The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Indiana [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Indiana in 2024?
We put together 69 of the best businesses you can start in Indiana today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Indiana.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a drinkware brand ($144M/year)
If you are entrepreneurial-minded and residing in Indiana, you could consider starting a drinkware brand. With a focus on specialized, insulated products for beverages, you could carve out a niche in a thriving market. An excellent example of success in this industry is BrüMate, founded by Dylan Jacob. This brand has seen exponential growth, reaching over $1.1M in sales per month by creating innovative drinkware items like the Hopsulator TRiO and Uncork'd Wine Glasses.
BrüMate, although started in Denver, Colorado, showcases the potential of this business model in any state, including Indiana. This could be your opportunity to innovate within the drinkware space, providing unique solutions for beverage enthusiasts. For more details on BrüMate's success, you can read their full case study.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
2. ($6M/year)
Starting a time-tracking and productivity software business could be a great home-based business idea for those in Indiana. Hubstaff, started by Jared Brown in Indianapolis, is an excellent example of this type of business. The company has grown its time tracking app to 10,000 paying customers and $6 million in annual recurring revenue by addressing a significant pain point: providing proof of work for remote teams and freelancers. By leveraging SEO tactics and developing a differentiated product, Hubstaff has successfully catered to the needs of business owners who require effective monitoring and time management tools.
If you're considering starting a business in Indiana, Hubstaff's model illustrates the potential of solving specific market problems through innovative software solutions. You could explore niches within time-tracking, productivity tools, or other types of business management software to create a successful venture. For more inspiration, you can read the full case study about how Hubstaff was built in Indianapolis here.
Hubstaff grew its time tracking app to 10,000 paying customers and $6 million in annual recurring revenue by solving a real problem in the market without any big incumbents, using SEO tactics and a differentiated product with proof of work features that answered the need for owners and managers to know how long development tasks should take, manage back-office tasks, and track remote team or freelancers' work.
3. Start a background check software ($6M/year)
Starting a background check software business presents a unique opportunity in Indiana, especially with the increasing need for security and comprehensive vetting processes in various sectors. You could develop software that integrates with multiple databases to provide thorough checks for schools, corporations, and volunteer organizations. This type of business not only addresses a critical need but also offers a scalable model with diverse applications.
One shining example in Indianapolis is Safe Hiring Solutions, founded by Michael McCarty. This security technology company serves over 7,000 clients and has earned a spot on the Inc 5000 list for the past five years. Safe Hiring Solutions signifies the potential success and growth you could achieve by launching a specialized background check software business in Indiana.
Safe Hiring Solutions, a security technology company that provides comprehensive background checks for schools, ministries, volunteer organizations, and corporations has more than 7,000 clients and has been included on the Inc 5000 list the past five years, with a number 16 ranking for the fastest-growing private company in the Indianapolis region by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
4. Start a board game ($3M/year)
Starting a board game business in Indiana can be a rewarding venture for those with a creative mindset and a love for games. Greg Hughes, from Indianapolis, Indiana, proved this by founding Continuum Games, initially launching with a $5 wholesale card game called Discombobulation. Hughes didn't stop there; he quickly expanded his product line and established a toy distribution network, which enabled his company to generate substantial monthly revenues.
If you have a passion for game design, you could follow in Hughes' footsteps and create a successful home-based game business in Indiana. Drawing inspiration from Continuum Games, which now manufactures and distributes over 40 games, you could turn your game ideas into a thriving business. For a more in-depth look into Hughes' journey and business strategies, check out the case study.
Continuum Games, Inc. President Greg Hughes started his toy and game distribution company with a $5 wholesale card game and today generates an average of $250k per month in revenue, rising to $600k in peak season from a combination of manufacturing and distribution of over 40 games.
5. Start a business communications software ($2.34M/year)
Starting a business communications software company could be a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs in Indiana. With the increasing reliance on remote work and digital communication tools, small businesses are in dire need of reliable and efficient VoIP services. These services help streamline communications, reduce operational costs, and improve overall productivity, making it a lucrative market to tap into.
One exemplary business that successfully ventured into this domain is MightyCall, which was started by Anna Miranchuk in Seattle, WA. MightyCall specializes in offering a hardware-free, B2B VoIP business phone service tailored for small business owners. As of January 2021, the business boasts over 6,000 small business clients and generates more than $200,000 in monthly revenue. You could explore a similar concept in Indiana, leveraging the growing demand for digital communication tools. For an in-depth case study, you can read more here.
MightyCall's Product Manager, Anna Miranchuk, explains how they launched and grew a B2B VoIP business phone service that brings in just over $200,000 per month as of January 2021, with a user base exceeding 6,000 small business owners and 25,000 active users, and shares lessons for aspiring founders who want to build or grow their own business.
6. Start a shopping cart software ($1.02M/year)
If you're entrepreneurial and tech-savvy, starting a shopping cart software business in Indiana could be a lucrative avenue. This idea centers around developing flexible, efficient, and cost-effective shopping cart solutions tailored for online businesses. The demand for adaptable, revenue-boosting e-commerce platforms is continually on the rise, especially given the frequent dissatisfaction with outdated and limiting existing solutions.
A shining example is PayKickstart, co-founded by Mark Thompson in Indianapolis, Indiana. This innovative platform focuses on providing subscription-based businesses with tools to maximize recurring revenue and enhance the customer experience. Remarkably, PayKickstart grew to $1 million in annual recurring revenue and doubled its size year-over-year by addressing flexibility and functionality gaps in the market. You can dive deeper into their success story here.
PayKickstart, a flagship product of a startup co-founded by Mark Thompson, reached $1 million in ARR and doubled in size year-over-year by solving the outdated, archaic solutions for selling various digital goods online and providing one that is focused on flexibility, minimal functionality, and profit boosts.
7. ($792K/year)
Starting a home-based business in Indiana is an excellent opportunity, and adopting innovative solutions like a queue management system could be very lucrative. You could emulate the success of Qwaiting, a cloud-based software originally founded by Rohit Garg. This queue management system aims to help businesses manage customer queues more efficiently, reduce wait times, increase productivity, and improve the overall visitor experience.
Qwaiting, although initially launched in Singapore, has found its place in the heartland of America too, with notable success in Elkhart, IN. This platform offers data analytics reporting, customer feedback support, and centralized management, attracting 500+ clients globally. If you're looking to start a tech-oriented business from home in Indiana, you could find inspiration from this venture. For more details on Qwaiting's journey, you can check out their case study. By leveraging such technologies, you could create a valuable and in-demand service for local businesses in Indiana.
Singapore-based Qwaiting's cloud-based queue management software helps businesses manage customer queues, reduce wait times, increase productivity and improve visitor experience. With average monthly revenue of $66k, Qwaiting has attracted 500+ clients and specialises in data analytics reporting, customer feedback support and centralised management.
8. Start a content writing company ($360K/year)
If you're in Indiana with a knack for writing and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a content writing company could be a great business idea. Content is king in today's digital marketing world, and businesses are constantly in need of quality content to connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
Apna Writer, founded by Sravani Sundeep, is a prime example of a successful content writing service that started in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Sravani's initiative grew from securing 1-2 new clients a month to at least 20, thanks to their commitment to providing reliable and high-quality content. This growth story proves that with dedication and a clear vision, you could build a thriving content writing company in Indiana. For more details about Apna Writer’s journey, check out their case study.
Apna Writer is a content writing service that has seen exponential growth from 1-2 new clients a month to at least 20 new clients a month, all due to providing reliable and quality content writing services that help clients achieve their business goals.
9. Start an antique business ($180K/year)
Starting an antique business in Indiana offers unique opportunities, especially for individuals with a passion for history and craftsmanship. You could leverage your interests and expertise to restore and sell antique items, a niche market with a dedicated customer base. A great example of this is Hoosierboy Restorations LLC, a business founded by Tim Showalter in Indianapolis, Indiana.
After a successful career in education, Tim cashed out his 401K and began restoring antiques and antique toys from his mother's garage. Over seven years, he expanded into a 2200 sq. ft. facility, emphasizing the importance of communication and organization in his growth. For more on Tim's journey and how he built Hoosierboy Restorations from scratch, you can read the full case study here.
How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.
10. Start a gardening tools company ($120K/year)
Starting a gardening tools company in Indiana could be a profitable venture, given the state's ample suburban and rural areas. Home gardening has gained popularity, and you could tap into this market by introducing innovative products that cater to both amateur and professional gardeners.
An inspiring example from Fishers, IN is Rotoshovel, which was founded by Rick Goren. Rotoshovel is the world's first and only electric shovel, making it a standout product in the gardening tools market. In its first 6 months, Rotoshovel sold over 600 units with minimal marketing and has secured vendor relationships with major retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s. You could read more about Rick Goren’s entrepreneurial journey and how he brought Rotoshovel to life in this case study.
Rotoshovel, the world's first and only electric shovel, has sold over 600 units with minimal marketing in its first 6 months and is in vendor relationships with some of the largest retailers in the US with a sales forecast of $5.56mm (40,000 units) for its Spring 2021 in-store launch.
11. ($12K/year)
If you're interested in the booming remote work industry, Steven Lin launched letsworkremotely in Bloomington, Indiana, creating a thriving platform for remote job seekers. This innovative business has grown to command several Facebook groups with over 100,000 members and boasts one of the most engaged remote communities online.
Through a strategic freemium job posting model, you could replicate this success by building a vibrant online community around shared interests or professional niches. Learn more about Steven’s journey and the potential for such a business in Indiana in this detailed case study.
Let's Work Remotely, co-founded by Steven Lin, has built the largest remote community possible with over 100,000 members, including four Facebook groups with engagement from over 60% of members, growing at a rate of 100 members per week and ranked in the top 0.1% of websites in the world, with plans to monetize the platform through a freemium job posting model.
12. Start a digital agency ($2.23M/year)
Starting a digital agency in Indiana could be an excellent opportunity due to the increasing demand for digital marketing and technology services. The state is home to a diverse range of businesses, from agriculture to manufacturing, all of which are increasingly turning to digital solutions for marketing and operational efficiency.
With the right digital marketing skills and tools, you could help local Indiana businesses enhance their online presence and reach their advertising and marketing goals. Moreover, with the global digital agency market valued at nearly $305B in 2020 and poised for further growth, there's substantial potential to build a profitable business. For more details on starting a digital agency and to read successful case studies, visit Starter Story's digital agency section and explore real-life success stories.
How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.
13. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Indiana could be a smart move, thanks to the state's burgeoning business landscape. With Indianapolis and other growing urban areas fostering numerous small and mid-sized enterprises, you could find a steady stream of clients needing expert marketing services to stand out in the local market. Additionally, the relatively low cost of living and doing business in Indiana may allow you to offer competitive rates while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Entrepreneurial-minded individuals will appreciate that launching a home-based marketing agency requires minimal upfront investment in physical office space, giving you the flexibility to scale operations as needed. Indiana's central location and robust infrastructure also mean you could easily serve clients throughout the Midwest. For inspiration and practical tips, check out our successful case studies on how other agencies have effectively grown and scaled their businesses.
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.
14. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Businesses thrive on connections, and Indiana, with its diverse economy, offers a fertile ground for starting a B2B lead generation service. The state's thriving manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors rely heavily on continuous business-to-business interactions, making the demand for quality leads significant. You could leverage this demand to provide indispensable support to local enterprises trying to grow their client base.
Additionally, the scalability and technological flexibility involved in B2B lead generation align well with Indiana’s progressive business environment. If you have skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could create a robust service that not only supports local businesses but also positions you as a key player in Indiana's entrepreneurial landscape. To learn more about how to start this type of business, check out this guide on B2B lead generation services and explore some successful case studies.
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.
15. Start a no code platform ($3.69M/year)
Launching a no-code platform business in Indiana could be an exceptional opportunity given the state's diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. With its mix of tech startups and manufacturing industries, there is a significant demand for customized software solutions that no-code platforms are perfectly positioned to fulfill. By providing a tool that allows even non-programmers to develop tailored applications, you could cater to a broad audience of small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to innovate without hefty development costs.
Moreover, Indiana's business-friendly environment and lower costs of living compared to coastal tech hubs make it an ideal place to launch and scale a business. The state's supportive community of incubators and accelerators could offer valuable resources to help you get off the ground. Check out Starter Story's detailed guide on no-code platforms as well as real-life success stories to get inspired and start planning your venture today.
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
16. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)
Starting a technology consulting business in Indiana presents a unique opportunity due to the state's growing startup ecosystem and increasing reliance on advanced technology. With many entrepreneurs in Indiana not having a solid IT background, you could help these business owners navigate the complexities of digital transformation and technological innovation, positioning your services as indispensable.
Indiana is also home to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises that are keen to leverage new technologies to drive growth, making it an ideal market for technology consultants. By tapping into this demand, you could provide critical support to these businesses, ensuring they remain competitive and efficient. For more insights, consider checking out this detailed guide on starting a technology consulting business or explore successful case studies for inspiration.
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
17. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Indiana could be a lucrative idea, particularly given the state's love for pets and its growing pet ownership rates. You could offer a range of services, from pet grooming and training to pet-sitting and dog-walking, catering to busy pet owners who need reliable and convenient care for their furry friends.
In Indiana, where communities often have a close-knit vibe, word-of-mouth referrals can significantly boost your customer base. Additionally, you could explore successful case studies for more inspiration and insights on how to tailor your offerings to local needs. For more detailed information on starting a pet company, visit this link.
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.
18. Start a branding agency ($783K/year)
Indiana's diverse business landscape offers a fertile ground for launching a branding agency. With a surge of small businesses and startups in the state, you could find a steady stream of clientele needing professional assistance to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. As companies strive to carve out their unique identities, the demand for branding solutions remains consistently high.
Moreover, Indiana's supportive business environment and relatively low cost of living mean you could operate a branding agency from the comfort of your home without incurring high overhead costs. If you're skilled in crafting compelling narratives and adept at marketing strategies, you could leverage these opportunities to build a thriving business. For more details on starting a branding agency, check out this detailed guide on branding agencies and explore successful case studies on Starter Story.
How one founder started a luxury boutique branding house and quit her corporate job, becoming a successful entrepreneur with a team of contractors, interns, and VAs, expanding services to personal styling, social media management, and content creation, while building an online course and planning to become a community for female entrepreneurs.
19. Start an investment consulting business ($3.16M/year)
Starting an investment consulting business in Indiana could be an exceptional opportunity for those with a passion for finance. Indiana boasts a diverse mix of urban and rural communities, each with unique financial needs that you could address through personalized consulting services. This business allows you to offer tailored investment strategies and develop strong client relationships, capitalizing on the region's growing demand for expert financial advice.
Additionally, Indiana's relatively low cost of living can enable you to operate your home-based business efficiently while keeping overheads manageable. With increasing interest in financial planning and asset management, especially among the burgeoning entrepreneurial communities in cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, there's ample possibility to thrive. To see how others have succeeded in this field, check out our successful case studies for inspiration.
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
20. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
A skills training business could be a lucrative venture for entrepreneurial-minded individuals in Indiana. The state's diverse economy and growing emphasis on workforce development create ample opportunities for such a service. By offering specialized skill training, you could cater to a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and agriculture to tech and healthcare, which are prominent sectors in the Hoosier State.
Starting a skills training business doesn't require significant upfront investment, yet it has the potential for substantial returns. With the global skills training market expected to hit $47.2 billion by 2027, there's no better time to build your enterprise. For more inspiration, check out successful case studies on our website and see how others have turned their skills into thriving businesses.
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.
21. Start a marketing consulting business ($1.47M/year)
If you're an entrepreneurial-minded individual in Indiana, starting a marketing consulting business could be a fantastic opportunity. Indiana's diverse industries—from manufacturing to tech startups—often require specialized marketing expertise to reach their target audiences effectively. With your skills in market research, data analysis, and creative strategy development, you could help these businesses amplify their reach and impact in a highly competitive marketplace.
Moreover, Indiana’s growing small business ecosystem presents numerous opportunities to forge strong client relationships and grow a reputable consulting venture. By leveraging your marketing know-how, you could provide invaluable guidance to local businesses, helping them optimize their marketing efforts and achieve measurable growth. For more details on how to get started, check out this comprehensive guide on starting a marketing consulting business and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
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.
22. Start a vending machine
Starting a vending machine business in Indiana could be a lucrative opportunity due to the state's bustling cities and numerous high-traffic areas. Places like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have a constant flow of people, making them ideal locations for placing vending machines. With low startup costs and the flexibility to scale your operations, you could easily tap into the demand for convenient snacks and beverages.
Moreover, the low-maintenance nature of vending machines means they'll require minimal daily involvement, allowing you to focus on expanding your network of machines across the state. For more tips on how to get started and maximize your success, check out our detailed guide on this vending machine business idea. You could also find inspiration from successful vending machine business stories within our community.
23. Start a consulting business ($1.77M/year)
Starting a consulting business in Indiana is a promising venture, considering the state's diverse and growing economic landscape. You could tap into the burgeoning local industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology by offering specialized advice and solutions. Consulting businesses are experiencing significant growth, benefiting from a global market valued at approximately $250 billion worldwide.
To gain a competitive edge, you might explore successful entrepreneurial journeys and insights from industry experts. Visit our page on consulting business ideas to get started, or learn from successful case studies of individuals who have thrived in this sector. By leveraging your expertise and the available resources, you could build a profitable and impactful consulting business in Indiana.
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
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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.
