The 36 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In North Dakota [2024]
Interested in starting a business in North Dakota in 2024?
We put together 36 of the best businesses you can start in North Dakota today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in North Dakota.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a project management tool ($1.95M/year)
Starting a project management tool business in North Dakota presents unique opportunities for entrepreneurial minds. With the growing presence of remote work and the rise of tech initiatives in the state, you could tap into a market eager for innovative solutions to streamline team collaboration and project coordination.
By developing a user-friendly, feature-rich software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, you could meet the needs of local businesses aiming to improve workflow and accountability. For inspiration and proven strategies, explore successful case studies from other project management tool businesses.
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.
2. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)
Starting a technology consulting business in North Dakota could be a promising venture due to the growing demand for tech solutions among local businesses. Many entrepreneurs in the state lack IT backgrounds, presenting an opportunity for you to bridge the gap and help them navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.
By offering expert advice and connecting businesses with innovative technology advisors, you could play a crucial role in driving local enterprises' success and growth. If you have IT skills and experience, you could dive into this field and leverage the need for technology consulting to build a thriving home-based business. For inspiration, check out these successful case studies of technology consulting businesses.
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
3. Start a recruiting agency ($1.31M/year)
Starting a recruiting agency in North Dakota could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's growing job market and demand for specialized talent. With the global online recruitment market projected to reach $43 billion by 2027, you could tap into an expanding industry by connecting local businesses with qualified candidates.
Entrepreneurial-minded folks in North Dakota could leverage the state's economic growth to build a client base. By focusing on niche industries prevalent in the region, such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare, you could offer tailored recruiting services that meet the specific needs of these sectors. For more insights on how to start a recruiting agency, you can visit Starter Story or explore successful case studies to see examples of how others have thrived in this industry.
DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.
4. Start a mobile app development business ($1.69M/year)
Starting a mobile app development business in North Dakota could present numerous opportunities, as the demand for mobile solutions continues to rise across various industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and energy. With a relatively lower cost of living, you could effectively reduce overhead expenses and reinvest those savings into growing your business and staying competitive.
Additionally, North Dakota's supportive business environment means there are resources available to help entrepreneurs succeed. If you're committed to honing your technical skills and developing high-quality apps, you could capture a sizable portion of this evolving market. To learn more about this business idea, visit our detailed guide and check out successful case studies for inspiration.
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
5. Start a consulting business ($1.77M/year)
Starting a consulting business in North Dakota could be a lucrative and rewarding endeavor. With diverse industries such as agriculture, energy, and technology playing major roles in the state, there is a demand for specialized knowledge and expertise. Whether you possess skills in business strategy, IT, environmental sustainability, or any other niche, you could leverage your expertise to help local businesses thrive.
Moreover, North Dakota's tight-knit communities and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem provide a solid foundation for networking and client acquisition. To gain valuable insights and set yourself on the path to success, consider exploring this guide on consulting businesses and reading successful case studies to learn from seasoned professionals who've walked this path.
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
6. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in North Dakota is a promising venture. With many local businesses needing a steady flow of quality leads to grow, you could fill a crucial gap by providing them with the connections they need to thrive.
North Dakota's diverse economy, ranging from agriculture to energy and manufacturing, presents numerous opportunities for generating business leads across various sectors. By leveraging your skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could create a scalable and in-demand service that could significantly impact the local business landscape. For more inspiration, check out other successful B2B lead generation service success stories on Starter Story.
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.
7. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
Starting a skills training business in North Dakota presents unique opportunities due to the state's growing interest in career development and continuing education. Whether you're focusing on online courses or in-person workshops, you could cater to a wide range of industries, from agriculture to technology, that are pivotal to North Dakota's economy.
As the global skills training market is projected to hit $47.2B by 2027, you could tap into this lucrative market while meeting the needs of your local community. Building a portfolio of clients through skillful training not only offers financial freedom but also allows you to positively impact others’ career trajectories. For more detailed insights, check out successful case studies to get inspired and see how others have thrived in this field.
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.
8. Start a seo & lead generation service ($720K/year)
Starting an SEO and lead generation service in North Dakota holds immense potential due to the growing number of small businesses and startups seeking to establish an online presence. With the increasing reliance on digital marketing, businesses need skilled professionals to help them attract and convert leads. You could leverage your expertise to assist local businesses in generating high-quality leads and gaining a competitive edge.
Moreover, offering lead generation services can be especially valuable in industries such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, which are prominent in North Dakota. By catering specifically to these sectors, you could fill a niche market and stand out as a specialist. For more insights and successful examples, check out these inspiring success stories.
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.
9. Start a furniture business ($2.48M/year)
If you're entrepreneurial-minded and living in North Dakota, starting a furniture business could be an incredible opportunity for you. With the state's growing real estate market and increasing demand for unique, high-quality home and office furniture, you could tap into a thriving market.
From handcrafted wooden pieces to modern office furniture, identifying and specializing in your niche could set you apart. Plus, the relatively low startup costs make it a more accessible venture. For inspiration and actionable insights, check out these successful furniture business case studies.
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
10. Start an email marketing tool ($2.82M/year)
Starting an email marketing tool business in North Dakota presents a unique opportunity. With the state's growing tech scene and supportive entrepreneurial community, you could provide a much-needed solution for local businesses looking to expand their reach and engage with their audience efficiently.
Given the potential market growth and relatively low barriers to entry, developing a tool that caters to the specific needs of North Dakota businesses could be highly lucrative. To learn more about how successful entrepreneurs have navigated this space, check out some case studies.
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.
11. Start a sales automation platform ($1.92M/year)
In North Dakota, where many industries, from agriculture to energy, are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, starting a sales automation platform could be a lucrative venture. This business idea could help local companies streamline their sales processes, allowing them to focus more on closing deals and less on administrative tasks.
North Dakota's tech landscape is still emerging, which presents a unique opportunity to become a pioneer with a competitive edge. By offering a sales automation platform, you could cater to the state’s growing demand for digital transformation and operational efficiency. To get inspired, check out these successful case studies of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this space.
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.
12. Start a marketing consulting business ($1.47M/year)
Starting a marketing consulting business in North Dakota could be a lucrative opportunity thanks to the growing number of small businesses and startups in the state's diverse economy. Leveraging your marketing expertise, you could help local enterprises—from agriculture and energy sector companies to tech startups—enhance their market reach and succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.
With North Dakota's unique blend of industries, your skills in data analysis, market research, and strategic planning could fill a significant gap in the local market. Whether you’re creating social media campaigns or developing comprehensive marketing plans, your consultancy could provide tangible value to businesses looking to grow. For more insights and real-life examples, read successful case studies here, or learn more about the idea on our detailed page.
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.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
