The 39 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Washington [2024]

Updated: September 10th, 2024

Interested in starting a business in Washington in 2024?

We put together 96 of the best businesses you can start in Washington today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Washington.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a men's underwear brand ($24M/year)

Starting a men's underwear brand in Washington could be a promising venture, particularly if you focus on quality and inclusive design. Consider the success story of TomboyX, a gender-neutral clothing company started by Fran Dunaway in Seattle, Washington. By emphasizing fit, quality, and inclusivity, TomboyX has grown its revenue over 100% each year and expanded from zero employees to 15 within just two years.

TomboyX initially began with a different product but pivoted to focus on underwear after recognizing market demand. They built a loyal customer base by listening to feedback and offering a wide range of sizes from XS to 4X, which demonstrates how an initial niche focus can lead to wider opportunities. To read more about their journey, check out their case study.

How A Gender Neutral Garment Became A $500K/Month Business

TomboyX, a gender-neutral clothing company, has consistently increased its revenue over 100% each year and expanded from zero employees to 15 in just two years by focusing on quality underwear and listening to customer feedback.

Read by 11,473 founders

2. Start a mattress brand ($24M/year)

Starting a mattress brand in Washington could be a lucrative business venture, especially given the success of Mattress Depot USA. Founded in Bellevue, WA by David Smith, Mattress Depot USA transformed from a warehouse operation to a specialty sleep omnichannel retailer, achieving $24M in yearly revenue. They gained a dedicated customer base by offering high-quality mattresses at discounted prices, proving the demand for affordable, quality sleep solutions in the market.

David Smith's journey can serve as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs in Washington. Starting small by leveraging warehouse space and gradually expanding to retail storefronts, Mattress Depot USA demonstrated a scalable business model that capitalized on purchasing brand name clearance mattresses and off-brand alternatives. You could follow a similar path, offering competitive pricing and focusing on customer satisfaction to carve out your niche in Washington's mattress market. For more insights, check out the case study.

How We Built Our Discount Mattress Company To $24M/Year

Learn how Mattress Depot USA went from operating out of a warehouse to becoming a specialty sleep omnichannel retailer with $24M in yearly revenue by offering customers a low-cost, high-quality mattress buying experience.

Read by 6,279 founders

3. Start an ebikes business ($14.4M/year)

If you're looking to start a home-based business in Washington, consider an e-bikes venture. One successful example is ENVO Drive Systems, founded by Ali Kazemkhani, which has seen impressive growth, doubling year over year. ENVO specializes in designing and building affordable clean mobility solutions like e-bikes, etrikes, and electric snow bikes. The business started in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but its success story demonstrates the potential of e-mobility solutions in any market, including Washington.

With a growing consumer base of over 20,000 riders and an expanded B2B dealer network from 30 to 120, ENVO reflects the increasing demand for sustainable transportation. By focusing on affordable and high-quality products, you could tap into this lucrative and eco-friendly market, positioning yourself at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution in Washington.

How We Make $1.2M/Month Selling Electric Bikes [20K+ Customers]

ENVO Drive Systems, an e-mobility product development and retail company, has doubled growth year over year, expanded its B2B dealer network from 30 to 120, and has surpassed its consumer base to more than 20k riders, all while designing and building affordable clean mobility solutions for the future.

Read by 4,496 founders

4. Start a smart home camera business ($12M/year)

Starting a smart home camera business presents an exciting opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs in Washington. One great example is Wyze Cam, founded by Yun Zhang in Kirkland, Washington. They launched their first product, a smart home camera, in October 2017 and managed to sell over 300,000 units within the first six months.

Leveraging a direct-to-consumer model and strong supplier relationships, Wyze Cam made smart home technology more accessible and affordable. This success story from Kirkland shows that with the right team and vision, you could build a thriving tech business in Washington. For more details, you can check out their case study.

Going Viral And Selling 300,000 Cameras In 6 Months

Wyze Labs' CEO and founding members, who met while working at Amazon, have successfully launched their first product, a smart home camera, in October 2017, selling over 300k units within the first six months, using a direct-to-consumer low margin, high volume model along with their strong relationships with suppliers in China.

Read by 21,978 founders

5. Start a publishing business ($7.2M/year)

Starting a publishing business in Washington offers a range of opportunities, especially within the growing niche of health and wellness. By leveraging digital content, physical cookbooks, courses, and paid media, you could create a multi-faceted revenue stream. For instance, Nourishing Brands, founded by Jeremy Hendon in Washington, is a shining example. They generated over $600k per month and sold more than 300,000 cookbooks in 2020 through platforms like KetoSummit.com.

Jeremy and his wife began by hosting digital events and later transitioned to publishing cookbooks and evergreen courses to scale their business. Nourishing Brands capitalized on the rising popularity of the keto diet, proving that timely, targeted content can resonate deeply with a health-conscious audience. For a detailed look into their journey, check out their case study. By staying attuned to market trends and providing valuable content, you could achieve similar success in your publishing endeavors.

How We Started A $600K/Month Business Selling Keto Cookbooks And Mealplans

Nourishing Brands is a direct-to-consumer media company that generates more than $600k per month and sold over 300,000 cookbooks in 2020 through their popular health websites like KetoSummit.com by transitioning from digital events to cookbooks, evergreen courses, and paid media.

Read by 9,220 founders

6. Start a flip flop brand ($6M/year)

Starting a flip flop brand in Washington offers you the chance to create a unique and impactful business from the comfort of your home. You could draw inspiration from Combat Flip Flops, an e-commerce business started by Matt Griffin in Issaquah, Washington. This company not only sells stylish flip flops but also supports artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones.

Matt Griffin's vision has led to significant social impacts, such as funding 217 years of school for Afghan girls and clearing 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos. Combat Flip Flops distributes its products directly to consumers through their website and social media. For more on their inspiring journey, check out the case study.

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

7. Start an ice cream product ($4.8M/year)

Starting an ice cream product from home could be a sweet business opportunity in Washington. With the right mix of creativity, quality ingredients, and effective marketing, you could see substantial growth in this niche market. Emulating the success of Ice Cream Factory, which was started by Shannon Imler in Eldon, MO, USA, can provide you with a proven roadmap.

Shannon began her business with just ten ice cream containers and expanded it to over 400 stores, aiming for impressive revenue milestones. By focusing on customer needs, leveraging social media marketing, and appreciating employees, she turned a small-town idea into a huge success. For an inspirational case study, check out this link to see how Shannon built her thriving brand.

How I Started A $400K/Month Ice Cream Brand With Presence In 400+ Stores

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.

Read by 8,381 founders

8. ($3.6M/year)

If you're exploring home-based business opportunities in Washington, consider the promising field of talent acquisition and remote staffing. You could create a platform that connects remote technical talent with high-growth startups and enterprises, leveraging AI technology and a vast database of pre-vetted candidates. This market is ripe for growth as companies continue to prioritize remote work capabilities.

A shining example of such a venture is ThirstySprout, founded by David Stepania in Seattle, WA. ThirstySprout successfully connects top-tier remote technical talent with notable clients like Mailchimp, Rover.com, and many VC-backed startups. Last year, the business operated through a team of 40-60 remote contractors and generated $2.5 million in gross revenue, with strategic plans to double in the coming years. Explore more about their journey in this case study.

Starting A $2.5M/Year Top-Tier Technical Talent Marketplace From Scratch

ThirstySprout, a talent acquisition platform, connects remote technical talent with high-growth startups and enterprises, boasting a team of 40-60 remote contractors and $2.5 million in gross revenue last year, with plans to double that in the next year or two.

Read by 3,337 founders

9. Start a bedding company ($3.6M/year)

Starting a bedding company in Washington presents a fantastic opportunity for those who are passionate about sustainability and quality. Soaring Heart Natural Beds, founded by Mike Schaefer in Seattle, Washington, is a stellar example of a successful home-based business in this niche. They have excelled by hand-crafting organic beds and bedding while avoiding petroleum derivatives, plastics, synthetics, or added flame retardants.

Their commitment to a healthy planet and high-quality products has garnered them over 35 years of success, with 25% of their business being conducted online and the rest through two brick-and-mortar stores in the Seattle area. This shows that with a focus on sustainability and excellent customer service, you could thrive in the organic bedding market. To learn more about their journey, check out the case study on Soaring Heart Natural Beds.

Running A Furniture Company For 30+ Years and Moving Online

Soaring Heart Natural Beds is a thriving Seattle-based organic bed and bedding company with 25% of their business online, two brick and mortar stores, and a commitment to a healthy planet by producing sustainable, green products that avoid using petroleum derivatives, plastics, synthetics or added flame retardants or fumigants in any of their products.

Read by 5,648 founders

10. Start a supplements company ($2.4M/year)

If you're passionate about health and wellness, you could start a supplements company right from your home in Washington state. Benjamin Hebert started Natural Stacks in Seattle, focusing on brain health supplements with a patented nootropic formula. This business grew rapidly, generating over $100,000 in revenue within its first 100 days by emphasizing transparency, customer experience, and niche marketing.

Benjamin Hebert's journey with Natural Stacks demonstrates the potential for success in the highly competitive supplement industry, especially when you commit to quality and transparency. His flagship product, the CILTEP stack, is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and dedicated research. To learn more about Hebert's story and gain inspiration for your own venture, check out the full case study.

Starting a Mental-health Focused Supplements Company and Growing To $200,000/month

NaturalStacks.com co-founder Benjamin Hebert shares how the company thrives in the competitive supplement industry with a patented nootropic formula and prioritizes transparency, customer experience, and niche marketing to grow its business, which generated over $100,000 in revenue in its first 100 days.

Read by 14,708 founders

11. Start a crm business ($1.92M/year)

If you're entrepreneurial-minded and living in Washington, starting a CRM business could be a lucrative venture. The need for comprehensive tools that manage sales, marketing, customer service, and operations is growing, especially as businesses aim to streamline and integrate their processes.

A successful example of this in Washington is GreenRope, founded by Lars Helgeson in Gig Harbor, WA. GreenRope is a complete CRM and marketing automation platform that began as an email marketing SaaS and expanded to include a variety of business management tools. With a commitment to organic growth and customer-centric values, GreenRope serves over 1,000 customers in 20 countries without outside investment. To learn more, you can read the detailed case study on GreenRope.

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

12. Start an event planning business ($1.8M/year)

Starting an event planning business in Washington offers numerous opportunities, given the diverse landscape and vibrant economy. This type of business can range from wedding planning to corporate events, and the flexibility to work from home makes it an attractive option for many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mystery, a company founded by Shane Kovalsky in Seattle, Washington, is a prime example of a successful event planning business that leveraged local opportunities. Mystery provides unique virtual events and corporate gifting services with a surprise element, catering to over 20,000 engaged users in just two years. If you’re interested in reading more about how Shane developed and grew Mystery, you can check out the full story here.

Successfully Pivoting From Surprise Event Planning To B2B Events And Corporate Gifting

Mystery is an experiences platform with over 20,000 engaged users in just over two years, offering a surprise element to virtual events and corporate gifting.

Read by 7,652 founders

13. ($1.8M/year)

If you're entrepreneurial-minded and live in Washington, starting a strategic growth agency could be a lucrative business idea. By helping brands develop their strategies, amplify their messages, and achieve their ambitious growth goals, you could tap into various industries such as tech, healthcare, and academia. This kind of business thrives on building strong relationships and adding significant value to its clients.

A specific example of this business model in action is Lone Fir Creative, founded by Tyler Pigott in Gig Harbor, WA. Established in 2015 with an initial investment of just $300, Lone Fir Creative has grown impressively to reach annual revenues of $3.5M-$4M by focusing on strategic growth for brands. You can read more about their inspiring journey in this case study.

How I Grew My Digital Marketing Agency To $3.5M/Year

Lone Fir Creative, a strategic growth agency catering to tech, healthcare, and academic brands, reached $3.5M-$4M in revenue this year since being founded in 2015, with a primary focus on building relationships with key communities and adding value for clients.

Read by 3,541 founders

14. Start a phone repair business ($1.44M/year)

One profitable opportunity in Washington for entrepreneurial-minded individuals is to start a phone repair business. This kind of business can cater to both individual consumers and businesses that require bulk device repairs. By leveraging your technical skills, you could provide repair services for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, offering convenience and cost savings for your customers. With a well-strategized marketing approach and a strong online presence, it's possible to build a successful phone repair business.

A prime example of this is TechUnwreck, started by Matt McCormick. Although originally based in Chicago, IL, TechUnwreck started as a side hustle and has now grown into a business that expects to handle 30,000 repairs annually and generate $3 million in sales by 2021. They found success by focusing on bulk device repairs for schools and businesses through a mail-in solution. For more details on how this business was started, you can check out their case study.

How Cracking My Screen Led Me To Build A $2.7M/Year Business

TechUnwreck, a mail-in bulk device repair service for schools and businesses, started as a part-time side hustle learning to fix phones after its founder's own phone broke and is now expecting to do 30,000 repairs per year and $3 million in sales in 2021, thanks to a committed hiring process, in-person repair model, and online reputation.

Read by 4,881 founders

15. Start a junk pickup business ($1.2M/year)

If you're considering starting a business in Washington, a junk pickup service could be an excellent opportunity. This type of business addresses a constant and burgeoning need as people and businesses consistently need to dispose of unwanted items efficiently. Ben Sharpe recognized this potential and acquired Junk B Gone, a leading junk removal service in Seattle, Washington. Under his leadership, the company nearly doubled in size based on revenue, expanded the team from 8 to 12 members, and implemented key tools for improved customer experience.

Junk B Gone stands as a prime example of a successful junk removal business in Washington. By focusing on both residential and commercial clients and leveraging technology like CRM systems and efficient scheduling software, Ben Sharpe was able to significantly grow the business. You can read more about the journey and specifics of this business in this detailed case study. This story illustrates the growth potential and community impact you could achieve by starting a junk removal service in the Evergreen State.

How We Acquired A Junk Removal Business And Grew It To $1.2M Per Year

Case study - Ben Sharpe acquires Junk B Gone, a leading junk removal service in Seattle, and nearly doubles its size based on revenue, expands the team from 8 to 12, and implements key tools like CRM, Jobber, and website improvements to drive growth and improve customer experience.

Read by 2,960 founders

16. Start a remote hiring company ($1.02M/year)

Starting a remote hiring company can be a profitable venture, particularly in a state like Washington where the tech industry thrives. You could offer specialized services by connecting businesses with talented professionals from around the globe, particularly focusing on regions with high-quality, untapped talent pools. This model leverages the increasing trend of remote work and can be a relatively low-cost, home-based business idea.

Gino Ferrand's TECLA, which was started in Seattle, Washington, is a prime example of a successful remote hiring company. TECLA connects startups with pre-screened tech talent in South America, and as of 2019, it has almost 9,000 remote candidates and over $1 million in revenue. Ferrand's experience highlights the possibilities for entrepreneurs in Washington to tap into global talent pools and run a scalable, profitable enterprise from home. You can read the full case study here.

How I Started A $85K/Month Business Connecting Companies With Tech Talent In South America

TECLA is a bootstrapped business connecting startups with pre-screened tech talent in South America, boasting almost 9,000 remote candidates on their platform and over $1 million in revenue as of 2019.

Read by 9,968 founders

17. ($600K/year)

One promising home-based business idea you could consider in Washington is starting a marketing and public relations agency. These agencies provide essential services such as social media management, digital marketing, email marketing, media relations, and website design. With businesses continuously seeking to enhance their online presence and brand awareness, the demand for these services is consistently high.

Three Girls Media, Inc., founded by Erika Taylor Montgomery in Rainier, Washington, serves as an excellent example of a successful marketing and PR agency. Grossing about $550,000 annually and employing a team of 11, Three Girls Media offers a comprehensive range of media services to small and mid-size B2B and B2C companies. This success story displays the potential and profitability of starting your own agency in Washington. For more details on Erika’s inspiring journey, check out the case study.

I Decided To Be My Own Boss And Start A $600K/Year PR Agency

A marketing and public relations agency founded by Erika Taylor Montgomery, Three Girls Media grosses about $550,000 annually and is a team of 11 who offer a range of services including social media management, digital marketing, email marketing, media relations, and website design and build.

Read by 3,169 founders

18. Start a software integration plugin ($500K/year)

Starting a software integration plugin can be a lucrative business idea, especially in a tech-savvy state like Washington. You could create a tool that bridges the gap between popular platforms, automating workflows and saving users time. For example, Gorilla ROI, a business started by Jae Jun in Seattle, Washington, developed a Google Sheets add-on that seamlessly connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets. This innovation addresses a critical need for Amazon sellers to automate and optimize their sales and inventory data management.

By focusing on a specific niche and leveraging organic inbound marketing, you could achieve significant monthly revenues as demonstrated by Gorilla ROI, which brings in $12,000 per month. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out their case study to see how Jae Jun turned a personal frustration into a profitable business. Washington offers a fertile ground for similar entrepreneurial ventures, especially with its strong tech ecosystem and support for startups.

How I Launched A $12K/Month Amazon Seller Central And Google Sheets Integration

Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.

Read by 10,761 founders

19. Start a membership management software ($480K/year)

If you're considering starting a home-based business in Washington, you could explore the idea of launching a membership management software. This type of SaaS platform helps organizations sell and track memberships efficiently. By focusing on ease of use and scalability, you could cater to a variety of local clubs, associations, and non-profits that need an organized system to manage their members.

A specific example of this business in Washington is Join It, founded by Mitch Colleran in Seattle. Since its inception, Join It has grown to make $20,000 per month by attracting customers through Google Ads, Organic Search, and Word of Mouth. If you're curious about how Mitch started and scaled his business, you can read more about it in his case study.

How I Quit My Job And Launched A SaaS Company From Spain

Join It, a bootstrapped SaaS platform that helps organizations sell and track memberships, has been making $20,000 per month and is attracting customers through Google Ads, Organic Search, and Word of Mouth, despite being turned down multiple times by incumbent membership platforms.

Read by 33,277 founders

20. Start a mobile karaoke experience ($144K/year)

If you love karaoke and have an entrepreneurial spirit, you could start a mobile karaoke experience in Washington! This innovative business involves transforming a vehicle into a karaoke lounge, offering a party-on-wheels for various events such as corporate gatherings, private parties, and weddings. The concept allows for a self-contained karaoke unit that can be easily transported and set up at different locations, making it a flexible and attractive entertainment option.

A great example of this business idea is The AirScream, started by Kelli L. Bielema in Seattle, WA. This mobile karaoke lounge operates out of a vintage Airstream, bringing a unique and fun experience to events all over the city. By raising $45k through a successful Kickstarter campaign, Kelli and Vanessa Resler were able to kickstart their business and offer a novel way for people to enjoy karaoke. For more information, you can check out their story here.

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

21. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)

Starting a cannabis business in Washington could be a lucrative endeavor, given the state's progressive stance on marijuana legalization and its established consumer market. Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, providing a mature and receptive market for new business ventures.

With legal marijuana sales projected to reach $22 billion by 2022, there's a substantial opportunity for growth and profitability. Moreover, inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs in this industry could serve as motivation for your own business journey. For more details on this business idea, check out this detailed guide and explore successful case studies to gain further insights.

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.

Read by 17,982 founders

22. Start a cbd business ($1.02M/year)

Launching a CBD business in Washington could be a lucrative venture, given the state's progressive stance on cannabis and its derivatives. With the CBD market projected to grow by a CAGR of 21.7% in the coming years, there's considerable potential for early entrants to establish a strong presence. Washington residents are known for their preference for natural and holistic health solutions, making CBD products highly appealing.

As a local entrepreneur, you could explore opportunities such as becoming a CBD distributor, starting a CBD subscription box service, or even making and selling CBD bottles and containers. To see real-world success stories and more detailed insights, take a look at Starter Story's successful CBD business case studies. These examples might inspire and inform your venture, providing a roadmap to navigate this high-growth sector. For more detailed guidance on starting a CBD business, visit this comprehensive guide.

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.

Read by 17,982 founders

23. Start an ai-based business ($335K/year)

Considering Washington state's strong tech ecosystem, starting an AI-based business could position you perfectly to tap into a wealth of resources and innovative talent. With tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon calling the state home, there is a robust infrastructure and networking potential to launch and scale an AI-driven venture successfully.

Whether you develop AI-driven customer service bots or predictive analytics tools for healthcare, the possibilities are vast and varied. This burgeoning field promises opportunities to revolutionize traditional sectors, and case studies show how others have effectively seized this potential. Explore more about this exciting business idea here. Dive in, and you could be at the forefront of the next major technological advancement.

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,999 founders

24. Start an artificial intelligence business ($720K/year)

Establishing an artificial intelligence business in Washington could be especially promising given the state's robust tech ecosystem. With major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in the region, you could leverage abundant local talent and networking opportunities to nurture your AI venture.

Moreover, the AI market is poised for exponential growth, with an estimated increase of 54% YoY, presenting a significant opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. Explore successful case studies and get inspired to dive into this evolving field today. For more ideas and a deeper dive, visit our full list of top artificial intelligence business ideas.

How We Started Our $100K/Month Medical Artificial Intelligence Software Company

AdviNOW Medical uses artificial intelligence to automate clerical work, resulting in doctors being able to focus solely on patients and patients seeing more doctors every day, leading to increased profitability while solving healthcare issues.

Read by 9,284 founders

25. Build an ai tool ($3.57M/year)

Starting an AI tool business in Washington could be an exceptionally promising venture due to the state's strong tech ecosystem and high demand for innovation. With tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in the region, there is a concentration of talent, investment, and industry collaboration opportunities that could give your AI startup a significant edge.

Additionally, Washington's robust startup culture and access to leading research institutions, such as the University of Washington, could provide the resources and connections you need to develop advanced AI solutions. Leveraging these local advantages, you could cater to various industries, from healthcare to finance, that are looking to incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and customer experience. For more insights, you could check out successful case studies on AI tools or learn more about the business idea.

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,548 founders

26. Start a tech company ($7.85M/year)

Starting a tech company in Washington is a promising venture due to the state's robust tech ecosystem and highly skilled workforce. With major tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in the region, you could tap into a thriving network of tech professionals and resources. This environment creates an ideal platform for innovation and collaboration, providing an edge to your startup.

Additionally, Washington's proximity to top-tier educational institutions fosters a continuous pipeline of talent and research, making it easier to find knowledgeable employees or partners. The state also offers numerous funding opportunities and incentives for tech startups. For more details on the potential and success stories, you can explore this article and check out successful case studies from other tech entrepreneurs.

How I Started A $8.5M/Month Company Providing Marketing Solutions To SMBs

Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.

Read by 14,106 founders

27. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)

If you’re based in Washington and have a strong background in IT, starting a technology consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for you. Washington is home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, presenting a robust market where local businesses increasingly depend on technology to drive innovation and growth.

With many entrepreneurs not coming from an IT background, you could help them navigate the complex landscape of modern technology. This offers a valuable service to startups and established companies alike. For more insights, check our detailed guide on starting a technology consulting business and explore success stories of those who have thrived in this field.

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.

Read by 8,102 founders

28. Start a business growth service ($1.81M/year)

Starting a business growth service in Washington could be a fantastic opportunity due to the state's vibrant and diverse economy. With thriving tech hubs in Seattle and Bellevue, and robust sectors like aviation, agriculture, and green energy scattered across the state, businesses are continually seeking strategic expertise to sustain and scale their operations. Your service could help these companies navigate growth challenges and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

Moreover, many Washington businesses are keen to enhance their digital presence and streamline operations to maintain a competitive edge. By offering tailored strategies for digital marketing, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency, you could provide indispensable value to clients. This type of business is perfect for entrepreneurial-minded individuals with strong strategic skills, providing both personal fulfillment and a significant income potential. To see how others have succeeded in this field, explore these successful case studies.

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,023 founders

29. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)

Starting a pet company in Washington presents a lucrative opportunity due to the state's strong pet ownership culture. With a higher-than-average number of pet owners, you could meet a rising demand for pet-related products and services, ranging from food and toys to grooming and training.

Washington residents often value flexible and community-driven businesses. By offering mobile services or working out of your home, you could cater to pet owners who might not always have the time or means to visit a physical location. For more details on starting a pet company or to see successful case studies in this industry, check out our resources.

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

Read by 20,746 founders

30. Create a mobile app ($844K/year)

If you have a groundbreaking idea for a mobile app, Washington is an ideal state to bring it to life. The region is a tech hub, home to giants like Microsoft and Amazon, which creates a rich ecosystem for budding app developers. You could leverage the talent pool, networking opportunities, and specialized local resources to get your concept off the ground.

Additionally, Washington has a vibrant startup scene with ample access to funding through venture capital firms and angel investors. Consider diving into the possibilities of mobile app development and see your vision transform into reality. For more insights, check out detailed information on starting a mobile app business and read about successful case studies from entrepreneurs in this field on our website.

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,002 founders

31. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)

Washington's dynamic business environment makes it an excellent state to start a B2B lead generation service. With a thriving tech industry in Seattle and a growing number of startups, you could capitalize on the high demand for quality leads. Helping businesses connect with potential clients is a valuable service, especially in a competitive market.

Additionally, the state's focus on innovation and tech-driven solutions aligns well with the use of technology tools in lead generation. For more details on how you could start a B2B lead generation service and explore successful case studies, visit Starter Story. Entrepreneurs with skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building will find this venture both scalable and in constant demand.

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

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32. Start a web design & online marketing business ($1.55M/year)

Starting a web design & online marketing business in Washington could be a lucrative opportunity given your knowledge of website design and marketing concepts. The online marketing industry is vast and growing, predicted to increase by 30% annually and reach $400 billion in the next four years, providing ample opportunities for you to tap into this expanding market.

With the state's strong emphasis on technology and innovation, you could find a wealth of potential clients ranging from startups to established businesses looking to enhance their online presence. For more details on this business idea, you can explore our web design & online marketing business guide, and for some inspiration, check out these successful case studies.

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

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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.