The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Idaho [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Idaho in 2024?
We put together 42 of the best businesses you can start in Idaho today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Idaho.
Here's the full list:
1. Create an online course ($6M/year)
Creating an online course could be a highly profitable endeavor in Idaho, as demonstrated by Stukent, Inc., a digital courseware company started in Idaho Falls. Founded by Stuart Draper, Stukent provides students with hands-on digital marketing experience through innovative simulations and up-to-date coursework. This approach has proven successful, as Stukent was ranked the 268th fastest-growing company in the US in 2018.
Stuart Draper's journey with Stukent illustrates the potential for Idaho entrepreneurs to fill educational gaps with specialized online courses. His company, which offers texts, videos, and projects to thousands of students worldwide, was bootstrapped and notably grew without initial major funding. For more details on their story, check out their case study.
Stukent, a digital courseware company with a focus on providing students with hands-on digital marketing experience through a variety of texts, videos, and projects, was ranked the 268th fastest-growing company in the US in 2018, an impressive feat considering it was bootstrapped by founder and CEO Stuart Draper, and faced the challenge of raising funds for several rounds of funding to stay afloat.
2. Become a facebook ads consultant ($2.28M/year)
If you are considering starting a home-based business in Idaho, you could become a Facebook ads consultant. This opportunity is perfect for those who are knowledgeable in social media marketing and want to help local businesses grow their online presence. By specializing in Facebook ads, you can offer valuable marketing expertise to businesses looking to increase engagement and sales through targeted advertising.
A great example of this type of business in Idaho is UpHex, which was co-founded by Sam Carlson in Meridian, ID. UpHex provides a software solution that simplifies the process of creating and managing Facebook ads for local businesses and marketing agencies. The company has successfully brought lead generation capabilities to over 15,000 businesses and achieved impressive revenue. For more information on UpHex's success story, you can read the case study here.
UpHex, a software solution for Facebook Ads Manager, has brought the power of lead generation using Facebook Ads to over 15,000 local businesses and generated an impressive revenue of 2.2ARR in the last year, making it a valuable tool for aspiring founders in need of efficient marketing strategies.
3. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in Idaho offers promising potential due to the state’s burgeoning business environment. With a growing economy and a high concentration of small and medium-sized businesses, you could tap into a vibrant market keen on finding quality leads to expand their operations.
Matching your sales and data analysis skills with the local demand, you could build a robust pipeline of clients who are eager to grow their businesses. Given Idaho's supportive ecosystem for startups, your services could be indispensable to many firms looking for growth opportunities. For more insights, you could explore this article on Starter Story and check out some success stories for inspiration.
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
4. Start a fashion business ($1.36M/year)
Starting a fashion business in Idaho could be a smart move thanks to the state's unique market and growing consumer interest. With the fashion industry valued at $473.42B in 2022 and demonstrating a growth rate of 8.3%, there is ample opportunity to carve out a niche. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have revolutionized how fashion products are marketed, allowing you to reach a broader audience without hefty advertising budgets.
Moreover, the local culture and relatively lower cost of living could enable you to test and refine your fashion offerings efficiently. Leveraging Idaho's scenic locations for fashion shoots could provide captivating content that appeals to a diverse audience. This landscape makes Idaho an emerging hub for entrepreneurial talent in the fashion industry. For inspiration, check out some successful fashion business stories on StarterStory.
Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.
5. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Idaho could be an incredibly rewarding venture given the state's robust business environment and growing economy. With a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, tech, and tourism, there is a significant demand for specialized marketing services tailored to these unique sectors. By tapping into this market, you could help local businesses thrive while creating a profitable enterprise for yourself.
Additionally, operational costs in Idaho tend to be lower compared to other states, making it a cost-effective place to establish your marketing agency. You could leverage this advantage to offer competitive pricing and build a loyal client base. For more inspiration and insights, check out these successful marketing agency case studies and detailed information about what it takes to start a marketing agency on Starter Story.
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.
6. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Idaho offers exciting opportunities thanks to the state’s pet-friendly culture and outdoor lifestyle. You could create a successful home-based business by offering essential services and products such as food, toys, grooming, and pet care. Given Idaho's numerous pet-friendly parks and recreational areas, there is a strong demand for convenient and quality pet services.
Furthermore, you have the flexibility to run this business from home, leveraging the state's supportive community and local resources. With a potential market driven by passionate pet owners, your love for animals could translate into a rewarding entrepreneurial venture. Explore successful case studies and get more details on starting a pet company here.
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.
7. Start a link building service ($476K/year)
Starting a link building service in Idaho could be a highly profitable venture, especially given the increasing digital presence of local businesses. With many companies eager to improve their online visibility but lacking the expertise to do so, you could fill this gap by offering specialized link building and SEO services. This business idea is especially relevant considering Idaho’s diverse economic landscape, which includes everything from agriculture to technology startups.
To become a link-building expert, you could focus on mastering new SEO techniques and producing high-quality content. Additionally, networking with other content creators in Idaho will be crucial to expanding your service offerings and creating robust link strategies for your clients. For more insights and inspiration, check out these successful case studies of others who have excelled in this field.
Italian electrical engineer turned entrepreneur grows manual outreach link building service for profitable software companies and startups from zero to $10k in monthly recurring revenue in less than a year.
8. Start a real estate business ($3.37M/year)
Starting a real estate business in Idaho presents promising opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded folks. With Idaho's population rapidly growing, particularly in areas like Boise and Coeur d'Alene, there’s a continuous demand for housing, commercial spaces, and investment properties.
You could leverage your expertise in architecture to identify profitable real estate ventures and to offer comprehensive property management services. By tapping into Idaho's robust real estate market, you could build a thriving business while contributing to the state’s expanding communities. For inspiration, explore successful case studies of real estate entrepreneurs who have similarly thrived.
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
9. Start an at-home laundry business
Starting an at-home laundry business in Idaho could be a lucrative opportunity, especially since many residents in both urban and rural areas value convenience and personalized services. Idaho has a growing population, and with that growth comes a higher demand for household services that can save people time in their busy lives.
In Idaho, where winters can be harsh, offering a pick-up and delivery laundry service can be particularly attractive to customers who don't want to venture out in bad weather. Plus, with minimal upfront costs—such as a washer, dryer, and transportation—this idea allows for a flexible and scalable business model. For inspiration and insights, check out some successful case studies of at-home laundry businesses that have thrived.
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.
10. Start a freelance writing business ($751K/year)
Starting a freelance writing business in Idaho offers a fantastic blend of flexibility and opportunity. Given Idaho's affordable cost of living and growing internet accessibility, you could easily operate this business from home, catering to clients both locally and globally. Whether you're nestled in Boise or reside in a more rural area, the expansive reach of online platforms allows you to connect with numerous clients and projects without geographical limitations.
Additionally, Idaho's entrepreneurial-friendly atmosphere could make it easier for you to set up and grow your business. As a freelance writer, you could work across various niches, whether it's tech in the Treasure Valley or agriculture in the Gem State's rural areas. With strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and effective communication, you could tap into various markets and thrive. For more on how to get started, check out our detailed guide on freelance writing and some successful case studies.
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
11. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
Starting a skills training business in Idaho could be particularly lucrative, given the state's growing focus on education and workforce development. With a relatively low startup cost, you could create an online platform designed to help individuals and businesses acquire new skills, from digital marketing to project management. This approach aligns well with the global skills training market, which is expected to reach \$47.2B by 2027.
Given Idaho's unique combination of a robust economy and a high rate of entrepreneurial activity, your skills training business could thrive by catering to local demand. Training clients locally and building an impressive portfolio will allow you to charge higher rates and enjoy financial freedom. To explore more about this idea and successful case studies, check out this resource and real-life success stories on Starter Story.
Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.
12. Start an eco-friendly toy business
Starting an eco-friendly toy business in Idaho could be an excellent opportunity, particularly given the state’s strong community and value for sustainability. With the rising global demand for sustainable products, Idaho families are increasingly seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic toys, aligning with broader environmental conservation goals.
In an area that appreciates natural beauty and outdoor lifestyles, eco-friendly toys made from renewable materials like wood or bamboo have a special appeal. By partnering with environment-conscious manufacturers or even starting local production, you could meet this growing demand while promoting a greener future. For more insights, check out these successful case studies and detailed business ideas on our website.
13. Start a bamboo home items sales business
Starting a bamboo home items sales business in Idaho could be a lucrative venture, given the growing trend toward eco-friendly and sustainable living. Idahoans are increasingly interested in products that are kind to the environment, making bamboo items—such as furniture, kitchenware, and decor—an appealing choice. You could tap into this market by offering unique, high-quality bamboo products that cater to this demand.
Additionally, with the rise of online shopping and local marketplaces, you might find that setting up a home-based business allows you to reach a broad audience without the overhead of a physical storefront. By leveraging platforms like Etsy or setting up your own e-commerce site, you could effectively market your products to both local and national customers. For more details on how to start a bamboo home items sales business, you can read this guide and explore success stories of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this niche.
14. Create a mobile app ($844K/year)
Starting a mobile app business in Idaho could be a lucrative opportunity, given the state's growing tech presence and entrepreneurial ecosystem. With lower operational costs compared to tech hubs, you could leverage local talent and resources to develop innovative apps that cater to both local and global markets.
Additionally, Idaho's supportive environment for startups and small businesses could also help you navigate the challenges of app development and marketing more effectively. Transforming your brilliant idea into a mobile app might be more feasible than you think. For inspiration and more details, check out this guide on mobile apps and some successful case studies on our website.
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
