The 40 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In West Virginia [2024]
Interested in starting a business in West Virginia in 2024?
We put together 33 of the best businesses you can start in West Virginia today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in West Virginia.
Here's the full list:
1. ($60K/year)
Starting a sportswear brand in West Virginia could be a fantastic opportunity for those with a passion for fashion and athletics. Brandon Rogers exemplified this by launching LVLS Sportswear in Martinsburg, WV. His company has garnered attention from athletes and social media followers alike, thanks to its unique and high-quality products inspired by Rogers' international basketball training experiences.
LVLS Sportswear, based in Martinsburg, WV, achieves over $5,000 in recurring monthly revenue, driven largely by innovative products like single-leg tights and compression shirts. Rogers' success story demonstrates that with dedication and smart marketing strategies, including SEO and TikTok engagement, you could build a thriving home-based sportswear business. For more details, check out the full case study here.
LVLS Sportswear founder, Brandon Rogers, has created a line of unique and high-quality sportswear inspired by his global basketball training experiences, with products selling out in a matter of months and generating over $5,000 in recurring revenue a month, attracting attention from key athletes and social media followers, with SEO and TikTok user engagement serving as key drivers of customer attraction and retention.
2. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)
Starting a cannabis business in West Virginia presents a unique and lucrative opportunity. With the continuous growth of the cannabis industry and legalization trends, you could tap into a market projected to reach billions in revenue. Not only does this sector show promising financial potential, but there's also a wealth of successful case studies from entrepreneurs who have ventured into this field.
The evolving legal landscape in West Virginia offers a ground-floor opportunity for prospective business owners to establish themselves early. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, the entrepreneurial possibilities are vast. To delve further into what it takes to start a cannabis business, you can explore more details on this business idea.
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.
3. Start a cbd business ($1.02M/year)
Starting a CBD business in West Virginia could become a lucrative opportunity, especially given the increasing acceptance and demand for CBD products. As research continues to reveal the potential health benefits of CBD for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, locals are becoming more open to trying these alternative treatments. This surge in interest positions you to tap into a growing market with diverse possibilities.
You could delve into various high-potential avenues such as becoming a CBD distributor or even launching a specialized CBD subscription box service. With the forecasted market growth and rising awareness, entrepreneurial-minded individuals in West Virginia can seize this chance to carve out a profitable niche. For more inspiration, check out these success stories of others who have thrived in the CBD industry.
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.
4. Start a subscription box business ($1.17M/year)
Starting a subscription box business in West Virginia presents a unique opportunity to tap into the state's diverse local culture and rich variety of artisanal products. You could curate boxes that highlight local crafts, foods, and the natural beauty that West Virginia is known for, creating a special connection with your subscribers.
Moreover, subscription boxes cater to a growing demand for personalized, exclusive experiences delivered conveniently. With West Virginia's strong sense of community and support for local businesses, you could quickly build a loyal customer base by offering products that celebrate what makes the state unique. Check out some successful case studies to inspire your own venture.
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
5. Start an online advertising agency ($2.12M/year)
Starting an online advertising agency in West Virginia could be a highly promising venture. The state's growing number of small businesses and the relatively low cost of living makes it an attractive place to set up shop. With a local focus, you could help businesses in West Virginia reach wider audiences through targeted digital marketing campaigns, leveraging the state's burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.
Moreover, by offering discounted services initially or building a compelling portfolio through mock campaigns, you could quickly garner a strong local clientele. This approach allows you to showcase your capabilities and drive word-of-mouth referrals in the community. For inspiration and practical tips from those who have succeeded, explore our successful case studies of online advertising agencies.
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
6. Start a supplements company ($4.71M/year)
Starting a supplements company in West Virginia could be a lucrative opportunity given the state’s growing focus on healthy living and fitness. You could appeal to local fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and wellness influencers who prioritize their nutrition, especially since West Virginians are increasingly seeking ways to improve their well-being.
Plus, with the ability to run the business from home, this venture is relatively inexpensive compared to other businesses. You could leverage successful case studies to inspire and guide your efforts. Explore more details about launching your own supplements company here.
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
7. Start an etsy shop ($570K/year)
Starting an Etsy shop in West Virginia offering handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies could be a promising venture. West Virginia's rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts could give your store a unique edge, enabling you to tap into a niche market with products that reflect the state's Appalachian roots.
You could leverage the low cost of living in West Virginia to create competitive pricing, while the close-knit community environment could offer strong local support. Additionally, operating from home reduces overhead costs and allows you to reach a global audience through Etsy's established platform. For inspiration, check out these successful case studies of Etsy sellers.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
8. Start a beverage company ($17.7M/year)
Starting a beverage company in West Virginia could be a lucrative venture due to the state's natural resources and growing interest in locally-made products. With access to natural springs and high-quality water sources, you could produce a unique line of beverages that stand out in the market. Additionally, the increasing popularity of craft beverages like artisanal sodas, local craft beers, and specialty juices provides a robust platform for innovative product development.
West Virginia's close-knit communities and strong support for small businesses can also offer a fertile environment for your venture. The state's numerous local farmers' markets, festivals, and events provide excellent opportunities for direct-to-consumer sales and brand promotion. To learn more about starting a beverage company, check out this detailed guide and successful case studies from other entrepreneurs who have thrived in this industry.
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.
9. Start a skills training business ($1.14M/year)
A skills training business could thrive in West Virginia due to the increasing demand for professional development and the state's strong community ties. With a growing recognition of the global skills training market projected to reach $47.2B by 2027, you have a lucrative opportunity to provide valuable services to individuals seeking to enhance their skill sets.
By leveraging a website-oriented online presence, you could make your offerings accessible to more people, further broadening your reach. Additionally, with a modest initial investment required, starting a skills training business allows you to achieve financial freedom while making a meaningful impact on your community. For more details and real-life examples to inspire your venture, check out these successful case studies.
Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.
10. Start a publishing business ($5.9M/year)
Starting a publishing business in West Virginia could be an excellent opportunity due to the state's rich literary heritage and growing interest in local stories and authors. The scenic beauty and unique culture of West Virginia provide a wealth of material that you could publish, whether that be books, magazines, or digital content, making it easier to attract a dedicated readership.
You could leverage the state's community-focused mindset by collaborating with local writers and artists, further fostering a sense of regional pride and engagement. Plus, with the low cost of living and doing business in West Virginia, starting a publishing venture here could be more affordable than in other states. Check out more on how to get started and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.
11. Start a personal care products ($4.04M/year)
Starting a business in personal care products in West Virginia could tap into a growing market driven by an increasing consumer focus on wellness and self-expression. Given the state's close-knit communities and strong local pride, you could foster a loyal customer base by highlighting locally-sourced, organic, or cruelty-free ingredients, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer.
West Virginia’s natural beauty and abundance of local flora present unique opportunities for creating distinctive products that stand out in the market. By starting small with key hero products and leveraging social media marketing and influencer collaborations, you could build brand awareness and customer loyalty effectively. For more details on how to venture into this business idea, visit Starter Story and explore successful case studies.
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
