The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Iowa [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Iowa in 2024?
We put together 45 of the best businesses you can start in Iowa today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Iowa.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a cannabis business ($3M/year)
Starting a cannabis business in Iowa presents a unique opportunity, especially if you leverage smart hydroponic systems to ease the growing process. For example, Grobo, founded by Bjorn Dawson, has successfully created smart hydroponic growing systems that enable anyone to easily grow food and cannabis at home. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy a consistent and high-quality supply of plants, even without prior experience in growing cannabis.
The flagship products, Grobo Premium and Grobo Solid, fit seamlessly into any home, making them appealing to both novice and experienced growers. Grobo is making $165K per month and continues to grow, demonstrating the potential success of such a venture. You could draw inspiration from Bjorn Dawson's story and consider similar business opportunities in Iowa. For more details on Grobo's journey, check out their case study.
Grobo, a smart hydroponic growing system company that creates boxes for growing plants, is making $165K per month and increasing quickly, with its flagship products enabling users to easily grow food and cannabis at home.
2. Start a stationary products business ($720K/year)
Starting a stationary products business could be a lucrative and fulfilling venture for those with a knack for creativity and an eye for detail. In Iowa, you could follow the example of Everyman, an everyday carry eCommerce company founded by James Montgomery in Cedar Rapids. This business focuses on providing premium products such as wallets, pens, travel packs, and EDC tools, and has found considerable success with items like the Grafton Pen and the Hideout Pack.
Everyman revamps have led to generating approximately $60,000 per month in revenue, showcasing the potential profitability of such an enterprise. You could harness a similar strategy to carve a niche for quality and elegance in the stationary and EDC market. For detailed insight into James Montgomery's journey and how he built Everyman into a thriving enterprise, you can check out the case study.
Everyman, an everyday carry eCommerce company, has been generating around $60,000 per month in revenue after completing a brand and website revamp last year, with an average of 35% returning customers who spend $50 or more on the site.
3. Start a fashion business ($480K/year)
You could start a fashion business that meets the unique needs and tastes of Iowans. For example, Knee Deep Limited LLC, founded by Garret "Buddy" Lamp in Holstein, Iowa, created a fun yet functional product called Muff Waders. These bibs combine practicality for working outdoors with features like insulated coolers, concealed pockets, and a bottle opener, enabling users to enjoy both work and play.
Since launching in September 2019, Muff Waders has been averaging $3,600 a month in sales. This demonstrates that even in smaller communities like Holstein, innovative and niche products can find a market. If you're passionate about fashion and have a creative idea, you could follow in Garret's footsteps and start your own unique fashion business right here in Iowa. For more details on this inspiring venture, check out their case study.
Muff Waders is a fun yet practical product that combines bibs for working outdoors with additional features such as insulated coolers, concealed pockets and a bottle opener; since launching in September 2019, they have been averaging $3,600 a month in sales.
4. Start a seo & lead generation service ($720K/year)
Starting an SEO and lead generation service in Iowa could be a highly profitable venture. As a lead generation expert, you could help local businesses effectively attract and convert prospects into customers, a crucial need for many small and medium-sized enterprises in the state.
With Iowa's growing economic landscape and diverse range of industries, there is a vast market of businesses needing reliable customer acquisition strategies. By mastering SEO and digital marketing techniques, you could offer valuable services that drive business growth and help companies in Iowa thrive. For more insights, check out these successful case studies.
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
5. Start a content marketing business ($1.1M/year)
Starting a content marketing business in Iowa presents a promising opportunity thanks to the state's diverse mix of small and medium-sized enterprises that are eager to boost their online presence and generate more leads. With businesses that implement content marketing strategies achieving 67% more leads on average, there's a clear demand for skilled professionals who can help local businesses achieve similar results.
Furthermore, you could tap into Iowa's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning your content marketing services as essential for startups and established companies alike. By leveraging your understanding of SEO and social media, and possibly hiring local content creators, you can offer tailored strategies to help businesses in the state expand their customer base. For inspiration, check out these successful case studies of content marketing entrepreneurs.
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.
6. Start a media company ($2.52M/year)
Starting a media company in Iowa presents a prime opportunity to reach and engage with local communities through various content forms such as video, audio, and written pieces. The state's diverse demographics and robust agricultural and tech sectors provide a rich backdrop for unique stories and niche market content that could drive high local engagement.
By producing high-quality, sharable content tailored to Iowan audiences, you could build a strong, loyal following. Leverage a high-quality platform for seamless content distribution to maximize reach. For inspiration, check out these success stories to see how other media companies have flourished.
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.
7. Start an etsy shop ($570K/year)
Starting an Etsy seller business in Iowa presents a unique opportunity to tap into the state’s rich culture and tradition of craftsmanship. With a strong community of artisans and creatives, you could leverage local inspiration to create unique, handmade products that appeal to a broad audience both within and outside of Iowa.
Furthermore, operating from Iowa can provide cost advantages due to the state's generally lower living costs compared to urban centers. This means you could maximize your profit margins and even reinvest in high-quality materials. To see how others have succeeded, check out these successful case studies for inspiration and guidance.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
8. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Iowa presents an exciting opportunity due to the state's substantial pet ownership and a growing demand for pet-related products and services. With Iowans' love for their animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals, you could easily tap into a dedicated customer base eager for high-quality food, toys, grooming, and other pet services.
Not only does this business enable you to work from home or choose a flexible location, but it also allows you to enjoy the fulfillment of enhancing pets' lives. This is a thriving industry with multiple avenues for growth, as seen in various successful case studies on pet companies. Explore more details on this business idea here and start nurturing a rewarding venture.
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.
9. Start a tutoring or education business ($724K/year)
Starting a tutoring or education business in Iowa offers a plethora of opportunities, particularly given the state's robust emphasis on education and community values. You could tap into a wide range of clients, from K-12 students needing extra help with their coursework to adults seeking continuous education. With the autonomy to set your own hours and rates, this venture could offer both flexibility and a lucrative income stream.
Additionally, tutoring allows you to build meaningful relationships with both students and their parents, creating a network that could lead to word-of-mouth referrals and long-term business sustainability. For more details, you could check out this comprehensive guide or explore some of the successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have thrived in this field.
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
10. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Iowa could be a lucrative business opportunity given the state's diverse economy and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. You could help local businesses in various sectors—such as agriculture, tech, and manufacturing—navigate the digital marketing landscape and reach a wider audience, thereby boosting their growth and economic impact.
In addition, a marketing agency requires relatively low startup costs compared to other businesses, as it can be operated from home with just a few essential tools and a strong internet connection. For more insights on how other marketing agencies have found success and scaled effectively, you could check out these success stories. This will provide you with practical tips and strategies to get your own agency off the ground in 2024.
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.
11. Start a content writing company ($557K/year)
Starting a content writing company in Iowa is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals who want to capitalize on the high demand for digital content. Given Iowa's diverse business landscape, from agriculture to technology, you could target various industries needing high-quality content to engage their audiences and boost their online presence. As a local, you understand the unique perspectives and needs of Iowa-based businesses, giving you an edge in creating relevant and impactful content.
Moreover, working as a content writer allows you to enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss while potentially earning a lucrative income. By focusing on a specific niche and leveraging your unique regional insights, you could build a successful home-based business that caters to the digital marketing needs of Iowa's companies. For more details on this business idea, check out Starter Story's guide on starting a content writing company and see some successful case studies to get inspired.
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
12. Start a fashion business ($1.36M/year)
If you're based in Iowa and have a keen eye for fashion, starting a home-based fashion business could be a lucrative venture. Iowa's lower cost of living and strong community support can provide a conducive environment to launch and scale your fashion brand, allowing you to allocate more funds to marketing and product development.
You could leverage platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to market your fashion products and reach a global audience. Additionally, Iowa's growing online retail ecosystem can provide you with numerous opportunities to partner with local artisans and suppliers, emphasizing the uniqueness of your fashion line. For inspiration, check out some successful case studies to see how entrepreneurs like you have made their mark in the fashion industry.
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.
13. Start a content creation business ($963K/year)
If you're living in Iowa and have a passion for writing, starting a content creation business could be a lucrative opportunity. The state’s thriving local businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystem create a strong demand for high-quality content that can elevate marketing campaigns and enhance brand stories.
You could offer your niche-specific expertise to tailor targeted messages, helping clients meet their goals effectively. As a content entrepreneur, you have the flexibility to work on freelance gigs or build a full-service agency, allowing you to infuse creativity and strategy into your work. Check out successful case studies to inspire and guide your journey in this thriving market.
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
14. Start a freelance writing business ($751K/year)
Starting a freelance writing business in Iowa could be an excellent opportunity due to the state's growing digital economy and the increasing demand for quality content across various industries. As a freelancer, you could enjoy the flexibility of working from home, allowing you to leverage Iowa's lower cost of living to maintain a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle.
Entrepreneurial-minded folks in Iowa could focus on writing for local businesses, agricultural companies, and educational institutions, which are prominent sectors in the state. By honing your writing skills and staying updated with current trends, you could carve out a niche and build a successful business. For inspiration, check out these successful case studies on freelance writers who have thrived in similar markets.
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.
15. Start a branding agency ($783K/year)
Launching a branding agency in Iowa could be an excellent idea, given the state's diverse mix of small businesses and established firms. With Iowa's strong emphasis on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, there's a consistent demand for specialized branding to help businesses stand out in these competitive markets.
Additionally, as more entrepreneurs and startups emerge in cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, you could find numerous opportunities to offer tailored branding solutions that drive growth and customer engagement. For more insights, explore this guide or read about successful branding agency case studies to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.
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.
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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.
