55 Tourist Town Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a tourist town business in 2024?
We put together 55 of the best tourist town businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other tourist town businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a boutique
You may consider opening a boutique if you are passionate about the fashion and textile industry.
A boutique is a shop that sells clothes. Opening a boutique is a dream for entrepreneurs who want to experience the joy and freedom of owning a cash business. Starting a boutique is easy and can be managed by a single individual. In addition, a boutique requires a comparatively smaller capital to start.
To succeed, the boutique owner must coming creativity and passion.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
2. Start an online vape shop
Looking to tap into the booming e-cigarette market? Consider launching an online vape shop. This venture focuses on selling vaping devices, accessories, and e-liquids to customers through an online platform.
Setting up an online vape shop involves creating a user-friendly website, establishing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. It's a market with growing demand as more people turn to vaping as an alternative to smoking.
What makes this business appealing is its scalable model and the opportunity to cater to diverse customer preferences with various products. Whether it’s sourcing unique e-liquid flavors or the latest vaping tech, the potential to carve out a niche is substantial.
An online vape shop isn't just about selling products; it's about building a community of loyal customers. By providing valuable content and exceptional service, you can create a brand that vapers trust and turn your business into a go-to destination.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Jeremy Ong built Vape Club from an MVP vape subscription box business to a top online retail store in Malaysia, earning a monthly revenue of USD 60,000 with only 2 team members, primarily through blogging, SEO and email marketing with a CLTV of $400.
3. Start a private escort firm
Are you looking to start a unique business that caters to personalized social experiences? Consider launching a private escort firm.
In simple terms, a private escort firm provides companionship services for clients seeking company for various occasions, be it social events, business functions, or personal engagements. Your role will be to connect clients with trusted and vetted companions, ensuring a professional and safe experience for all parties involved.
This business idea stands out because it offers a tailored service that meets the specific needs of individuals who require companionship for short-term engagements. It’s an industry that values discretion and professionalism, attributes that can set your firm apart in a competitive market.
Starting a private escort firm requires careful consideration of legal regulations and a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards. However, the rewards can be significant, both in terms of financial gain and the satisfaction of providing a valuable service to clients.
How much you can make: $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
Founder of a high-end escort service in The Netherlands discusses the ups and downs of running a controversial business, with revenue reaching multi-million dollars annually and a focus on creating a professional and intimate experience for clients.
4. 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
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.
5. Build an iPhone app
The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.
The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.
The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.
It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
6. 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 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.
7. Start a cleaning service
A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.
By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
8. Start a photo booth business
A photo booth business involves providing a portable and automated photography setup that allows individuals to take fun and creative pictures at events or venues.
This business is becoming more popular for various occasions like weddings, parties, and corporate events, providing a unique and entertaining experience for guests.
To start a photo booth business, you need to invest in quality equipment, create a user-friendly website to showcase your services and market your business to event planners and individuals hosting celebrations.
How much you can make: $50,001 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
9. Start a restaurant
If you love cooking and are passionate about entrepreneurship, starting a restaurant can be a fun and lucrative business.
To get started, choose a great location, and hire an excellent support team. You will need a chef to inspect the food and line cooks, waiters, and waitresses to serve the customers. No matter the restaurant type, you need great culinary and business skills to make your dream come true.
If you plan to open a restaurant , gain insight from consumer preferences and focus on serving modern consumers what they need.
How much you can make: $124,998 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.
10. Start a destination wedding service business
11. Start a boat cleaning service
Boat cleaning is a low barrier to entry business, with high-profit margins and low competition. If you love working on boats and looking forward to starting a boat business, this could be your best time to start the boat cleaning business.
To start a boat cleaning business, target the regions where boats are a popular means of transportation and fishing. Advertise your business, and focus on offering superior service so customers keep returning and referring your services to others.
12. Start a shuttle service
A shuttle service business provides transportation services to individuals or groups between two locations. This could include airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, or corporate shuttles. To start this business, you will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license and purchase or lease a vehicle that meets the requirements for shuttle services. Depending on your location, you may also need to obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
To run this business successfully, it is important to have a well-planned and organized schedule to ensure that you can meet your clients' needs. Having reliable and trustworthy drivers who can provide a safe and comfortable customer experience is also important. Providing excellent and timely customer service will be key to attracting and retaining clients.
To market your shuttle service business, you may consider partnering with hotels, airports, or corporate clients to offer your services to their customers. You could also advertise online or through local print or radio advertisements. Building a strong online presence through a website and social media channels can also help to attract new clients.
Overall, a shuttle service business can be a lucrative and rewarding endeavor as long as you can meet your clients' needs and provide reliable and efficient transportation services.
13. Start a private hostel business
A private hostel is a residential premise or center set up by a private entity to accommodate paying guests on a rental basis for a fixed duration. Private accommodation for tourists and travelers can be a good option if you love meeting and hosting different people while creating a passive income from your business.
Setting up your own private hostel business takes a lot of planning. First, find the ideal location and check all the local zoning laws. Then, procure (buy/lease) a perfect building and equip it with beds and other accommodations for guests.
To attract business, network with tours and travel companies and advertise the business on social media.
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
14. Start a tour guide business
Can you offer a native perspective of a town you know well? If yes, starting a tour guide business can be a significant business venture. Tour guides charge tourists per tour and provide visitors with an area with local tour narration and navigation.
To start a tour guide business, choose an area you know, and study its history. Visitors will often ask questions and expect you to answer them. Therefore, you have to be well-versed in the areas you will cover.
You can partner with a tour & travel company or a game park near you and offer the visitor's tour guide services.
15. Start a bike rental store
Bike rental is one of the most profitable business ideas most people overlook. Today, bike rental is in high demand, especially among people who love outdoor activities. Today, people prefer renting a bike as opposed to buying one. Moreover, bikes offer a hassle-free and quicker ride option for daily commuters. In that regard, starting your own bike rental business is exciting and can be profitable.
If you are starting a bike rental business, some avenues you could use to increase business profitability include:
- Targeting tourists
- Reaching out to biker clubs
- Biking training schools
- Cater to employees in organizations that encourage the use of bikes
Use bike rental software to manage bookings, and market your business on social media and biking clubs, to maximize bookings.
16. Start a surf brand
Tropical islands feature amazing beaches with calm waters and are great for surfing. The fantastic weather and calm waters make the beaches within the tropical islands an attractive destination for surfers.
Therefore, starting a surf brand in the tropical islands can be a profitable business. Alternatives include surfing lessons, surfing boards, and surfing accessories.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)
Ventana Surfboards & Supplies co-founder David Dennis discusses their environmentally responsible surf company that has seen their boards triple in value over the last three years, and has grown a profitable eco-apparel line, focusing on compelling content and stories to attract customers.
17. Start a fitness center
Are you interested in starting a business that revolves around health and body fitness? How about setting up a fitness center?
A fitness center business is a health, recreational, and social facility geared towards exercise and other physical activities. These centers serve people who may want to do workouts to get into shape and improve their overall health.
The health and fitness industry is one of the fastest-growing industries today. Some factors behind the sector’s popularity include a health-conscious population who want to avoid lifestyle-related illnesses, social media influence, and a shift towards better healthcare.
Starting a fitness center business can be a fun and profitable venture. If you plan to start the business, secure a good location, and equip your fitness center adequately. You may choose to operate entirely online or a hybrid model where you have the physical fitness center and the online one.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $59,000/month
How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)
BioFit is a fitness studio that offers safe and effective exercise through high-intensity training (HIT) methodology, using adaptive resistance exercise (ARX) machines that can achieve results in as little as 20 minutes a week, with an 80% closing ratio, over 70% client retention, 125 clients, and an average monthly revenue of $20k.
18. Start a gift shop kiosk
The gifting culture is a trend that will not end anytime soon. People will look for customized or surprise gifts for their friends, parents, relatives, and colleagues.
Do you love the gifting tradition and looking for a chance to help others improve their gifting experiences? Maybe you can start a gift kiosk in your neighborhood.
A Gift kiosk sells greeting cards, books, candy, jewelry, fragrance, inspirational gifts, and baby and fashion items. To start, identify the niche, and set up the shop at a strategic location. It would be best to have high-quality suppliers so your business stands out and attracts return customers.
How much you can make: $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Meet Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages, which began with $50k in revenue in 2019 and is now on track to make $5M in revenue this year, while donating 10% of revenue to children's hospitals throughout the United States.
19. Start a cruise ship travel agent business
Cruise ship travel agents are professionals who work on board cruise ships. They are responsible for helping passengers plan their trips, make reservations for shore excursions, and assist them with any other travel-related needs.
Cruise ship agents may specialize in a specific area of expertise, such as booking tours or finding excursions that match the interests of the passengers. For example, if the passenger is interested in wildlife viewing or diving, then the agent might have extensive knowledge of which tours would be best for them to take.
The first step to starting a cruise ship travel agent is to find a cruise line you are interested in. The next step is to find out if the company has any openings for an agent. If they do, you will need to apply for the position. If not, you may need to wait until one becomes available.
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
20. Start a sea food restaurant
Seafood restaurants can be a fun way to become an entrepreneur and earn a living. Start by picking the type of seafood restaurant to open. This is especially important if the target area has other seafood establishments. Then, create a working budget and write a good business plan for a seafood establishment. Secure working capital and legitimize your business to avoid trouble with the local authorities.
Finally, contract reliable seafood suppliers, hire staff and market your business.
21. Start an ice cream business
If you have ever dreamed of owning an ice cream business, [[current_year]] might be the year to make it happen.
An ice cream shop is the easiest and, if done right, the most profitable business venture you will ever begin. Experts predict the ice cream market size in the coming years will grow at a CAGR of 4.2%.
A few reasons for expanding the market include the availability of innovative flavors and the growing popularity of impulse ice cream products like cones, sandwiches, and pops. Additionally, health consciousness among consumers is likely to increase the demand for premium ice cream brands.
Here are some ice cream business ideas you might consider:
- Start an ice cream cone production business
- Start a vegan ice cream business
- Start an ice cream cookbook business
- Start a drive-thru ice cream and frozen yogurt business
- Start an ice cream producer business
- Start an ice cream spoon manufacturing business
- Start an ice cream wholesaler
- Start an ice cream truck business
How much you can make: $65,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
22. Start a hotels business
If you are considering starting a hotel, then it is time to implement your plan. There are five key elements to understand if you want to succeed in this industry: location, size, budget, experience, and market demand.
Here are some tips to consider before forming a hotel:
- Name your business
- Decide on a marketing strategy
- Start by renting out a room in your home.
- Hire a business capital broker
- Try Airbnb
- Make a marketing plan
- Offer complementary services
How much you can make: $15,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 325 days (?)
Boyd Hollow Resorts is launching a 5-star boutique resort and event center based on a fiction book that will be the first of many Villages to be built around the world, with over 200 event inquiries received before launching.
23. Start an exotic fruits selling business
24. Start an ethnic eatery business
25. 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.
26. Start a water park business
A water park business is a fun and exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the amusement and leisure industry. This type of business involves the design, construction, and operation of a large outdoor water park that features a variety of water rides, slides, pools, and other aquatic attractions.
Running a successful water park business requires a significant investment in land, infrastructure, and equipment and a strong marketing strategy to attract customers. It is essential to conduct market research to determine the demand for a water park in a particular location and the type of attractions that will appeal to the local market.
Regarding operational considerations, it is crucial to prioritize safety and cleanliness, as these are vital factors that can impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the water park’s attractions and facilities is also necessary to ensure they are in good working order and meet all regulatory standards.
To attract and retain customers, it is important to offer various ticketing options and promotions, such as season passes, group discounts, and special events. Additionally, offering food and beverage options and renting out space for private events can provide additional revenue streams for the business.
Overall, a water park business can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs who are passionate about the amusement and leisure industry and are willing to put in the time and effort to create a successful and enjoyable experience for their customers.
27. Start a waterslide center business
28. Start an apartment rental business
An apartment is a private residence divided into several separate dwellings. If you are interested in starting an accommodation and housing-related business, apartment rental can be a good fit. Your target customers can be business executives, dignitaries, travelers, etc.
To start your business, look for a strategic location and build or buy a ready property. When purchasing an apartment, you may need to renovate the property to be suitable for rental.
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
29. Start an outdoor yoga studio business
The number of yoga studios has increased tremendously over the past decade. Experts attribute the increase to the growing awareness of the benefits of Yoga among people of different age groups. With the increased uptake of yoga, you want to start your own outdoor yoga studio.
To start, determine your goals and decide on the budget. You also need to complete market research and do competition research.
Here are a few questions you want to concentrate on answering:
- Who is your target market? Think in terms of age group, abilities, and gender.
- What kind of Yoga classes will you offer? You might offer a broad range of classes or cater to a super-specific niche.
- What’s the pricing structure? You could charge per session or use a subscription-based approach.
- What differentiates your services from what the competition offers? Try to identify gaps and think about everything Yoga customers want.
- What are your goals, and how will you achieve them? Put your business goals in a business plan and include action plans to help you achieve them.
30. Start a steam bathing center business
31. Start a fishing guide business
Ready to turn your passion for fishing into a livelihood? Consider starting a fishing guide business. In simple terms, you'll offer expert guidance and memorable fishing experiences to enthusiasts, ranging from novices to seasoned anglers.
What makes this idea compelling is the blend of work and recreation. You get to spend time on the water while earning a living. Plus, the personal satisfaction of teaching others the art of fishing can be incredibly rewarding.
To get started, you'll need to familiarize yourself with local fishing laws and secure proper licensing. Building a strong local reputation and leveraging social media for marketing are crucial steps. This business isn't just about casting lines—it's also about customer service, networking, and continuous learning. If you’re passionate about fishing and enjoy helping people, this could be your next fulfilling venture.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)
AquariumStoreDepot is a highly-profitable business in the niche market of aquatic animal keeping, averaging $8-10k per month with a high revenue month of $13k, and expanding over time from dropshipping to proprietary agreements.
32. Start a craft business
If you have artistic passion and the skills to make unique art, consider starting a craft business. Craft businesses make jewelry, clothing design, card making, painting, sculpting, ceramics, among others.
According to research, the global handicraft market size will reach over $1252 billion in the next decade.
The best websites to sell your crafts include:
How much you can make: $1,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 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.
33. Start a luggage delivery business
34. Start a coffee shop
Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.
If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
New Zealand-based Fernweh is a subscription service that offers subscribers a new coffee roaster featured in the country each month, delivering coffee, tasting notes, and a story about the producer in a unique package for around $40 a month.
35. Start an eco tours service business
Discover a business that combines adventure and sustainability: eco tours. Offering eco tours means guiding travelers through breathtaking natural landscapes while promoting environmental appreciation and conservation.
This business focuses on providing unique travel experiences that emphasize sustainability and respect for the environment. Imagine leading small groups on hikes through pristine forests, snorkeling in coral reefs, or exploring cultural heritage sites—all while educating your customers on the importance of preserving these treasures.
Starting an eco tours service involves building deep knowledge of local ecosystems, partnering with conservation organizations, and ensuring minimal environmental impact in your operations. Despite the effort, the rewards include not just profit, but also the chance to foster a love of nature and sustainable practices among your clients.
For those passionate about the environment and outdoor activities, launching an eco tours service is a compelling way to turn your love for nature into a fulfilling, impactful business.
How much you can make: $25,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1400 days (?)
A group of founding partners have crowdfunded enough money to purchase a private island in Belize, which will soon develop into a boutique resort and is expected to open in 2023, following a successful launch through social media and press releases.
36. Start a hotel booking platform
The explosively popular Airbnb and countless similar services have proven that the market for home and apartment rentals is growing rapidly.
As an entrepreneur who loves travel, you see an opportunity to extend this model to hotels.
That’s why you start a hotel booking platform where travelers can search for and book accommodations worldwide.
The market size of the online hotel booking platform industry worldwide amounted to nearly $518B in 2020.
Starting a hotel booking platform can be so interesting as an idea that can proliferate. It doesn’t require any license, no inventory — only mobile phones, an internet connection, and some motivation to succeed.
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
37. Start a night club
Night clubs are entertainment venues comprising dance floors, light shows, and a stage for playing live music or featuring DJ music. Humans enjoy dance, and many societies incorporate dance as a prominent aspect of entertainment, socializing, and progression.
Thus, a nightclub is one of the best nighttime business ideas you can start today. Every city has its picks for the most prominent nightclubs, bars, and dance floors.
How much you can make: $3,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $450 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Denver Pub Crawl is a US-European hybrid experience for tourists and locals run by Tyler, with operations that not only were able to scale around variables like capacity and number of attendees, but also managed to grow his team from two part-time members to a team of four, including a paid intern, while answering the question of what the future looks like: continuing to push, grow, and create.
38. Start a hookah bar
If you are planning to start a night time business in cities like New York, one of the options you may consider is the Hookah bar. Also known as shisha bars, the hookah bars sell tobacco from a communal hookah placed at each table.
The hookah bars market has grown significantly over the past decade and is expected to reach $ 1.7 million in the next few years. Establishing a Hookah bar is a great opportunity as you will profit from the growing market.
39. Start a laundry business
Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.
One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.
In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.
Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
40. Become a bed and breakfast owner
Bed and breakfast is a sort of hybrid between a luxury hotel and a private home. The host offers the guests affordable accommodation featuring a bed and breakfast at the room's price. B&Bs offer affordable accommodations and are becoming popular among travelers who prefer a private setting.
If you have realistic expectations, B&B can be a profitable and enjoyable business. To start, you can renovate and turn your home into an inn. Alternatively, you can build or buy a ready house and convert it into a modern B&B.
41. Start a souvenir shop
A souvenir shop is a retail store that sells items that are typically associated with a particular place or event. These items can range from t-shirts and hats to postcards and magnets.
To start a souvenir shop, you must find a suitable location, such as a busy tourist destination or a famous shopping center. You will also need to purchase inventory, such as souvenirs and other novelty items, and attractively display them. You may also need to invest in marketing materials, such as signage and social media advertising, to attract customers.
To operate a souvenir shop, you must keep track of your inventory and restock as needed. You should also keep track of your sales and expenses to ensure your business is profitable. Customer service is also essential in this type of business, as you will interact with people from different parts of the world.
Overall, a souvenir shop can be a fun and rewarding business idea for those who enjoy interacting with people and showcasing unique products. If you are interested in starting your souvenir shop, do thorough research and seek advice from experienced business owners. Good luck!
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
42. Start a pizza store
The global pizza market share is expected to reach $5138 Billion, and the market growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.11%. One of the key factors driving growth in the pizza markets is the availability of innovative and exotic flavored pizzas, which drives are more prominent among the millennials.
Moreover, the growing desire for convenience foods and customization of food products will facilitate the pizza market growth. Therefore, starting a pizza store in 2024 can be a profitable business venture. To start, find an attractive location where your business will be visible to customers.
43. Start a mobile hair salon
With the ever-increasing number of people in the world becoming increasingly mobile, the demand for mobile hair services will also increase. Mobile hairstyling is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Making money while driving around in your car or truck may sound enticing.
Listed are the steps to start a mobile hair salon business.
- Plan your business
- Register your business
- Secure permits and licenses
- Get certificates
- Purchase needed materials and supplies.
- Connect with clients. Promote your business
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Natural Girl Wigs is a 7-figure business, reaching six-figures just six months after launch, by creating Afrocentric extensions and protective styles catering to black women all over the world, with strategies including Instagram and Whatsapp, viral word-of-mouth, and targeted Facebook ads and email marketing.
44. Start a candy shop
Nothing is as enticing as a display of colorful and yummy sweet treats. Adults, teens to little kids will spend money on sweet treats. Therefore, opening a candy shop can be profitable and a fun business. Luckily, a candy shop is a low-capital business yet very profitable.
You can start as a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer, and as you learn the industry dynamics, turn to candy making business.
45. Start a kayak rental business
If you happen to live near a lake or a water body, you may consider starting a kayak rental business. Kayak rental is a low-expense business and easy to operate without so much involvement in person. If you want to keep the business passive, you may want to operate it by appointment only.
46. Start an adventure clubs business
Craving a career that combines the thrill of the great outdoors with business acumen? Consider starting an adventure clubs business.
In essence, an adventure club organizes excursions and outdoor activities for groups eager to explore nature. Think hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more, all curated for varying skill levels.
The appeal lies in offering experiences rather than products. With more people valuing memorable activities over material goods, this business model taps into a growing market. Key responsibilities include planning exciting itineraries, ensuring safety, and fostering a sense of community among members.
Starting an adventure club requires a love for the outdoors and excellent organizational skills. Partnering with local guide agencies and securing insurance are necessary foundational steps. It creates not just a business but a lifestyle around adventure and camaraderie. If you’re passionate about nature and connecting people, this might be the perfect venture for you.
How much you can make: $14,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
How two ice-skating world travelers built a wedding photography business with a focus on intimate, outdoor weddings, working mainly in Yosemite National Park, where they managed to attract clients almost solely through content marketing and SEO, bringing in an average of 12-18k per month.
47. Start a limousine service
48. Start an airport bus shuttle services
An airport bus shuttle service transports people and luggage to and from or within airports. An airport shuttle service can be profitable to operate.
If you plan to start an airport bus shuttle, focus on building alliances and partnerships with companies and local businesses that will supply you with customers.
49. Start a gas station
Fuel demand is constantly increasing, confirming the narrative that "economies run entirely on gasoline." With millions of vehicles on the highways daily, the need for gasoline will keep rising.
Owning a gas station may make a sound investment decision. Additionally, gas stations aren't limited to motor fuel and motor-related products. The owners of gas stations also operate convenience stores, car washes, and service bays.
Starting a gas station can be a lucrative business opportunity.
50. Start a mobile pet grooming
Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.
Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.
Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.
51. Start a sports bar
People drink when they are happy or depressed. Opening a sports bar can be an excellent opportunity to earn money no matter their mood.
Are you looking for a strip mall business idea? You can start a sports bar at your nearest strip mall. You can sell take-away wines, spirits, whiskey, or beers and have a sitting place for customers who enjoy drinks at the bar.
52. 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.
53. Start a flower shop
Do you enjoy designing floral arrangements for special events like weddings or holidays? If so, owning a flower shop can be exciting and rewarding.
However, setting up the business for success can be overwhelming.
As a florist, your role is to touch people’s emotions with the flowers. The career requires creativity and design skills to appeal to your target customers. You need to love and enjoy working with flowers and have some patience.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.
54. Start a grocery store
A grocery store sells a wide variety of food products, fresh or packaged, and other household & personal care items. The grocery store industry is the largest retail channel that makes $682 billion in the United States.
To start a basic grocery store, you can expect to spend a minimum of $50,000. Ideally, the bigger expense would be the rent, equipment, labor cost, cash registers/POS systems, and software. Some of these are recurring monthly fees. However, the location, size of the store, competitors, and local customers will significantly impact the business. A new grocer should sell more items for a lower price to make a more significant profit.
A new grocer can also save costs by buying the items from local distributors. The distributor is the middleman between the manufacturer and the grocery store selling it. Once the store cost and location are decided, the next step is to obtain a seller license. In most states, a grocer's license is required to run a grocery store.
Thus an average grocery store has a profit margin of 3% to 5%. The profit rates depend on the store's location, size, and popularity. On average, a small to medium grocery store can make a profit of up to $300,000 annually if all the profit factors are considered.
Another way to make your business more profitable is to diversify your store and add amenities like a coffee shop or stocking up the front of the store with magazines, batteries, etc., as these items can cross a margin of up to 70%. As a rule of thumb, offering lower prices on higher purchases will ultimately win more customers and increase profitability.
55. Become a massage therapist
Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.
Building a successful massage therapy business is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.
Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
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.
