45 Business Ideas For High School Dropouts You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Interested in starting a high school dropouts business in 2024?

We put together 43 of the best high school dropouts businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other high school dropouts businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a dessert boxes store

Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.

If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.

Here are some ideas for your inspiration.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

I Make $1.5M/Year Shipping Chocolate Penises To Your Friends

Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.

Read by 16,660 founders

2. Start a Greeting Cards Business

People use greeting cards to mark births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, and other parties or events.

If you love helping people celebrate special occasions, starting a greeting card business can be a great business opportunity.

When starting a greeting card business, choose a potential niche and write a business plan.

Then, find an ideal spot to sell the greeting cards.

For instance, you can offer greeting card design and posting services, so customers can choose the best designs and post greeting cards online.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 77 days (?)

I Created A Prank Card Company & Grew It To $30K/Month

Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic.

Read by 16,246 founders

3. Start a mobile photography business

Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.

There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!

To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.

Read by 16,909 founders

4. Start a guitar company

Guitars are versatile, portable, accessible, and affordable musical instruments. Besides, guitars can be self-taught, or you can learn online.

If you are passionate about guitars, consider starting a guitar company. There are different entry points ranging from guitar production, guitar sales, and distribution company or even guitar repair. To start the guitar business, identify your target market, and create a business plan. You must register a business name and meet all the licensing requirements.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)

How We Invented A Carbon Fiber Guitar And Grew To $1M/Year

KLOS Guitars CEO and co-founder Adam Klosowiak created a unique line of carbon fiber guitars and ukuleles, launching with a successful Kickstarter campaign that has since led to over $1 million in funding, with current monthly sales over $100K mainly through Shopify.

Read by 9,108 founders

5. Start a dog walking business

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

Read by 20,746 founders

6. Start a cleaning service

A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.

By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

Read by 21,827 founders

7. Start a DIY business

Ever wondered how your knack for crafting could turn into a thriving business? Consider starting a DIY business. A DIY business involves creating handmade, unique products to sell directly to consumers, often through online platforms like Etsy or local market stalls.

The beauty of this venture is its accessibility; you can commence with minimal investment by using materials you already own or sourcing affordable supplies. Crafting jewelry, home decor, or personalized gifts—your product line is entirely up to your creativity.

While the work involves manual labor and time, the rewards are compelling. You have the flexibility to work from home and the satisfaction of turning passion into profit. Interested in learning more? Discover the potential of DIY entrepreneurship today and start crafting your success story.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How We Created The Perfect Cooking Kits And Made $860K In Sales In One Year

Cooking Gift Set Co. generated $866,000 in sales in 2020, with 70% on Amazon, 26% Wholesale, and 4% e-commerce, using their strengths in design to create cooking kits with beautiful packaging, customized instructions, and high-quality lifestyle photos to differentiate from copycats.

Read by 11,479 founders

8. Start a food startup

Starting a food business can involve opening your own restaurant, bakery, food truck, cake shop, or even starting a business or blog online.

Other kinds of food businesses include manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Food businesses prepare a wide range of foods such as snacks, sweets, and meals to sell directly to consumers and also include cafeterias at workplaces and similar facilities.

If you have a passion for food, starting a food business can be an extremely fun, challenging, and rewarding business venture.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How We Started A Successful Hot Sauce Brand

Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.

Read by 34,671 founders

9. Start an ecommerce marketing agency

Ecommerce agencies help online sellers achieve their eCommerce business goals through creative, technology, and marketing skills.

Hiring an eCommerce agency enables online sellers to start an eCommerce business or grow an existing one without employing full-time staff.

The eCommerce industry is often changing, and online sellers must match the current trends or risk being paced out by the competition. Balancing between production, launching creative services, and working on growing their eCommerce brands can be extremely difficult. Thus, the brands have no other option than hire eCommerce agencies.

Starting an eCommerce agency can be a profitable and fulfilling business opportunity. If you plan to state your eCommerce agency, educate yourself on the current trends and focus on building digital skills. You may focus on a particular niche or offer end-to-end services to your customers.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,822 founders

10. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How I Built A $3.5M/Year Taxi Company Competing With Uber & Lyft

Albert Williams grew a $3.5 million transportation company, The Best Deal, from a niche transportation sector; he attributes the company's success to providing excellent service and committing to continuous learning.

Read by 10,523 founders

11. Start a coding business

Interested in a tech-savvy business that’s both challenging and rewarding? Consider a coding business.

A coding business involves creating software solutions, websites, and applications for a variety of clients, from startups to established enterprises. This venture allows you to leverage your programming skills to solve real-world problems while opening doors to continuous learning and innovation.

The appeal of a coding business lies in the growing demand for digital products and services, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients. Building a portfolio can be as simple as starting small projects or volunteering for non-profits to showcase your skills. Over time, you can scale by hiring additional programmers and taking on more complex projects.

Starting a coding business isn’t about quick wins but about building a sustainable and scalable enterprise. If you’re comfortable with problem-solving and have a passion for technology, this could be the perfect direction for you.

How much you can make: $150 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,999 founders

12. Start an electrician business

13. Start a babysitting business

Babysitting service entails providing baby care to infants and children either in their homes, with registered caregivers, or in a child care center. A babysitting service requires a low startup cost and is a low overhead business with high profit margins.

The target market includes affluent and middle-income families where both parents are working. Baby sitters earn a fixed monthly income or are paid per hour depending on the agreement that suits both sides.

14. Start a direct sales representative business

Starting a direct sales representative business can be a great way to earn a flexible income while promoting products you believe in. This type of business entails representing a company and selling its products directly to consumers, often through in-home demonstrations or online marketing.

To start a direct sales representative business, you’ll need to choose a company to represent and become an independent contractor for them. This usually involves filling out an application and going through a training process to learn about the products and sales techniques. Many direct sales companies offer ongoing support and resources to help you succeed in your business.

To succeed as a direct sales representative, you’ll need to be self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be comfortable selling. You should also be organized and manage your time effectively, as you’ll be responsible for setting your schedule and meeting sales goals. Additionally, having a strong online presence and the ability to use social media and other digital marketing tools can be beneficial in reaching a wider audience.

Starting a direct sales representative business can be a rewarding and flexible way to earn a living while promoting products you believe in. You can build a successful business in this field with hard work, dedication, and effective marketing strategies.

15. Start an acting lessons business

Mumbai is the hometown of Bollywood, and many people are coming to Mumbai to become actors. As the owner of an acting classes business in Mumbai, you will provide training, coaching, and support to those considering getting into the Mumbai Bollywood industry. To get started, you may choose to work with children or with a career-oriented adult audience interested in stage acting, film, commercials, voice-over work, or other areas of specialization.

16. Start a comedian business

Are you ready to become a comedian?

A recent report has shown that social media is the go-to platform for showcasing comedy. Comedians are taking on social media platforms like Instagram to showcase pranks, sketches, and jokes.

Therefore, if you are ready to become a comedian, social media could be the right place to build your career.

To start, create a profile on all major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. to grow your following fast, ensure you upload content regularly.

How much you can make: $12,000/month

From Being 'Unemployable' To Starting My Own $144K/Year Business Writing Funny Copy

Punchline Copy founder, Lianna Patch, discusses how focusing on her strengths and specializing in funny copywriting helped her secure $25k+ months, and offers advice for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses.

Read by 4,293 founders

17. Start a mobile mechanic service

Mobile mechanic services are a great business to start in any area that needs quick repairs and service. You can do this part-time or full-time. You can work for a shop or run your own business. This setup allows you to work independently, setting your hours and choosing what areas you want to go to.

Automotive Repair & Maintenance Service Market is estimated to reach $810B by 2026. Starting your mobile mechanic service may seem crazy, but it might just be the thing you are looking for. If you dream about running your own business and having the opportunity to do something you love, then a mobile mechanic business is the right thing to do.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

Finding and Repairing Retro Radios Turned into a Successful Side Hustle

Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.

Read by 8,502 founders

18. Start a construction consulting business

A construction consulting business provides a valuable service to the construction industry and offers expertise and guidance in various aspects of construction projects, including project management, budgeting, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Construction consultants act as impartial advisors, helping clients navigate complex projects, avoid costly mistakes, and streamline operations.

This sector not only offers a rewarding and intellectually engaging career for civil engineering professionals but also plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and success of construction endeavors.

How much you can make: $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $60K/Month CRM For Construction Companies

Followup CRM is a cloud-based application designed by construction professionals to help modernize the industry and is generating $50k in monthly recurring revenue by helping construction companies organize sales and convert more leads into jobs.

Read by 6,344 founders

19. Start a bakery

Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.

Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.

To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:

  • Counter-style bakery
  • A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
  • Food truck with a bakery
  • Home bakery.

Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How This Couple Left France To Build Their "American Dream:" A Six-Figure Online French Bakery

French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.

Read by 8,073 founders

20. Start a cosmetologist business

21. Become a carpenter

Carpentry is the art of working with timber to construct and maintain buildings, furniture, and other wooden products.

To date, carpentry remains one of the oldest skilled trades and a craft with plenty of options for a career. You can start repairing or constructing new carpentry products and selling them to customers online or locally at your workshop.

To become a carpenter, you may obtain basic education and take up an apprenticeship program through commercial and industrial employers or construction unions. An apprenticeship program equips you with essential knowledge and experience so you are better prepared to start your own business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $18,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Designed And Patented A $18K/Month Woodworking Accessory

This case study follows Brett Burdick, founder of Brex International, LLC, and the creation of his patented spiral featherboard designed to improve safety and quality in woodworking, which has now generated $18k per month, with 87% of sales coming from Amazon.

Read by 13,408 founders

22. Start a delivery business

Starting a delivery business can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the transportation industry. The business involves transporting goods and packages from one location to another, either locally or internationally.

To start a delivery business, you must invest in a reliable vehicle, such as a van or truck, and secure insurance coverage. You will also need to research and understand the regulations and requirements for transporting goods in your area.

To be successful in this business, it’s important to offer competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. You can differentiate your business by offering specialized services, such as same-day or white glove delivery for fragile items.

Another key to success in this industry is effective time management and organization. You will need to have a system in place for tracking and managing orders and deliveries and keeping your vehicle well-maintained to avoid any delays or issues on the road.

Overall, starting a delivery business can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity for those who are organized, customer-focused, and have a reliable vehicle. You can build a successful business in the transportation industry with a little hard work and dedication.

How much you can make: $200,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Started My Online Food Business At 17: It Now Earns $720K/Year

HalalWorldDepot is a Halal online marketplace that started three years ago as a meat and grocery delivery service and has now expanded to offer a wide variety of Halal products, with a customer return rate of 50-60%, profitability at 16-25%, and over 10,000 customers, with plans to expand to Canada and the United Kingdom within three to five years.

Read by 6,068 founders

23. Start a welding business

Welding is a business idea that involves using high heat to join metal pieces together. Welding is often done in the construction, manufacturing, and repair industries but can also be done for artistic projects and custom creations.

To start a welding business, you must have some welding experience and potentially obtain a welding certification. You will also need to invest in welding equipment, including a welding machine, helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.

A successful welding business requires attention to detail, safety, and a strong work ethic. It is essential to have a good understanding of different welding techniques and the properties of various metals. Having a diverse set of skills and being able to take on a variety of projects can also help to attract more customers.

This business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture for those with the skills and passion for working with metal.

How much you can make: $20,000/month

I Make $20K/Month Selling Tiny Cinder Blocks Online

Startup Mini Materials sells miniature masonry and woodworking supplies with a cult following gained through viral videos, social media and email newsletters.

Read by 32,549 founders

24. Start a chauffeur business

25. Become a handyman

Handyman offers various home repair services based on their skill set and the customer’s needs. Also known as a fixer, the handyman repairs works both on the interior and exterior.

The handyman business is a great part-time opportunity, and you can earn a high-profit margin while the overhead costs are low.

How much you can make: $8,000/month

How I Started A $8K/Month Pool Service And Installation Business

Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.

Read by 16,337 founders

26. Become a youtube personality

YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:

  • Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
  • Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
  • Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
  • Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
  • YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.

You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.

If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.

How much you can make: $175,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5 (?)

How long does it take to build: 34 days (?)

I Made $2.1M in Two Years Teaching People How to Use Notion

This case study explores Thomas Frank's successful business teaching people how to use Notion and selling templates, with sales reaching $2.1 million in two years and template sales currently at $120k/mo, showcasing his journey from blogging and YouTube to e-commerce and SaaS.

Read by 6,845 founders

27. Start a lawn care service

Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.

To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.

To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

Read by 5,247 founders

28. Become a cake decorator

Becoming a cake decorator can be an enjoyable and uncomplicated venture to embark on, particularly if you have a passion for baking and creativity. It enables you to explore the thriving bakery and wedding industries while showcasing your artistic abilities.

This business involves designing and hand-decorating specialty cakes for various events and occasions, using your artistic abilities to create beautiful, custom-edible works of art.

To start a successful cake decorating company, learn proper cake decorating techniques, purchase quality ingredients and equipment, build a portfolio to showcase your skills, and implement good marketing tactics to attract potential clients like wedding planners, event companies, bakeries, and direct consumers.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Opened My Dream Bakery With Just $500 [Based In Texas]

From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.

Read by 4,754 founders

29. Start a house sitting business

House sitters take care of customers' homes while they are away for extended periods. You may be able to offer house sitting to people with multiple properties for short-term or long-term, depending on how much time you have.

Starting a house-sitting business does not require a huge amount of capital. You can create a website or a social media page and advertise your services. Your typical duties as a house-sitting agent will include the following:

  • Feeding pets, cleaning cages and grooming them
  • General housework and cleaning
  • Maintaining gardens and hedges
  • Taking in the post, newspapers, and junk mail
  • Watering houseplants

You can attract new customers by printing a few business flyers and targeting wealthy housing estates or apartments in the city.

30. Start a laundry business

Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.

One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.

Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How We Started A Laundry And Dry Cleaning Franchise Business In India

Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.

Read by 8,021 founders

31. Start a gift wrapping service

Gift wrappers use wrapping papers and other supplies to box up and decorate presents on behalf of their customers. Starting a gift-wrapping business does not involve considerable capital and is easy to manage. You can market your business online for free and request current customers to give recommendations.

32. Start a farmers market

Farmer’s markets offer small businesses and farmers the chance to sell their products. The farmers’ market has become crucial to rebuilding local food systems and meeting the growing demand for locally produced food. A farmers’ market can be a successful business venture in your area if located strategically.

33. Start a packing business

A packing business focuses on designing, creating, and labeling packages. The business ultimately protects the products for sale, transportation, distribution, storage, and use.

To start a packaging business, get clear on the services you offer. Design the packages, test, and research if the packaging works for your customers. You may need to refine the packaging to keep the customers satisfied.

34. Start a snow removal service

Snow plowing is a high-margin scalable business with low overhead costs. Although seasonal, you can earn a decent living by plowing snow in winter. Entrepreneurs with a dump trailer and snow plow can serve commercial and residential customers and stay busy during or after a snowstorm.

35. Start a leaf removal business

A leaf removal company provides lawn care to keep the yard clear of leaves through vacuuming, bagging, and removal of leaves. To start the leaves removal business, you need a high-quality leaf blower and leaf collection bags.

You can attract new customers by asking existing customers for referrals and ensuring positive reviews for your business. Hang flyers in coffee shops, and around estates, and ask friends for business referrals.

36. Start a tourist bodyguard business

The tourist bodyguard business idea involves providing personal security services to tourists visiting a particular city or country. This could include accompanying tourists on tours, providing transportation, and acting as a general security presence for tourists who may feel vulnerable in an unfamiliar place.

To start this business, you will need to have experience in security and possibly hold a license or certification in the field. Having a background in tourism or customer service may also be helpful, as you will be interacting with tourists regularly.

In terms of operating the business, it will be essential to establish relationships with local tour operators and other tourism-related businesses to secure clients. You should also have a plan in place for handling emergencies and be able to communicate effectively with tourists and local authorities.

For business success, it will be essential to provide high customer service and ensure tourists feel safe and secure while under your care. Ensuring security involve conducting thorough risk assessments and having contingency plans for various scenarios.

Overall, the tourist bodyguard business idea offers a unique opportunity to provide a valuable service to tourists while tapping into the growing demand for personal security services.

37. Start a holiday decoration business

The holiday decoration business involves creating and selling festive decorations for holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Halloween. This can include everything from traditional decorations such as wreaths and tree ornaments to more unique and customizable items like personalized stockings or holiday-themed home decor.

To run a successful holiday decoration business, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and offer various products to appeal to various customers. It is also essential to have a strong online presence, as many holiday shoppers turn to the internet to purchase decorations.

Effective marketing and promotion strategies, such as social media advertising and partnerships with local businesses, can help attract customers and drive sales. It is also essential to focus on customer service and offer excellent customer support to ensure a positive shopping experience and encourage repeat business.

Finally, it is essential to have a reliable supply chain in place to ensure the timely delivery of products and avoid any potential delays or disappointments for customers. With proper planning and execution, the holiday decoration business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture.

38. Start a painting business

If you are looking for a self-employment opportunity that gives you a chance to define your working schedule, consider starting a painting business. Painting is one of the low startup costs craft businesses with a high-profit margin. However, only some have the patience or the skill to do painting tasks.

To start a painting business, craft a business plan and register your business. Then, get insurance cover for your business and apply for licenses. Finally, get the right painting equipment and focus on marketing your business.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $61,583/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $25K/Month Paintable Coolers Business While Having A Full Time Job

How a recent college graduate started COOLERSbyU, a paintable cooler and accessories business geared towards Greek life and DIY crafting, growing from a few thousand dollars to an average of over $25k per month in just four years through mostly organic growth and a focus on SEO.

Read by 10,095 founders

39. Start a flower shop

Do you enjoy designing floral arrangements for special events like weddings or holidays? If so, owning a flower shop can be exciting and rewarding.

However, setting up the business for success can be overwhelming.

As a florist, your role is to touch people’s emotions with the flowers. The career requires creativity and design skills to appeal to your target customers. You need to love and enjoy working with flowers and have some patience.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Modern Flower And Plant Shop

Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.

Read by 5,283 founders

40. Start an ac repair business

Research shows the HVAC market will grow at a CAGR of 6.1% and reach $82.5 billion in the next few years.

The growing construction business in major emerging economies and the ever-increasing end-user markets, such as data center markets, are some of the major factors driving the growth of the HVAC services market.

Like other electrical appliances, HVAC units break often and require regular maintenance. As a result, the demand for HVAC repair is high.

Therefore, starting an AC repair business can be profitable. To start, you need a skilled AC repair technical team. Target commercial and residential customers, and market your business online as most people search for AC repair services through the web.

How much you can make: $200,000 — $2,290,747/month

How We Started A $1M/Month Business Selling HVAC And Energy Auditing Tools

TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values.

Read by 9,422 founders

41. Start a clothing retail kiosk

Clothing kiosks sell items of ready-made clothing. A clothing kiosk can specialize in men’s or women’s clothing or opt to sell uniforms. Some clothing kiosks sell customized or designer clothes, while others sell only sports apparel.

If you are interested in the fashion industry, you may want to start a clothing kiosk to test the waters before jumping full-time into the textile industry.

42. Start a car washing and detailing business

The carwash business is already a multi-billion-dollar industry with room for growth.

With the number of vehicles per household increasing daily, starting a car wash and detailing business could be a profitable idea.

If you have a piece of vacant land in the right location, you can get into the carwash business. You can set up an in-bay automatic carwash, self-washing carwash, touch-free carwash, or a wide range of other options.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Left Tech & Built My Own Car Detailing Business [My Hobby]

Learn how former tech salesman, Matt Paskow, left the industry to start Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing, a profitable mobile auto detailing business generating around $5k per month that focuses solely on SEO, Google AdWords, and Google My Business for marketing.

Read by 4,569 founders

43. Start a smoothie business

Smoothie is a blend of whole fruits containing bananas, yogurt, honey, ice cream, and other ingredients.

Smoothie businesses attract health-conscious consumers, and their mass appeal has grown tremendously.

In the US alone, smoothie bars are a 3-billion-dollar industry. Therefore, starting your smoothie business can be a great idea from an entrepreneur’s standpoint. To start your smoothie bar, consider an ideal location, and ensure a proper shop format. The alternative smoothie shop formats include:

  • Dine in Plenty of seating space: customers order and pay at the counter.
  • Window only: Serves takeaway smoothies with customers ordering and paying at the counter
  • Food truck: Mobile smoothie shop allowing you to connect with a more extensive customer

The rising popularity of healthy juices and the low startup cost makes the smoothie industry an appealing frozen food business idea.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How One Woman Went From WIC To CEO Of Her Own Smoothie Empire

Simple Green Smoothies boasts a free 7-day smoothie challenge that has helped over 2 million people take control of their health and generates revenue with programs ranging from a 21-day cleanse to a plant-based meal planner, bringing in as much as $30k a month and also working to help women farmers in Cambodia build mushroom farms through World Hope International.

Read by 11,434 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.