Side businesses have become increasingly popular among Americans as a way to earn extra income and explore new opportunities. According to a 2024 Bankrate survey, one-third of Americans have a small side business, with 32% believing they’ll always need one to stay afloat. The average side hustler makes $891 on average per month in extra income from their side business, showing that side businesses can be a lucrative endeavor.
Aside from the financial benefits, pursuing small side business ideas also gives individuals a chance to build new skill sets and explore their passions. Entrepreneurs enjoy the satisfaction of creating a business while forging a new career path that provides greater security, especially in the face of potential layoffs.
If you’re considering starting a side business but aren’t sure where to begin, there are a plethora of options available. From low-investment small business ideas to turning your hobbies into a lucrative income stream, there are numerous side business ideas you can kick off today.
Here are 30 of the best side business ideas to consider:
Become a virtual assistant: Utilize your organizational and time management skills to manage administrative tasks for small businesses remotely.
Be a usability tester: Provide feedback on websites, apps, or products to help companies improve user experience.
Become a dropshipper: Sell products online without holding inventory by partnering with a third-party supplier.
Rent your space: Earn extra income by renting out a spare room, vacant home, or guest house on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Start affiliate marketing: Earn commission by promoting products for other companies through affiliate programs.
Offer consultancy services: Use your expertise in a particular field to advise clients and offer guidance.
Teach a language: Monetize your language skills by offering virtual language classes to others.
Start a house- or pet-sitting business: Provide pet-sitting services for pet owners who need someone to care for their pets while they’re away.
Become a rideshare driver: Join platforms like Uber or Lyft to earn money by transporting people around the city.
Deliver food: Work as a food delivery driver for platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, or Deliveroo.
Become a dog walker: Offer dog-walking services to pet owners who need help exercising their pets.
Start a cleaning business: Offer cleaning services for homes and businesses with minimal startup costs.
Become an event planner: Organize and plan events like weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings for clients.
Clean cars and mow lawns: Provide car cleaning and lawn mowing services for individuals who need help with maintenance tasks.
Sell coffee to local businesses: Brew high-quality coffee and deliver it fresh to local offices, cafes, or shops.
Grow and sell microgreens: Cultivate nutrient-packed microgreens and sell them to health-conscious consumers, chefs, and restaurants.
Start a photography business: Offer photography services for events, portraits, or products to earn extra income.
Sell thrift store finds: Flip thrift store items for a profit by selling them online through platforms like eBay or Depop.
Teach a class: Share your skills and expertise by offering classes or workshops in your area of expertise.
Sell online courses: Create and sell online courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about to a global audience.
Organize people’s homes: Help individuals declutter and organize their homes to create functional and clutter-free spaces.
Repair and troubleshoot tech devices: Offer tech repair services for mobile phones, laptops, or gaming consoles to help people fix their devices.
Offer home repairs and DIY services: Provide handyman services for small repairs, maintenance tasks, and DIY projects around the house.
Sell your skills: Monetize your skills by offering services like content consulting, writing, or graphic design to clients.
Start a clothing line: Create and sell your own clothing line using the print-on-demand model to minimize upfront costs.
Become an influencer: Build a following on social media and collaborate with brands to promote products and services.
Write an ebook: Self-publish your own ebook on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing to earn passive income.
Sell your art: Monetize your artistic talents by selling your art online through platforms like Etsy or Society6.
Private label your own products: Outsource the production of a product to a manufacturer and sell it under your own brand.
Sell handmade goods: Create and sell handmade products like jewelry, clothing, or skincare items online to a global audience.
Starting a side business can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, allowing you to explore your passions, build new skills, and earn extra income. Whether you’re looking to turn a hobby into a business or launch a new venture, there are plenty of side business ideas to choose from. With dedication, hard work, and a solid plan, you can turn your side business into a successful venture that complements your full-time job or even becomes your main source of income.
