The 37 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Minnesota [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Minnesota in 2024?
We put together 63 of the best businesses you can start in Minnesota today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Minnesota.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a music licensing business ($3.78M/year)
If you have a passion for music and a knack for connecting creative minds, you could start a music licensing business in Minnesota. These businesses help artists, filmmakers, and companies legally use copyrighted music in their projects, making it an extremely valuable service in today's digital age. An inspiring example is Easy Song Licensing, founded by Aaron Green in Minnetonka, Minnesota. This company has grown from a small, bootstrapped startup to a successful business with over 60,000 clients, achieving a gross profit of $2.5M in 2018.
Easy Song Licensing specializes in various types of music clearances, including mechanical song licensing, video synchronization, and master rights. The company’s ability to grow and adapt has been bolstered through strategic investments in online marketing and forming new partnerships. Their journey demonstrates how a solid understanding of both the legal and creative aspects of music can result in a thriving business. For more details on their remarkable story, you can read their case study.
EasySongLicensing.com grew from a mobile recording business to a bootstrapped music licensing agent, with a user base of over 60,000 clients and a gross profit of $2.5M in 2018, seeing a 30% increase in 2019, through investment in online marketing, customer service, and forming new partnerships.
2. Develop a mac app ($2.4M/year)
You could consider developing a Mac app as a home-based business in Minnesota. If you have software development skills and a creative mindset, you could create a solution that benefits many users, from professionals to everyday consumers. In Minneapolis, MN, Matt Ronge co-founded Astropad, a company that turned an idea into a successful business by creating software and hardware tools for creative professionals. Their flagship products, Astropad Studio and Luna Display, mirror Mac screens on iPads and convert devices into wireless second monitors, catering to high-profile clients such as Pixar, DC Comics, and Nintendo.
Astropad was started in Minnesota and serves as an inspiring example of what's possible in the state. With determination and the right idea, you could follow in Ronge's footsteps and develop an app that meets a unique need or improves productivity. For more insight into Astropad's journey and how to bring your app idea to life, check out their case study.
Astropad, a software and hardware solutions company for creative people, was founded by Matt Ronge and his co-founder in 2013, boasting revenue of $3.4 million in 2019, with products used by Pixar, DC Comics and Nintendo.
3. Start a socks business ($1.06M/year)
Starting a socks business can be an excellent home-based opportunity in Minnesota, catering to a wide range of customers while allowing for creative freedom in design. Hippy Feet, a Minneapolis-based sock and apparel company founded by Michael Mader, serves as an inspiring example. They have not only grown their revenue significantly but also created jobs for over 160 individuals experiencing homelessness through a 6-month job readiness program. This shows the potential for your sock business to make a positive social impact.
Hippy Feet uses sustainable materials and practices, producing all of its products in the United States. Each purchase from Hippy Feet supports their mission, exemplifying how a small business can contribute to the local community while being profitable. Located right here in Minnesota, this case demonstrates that you could create a successful and socially responsible socks business. Check out the complete case study on Hippy Feet for more insights and inspiration.
Hippy Feet, a Minneapolis-based sock and apparel company, has created jobs for over 160 individuals experiencing homelessness with a 6-month job readiness program and has grown 2020 revenue by 156% over 2019, using sustainable materials and practices while providing sales of custom, branded socks and apparel.
4. Start a mobile app development business ($960K/year)
Starting a mobile app development business opens up numerous opportunities, especially in a tech-savvy state like Minnesota. With a growing demand for custom mobile solutions across various industries, you could capitalize on your technical skills to create apps for local businesses. For instance, The Jed Mahonis Group is a custom iOS and Android app development consultancy started by Rob Bentley and Tim Bornholdt right in Minneapolis, MN. Their success story is a testament to the potential of this business idea; they grew their company from an initial investment of $250 each into a near seven-figure agency, serving notable clients like Great Clips and the USA CUP.
By following a similar path and tapping into the local market, you could build a profitable business that meets the mobile app needs of both small and large enterprises. The Jed Mahonis Group’s journey highlights how starting a business in this field can lead to significant growth and lucrative client partnerships. For more detailed insights on their strategy and growth, you can read their full case study here.
"We started a custom iOS and Android app development consultancy that now makes nearly seven-figures a year by landing clients like Great Clips and the USA CUP after building successful concept apps."
5. Start a payment app ($720K/year)
If you are looking to dive into the fintech world, starting a payment app in Minnesota could be a lucrative venture. A shining example from Minneapolis is Payment for Stripe, founded by Ryan Scherf. This innovative app leverages the Stripe payment gateway to facilitate card-present transactions, allowing online store owners to easily collect payments in person without requiring card readers.
Since its launch in 2015, Payment for Stripe has grown impressively, processing over $70 million in volume annually. The app charges a 1% service fee on every transaction, which has contributed to its substantial growth. For an in-depth look at Ryan Scherf's journey in creating this successful app, you can visit the case study here. This example highlights the potential for entrepreneurs in Minnesota to develop innovative fintech solutions that address real market needs.
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
6. Start a social media marketing service ($600K/year)
Starting a social media marketing service in Minnesota is an excellent opportunity, especially given the state's thriving business environment. With the rise of digital marketing, businesses increasingly rely on social media to connect with their audience and drive sales. You could leverage your skills in social media to help local businesses grow their online presence, manage ad campaigns, and create engaging content.
A great example of this in Minnesota is Vital Traffic Labs, a social media marketing agency co-founded by David Schlais in Minneapolis. David and his team left their six-figure jobs to build a business focusing on quality and client satisfaction. In just three years, they scaled their operations significantly, achieving between $50,000 - $60,000 in monthly recurring revenue. To learn more about their journey and how they did it, check out their case study. This success story highlights the potential for starting your social media marketing service right here in Minnesota.
This case study follows the co-founder of a social media marketing agency who left their 6-figure 9-5 jobs to build a business that has grown to between 50-60K in monthly recurring revenue in just 3 years, attributing their success to putting clients and quality of work first while scaling to new clients and opportunities.
7. ($588K/year)
If you're looking for a home-based business opportunity in Minnesota, becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) could be a rewarding choice. Starting out as a side hustle, Gina Horkey from Wyoming, MN successfully launched Horkey HandBook (now called The #FullyBookedVA System), which has grown into a 7-figure business. This platform offers comprehensive courses, weekly group coaching, and specialization tracks to help aspiring and existing VAs build and scale their businesses.
Gina's journey from a personal finance worker to a virtual assistant entrepreneur highlights the potential of this industry. You could follow her example and create your own VA business to achieve both professional success and work-life balance. For more detailed insights, you can read Gina's full story here.
Gina, a personal finance worker turned virtual assistant, started a side hustle that evolved into a 7-figure business, The #FullyBookedVA System, which offers courses and support for new and existing virtual assistants seeking to launch and grow their business, with features including weekly group coaching, client leads, and specialization tracks.
8. Start a branding agency ($480K/year)
Starting a branding agency in Minnesota could be a lucrative business opportunity, particularly if you have a strong knack for marketing, design, and storytelling. Entrepreneurs in Minneapolis could draw inspiration from OrangeBall Creative, a well-established agency co-founded by Beau Nordby in 2012. They have developed innovative offerings like the Brand Bounce Bootcamp, which has equipped hundreds of businesses with the tools to simplify their marketing messages and stand out in crowded marketplaces.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, OrangeBall Creative has successfully helped local and national businesses differentiate themselves and connect more effectively with their target audiences. This example illustrates the potential to create a thriving business in the branding sector within Minnesota. To learn more about their journey and methodology, you could explore this detailed case study.
OrangeBall Creative's co-founder shares how they launched Brand Bounce Bootcamp, a set of brand messaging exercises that has helped hundreds of businesses simplify their marketing messages, differentiate themselves, and understand their audience's driving forces.
9. Start an influencer reporting tool business ($156K/year)
Starting an influencer reporting tool business could help you tap into the booming creator economy by providing essential analytics and reporting capabilities to content creators. These tools allow bloggers, Instagrammers, YouTubers, and podcasters to generate accurate, always-updated reports, helping them understand the performance of their sponsored content and demonstrate their value to brands, thereby increasing their revenue.
InfluenceKit, founded by Bruno Bornsztein in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a prime example of such a business. Software developer and entrepreneur Bruno Bornsztein created InfluenceKit to help content creators easily generate reports that showcase the real value of their sponsored content. With around 180 paying customers, this tool has proven especially popular among bloggers and influencers in the food and lifestyle niches. For a deeper dive into InfluenceKit, check out this case study.
InfluenceKit is a reporting tool that helps content creators increase their sponsored content revenue with accurate, always-updated reports, who have 180 paying customers so far, popular among bloggers, Instagrammers, YouTubers and podcasters.
10. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in Minnesota could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's diverse business landscape and robust economic activity. Minnesota is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and a thriving small to medium-sized business sector, creating a substantial market for lead generation services. By leveraging your skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could help these businesses connect with high-quality leads, fostering growth and expanding their networks.
With the state's strong emphasis on technological innovation and startup culture, you could use advanced tools and strategies to differentiate your service. This business model's scalability, combined with a consistent demand for fresh leads, positions you well for long-term success. Explore more about this business idea and see how others have succeeded here and read real-life success stories 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.
11. Start an ecommerce plugin ($281K/year)
Starting an e-commerce plugin business in Minnesota could be a lucrative venture, given the state's conducive environment for technology and entrepreneurship. The demand for innovative online business solutions is on the rise, and businesses across the state are continually seeking ways to streamline their operations and enhance their online stores. By focusing on creating e-commerce plugins, you could tap into a robust market eager for efficiency and automation tools.
Your e-commerce plugin business could thrive here by offering specialized solutions tailored to local businesses' needs. Whether it’s integrating a payment gateway, enhancing a shopping cart functionality, or building a comprehensive product catalog, your technology could help Minnesota's online retailers save time and money. For more insights on starting an e-commerce plugin business, check out our detailed guide and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
12. Start a seo & lead generation service ($720K/year)
Starting an SEO and lead generation service in Minnesota could be a lucrative opportunity, given the state’s strong economic climate and diverse array of small and medium-sized businesses. As a lead generation expert, you could tap into numerous local industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, helping businesses attract and convert new customers to expand their market reach.
Given the increasing importance of online presence, particularly following recent global shifts towards digital markets, businesses in Minnesota are more likely than ever to seek out specialized SEO and lead generation services. By mastering digital marketing and lead nurturing strategies, you could offer invaluable support to local enterprises looking to grow. For inspiration, check out some successful case studies to learn how others have thrived in this field.
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.
13. Start a no code platform ($3.69M/year)
Launching a business centered around a no-code platform in Minnesota could be a fantastic entrepreneurial opportunity for you. As a state with a strong emphasis on innovation and a robust economy, Minnesota provides fertile ground for tech-driven ventures. The no-code revolution allows you to create software applications without needing to invest in extensive programming skills, opening the door to a multitude of application possibilities from websites to mobile apps.
This business idea is particularly beneficial in a state where many small businesses and startups are looking for cost-effective digital solutions. By offering a no-code platform, you could empower local entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life quickly and affordably. Additionally, you can find successful case studies that prove the viability and scalability of this business model.
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
14. Build an ai tool ($3.57M/year)
Given Minnesota's robust tech ecosystem and the increasing demand for automation across industries, starting an AI tool business in the state could be a highly lucrative venture. The Twin Cities are home to a growing number of tech startups and established businesses exploring AI to enhance operations, allowing you to tap into a community that values innovation.
Moreover, Minnesota's strong educational institutions provide access to top-tier talent with the technical skills required to build sophisticated AI solutions, such as chatbots and machine-learning platforms. With businesses in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing eager to adopt AI to improve efficiency and customer service, there's significant potential to grow a successful AI tool enterprise here. To get inspired, check out some successful case studies on similar ventures.
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.
15. Start a sales leads business ($5.42M/year)
Starting a sales leads business in Minnesota could be a lucrative opportunity due to the high demand for quality leads across various industries. Minnesota is home to a diverse range of businesses, from large corporations in the Twin Cities to thriving small businesses in rural areas, all of which could benefit from expertly sourced sales leads.
By tapping into local markets and utilizing regional knowledge, you could provide customized and highly relevant leads to businesses seeking to expand their customer base. This business model allows you to work from home with minimal overhead, leveraging online tools to gather and verify data. For more insight on how to get started and find success, check out this detailed guide or learn from successful entrepreneurs who have already navigated this path.
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.
16. Start a data analysis service ($511K/year)
A data analysis service could be a highly lucrative and impactful business to start in Minnesota. With the state's diverse economy, which includes robust healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors, businesses are increasingly reliant on data to drive growth and efficiency. Your service could provide crucial insights that help local companies optimize their operations and marketing strategies.
Moreover, Minnesota is home to several major corporations and numerous small to medium-sized businesses, all of which generate vast amounts of data. By offering your expertise in data analysis, you could help these businesses make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved outcomes. For more details on starting a data analysis business, visit Starter Story, and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.
17. Start an ai-based business ($335K/year)
Starting an AI-based business in Minnesota offers immense possibilities due to the state's emerging tech ecosystem and strong emphasis on innovation. With the rising demand for technological solutions across various sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, you could create AI-driven tools that optimize processes and provide valuable insights to local businesses.
Additionally, Minnesota's well-regarded education institutions and tech-friendly environment support budding entrepreneurs venturing into AI. From developing predictive analytics tools to AI-driven customer service bots, the potential applications are vast. Delving into this field, you could lead the next wave of technological advancements right from the comfort of your Minnesota home. For inspiration from successful case studies, check out AI-based business success stories.
LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.
18. Start a sales automation platform ($1.92M/year)
Launching a sales automation platform in Minnesota could be an excellent entrepreneurial move. With a strong presence of thriving industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, Minnesota businesses are keen on solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
By developing a tool that streamlines sales processes from lead generation to follow-ups, you could save these companies significant time and effort. The key here is to fully understand both software development and sales strategies to create a platform that truly adds value. Given the increasing emphasis on digital transformation, this could be a timely and lucrative opportunity. For more details on starting a sales automation platform and to read successful case studies in this sector, check out our resources.
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.
19. Start an email marketing tool ($2.82M/year)
Starting an email marketing tool business in Minnesota presents a unique opportunity due to the state’s thriving business ecosystem. With an emphasis on innovation and technology, Minnesota is home to numerous small businesses, startups, and large corporations—all potential clients who require effective email marketing solutions to grow their audience and enhance sales.
Additionally, Minnesota's educated and tech-savvy workforce can contribute to the development and success of your email marketing tool. By leveraging these local resources, you could create a robust platform that meets the diverse needs of businesses in various sectors. For more details on starting an email marketing tool business and to explore successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have thrived in this space, visit Starter Story.
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.
20. Become a facebook ads consultant ($9.61M/year)
Becoming a Facebook ads consultant in Minnesota presents a valuable opportunity, especially given the state's thriving small business community. You could help local businesses leverage the power of Facebook ads to reach a broader audience and increase their customer base. Many small businesses may not have the expertise or time to manage effective digital marketing campaigns, making your services highly sought-after.
Moreover, Minnesota's tech-savvy population and robust economy provide a fertile ground for digital marketing ventures. By tapping into this market, you could carve out a niche and establish a successful, home-based consulting business. For more insight, check out our detailed guide on the business idea and explore successful case studies of Facebook ads consultants.
MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.
21. Start a wordpress resource business ($64K/year)
If you have a knack for digital content and are familiar with WordPress, you could find starting a WordPress resource business in Minnesota both profitable and rewarding. Given that Minnesota's tech ecosystem is growing, a WordPress resource business that offers valuable themes, plugins, and tutorials could cater to local startups, small businesses, and freelancers looking to optimize their online presence.
Moreover, with WordPress continuing to dominate the website-building market, there's a constant demand for high-quality, tailored resources. You could tap into a significant user base by identifying market gaps and offering unique solutions. Learn more about getting started with a WordPress resource business and check out successful case studies to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.
Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.
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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.
