Are you an entrepreneur looking for a money-making opportunity from home? If so, this guide lists some of the best home business ideas that you can start quickly from your home. With many roles and jobs moving online or virtual, home-based businesses have also grown and are a popular way to earn a living or make extra money on the side. So, if you’re looking for ideas on where to start, this list will get you started.
Virtual Assistant Business
A virtual assistant (VA) business is an excellent work-from-home business opportunity. A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who sets their own schedule, availability, and services they offer. If you are great at managing projects, drafting emails, or managing payroll, you can do all this from the comfort of your home with a virtual assistant business. And, the startup costs are minimal, making it a great business to start quickly.
Social Media Manager
Businesses need social media managers to manage social media accounts and overall social media presence. Social media is one of the best business tools to reach an audience. So, if you enjoy social media marketing, a social media management business may be a great home business idea that has minimal startup costs.
Professional Consulting Services
Professional consulting is a profitable home-based business, especially if you have skills or experience in a specific profession. For example, a marketing management consultant advises other companies on search engine optimization (SEO) to improve profits and visibility. Professional consulting is also helpful for accounting, human resources, and business growth. A professional consulting business has minimal startup costs and can be done from anywhere.
Bookkeeping Services
If you are skilled in bookkeeping and enjoy working for yourself, opening a bookkeeping business is an excellent option for a home-based business. You can help numerous businesses from your home to keep track of expenses, payroll, and accounts. Bookkeeping is a great home-based business because it can be done from anywhere, has minimal costs, and is offers a flexible schedule.
Notary Public
If you are good at keeping records and enjoy working with people, then a notary business is a good home-based business you can start quickly. A notary business can be done out of your home or as a mobile business and requires minimal equipment and startup costs.
Home Inspector
Do you like making your own schedule and seeing the ins and outs of homes? If so, then a home inspector business may be a great home-based business opportunity. As an entrepreneur, you can fill your schedule according to your lifestyle. In addition, a home inspector business allows you to interact with people and see the intriguing aspects of your client’s home.
Event Planner
If you live by the motto “life is a party,” maybe you should open an event planning business. From weddings to corporate gatherings, an event planning business is a great home-based business option because much of the coordination and planning can be done remotely. And you get to play a part in planning some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives, which makes for rewarding work.
Travel Planner
If you like to travel and want the flexibility of taking work with you, then opening a travel agency is a fun and profitable home-based business. A travel agency home-based business can be done anywhere—for example, when you are traveling. All you need is a phone, computer, internet, and planning skills. Not all home-based businesses offer the flexibility to pick up and go when you need, but a travel planning business could, making this a great home-based business option for those who like to travel themselves.
Life Coach
Coming alongside clients to build them up and help them achieve goals is rewarding work and easy to do from home. Life coaching can be done in person, but many sessions are done online, allowing you to serve clients globally. A life coach business is a home-based business that will enable you to work from home or anywhere you can bring a laptop or phone.
Proofreader
If you like spotting spelling errors and missing commas in books or restaurant menus, you might enjoy starting a proofreading business. A proofreading business has low startup costs and minimal equipment. In addition, countless online freelance marketplaces make it convenient to build your customer base.
Related: 10 side hustle ideas that you can start from home
Become a Freelance Writer
Good writing is an important skill; if you are good at writing, don’t let that go to waste. Instead, start a freelance writing business—it’s not as hard as you might think. From ghostwriting fiction to drafting corporate white pages or marketing emails, freelance writers have lots of work available to them. Also, freelance writing businesses have few startup costs and a flexible schedule.
Transcription
Did you ace typing classes in school? Or maybe you check your words per minute just for fun. If you’re a detail-oriented and accurate typist, a transcription business is a great home-based business that you can easily start today. Transcription businesses convert recorded audio into a text format for businesses like medical offices, attorneys, or podcast shows. Usually, the equipment is minimal, making it a great home-based business to start quickly and with low overhead costs.
Resume Writer
Being concise while still highlighting essential qualities takes a lot of work. But these traits are necessary for resume writing. Do you have a knack for slicing extra content and marketing qualities in the best light? If so, a resume writing business would be a great home-based business opportunity for you. Resume writing is often fast-paced and exciting work, but also work that you can do from home with minimal costs on your part.
Author
Do you have a To-Be-Written list that’s just as long as or longer than your To-Be-Read (TBR) list? Or are you skilled in an area that equips you to write authoritative nonfiction? If so, you can make money from home as an author. Whether you write for yourself or ghostwrite for others, being an author can be a fantastic way to earn income from home. It also has minimal startup costs.
Grant Writer
A grant writer specializes in researching, creating, and submitting grant applications to secure funding for a client’s projects or initiatives. Grant writers are usually employed by non-profit organizations and government agencies, but they can also be hired as freelance professionals. As a grant writer, your primary responsibility is to create compelling proposals that explain why the organization deserves the requested funding.
Graphic Designer
Are you great at designing digital media? Or do you know how to use software to design logos? If so, then starting a graphic design home-based business may be a great option to use your graphic design skills. Graphic design home-based businesses have minimal startup costs and equipment, and there are a handful of online freelance marketplaces to help you find clients quickly.
Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is a great platform to monetize your content. Whether you have a unique skill or exciting content to share, YouTube channels can be successful in earning income. Although professional equipment may be helpful, you can start a YouTube channel with minimal equipment, making it a profitable home-based business opportunity that appeals to your creative side.
Photographer
Are you great at documenting life’s significant moments—maybe even the small but important ones too? If so, you may find that a photography business is a great home-based business idea. Operating a photography business allows you to use your skills and passions while working for yourself, setting your schedule, and working with all types of people to commemorate important events.
Web Developer
A website developer is an individual or agency that brings an individual’s or business’s brand to life through their website. Web designers are skilled in putting content, colors, visuals, and movement into a website to capture their client’s vision. If this sounds like you, then a web design business is a home-based business you could start with minimal startup costs.
App Development
Web and app development can be great home-based business opportunities if you have expertise in this area. Many online marketplaces help connect you to clients looking for independent contractors for hire. In addition, an app development home business allows you to work on your own schedule and take on interesting projects.
Doggy Daycare
Do you enjoy caring for furry friends? If you have the space available at your property, a doggy daycare home-based business is a rewarding income source. Many doggy daycares are in demand as pet owners need a place to care for their pets while they are away at work or play. With a doggy daycare business, you not only get to enjoy all kinds of dog breeds, but you get to do it from your home.
Dog Grooming
Dog groomers need patience and intuition as some dogs don’t tolerate grooming. However, if you have a way with pets, then a home-based dog grooming business can be a rewarding and easy business to start. In addition to offering pet grooming services from your home, you can also provide mobile pet grooming services, which can earn a competitive rate.
Become a Pet Sitter
Pet sitters are like doggy daycare businesses because they also care for pets when the owner is away. However, a pet-sitting business doesn’t require that you stay open during a set time or day of the week. In fact, you can offer pet-sitting services when you have extra time in your schedule. If this sounds like a great opportunity, then a pet sitting business is a great home-based business idea.
Daycare
Home-based daycare businesses offer children the comfort of a home environment. If you have a passion for caring for children or a background in education, then opening an in-home daycare is a great way to earn money at home. Of course, an in-home daycare is also great when you have kids at home too.
Tutor
A home-based tutoring business is a profitable and easy-to-start business as a full-time job or as a part-time gig to bring in some extra income. Students need help occasionally with tough subjects. So, if you have expertise or knowledge in a topic or are fluent in another language, tutoring is a great home-based business option. What makes it so great is that you can set your own schedule, work remotely online, and start with minimal costs.
Online Course Instructor
One way to make additional money from home without leaving your home is to teach online classes. Community colleges, universities, and trade schools offer online courses to help meet the needs of their student population. If you have expertise in an area or are already a teacher, you could teach classes online to earn income.
Translator
Are you fluent in another language? If so, there are countless opportunities to use that skill and open a translating business from home. Many individuals and businesses need translators for short- and long-term work, so you have endless options to fill your schedule and work on projects that interest you. In addition, this home-based business requires minimal equipment and can be done anywhere.
Sell Homemade Products
Do you have a product you enjoy or are talented in making? From beauty products to electronic devices, fashion items, or children’s toys, homemade products appeal to many niche markets. And with the rise of online shopping, selling products online through marketplaces like Etsy or Shopify makes it easier than ever to sell your products.
E-commerce store
Online shopping is growing, making e-commerce stores a profitable business idea. If you like the idea of managing an online shop with wide market potential, then an e-commerce store is a great home-based business to start. An e-commerce business may require you to store some inventory, but many use product suppliers so your shop can operate entirely online, requiring only a laptop to get your store up and running.
Start a Dropshipping Business
A dropshipping business is another e-commerce business model, but the business owner does not own the inventory. Instead, you would manage the website and sales. After a sale is made on your site, you would place an order through a supplier who ships the items. This business model is a great option when you want to manage an online shop without storing or producing your own inventory.
Gift Basket Service
Are you a natural at putting together beautiful, themed gifts? If so, then a gift basket business may be a great home-based business opportunity. Gift baskets are more than a gift, but a thoughtful way to express appreciation and celebrate in a clever, themed way. A gift basket business is a fantastic home-based business where you can exercise your creativity in a meaningful way.
Jewelry Making
A jewelry-making business is a business that is easy to start from your home. This home-based business is a great idea for those with a talent or hobby for creating beautiful, wearable pieces. Additionally, all the sales and customer support can be done online without a storefront or retail space, making a jewelry-making business easy and convenient from your home.
Woodworking
Craftsmanship in woodworking is highly sought after, especially for unique furniture and home décor items. Woodworking is a home-based business that requires a lot of equipment, but it produces items that are often high-value and custom. So, if you have an interest or talent in woodworking or flipping furniture, then a woodworking business is a great home-based business to start.
T-shirt Printing
Custom t-shirts are trendy and profitable products that can be made from your home. If you enjoy creating beautiful, themed, or witty t-shirts, a t-shirt printing business is a great home-based business idea. T-shirt printers don’t need retail space, as sales and customer support can all be completed online. A t-shirt printing business also offers flexibility and the freedom to create unique products from home on your schedule.
eBay Seller
Do you love to find items for a deal and resell them for a profit? If this type of treasure hunt appeals to you, then opening an eBay store is a great home-based business. All you need is to gather items and list them for resale. All this work can be done from your home online, with occasional outings to pick up or ship items.
Etsy Marketer
Starting an Etsy store is a great way to sell handmade, custom, or antique items. You can sell physical or digital items on Etsy, meaning you don’t need retail space. You can manage your store, sell, and provide customer service completely online.
Soap Making
Soap making might be a hobby for you, or maybe you are looking to make money from your hand-crafted specialty soaps. If so, you could open a soap-making home-based business. Whether you sell at markets or online, you can operate your business from home by making the soaps or managing manufacturer orders through your computer.
Candle Making
Candle-making is another great crafting business idea that can be done as a home-based business. Your candles can be sold online or at markets, and the startup costs for a candle-making business remain minimal as your key equipment and supplies to start are your materials and computer.
Print-on-Demand Business
If you want to monetize your creativity, then a print-on-demand business may be a great home-based business to start. You can use marketplaces like Shopify to sell products, from posters to mugs that feature your digital art, writings, or designs. Part of what makes this business idea great is that it costs little to start and can be done from anywhere.
Start a House Cleaning Service
House cleaning services are essential for many as not everyone has the time or ability to clean for themselves. If you enjoy the process of cleaning and the satisfaction of a before-and-after, then a house cleaning business is the perfect home-based business idea. Not only will you get to set your own schedule, but you will also come alongside people and provide a necessary and meaningful service.
Sewing and Alterations
Sewing and alterations are services that can be hard to find as many do not have these skills. However, if you have the expertise and enjoy bringing new life to clothing, a sewing and alteration business is a profitable and rewarding home-based business idea. A sewing business requires some equipment, and most of the communications and work can be completed from the comfort of your home.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers do much more than help their clients learn to work out. Trainers are also, in many ways, coaches, encouragers, and teachers. If you have a passion for fitness and can create fitness plans tailored to your client’s needs, then a personal training business is a great business opportunity that you can start from home. A personal training business can also be completely virtual, meaning you don’t need to invest in a lot of gym equipment to run your business.
Auto Detailing
If you enjoy rejuvenating a car and bringing its shine back, then an auto detailing business is a great home-based business to start from your home or as a mobile business. Of course, you may need to invest in some equipment, such as vacuums, shampoo machines, cleaners, and polishes. But, once you have your equipment, you can start earning profit from home or on the go.
Interior Design Business
Many people (and business owners) need help figuring out where to begin when styling and decorating their space. Interior designers bring their expertise and creativity to spruce up an otherwise blank space. If you have that eye for design and enjoy helping people decorate a room, then an interior design business is a home-based business you can start quickly. In addition, an interior design business has minimal startup costs and doesn’t require a lot of equipment to get started.
Catering Service
From birthday parties to weddings and every special event in between, catering businesses participate in memorable events by providing delicious food. A catering business is a perfect home-based business if you love cooking. It has low overhead costs and allows you to set your own schedule, making the business one you can tailor to meet your lifestyle.
Online Store
An online store is an e-commerce website that sells goods and services to customers via the internet. Online stores provide a convenient way for customers to browse and purchase items without having to visit a physical location. An online business typically allows shoppers to browse through a variety of categories and products, add items to their cart, complete payment securely, and receive the purchased items at their doorstep.
Affiliate Marketing
An affiliate marketing business is a type of online marketing venture in which a company will pay a commission to an individual or organization for referring customers to its products or services. This type of marketing is becoming increasingly popular as a commission is only paid when an affiliate link is clicked, and a purchase is made. This allows companies to reach out to potential customers without the large upfront costs associated with traditional advertising methods. To get started, affiliates create informative websites and blogs, post content on social media accounts, or create videos to market the products they are affiliated with.
Home Bakery
Baked goods commemorate special occasions and often pair well with a warm drink and good company. If you love the smell of baked goods and enjoy baking treats your customers will love, then a home bakery may be a great home-based business for you. As a home baker, you can set a schedule, bake from your chosen location, and bake the goods you enjoy.
Massage Therapist
If you have the certification or license to provide massage therapy but want to avoid the obligation of working at a spa or medical facility, then opening a massage therapy business from your home may be a great option. You get to set your own schedule and have the flexibility to work right from home or travel to your client’s location.
Home Staging
Homes need staging businesses to help arrange furniture in a way that highlights the space’s best features. If you enjoy finding the potential in living areas and decorating to bring out the best, then a home staging business is a great endeavor that you can do as a home-based business.
Professional Organizer
Professional organizers make a cluttered and overwhelmed space functional and livable. A home-based professional home organizer business is a fantastic opportunity for those who enjoy organizing living spaces and get satisfaction from dramatic before-and-after changes. Starting a professional organization business is not complicated, requires little equipment, and has minimal startup costs—it’s something you could start today.
Professional Chef
A personal chef business is a great small business idea for people who have a passion for cooking and culinary arts. It involves creating custom meal plans tailored to each client’s dietary needs and preferences. Clients can benefit from having restaurant-quality meals prepared in the comfort of their own homes, without the hassle of shopping, meal prepping, or preparing the food themselves.
Hair Stylist
Hair salons pay a commission or charge their stylists rent, which works when you want a salon environment. But, if you want another option, you could open a home-based hair stylist business and provide services from your home or as a mobile service.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own business can be one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your family. Although there are endless ideas, the best home business idea is ultimately one that fits your interests, goals, and lifestyle.
Hopefully, this list of some of the best home business ideas sparked some inspiration, be sure to research the need for this business in your area before investing a lot of time and money. Also, if you have questions about all things around starting a business, StartUp 101 is here to help you succeed!
