The 41 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Rhode Island [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Rhode Island in 2024?
We put together 39 of the best businesses you can start in Rhode Island today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Rhode Island.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a fashion accessories business ($300K/year)
You could start a fashion accessories business in Rhode Island, where the trend-savvy market and entrepreneurial spirit are ripe for new ventures. By tapping into the demand for unique and stylish accessories, you have the potential to create a thriving home-based business.
A prime example of success in this sector is Fifth & Ninth, a mobile and lifestyle accessory brand started by Mark Mesrobian in Rhode Island. As highlighted in this case study, Fifth & Ninth was built into a popular destination for trendy phone cases, sunglasses, and blue light blocking glasses. This success story illustrates the possibilities for innovative fashion accessory businesses in Rhode Island.
Complete Sourcing Solutions pivoted to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking their original site from $0 to over $100K in less than a month, leveraging their experience in sourcing and relationships in the US and China.
2. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in Rhode Island could be a rewarding venture due to the state's thriving and closely-knit business community. Known for its diverse industry presence ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, many businesses in Rhode Island require steady streams of high-quality leads to sustain growth. By tapping into local networks and utilizing modern technology tools, you could effectively bridge the gap between businesses seeking growth and their potential clients.
Additionally, successful case studies demonstrate the viability and profitability of this business model, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurial-minded individuals in the state. With skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could leverage Rhode Island's unique market dynamics to create a scalable and in-demand service. For more detailed insights on launching a B2B lead generation service, check out this guide.
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
3. Start a content creation business ($963K/year)
If you're considering starting a content creation business in Rhode Island, you'll find numerous opportunities to harness your writing skills and creativity. You could capitalize on the state's vibrant small business ecosystem, providing tailored content to elevate marketing campaigns for a variety of local enterprises.
With the flexibility of freelance gigs or establishing your own agency, you could craft personalized messages that enhance brand stories, driving lead generation and visibility in a highly competitive digital market. To explore more details about this business idea, check out this page and take inspiration from successful case studies in the field.
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
4. Start a digital marketplace ($5.02M/year)
Starting a digital marketplace in Rhode Island could be a lucrative venture given the state's growing tech-savvy population and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. By capitalizing on these local trends, you could create a platform that connects Rhode Island's unique local products and services with a broader audience, opening up new markets for small local businesses.
With relatively low startup costs and minimal maintenance requirements, a digital marketplace offers the potential for passive income over time. For more information and inspiration, check out the detailed explanation of the digital marketplace business idea and explore successful case studies on Starter Story.
Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.
5. Create a mobile app ($844K/year)
In Rhode Island, launching a mobile app business could be a fantastic opportunity due to the state's robust tech ecosystem and highly educated workforce. Newport and Providence, in particular, are becoming tech hubs, providing an environment rich with potential collaborators and early adopters. Given the state's smaller size, word-of-mouth and local networking can be powerful tools to gain initial traction for your app.
Additionally, Rhode Island's commitment to supporting small businesses and startups through various grants and mentorship programs makes it an attractive place to develop a mobile app. With a clear vision and the right strategy, you could create a successful app that addresses local needs or even taps into broader markets. For more inspiration and guidance, check out our detailed guide on starting a mobile app business and explore successful case studies to see how others have thrived in this field.
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Start an artificial intelligence business ($720K/year)
If you're considering starting an artificial intelligence business in Rhode Island, you're tapping into a rapidly growing market that is projected to expand by approximately 54% YoY, reaching over 22 billion U.S. dollars in the next few years. With a robust network of academic institutions and a burgeoning tech scene, Rhode Island provides fertile ground for AI innovation and collaboration.
You could find opportunities in diverse sectors such as healthcare, maritime, and manufacturing that are prevalent in the state. Starting now means you could ride the wave of AI's expansion and position yourself as a market leader in this high-demand field. For more ideas, check out our full list of top artificial intelligence business ideas or explore successful AI business case studies.
AdviNOW Medical uses artificial intelligence to automate clerical work, resulting in doctors being able to focus solely on patients and patients seeing more doctors every day, leading to increased profitability while solving healthcare issues.
7. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Rhode Island could be a fantastic endeavor, especially given the state's strong appreciation for animals and compact community nature. With a myriad of products and services you could offer—from pet food and toys to grooming and boarding—there's ample opportunity to connect with devoted pet owners who want the best for their furry friends.
Operating out of your home or a nearby location allows for flexibility, enabling you to cater to local demand easily. If you have a passion for animals and an entrepreneurial spirit, this could be a fulfilling way to turn your affection for pets into a thriving business. For more details, check out our guide on starting a pet company and real-world success stories.
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
8. Start a web development business ($1.09M/year)
Starting a web development business in Rhode Island could be a fantastic opportunity due to the state's burgeoning startup ecosystem and the increasing demand for digital solutions among businesses of all sizes. With numerous small to mid-sized businesses, and a growing number of tech startups, there is a consistent need for professional websites and digital services to help these companies thrive in a competitive market.
Additionally, Rhode Island's close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Boston and New York City opens up even more possibilities for client acquisition and networking opportunities. If you're entrepreneurial-minded, creating a web development business allows you to work from home while addressing the essential online needs of various industries. Check out successful case studies to see how others have thrived in this field.
Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.
9. Start a tech support business ($1.67M/year)
Starting a tech support business in Rhode Island could be an excellent opportunity, given the increasing reliance on technology in both personal and professional settings. With a growing number of small businesses and remote workers in the state, the demand for reliable tech support services is on the rise. This creates a niche market where your technical expertise could shine.
In addition, Rhode Island's tight-knit community and network of local businesses offer a unique chance to build long-term relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service. Staying updated with the latest technologies and demonstrating a strong commitment to solving tech problems will help you build a loyal client base and stand out from the competition. For inspiration and insights, check out successful case studies of tech support businesses.
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.
10. Start a bicycle company ($4.73M/year)
Starting a bicycle company in Rhode Island is a great entrepreneurial opportunity given the state’s picturesque landscapes and popular biking trails. With an increasing number of people turning to biking for both exercise and transportation, you could tap into a thriving local market while contributing to an environmentally-friendly cause.
Rhode Island's compact size and scenic routes make it an ideal place for cycling enthusiasts. By focusing on high-quality production and potentially offering customizable options or eco-friendly models, you could position your business to stand out. Check out some successful bicycle company stories to gain inspiration and insights.
"Co-founders of State Bicycle Co. reveal how they bootstrapped their company to over $50M in annual sales and produced over 100,000 bikes by creating a trusted brand through word-of-mouth and social media, sponsoring talented riders, limited-edition releases, and focusing on product quality."
11. Start a gmail plugin ($1.92M/year)
Starting a Gmail plugin business in Rhode Island could be an ideal venture, especially given the state's emphasis on innovation and technology. As more professionals work remotely or in hybrid environments, you could develop tools that enhance productivity and streamline email management, becoming indispensable to businesses and individuals alike.
You could leverage the existing talent pool from institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design to bring fresh, innovative ideas to your plugin's development. To dive deeper into this opportunity and see examples of successful Gmail plugin projects, check out more details and inspiring success stories right here on Starter Story.
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
12. Start a beverages exportation business
Starting a beverages exportation business in Rhode Island offers a unique advantage due to the state's strategic location and well-established port facilities. With access to major shipping routes and proximity to larger markets like Boston and New York, you could efficiently manage logistics and distribution, making it easier to scale your business operations.
Additionally, Rhode Island's rich cultural heritage and growing craft beverage scene provide ample opportunities to export unique, local products that stand out in international markets. You could leverage the state's reputation for exceptional craft beers, spirits, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks to carve out a niche in the global marketplace. For inspiration and learning from others who have successfully ventured into this field, you might check out some successful case studies on our website.
13. Start a startup consulting business ($1.22M/year)
Starting a startup consulting business in Rhode Island is an excellent opportunity due to the state's flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem and its emphasis on innovation. With Rhode Island housing many burgeoning startups and small businesses, there is a consistent need for expert guidance to help navigate the complexities of launching new ventures.
You could assist local entrepreneurs in transforming their ambitious ideas into successful enterprises by providing strategic insights, actionable plans, and expert advice. This business not only allows you to capitalize on your expertise but also positions you as a key player in the dynamic local startup culture. For more details on this business idea, check out our in-depth guide, or read through a few inspiring success stories.
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.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
