The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Maryland [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Maryland in 2024?
We put together 69 of the best businesses you can start in Maryland today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Maryland.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a mystery game store ($60M/year)
Starting a mystery game store could be an exciting and profitable venture in Maryland, especially if you cater to the growing appetite for immersive, interactive entertainment experiences. One standout example is Hunt A Killer, founded by Ryan Hogan in Baltimore, Maryland, which delivers monthly mystery packages that immerse customers in a story through clues, items, and correspondence. This business has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes by August 2019.
Hunt A Killer has expanded into multiple brands, including paranormal and sci-fi experiences, as well as team-building kits for corporate environments. This example illustrates the potential for rapid growth and diversification within this niche market in Maryland. To learn more about this successful Maryland-based business, you can read the case study for further insights.
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
2. Start a food delivery business ($3.6M/year)
Starting a food delivery business in Maryland could be a lucrative venture given the state’s rich culinary heritage and diverse population. By focusing on unique and local specialties, you could carve out a niche that resonates with both residents and displaced Marylanders. One successful example of this is Cameron's Seafood, founded by Cameron Manesh in Rockville, Maryland. Leveraging a family-owned seafood business, Cameron's Seafood ships Maryland Crabs and crab cakes to customers across all 50 states.
Cameron's Seafood managed to generate over $200,000 in just one month and projected $2.4 million in revenue during its first year. This success highlights the potential for food delivery businesses in Maryland that offer specialized, high-quality products. If you're considering starting a similar business, check out the detailed case study for more insights and inspiration.
Cameron's Seafood, the largest Maryland seafood company in the world, has leveraged an existing family-owned seafood business to ship Maryland Crabs and crab cakes to customers in all 50 states, making over $200,000 in July 2018 with an expected $2.4 million in first-year revenue without venture capital.
3. Create an online course ($720K/year)
Creating an online course could be an excellent home-based business idea in Maryland, allowing you to share your expertise while working remotely. Jayne Havens from Baltimore, MD, showcases how successful this endeavor can be with Snooze Fest by Jayne Havens. After becoming a certified pediatric sleep consultant, she launched her business in 2018, offering sleep consulting services and her own sleep consultant certification course. Within her first year, Jayne earned up to $12,000 a month and eventually surpassed $454,000 in annual income.
If you're interested in pursuing this path, you could follow in Jayne's footsteps and create an online course based on your area of expertise. By addressing market gaps and offering valuable mentorship and support, as Jayne did with her certification course, you could build a lucrative and fulfilling home-based business. For more inspiration, you can read Jayne's full story here.
Pediatric sleep consultant earns up to $12,000 per month within the first year of launch and surpasses $454,000 in annual income by offering sleep consulting services and creating her own sleep consultant certification course with mentorship and support for students.
4. Start a natural health product business ($420K/year)
If you are looking to start a natural health product business in Maryland, you could find ample opportunities to thrive by exploring the growing demand for holistic health services. An inspiring example is Charm City Integrative Health, started by Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, in Baltimore. This clinic offers a suite of therapies, such as acupuncture and cryotherapy, designed to improve overall well-being and has seen significant growth, averaging nearly 150 service appointments a week with a gross income of $35,000 per month before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The success of Charm City Integrative Health demonstrates the potential for a natural health product business to flourish in Maryland, especially as more people seek alternative and complementary health solutions. If you are passionate about holistic health and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, you could follow in Dr. Ingegno's footsteps. Learn more about their journey here.
Charm City Integrative Health, a clinic that focuses on improving whole-being health through many different therapies ranging from acupuncture to cryotherapy, has seen impressive growth with almost 150 service appointments per week and an average gross income of $35,000 per month before the coronavirus outbreak.
5. Become a gifts and handicrafts distributor ($420K/year)
You could become a gifts and handicrafts distributor in Maryland, capitalizing on the state's rich cultural heritage. One inspiring example from Baltimore is Ross Nochumowitz's venture, Baltimore in a Box. This innovative gifting company allows customers to choose from iconic Baltimore products to create personalized care packages that can be shipped globally.
Ross's idea focuses on convenience, making it effortless for people to send a piece of "Charm City" to loved ones through a simple online process. Since its inception, Baltimore in a Box has seen steady growth and has even expanded into corporate gifting. Opportunities abound in Maryland for those inspired to curate local handcrafted goods and unique items into similar gift packages showcasing the state's unique flavors and culture.
Baltimore in a Box founder Ross Nochumowitz created a customized gifting company that allows customers to easily send iconic products from Baltimore to loved ones anywhere in the world, resulting in steady business growth with minimal digital marketing efforts and expanding into corporate gifting with orders increasing year after year.
6. Start a boutique ($396K/year)
If you are drawn to creative ventures and want to start a home-based business in Maryland, consider opening a boutique. A great example of an entrepreneur who successfully launched a unique boutique in Maryland is Kara Brook Brown. She founded Waxing Kara, a business that sells Bee Inspired® food products and bath and beauty goods. Her journey showcases the power of turning a passion into a thriving business.
Based in Maryland, Kara combined her love for art and bees to create products that highlight the importance of bees to our environment and well-being. Today, Waxing Kara generates $33K per month and offers a variety of honey-based goods. If you have a unique product idea and a knack for building strong customer relationships, you could follow in Kara's footsteps and build a successful boutique from the comfort of your home.
This case study follows the journey of Waxing Kara, a Bee Inspired® food products and bath and beauty goods business which generates $33K per month, and highlights the importance of inventory management, education, and relationships with customers and bee colonies.
7. Start a meditation studio ($156K/year)
If you are entrepreneurial-minded and live in Maryland, one intriguing home-based business idea you could explore is starting a meditation studio. Meditation studios cater to the growing demand for mental and emotional well-being, providing a serene space where individuals can practice mindfulness and meditation. Not only do these studios help combat stress and anxiety, but they also foster a supportive community.
A compelling example of such a venture in Maryland is the Kala Mobile Meditation Studio, launched by the mother-daughter duo, Athena and Maria Stratakis, in Baltimore. Their innovative mobile studio features a 35 ft vehicle equipped with 8 meditation pods, offering sound therapy and audio meditations. This business model has proven to be a success, generating around $13,000 a month. For more detailed insight into their journey, you can read their case study here.
Baltimore-based mother-daughter duo, Athena and Maria, co-founded Kala Mobile Meditation, a mobile meditation studio that generates approximately $13,000 a month by providing sound therapy and audio meditations through their 35 ft vehicle equipped with 8 meditation pods, a convenient and restorative space to calm the mind, reconnect with the self, and improve work productivity.
8. Start a pet portrait business ($120K/year)
Starting a pet portrait business in Maryland could be an incredibly rewarding venture, combining creativity and a love for animals into a marketable service. An inspiring example is Puptrait, founded by J.B. Shepard, a mixed media artist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Puptrait focuses on creating unique and artistic portraits of pets, with commissions ranging between $2,500 and $5,000, and even reaching up to $12,000 for individual projects.
J.B. Shepard's Puptrait studio stands out by incorporating handmade costumes and conceptual imagery, making each portrait a unique piece of art that clients are willing to pay a premium for. Located in Baltimore, Puptrait demonstrates the potential success you could achieve with a pet portrait business in Maryland, particularly for those who can blend creative skills with a keen business sense. For more on Puptrait's journey and insights, you can read their detailed case study here.
J.B. Shepard, a Baltimore-based mixed media artist, discusses how he turned his passion for dog photography into a successful pet photography studio, with typical commissions coming in at anywhere between $2.5k and $5k and their highest value single order tapping out at just under $12k.
9. Start a white label fitness apparel business ($101K/year)
If you're in Maryland and have a passion for fitness and entrepreneurship, starting a white label fitness apparel business could be a fantastic opportunity. White labeling allows you to focus on branding and marketing, while a third-party manufacturer handles the production, making it easier and more cost-effective to launch your own line of gym wear. You'll have the freedom to create unique designs and build a loyal customer base, all from the comfort of your home.
A great example of this is Infinite Elgintensity Gym Apparel, started by Elgin E. Mones, Esq. in Silver Spring, Maryland. Elgin, who gained popularity as a YouTube comedian, was able to leverage his viral content and dark sense of humor to create a unique and profitable line of fitness clothing. His business has successfully reached monthly revenues of over $8,000. For more inspiration and a deeper look into his journey, you can check out his detailed case study.
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
10. Start a freelance writing business ($54K/year)
If you're based in Maryland and have a knack for writing, starting a freelance writing business could be a great opportunity. In a state bursting with diverse industries, there's no shortage of niches you could tap into, from government contract writing to tourism and lifestyle content. With relatively low start-up costs and the flexibility to work from anywhere, this venture can be quite lucrative and personally fulfilling.
A great example of this in Maryland is Angelella Editorial, started by Kate Angelella in Baltimore. Initially a sole proprietorship, the business has grown to generate $4.5K per month and now employs eight editors working as independent contractors. They offer author coaching, manuscript critiques, and book doctoring services, helping authors elevate their writing. You can read more about Angelella Editorial's story here. If you have a flair for editing and mentorship, consider this as a roadmap for your own entrepreneurial journey in Maryland.
How a freelance editorial business generating $4.5K per month was transformed from a sole proprietorship to a fully-staffed independent contractor business providing author coaching, manuscript critiques, and book doctoring.
11. Start a niche blog ($6K/year)
If you have a knack for writing and a passion for particular topics, starting a niche blog could be a lucrative home-based business idea in Maryland. Tony Florida, based in Baltimore, Maryland, successfully tapped into this opportunity with The Diamond App. His online diamond search engine not only helps users find the best diamond prices but also earns him $500 per month in affiliate revenue while attracting 500 new users monthly through effective SEO practices.
Tony's business, The Diamond App, serves as an excellent example of what you could achieve by identifying a specific niche and creating valuable, targeted content around it. By leveraging his software engineering background, Tony has built a passive income stream from the comfort of his home. For those interested in learning more about his journey, you can check out his full case study here.
The Diamond App founder developed an online diamond search engine that earns $500 per month in affiliate revenue from 6 jewelers, attracting 500 new users monthly through optimized SEO and offering valuable insights into his hands-off operation.
12. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in Maryland could be a lucrative endeavor, given the state's thriving business sectors, particularly in healthcare, education, and defense. You could leverage Maryland's extensive network of industries and its proximity to key economic hubs like Washington, D.C. to connect businesses with high-quality leads, fulfilling a critical need for companies seeking growth.
Additionally, Maryland's strong tech infrastructure and innovation-friendly environment provide an excellent backdrop for utilizing cutting-edge tools and strategies in lead generation. If you have skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, this business idea can offer substantial rewards and scalability potential. Explore more details on how to launch a B2B lead generation service and read about successful case studies to get inspired.
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.
13. Start a fitness equipment company ($3.92M/year)
Starting a fitness equipment company in Maryland presents a fantastic opportunity given the state's robust emphasis on health and wellness. With numerous gyms, schools, and fitness centers across cities like Baltimore and Annapolis, there's a substantial demand for high-quality fitness equipment. You could tap into various customer segments – from gym owners to fitness enthusiasts looking to create home gyms.
Moreover, Maryland's strong economy and supportive business environment could facilitate your startup journey. By leveraging local resources and effectively marketing your products, you could establish a profitable business swiftly. For more details on this business idea, check out Starter Story's comprehensive guide and explore successful case studies here.
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
14. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Maryland could be a highly rewarding venture, given the state's robust economic landscape and diverse business climate. Maryland is home to a vibrant mix of industries, from technology and healthcare to tourism and maritime, offering a wide array of potential clients who could benefit from professional marketing services. Additionally, the state’s proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington D.C. and Baltimore expands your reach to even more businesses in need of marketing expertise.
For entrepreneurs, the demand for creative and effective marketing solutions is ever-increasing, making now a great time to tap into this market. By leveraging your skills in digital marketing, branding, and analytics, you could help local businesses gain a competitive edge. For more insights and success stories on how to get started and grow your agency, check out this detailed guide and successful case studies from other marketing agencies.
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.
15. Start a branding agency ($783K/year)
Starting a branding agency in Maryland could be an excellent opportunity due to the diverse and thriving business environment in the state. With its proximity to major cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, you could cater to a range of industries from government agencies to tech startups, all of which often require strong branding to distinguish themselves in competitive markets.
Additionally, Maryland's emphasis on innovation and small business support provides fertile ground for a branding agency. You could help local businesses extend their reach and enhance their market relevance through expertly crafted branding strategies. For more on how to start a branding agency and read about successful case studies, check out this detailed guide and explore branding agency success stories.
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.
16. Start a bone broth powder company
Starting a bone broth powder company in Maryland could be a lucrative venture due to the growing health and wellness market in the state. With a high demand for convenient, nutrient-dense products, you could cater to health-conscious consumers who value the benefits of traditional bone broth without the hassle of preparation.
Maryland's rich agricultural resources could provide you with access to high-quality bones for your product. Additionally, you could benefit from the state's proximity to major healthcare and wellness hubs to market your product effectively. For more details on starting this business, you can learn more here. To see how others have succeeded, check out successful case studies.
Bluebird Provisions Bone Broth is North America's fastest-growing bone broth brand, doing 49,000 per month and growing 50% YoY, with 5000% growth in customer base since starting, thanks to an SEO-focused strategy, email marketing, referrals, and Amazon.
17. Start a health and fitness youtube channel
Starting a health and fitness YouTube channel in Maryland offers a promising opportunity due to the state's growing interest in wellness and active lifestyles. With Maryland's diverse demographics and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, you could tap into a wide audience seeking fitness guidance and health tips.
In addition, you could benefit from the increasing number of people who prefer home workouts and online fitness resources. For more insights on this idea, check out detailed information on starting a health and fitness YouTube channel and explore successful case studies about this idea.
18. Build an ai tool ($3.57M/year)
Starting an AI tool business in Maryland could be a strategic move due to the state's thriving tech industry and proximity to major urban centers like Washington D.C. Maryland's educated workforce and infrastructure make it an ideal location for developing cutting-edge technologies. With industries in healthcare, finance, and retail rapidly adopting AI, you could find ample opportunities for partnerships and clients.
Given the projected surge in AI-related software revenues, diving into the AI tool market now could position you for substantial growth. Maryland's supportive environment for startups and access to numerous research institutions provide additional resources to help you innovate. For more inspirations and resources, check out successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have built AI tools.
SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.
19. Start a mobile veterinary service
Starting a mobile veterinary service in Maryland could be a lucrative opportunity due to the rising number of pet owners in the state. Given the convenience and lower overhead costs compared to traditional clinics, you could provide essential healthcare for pets directly at their owner's doorstep, making it both a cost-effective and popular choice for many pet parents.
With Maryland's diverse population and numerous suburban areas, there are ample opportunities for you to tap into a wide customer base. Plus, for those interested in a low-investment business, this model eliminates the need for expensive real estate. For real-life examples and success stories of entrepreneurs who have succeeded in this field, check out our successful case studies for inspiration and insights.
A mobile veterinarian built her business HousePaws on a community-based marketing approach, which helped her take the team from just herself to over 100 employees and more than 7 million dollars in revenue in less than 10 years.
20. Start a cork maps business
Starting a cork maps business in Maryland could be an excellent opportunity to tap into a market that values both travel and home decor. Maryland's diverse and well-traveled population would likely appreciate a product that allows them to showcase their adventures and aspirations in a visually appealing manner. The state's strategic location near major cities like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore offers access to a large customer base that enjoys both aesthetic and functional home decor.
Additionally, the rise in remote work and home-based hobbies creates a demand for unique home decor items that can personalize living spaces. By leveraging online platforms such as Etsy or Shopify, you could efficiently reach a targeted audience and potentially scale your business rapidly. For more details on this business idea, you can visit Starter Story's guide on cork maps businesses. You could also explore some successful case studies for further inspiration.
GEO 101 Design founder Nick Fortosis created unique cork maps using a CNC router in his garage workshop, and grew sales to $2,000/month through his website and Etsy shop, with plans to double revenue year over year.
21. Rent party & events venue ($2.2M/year)
Starting a party and events venue in Maryland could be a lucrative business opportunity due to the growing demand for spaces to host various celebrations and corporate gatherings. The state's vibrant and diverse population provides a steady stream of events ranging from birthday parties to corporate product launches. Plus, given Maryland's mix of both busy urban areas like Baltimore and scenic countryside, you could tailor your venue to fit different thematic and geographic preferences.
With some creative marketing and a keen eye for design, you could carve out a niche in the bustling events industry. Whether you focus on small intimate gatherings or large corporate events, the key to success will be in choosing the right niche and ensuring top-notch customer service. For more details on starting a party venue business, check out our collection of successful case studies.
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
22. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($1.29M/year)
Starting a customer intelligence analytics business in Maryland could be a lucrative venture due to the state's thriving business environment and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C. This business leverages data to provide valuable insights, which can help local companies improve their marketing strategies and boost customer retention rates. With a strong concentration of tech-savvy professionals and numerous small to mid-sized businesses, there is a ready market for these services.
Moreover, the demand for customer intelligence analytics is on the rise as businesses increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven decision-making. By tapping into this growing need, you could establish a successful home-based business that helps companies make more informed decisions. For real-world examples and further details, check out our case studies on successful customer intelligence analytics businesses here.
EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.
23. Start a marketing consulting business ($1.47M/year)
Starting a marketing consulting business in Maryland could be an excellent opportunity given its diverse economy and thriving small business ecosystem. With countless local businesses in need of specialized marketing strategies to stand out, you could leverage your expertise to help them effectively reach their target audiences and grow their customer base. The demand for marketing consultants in sectors like healthcare, education, and technology—prominent industries in Maryland—presents a lucrative market to tap into.
Additionally, Maryland's proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C. and Baltimore expands your potential client base to include both local and regional businesses. By starting a marketing consulting business, you could offer tailored solutions ranging from digital marketing campaigns to comprehensive marketing plans. If you're looking for inspiration or proven strategies to get started, check out these successful case studies on our website.
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.
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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.
