The 37 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Missouri [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Missouri in 2024?
We put together 66 of the best businesses you can start in Missouri today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Missouri.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a game development business ($20.7M/year)
Starting a game development business in Missouri could be an excellent opportunity, given the state's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. One stunning example from St. Louis is Stonemaier Games, founded by Jamey Stegmaier. Stegmaier turned a successful Kickstarter campaign for his game Viticulture into a thriving tabletop game company, which has grown to generate $40 million in annual revenue by focusing on a few exceptional products each year and leveraging social media to build a strong community and relationships with customers.
If you're passionate about game design and entrepreneurship, you could follow in the footsteps of Jamey Stegmaier and launch your own business from the comfort of your home in Missouri. Stonemaier Games' success reinforces the potential for game developers in the state to achieve significant growth and community engagement. To learn more about their journey, check out this detailed case study.
How one founder turned a successful Kickstarter campaign into a $40 million tabletop game company with a focus on crafting a few special products each year and using social media to build community and relationships with customers.
2. Start a stuffed animals business ($9.6M/year)
Starting a stuffed animals business could present a unique and heartwarming opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals in Missouri. An inspiring example is SendAFriend, a company founded by Tyler Macke in Jackson, MO. SendAFriend specializes in stuffed animal care packages that are shipped directly to recipients, complete with customizable greeting cards and accessories. The business began with a modest revenue of $50,000 in 2019 and has remarkably grown to an impressive $5M in annual revenue. One of its endearing aspects is that 10% of its revenue is donated to children's hospitals across the United States, reflecting its commitment to giving back.
You could leverage your creativity and passion for bringing joy to others by starting a similar venture. The success story of SendAFriend highlights the potential for significant growth and community impact, all starting from the comfort of your home. For more details about Tyler's journey and how he turned a simple idea into a thriving business, you can read the full case study here.
Meet Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages, which began with $50k in revenue in 2019 and is now on track to make $5M in revenue this year, while donating 10% of revenue to children's hospitals throughout the United States.
3. Start a supplements company ($3.84M/year)
Starting a supplements company in Missouri could be a lucrative venture given the growing demand for health and wellness products. You could tap into a market eager for high-quality supplements by offering unique, effective products. Missouri's central location and robust logistics infrastructure can also help streamline distribution and reduce shipping times, making it easier to serve customers nationwide.
Lost Empire Herbs, started by Logan Christopher in Kansas City, MO, is a great example of what's possible in this space. Specializing in phyto-androgenic herbs that support hormone systems, the company has grown from a tabletop business to a mid-seven-figure enterprise. Their best-seller, Pine Pollen, is a testament to the effectiveness and unique appeal of their product line. For more on their journey, check out their case study.
Lost Empire Herbs co-founder and CEO Logan Christopher shares how he built an ecommerce business specializing in high-quality, phyto-androgenic herbs that support hormone systems, going from zero to mid-seven figures in revenue, and discusses strategies including affiliate marketing and email-and-content marketing.
4. Become a business coach ($1.2M/year)
If you are entrepreneurial-minded and living in Missouri, becoming a business coach could be a lucrative home-based business opportunity. By leveraging your business acumen, you could assist other entrepreneurs in cultivating success without compromising their personal lives. Missouri's diverse business landscape offers ample opportunities to share your expertise and foster local growth.
Take inspiration from Jennifer Dawn, the founder of Jennifer Dawn Coaching, who started her successful coaching practice. Initially earning $50k in revenues, she expanded her business to seven figures by adding a digital marketing agency and a coaching academy. Jennifer's journey, which began in Rhinebeck, NY, exemplifies how focus on customer retention and a personalized approach can lead to impressive growth, even from humble beginnings.
Jennifer Dawn, founder of Jennifer Dawn Coaching, grew her business from $50k to seven figures by expanding her offering to include a digital marketing agency, coaching academy and Best Planner Ever product, with a focus on customer retention through the use of digital marketing and a personalised service.
5. Start an idea management software ($792K/year)
Starting an idea management software business could be a lucrative venture in Missouri, especially for those with a passion for technology and innovation. By addressing the challenges organizations face in capturing, developing, and implementing ideas, you could offer a vital tool that boosts productivity and fosters creativity. One inspiring example of a successful software development business in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri is illumisoft, founded by Dan Prince. Illumisoft has carved out a niche in the healthcare sector, focusing on cloud migration, web applications, and data management, serving 30 different clients and completing 42 projects worth over $10 million.
Dan Prince's illumisoft is a testament to the potential success one could achieve in Missouri, with 100% 5-star reviews and a proven track record in transforming healthcare solutions. For more about how illumisoft grew to generate $792K a year, read their full case study here. Such success stories illustrate the possibilities that await those willing to innovate and solve real-world problems through technology in Missouri.
Illumisoft, a software development company specializing in cloud migration, web applications, business solutions, and data management, has experienced consistent growth and success with 42 completed projects worth over $10M, 30 different clients, and 100% 5-star reviews, while focusing on providing services solely to the healthcare industry and changing lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
6. Start a portable phone chargers business ($48K/year)
Starting a portable phone chargers business in Missouri presents ample opportunities, especially with the increasing dependence on mobile devices. One compelling example in Saint Louis, Missouri, is Boosa Tech, founded by Chris Reimer. Boosa Tech focuses on selling power banks, portable chargers designed to alleviate Low Battery Anxiety. With a clever, approachable product and effective use of platforms like Amazon FBA and Shopify, Boosa Tech has successfully averaged $2,000/month in sales.
Chris Reimer's one-person operation in Saint Louis demonstrates that you could also manage a similar business efficiently, even as a side hustle. His journey stresses the importance of tackling every facet of the business, from procurement to customer service, while maintaining a full-time job. This success story highlights the potential for entrepreneurs in Missouri to start and grow their own portable phone chargers business. For more details on Chris's journey, you can visit Boosa Tech's case study.
Boosa Tech's founder, Chris Reimer, built a side hustle selling portable phone chargers and successfully launched his business through Amazon FBA and later Shopify, averaging $2,000/month in sales.
7. Start a soap business ($48K/year)
Starting a soap business in Missouri offers a fulfilling opportunity to combine creativity and entrepreneurship while catering to a niche market. You could follow in the footsteps of Sandy Engels, who started "The Purple Sage" in Ethel, MO, a soap company that has established a loyal client base by offering a collection of unique scents and products aimed at encouraging modern midlife women to live and love boldly. With an average revenue of $2,800 a month, Sandy's business thrives by selling online and attending festivals in the surrounding regions.
The Purple Sage serves as an inspiring example of how you could transform a passion for soap-making into a profitable venture. Sandy’s journey began with small-scale soap-making and evolved into a successful business by focusing on high-quality products and tapping into the self-care market for midlife women. For a deeper dive into Sandy Engels’ story and how she built her business, visit this case study.
A modern midlife woman crafts a soap company that encourages women to live and love boldly, garnering an average revenue of $2,800 a month by focusing on a collection of scents and products that results in a loyal client base.
8. Start a men's clothing line ($30K/year)
If you have a flair for fashion and an eye for detail, starting a men's clothing line in Missouri could be a lucrative opportunity. You could create unique products that stand out in the marketplace, leveraging local materials or craftsmanship to imbue your brand with an authentic Missouri touch. One inspiring example is Crooked Branch Studio, founded by Paul Kaster in Kansas City. Paul started by crafting handcrafted wooden bow ties and has since diversified his product range and outsourced much of the work, turning it into a passive income stream that generates around $1,000 per month.
Paul's journey highlights how innovative thinking and local craftsmanship can lead to success in the entrepreneurial world. If you live in Missouri and are considering starting a men's clothing line, take a cue from Paul and explore niche markets or unique materials to set yourself apart. For more insights on how Paul achieved his business success, you can read the full case study here.
Crooked Branch Studio owner, Paul Kaster, shares how he turned a handcrafted wooden bow tie business into a self-running income stream that generates $1000/month in profit with minimal upkeep through outsourcing and diversifying revenue.
9. Start a business blog ($24K/year)
Starting a business blog in Missouri could be a fantastic venture, especially if you are passionate about sharing insights and knowledge on a niche topic. Business blogs can serve as powerful platforms to connect with audiences, build brand authority, and generate revenue through various monetization methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services.
Take George of Shrewsbury, Missouri for example, who launched Innovations and More Ltd. Founded in 2018, the company designs and manufactures innovative products like the UStop Pee Stopper and the Cell Phone Holder. His business has seen rapid growth, with sales increasing by up to 50% each month since March 2020. You can learn more about George's inspiring journey and how he achieved success by reading the detailed case study here.
Innovations and More's founder George launched the company in 2018 with "Essentials you never knew you needed" such as the UStop Pee Stopper and the Cell Phone Holder, with sales increasing by up to 50% each month since March 2020 with a range of different products at various stages of development.
10. Start a subscription box business ($4.8K/year)
If you're looking to start a home-based business in Missouri, you could consider launching a subscription box service. This business model allows you to curate and deliver specialized products to your customers on a regular basis, offering steady, predictable income. A successful example from Saint Louis, Missouri is Vowed Box Co., started by Lindsay Scholz. She created a line of quirky gift boxes tailored for non-traditional brides, which turned profitable soon after its launch in 2018.
Vowed Box Co. offers multiple curated box options and a build-your-own-box feature, catering specifically to the unique tastes of brides who don't fit the conventional mold. By targeting this niche market, Lindsay Scholz has managed to sustain a secondary income of approximately $600 per month. If you’re considering this venture, you could take inspiration from her story. To learn more about how Lindsay built her business, check out the full case study.
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.
11. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)
Starting a cannabis business in Missouri presents a promising entrepreneurial opportunity due to the state's growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis. With the legal marijuana sales nationwide projected to reach $22 billion, Missouri's evolving market offers substantial growth potential for new businesses.
As a Missouri resident, you could benefit from the increasing demand and supportive legislation in the state. Whether you're new to the industry or have some experience, there are numerous success stories of entrepreneurs who have thrived in the cannabis business. For more details, check out these successful case studies and explore how others have turned their cannabis ventures into profitable enterprises. For an in-depth look at what it takes to start, visit our comprehensive guide.
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
12. Start a cbd business ($1.02M/year)
Starting a CBD business in Missouri could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's growing interest in natural wellness solutions. With a rising market trend projecting a 21.7% growth rate for CBD businesses, you could tap into a rapidly expanding market keen on health and wellness solutions.
Missouri's community-centric spirit also creates opportunities for forming CBD cooperatives or becoming a CBD distributor. By focusing on niche markets, like starting a CBD subscription box service or a specialized CBD courier business, you could satisfy the increasing local demand for convenient and reliable CBD products. For inspiration, check out successful CBD business case studies from other entrepreneurs.
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
13. Start a subscription box business ($1.17M/year)
Starting a subscription box business in Missouri could be a promising venture due to the growing demand for niche products and personalized customer experiences. The state's diverse demographic and strong community spirit provide a fertile ground for launching unique subscription services tailored to local interests and needs.
You could capitalize on Missouri's rich cultural heritage and vibrant local crafts by curating boxes that highlight regional products or artisan goods. Additionally, leveraging the state's central location could facilitate efficient distribution and logistics. For more details on how to get started, check out this in-depth guide on subscription box businesses and explore inspiring success stories from existing entrepreneurs for motivation.
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.
14. Start a real estate business ($3.37M/year)
Starting a real estate business in Missouri presents a lucrative opportunity, thanks to the state's diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural properties. With major cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield experiencing steady growth, you could find ample opportunities to cater to a variety of clients, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors.
Missouri's affordable housing market also means that your initial investment might be lower compared to other states, which can be a huge advantage for new entrepreneurs. If you're a qualified architect with extensive knowledge in real estate, your expertise will be invaluable in identifying valuable properties and making informed decisions. Check out these successful real estate business stories for more inspiration on how to get started.
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
15. Start a beverage company ($17.7M/year)
Launching a beverage company in Missouri could present a wealth of opportunities for the entrepreneurially spirited. With a growing local market appreciative of unique and innovative drink offerings, you could cater to niche markets that crave something different, from artisanal sodas to craft beers and wellness drinks.
Missouri’s central location in the US also makes it an ideal hub for distribution, facilitating access to both national and regional markets. You can draw inspiration from the success stories of existing beverage companies, which you can read more about on Starter Story and explore various paths to make your startup thrive in the competitive beverage industry. For a closer look at how others have succeeded, check out these inspiring success stories.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
16. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
Starting a skills training business in Missouri is a promising opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. Given the state's diverse industries, from agriculture to tech, there is a broad audience seeking to upskill in various fields. By establishing an online presence, you could reach individuals across the state and beyond, offering practical and career-advancing courses.
With the global skills training market projected to hit $47.2 billion by 2027, the potential for success is considerable. You could begin this venture with minimal initial investment while helping others achieve their professional goals. For more insights and successful examples, check out these case studies on Starter Story. To get more details on starting a skills training business, visit this page.
Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.
17. Start an etsy shop ($570K/year)
Missouri boasts a thriving artisanal and handcrafted goods community, making it an ideal place to start an Etsy shop. With a rich tradition in crafts and many local markets and fairs, you could tap into a community that values unique and homemade items. This cultural appreciation translates well to an online marketplace like Etsy, giving you a strong base to build your brand.
Additionally, Missouri's affordable living costs mean you could manage your business expenses more effectively, freeing up resources to invest in quality materials and marketing. Success stories from others who have launched their Etsy shops can be found here, providing invaluable insights and inspiration. With dedication and creativity, an Etsy shop could be a profitable venture in the Show-Me State.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
18. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Missouri could be a fantastic business opportunity, especially given the state's strong pet ownership culture. With a growing number of households owning pets, there's an ever-increasing demand for pet-related products and services. You could tap into this thriving market by offering unique and high-quality pet foods, toys, or grooming services, providing both convenience and a better quality of life for pets and their owners.
Missouri's diverse communities and varying lifestyles mean you could find a niche that suits your skills and interests, whether it's mobile grooming, pet sitting, or exotic pet supplies. Explore more details on this business idea and read successful case studies from entrepreneurs who started pet companies to gain inspiration and practical tips. Your pet company could not only promote your love for animals but also offer flexible work arrangements that cater to modern, busy lifestyles.
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
19. Start a travel agency ($2.09M/year)
Starting a travel agency in Missouri offers a promising business opportunity, especially given the state's diverse landscapes and attractions. Home to the bustling city of St. Louis, the Ozark Mountains, and numerous historic sites, you could tap into both urban and rural travel interests, providing customized experiences for every kind of traveler.
Additionally, as more people seek advice for unique and personalized travel experiences, your local expertise could set you apart from larger, more generic agencies. For more details on starting your travel agency, check out our comprehensive guide and explore inspiring success stories from other entrepreneurs.
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
20. Start a time tracking app ($913K/year)
One compelling reason to start a time tracking app business in Missouri is the state's growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to optimize their workforce efficiency and remote work capabilities. With Missouri's thriving business environment, particularly in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, there is a significant market that you could tap into for a time tracking solution designed to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
Additionally, the demand for remote work solutions in Missouri has surged, making it an opportune time to introduce intuitive and efficient time tracking tools. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and keen on leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, developing a time tracking app could be an excellent fit. To see how others have succeeded with this idea, check out these successful case studies on Starter Story. For a more detailed guide on this business idea, refer to this page.
Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.
21. Start a bicycle company ($4.73M/year)
Starting a bicycle company in Missouri presents a promising business opportunity, especially given the rising interest in cycling for exercise and sustainable transport. With its diverse landscapes and numerous bike trails, including the iconic Katy Trail, Missouri is an ideal location for cycling enthusiasts and new riders alike.
As Missouri residents increasingly seek out healthier and more eco-friendly transportation options, you could tap into this growing market by offering high-quality bicycles tailored to their needs. By targeting specific niches and leveraging the state’s community-oriented culture, you could build a brand that not only thrives locally but also has the potential to expand regionally. For inspiration, check out these successful bicycle company case studies.
"Co-founders of State Bicycle Co. reveal how they bootstrapped their company to over $50M in annual sales and produced over 100,000 bikes by creating a trusted brand through word-of-mouth and social media, sponsoring talented riders, limited-edition releases, and focusing on product quality."
22. Start a media company ($2.52M/year)
Starting a media company in Missouri presents a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. With the state experiencing continuous growth in its tech and innovation sectors, you could tap into a diverse and expanding audience. Additionally, Missouri's lower cost of living compared to coastal hubs allows you to allocate more resources to content creation and marketing.
Missouri also boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant local stories that you could highlight in your media company. This unique local focus could resonate well with both residents and visitors alike. For inspiration and practical guidance, check out these successful case studies to see how others have turned their media companies into profitable ventures.
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.
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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.
