The 41 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Maine [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Maine in 2024?
We put together 45 of the best businesses you can start in Maine today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Maine.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a women's clothing line ($1.61M/year)
Starting a women's clothing line could be an incredibly rewarding home-based business opportunity in Maine. By focusing on ethically-made clothing and leveraging digital marketing strategies, you could create a brand that resonates with a passionate audience. An excellent example of such a business is Tradlands, which was co-founded by Jeremy Roberts in Portland, ME. Tradlands began with a modest $15k and through effective email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations, has grown to generate around $134k in monthly revenue.
Tradlands specialize in effortless, refined, quality essentials that aim to provide women with timeless, high-quality button-up shirts. The founders, Jeremy and his wife Sadie, emphasized ethical production and longevity in their clothing, appealing to women who value sustainability and craftsmanship. If you're considering launching a women's clothing line in Maine, you could take inspiration from Tradlands' journey. For a deeper understanding of how Tradlands grew their brand, you can read their detailed case study here.
This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
2. Start a coffee roasting business ($1.08M/year)
If you're considering a home-based business opportunity in Maine, you could start a coffee roasting business. Coffee roasting is a versatile venture that allows you to control your product's quality and offer unique blends to a growing market of coffee enthusiasts. By sourcing high-quality beans and perfecting your roasting techniques, you could enjoy strong local demand and even tap into online sales.
A compelling example is Rwanda Bean Coffee, started by Rwandan immigrant Mike Mwenedata in South Portland, Maine. In less than a year, the business skyrocketed from under $3,000 to over $45,000 in monthly revenue by sourcing single-origin coffee from Rwanda and investing 50% of the profits back into the farm communities. They’ve even expanded to own three local retail shops and wholesale operations. For more insight into their journey, you can read their full case study here.
Rwandan immigrant Mike Mwenedata co-founded Rwanda Bean Coffee Company, which increased revenue from under $3,000 per month to over $45k per month in less than one year, by sourcing and roasting single-origin coffee from Rwanda and investing 50% of the profits back into the farm communities.
3. Start a food delivery business ($960K/year)
If you're thinking of starting a home-based business in Maine, you could start a food delivery business. There's a growing demand for food delivery services, and with the right approach, you can carve out a niche in this expanding market.
A fantastic example of success in Maine is Cape Whoopies, Maine's Gourmet Whoopie Pie LLC, started by Marcia Wiggins in South Portland. Cape Whoopies has soared by increasing their total sales by 40% through strategic partnerships and expanding their production capacity. If you want to dive deeper into Marcia’s inspirational journey, you can find her full story here.
Cape Whoopies increased their total sales by 40% by partnering with a coffee shop, scaled their business up by doubling their equipment and incorporating temperature-tracking computer chips to test the temperature for shipping, and grew by 150%, making 47% of sales online and the remaining 53% from their brick & mortar storefront.
4. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Maine is a fantastic opportunity due to the state’s diverse and growing business community. You could tap into the needs of both local small businesses and larger enterprises looking to enhance their digital presence, leveraging Maine’s unique blend of urban centers and rural areas to offer tailored marketing solutions.
Additionally, with case studies from successful marketing agencies, you could learn from the experiences of others who have successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities in this industry. By providing specialized services, you could help Maine businesses grow without the burden of in-house marketing expenses, positioning your agency as an essential partner for success. For more details on starting a marketing agency, visit this in-depth guide.
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.
5. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Maine could be a fantastic opportunity given the state's high pet ownership rate and pet-friendly communities. The flexibility of offering pet services from home or at another location fits well with the lifestyle of Mainers, who value convenience and personal touch in their service providers. Whether it's pet grooming, nutritional products, or custom toys, the demand is robust with plenty of niches to explore.
Additionally, Maine's strong sense of community and love for local businesses means you could build a loyal customer base relatively quickly. By dedicating your hard work to this venture, you'll not only spend more time with animals but also create a fulfilling career helping other pet owners improve their pets' lives. For more details, you could check out information on starting a pet company and read about successful pet business stories to get inspired.
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.
6. Become a golf trainer
With its stunning fall foliage and array of picturesque courses, Maine is a haven for golf enthusiasts, making it an ideal location to start a home-based golf training business. You could tap into the local love for the sport, offering tailored coaching services that cater to both beginners and seasoned players aiming to refine their skills.
Moreover, the flexibility of a home-based business allows you to provide personalized, on-site coaching sessions at various courses throughout the state. This structure not only saves on overhead costs but also offers convenience to your clients. To gain more insights into starting a golf trainer business, check out this detailed guide and see successful case studies for inspiration.
7. Start a product review blog ($317K/year)
Starting a product review blog in Maine could be a highly lucrative and fulfilling venture. Maine residents have a strong sense of community and value genuine recommendations, which can help your blog gain a loyal readership. In addition, the cost of living in Maine is relatively low, allowing you to keep operational costs minimal while you grow your audience.
With the increasing trend of online shopping, your blog could serve as a valuable resource for local Mainers eager to read personalized, trustworthy reviews. Tapping into the power of social media and local marketing strategies, your product review blog could connect with businesses across the state. For more details on starting this type of business, check out product reviewer and explore successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have thrived in this sector.
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
8. Start a content writing company ($557K/year)
Starting a content writing company in Maine could be an ideal business idea due to the state's growing digital economy and increasing demand for high-quality online content. You could tap into various local industries, such as tourism, outdoor recreation, and small businesses, which often need compelling content to engage their audiences. Additionally, Maine's scenic environment provides an inspiring backdrop that could fuel your creativity and productivity.
With the flexibility to work from home, you could create a schedule that fits your lifestyle while building a profitable business that capitalizes on the rising demand for digital content. For more detailed insights on this business idea, you can explore additional details here. To read successful case studies about starting a content writing company, you can find some success stories here.
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.
9. Start a fulfillment business ($67M/year)
Starting a fulfillment business in Maine could be an excellent opportunity due to the rising dominance of e-commerce nationwide. With many local companies and artisans selling their products online, a fulfillment business could serve Maine's growing demand for reliable and efficient order processing. By offering services like same-day delivery, custom API integrations, and climate-controlled storage, you could cater to a diverse range of clients.
Moreover, the logistics landscape in Maine offers key advantages for starting this type of business. The state's strategic location on the East Coast provides proximity to major metropolitan areas, making shipping and distribution swift and cost-effective. If you are entrepreneurial and looking to tap into Maine's evolving e-commerce ecosystem, starting a fulfillment business can provide a lucrative and scalable venture. For further insights, be sure to check out successful case studies of similar businesses for guidance.
ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.
10. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)
Starting a cannabis business in Maine could be an excellent opportunity due to the state's progressive stance on cannabis legalization and the increasing demand for legal marijuana. Maine has a well-developed legal framework, making it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate the regulatory landscape and tap into a market projected to reach $22 billion by 2022.
Additionally, Maine's strong sense of community and support for local businesses could help you build a loyal customer base. With various niches within the cannabis industry, from cultivation to retail, edibles, and wellness products, you could find a unique angle that resonates with Maine residents. For more insights, check out this collection of successful cannabis business case studies.
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
11. Start a bedding company ($8.89M/year)
A bedding company could be an excellent home-based business idea to start in Maine due to the state's unique combination of a growing population and a strong interest in sustainable and high-quality products. Maine residents appreciate the importance of comfort and quality in their homes, which creates a robust market for premium bedding materials such as mattresses, sheets, and pillows.
Additionally, Maine's growing tourism industry presents opportunities for partnering with local bed and breakfasts, inns, and vacation rentals to supply them with your bedding products. This could enhance your business visibility and customer base. For more details on how to get started, check out our guide on starting a bedding company and browse through some inspiring success stories.
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
12. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
Starting a skills training business in Maine offers a unique opportunity to leverage the state's growing demand for new competencies, particularly in areas like remote work, technology, and trades. Given Maine's diverse economy and an increasing focus on vocational education, you could provide invaluable services to both individuals looking to upskill and businesses seeking employee development programs.
With relatively low startup costs, this business idea presents a high potential for profitability and personal fulfillment. The global skills training market is expected to reach $47.2 billion by 2027, underscoring the robust demand for such services. For inspiration from successful entrepreneurs in this field, check out these case studies 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.
13. Start a natural beauty product business ($802K/year)
A natural beauty product business could thrive in Maine due to the state's abundant natural resources and eco-conscious population. With access to local ingredients like aloe vera and honey, you could create unique and authentic products that appeal to consumers seeking chemical-free alternatives.
Moreover, with the global natural skin care products market valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, there's significant potential for growth and profitability. For inspiration and real-world examples of success, check out our detailed business idea and browse through some successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have already established their brands.
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
14. Start a head shop
If you live in Maine and have an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a head shop could be a lucrative opportunity, especially since the state has a growing cannabis culture. Maine has legalized medical and recreational cannabis, creating a robust market for cannabis-related products. By opening a head shop, you could cater to a wide range of customers looking for specialized smoking accessories and educational resources.
Moreover, the potential for high-profit margins makes this business idea particularly appealing. With the right business strategy, you could offer unique products, create a welcoming atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service to cultivate a loyal customer base. For more details on starting your own head shop, check out our in-depth guide and successful case studies from other entrepreneurs who've turned this idea into a thriving business.
15. Create a website builder ($8.01M/year)
Given Maine's thriving small business community and the increasing shift towards digital spaces, starting a website builder business could be a lucrative opportunity. You could cater to local enterprises, freelancers, and individuals looking to establish a robust online presence without delving into complex coding.
The state's strong emphasis on supporting local businesses means that many would be eager to utilize a user-friendly tool that simplifies website creation. With customizable templates and integrated functionalities like eCommerce and SEO tools, you could provide the perfect solution for Maine's entrepreneurial spirit. For further insights, check out more details on the website builder business idea and read successful case studies.
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
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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.
