50+ Summer Business Opportunities You Can Start Today

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Have some extra time on your hands and looking to start a business this summer?

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to start a business in the summer while still operating year-round!

We put a list together below of low-cost business ideas you can start today!

Here they are:

1. Start a seeds distribution business

The seed distribution business involves delivering seeds, seedlings, growing supplies, and farmer's starter kits to farmers across the nation or within a preferred geographical location.

To start, partner with a seeds company or a seedlings distribution business near you, and request to offer logistics solutions to them or their customers. As your business grows, you can start your online seeds and seedlings business.

How much you can make: $400,000/month

How We Started A $400K/Month Business Selling Seeds And Growing Supplies

True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.

Read by 37,835 founders

2. Start an online fitness business

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $48K/Month Business With An Online Fitness Training Service

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.

Read by 26,258 founders

3. 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 (?)

How We Built A $1.2MM/Year Business Selling Light Up Ice Cubes

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.

Read by 9,806 founders

4. Start a pool installation service

A pool installation service specializes in building and constructing new swimming pools for both residential and commercial clients.

This process involves obtaining necessary permits, preparing the site, installing plumbing and drainage, constructing the pool shell, adding finishes such as tiles and coping, installing equipment like pumps and filters, and completing landscaping and fencing around the pool area.

To run a successful pool installation service, it is essential to have skilled contractors with experience in excavation, masonry, plumbing, and working with pool materials.

Starting a pool installation service can be a profitable venture, as there is a high demand for new backyard pools and water features.

How much you can make: $8,000/month

How I Started A $8K/Month Pool Service And Installation Business

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.

Read by 16,337 founders

5. Start a wedding rental business

Do you love wedding planning and looking for a business idea to turn your passion into profits? Starting a wedding rental business can be a great idea.

Your role as a wedding rental business is to supply all equipment and accessories to make the occasion colorful and memorable for attendees and the wedding couple. If you are starting a wedding rental business, focus on building relationships with wedding planners and event companies. Remember often couples visit wedding venues before even contacting a rental company. Being in contact with wedding venue business owners could get you repeat business.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 305 days (?)

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

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.

Read by 16,909 founders

6. Start a balloon decor business

Balloon decorations involve the creation of balloon-based arrangements and thematic shapes, covering backgrounds, ceilings, walls, columns, centerpieces, and entrances within the event and party venues. Balloon décor is popular in corporate events, entertainment and social events, children's parties, and weddings.

Balloon décor is a low overhead business and can be a profitable entrepreneurship opportunity. You do not need a storefront as you can work from home with a few pieces of equipment. You need proper planning skills to start and operate a successful balloon décor business. You should plan and analyze every step and challenge before starting the business.

How much you can make: $20,000/month

How I Started A $20K/Month Balloon Installations And Decorations Business

Balloon Haus LLC, founded by Janeen Brown, is a successful balloon boutique generating an average of $20K/monthly, providing custom exquisite and trendy balloon installations and decorations to notable clients such as Instagram, Marriott, and American Express.

Read by 32,153 founders

7. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

Read by 18,086 founders

8. Start an axe throwing business

Throwing axes is a great way to relieve stress, bond with friends and coworkers, and even make some money.

Axe throwing is a new and exciting activity that is growing in popularity, especially for corporate or business events.

How much you can make: $80,000 — $110,000/month

How We Started A $1M Axe-Throwing Party Business

Forged Axe Throwing is a successful axe throwing venue that teaches people the art of axe throwing while hosting tournaments, generating $960k of revenue per year and hosting over 30k people in their venue in a year.

Read by 40,919 founders

9. Start a Backyard Plant Nursery

Do you have a gardening hobby and want to turn your passion into a profitable business with a minimum entry barrier?

Starting a backyard plant nursery is relatively easy, and the financial benefits can be rewarding. The secret to maximizing your profitability is specializing in plants that are in high demand, like vegetables and flowers.

To start, you can visit the nearby retail nurseries for seedlings and see what they stock and retail. To keep the startup cost low, consider using locally available materials.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How We Expanded Our Local Plant Nursery To An Online Business

Camelliashop.com, a small US-based plant business specializing in Camellias and Tea Plants, increased its business 200% within one month of launching its ecommerce website in 2007.

Read by 14,615 founders

10. Start an eBikes business

An electric bike has an electric motor to assist the rider while pedaling. Market data shows that the annual Ebike sales crossed more than 880,000 Ebikes.

Besides providing benefits for body health and fitness, e-bikes have become the best for reducing urban traffic, especially in cities where it isn’t an effective public transportation business.

Ebikes market demand is higher among millennials who prefer riding for health benefits and because riding Ebikes enables them flexibility in choosing routes.

Therefore, starting an Ebikes business in 2024 can be a great business decision.

How much you can make: $110,000 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Partnered With Mark Cuban To Start A $250K/Month Company Selling eBikes

Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.

Read by 28,254 founders

11. Start a mobile karaoke experience

Karaoke service has become popular in urban places. Karaoke is fun for people because it allows them to socialize with friends, relieve stress while they perform a song they love, and it is also a way to let go of boredom.

Starting a mobile karaoke service in your home city or town can be fun and a way to earn extra money.

Identify a strategic location for your performances to start a mobile karaoke service. You can take the mobile karaoke to bars or restaurants or market your service to event planners and party organizers.

Compared to other entertainment-related services, mobile karaoke is one of the easiest to start and takes less time to move. All you need is to invest in a professional-level karaoke system which includes a karaoke machine, microphones, and speakers.

How much you can make: $12,000/month

How We Raised $45K To Build A Mobile Karaoke

Kelli Bielema and Vanessa Resler run The AirScream, a mobile karaoke lounge in a vintage Airstream located in Seattle, WA, which began as a successful Kickstarter campaign raising $45k.

Read by 9,464 founders

12. Start a campervan transformation service

Turn your passion for adventure into a business with campervan transformation services. This venture focuses on converting standard vans into cozy, customized campervans, making road trips and nomadic lifestyles more accessible.

Starting this business involves more than just a love for DIY projects. You'll need skills in carpentry, electrical work, and a keen eye for design. Sourcing quality materials and understanding customers' unique needs will be crucial for creating functional, durable, and stylish mobile homes.

The demand for campervan transformations has grown as more people seek freedom and flexibility in their travel plans. With a well-executed van conversion, you offer an appealing alternative to conventional travel, making a mark in an ever-expanding market.

Investing in this business means not only delivering a service but also helping others realize their dream of exploring the world on their terms. If you’re ready for hands-on work and creative problem-solving, this could be your next adventure.

How much you can make: $220,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $8K/Month Business Transforming Campervans While Traveling

Bryan+Jen Danger broke away from the 9-5 to create ZENVANZ, where they create campervan conversions, and their bootstrapped business now makes $8k a month with no marketing costs.

Read by 11,135 founders

13. Start a flip flop brand

The flip-flop business involves the design, production, and sale of open-toed sandals that are typically worn during the summer season.

As an entrepreneur in this field, your role is to oversee the creation of comfortable and casual styles that are suitable for a variety of settings, including the beach, poolside, and everyday wear.

It is important to utilize quality and durable materials to ensure that the sandals are long-lasting and meet consumer expectations.

With the world's population growing, launching a flip-flop brand is a great opportunity to tap into the surging demand for comfortable footwear, while keeping the startup costs to a minimum.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 720 days (?)

Growing an E-commerce Company With a Positive Mission to $350,000/mo

Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.

Read by 12,849 founders

14. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

Read by 18,086 founders

15. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

Read by 18,086 founders

16. Start a junk removal business

Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.

To begin, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

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

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

Read by 50,743 founders

17. Start a luggage storage business

Short on space but big on travel? A luggage storage business addresses the perennial problem of tourists needing a safe place to store their bags while they explore their destinations.

In simple terms, a luggage storage service offers secure, short-term storage solutions for travelers' belongings. Customers can drop off their bags and head off bag-free to enjoy their activities.

The appeal of this idea lies in its low start-up costs and high convenience factor. Many travelers would gladly pay a fee to avoid lugging heavy bags around. By partnering with local businesses like cafes and hotels, you can minimize overhead costs and ensure a steady flow of customers.

Consider this: with the growing trend of remote work and digital nomadism, the demand for flexible travel solutions, including luggage storage, is only set to rise. Starting a luggage storage business isn't just about providing a service; it's about meeting an essential need within the bustling travel industry.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,999 (?)

How I Turned A $5 Google Ad Into A Million Dollar Startup

Bounce CEO Cody Candee shares his experience co-founding a successful short-term storage marketplace which generated over $100k in annualized revenue within the first seven months of operation, expanding to new cities and offering more options such as delivery.

Read by 15,617 founders

18. Start a RV rental business

An RV rental business involves acquiring a fleet of recreational vehicles to rent out as campers for travelers and vacationers.

As an RV rental business owner, you supply motorhomes equipped with living essentials for road trips and outdoor getaways.

With flexibility around RV classes from luxury to budget rates, building inventories and customizing rental packages can create diverse revenue streams.

For hospitality-inclined founders seeking an accessible franchise, an RV rental company presents a promising venture as pandemic-weary travelers prioritize domestic trips focused on flexibility and the outdoors.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs

ROAMERICA, a campervan rental company founded by Taylor Hood and Gretchen Bayless who quit their full-time jobs to focus on their business and have expanded their fleet quickly to meet the demand of adventure-seeking customers, with most of their web traffic coming from organic Google searches and a focus on social media and brand awareness.

Read by 37,457 founders

19. Start a museum tours business

Step into the world of history and culture with a museum tours business. In simple terms, this idea involves organizing guided tours of local museums, offering enriched experiences that go beyond regular visits.

Your role will be to create engaging itineraries, collaborate with museum staff, and provide insightful narratives that captivate your audience. This business not only lets you share your passion for art, history, and culture but also builds meaningful connections with your community and tourists alike.

Consider the research and preparation required, such as learning about exhibits, obtaining necessary permits, and marketing your services effectively. The appeal lies in the ability to educate while entertaining, making every tour a memorable adventure.

If guiding curious minds through relics of the past sounds appealing to you, a museum tours business could be an exciting and rewarding avenue to explore.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How We Started A $2.8M/Year Renegade Museum Tours Company

Meet Museum Hack: The NYC-based company that made $2.8 million in revenue in 2018, offering renegade tours of the world's best museums through VIP, fast-paced, story-based, and social events, and now adapting to social distancing with online storytelling workshops.

Read by 6,581 founders

20. Start a surfboard business

Are you drawn to the surf culture and entrepreneurial spirit? Consider starting a surfboard business. This venture involves designing, crafting, and selling custom surfboards tailored to various skill levels and styles.

The business begins with understanding your target market and sourcing quality materials. You'll need to learn the basics of surfboard shaping and possibly hire skilled craftsmen. Setting up a workshop and a small showroom or online store is crucial for showcasing your creations.

Marketing is essential—utilize social media to reach surf enthusiasts and collaborate with local surf shops and influencers. Over time, hosting surf events or sponsoring local surfers can significantly boost your brand's presence.

Starting a surfboard business combines creativity with outdoor lifestyle passion, making it more than just a business—it's a way to live the surf culture every day.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $80,000/month

How long does it take to build: 44 days (?)

Landing A $200K Shark Tank Investment and Growing to $80k/mo

Slyde Handboards, co-owned by Steve Watts and his wife, saw revenue double every year since its LLC in 2010, becoming successful at attracting and retaining customers through its onsite content and efficient press coverage, and offering useful advice on how to find a manufacturer for a new product.

Read by 15,946 founders

21. Start a drinkware brand

A drinkware brand sells home and houseware products like cups, koozies, mugs, and other drinking accessories. If you've decided to try and create a business selling drinkware, there are certain things you need to know. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. You can get started for free, avoiding the hefty cost of setting up a brick-and-mortar shop. And if you take advantage of the right marketing strategies, you could be on your way to making money within a few weeks. The demand for custom-branded drinkware in the workplace has increased substantially over the past decade.

How much you can make: $115,000 — $12,000,000/month

I Grew A Drinkware Brand To $1.1M/Month At 23 Years Old

BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.

Read by 112,800 founders

22. Start a dessert boxes store

Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.

If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.

Here are some ideas for your inspiration.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

I Make $1.5M/Year Shipping Chocolate Penises To Your Friends

Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.

Read by 16,660 founders

23. Start an ice cream product

If you are looking for a hassle-free ice cream product business idea that anyone can easily start from the comfort of their home, consider the ice cream product business.

To start, create unique and delicious homemade ice cream flavors using simple ingredients.

You can sell your ice cream products online or at local markets, capitalizing on the popularity of artisanal and personalized treats.

With a straightforward production process and the ability to tap into the evergreen demand for sweet indulgences, the ice cream venture offers a simple and tasty way to turn a passion into a profitable business.

How much you can make: $16,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

On Starting A $16K/Month Handmade Natural Ice Cream Business

The Good Scoop, a California-based artisanal ice cream shop, started with a small Italian countertop ice cream maker and now has a production facility, wholesaling to various venues, offering frequent scooper programs, and using Instagram as their primary advertising platform.

Read by 16,159 founders

24. Start a women's clothing line

Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.

Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).

How much you can make: $500 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Grew My Clothing Boutique to $10K/Month in 6 Months

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.

Read by 36,945 founders

25. Start a bicycle company

A surge in exercise and heightened anxiety over public transportation during the Covid-19 pandemic are reasons more people have embraced biking.

Apart from being a form of exercise, using bicycles is also good for the environment as there are no emissions.

Therefore, starting a bicycle company can be a profitable venture. Research the market and choose a niche. Then, register your brand and focus on the production of high-quality bicycles.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How Two Brothers Started A $1M/Month Bicycle Brand

"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."

Read by 11,368 founders

26. Become an Airbnb host

If you are interested in becoming an Airbnb host, the first step is to create a listing for your property or a portion of it on the Airbnb platform.

This will allow travelers from all over the world to rent your space and enjoy a personalized and unique accommodation experience.

By creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing excellent service to your guests, you can enhance your profile and attract even more visitors to your property.

With the potential to earn a steady stream of passive income, becoming an Airbnb host can be an excellent way to monetize your property.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $270,000/month

How long does it take to build: 215 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped An Airbnb Management Service To $35K/Month

HostButlers is Ireland's first professional property concierge service for short-term rentals on Airbnb, boasting over 200,000 hosted guests and profitability from month 5.

Read by 23,998 founders

27. Start a towels business

The rising need for sanitation facilities, including toilets and bathrooms, is a crucial driver that fuels the demand for cotton towels.

If you are crafty, you can design and launch your towel brand. To develop a towel brand, you need a basic comprehension of art and design and an understanding of the fashion industry. You can join a fashion school or work with fashion designers to get the inspiration you need to start designing your towels.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $450,000/month

How Two Founders Started A $5M/Year Business Selling Beach Towels

Dock & Bay co-founders started their lifestyle brand by reinventing the towel to be sand-free, quick dry and super absorbent while staying compact, generating a turnover of $5.4 million within a few years through Amazon and social media marketing.

Read by 13,048 founders

28. 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 (?)

How I Took Food Trucks Corporate And Built A $18M Business

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.

Read by 15,654 founders

29. Start a volleyball net product

Establishing your own volleyball net business can be both practical and fulfilling. This business idea focuses on designing, manufacturing, and selling high-quality volleyball nets to sports enthusiasts, schools, and recreational centers.

Volleyball is a popular sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, presenting a consistent demand for durable and reliable nets. Your business could cater to this market by offering customizable options for different settings, from backyard games to professional courts. In addition, various niche opportunities exist, such as creating portable nets for beach volleyball or sets for youth leagues.

Getting started requires some initial investment in materials, production, and branding, but these elements are manageable with careful planning. The demand for quality sports equipment, combined with effective marketing, can position your product as a preferred choice for customers.

Entering this market allows you to blend business with passion for sports, making it a gratifying venture.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How We Invented A $2.5M/Year Four-Way Volleyball Net

CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.

Read by 12,353 founders

30. Start an outdoor sports store

Looking for a business that combines passion for the outdoors with entrepreneurship? Think about starting an outdoor sports store. This venture involves selling gear and equipment for activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Set up a brick-and-mortar shop in an area that attracts outdoor enthusiasts, or create an online store to reach a wider audience. You’ll need to stock popular items from well-known brands and offer expert advice that helps customers pick the right gear.

Building relationships with suppliers and understanding seasonal product demand will be key. There’s potential to host workshops or demo days to engage with the community and drive sales.

If the idea of doing business in the world of outdoor adventure appeals to you, an outdoor sports store could be both rewarding and profitable. The blend of passion and commerce might just provide the ideal work-life balance you’re looking for.

How much you can make: $1,985 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Starting A $1.5M/Year Business As A Single Mom

Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.

Read by 7,799 founders

31. Start a tourist guide business

There's no denying the profitability of a tourism business. If you know the state and cities well, starting a tour guide business can be a very lucrative idea. All you need is a license, and you can soon start working as a tour guide.

Listed are the steps on how to start a tour guide business.

  • Register your tour guide name business
  • Obtain necessary licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions
  • Organize your business operations
  • Start to promote and get clients

How much you can make: $200 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

How We Started A $10K/Month Food Tour Business

Serial entrepreneur Nico Jacquart shares how he and his partner validated and grew a global food tour company with tours in more than 50 cities worldwide, experiencing year on year growth of 100%.

Read by 7,153 founders

32. 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:

  • 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 I Started A Wildly Successful Food Tour Business

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.

Read by 21,177 founders

33. Start a car rental business

Starting a car rental business can be a profitable venture for those interested in the auto industry.

Retail and corporate are the main segments within the car rental industry. Retail car rentals focus on individuals who rent cars for shorter periods, while corporate car rental targets companies that want to transport clients or employees.

If you are starting a car rental business , target airports, hotels, railway stations, commercial offices, and other high-traffic areas.

Market your business, hire employees who will manage the operations and keep records, and purchase business insurance for both cars and employees.

How much you can make: $870 — $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs

ROAMERICA, a campervan rental company founded by Taylor Hood and Gretchen Bayless who quit their full-time jobs to focus on their business and have expanded their fleet quickly to meet the demand of adventure-seeking customers, with most of their web traffic coming from organic Google searches and a focus on social media and brand awareness.

Read by 37,457 founders

34. Start a jet ski rental business

Are you looking for a business you can start within the coastal locations? A jet ski rental business can be excellent if you target areas that attract water sports tourists. According to industry experts, the global market size for the water sports gear market will reach $55.2 billion in the next decade.

Therefore, starting the ski jet rental business can be a profitable business. To venture into the ski rental business, you may start alone or consider starting as a franchise partner. For an absolute beginner in this industry, a franchise would be advisable.

35. Start a mini golf business

Minigolf or miniature golf is a viable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a fun and entertaining business opportunity within the sporting sector.

Typically, mini golf focuses on aspects of its parent game, and it's played on courses consisting of a series of holes that feature short lengths.

Starting a mini golf business is not as difficult as you may think. You can choose to become a mini golf creation and contracting company or set up a mini golf course, where you charge the players per session.

Like any business, know your market and choose the right location for your business.

36. Start a farmers market

Farmer’s markets offer small businesses and farmers the chance to sell their products. The farmers’ market has become crucial to rebuilding local food systems and meeting the growing demand for locally produced food. A farmers’ market can be a successful business venture in your area if located strategically.

37. 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

How We Started A $1M/Month Business Selling HVAC And Energy Auditing Tools

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.

Read by 9,422 founders

38. Start a speed boat rental business

Boat hiring and boat rental services are tapping into the booming tourism sector. Water activities have become a significant tourist attraction, especially in coastal areas. Thus, boat hiring and rental are among the most attractive maritime business opportunities.

39. Start a wine tasting business

The wine industry is growing rapidly, making it a lucrative niche. With the growth projections, there is no better time to get into the winery industry than now. A great opportunity to explore is the wine tasting business.

A wine tasting business can be lucrative, and it is an inexpensive business idea. Ideally, a wine tasting business provides clients with an environment to sample new wine flavors. You do not need a sommelier certification to start a wine tasting business. In fact, with a business license and alcohol distribution permit, you can start your wine tasting business.

40. 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 (?)

41. Start a party planning business

Party planning involves budgeting, establishing party timelines, selecting and reserving ideal party sites, acquiring permits, theme décor, and coordinating party catering and transportation.

Are you organized, creative, and client-focused? You can put those skills into starting a successful party planning business. To become a party planner, you must desire to help other people enjoy themselves. Besides, you need diplomacy, salesmanship, and multitasking skills.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 6 hours/week

How I Started A $35K/Month Event Decor Business

Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.

Read by 17,922 founders

42. Start a sprinkler installation business

Homeowners need a sprinkler to water their lawns, flowers, and vegetable gardens. If you are in the landscaping business and looking for a potential business opportunity that costs little money to start, consider the sprinkler installation business.

Sprinklers are usually inexpensive and do not require much effort to install.

If you are an ambitious entrepreneur interested in landscaping or gardening, consider starting a sprinkler installation business.

43. Start a travel youtube channel

A travel YouTube channel shares videos of anything from you or your family traveling to places you have been to or even things you have seen. There are several goals for starting a travel YouTube channel. For example, You can make money from it or use the channel to promote your travel agency.

However, you should do some research before starting your channel to know what kind of content you want to create and what type of equipment you need.

44. Start a summer camp

Starting a summer camp business can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone looking to enter the education and recreation industry. Summer camps offer children and young adults a chance to participate in various activities and experiences, including sports, crafts, nature hikes, and more.

To start a summer camp business, you will need to secure a location, typically a large piece of land with various amenities such as cabins, a pool, and a dining hall. You will also need to hire a team of trained and experienced staff members to oversee the campers and lead activities. Marketing and advertising will be important to attract potential campers and their families, and you may want to consider offering promotions or discounts to attract new business.

According to a report by the American Camp Association, the summer camp industry generates over $15 billion in revenue annually, with approximately 14 million children attending camps each year. It is a popular and growing business opportunity, with an estimated 2,400 new camps opening in the United States each year.

Starting a summer camp business can be challenging, but with proper planning and execution, it can be a rewarding and successful venture. By providing a safe and engaging environment for children to learn and grow, you can positively impact their development and create lasting memories for them and their families.

45. Start a doggy day care

A Doggy Daycare is where dogs can be taken care of while their owners are at work or school. A dog daycare center is a place where dogs can play with other dogs.

If you have a lot of time and are passionate about animals, Starting a dog daycare service is another great way of making money from home. A dog daycare service might interest you if you’ve ever taken care of other people’s pets!

You can charge people interested in having their dogs looked after while they are away from home or busy with work. It could be worth it if you enjoy interacting with pets and helping people look after them properly.

Your income as a dog daycare owner depends on where you live, your demographic, and your costs as a dog daycare owner you can earn anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 a year before taxes.

46. Start a lawn care service

Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.

To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.

To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

Read by 5,246 founders

47. Start a car wash

As more people purchase vehicles, the demand for carwash services will keep increasing. Starting a car wash can be the ticket for the budding entrepreneur looking for an innovative business idea with low startup costs.

You must choose an ideal location and invest in quality car wash equipment to operate a successful car wash. Proper advertising and marketing are critical to running a successful car wash business.

How much you can make: $3,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $36K/Year Auto Detailing Business Working 3 Days Per Week

Joey Sanchez turned his love for car detailing and buying and selling cars into a successful mobile auto detailing business in Phoenix, Arizona, making $3K a month working only 3 days a week, with plans to eventually open a shop location.

Read by 3,591 founders

48. Start a liquor delivery business

With the fad for ordering food and drinks online, owning a liquor delivery business can be fun and rewarding. Most liquor consumers today prefer skipping trips down the liquor store and instead order the drinks online.

To start a liquor delivery business, partner with liquor suppliers and focus on advertising their liquor online. When customers order and pay, you can take up the fulfillment task or have the dealer deliver to the consumer.

49. Start a private jet business

A private jet is an aircraft designed to transport small groups of people. Private jets offer a controlled, flexible experience, which commercial flights cannot provide. Demand for private jet charter services has soared, creating a business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Business people, celebrities in the entertainment industry, and politicians are some people using private jets more often. If you are interested in aviation and looking to start a business, you may consider the private jet sector.

Your options include becoming a private jet pilot, buying and selling private jets, a private jet service center, or a private jet charter service.

50. Start a plant stands business

The ornamental indoor houseplant trends enhance aesthetics, complementing the interior design and bringing the room together. The hanging plants are among the favorite indoor plants you will find today. To create a strong aesthetic with climbing plants, décor experts use plant stands.

A plant stand is a wooden, metallic, or plastic material that holds potted houseplants. Plant stands are available in different shapes and sizes, and maybe a simple pillar to hold one pot or multiple levels to hold many plants.

Given the increased adoption of climbing plants in indoor space décor, introducing the plant stands can be a lucrative business opportunity. If you are starting a plant stand business, your customers or target market can include home décor experts, offices, and homeowners.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Turned My Plant Passion Into A $1.2M/Year Online Plant Store

Founder Monika Kalinowska turned her passion for plants into a sustainability and animal welfare-focused business, quadrupling revenue each year to reach +/-100k a month in 2021, by focusing on Instagram marketing, good SEO, a strong email list, and running workshops to attract and retain customers.

Read by 5,307 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.