63 Small Investment Trading Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Are you dreaming of starting your own business but low on capital?
The good news is you can start small investment trading business ideas with little or no capital.
Indeed, there are several small investment products/service-oriented trading business ideas you can start in 2024.
So long as you are dedicated and put in some hard work, you could turn your small investment trading business ideas into a successful business.
We put together 63 trade business ideas you can start with low to zero capital. For some of these trading business ideas, we will show real-world examples of other successful businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a Greeting Cards Business
People use greeting cards to mark births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, and other parties or events.
If you love helping people celebrate special occasions, starting a greeting card business can be a great business opportunity.
When starting a greeting card business, choose a potential niche and write a business plan.
Then, find an ideal spot to sell the greeting cards.
For instance, you can offer greeting card design and posting services, so customers can choose the best designs and post greeting cards online.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 77 days (?)
Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic.
2. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
3. Start a podcast
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
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.
4. Start a tutoring business
Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.
If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.
Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.
5. Develop an online survey tool
Online survey tools are a great way for businesses to gather customer feedback. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to collect data from large groups of people. This service offers a variety of features, including a survey builder, a data collection tool, and a reporting system.
If you are interested in starting a business that helps businesses to gather customer feedback, then starting an online survey tool could be a great option for you. This business is growing in popularity as more businesses are using online surveys to collect data.
Typeform is a popular online survey tool that allows you to ask customers questions and get their feedback on the product. This can be used for many different purposes such as improving services or developing new products. Typeform told TechCrunch on the occasion of today’s funding announcement that its annual recurring revenue surpassed $70 million in 2021 after tripling over the preceding three years.
Building an online survey tool is a good business idea because there is a lot of demand for data collection. Businesses need to know more about their customers in order to be able to make better decisions.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
6. Start an ecommerce platform
Over the past decade, eCommerce has become an indispensable part of the global retail framework. According to statistics, over 2 billion people prefer shopping online.
While brick-and-mortar stores are still making more sales compared to online sales, the adoption of eCommerce is still rising, mainly because of the increased speed and convenience of online shopping.
Therefore, starting an eCommerce platform could set you on the right path to building a futuristic business.
How much you can make: $100 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
7. Start a DIY and crafts blog
Do you have the skill to make cool stuff? You can start a cool crafts and DIY blog today.
A crafts and DIY blog entertains and educates its audience on how to create nice artwork. For instance, you can teach how to create nail art, sewing, paper craft, etc.
Are you interested in starting a CIY and craft blog? To start, choose a niche and come up with cool videos illustrating different artistic techniques. Even if you do not have the skills, you can engage talented artists and record a video illustrating how to do the craft.
You can then post the video on your blog or your Instagram page. To make money through DIY and crafts blogs, you can start a subscription service, partner with promoters, or through adverts on your page.
How much you can make: $200 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating.
8. Start a background check software
Background check software enables organizations to check and verify the information provided by potential employees or customers. The background software verifies various data sets, including the subject's education history, past employment, criminal records, and financial and other records.
Organizations would want to thoroughly scrutinize the persons they transact with and those they entrust with their daily operations. Therefore, the demand for background check software presents a potential business opportunity for programmers.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $40 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Safe Hiring Solutions, a security technology company that provides comprehensive background checks for schools, ministries, volunteer organizations, and corporations has more than 7,000 clients and has been included on the Inc 5000 list the past five years, with a number 16 ranking for the fastest-growing private company in the Indianapolis region by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
9. Start a mobile photography business
Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.
There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!
To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
10. Start a walking tour business
Do you love meeting new people, sharing knowledge, and touring places? Then, starting a walking tour business can bring so much enjoyment, and it is also a great business idea.
Starting a walking tour requires so little to no startup capital. With word of mouth and a website, you can begin receiving dozens of bookings so long as your walking tours are well planned and targeted to potential customers.
To start the walking tour business, do market research and design uniquely enjoyable tours. Establish proper marketing channels and register the business appropriately.
How much you can make: $9,806/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
From zero to a network of free walking tours in 24 cities across Italy in just 2 years, these three friends built a €10,000/month business by offering quality tours and fostering word-of-mouth advertising, even while weathering the COVID lockdown.
11. Start a stationery business
A stationery business sells stationery products such as paper goods, notebooks, greeting cards, and envelopes.
The best part about starting a stationery business is that it's relatively easy and inexpensive to get started.
Since there are so many different types of products available in this industry, there are endless opportunities for creativity, customization, and expansion.
You could even start out small by selling your products on Etsy or eBay before opening up an actual storefront.
How much you can make: $200 — $260,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 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.
12. Start an ice cube business
Ice making is a low-capital business since water is the only raw material used in producing ice fairly, simply, and efficiently. If run efficiently and marketed well, ice making business can be a profitable opportunity.
To start ice making, you need an ice maker, water, and power source.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Learn how a team from Mississippi State University turned a classroom project into a $1.2 million year business selling liquid-activated, light-up drink cubes and sensory toys for kids, which are now sold in 37 countries.
13. Start a pet care business
Animal care facilities offer day and night care services. Overnight care lets customers leave their pets at the pet care center to be safe from accidents and predators. Starting an overnight pet care business can be rewarding, with pet ownership on the rise. You can start a day and night care pet service to maximize profits.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Woofie's founders share how they launched a pet care business from a $10 dog walk into a company that brought in over $3M in revenue in 2019, offering services such as mobile pet grooming, pet sitting and dog walking, and have expanded their business into franchises.
14. Start a digital marketing business
Digital marketing businesses serve local and international companies to expand their reach and grow revenue. A top reason digital marketing is so exciting is that the field is constantly evolving and is easy to learn.
If you plan to start a digital marketing business, educate yourself and understand how digital marketing agencies work. Then, focus on building your digital skills and advancing your career through online digital marketing courses.
To stand out, find a digital marketing niche and focus on the audience interested in your services.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
15. Start a meal prep business
A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery to avoid customer disappointment.
A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.
Therefore, starting a meal preparation business can be a great way to earn extra monies.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
16. 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.
17. Become a social media marketer
Social media marketing is gaining website visitors or customers by promoting your company on social media. To succeed in social media marketing, you must regularly post tasty, entertaining, and engaging share material on your social media channels.
Everybody knows that social media is a tool that has become extremely important to businesses of all sizes. It allows them to connect with people worldwide and provides a platform for customer service. Social networks are changing the way we do marketing. They offer an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach millions instantly.
Nowadays, it is easy to earn money through social media marketing. You just need to invest some time and effort to make a profit. Social media has been an essential part of many businesses marketing campaigns, and it is expected to be a significant part of any company’s future.
How much you can make: $100 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)
This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.
18. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.
Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.
To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.
Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.
Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
19. Start a handmade goods business
A handmade craft business entails selling own-crafted products on online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, an independent website, or social media.
To succeed in selling handmade goods, you'll need solid creative skills. Your creativity can help you build a strong brand.
And with online marketplaces, handmade shopping has become a popular trend.
In recent years, consumers worldwide have shown their support of independent businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the handmade goods business.
How much you can make: $200 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 92 days (?)
A patch embroidery business based in New York City has grown to earn $6,500 per month on average within 18 months of starting, thanks to no custom embroidered minimum patches and a strong Instagram presence, with a future focus on B2B customers.
20. Start a pickle business
Pickle is a juice of vegetables or fruits preserved in brine or vinegar. The global demand for packed pickles is snowballing, making it a viable fruit & vegetable business idea.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
Brine Brothers sells all-natural pickle brine (pickle juice), generating over $10,000/month and winning an investment from Barstool and Jon Taffer, and is determined to become a million-dollar beverage company.
21. Start a candle business
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
22. Start an apparel boutique
An apparel boutique is a small shop dealing in fashionable clothing or accessories. An apparel boutique is low investment but potentially very profitable idea. However, starting a successful apparel boutique requires creativity and financial stability to help the brand achieve its objective.
How much you can make: $3,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $9,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bravery Co. is a company that empowers women with cancer through designer headwear for cancer warriors, earning an average of 3-5K profit a month and celebrating numerous PR coverage and awards.
23. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
24. Start a courier business
Courier service is a premium, all-inclusive service that collects and delivers shipments within the shortest possible time frame. Courier services serve individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, hospitals, etc.
If you dream of owning a courier service, you can start as a delivery driver and rely on self-employed delivery drivers to get the goods to customers. As the business grows, you can invest in delivery vans to handle bulky deliveries.
To run a convenient courier service, ensure you have a reliable delivery car and proper time management skills.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bangladesh-based logistics company Parcelmagic has onboarded over 100 merchants and delivers 10,000 parcels each month within just six months of operation, offering technology-based end-to-end services for small to medium business parcel delivery, individual document and parcel couriers, and corporate logistics service solutions.
25. Start a staple pins business
Are you looking for a low-investment and profitable business you can operate from home? Staple pins production could be the best choice for you. Staple pins are commonly used office stationery that attracts a high demand.
You can start a staple pins production business as a franchise, a sole proprietorship business, or a partnership with an established stationery business.
26. Start a soap making business
Are you looking for an easy business you can start from home? Soap making is a relatively easy cottage business you can start today.
Soap is one of the products you will find in every household. Therefore, soap is a product that will remain in demand, making soap making business a lucrative idea.
To start a soap-making business from home, research the competition and choose the niche your business will focus on. You can make scented soaps mixed with essential oils or non-scented soaps for washing utensils.
Choose a business name and create a business plan indicating your entity type, mission statement, and soap marketing strategy.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 747 days (?)
Kiss My Crown Essentials founder Warnisha Foster shares her journey from creating organic soap products in her kitchen to selling over 500 soaps in her first month with a mission to let mothers know that they are seen, beautiful, and a necessity.
27. Start a paper manufacturer
Numerous businesses mesh well with the typical small business model of low overhead, low inventory, and low to moderate output. A paper manufacturing business is one such type of enterprise. There is a built-in marketplace for your product with little work involved in marketing. Paper is one of the most widely used materials with a wide range of applications in our day-to-day life. It also finds applications across industries such as packaging, publishing, etc.
Some popular paper products manufacturing business ideas include tissue paper manufacturing, kraft paper manufacturing, stone paper manufacturing, thermal paper manufacturing, butter paper manufacturing, art paper manufacturing, seed paper manufacturing, notebook manufacturing, and many more.
28. Start a child care business
Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.
A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
29. Start a network marketing business
The network marketing model depends on person-to-person sales by an independent representative. The individual distributors market and sell the products to a local network of friends, relatives, and people they know.
Networking marketing can also be online, where the marketer targets and recruits followers to join the network marketing agency.
30. Start an antique furniture refurbishing business
Antique furniture is a collectible interior furnishing that adds a timeless quality to a space. Antique furniture features attractive designs that looked good 50 or 100 years ago and remains attractive today.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A DIY and renovations blog called Grandma's House DIY, founded by Tarah Wolff, is bringing in around $2,000 a month, and has grown to average 40k monthly sessions with around 70k monthly page views, through consistent posting and promotion on niche websites.
31. Start an aquarium maintenance service business
Recent statistics show that the aquarium industry is worth more than $13 Billion. In addition, more than 14.7 million American households own a pet fish aquarium. Therefore, aquarium maintenance professionals have a bright future!
An aquarium maintenance business involves regular water changes, servicing the filter, and testing the aquarium water. Initiating an aquarium maintenance business is one of the low costs but most profitable retail opportunities.
How much you can make: $5,800/month
How much does it cost to start: $1 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Aquarium maintenance business owner, Larry McGee, generates $100,000 annually servicing 60+ aquariums in central Arkansas-area businesses, while also offering offline and online marketing courses; his repeat customer base is key to his 25-year success.
32. Start a gardening business
A gardening business makes money by planting trees, growing specific produce, maintaining landscapes, and more.
Gardening companies work with homeowners to install, maintain and repair their landscaping areas. For instance, a typical gardening business provides all-inclusive services to create and maintain a lawn, such as mowing, fertilizing, and edging.
Owning a gardening business can be a very flexible and profitable business venture.
How much you can make: $700 — $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
33. Start an ac repair business
Research shows the HVAC market will grow at a CAGR of 6.1% and reach $82.5 billion in the next few years.
The growing construction business in major emerging economies and the ever-increasing end-user markets, such as data center markets, are some of the major factors driving the growth of the HVAC services market.
Like other electrical appliances, HVAC units break often and require regular maintenance. As a result, the demand for HVAC repair is high.
Therefore, starting an AC repair business can be profitable. To start, you need a skilled AC repair technical team. Target commercial and residential customers, and market your business online as most people search for AC repair services through the web.
How much you can make: $200,000 — $2,290,747/month
TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values.
34. Start a packing business
A packing business focuses on designing, creating, and labeling packages. The business ultimately protects the products for sale, transportation, distribution, storage, and use.
To start a packaging business, get clear on the services you offer. Design the packages, test, and research if the packaging works for your customers. You may need to refine the packaging to keep the customers satisfied.
35. Become a wedding planner
A wedding planner assists with designing, planning, and managing a wedding, so the bride and groom have the happiest day. Wedding planners enjoy a flexible working schedule and opportunities to travel locally and globally, and it’s a great career with numerous growth opportunities.
To start a wedding planning business, identify your target clientele and study their wedding cultures so you can offer the clients excellent service. Remember, excellent wedding planning is all about having the passion and knowing how to harness that passion for designing weddings that bring out the emotions of those in attendance.
How much you can make: $774 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,735 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How a former food truck owner founded the successful New York Food Truck Association which generated over $1M in its first year of business, providing local vendors with high-margin ancillary revenue streams, and saw consistent growth of 50% YoY.
36. Start a digital agency
A digital agency’s task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough knowledge and passion for digital marketing can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the proper skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset, you can start a successful digital agency.
The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020. The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.
How much you can make: $100 — $3,699,632/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.
37. Start a gym
Over the last decade, more people across the globe have become self-aware of the importance associated with living a healthy lifestyle.
As a result, the gym has become a trend for millions of people, leading to a rapid increase in the size and popularity of the global fitness industry. According to statistics, the global fitness club industry is worth over $96 billion.
Therefore, starting a gym could be a great business opportunity.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.
38. Become a yoga instructor
The first step to becoming a yoga instructor is obtaining a certification from an instructor-affiliated institution near you. Your next step should be drawing up a business plan considering various projections. Finally, determine whether to open a brick-and-mortar establishment, offer online yoga classes, or a hybrid model.
The option has far more responsibilities for brick-and-mortar establishments, like paying rent and utility expenses. Also, check business-zoning requirements and acquire the required licenses. Proper marketing strategies will help you build clientele fast and grow your business.
How much you can make: $59,000 — $60,000/month
How long does it take to build: 282 days (?)
Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.
39. Start an e-book writing business
An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.
Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.
40. Start a stock trading business
Stock trading typically allows one to profit by buying and selling securities. However, profitability in stock trading relies on timing the market, different risk factors, and stock mispricing.
There is no minimum amount you need to trade in the stock market. You can begin with as low as $500 and add it as you earn and save more money.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Camelbacktrading founder Paul Asmar has found success in the volatile trading business by offering affordable and personalized education and training to traders of all ages, and has grown his voice channel trading room from 0 to 130 traders in just three months.
41. Become a youtube personality
YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:
- Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
- Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
- Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
- YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.
You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.
If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.
How much you can make: $175,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5 (?)
How long does it take to build: 34 days (?)
This case study explores Thomas Frank's successful business teaching people how to use Notion and selling templates, with sales reaching $2.1 million in two years and template sales currently at $120k/mo, showcasing his journey from blogging and YouTube to e-commerce and SaaS.
42. Start a children's party service business
A children’s party service takes care of organizing, managing, and servicing children’s parties.
Children's parties are a $9B industry, and it's expected to be worth more than $15B by 2026.
By being a children's party planner, you will be there every step of the way for planning, ordering materials, and making sure your customers are satisfied.
How much you can make: $400 — $2,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
The Little Teepee Company founders created an extra special sleepover business in 2019, generating around $2000 per month, until the pandemic hit and resulted in cancelled bookings and refunds, but they adapted their business model and now attract customers through Google searches, email campaigns, Instagram and Facebook marketing and word-of-mouth referrals.
43. Start a newsletter
Did you know that in the past five years, there has been more than a 50% increase in the number of people who read newsletters?
Newsletters are one of the few things you can use to market yourself as a trusted expert. A well-written newsletter can educate your subscribers and build connections with them.
Email newsletters are a great way to connect with customers and potential customers. It’s a newsletter’s job to inform, persuade, and sell to your audience.
How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
44. Start a phone case business
With the number of mobile phone users increasing, there are opportunities for accessory makers such as phone case manufacturers to make a profit. Building a business around making and selling phone cases is relatively easier to produce. You can print labels on-demand, starting with a lower risk, or buy them in bulk and sell them online.
The global mobile phone protective cover market is expected to reach 75.62 billion in the next few years.
Phone protective covers often make a statement and reflect a person’s social and cultural preferences. Phone case manufacturers take advantage of such considerations and keep their products relevant and up-to-date to attract a more extensive customer base.
Remember, as with any industry with a low entry barrier, there will be competition. Therefore, you must study customers’ tastes and preferences and offer customized phone cases.
How much you can make: $120,000 — $125,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
45. Start a life coaching business
Life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.
Life coaching is a popular industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015-2019.
This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You’ll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to start. Then, you can begin coaching part-time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.
How much you can make: $100 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
46. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
47. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 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.
48. Start a noodle business
We live in a fast-growing world where people prefer instant and fast-food preparation. As a result, the noodles market potential has tripled in urban and rural areas. The noodles market level is increasing daily due to the increase in customers. This trend makes the noodles business a lucrative opportunity for people of all ages.
Noodles business may consist of production, wholesale, and retailing service.
49. Start a disposable plates and cups business
Nowadays, people are shifting towards disposable cutlery, not only as an affordable option but also as an eco-friendlier choice.
Disposable plates and cups are a single serving and can be recycled or disposed of easily. These eco-friendly plates and cups provide a more convenient option for serving eatables during events and parties.
Furthermore, experts estimate that demand for disposable cutlery will keep rising as people consistently adopt takeaway food chains, fast-food consumption, small commercial eateries, and even roadside food vendors.
With the need for disposable plates and cups set to increase, starting a business in this sector can be a lucrative opportunity. The opportunities in this industry range from manufacturing to wholesale to retail.
50. Start a cotton buds business
Cotton buds are commonly used to clean the ear canals by removing earwax, applying and removal of makeup, and cleaning arts and craftwork.
Cotton bud business is one of the most profitable to start, and it is not difficult for any person who wants to get into entrepreneurship. One can launch a small-scale cotton bud manufacturing company and grow it by re-investing the profits.
51. Start a coconut hair oil business
Consumer demand for plant-based beauty products has increased tremendously. An excellent example of a plant-based beauty product that has seen high demand in recent years is coconut hair oil. According to experts, the coconut oil market size will exceed $7 Billion in the next few years.
Coconut hair oil has been lauded for being good for the scalp and providing moisturizing benefits to human hair. Besides, beauticians believe coconut hair oil works better to repair dry hair.
Therefore, starting a coconut hair oil production line can be lucrative.
52. Start a jute bags business
Jute, popularly known as the "natural fiber," is used for manufacturing various items, including sacks, furniture accessories, and other rustic threads. Jute fiber is reusable and biodegradable. Starting a jute bag-making business is a great decision.
Jute bag making is a low-cost investment that results in a highly demanded and fashionable bag, making the business a highly profitable opportunity.
53. Start a tempered smartphone glass business
Global rapidly rising per capita income is fueling the demand for luxury, including smartphones and other mobile devices. The increased adoption of smartphones has opened up an opportunity for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of tempered smartphone glass.
Based on the current smartphone adoption rate, experts estimate that the global SmartScreen screen protector market will expand at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.8%. Thus, the smartphone screen protector business has become increasingly popular and provides many benefits to users.
54. Start a mobile repairing and accessories business
Cellphone repair and accessories is a multi-billion-dollar industry that requires low investment and little to no experience to start.
Considering that approximately 91% of people in the world own a mobile phone, there is a ready market for mobile phone repair and accessories business.
Therefore, launching your mobile phone repair and accessories business could be the best business decision you are yet to consider
55. Start a babysitting business
Babysitting service entails providing baby care to infants and children either in their homes, with registered caregivers, or in a child care center. A babysitting service requires a low startup cost and is a low overhead business with high profit margins.
The target market includes affluent and middle-income families where both parents are working. Baby sitters earn a fixed monthly income or are paid per hour depending on the agreement that suits both sides.
56. Start a mobile garage service
A mobile garage service involves a mechanic who performs vehicle repairs and maintenance in the customer's desired location.
With the global increase in total vehicle registrations, the demand for qualified mechanics has also increased. However, people are getting busier and prefer hiring a mobile garage service. If you are a qualified mechanic, starting a mobile garage service could open a new window of opportunities for your profession.
57. Start a jam production business
A jam production business makes different jam flavors packaged in jars for distribution.
Packed with taste and flavor, jam is one of the essential food products that enhance the taste of bread and other foods. Besides, jam is a healthy food product containing fruits and necessary supplements with vitamins and minerals.
Market data forecasts that the global jam market will reach $9.87 billion in a few years. Therefore, starting a jam production and sales business can be a lucrative business opportunity.
58. Start a CCTV camera installation business
As the demand for innovative and intelligent surveillance systems intensifies, CCTV installation businesses have begun registering a high demand for their services.
According to a market survey report, the global AI CCTV market size is projected to register a CAGR of 14.9% to reach $55.22 Billion.
This significant growth potential is attributed to increased demand for technically advanced surveillance systems and rising public safety and security concerns. Therefore, starting a CCTV installation business today is an excellent opportunity for building a profitable business venture.
59. Start a wedding gown business
The wedding gown tradition goes back to the Middle Ages as a symbol of purity and innocence of girlhood. To date, couples spend thousands of dollars on wedding gowns.
Market reports indicate that wedding wear market size will witness accelerating growth at a CAGR of 4.52%. If you are a fashionist, starting a wedding gown business could be a profitable business opportunity.
60. Start a fruit and vegetable chips business
Are you interested in offering solutions that support change in consumer lifestyle? If yes, consider starting a business inclined towards healthy fruit and vegetables. According to experts, the global healthy fruit and vegetable chips market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% over the next few years.
The market growth results from increased awareness and preference for functional, convenient, and flavored ready-to-eat snacks. Opening a fruit and vegetable business could be a lucrative business based on the market potential.
61. Start a motorcycle rental business
Nowadays, people are looking for reasonable, cost-effective travel methods without being tied down by complex tariff plans. Among these means of transportation is renting a bike. Choosing a strategic location and managing the business effectively can make a bike rental business very profitable.
62. Start a Mushroom Farming Business
Mushrooms are one of the most popular food products sold in the world today. They have been used for centuries for their health benefits, but they have also been an important source of nutrition for many people all over the world.
Mushroom farming is a simple business idea that can be run by anyone. It's low-maintenance and requires little financial investment, plus it's an incredibly easy way to make money.
Mushroom farming is a great opportunity for people who want to start their own business but don't have enough capital or technical skills. It also makes sense for anyone who has some land or space to spare and would like to earn some extra cash on the side while they're away from work.
Mushrooms are usually sold wholesale at $6 per pound and retail at $10 per pound. This means you can make between $72,000 to $120,000 a year, depending on who gets your mushrooms.
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)
63. Start a tax accountant business
A tax accountant prepares, files, and manages individual and corporate taxes according to tax laws and regulations. To become a tax accountant, consider taking tax law courses, so you are well prepared for your career. Although a bachelor's degree isn't always required, most accountants have one.
Some employers prefer hiring tax accountants with a Master's degree in accountancy or business administration.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A4E, a full-service accounting business, grew five times from when it started about a year ago when it was only offering tax services, and its current MRR is around $8k with a targeted MRR of $13k, providing 100% done-for-you accounting solutions that combine bookkeeping, taxes and CFO services under one roof and for an amazing value for US-based businesses in tech-related industries and services.
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.
