The 37 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Pennsylvania [2024]

Updated: September 10th, 2024

Interested in starting a business in Pennsylvania in 2024?

We put together 93 of the best businesses you can start in Pennsylvania today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Pennsylvania.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a speaker store ($48M/year)

Starting a speaker store could be an excellent business idea if you're in Pennsylvania and passionate about consumer electronics. These stores cater to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts looking for high-quality audio products, home theater solutions, and smart home integrations. World Wide Stereo, launched by Bob Cole in Montgomeryville, PA, is a prime example of success in this field. Founded in 1979, it evolved from a hi-fi store to a thriving, multifaceted consumer electronics company with a strong focus on customer service and a profitable $56 to $62 million business.

World Wide Stereo has excelled in both physical retail and e-commerce, offering a wide array of products and custom installations that improve customers' quality of life. Their comprehensive approach could serve as an inspiring model for your own store in Pennsylvania, leveraging the growing demand for integrated home entertainment and smart home systems. For more on how Bob Cole achieved this success, check out their detailed case study.

45 Years In Business, Our $48M/Year Electronics Company Is Still Growing Each Year

Case study of World Wide Stereo, a consumer electronics company with a profitable $56 to $62 million business, known for their excellent customer service and online shopping experience, as well as their focus on providing a higher quality of entertainment and environmental control through electronics.

Read by 1,213 founders

2. Become a financial advisor ($24M/year)

If you're looking for a promising home-based business idea in Pennsylvania, you could become a financial advisor. This profession offers you the flexibility to manage your time and clients while providing critical financial planning and investment advice. Additionally, there is a significant demand for financial advisors as individuals seek to better manage their finances, plan for retirement, and invest wisely.

A compelling example of a successful financial advisory business started in Pennsylvania is The Good Life Companies, founded by Conor Delaney in Philadelphia. This multi-faceted service organization has grown into a nationally recognized brand with $25 million in annual revenue by providing infrastructural and marketing support to independent financial advisors. To read more about this inspiring journey, check out the case study of The Good Life Companies.

How We Started A $2M/Month Independent Financial Advisor Network

How one financial services company, Good Life Companies, went from a multi-faceted service organization to a nationally recognized brand with $25 million in revenue, averaging 50-75% growth per year, by providing independent financial advisors with the support, infrastructure, and real estate necessary to operate their practices and meet all needs, along with investing in marketing strategies and expanding their offering to multiple broker-dealer channels.

Read by 6,386 founders

3. Start a surprise travel agency ($6.6M/year)

If you're considering starting a home-based business in Pennsylvania, you could start a surprise travel agency. This unique business model involves planning getaways where the destination remains a secret until the day of departure, which adds an element of excitement and adventure for clients. By curating trips and arranging accommodations, activities, and dining recommendations, you could offer a stress-free and memorable travel experience that stands out in the market.

A successful example of this concept is Pack Up + Go, founded by Lillian Rafson in Pittsburgh, PA. Since its inception in 2016, Pack Up + Go has arranged surprise vacations for over 25,000 travelers to more than 100 destinations nationwide. The business charges a 20% service fee for planning trips and earns additional revenue through hotel commissions. You can read more about Lillian Rafson's journey and Pack Up + Go's success in this case study.

How I Started A $450K/Month Travel Agency That Curates Surprise Vacations

Find out how Lillian Rafson started a travel agency that plans surprise getaways around the United States and sent 25,000+ travelers to 100+ destinations nationwide since launching in 2016, with a business model that takes a 20% service fee for planning trips and earns commission on hotel reservations.

Read by 8,576 founders

4. Start a kitchen supplies store ($4M/year)

Starting a kitchen supplies store in Pennsylvania could be a lucrative venture, especially considering the demand for high-quality, unique kitchen tools. An inspiring example of success in this space is Cave Tools, a business founded by Michael “Medium Rare” O’Donnell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cave Tools specializes in premium barbecue tools and accessories, such as their Stainless Steel Meat Claws and Beer Can Chicken set.

O'Donnell expanded his venture by launching Grill Master University, an online barbecue masterclass platform, which further demonstrates the potential for growth in niche kitchen supplies markets. Remarkably, Cave Tools grew into a $2 million per year brand and was recognized as the third fastest-growing company in Philadelphia in 2017. For more details about this success story, you can read the full case study here.

How We Built A $2M/Year Business Selling Barbecue Tools

Learn how Michael "Medium Rare" O'Donnell built Cave Tools into a $2 million per year brand selling high-quality barbecue tools and accessories, and expanded his business by launching Grill Master University, an online barbecue masterclass platform, all while traveling to and living in almost 40 different countries in just the last 3 years.

Read by 13,636 founders

5. Start a video game modding business ($2.76M/year)

Starting a video game modding business could be a fantastic opportunity for those in Pennsylvania who have a passion for gaming and technology. This business involves enhancing and modifying gaming consoles to improve their performance or aesthetic appeal. One successful example from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania is Hand Held Legend, founded by Kyle, which focuses on DIY upgrades for vintage handheld consoles.

Hand Held Legend generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and saw a 30% growth in Q1 of 2020, showing the potential profitability of this niche. They offer modern LCD upgrades and various modifications for nostalgic gaming systems, catering to a broad international audience. For more inspiration, you can check out their full story here.

How I Started A $27K/Month Business Modifying And Upgrading Game Consoles

Founder Kyle Capel started Hand Held Legend, a DIY upgrade shop for vintage handheld consoles, which generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and grew 30% in Q1 of 2020, offering an array of modern LCD upgrades for various consoles and serving an audience of mostly male customers aged between 13 and 45, 40% of which are international.

Read by 11,698 founders

6. Create a social media scheduling tool ($1.2M/year)

If you're looking to start a home-based business in Pennsylvania, you could create a social media scheduling tool. These tools help businesses by automating time-consuming social media tasks, allowing posts to be scheduled on various platforms like Google My Business, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. An excellent example of such a business is OneUp, started by Davis Baer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. OneUp differentiates itself by enabling posts to be set on repeat, simplifying the management of ongoing social media campaigns for small business owners, content creators, and social media managers.

Davis Baer, a Pennsylvania native, used his background and local insights to build OneUp into a thriving business. This tool helps various types of customers, from e-commerce store owners to bloggers, by automating their post schedules and allowing them to focus on other important aspects of their businesses. For more details on how Davis Baer successfully started this business in Pennsylvania, you can read the full case study here.

How Davis Baer Used Unorthodox Marketing To Reach $1,000 MRR

OneUp is a social media scheduling tool that helps businesses make more money by automating time-consuming tasks, allowing you to schedule Google My Business, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn posts, with the unique feature of allowing for posts to be set on repeat automatically.

Read by 7,377 founders

7. Start a junk removal business ($492K/year)

Starting a junk removal business in Pennsylvania presents a lucrative opportunity for those with a passion for service and a knack for organization. A great example of this is A+ Enterprises Junk Removal & Demolition, started by Sal Polit-Moran in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. With just a pickup truck, trailer, and $300, Sal built his business to average 90 jobs and $41,000 in monthly revenue by focusing on excellent customer service, clean trucks, and skilled employees.

By leveraging Google Ads and SEO, Sal increased online visibility and reached a broader customer base. This could be a viable path for entrepreneurial-minded individuals in Pennsylvania looking to fill a market need. To read more about this inspiring journey, check out the full case study.

How I Started A $41K/Month Junk Removal & Demolition Company

A 25-year-old founder started a junk removal and demolition business with a pickup truck, a dump trailer, and $300, which has since grown to an average of 90 jobs and $41,000 in revenue each month, with a focus on customer service, clean trucks, and excellent employees while spending heavily on Google Ads and doing SEO to increase online visibility.

Read by 27,287 founders

8. Start a seo agency ($336K/year)

Starting an SEO agency could be a lucrative home-based business if you have expertise in improving website visibility and driving organic traffic. As more businesses recognize the importance of SEO, there is increasing demand for specialists who can navigate the complexities of search engine algorithms and deliver measurable results. You could focus on helping local businesses in Pennsylvania thrive by optimizing their online presence and attracting more customers.

An excellent example of this business model is Paper Box SEO, founded by Russell Michelson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After leaving his corporate job, Russell utilized his WordPress skills and client referrals to grow his boutique SEO agency, which now generates $20k/month. Paper Box SEO specializes exclusively in SEO, offering comprehensive packages that include on-page optimization, content creation, and link building. You can read more about Russell's journey and the success of Paper Box SEO in this case study.

How I Started A $28K/Month Boutique SEO Company

This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.

Read by 9,619 founders

9. Start a junk removal business ($300K/year)

Starting a junk removal business in Pennsylvania presents a unique and lucrative opportunity due to the constant need for decluttering and waste management. In particular, Sam Evans started You Call We Haul Junk Removal in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which has been successfully operating since 2016. This business caters to various customers, from single-item pickups to extensive hoarder cleanouts, serving primarily middle-aged and wealthier clients. With $20,000 in monthly revenue and a 65% profit margin per job, it's evident that this industry has significant potential for profitability.

If you're considering an entrepreneurial venture in Pennsylvania, following Sam's example could be promising. Sam, a recent Penn State Altoona graduate, started his business with minimal resources, proving that you don't need extensive capital to get started. He began with a $1,000 truck and has grown the business substantially, also planning to franchise in the future. For more insights into the specifics of Sam's journey and how he built You Call We Haul Junk Removal, you can read his full case study here.

How I Started A $18K/Month Junk Removal Company Before Graduating From College

23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.

Read by 50,743 founders

10. Start a private labeling business ($240K/year)

Starting a private labeling business could be a lucrative venture for those looking to enter the eCommerce space in Pennsylvania. With private labeling, you could create customized products under your own brand without the need for manufacturing capabilities. An excellent example from Harrisburg, PA, is Ladels, founded by Muamer Avdic. This digital platform helps online sellers manage and ship orders from different carriers using one comprehensive dashboard. Since its launch in December 2020, Ladels has brought in $10,000/month in revenue, focusing on full label customization and eCommerce integrations. To learn more about their journey, you can check out the full case study.

How I Started A $20K/Month Software To Create Custom USPS Shipping Labels

Ladels.com's founder created a digital platform offering online sellers to manage and ship their orders from different carriers all on one dashboard, bringing in $10,000/month in revenue since launching in December 2020, with a focus on developing full label customization and integrations with more eCommerce marketplaces and carriers.

Read by 7,412 founders

11. Start a supplements company ($240K/year)

Starting a supplements company in Pennsylvania opens up exciting possibilities, especially with the rising demand for health and wellness products. One inspiring example is De Novo Nutrition, founded by Ben Esgro in Archbald, Pennsylvania. De Novo Nutrition began as a small operation in 2011 and has grown into a multinational brand renowned for its unique and effective dietary supplements.

The company is particularly noted for pioneering a standalone nootropic blend called Utopia and has gained significant traction after being featured on the Tim Ferriss podcast. By focusing on cognitive enhancers and high-performance fitness supplements, De Novo Nutrition has built a strong reputation for transparency and customer service. If you're interested in creating a value-driven supplements business in Pennsylvania, De Novo Nutrition's journey might just be the inspiration you need. You can read more about their story here.

Starting A Supplements Nutrition Company and Growing to $20k/month

De Novo Nutrition is a multinational dietary supplement company specializing in cognitive enhancers, best known for one of the first standalone nootropic blends, achieving significant growth after being mentioned on the Tim Ferriss podcast; the company prioritizes providing value to its target audience through content marketing, with a focused approach on customer service, transparency, and doing the right thing.

Read by 16,588 founders

12. Start a clothing blog ($72K/year)

Starting a clothing blog could be a fantastic way to combine a passion for fashion with a lucrative business opportunity, especially in Pennsylvania. By providing honest and approachable reviews on various clothing brands, you could attract a dedicated audience and monetize through affiliate marketing, advertisements, and sponsored content. With a focus on niche markets and consistent, high-quality content, you could build a loyal following.

A great example of such a business is The Kavalier, started by Jon Shanahan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Kavalier began as a YouTube channel in 2015, delivering in-depth reviews on menswear brands. Jon's unique approach and dedication helped him grow to 57k subscribers and generate around $7,000 per month in revenue. You can read more about his journey and how he achieved this success in his case study.

Starting A YouTube Channel And Blog Making $6,000/Month

The Kavalier started as a YouTube channel in 2015 delivering honest and approachable reviews on men's fashion brands, growing to 57k subscribers, 500 videos, and earning $7k per month in revenue, providing helpful, in-depth recommendations by category with a YouTube strategy focused on standing out and niching down.

Read by 12,198 founders

13. ($48K/year)

Starting a reselling business from home can be a lucrative and flexible venture, especially if you're interested in fashion, furniture, or hard goods. In Pennsylvania, Shelby launched Rooted Drawers, a successful reselling business based in Pittsburgh, generating around $4,000 per month by cross-listing products on multiple platforms. This venture not only focuses on reselling but also offers downsizing services and plans to expand into work-from-home lifestyle content and wholesaling in the future.

You could emulate Shelby’s path by starting small, perhaps with items you no longer need, and gradually scaling up as you gain more experience. The growth potential is significant, and you could even branch out into related services or digital content, just like Rooted Drawers. To learn more about Shelby's journey and insights, visit the Rooted Drawers case study.

Starting Up A Reselling Business And Pulling In $4K/Month Revenue

Reselling business that has grown into a full-time venture, generating around $4,000/month, by cross-listing products on multiple platforms, primarily focusing on fashion but also including hard goods and furniture, while also offering downsizing services and planning to launch a website about the work-from-home lifestyle.

Read by 1,409 founders

14. Start a web testing software ($38.4K/year)

One promising home-based business idea in Pennsylvania is starting a web testing software company. This venture involves creating and managing automated tests to ensure web applications function correctly. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fitz Nowlan successfully launched Reflect, a no-code, cloud-based web application testing tool designed to simplify automated web testing for organizations of all sizes. Reflect addresses a critical market need by allowing even non-technical staff to create tests without writing code, making it an accessible option for many businesses.

By starting a web testing software business similar to Reflect, you could provide a valuable service to companies looking for efficient ways to maintain their web applications. Reflect generates around $3K in monthly recurring revenue, demonstrating the viability and potential profitability of this business model. You can read more about Fitz Nowlan's journey and the rise of Reflect in their full case study.

How We Launched A $3.2K/Month Automated Software For Testing Websites

Reflect is a no-code, cloud-based web application testing tool generating approximately $3K in monthly recurring revenue, offering businesses fast and resilient testing capabilities while addressing a critical need in the market.

Read by 7,518 founders

15. Start a clothing line ($36K/year)

Starting a clothing line could be a lucrative and fulfilling home-based business in Pennsylvania, offering you the chance to tap into the state's vibrant entrepreneurial community. Consider the story of Chemo Cozy, a unique clothing line started by Ellen Hamilton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chemo Cozy provides fashionable and functional apparel designed to offer warmth and comfort to cancer patients during infusion treatments. The business successfully launched through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $30,000 in just 30 days and now serves customers across all 50 states and internationally.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact while pursuing entrepreneurship, a clothing line like Chemo Cozy can meet a specific need and capture a dedicated customer base. You could start by identifying a niche market, creating prototypes, and leveraging online platforms like a website, Etsy, and Amazon for sales. For more detailed insights, you can explore their full case study here.

Creating A Clothing Brand That Supports Patients Fighting Cancer

Chemo Cozy is a company that produces fashionable and functional clothing for cancer patients during treatments, launching through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $30k in 30 days and now operates through their website, Etsy, and Amazon stores, with customers in all 50 states and internationally.

Read by 4,539 founders

16. Start a hair product line ($30K/year)

Starting a hair product line in Pennsylvania offers an exciting opportunity for creative individuals looking to tap into the burgeoning beauty market. Nathan Failla, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, successfully launched PocketGel, a business that provides on-the-go hair styling products, in 2015. PocketGel’s innovative approach of offering hair care essentials in convenient packets has led to its distribution in over 200 Walmart locations nationwide.

By harnessing effective marketing strategies, such as social media outreach on Instagram and targeted email campaigns via MailChimp, you could emulate the success of businesses like PocketGel. Located in Pittsburgh, Nathan’s venture demonstrates how a well-conceived product idea and adept marketing can meet consumers' needs and achieve substantial distribution channels, even on a national scale. To dive deeper into Nathan's journey and gain insights, visit the case study.

How I Launched A Product And Landed A Deal With Walmart

PocketGel, founded in 2015, offers packets of on-the-go hair styling products and has sold in over 200 Walmart locations nationwide. Their top strategies for attracting and retaining customers include social media marketing on Instagram, using email marketing via MailChimp, and offering free samples.

Read by 7,477 founders

17. Start a board game business ($18K/year)

Starting a board game business in Pennsylvania could be a wonderful home-based entrepreneurial opportunity. You could tap into the growing popularity of board games for educational, business, or personal use by creating unique, customizable options. For instance, Beth Kovalcik from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, successfully purchased Bingo Card Creator, an online SAAS (Software as a Service) business that generates custom bingo cards predominantly for educators.

Her case study provides valuable insights into running a successful small-scale business while honing digital marketing skills. This passive income venture earns around $1200 per month, making it a viable option for those looking for a flexible, home-based business. For more information on Beth's journey and to gain inspiration, you can read the full case study here.

How I Bought A $1.5K/Month Side-Business That Sells Custom Bingo Creations

This case study showcases an entrepreneur who purchased an established online business generating $1,200 per month, and provides insights into what it takes to grow and run a successful yet small business while improving skills in digital marketing.

Read by 7,795 founders

18. Start a game publishing business ($15K/year)

Starting a game publishing business in Pennsylvania offers an exciting opportunity to tap into the growing gaming industry. UltraShock Gaming, founded by Hassan El Mghari in Philadelphia, provides an inspiring example. Hassan launched an indie game marketing firm that grew an audience of over 500,000 gamers and generated $15,000 in annual revenue within just two years. By focusing on marketing and advertising services for indie game developers, UltraShock Gaming has carved out a profitable niche in the gaming market.

For aspiring entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania, Hassan's success with UltraShock Gaming highlights the potential to build a thriving business in this sector. Whether you aim to help indie developers get their games on major platforms or offer specialized marketing services, the demand is there. For a deeper look into how UltraShock Gaming was built, you can read the full case study here.

How I Started And Sold A $15K/Year Video Game Marketing Business

Aspiring founders looking to start a profitable business can learn from the story of how Hassan founded UltraShock Gaming, an indie game marketing firm, built up an audience of over 500,000 gamers, and generated $15k in annual revenue (with $12k profit) in just 2 years by offering marketing and advertising services for indie game developers.

Read by 4,536 founders

19. Build an iphone app

Building an iPhone app could be a promising home-based business opportunity in Pennsylvania, especially if you identify a unique market need. One inspiring example is BabelBark, started by Roy Stein in Newton Center, Pennsylvania. BabelBark is a software platform that connects the entire ecosystem of pet care—linking pet parents with vets, groomers, walkers, trainers, and shelters—all in one app. The company has achieved significant growth, with over 200,000 pets using the platform and experiencing 800% YoY growth.

If you have an innovative idea and the technical skills to develop an app, Pennsylvania offers a fertile ground for success. Roy Stein's journey with BabelBark shows that even a simple idea can turn into a thriving business with substantial growth. For more detailed insights into how BabelBark scaled its operations, you can check out the full case study.

How A Simple Idea Turned Into A Pet Platform With Thousands Of Users

Pet platform BabelBark connects the entire ecosystem of pet care to one app, resulting in over 200,000 pets using the platform and experiencing 800% YoY growth.

Read by 7,254 founders

20. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)

Starting a technology consulting business in Pennsylvania could be a smart move given the variety of industries that thrive in the state, from healthcare to manufacturing. Pennsylvania's diverse economic landscape provides numerous opportunities for technology consultants to offer specialized services and solve critical challenges for local businesses.

If you have IT skills and experience, you could assist startups and established companies alike in navigating complex technology trends. Businesses in Pennsylvania often rely on external expertise to leverage technology for growth and innovation. For more insights, check out more details on the business idea and explore successful case studies on our site.

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

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.

Read by 8,102 founders

21. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)

Starting a cannabis business in Pennsylvania could be a lucrative opportunity as the state's cannabis industry continues to expand. With legal marijuana sales projected to reach $22 billion by 2022, entering this market could position you for substantial growth and profitability. You can explore more details on this business idea here.

The state's evolving legal landscape offers various avenues, whether you're interested in cultivation, retail, or ancillary services. With inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs who have made it big, you could gain insights and strategies to carve out your niche in this thriving industry.

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

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.

Read by 17,982 founders

22. Start a consulting business ($1.77M/year)

Starting a consulting business in Pennsylvania could be an excellent choice due to the state's diverse economy and the available talent pool from its numerous universities. Pennsylvania's strategic location in the Northeast corridor also provides ample opportunities to network with potential clients and businesses in major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

With the consulting industry valued at $250 billion globally, you could tap into this thriving market and offer services tailored to local industries such as healthcare, education, and technology. If you're looking for inspiration and guidance, check out successful case studies on how others have built thriving consulting businesses. This knowledge could help you refine your strategies and find your niche in the Pennsylvania market.

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

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.

Read by 35,814 founders

23. Start a real estate business ($3.37M/year)

Starting a real estate business in Pennsylvania could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's diverse landscape and bustling urban centers. With cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which have robust housing markets, you could tap into both residential and commercial real estate opportunities.

For those with a strong architectural background and knowledge of building materials and structures, venturing into real estate could be particularly advantageous. You could excel in purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in various types of properties, leveraging your expertise to stand out. For more details on this business idea, check out more information here and see successful case studies.

How I Started A $500K/Month Real Estate Investment Business

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.

Read by 12,046 founders

24. Start a tech support business ($1.67M/year)

Starting a tech support business in Pennsylvania could be an excellent opportunity due to the state's diverse and growing economic landscape. With numerous small businesses and tech startups emerging in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, there is a high demand for expert IT support to ensure these organizations run smoothly. You could provide indispensable services, from troubleshooting software issues to maintaining hardware, specifically tailored to meet the needs of these local enterprises.

Moreover, Pennsylvania is home to several universities and colleges, meaning there is a continual influx of students and faculty who could benefit from reliable tech support. Focusing on providing exceptional customer service and staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements will be crucial to gaining a loyal client base in the competitive market. For more details on starting this business, check out this guide on our website or explore some successful case studies.

How I Developed A $3.5K/Month Tool That Converts HTML To PDF

A passionate computer-coder entrepreneur shares the story behind his successful PDFShift business which after a year and a half generates $3.2k of monthly revenues with the focus now on growth.

Read by 10,847 founders

25. Start a media company ($2.52M/year)

Starting a media company in Pennsylvania presents an exciting opportunity due to the state's diverse and thriving cultural landscape. With its mix of urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as numerous rural communities, you could target a wide variety of audiences with unique and engaging content tailored to different interests and demographics.

The state's strong educational institutions and vibrant arts scene could provide ample material and local talent for producing high-quality content. By leveraging Pennsylvania's rich history and modern innovation, you could create captivating media that connects residents and attracts audiences from beyond the state. For more details on this business idea, check out our article on starting a media company and read success stories from other entrepreneurs here.

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

26. Start a tech company ($7.85M/year)

Starting a tech company in Pennsylvania could be a great opportunity due to the state's strong innovation ecosystem and numerous resources for entrepreneurs. With the global tech market expected to grow from $8,384B in 2021 to $9,326B in 2022, you could tap into a booming industry while benefiting from local support networks.

Moreover, Pennsylvania is home to several top-tier universities and research centers, which could provide you with access to cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled workforce. Given the resources available, you could find the right blend of talent and innovation necessary to launch and grow your tech startup successfully. For more inspiration, consider exploring some successful case studies of tech companies.

How I Started A $8.5M/Month Company Providing Marketing Solutions To SMBs

Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.

Read by 14,106 founders

27. Become a content strategist ($767K/year)

Starting a content strategist business in Pennsylvania offers a wealth of opportunities due to the state's diverse economic landscape. With key industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology thriving in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, a content strategist could help these organizations effectively communicate their messages and reach their target audiences.

Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need robust content strategies to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. By offering tailored content solutions and aligning with local business goals, you could establish a reputation as a go-to expert in your community. For more details on this business idea, check out content strategist business and see how others have succeeded in the field by reading successful case studies.

How I Started An $8K/Month Technical Content Marketing Agency

Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.

Read by 10,110 founders

28. Start a marketing consulting business ($1.47M/year)

Starting a marketing consulting business in Pennsylvania could be a smart investment, given the state's diverse economic landscape. With thriving industries such as healthcare, education, and technology, there's a vast array of potential clients who could benefit from specialized marketing strategies. By leveraging your skills in market research, data analysis, and creative campaigning, you could help businesses in these sectors effectively reach their target audiences.

Additionally, metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer ample opportunities for networking and client acquisition. These cities are home to many startups and established businesses looking for innovative ways to enhance their market presence. With the right mix of expertise and local knowledge, your marketing consulting business could thrive in Pennsylvania's dynamic environment. Check out some successful case studies for more insights.

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

29. Start a startup consulting business ($1.22M/year)

Considering Pennsylvania's burgeoning startup ecosystem and diverse industrial sectors, starting a startup consulting business could be highly rewarding. With cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh becoming innovation hubs, you could tap into a growing market of entrepreneurs eager for expert guidance. Providing strategic advice, crafting actionable business plans, and offering robust data analysis could position you as a critical player in Pennsylvania's entrepreneurial landscape.

Moreover, the state offers a range of resources and networking opportunities, including business incubators and accelerators, which could bolster your consultancy. By mentoring budding entrepreneurs, you could not only elevate local startups but also hone your skills and expand your professional network. This dynamic environment makes Pennsylvania an ideal setting to launch a startup consulting business that helps others realize their business aspirations.

How I Started A $9M/Year Company Outsourcing Support For Startups

This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.

Read by 10,928 founders

30. Start a trend searching tool

Starting a trend searching tool business in Pennsylvania could place you at the leading edge of innovation in the state. Pennsylvania's diverse economy, ranging from tech startups in Pittsburgh to finance firms in Philadelphia, offers a ripe market for a tool that helps businesses stay ahead of consumer trends.

By providing real-time insights sourced from social media, search engines, and industry data, your trend searching tool could become invaluable for companies looking to pivot quickly or evolve their strategies. If you possess strong skills in data analytics and a keen understanding of market trends, you could build a solution that not only meets but anticipates the needs of a broad spectrum of businesses. For more details on how to get started and successful case studies, check out this business idea description and these success stories.

I Bootstrapped A $12K Trend-Spotting Tool [From Estonia]

This case study is about a jazz musician turned SaaS founder who bootstraps and simultaneously runs nine products with $8k/month revenue, of which Treendly, a platform that discovers emerging trends, accounts for $1k/month and uses self-taught data collection skills to focus on what is important.

Read by 4,315 founders

31. Start a seo & lead generation service ($720K/year)

Starting an SEO and lead generation service in Pennsylvania offers a wealth of potential, given the state's diverse economic landscape and burgeoning small business sector. You could tap into the needs of local businesses seeking to expand their online presence, making your expertise highly valuable in increasing their customer base and driving revenue growth.

Pennsylvania's mix of urban and rural areas provides a unique opportunity to tailor your services to a broad clientele, from bustling city startups to established businesses in smaller towns. Plus, by mastering the fundamentals of digital marketing and lead generation, you could position yourself as an essential resource for companies aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. For more details on this business idea, visit here and check out successful case studies to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.

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.

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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.