Business Ideas For Mba Graduates [2024]

Updated: September 23rd, 2024

As an MBA graduate, you already have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the business world. The year 2024 presents a wealth of opportunities across various industries that you could exploit for both personal and professional growth. If you're ready to take the entrepreneurial plunge, this list could provide the inspiration you need.

From emerging tech ventures to sustainable business models, the array of prospects is vast. Whether you aim to start your own company or join a budding startup, these opportunities cater to diverse interests and expertise. Now is the time to explore the possibilities and carve out your path to success.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other mba graduates businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

Starting a niche investment platform can be an ideal venture for MBA graduates looking to leverage their analytical and business skills in a cutting-edge industry. By focusing on specialized asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, you could create a highly targeted and profitable marketplace. The combination of modern technology and in-depth market knowledge allows you to offer superior transparency, flexible portfolio options, and asset diversification for sophisticated investors.

Why consider starting a niche investment platform?

  • You could cultivate a dedicated user base by offering exclusive investment opportunities that mainstream platforms lack.
  • The recurring revenue from transaction fees and premium subscriptions ensures financial stability.
  • With your advanced business knowledge, you are well-equipped to navigate and thrive in the complex world of alternative assets.

For more insights on the startup costs and tips, explore this detailed guide on niche investment platform startups.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

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.

Read by 13,314 founders

2. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Starting a stock investing business makes sense for MBA graduates who possess a strong grasp of financial markets and analytical skills. This venture revolves around buying and selling stocks, aiming to create a profitable portfolio by making well-informed decisions. With the right strategy and a keen eye for market trends, MBA graduates could leverage their knowledge to generate substantial returns in the long run.

Understanding financial analysis and market dynamics, garnered from their MBA studies, allows graduates to make informed investment choices. Furthermore, various educational resources and advanced trading platforms make it easier to navigate this field effectively. However, it requires continuous learning and dedication to succeed.

Read success stories from those who ventured into stock investing.

Why start a stock investing business?

  • You could apply your analytical skills and financial knowledge to achieve high returns.
  • You could capitalize on various educational resources and trading platforms to enhance your strategies.
  • You have the opportunity to turn your interest in finance into a rewarding entrepreneurial pursuit.

Discover useful tips for diving into stock investing.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,780 founders

3. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm offers MBA graduates a unique opportunity to leverage their professional skills and financial acumen to build wealth through property. This business entails identifying, acquiring, managing, and selling real estate assets to generate significant returns. With the market's potential for appreciation and steady income from rental properties, this venture could be both lucrative and rewarding.

Furthermore, for those interested in entrepreneurship, real estate investments provide a dynamic and hands-on approach to diversifying income streams. By strategically analyzing market trends and efficiently managing properties, you could maximize your financial returns and build a robust portfolio over time. Explore the potential of starting a real estate investment firm.

Why start a real estate investment firm?

  • The real estate market offers substantial profit potential, with properties often appreciating significantly over time.
  • Rental properties can generate a steady and passive income stream, providing financial stability.
  • Your MBA skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management will be directly applicable, increasing the likelihood of success.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

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.

Read by 13,314 founders

4. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. By integrating AI solutions, companies can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions.

AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. With the demand for AI solutions growing rapidly, as MBA graduates, you could find this an attractive and innovative way to boost business performance while tapping into a lucrative and expanding market. Explore more about AI-based business solutions on Starter Story for further insights.

Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?

  • The demand for AI solutions is booming, offering ample market opportunities.
  • AI can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • Many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible even without a tech background.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,990 founders

5. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

Starting a lead generation tool as an MBA graduate could be a highly rewarding venture. Leveraging your business acumen, you could develop a platform that automates the laborious process of finding new clients, allowing businesses to focus on conversion. The high demand for efficient lead generation makes this an attractive market, and integrating with various digital touchpoints could provide invaluable data for your clients.

Imagine building a tool that seamlessly collects potential customer leads from websites, social media, and other digital channels. If you’re tech-savvy with a keen interest in marketing, this could be an excellent opportunity to utilize your skills and drive innovation in a vital industry. By offering a sophisticated solution to a common business challenge, you could establish a profitable enterprise.

Why develop a lead generation tool?

  • The demand is booming. Businesses of all sizes need efficient ways to capture and nurture leads.
  • Leverage your MBA skills. Utilize your business knowledge and technical prowess to create a high-value product.
  • Automate and innovate. Help businesses streamline their marketing efforts, allowing them to focus on conversion and growth.

For more insights, explore success stories of entrepreneurs in the lead generation industry on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,914 founders

6. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool could be an excellent venture for MBA graduates. Leveraging your business acumen, you could develop a platform that helps companies create, manage, and automate their email campaigns, which is an essential component of digital marketing strategies. The scalability and high demand for effective email marketing solutions make this a promising side business or even a primary business pathway.

Why start an email marketing tool?

  • With an MBA, you have the skills to identify market gaps and create a competitive product that meets the needs of businesses.
  • Email marketing tools are in high demand, with the global market size projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028.
  • This business offers scalability; once your tool gains traction, you could easily expand or diversify into related services. For more insights, check out tips for starting an email marketing tool.

This pathway allows MBA graduates to utilize their strategic thinking, market analysis skills, and creativity to build a profitable and impactful business.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,127 founders

7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

For MBA graduates, starting a social media automation business could be a strategic move to leverage your business acumen and technological know-how. By creating tools to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze metrics, you could fill a growing market need while building a scalable stream of income. From small businesses to influencers, many clients would pay for the convenience of saving time and optimizing their social media presence.

Why consider a social media automation business?

  • The demand is high: Consistent and strategic social media engagement is increasingly essential for businesses.
  • Your skills match: A combination of marketing knowledge and technological aptitude can set you apart.
  • Scalable and fulfilling: This business model offers both lucrative financial potential and the satisfaction of helping clients grow their online presence.

Explore more about starting a social media automation business to see if it's the right fit for you—check out this link for success stories.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,239 founders

8. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

Starting a cold email service business could be an ideal way for MBA graduates to leverage their strategic thinking and marketing knowledge. By crafting and sending targeted email campaigns on behalf of businesses, you could help companies reach new clients directly, increasing their lead generation and customer base. With your background, you'll find it natural to analyze client needs, research target audiences, and use email marketing tools to track essential metrics. Considering the scalable nature of this business, it offers a promising way to supplement your income or even evolve into a full-fledged enterprise. For more insight, check out these cold email service success stories.

Why starting a cold email service business?

  • Your MBA training equips you with strategic thinking and analytical skills that are key to successful email marketing campaigns.
  • The demand for expertise in lead generation and customer acquisition is high, making your service always in demand.
  • The scalability potential is significant; start small with local businesses and expand your clientele as your success stories accumulate.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.

Read by 13,695 founders

9. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

As an MBA graduate, starting a health and wellness app could be the perfect way to blend your passion for health with your business acumen. Imagine an app that guides users through yoga practices, provides tailored meal plans, and even reminds them to drink water, all based on personalized needs. This venture not only allows you to tap into a growing market but also enables you to make a meaningful impact on people's lives by promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Why start a health and wellness app?

  • You'll be entering a booming market. The global health and wellness industry is rapidly growing, providing substantial opportunities for innovation and growth.
  • It's a scalable business model. With the right marketing and user engagement strategies, you could scale your app to thousands of users, delivering consistent value and generating significant revenue.
  • You can leverage your MBA skills. From market research to financial planning, your knowledge can drive the app's success and long-term viability.

For more detailed insights, check out Startup Costs for Health and Wellness App.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,603 founders

10. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. This is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial MBA graduates to leverage their knowledge and passion, create compelling content, drive traffic to their site, and monetize through various methods such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products. A well-established niche website can become a reliable source of passive income and a rewarding project for those ready to dive deep into a subject area they love.

Why start a niche website?

  • You could use your business acumen and analytical skills to identify profitable niches and effectively market your site.
  • Creating a niche website allows you to generate passive income through multiple monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing and ad placements.
  • It enables you to build a dedicated audience around a topic you are passionate about, enhancing both your personal and professional brand.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,615 founders

11. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog could be a strategic move for MBA graduates looking to leverage their expertise and engage with a passionate online community. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche—such as technology trends, financial advice, or leadership guides—you could create valuable, unique content that attracts and retains a loyal audience. Monetizing your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and event speaking opportunities can provide a supplementary income or even grow into a full-fledged business.

Why start a niche blog?

  • You already possess in-depth knowledge that can be shared with a targeted audience, making your content highly valuable.
  • A niche blog offers multiple revenue streams, from affiliate marketing to sponsored posts, maximizing your earning potential.
  • It allows you to build a personal brand and establish yourself as an authority in a specialized field, opening doors to consultancy, speaking engagements, and more.

For more insights on how to launch a lucrative niche blog, check out this detailed guide on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 78,043 founders

12. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

As an MBA graduate, starting a WordPress plugin business allows you to leverage your strategic skills and market understanding to address specific needs within the massive WordPress ecosystem. With over 40% of the web powered by WordPress, the demand for functional, efficient, and innovative plugins continues to grow. By identifying a gap in the market and developing a solution to fill it, you could create a steady stream of income either as a side project or a full-time venture. Moreover, selling WordPress plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or through your own website offers scalability and substantial growth potential.

Why consider starting a WordPress plugin business?

  • The market demand is high, given the widespread usage of WordPress across the internet.
  • Your MBA skills are an asset in identifying market needs and effectively marketing your plugins.
  • Selling plugins provides a recurring income model, creating financial stability.

For more insights on starting a WordPress plugin business, check out some success stories on Starter Story: /ideas/wordpress-plugin-business/success-stories.

How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.

Read by 18,979 founders

13. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As an MBA graduate, leveraging your expertise to create and sell online courses could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. By sharing your knowledge in areas like marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, you could tap into the rapidly growing e-learning market, which is projected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years. With the right approach, your initial efforts could transform into a reliable stream of passive income as your courses continue to attract new students. For more details, check out some success stories in this industry.

Why consider starting an online course sales business?

  • The e-learning market is booming, providing ample opportunities for revenue.
  • By teaching what you already know, you minimize new learning curves and leverage your existing expertise.
  • Once created, online courses can generate passive income, allowing you to earn money while you focus on other ventures.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,025 founders

14. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

For MBA graduates looking to supplement their income, creating a mobile app offers promising potential. Leveraging your business acumen to identify market needs and gaps, you could develop an app that provides innovative solutions or entertainment, tapping into the ever-growing mobile market. With the ability to hire developers or utilize basic coding skills, starting a mobile app business becomes a feasible and scalable venture, potentially generating substantial revenue through user downloads and in-app purchases.

Intrigued by the idea? Explore the immense possibilities that mobile app development can bring. Check out these inspiring success stories for more insights.

Why developing a mobile app?

  • The mobile app market is vast and constantly expanding, offering significant opportunities for innovative solutions.
  • As an MBA graduate, your strategic planning and marketing skills can help you create a successful and profitable app.
  • Mobile apps have the potential for high scalability, allowing you to grow your business rapidly with the right strategy.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,002 founders

15. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be a strategic move for MBA graduates aiming to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. The high demand for niche, curated products offers MBA graduates an opportunity to leverage their market analysis, strategic planning, and business development skills. By tapping into a specialized market and ensuring top-notch customer service, you could build a highly profitable venture that capitalizes on the subscription economy.

Why consider starting a subscription box business?

  • You could capitalize on a growing trend by catering to niche markets that crave exclusive, curated products.
  • Your MBA skills in market research and strategic planning would help you identify untapped opportunities and optimize operations.
  • A subscription model provides predictable recurring revenue, enabling better financial planning and long-term growth.

For additional insights and success stories, visit the Starter Story page on subscription box business startup costs.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,437 founders

16. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a smart move for MBA graduates looking to supplement their income or establish a new side business. As a platform for sharing knowledge and engaging in stimulating conversations, a podcast allows you to leverage your expertise and insights gained from your MBA education. Not only does it offer the potential for monetization through sponsorships and advertisements, but it can also broaden your professional network and enhance your personal brand.

Explore successful podcast stories from MBA graduates here to get inspired!

Why start a podcast?

  • Leverage your expertise to attract a dedicated audience and generate income through sponsorships and ads.
  • Enhance your personal brand and professional network by showcasing your knowledge and interviewing industry experts.
  • Low startup costs and flexibility make it an ideal venture for busy MBA graduates looking to diversify their income streams.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

Read by 19,195 founders

17. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. As an MBA graduate, you could leverage your business expertise to create engaging and informative content, potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Whether you choose to focus on educational content, how-to guides, or even vlogs, a YouTube channel offers you a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency, quality, and a good understanding of SEO and social media marketing to drive traction. Despite the hard work involved, the payoff could be significant, making it a fulfilling and financially rewarding venture. If you're ready to dedicate the necessary time and effort, this could be a worthwhile endeavor.

Why starting a YouTube channel?

  • You could monetize your expertise. With your MBA, you have a wealth of knowledge that can attract a large audience, leading to various revenue streams.
  • You could build a personal brand. A YouTube channel allows you to showcase your skillset and insights, making you a thought leader in your industry.
  • You could enjoy flexible work. Creating content fits around your schedule, allowing you to manage other commitments while growing your channel.

For further insights and success stories, visit Starter Story's YouTube Channel Business Ideas.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,316 founders

18. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

An ecommerce reselling business offers MBA graduates a strategic opportunity to leverage their analytical and entrepreneurial skills. By purchasing goods or services for resale rather than consumption, you could launch an online business without the high costs associated with production. This model also allows you to start small, even using social media to build your initial customer base before creating a dedicated website as your business grows.

Explore more about ecommerce reselling businesses here.

Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?

  • You could minimize startup costs, avoiding the need for initial product creation.
  • Your business acumen as an MBA graduate positions you to optimize market opportunities and maximize profit margins.
  • The flexibility of starting on social media allows for immediate market validation and customer engagement without a hefty initial investment.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,376 founders

19. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

Creating an online survey tool can be an excellent business venture for MBA graduates looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Utilizing your business acumen, you could design a survey platform that offers unique insights, helping businesses collect valuable customer feedback efficiently. Given the growing demand for data-driven decision-making, this is a field ripe with opportunities.

Why develop an online survey tool?

  • You understand market needs. With your expertise, you could create a tool that targets specific business requirements, making your product highly relevant and attractive.
  • There's a huge demand for data collection. As businesses strive for better customer understanding, your tool could become indispensable.
  • Scalability and profitability. Like Typeform, which surpassed $70 million in annual recurring revenue, your survey tool could generate significant income.

For more inspiration and details on starting this venture, check out these success stories.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

20. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

Starting an SEO & lead generation service is a practical and scalable business idea for MBA graduates looking to leverage their marketing knowledge and analytical skills. With businesses increasingly relying on digital marketing strategies, there is a high demand for professionals who can enhance online visibility and convert visitors into leads. As an MBA graduate, you possess the strategic thinking and business acumen required to design and implement robust lead generation campaigns.

You could dive into areas such as search engine optimization, content marketing, and social media ads to attract and nurture potential clients. By doing so, you can offer a valuable service to businesses aiming to boost their online presence and customer base, thus creating a lucrative side income or a full-time business opportunity. Learn more about the potential of SEO & lead generation services.

Why starting a SEO & lead generation service?

  • You could offer a high-demand service. With more companies moving online, there’s a burgeoning need for experts who can drive traffic and generate leads.
  • You already have the necessary skills. Your MBA program has equipped you with analytical and strategic skills, making it easier to navigate the digital marketing landscape.
  • It’s a scalable business model. You can start small and gradually expand by hiring a team, allowing you to grow your business sustainably.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $35K/Month Agency Specialized On Link Building

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.

Read by 14,470 founders

21. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an outstanding way for MBA graduates to supplement their income or even launch a full-scale business. Leveraging knowledge from your MBA, you could effectively analyze markets and strategically select products or services to promote, boosting your potential earnings. With relatively low startup costs and the possibility of earning passive income, affiliate marketing could be a viable career move or side hustle.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • You could utilize market analysis and strategic planning skills from your MBA to optimize product choice and promotional strategies.
  • It offers potential for passive income, allowing you to earn money continuously with minimal ongoing effort.
  • You could achieve a high earnings potential with low startup costs, making it a smart, low-risk investment.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,619 founders

22. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business can be a lucrative side or main venture for MBA graduates seeking to supplement their income. The growing demand for high-quality stock images in marketing and advertising provides a steady market for your photographs. Additionally, your business acumen can help you build a successful online presence, leading to faster sales and profitable margins. For more inspiration on launching this type of business venture, check out these stock photography business success stories.

Why start a stock photography business?

  • It leverages your creativity while generating passive income.
  • High-quality stock photos are always in demand for marketing and advertising efforts.
  • Your MBA skills will give you an edge in effectively managing and marketing your stock photography portfolio.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,467 founders

23. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

Leveraging your MBA for creating an AI writing tool could be a profitable and innovative venture. This business enterprise delves into the rapid advancements of technology, offering a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence that aids in content creation. With AI, you could create a tool capable of generating accurate and engaging content, revolutionizing the way businesses, bloggers, and students write.

Embedding artificial intelligence into content creation presents significant advantages over traditional writing methods. Automated, error-free, and time-efficient content is now just a click away. Imagine providing a solution that eases the workload of writers around the globe, transforming their process and boosting productivity. For more insights, you can explore this success story.

Why create an AI writing tool?

  • Taps into the growing demand for high-quality and constant content in today's digital age.
  • Provides a futuristic solution that is both innovative and substantively needed.
  • Allows you to lead a transformative project that can significantly enhance productivity for users worldwide.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,751 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.