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Starting a small business has never been easier. Whether you're looking to break free from traditional employment or simply want to supplement the salary from your day job, there are countless business opportunities to turn your passion or skills into .

In this post, I’m sharing 30 business ideas across various industries, grouped into categories to help you find the right opportunity based on your resources, interests, and goals.

Table of Contents

• Online Business Opportunities
• Low Barrier to Entry Business Opportunities
• Entrepreneur Opportunities
• Service-Based Business Opportunities
• Emerging Business Opportunities

Online businesses have exploded over the last 10 years. With and global ecommerce set to surpass by the end of 2024, the internet has unlocked a global market open to anyone ready to seize the opportunity.

As Tommy Landry of explained, “While many older workers were taught to pursue security in the form of a full-time job, that is no longer the only way to make a living. In fact, it has become super easy to make the leap to independence.”

If you're ready to get in on the action, here are seven online businesses you can start today.

1. Web Design

Finding great web designers and developers can be challenging, and that's why freelance web designers are highly sought after.

As Ashley Faulkes, founder of , explains, one of the biggest reasons behind this is that the industry is overrun with cheap yet underskilled designers and developers.

“Web design and development has gotten a bad rap lately with so many cheap options available, but I still find clients who want a personal and professional touch,” she says.

“You can start with the basics and produce top-notch sites using online tools, or start with WordPress and good themes and page builders. Focus on quality and great communication, and you will soon make a name for yourself.”

2. App Development

comes from mobile devices. As more people turn to their phones for daily tasks (myself included), the demand for mobile apps to fulfill those tasks continues to grow. This creates a massive opportunity for anyone looking to tap into this space.

Whether you’re building an app for yourself or developing apps for others, mobile app development is a business idea worth exploring. With the mobile app market projected to reach a staggering , now is the perfect time to get involved.

3. Amazon Selling

In 2023, Amazon generated nearly , with third-party sellers accounting for on the marketplace.

Selling on Amazon is incredibly straightforward, and services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which handles packing and shipping, make it even easier.

But if you’d rather not deal with the hassles of selling physical products, consider self-publishing a book on the Kindle Direct Publishing platform (you can learn more about ) or promoting existing listings to earn commissions as an affiliate.

4. Etsy Selling

If you're looking for a business opportunity that allows you to tap into the growing market for unique, handmade, and vintage items, could be the perfect platform for you. This online marketplace brought in over alone and has created success stories like Hannah Gardner, who made over .

If you’re unfamiliar with the platform, think of it as an online art fair combined with the reach of a marketplace like eBay. Best of all, setting up a shop is simple and affordable, making it a great starting point for newbies.

5. Course Creation

Platforms like , , and make it easy to create, market, and profit from courses you design yourself. While most courses aren’t accredited, that’s reflected in the more accessible pricing for students.

Online courses are more popular than you might expect. “Online courses are huge right now,” says David Hoos, Head of Marketing at marketing agency. “They can be incredibly helpful to develop niche skills, and businesses often use them for professional development. If you have a unique skill that you can organize and share, a course is a great way to do it!”

I’ve taken a few Coursera courses and loved the flexibility of learning at my own pace from anywhere. So, it’s no surprise to me that the online education market is projected to reach an astounding .

The demand is clear, and the opportunity is growing. If you have knowledge to share, consider creating a course and getting a piece of the pie.

6. Social Media Influencing

A few years ago, making money through social media might have sounded like a pipe dream. But now? It’s hard to ignore that countless people are turning their online presence into real income by having an engaged audience.

The influencer marketing industry is booming — it’s grown over three times since 2019 and was valued at .

And here’s something I’ve learned: you don’t need millions of followers to make it work. Micro-influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers are doing really well by focusing on small but loyal communities. if you’re curious about what influencers at different levels are earning.

Sure, it’s not for everyone. But if you’ve got the personality, patience, and passion for creating content, making money as an influencer is a real possibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-BXKQmkoc

7. Affiliate Marketing

is a business model that allows you to earn money without creating or delivering any products or services. The idea is simple: You promote an existing product or service through online platforms like your blog, social media, email, etc., and you earn a commission whenever someone clicks your link and makes a purchase.

, for example, offers affiliates a 30% recurring commission for every referred customer.

What I find so appealing about affiliate marketing is the potential for passive income. You don’t have to create products — just share the ones you already use and love. If you’ve built an engaged audience, it gets even more seamless and profitable. With just one post, your followers can drive income straight to you — without worrying about inventory, service delivery, or customer support.

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A Shopify survey of 150 aspiring entrepreneurs and 300 small business owners in the U.S. found that small businesses spend

I don’t know about you, but that’s a pretty hefty amount to invest in a new, untested venture — especially when you’re just starting.

The good news? You don’t need that kind of capital to get started. Here are eight business ideas you can launch with little to no money upfront.

1. Freelance Writing

As more businesses come online, there's a real opportunity to put your skills to work for clients who need text for their websites, blogs, or digital marketing materials. Some of the most common freelance gigs in this space include:

• Content Writing. Creating articles that drive traffic to websites.
• Copywriting. Writing compelling sales copy that boosts conversions and revenue.

You can even narrow your focus further, specializing in case studies, whitepapers, or other specific forms of content.

The best part? Freelancing lets you pick the projects that interest you while enjoying the flexibility to work from wherever you choose.

If you decide to explore this idea, here’s some solid advice from Jeremy Noronha, former head of SEO at : “Go where your customers are, not where your competition is. Many freelancers who get started tend to hang out in online communities with their peers and not their potential clients. The best way to develop and build the right relationships is to provide value in all the places your ideal clients spend their time.”

2. Resume Writing and Career Coaching

I remember my first resume — it wasn’t terrible, but it could have definitely been better. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if a little guidance and polish might have led to more callbacks.

This is where business opportunities like resume writing come in.

Most employers expect candidates to submit a polished, up-to-date resume when applying for jobs. However, many job seekers struggle to create high-quality CVs that stand out.

If you have experience in human resources or a talent for crafting compelling resumes, resume writing could be a great small business opportunity for you.

There are plenty of people on who’ve successfully offered this service to thousands of clients, earning thousands of dollars in the process.

Career coaching could also be an excellent next step if you want to expand and offer a more comprehensive service. As a career coach, you can help clients map out career plans, provide valuable tips, and offer guidance as they navigate their professional journeys.

What’s great about this is that you’re leveraging the skills and experience you’ve built throughout your career to create a profitable venture. Plus, you can work from anywhere, set your hours, and connect with clients via phone, email, or video chat.

3. Tutoring

What in-demand skills do you have that you could teach to others? Whether it’s teaching a language, offering music lessons, or helping with reading and writing skills, you can start offering these services today as 1:1 or group sessions.

I’ve personally worked with tutors for everything from math lessons as a kid to piano lessons as an adult. Tutoring is a market I don’t see disappearing anytime soon, and the research backs that up. The private tutoring market is projected to

It’s important to note that your rates will depend on factors like your experience, location, and the subject you’re teaching. But the great thing about tutoring is that most clients will need ongoing support, which can provide you with a reliable, steady income. Plus, virtual tutoring allows you to work from anywhere and dictate your schedule.

4. Pet Sitting

As someone who’s had pets for most of my life, I’m more than happy to invest in their health and wellness. And I’m not alone — the pet industry reached .

Pet sitting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to serve devoted pet owners like me and earn an income. Millions of folks want the peace of mind of knowing that someone is there for their fur baby, ensuring they‘re comfortable and safe while they’re gone.

You can begin by connecting with pet owners in your neighborhood, but if there’s not enough demand nearby, platforms like and are great for finding potential clients.

5. Thrifting

Have you ever spotted something on Craigslist that just needed a little TLC? That’s not just a hidden gem — it’s a potential business opportunity.

Plenty of people are cashing in by finding bargain pieces, refurbishing them, and selling them for a profit. Sophie Riegel is a great example — she by thrifting and reselling items on online marketplaces.

And the market is only growing. The global secondhand market is projected to reach Getting started is simple: visit your local thrift store, snag some great finds, and list them on eBay or Craigslist. With time, patience, and a good eye, you can tap into this booming market and start earning.

6. Home-Based Child Care

Childcare is and always will be essential to many families. Daycare centers don't come cheap and also present health concerns for families with immuno-compromised or at-risk family members or children.

If you're already spending the day watching your little ones, why not pocket a little extra cash by providing childcare to friends and neighbors, too? This can be a welcome solution for parents who need care but want to avoid the concerns of daycares with large gatherings, high prices, or strangers watching their kids.

7. Virtual Assisting

Working as a virtual personal assistant requires many soft skills that most of us already have or can pick up quickly. Plus, businesses are always looking for people to take on day-to-day tasks without the cost of hiring an assistant in-house.

Virtual assistants are helpful for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want to avoid dealing with the cost of office space yet need help with the grunt work. Once you narrow down your niche, it’s also pretty easy to get started. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn are fantastic for finding your first client and building some work experience.

8. Lead Generation

Almost every B2B company needs leads, but not all have the time or resources to acquire them. I’ve personally seen many businesses — whether agencies, software companies, or freelancers — struggle to find qualified leads to pitch their products or services.

While some companies offer automated lead data, the quality of those leads can often be questionable. That’s where the opportunity lies: there’s good money to be made for businesses too time-strapped to do it themselves. Take Alex West, for example — he’s grown his lead generation business, , to a solid $500,000 annual revenue.

If you’re looking for advice on getting started, Pushkar Gaikwad of has some great tips: "Partner with local marketing agencies and provide them with B2B data, prospects, and leads based on their needs. You can gather this data using various free and paid online tools. Once you’ve built a good process, you can even start a lead generation agency.”

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If you’re looking for opportunities to challenge yourself, take complete ownership of a project, and build something exciting, entrepreneurial opportunities might be the right fit. These businesses are more than side gigs — they’re scalable projects that can grow into thriving multimillion-dollar ventures.

1. Consulting

Consulting is an incredibly lucrative industry. In 2023, the management consulting market alone was valued at .

What makes it even better is that there’s room for everyone in this market — from small teams to giants like McKinsey. Whether you intend to work solo or hope to one day build a team, there’s potential to scale (or not) at your own pace.

That said, don't expect finding work in this industry to be easy. You’ll need to show clients you’re the real deal — usually through years of proven experience. Sometimes, a master’s degree or PhD might even be required.

2. Tech Startup

Launching a tech startup is one of the most exciting and rewarding ventures you can take on. Think about it — there are nearly (companies worth over $1 billion), and every single one started as a simple idea in someone’s head.

What excites me most about startups isn’t just the profit potential — it’s the journey. It’s about building something from nothing, solving meaningful problems, and pushing yourself to grow. Even if you don’t create the next unicorn, the skills and experiences you gain can be transformative.

With so many emerging industries, from AI and virtual reality to renewable energy, the opportunities are practically endless. And thanks to today’s tech tools — like no-code platforms and AI-powered marketing software — it’s never been easier to bridge skill gaps and bring your idea to life quickly.

There are also tons of valuable resources like Hubspot’s and to guide you through launching your company.

3. Creative Agency

Like consulting, creative agencies offer a lot of flexibility — you can remain a profitable boutique agency or scale up to become a powerhouse like . You also have the freedom to work across industries and focus on projects that genuinely excite you.

Compared to freelancing, a huge advantage of running an agency is partnering with people with complementary skill sets. This lets you offer clients more comprehensive solutions, making your agency more competitive and allowing you to take on larger projects. Additionally, agencies can typically charge higher rates because clients see them as a one-stop shop for specialized expertise and strategic insights.

4. Fashion Design

The fashion industry is projected to reach , making it a prime space for new entrepreneurs like you.

If you’re passionate about design but worried the market is too saturated, the truth is there’s always room for fresh, creative ideas. Personally, while I have a few favorite established brands, I’m always excited to see what new designers bring to the table.

What’s great about starting your fashion brand today is that consumers are increasingly looking beyond just the design. They want brands committed to ethical labor practices, sustainable material sourcing, and environmental responsibility.

The good news is these values don’t have to come at the expense of profitability — brands like prove that you can balance purpose with success.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for design into something bigger, starting a fashion brand could be the perfect way to do just that.

5. Food Truck

Running a restaurant can be risky due to high startup costs and overhead. However, I’ve found that food trucks offer a great way to reduce those expenses while giving you the flexibility to take your business on the road. This flexibility lets you test your concept in different locations and adapt to customer demand.

Izaak Crook of sums it up nicely, sharing, “Food trucks are a great way to showcase your culinary skills without the hefty costs of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Plus, you can take your food to different events and festivals, helping to raise awareness for your brand.”

He also suggests creating a mobile app for your food truck to help build customer loyalty, offer rewards, and even enable pre-ordering.

A prime example of a food truck's potential is , founded by Chef Adam Sobel. What began as a vegan food truck in New York City evolved into a celebrated brand, offering a food truck, a blog, an online culinary academy, and a cookbook titled “Street Vegan.”

If you enjoy interacting directly with customers and “getting your hands dirty,” consider starting a service-based business. Here are some ideas.

1. Trade Work

If you‘re skilled in DIY, you can start leveraging your skills for cash right away. Don’t know a hammer from a hacksaw? Then, enroll in a course and learn.

Whether you want to start on your own or by working for someone else, the pay is good, the work is rewarding, and job security is pretty much guaranteed.

A few trades you might want to consider:

• Carpentry
• Plumbing/HVAC
• Iron work
• Cabinetry
• Auto repair
• Auto detailing

2. Driving

The global ride-hailing market is projected to reach . While findings from studies on , becoming a driver for a ride-sharing app is still one of the quickest ways to build a reliable side income today.

I’ve spoken to drivers who work part-time and earn more than their 9-to-5 salaries by being strategic about the types of rides they accept and timing their drives to coincide with surge periods.

What makes this business particularly appealing is how “hands-off” it is. The platform takes care of most of the logistics; all you need is a car.

If you’re interested in this idea, signing up for well-known platforms like Uber and Lyft is a great place to start. Most countries also have local competitors to explore.

3. Makeup and Hair Styling

From weddings to photo shoots, there’s always demand for skilled stylists and makeup artists.

While startup costs — such as purchasing tools or renting studio space — can be daunting, the good news is you can start small. Offering specialized services with your existing tools is a great way to keep expenses low and perfect specific skills.

Additionally, providing services from home or traveling to clients provides flexibility and reduces overhead as you build your reputation and client base.

4. Personal Training

The fitness industry has exploded over the past decade, evolving into a billion-dollar market. What excites me the most, though, is how fitness has evolved with technology.

E-fitness is booming, with over using fitness apps or devices to stay in shape. This is a massive advantage for those looking to become personal trainers, as it opens up new opportunities to connect with and service clients.

So, how do you get started as a personal trainer?

Unfortunately, your 3-year gym membership isn’t enough to qualify you to train others. Personal training is regulated, so you’ll need to get certified through a reputable course, often followed by a certification exam.

Once certified, you can package your services and decide whether to work one-on-one with clients, run virtual sessions, or host group fitness classes.

5. Recruiting

Do you have a knack for connecting the right people with the right job? If so, recruiting could be a fantastic business for you. In my experience, many companies are open to hiring external recruiters to find top talent and supplement efforts from their in-house HR teams.

The internet boom and remote work phenomenon have also opened up new opportunities for recruiters. As more companies begin to embrace hiring remote talent, there’s a growing need for recruiters who can connect businesses with suitable candidates, no matter where they are.

6. Elder Care

The elderly care industry will be worth . Much like childcare, elder care is an essential service that will always be in demand.

For those with healthcare experience, starting a business in this industry can be a natural fit. Offering specialized services, such as palliative care and physical therapy, can provide a steady stream of clients who need professional assistance.

However, even if you don’t have a healthcare background, there are still opportunities. Non-medical services like helping clients with day-to-day tasks — such as shopping, cleaning, and cooking — are crucial and don’t require medical qualifications.

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There will always be demand in traditional industries. However, getting in early or innovating in an emerging industry can be highly profitable.

1.Cybersecurity

As more companies rely on remote work and cloud solutions, the risks of cyber threats have grown significantly. Phishing scams, malware, and data breaches are more common than ever, costing businesses massive losses. Cybercrime cost businesses an estimated $12.5 billion in 2023 alone.

This rising need for protection has made cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing industries, projected to reach

If you’re worried that learning cybersecurity might be too difficult, I get it — I used to feel the same way. But, when I actually took a course, I was surprised by how practical the field was despite its technical nature.

If you’re considering starting a business in this space, this is where I recommend you start. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are a great way to build credibility and expertise.

2. Virtual Reality

The virtual reality (VR) industry is on an impressive growth trajectory. The market is projected to nearly double in value in just a few years, from

The most obvious way to break into the VR industry is by developing consumer products like VR headsets or immersive gaming experiences. There’s also incredible potential in targeting specific niches and applying VR technology across diverse use cases.

What’s less talked about, though, are the other ways you can build a business in VR without focusing on consumer products. There are opportunities to build the tech that powers VR, create custom VR content, and even offer consulting to businesses seeking to implement VR solutions.

3. Airbnb

While Airbnb has been around for a while, I consider it an emerging opportunity because the short-term rental market is still evolving, and the platform is at the forefront of the growing demand for unique travel accommodations.

In 2023, Airbnb was , and today, it .

The appeal for hosts is simple: Airbnb provides an easy way to earn extra income by turning something they already have regardless — a home — into a revenue source.

However, before jumping in, there are a few important things to consider. If you’re renting, make sure your lease allows short-term rentals. Additionally, many cities have specific regulations for Airbnb hosting, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local laws.

Overall, I think Airbnb offers a great opportunity to generate a substantial “real estate” income without the typical capital investment.

4. Digital Publishing

It’s no secret that several arms of print media have been steadily dying out for years. As a result, digital publishing is quickly becoming one of the most promising business opportunities for new entrepreneurs.

If you‘re not already part of the digital publishing wave, there’s still plenty of time to hop on — the digital publishing market is projected to grow to over .

One straightforward way to get involved is by directly publishing ebooks on platforms like Amazon KDP, but it doesn’t stop there. Digital publishing also includes blogging, writing a newsletter, or even launching a digital magazine.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, expert, or creator, there’s an opportunity to carve a unique niche for yourself and build a lucrative business.

There’s an online business opportunity for everyone.

No matter your industry, skills, or expertise, you can find an opportunity to make money and be your own boss.

The perks of time flexibility, location preference, and a stable income will be worth it. Start planning your online business today to start seeing earnings tomorrow.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

• Outline your idea.
• Pitch to investors.
• Secure funding.
• Get to work!

Download for free

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You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.