22 Profitable Side Business Ideas to Supplement Your Income (2024)

Side businesses have become increasingly popular among Americans, with many individuals turning to entrepreneurial ventures to earn extra income outside of their regular day jobs. According to a recent Bankrate survey, about 40% of Americans have a side business, with 28% considering it to be an ongoing financial necessity. The survey also revealed that nearly 30% of those with a side hustle made more than $500 a month from their business. The extra money earned from a side business can be used to pay off debt, invest, or treat oneself to something special.

Aside from the financial benefits, pursuing side business ideas also provides individuals with the opportunity to build new skill sets and explore their passions. Entrepreneurs who embark on side businesses often find satisfaction in creating a business from scratch and forging a new career path that offers greater security in the face of potential layoffs.

If you’re interested in starting a side business but are unsure of where to begin or what type of business might be the best fit for you, consider exploring the following list of 22 best side business ideas that you can kick off today:

1. Start a photography business: Turn your passion for photography into a profitable side business by offering photography services in your local area or selling your photos online through platforms like Stocksy, Shutterstock, and Alamy.

2. Start a clothing line: Utilize the print-on-demand model to create and sell custom-designed apparel through platforms like Printful, Lulu Direct, and Printify without the need to hold inventory.

3. Sell your skills: Monetize your existing skills by offering services or consulting in high-demand areas such as content creation, writing, or graphic design.

4. Become a virtual assistant: Utilize your organizational and management skills to offer remote administrative support to businesses as a virtual assistant.

5. Teach a language: Capitalize on the growing online language learning market by offering virtual language classes or tutoring services in popular languages like English, Mandarin, or Spanish.

6. Start a cleaning business: Launch a low-cost cleaning service business that can quickly generate income with a small investment in cleaning supplies.

7. Become an event planner: Tap into the lucrative event planning industry by offering services for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

8. Start a house- or pet-sitting business: Cater to pet owners and travelers by offering house-sitting or pet-sitting services, which can be a profitable venture in the pet care market.

9. Be a usability tester: Provide feedback on websites, apps, or products as a usability tester and earn compensation for your time through platforms like UserTesting and Userlytics.

10. Become a dropshipper: Launch an ecommerce business with minimal startup costs by dropshipping products through platforms like DSers and Spocket.

11. Rent your space: Earn extra income by renting out spare rooms, homes, or commercial spaces on platforms like Airbnb or Peerspace.

12. Sell thrift store finds: Flip thrift store items for a profit by sourcing and reselling antiques, clothing, books, or furniture online.

13. Become an influencer: Grow your social media following and monetize your influence by partnering with brands for sponsored content or affiliate marketing opportunities.

14. Teach a class: Share your expertise by offering classes or workshops in areas of interest such as music, art, or cooking.

15. Start affiliate marketing: Promote products and earn commission through affiliate marketing programs on platforms like ShareASale, ClickBank, or Awin.

16. Become a rideshare driver: Join rideshare platforms like Uber or Lyft to earn money by providing transportation services to customers.

17. Deliver food: Work as a food delivery driver for platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, or Deliveroo to earn money by delivering food to customers.

18. Write an ebook: Self-publish your own ebook through platforms like Barnes & Noble Press or Kindle Direct Publishing to earn passive income from book sales.

19. Sell online courses: Create and sell online courses in areas of expertise such as business, marketing, or personal development to generate income from course sales.

20. Sell your art: Monetize your artistic talents by selling handmade goods, digital art downloads, or prints through online marketplaces like Etsy.

21. Private label your own products: Outsource production of branded products to manufacturers and sell them under your own label in popular niches like pet products or skincare.

22. Sell handmade goods: Turn raw materials into valuable products like clothing, jewelry, or skincare items to sell online through your own store or platforms like Etsy.

Starting a side business can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor that allows you to explore your passions, build new skills, and generate extra income. Whether you’re looking to pursue a creative outlet, capitalize on a market opportunity, or simply earn additional money, there are a variety of side business ideas to choose from that can align with your interests and goals. Take the first step towards starting your side business today and see where your entrepreneurial journey takes you.