The 61 Best Business Ideas To Start In Portugal [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Portugal in 2024?
We put together 61 of the best businesses you can start in Portugal today.
In this list of ideas, you can find:
- Home-based businesses to start in Portugal
- Profitable online business ideas
- Unique business opportunities for Portugal
- Low investment business ideas (under $5k to start)
- Easy businesses you can start in Portugal today
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, + a step-by-step on how to start your small business in Portugal.
Here's the full list:
1. Become a tour guide
Unlock the potential of your local community by becoming a tour guide. As a tour guide, your primary role will be to introduce visitors to the hidden gems and well-known landmarks of your area, providing them with a rich, cultural experience.
You'll lead groups on walking tours, providing historical context, interesting anecdotes, and insider tips that aren't found in guidebooks. This isn't just about knowing your town; it's about sharing your passion and knowledge in a way that engages and captivates tourists.
Running a tour guide business requires more than just affability and knowledge. You'll need to research heavily, plan meticulously, and work on marketing to attract clients. Leveraging platforms like TripAdvisor or Airbnb Experiences can help you gain visibility and credibility.
For those who love storytelling and meeting new people, becoming a tour guide offers a rewarding opportunity to turn local expertise into a thriving business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $60,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.
2. Start a tech company
Tech businesses are about the most exciting and potentially lucrative businesses you can start.
The global tech market size is expected to grow from $8,384B in 2021 to $9,326B in 2022.
But don't mistake the excitement for easy street: getting the tech startup off the ground requires a lot of work. There are many important factors, including how much capital you need, your business plan, and equipment needed to get started.
How much you can make: $110 — $8,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
FreeMcServer.net, a free high-performance Minecraft server hosting service launched in 2018, has more than 970,000 registered users and generates monthly profits of around $1,000 USD, with over 95% of revenue coming from advertisements on the website and a primary user base from lower-income countries.
3. Build an analytics tool
Analytics tools are software or apps that help people to make data-driven decisions. They do this by providing users with the ability to access, visualize, and analyze the data.
If you have strong technical skills, then this could be a profitable business idea for you.
QlikView is one of the best Self-Service Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, and Data Analytics tool. In 2022, QlikView generates $750M in revenue.
With the rise of big data, more companies are realizing the importance of data and are looking for ways to make use of it.
Building an analytics tool is a great business idea because it's a tool that can be used by businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can use it to make better decisions about their operations, while larger businesses can use it to track and improve their performance.
How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Statful, a monitoring platform to track any type of metric, managed to get six customers and reach an MRR of approximately $10,000 without any real investments in marketing and sales.
4. Start a recruiting agency
The global online recruitment market size was $29B in 2019 and is projected to reach $43B by 2027.
The best way to assess the success of a Recruiting Agency is to review what their clients say about them and the results achieved for those clients.
As a recruiter, you dream of landing your first client, but once you do, you realize it’s only the start of what you hope will be a successful business. Have you ever wondered how to start a recruiting agency business? There’s so much you can learn from books, but nothing beats getting real-world experience.
How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Vettted, a marketplace for pre-vetted marketers to outsource digital marketing efforts, has launched and has over 65 sellers and 287 users so far, with the goal of providing a platform for talent to keep 100% of their earnings.
5. Start a cleaning business
Starting a cleaning business is an excellent opportunity to be your boss and make money doing what you love. This business is relatively easy to create and does not require much equipment or funds.
There are many cleaning services, so deciding what services (or combination of services) you will offer and what hours of the day or week those services will be available is essential.
To start cleaning service in Portugal, you’ll want to consider investing in professional cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, a quality mop, and a good cleaning bucket. You will also need to buy environment-friendly cleaning products such as detergent, bleach, paper towels, and trash bags.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
6. Start a money lending company
A money lending company is a business that provides loans to individuals or businesses in need of financial assistance. This type of company typically operates by offering a range of loan products, such as personal loans, business loans, and mortgage loans, to customers who meet specific eligibility requirements.
To run a successful money lending company, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of financial regulations and compliance and a strong marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. It is also essential to clearly understand potential borrowers’ creditworthiness and carefully evaluate the risk of lending money to them.
One essential tip for running a successful money lending company is offering customers competitive interest rates and terms, which can help attract and retain business. It is also essential to thoroughly understand the local market and carefully assess the risks and potential returns of lending to different types of borrowers.
In addition, it is essential to have a strong customer service team to handle inquiries and complaints and establish clear policies and procedures for handling defaulted loans. By following these tips and staying up to date with industry trends, entrepreneurs can start and run a successful money-lending company that helps meet their customers’ financial needs.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $100,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Miguel Quintas launched a "Buy now. Pay later" business called Parcela Já, offering up to 12 interest-free installments for end consumers, which now has over 400 retail shops using the system and thousands of transactions.
7. Start a food delivery business
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
8. Start a boutique
You may consider opening a boutique if you are passionate about the fashion and textile industry.
A boutique is a shop that sells clothes. Opening a boutique is a dream for entrepreneurs who want to experience the joy and freedom of owning a cash business. Starting a boutique is easy and can be managed by a single individual. In addition, a boutique requires a comparatively smaller capital to start.
To succeed, the boutique owner must coming creativity and passion.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
9. Build an AI tool
Artificial intelligence is a hot topic in the tech industry right now. An AI tool is a computer program that is designed to simulate human intelligence. AI tools are used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail.
There are many different types of AI tools, but some common examples include chatbots, virtual assistants, and machine learning platforms.
To build an AI tool you will need strong technical skills and experience in computer science. You should also have a good understanding of the different types of AI tools and how they are used.
AI is quickly becoming one of the most important and sought-after technologies in today's world. The revenues coming from software using artificial intelligence are going to increase from 9.5 billion U.S dollars in 2018 to 118.6 billion U.S dollars by 2025.
The demand for AI tools is growing as businesses are looking for ways to automate their processes and improve their customer service. AI tools can help businesses save time and money by automating tasks that would otherwise be done manually.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)
Logo Bot is a free AI-powered logo maker app that currently creates 450 new logos per week, all for free, and has grown its traffic by using SEO strategies and social media, with plans to improve the logo generation AI to create even better logos in the future.
10. Become an IT consultant
Are you an IT graduate still looking for that dream job? Then becoming an IT consultant might be the right choice for you.
An IT consultant is an external analyst in charge of evaluating a company’s IT systems and helping them meets its business objectives. IT consultants analyze and diagnose a company’s IT infrastructure, understand the client’s needs, and design solutions to help companies’ IT problems.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
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.
11. Start a niche investment platform
A niche investment platform is a custom-tailored online exchange that deals with alternative asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, real estate, or athletic prospects.
As a founder of such a platform, you can make use of modern technology to create transparent trading ecosystems that cater to specialized investors.
You can provide flexibility around portfolio combinations, which will help you build an exclusive user base.
This, in turn, will provide recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
For those seeking alternatives amid volatile stock markets, a niche exchange offers asset diversification to brokers and traders who have a passion for fine wine or up-and-coming athletes.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
12. Start an online advertising agency
An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.
To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.
Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.
Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.
With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
13. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start in Portugal:
- Food & Drink Tours
- Adventure & Sporting Tours
- Sightseeing & Historical Tours
- Shopping Tours
- and many more!
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.
14. Start a lead generation business
Lead generation business aggregates consumer and business information that it can sell to businesses wishing to purchase new leads. A lead generation company earns money for every lead it generates for a client.
As the business landscape becomes more competitive, entrepreneurs prefer hiring a lead generation company to help increase sales. Therefore, if you understand how digital marketing works to attract customers, you can start your lead generation business.
How much you can make: $120 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,125 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
15. Start a furniture business
The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.
The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.
The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $999,999/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
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.
16. Start a freelancer platform
Freelancer platform is a place where people come with skills and services to offer and people come who need those skills and services. So we can say freelancer platforms are a marketplace for sellers and buyers of services and skills.
The freelancing industry is growing rapidly and it's becoming a popular career option for people who are "non-traditional" employees. The global Freelance Platforms market size is expected to reach $6.7B by the year 2025. While working on a full-time job, freelancers simultaneously work on a freelance career. The platforms available online help them to increase their business by attracting new clients.
With all of the businesses looking for help on their websites, it would be a good idea to start a freelancer platform. Freelance platforms do well because people have jobs that need to be done and businesses have the resources to pay for the job at hand.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
17. Start a niche web design business
Niche web design business focuses on a specialized market such as law, home improvement, videography, fashion, etc. typically, when a web designer niches down their services, they are simply choosing to concentrate on one industry and create websites for businesses within the particular niche. To become a niche web designer, consider honing the following skills and personal qualities:
- Visual design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Strong communication skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and research skills
- Attention to detail
Narrowing your focus to a particular niche gives you a higher chance of becoming a recognized expert and places you in a better position to charge more for your services.
How much you can make: $200 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
Never Settle, a digital agency with over 1,000 completed projects and a focus on lean methodology and building relationships with clients, has made a name for itself in the eCommerce space, offering comprehensive solutions to businesses of all sizes while maintaining consistent and moderate growth.
18. Start a blog
In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:
- Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
- 77% of internet users read blogs.
- Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.
Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.
If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
19. Start a commercial fishing business
The commercial fishing industry is one of the most exciting industries to get involved in and can be lucrative if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Do you love the ocean and fishing as your hobby? The idea that you could get paid for doing something you thoroughly enjoy can be an incredibly tempting proposition. Fishing for a living seems like the perfect job.
Listed are the steps to start a commercial fishing business.
- Register your business name
- Get the proper licenses and regulations in order.
- Get a boat that fits the boat requirements.
- Get a buyer and secure the contracts.
- Hire a crew
- Secure all needed materials and supplies
20. Start a job board
Starting a job board can be a lucrative way to make money online with little to no start-up costs. The global online job board market size was $28.68B in 2019 and is projected to reach $43.39B by 2027.
It's no secret that finding a job can be tough. In today's job market, it can be tempting to give up on job hunting, but here's another option: start your own job board.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $297 (?)
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
Loopcv is a job search automation platform experiencing 15% monthly growth, offering solutions for bootcamps, universities, career coaches, developers, recruitment companies, job boards, affiliates, and companies looking to perform internal restructuring.
21. Start a handyman business
A handyman business covers a wide range of home repair and maintenance services, making it an easy entry into the industry.
You can start with minimal resources, and by providing valuable assistance to customers, you'll quickly establish yourself as a trusted professional in the field.
To start a handyman business on a budget, identify your skills and the services you can offer confidently.
Then, create a basic business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing.
Next, obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and invest in basic tools and equipment.
Finally, promote your services through word of mouth, local advertising, and online platforms to attract customers and gradually grow your handyman business.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $30,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week
Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.
22. Start a niche blog
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.
The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.
Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.
To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.
To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
23. Start a beauty business
The beauty industry is growing at a rapid pace - valued at $511B in 2021, with an annual compounded growth rate of 4.75% worldwide. The beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716B by 2025.
If you are thinking of starting your own beauty business, there are many opportunities in this space to succeed. The most profitable branches in this industry include makeup, skincare, and hair products.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
24. Become a business consultant
Business consultants serve as professional advisors who help companies achieve their goals or to streamline operations in a particular business area.
Business consulting is big business. Experts project the demand for consultants to keep increasing in the coming years. Therefore, becoming a certified business consultant can be rewarding.
To become a business consultant, you need a bachelor’s degree and expertise in a specific area. Are you ready to start your business consulting career and develop a professional network and web presence to help you connect with clients?
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
25. Become an event planner
Event planners arrange the details of various events, including weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and large social gatherings.
As an event planner, you get to explore your creative vision and see an idea turn into reality from the conception stage to the execution stage.
How much you can make: $774 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,867 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
26. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.
Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants in Portugal have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Filipino Virtual Assistance by FVA Business Consultancy, founded by Julmar Grace Locsin, offers online and offline training to empower marketers, enable businesses, and equip freelancers which has trained 25,000 students from their 31 courses, has 16 coaches assigned from different territories, and fifteen in the FVA team for global digital leadership that will impact the world through digitalization, one life at a time.
27. Start a NFT marketplace
An NFT marketplace is an online site for crypto-collectibles and non-fungible tokens where traders can buy-sell and discover exclusive digital items.
Launching an NFT marketplace requires setting up a blockchain network, integrating a chosen digital wallet, and creating smart contracts. Finally, you need to build a customer-facing web application.
Experts estimate that NFT marketplaces will continue experiencing a YoY growth of 30.72%.
Therefore, NFTs are becoming some of the most profitable blockchain-based experiments.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)
RMRK developed the most advanced NFT system in the world, generating $1 million per month in volume and $30k per month in revenue, due to founder Bruno's hack to put NFTs onto a chain without smart contracts.
28. Start a mobile nail salon business
Starting a mobile nail salon business can provide you with the freedom and flexibility you can't get from traditional brick-and-mortar nail salon shops. Also, clients do not need to spend time driving to a salon, spend on gas or wait for an appointment. This setup is attractive to busy customers.
Listed are the steps on how to start a mobile nail salon business.
- Secure all needed permits and registrations to run your business
- Obtain needed licenses, training certificates, or credentials
- Purchase needed materials, equipment, and supplies
- Promote your business
29. Start a cannabis business
Have you ever thought of starting your own cannabis business?
The cannabis industry has been continuously growing throughout the years. The legal marijuana sales are projected to reach $22 billion by 2022.
No matter your level of experience, the cannabis industry has a lot to offer. There are inspiring stories of entrepreneurs that made it big in this particular industry.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
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.
30. Create a social media scheduling tool
A social media scheduling tool is an online app that allows you to schedule your social media posts in advance, before publishing them on your social media channels.
Virtually all businesses use social media - this is a great market to build a startup in.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
31. Become an online fitness coach
Online fitness coaching is using live or recorded video to offer fitness classes to an online audience at a fee. To become successful in business, online fitness coaches should possess the following personal qualities:
- Stay focused on clients’ needs and goals
- Be ready to walk the talk
- Ask the clients questions
- Focused on educating the client
- Adjust to a language clients understand
Increase in number of internet usersand more hours spent online, online businesses will keep thriving.
Therefore, fitness coaches looking to expand their businesses or venture into new markets can consider starting an online fitness coach business.
How much you can make: $250 — $82,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
32. Start a quilt business
If you're crafty and creative, then selling quilts might be a great business for you.
Approximately, the size of the quilting industry is 4.2 billion USD.
How much you can make: $800,000/month
Project Repat turned their customers' memorable t-shirts into 2,000 custom quilts per week backed with cozy fleece, generating $10MM in sales per year from fine-tuning the production process making textile jobs more affordable and eco-friendly in the United States, with grown revenue of 70% over last year.
33. Become a shopify app developer
Have you thought about a career building Shopify apps?
Shopify is a Canadian e-commerce company that provides an online platform for entrepreneurs to set up their own online stores and sell products. Shopify is now valued at over $45B (as of 2022) with over 1.75M merchants using the platform worldwide.
To be able to build a plugin for Shopify, you need to know how to code. If not, then at least have some knowledge of HTML and CSS. You also need experience in the Shopify API and some basic knowledge about the Liquid template language for Shopify.
How much you can make: $150 — $65,000/month
How long does it take to build: 115 days (?)
Savy founder Disha Shidham built her business with an agile approach, utilizing customer feedback to create its flagship product, Savy Sales, leading to industry disruption and a 30% revenue increase on average for its partners with no ad spend or marketing.
34. Become a crypto trader
Crypto trading is an exciting market with a reputation for higher returns than some traditional investments.
Note that cryptocurrencies are incredibly volatile (and this is not investment advice).
When you start, opt for small-stake trades that allow you to get a handle on the market with minimal risk. Trade through a secure wallet provided by a reputable broker such as Coinbase or Binance. Take time to practice technical analysis, an essential research skill to help you read charts and identify patterns to inform your crypto trading strategies.
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Exolix is an anonymous cryptocurrency exchange platform with a fixed rate and unlimited exchange that provides its users with fast, easy, and secure exchange processes.
35. Start a socks business
Socks are a low-cost, high-profit business. One of the more affordable businesses you can start.
The market itself has a size of 47 billion USD in 2020 with an annual growth rate of 6%..
If you want to be successful in this industry, it is important that your socks are comfy to wear and stylish to look at. People would want to wear socks that will make them look great without sacrificing comfort.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Learn how Dane Jensen and his business partner grew their sock business from a monthly subscription to a $12M+ revenue business that mainly sells custom socks, by developing a manufacturing supply chain in the United States, using various marketing channels, and gradually expanding the business.
36. Start a spiritual consulting business
Do you consider yourself a spiritual person and are in tune with your spiritual well-being? Starting a spiritual business can be a great way to align your life and passion with your career and financial well-being.
Examples of spiritually based business can include:
- Spiritual life coaching
- Holistic nutritionist or health practitioner
- Birthing services
- Aromatherapy services
- Yoga instruction
Establish your vision for the spiritual business and have confidence in your offerings. Market your spiritual business and attract the clients you wish to serve.
37. Start a facebook group
Facebook is one of the oldest and largest social networking sites out there. Facebook offers its users a Group feature where one can join a community of people with similar interests. As per statistics, around 1.8 billion people use Facebook Groups each month.
Groups allow the members to have organic discussions, post content, and share their valuable experiences & knowledge with each other. The shared knowledge helped startups, business owners, freelancers, and professionals with their social media growth, lead generation, and customer acquisition.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
38. Build an iPhone app
The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.
The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.
The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.
It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
39. Start a hotels business
If you are considering starting a hotel, then it is time to implement your plan. There are five key elements to understand if you want to succeed in this industry: location, size, budget, experience, and market demand.
Here are some tips to consider before forming a hotel:
- Name your business
- Decide on a marketing strategy
- Start by renting out a room in your home.
- Hire a business capital broker
- Try Airbnb
- Make a marketing plan
- Offer complementary services
How much you can make: $15,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 325 days (?)
Boyd Hollow Resorts is launching a 5-star boutique resort and event center based on a fiction book that will be the first of many Villages to be built around the world, with over 200 event inquiries received before launching.
40. Become a property manager
A property manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a property. This can include tasks such as marketing and leasing units, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.
To succeed in this business, you’ll need to have strong people skills and be comfortable working with various clients. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented. If you have these skills, starting your own property management business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
The average property manager's salary in the United States is $54,183/year. The low-end range falls between 36k at 12% below to 79K+, which represents 24%.
With the recent craze of people wanting to invest in real estate, property management has never been more popular than now. Property managers often have the opportunity to work from home, making it an excellent option for those who want the flexibility of being their own boss.
The property management business is a great way to make money if you’re familiar with the real estate market and have strong people skills. You can make a lot of money by managing properties for investors.
How much you can make: $120,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 225 days (?)
Casa Mia Coliving, a sustainable and modern co-living and property management company in Singapore offering affordable accommodation, has an annualized revenue of $2.5M with 150 bedrooms across popular neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and boasting a 10x LTV/CAC ratio, all while focusing on unit economics and profitable growth.
41. Start a mortgage brokerage business
A mortgage broker is an intermediary who helps homebuyers choose the best mortgage lenders and facilitates the mortgage application process.
To start a mortgage brokerage business, you must complete the pre-licensure program and an official test. Getting an internship with an established mortgage brokerage company will help you gain experience before you can go into private practice.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $100,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Anchor Loans is a private lending company that has grown into a leader in their industry, funding over $1 billion in loans to fix and flip investors in a single year and has been profitable every year since their founding, and they credit their success to their focus on exceptional customer experience and the development of their fintech platform.
42. Start a sports wear store
If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to start your own business, why not consider opening a sportswear store? This unique venture offers many opportunities to cater to athletes’ and fitness enthusiasts’ needs.
From trendy workout gear to high-performance athletic shoes, your store will be a veritable cornucopia of fitness gear.
Not only will you have the chance to help people find the perfect gear for their workouts, but you’ll also be able to provide expert advice and guidance on the latest trends and technologies in the sportswear industry.
Plus, with the rise of athleisure fashion, your store will appeal to a wide range of customers, from professional athletes to fashion-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Consider offering personalized services such as custom fittings and specialized gear for specific sports or activities to stand out from the competition.
You could also host events and workshops to engage with your community and build a loyal customer base. A sportswear store can be a lucrative and fulfilling business venture with the proper marketing and customer service strategy.
So, if you’re ready to start your entrepreneurial fitness journey, consider opening a sportswear store today!
How much you can make: $9,300 — $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 248 days (?)
The DIFFERENCE co-founder developed a patented heelless running shoe that eliminates heelstrikes, grossing an average of $12,500 per month within the last two months, primarily targeting runners and the medical community.
43. Start a demolition service business
Ready to transform empty buildings into opportunities? A demolition service business focuses on the careful dismantling of structures, making way for new development. This isn't just about knocking things down—it's about orchestrating a precise, safe, and efficient teardown.
The process involves planning, obtaining necessary permits, and employing specialized equipment to execute each project. This business requires a keen eye for detail, thorough knowledge of safety regulations, and strong project management skills.
With urban renewal and construction on the rise, there's a growing demand for experienced demolition experts. If you're detail-oriented and enjoy hands-on work, this could be both a rewarding and lucrative venture. You'll need to invest in heavy machinery, safety gear, and a knowledgeable team, but the payoff could be substantial, given the industry's steady demand for skilled services.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $41,000/month
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
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.
44. Start a catering business
A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.
Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don’t have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.
However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning.
To start a successful catering business in Portugal, you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more.
In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $6,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Spokeo is a people information service helping over 15 million users a month search and connect with others through organizing over 14 billion records into easy-to-understand reports generating over $6M per month.
45. Start a crypto hardware business
Although crypto is a digital product, there are many physical products that can be built around it, such as wallets, security keys, and USB drives.
The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you have a good idea for the product. You should also find out how much it would cost to manufacture the product.
If you are developing a hardware related product, then you need to know the laws and regulations of the country where your manufacturing facility will be based on. For example, if your product is related to cryptocurrency and mining, then it needs to be compliant with all of the rules and regulations set by SEC in America.
How much you can make: $32,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $136 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
CBlocks is a cryptocurrency startup that generates random wallets of the top 100 cryptocurrencies, funds them, and ships them on a USB drive alongside software to manage them, with $32k made in the first 30 days and almost $3k on their second day from being featured in TheNextWeb, Forbes, The Outline & LifeHacker all within their first 3 weeks.
46. Become an Upwork freelancer
There are thousands of categories available to offer your services. Upwork has become a huge platform, attracting millions of people that search for reliable freelancers to work with. Take a moment to go through all the categories and then analyze the profiles of the best-rated users on the ones you're interested. A good tip to start is to offer low prices, in the beginning, to get more reviews quickly and thus climb through the ranks. Once you got a reputation and a track record, you'll be able to charge more.
How much you can make: $3,500/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Daniel Waldman started his freelance writing business over three years ago and has since earned an average of $3,500 per month, mostly through referrals and Fiverr - offering blogging, article writing, website copywriting and editing services.
47. Become a laundry detergent manufacturer
Starting a detergent powder or synthetic washing powder business is one of the most feasible business options owing to the straightforward manufacturing process involved. Detergent powder market is one segment of the FMCG market in the world with significant growth potential. Being a consumer good, people use it on a daily basis for clothes, hand wash, and kitchen utensils, and its demand is found in the market all through the year. Moreover, an entrepreneur can initiate a detergent manufacturing business with moderate capital investment.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1095 days (?)
Dirty Labs, a cleaning innovation lab founded by CEO David Watkins, introduces a line of laundry detergents that solve the cleaning trilemma, being safe, sustainable, and effective, achieving the goal with formulations that leverage nature-inspired green chemistry and earning $240k annually from the direct-to-consumer distribution.
48. Start a product review blog
A product review blog typically includes a description of the product, as well as a rating and review. This can be anything from reviewing gadgets to books to software.
To start a product review blog, you need to have strong writing skills and be familiar with the available products. You should also have a good understanding of how to market your blog and generate traffic.
The recent trend that is making this business more popular is the growth of social media. With more people using social media, businesses are looking for ways to connect with their customers. Product review blogs provide businesses with a way to connect with their customers and generate positive reviews.
Starting a product review blog is a great way to share your opinion on different products. This type of blog can be very profitable, as you can generate revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
49. Start a camping equipment rental business
Camping equipment is a great business to start and can make a good amount of money. For $10,000 you can start a rental company that grosses $100,000/year. However, starting a camping equipment rental business requires some careful consideration first.
The global camping equipment market is estimated at $16.4B in 2022 and is forecast to surpass $33.3B by 2032. Campers and tents are both popular items to rent but this depends on where you live. Check out the local demand for these types of products in your area before starting your business.
50. Start a home healthcare service business
Today’s lifestyle patterns have introduced new diseases, and the demand for healthcare services is rising. As we age, we develop different health problems resulting in medical services. Thus, starting a health service business can be a lucrative opportunity with the rising demand for healthcare.
Niche markets within the healthcare industry include:
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Medical labs
- Kidney dialysis facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Mental health facilities etc.
To start a health service business, research the market and acquire all necessary medical equipment. You can choose a franchise or partnership or start your own health center from scratch.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
A health supplement company established in 2017, with revenue streams from different brands, aims to hit the 1 million EUR mark this financial year, having shipped orders to over 30 countries with over 20 products on its main sales site, primarily from organic traffic, and building trust and brand authority organically.
51. Become a college counselor
A college counselor is a professional who assists students with their educational and professional goals. The role helps students navigate careers they hope to pursue after college. Therefore, in this business, you support students undergoing personal or familiar challenges in choosing their career paths. To become a successful college counselor, you must possess the following qualities:
- Organized with your practice
- Practice ethically and professionally
- Educate yourself
- Confidence in your position and responsibility.
- Respectful and non-judgmental
The demand for school and college counselors is growing tremendously. Therefore, it is a great time to start offering the services.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $57,345/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
EdTech company ConnecPath created WeAdmit, a platform for data science-backed college counseling, acquiring a $50,000 per month run rate, 20 paid contracts and 10 about to be signed, which aims to match students with the right mentors and offer a predictions service based on IQ and personality.
52. Start an etsy shop
Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.
It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.
To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:
- An Etsy account
- A PayPal account
- A product idea (or at least a product category)
- A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
53. Start a sustainable clothing line
Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.
The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study follows the founder of Sustainably Chic, a sustainable fashion blog with 60k monthly visitors and $6k monthly revenue, providing insights on building a successful blog, effective branding, and the importance of value and sustainability.
54. Start a flea market or marketplace
Starting a marketplace business is one of the best ways to capitalize on the gig economy and make serious profits. There are clear advantages to starting an online marketplace and being the middleman between suppliers and consumers.
The top online marketplaces in the world sold $3.23 trillion in goods in 2021. Sales through platforms like those operated by Alibaba, Amazon, eBay, and others accounted for two-thirds of global eCommerce sales last year. To create and compete in the marketplace business requires adaptations, modifications, overhauls and innovation.
How much you can make: $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
HalalWorldDepot is a Halal online marketplace that started three years ago as a meat and grocery delivery service and has now expanded to offer a wide variety of Halal products, with a customer return rate of 50-60%, profitability at 16-25%, and over 10,000 customers, with plans to expand to Canada and the United Kingdom within three to five years.
55. Become a freelance app developer
A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.
To become a freelance app developer in Portugal, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.
Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.
56. Start a cosmetic store
The cosmetic industry is growing rapidly. Starting a cosmetic shop can be highly profitable, but only if you stock trendy, skin-friendly products.
If you are passionate about the beauty industry, consider starting a cosmetics brick-and-mortar shop.
Cosmetic shops sell products ranging from anti-aging, aromatherapy, lotions, beauty spa, cosmetic store, and even make-up.
To start a cosmetic store, research the market and source products from well-known brands in the beauty industry.
How much you can make: $8,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.
57. Make a handcrafted drums business
Start a handcrafted drums business in an industry ready to boom. Firsthand drum builders and craftspeople have long sought out solid places to connect, guild-style, on the web. If you're on a shoestring budget, think about starting a handcrafted drums business.
The global handcrafted Drums & IBCs Market is expected to hit a market value of $16B by 2022 and is expected to reach $22.5B from 2022 to 2029. Starting your own handcrafted drums business in the modern age is much easier than it used to be. Because of the rise in sites like eBay over the past 20 years, it's much easier to pick up some used equipment and have your own drum kit up and running for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
This case study showcases a business owner who handcrafts steel tongue drums, which are used for music and sound therapy/meditation, with average monthly sales of $2000, and has successfully grown his business through persistence and creativity.
58. Start a mobile florist business
Mobile florists, just like traditional florists, can deliver flowers to an array of special events, including weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries. People love their flowers fresh and delivered right to their doors.
Listed are the steps on how to start a mobile florist business.
- Purchase on a reliable truck
- Secure needed papers for your mobile flower shop
- Organize your business flow
- Outsource from flower suppliers
- Promote your business
59. Start a cryptocurrency real estate business
Crypto real estate business refers to the use of cryptocurrency in real estate transactions. The transactions occur in digital space namely the metaverse and in real life. To participate in crypto real estate, you need digital assets. You can use digital assets to purchase real estate assets in the metaverse.
Blockchain technology is poised to give the real estate industry a significant leg up. This is because blockchain's inherent system of trust makes it the ideal technology for smart contracting, facilitating renting, buying, investing, and even lending.
60. Start a transportation service
Transportation businesses offer ridesharing services, haul consumer goods, or ship supplies and products from one location to another. They target individual passengers, other companies, or global business partners.
If you are starting a transportation service in Portugal, decide who and what you will serve, set up the business structure, register the business, and apply for the required business licenses or permits. To ensure a profitable business, incorporate proper hiring procedures and keep up with maintenance and recertifications.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $1,080,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Deepfinity, a proptech/logistics company, has developed an internal parcel tracking software tool that's helping large buildings cope with the influx of online shopping, and has been growing 20% MoM since making its first revenue 1.5 years ago, currently making $6K/Month.
61. Start a metal production business
Entering into the metal production business might not be the flashiest choice, but it’s a solid opportunity with significant potential. At its core, this business involves manufacturing and fabricating metal products, from industrial machinery parts to everyday household items.
Starting a metal production business means securing raw materials, investing in machinery, and developing a skilled workforce. You'll oversee sourcing metals, designing processes for shaping and cutting, and ensuring final products meet stringent quality standards. It’s hands-on work requiring precision and craftsmanship.
The demand for metal products spans various industries—construction, automotive, and electronics, to name a few. As these sectors grow, so does the need for reliable metal parts, making this a resilient industry. If you're equipped with technical skills and an eye for detail, a metal production business offers both stability and growth potential for those ready to dive in.
How much you can make: $600/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
DownHomeModern's Marc Staples turned his creativity into a successful business through handcrafting windbells and chimes with a rustic style that pays homage to American Southwest decor.
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.