriculum-tailored lessons that significantly enhance students' ACT performance. Moreover, the demand for effective test prep remains consistent, providing you with a sustainable opportunity to supplement your income or even develop a full-fledged business.

Running an ACT tutoring business involves tasks such as hiring qualified tutors, crafting study materials, and offering both in-person and online sessions, allowing for a flexible work structure. Leveraging your existing community connections and marketing through schools and social media could also facilitate the growth of your business, making it a practical and fulfilling venture for someone with your background.

21. Start a lighting store

As a social worker, starting a lighting store could offer you an excellent supplemental income while aligning with your passion for enhancing community life. With a projected CAGR of 5.4% in the lighting fixtures market, there is robust growth expected, driven by consumer demand for energy-efficient and modern lighting options. This venture can tap into your understanding of creating positive environments, both through enhancing physical spaces and contributing to community welfare by promoting energy-saving solutions.

Additionally, a lighting store could serve as a meaningful sideline that allows you to use your social work skills in a new and entrepreneurial way. You could become a resource for local households and businesses looking to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact, thus fostering a more sustainable community. Whether you start with an online presence or open a brick-and-mortar shop in your neighborhood, this business could offer a profitable and socially conscious avenue for additional income.

22. Start a tech support business ($139K/month)

As a social worker, you could leverage your unique skills in empathy and communication to excel in a tech support business. Social workers are adept at actively listening and understanding the needs of their clients, which translates well into diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues. By providing clear, patient, and empathetic support, you could build a loyal client base that values your ability to make complex technology understandable and accessible.

Moreover, with the increasing reliance on technology in our day-to-day lives, the demand for tech support services is steadily growing. You could tap into this lucrative market by offering services to individuals and companies who need assistance with software, hardware, and other technology problems. Combining your social work skills with a solid understanding of IT could give you a competitive edge, allowing you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time tech support business.

23. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)

Starting an educational blog could be a lucrative side business for you as a social worker. By creating a website where you share informative content on topics such as mental health, family dynamics, or coping strategies, you could use your expertise to educate a broader audience.

You might choose a niche you're particularly passionate about, enabling you to create quality content without a significant financial investment. Utilizing free platforms like WordPress or YouTube, and promoting your blog through social media and SEO techniques, can help you build a following.

Once you have a steady flow of visitors, you could monetize your blog with affiliate marketing or by selling digital products like e-books and courses. Consistency and providing genuine value are key to turning your expertise into a successful entrepreneurial venture.

24. Start a beauty and fashion marketplace ($149K/month)

As a social worker passionate about helping individuals and communities, starting a beauty and fashion marketplace could be an exciting entrepreneurial venture to supplement your income. With an online platform or physical store featuring a variety of makeup, skincare, haircare, clothing, and accessories, you could leverage your people skills to build strong customer relationships and tailor offerings to meet diverse needs.

By attending trade shows and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you could consistently update your product range, ensuring your marketplace remains unique and competitive. This venture allows you to combine a love for beauty and fashion with your professional expertise in understanding human dynamics, offering personalized shopping experiences and excellent customer service to build a loyal clientele.

25. Start an online book store ($37.7K/month)

Starting an online book store could be a viable side business for social workers seeking to supplement their income. Given your expertise in human behavior and social issues, you could curate books that specifically address themes related to personal development, mental health, and social justice. This allows you to leverage your professional background to create a unique, niche market that resonates with your target audience.

You could also sell books on high-traffic platforms like eBay or Abebooks, or go the extra mile and write your own books, sharing insights and strategies gleaned from your social work experience. Whether you focus on vintage, rare, or out-of-print books, or opt for newer publications, the key is in differentiating your brand and delivering a curated experience. By building a community of book lovers who are passionate about the same causes, you could create a rewarding and profitable venture that aligns well with your commitment to making a difference.

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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.

Get The Report

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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.

Get The Report

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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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