Business Ideas For Ex Felons [2024]
Rebuilding your life after incarceration can be challenging, but starting your own business is a viable and empowering path forward. This article offers 60 business ideas that could help you regain control of your future. Each idea is tailored to provide practical opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded individuals like you.
You could explore options ranging from online businesses to service-based ventures that don't require a lot of upfront capital. Many of these ideas are low-barrier entry points, making it easier for you to get started right away. Whether you have a specific skill set or are willing to learn something new, you'll find possibilities that align with your interests and strengths.
Taking the step towards entrepreneurship could equip you with the freedom to dictate your own success. These business ideas could open doors to financial independence and personal satisfaction. Dive into the list and discover the potential for a brighter, self-made future.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other ex-felon businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be a highly rewarding venture for anyone looking to supplement their income or even build an entire business, particularly for ex-felons. It allows you to dive deep into a subject you are passionate about, providing valuable content to readers, and in turn, building a loyal online community. This kind of business can also be operated from the comfort of your own home, making it highly accessible regardless of your current situation.
Additionally, a niche blog offers multiple revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, product reviews, and sponsored content, which can further bolster your earnings. Given that this enterprise hinges on your expertise and passion, it allows you to leverage your unique perspective and experiences, resonating authentically with your audience.
Check out these niche blog success stories to inspire your journey.
Why starting a niche blog?
- It offers a flexible, low-cost startup opportunity that you could manage from anywhere.
- You could turn your unique experiences into valuable content, resonating deeply with your audience.
- Multiple revenue streams are available, from ad revenue and sponsored posts to affiliate marketing, providing robust income potential.
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.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business offers ex-felons an excellent opportunity to supplement their income or even build a primary source of revenue. By tapping into your unique skills and experiences, you could provide valuable knowledge to others, all while working from the comfort of your own home. The e-learning industry is booming, and with low startup costs, this venture allows you to turn your passions and expertise into a profitable business.
Why start an online course sales business?
- Potential for passive income. Once your course is created, it can continually generate revenue as new students enroll.
- Flexible and low-cost startup. You could choose an online platform to host your course, requiring minimal initial investment.
- Empowerment through education. Not only could this business provide financial stability, but sharing your skills could also inspire and help others.
For more information on how to succeed in this venture, check out success stories on Starter Story.
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 YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. A YouTube channel offers you the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel can focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment. It's a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. You'll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and engage with your audience regularly. A good understanding of SEO for videos and social media marketing can also drive traction. For more inspiration, check out these success stories from other YouTubers.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- Flexibility allows you to work from anywhere, making it perfect for someone looking for a fresh start.
- You could leverage personal experiences to create relatable and authentic content that resonates with viewers.
- Cost-effective startup; you only need a camera and internet access to begin, minimizing financial barriers to entry.
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.
4. Start a dollhouse products
Exploring the world of dollhouse products offers ex-felons a creative and commercially viable business opportunity. This niche market includes crafting or sourcing miniatures such as furniture, decorations, and accessories for dollhouses, catering to collectors and children who value detailed, quality items. It's an ideal venture if you have an eye for detail and enjoy intricate design work.
With the increasing popularity of DIY hobbies and collectible items, entering the dollhouse product market could provide a combination of personal satisfaction and potential profit. You could sell your products through various channels like online stores, craft fairs, or specialty shops. Discover more about the opportunities and challenges in the dollhouse product business.
Why start a dollhouse products business?
- Limited competition allows you to stand out in a niche market.
- Requires minimal upfront investment compared to many business ideas.
- Offers flexible work hours, allowing you to start it as a side hustle.
5. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be a practical and accessible opportunity for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or even start a full-fledged business. With the dropshipping model, you could avoid the complexities and expenses of managing inventory, which can be a significant barrier to entry for those with a criminal record. Instead, you would focus on managing an online store and marketing, enabling you to build a business with minimal upfront costs and flexible working hours, ideally starting with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Moreover, as an ex-felon, the skills you develop in running a dropshipping business—such as digital marketing, customer service, and financial management—could be valuable for future entrepreneurial ventures or employment opportunities. Read more about successful dropshipping business stories here: /ideas/dropshipping-business/success-stories.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Low barriers to entry: Without the need to hold inventory, the initial costs and risks are significantly reduced.
- Flexible location: You could run your business from anywhere, offering convenience and the ability to manage work around other commitments.
- Skill development: Operating a dropshipping business could help you gain valuable skills in e-commerce, marketing, and customer service that are beneficial for any future endeavors.
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.
6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business as an ex-felon presents a great opportunity to supplement your income and even transition it into a full-time venture. By purchasing services or goods for resale, you can launch an online business without the burden of production costs. Initially, you do not even need to establish a website; you could focus on a social media-based reseller business, expanding your market as you grow.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- It's cost-effective. You could launch without major upfront investments in production or infrastructure.
- Flexibility and accessibility. Platforms like social media make it easy to start and operate, expanding your reach with minimal hurdles.
- Skill utilization. Leverage any existing knowledge or interests to choose niche products, making the business a more enjoyable and profitable endeavor.
For more insights on starting an ecommerce reselling business, you might find these success stories inspiring.
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.
7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business can be a great option for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies' products or services online and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral. This business model requires minimal upfront investment and allows you to work from anywhere, making it accessible to anyone eager to rebuild their financial future. You could explore various niches and partner with brands that align with your interests, making it an engaging and potentially lucrative venture.
For more detailed information and tips on starting an affiliate marketing business, check out Starter Story's tips on how to finance a business idea.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It requires low initial investment, making it accessible even if you have limited capital.
- You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, providing you with the freedom to balance other commitments.
- Affiliate marketing can generate passive income over time, offering financial stability without constant effort.
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.
8. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent opportunity for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or launch a new career. By focusing on creating tools and services to streamline social media tasks, you could help small businesses and influencers save time and improve their online presence. Given the ever-growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, this becomes even more critical.
Why consider a social media automation business?
- Minimal upfront costs: Compared to many other businesses, the startup costs for a social media automation service can be quite low.
- Flexibility and scalability: This business can easily be run from home, giving you the flexibility to scale as you grow your clientele.
- High demand and growth potential: Businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to optimize their social media presence, creating a consistent market for your services.
For more information on starting your social media automation business, you can explore useful tips and success stories here.
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.
9. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could be a smart move for an ex-felon looking to supplement their income or even make it their main source of revenue. This avenue allows you to work independently, using your analytical skills to navigate the financial markets and potentially turn a profit. With sufficient research, dedication, and strategic planning, a stock investing business offers a promising path for financial growth and stability.
Why start a stock investing business?
- Financial markets don’t discriminate. Your past doesn’t have to hinder your potential for success in stock investing.
- Flexible and scalable. You can start small, keep another job, and gradually scale up as you become more proficient.
- Empowerment through knowledge. Learning to invest equips you with financial literacy that can open doors to other opportunities.
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.
10. Start a dorm room cleaning business
Starting a dorm room cleaning business is a practical and lucrative way to supplement your income, especially for ex-felons looking to re-enter the workforce. With many college students lacking the time or inclination to clean their rooms, there's a steady demand for cleaning services on campuses. This type of business does not require a high initial investment, allowing you to start with minimal resources and build a loyal clientele over time.
Check out our guide on startup costs for more specifics on what you might need to get started.
Why starting a dorm room cleaning business?
- Low startup costs: A dorm room cleaning business requires minimal equipment and cleaning supplies, making it a cost-effective venture.
- Flexible hours: You could choose your own schedule, making it easy to balance with other commitments or jobs.
- Steady clientele: With thousands of students on campus, there will always be a need for your service, providing a reliable source of income.
11. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a fantastic opportunity for ex-felons seeking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-scale business. Such an app can help users achieve their health goals through personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, all while positively impacting their lives. If you're passionate about health and technology, this could be your path to making a meaningful contribution while building a thriving business.
Creating a health and wellness app includes market research, collaborating with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. This business venture allows you to tap into a growing market, providing much-needed services to people who want to improve their lifestyle. For more insights, you can explore health and wellness app success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- It allows you to positively impact others by offering valuable health and wellness resources.
- You can tap into a rapidly growing market that values personalized, convenient health solutions.
- With your unique perspective, you could create a more inclusive and empathetic approach to health and wellness services.
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.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a practical and viable option for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or build a new venture. With minimal upfront costs and the ability to work from home, this business model removes many barriers that might otherwise hinder someone with a criminal record from re-entering the workforce. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer avenues to reach global audiences while allowing you to focus on creating unique and trendy designs.
Why consider a print-on-demand business?
- Avoids upfront inventory costs and financial risk by using dropshipping for production and fulfillment.
- Allows you to work from home, providing a convenient and secure environment to grow your brand.
- Offers the flexibility to scale at your own pace, making it ideal for starting as a side hustle and expanding later.
To learn more about starting and scaling a print-on-demand business, check out the detailed guides and success stories at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a rescue product ($160K/month)
Turning waste and surplus materials into valuable consumer goods is a fantastic business idea for ex-felons. By repurposing discarded or overproduced items into new products, such as fashion accessories or home décor, you could not only generate income but also contribute to sustainability. This venture also offers a unique selling proposition that appeals to eco-conscious consumers, making it both profitable and meaningful.
Starting a rescue product business requires sourcing quality materials, either from manufacturers with excess inventory or local waste facilities. You'll also need a network of artisans or a personal knack for crafting. With minimal initial investment, this business is perfect for those who are passionate about sustainability and have a creative edge.
Why start a rescue product business?
- You could make a positive environmental impact by reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
- This business requires minimal initial investment, making it accessible for those starting fresh.
- Leveraging your creativity and repurposing skills can turn surplus materials into valuable, marketable products.
For more detailed steps on how to get started, check out these startup costs and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $300,000/month
Jakt, a digital product and innovation studio based in NYC, works with both startups and large enterprises, operating on a revenue of $4 million in 2018 with a 20% profit margin, with focus on referrals and channel partnerships to attract and retain clients.
14. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Considering a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Building a niche website might be the ideal solution. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products, making it an excellent way for ex-felons to leverage specific skills or interests.
Starting involves selecting a niche you're passionate about, creating compelling content, and driving traffic through SEO and marketing efforts. This endeavor can turn into passive income through various monetization options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products. If you have the drive and the knack for creating valuable content, a niche website could open doors to both financial independence and personal fulfillment. Read more successful stories about niche websites here.
Why starting a niche website?
- Flexible and low-barrier entry allows you to work from anywhere and on your own schedule.
- Empowers you to turn existing knowledge and passion into a revenue-generating venture.
- Multiple monetization options provide the potential for sustainable, passive income.
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.
15. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As an ex-felon, starting a podcast could be a powerful and lucrative way to supplement your income or even build a full-time business. Podcasts are a popular medium for sharing stories, insights, and expert knowledge, allowing you to connect with a diverse audience. By choosing a topic you’re passionate about and leveraging your unique experiences, you could create compelling content that resonates with listeners and potentially attracts sponsors or advertisers.
For more detailed startup guidance, check out this page on podcast profitability.
Why Start a Podcast?
- Low upfront costs: Podcasting requires minimal investment, mainly just a microphone and a hosting platform, making it accessible for those starting out.
- Leverage your story: Share your unique journey and insights, which can be both therapeutic and inspiring to your audience.
- Flexibility: Podcasting offers the flexibility to work from anywhere and on your schedule, allowing you to balance it with other commitments.
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.
16. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be a smart move for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or create an entirely new business. Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize business processes offers significant advantages, from automating repetitive tasks to providing valuable customer insights. Many AI platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces that do not require a tech background, making it accessible for anyone interested in tapping into this growing market. For more details on how to get started, check out some success stories here.
Why start an AI-based business solution? - AI can automate tedious tasks, allowing you to focus on strategic aspects of your business. - The growing demand for AI solutions means significant market potential and opportunities for growth. - Many AI tools are user-friendly, meaning you don’t need a tech background to get started.
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.
17. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business could be a viable opportunity for ex-felons looking to reclaim their financial future. Leveraging an email marketing tool, you could create and automate email campaigns that drive engagement and generate leads for various businesses. Given the projected global market growth, tapping into this industry can offer substantial income potential, complemented by relatively low startup costs associated with domain and hosting.
Why consider starting an email marketing tool?
- High Market Demand: With the email marketing industry projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, the demand for innovative email tools is climbing.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Starting an email marketing tool can be as simple as securing a domain and hosting account, making it accessible even for first-time entrepreneurs.
- Flexible Work Environment: You can manage and grow your email marketing tool business from virtually anywhere, providing flexibility and greater control over your schedule.
For more insights, you could explore Email Marketing Tool Success Stories.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
18. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be a viable option for ex-felons looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. WordPress websites often rely on plugins for enhanced functionality, and if you've found a solution to a common problem, you could develop a plugin to address it and generate income. It's a great way to leverage skills in coding and problem-solving to create a sustainable revenue stream.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- Minimal initial investment required to start, especially if you already have coding skills.
- High demand for new and innovative plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon.
- Opportunity to create passive income by solving common problems faced by WordPress users.
For more insights, you might want to check out this page on how to start a WordPress plugin business.
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.
19. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool could provide you, as an ex-felon, with an excellent opportunity to create a sustainable income stream. With the growing demand for businesses to gather customer feedback, launching a platform that offers convenient and cost-effective data collection services can be very lucrative. By leveraging your entrepreneurial skills, you could build a tool similar to Typeform, which saw its annual recurring revenue surpass $70 million in 2021.
Why start an online survey tool?
- Minimal physical presence required: An online business allows you to work from anywhere, removing the need for face-to-face interactions that might be challenging.
- High demand for data collection: Businesses are increasingly relying on customer feedback to drive decisions, ensuring a steady demand for your service.
- Opportunity for growth: As shown by Typeform's success, the market potential is significant, offering ample room for scaling your business.
For more insights, check out successful stories of online survey tools here.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
20. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Jumping into the business of developing an AI writing tool could prove to be a profitable venture for ex-felons. Leveraging the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, this enterprise focuses on creating a tool that aids in generating accurate and engaging content. By offering an automated, error-free, and time-efficient solution for content creation, you could cater to the demands of businesses, bloggers, and students who constantly seek quality content.
Imagine providing a dynamic and innovative solution that transforms the writing process, making it more efficient and productive. The AI writing tool can ease the workload for writers around the globe, offering a meaningful way to supplement your income or even turn it into a full-time business. For more details on the profitability and potential of this business idea, visit Starter Story's section on AI writing tool profitability.
Why consider creating an AI writing tool?
- You could offer a tech-forward solution that stands out in a demanding market, leading to high profitability.
- This business model requires low initial investment, making it accessible for anyone, including ex-felons looking to rebuild their economic lives.
- You could continually upgrade and improve the tool, creating a sustainable, long-term business that evolves with advancements in AI technology.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
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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.
