If you want to explore a business idea before leaving your full-time job, make extra money in your spare time, learn new skills, or pursue a creative passion, starting a side business can be a great option.
A 2024 survey by financial services company Bankrate found that 36% of Americans have a side hustle, including 48% of Gen Z and 44% of millennials. On average, side hustlers earn $891 per month—an increase from $810 in 2023.
Whether you’re looking for a home-based business, a low-cost startup, or a creative venture, here are 15 side business ideas to help you find the right fit.
15 Best Side Business Ideas
We’ve grouped these ideas into five categories: businesses you can start from home, businesses that require little to no money, businesses with a higher initial investment, hobby-based businesses, and creative side businesses.
1. Work as a Virtual Assistant
If you’re highly organized and good at managing time, you can turn those skills into income by becoming a virtual assistant. Your tasks may include scheduling appointments, booking travel, managing emails, answering calls, and ordering supplies—all done remotely. The number of clients you take on determines your workload.
Ariana Rodriguez started her virtual assistant business in 2021 with a $2,000 investment, covering website setup, a business course, and technology.
“I started making $700 a month in April,” Ariana says. “By December, I was earning $6,000 a month while working a full-time job. I even hired a subcontractor to help with the workload.”
Decide on your services, create a website or LinkedIn profile, and reach out to business owners who may need assistance.
2. Test Websites and Apps
Companies pay usability testers to provide feedback on their websites, apps, or products before launching them. If you enjoy trying out new technology, you can sign up on platforms like Wynter, UserTesting, and Userlytics to find paid testing opportunities. You can take on as many projects as your schedule allows.
3. Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is an online retail model that requires minimal upfront costs. You set up an online store, and a third-party supplier ships products directly to customers, eliminating the need to store inventory.
Thomas Sleeth, founder of Dropshipping Hustle, started dropshipping as a side business while working full-time.
“I was fascinated by the business model and spent all my free time learning about it,” Thomas says.
After five months, he started making consistent profits and eventually quit his job after a year.
4. Rent Out Your Space
If you have extra space at home, you can rent it out through Airbnb or Vrbo. In the third quarter of 2024, about 123 million people booked stays through Airbnb. Depending on location, a spare room or guesthouse could earn nearly $200 per night.
If you own commercial space, platforms like Peerspace help connect you with businesses looking for venues for events, workshops, and photoshoots.
5. Try Affiliate Marketing
If you’re good at promoting products and have an engaged social media following, affiliate marketing can be a profitable side business. You earn commissions by marketing products from other companies, with commission rates ranging from 1% to 50%.
Choose a niche you’re passionate about to make content creation easier. Then, join affiliate programs on platforms like ShareASale, ClickBank, or Awin, get referral links, and promote them through your blog or social media.
6. Offer Consulting Services
If you have expertise in fields like marketing, IT, human resources, or finance, you can offer consulting services. Define your niche, identify your ideal clients, and build a network of industry contacts.
Consulting requires little startup cost and offers flexible hours, though some availability during business hours is beneficial.
7. Teach a Language
The online language learning market is expected to reach $91.6 billion by 2030. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can offer tutoring online or in person through platforms like Skooli, VIPKid, or Qkids.
Tutors can earn up to $40 per hour teaching English, though rates vary based on experience and subject matter. Free public spaces like libraries and community centers can be used for in-person sessions.
8. Start a Pet- or House-Sitting Business
With 82 million U.S. households owning pets, many pet owners need sitters while they travel. Platforms like Rover and Wag can connect you with clients.
If pet care isn’t for you, house-sitting is another option. You can charge based on the home’s size and location, with added flexibility if you work remotely.
9. Drive for a Rideshare Service
The rideshare industry is expected to grow to $185.1 billion by 2026. Becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft lets you earn extra income on your schedule, with peak earnings during nights and weekends.
10. Deliver Food
Food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates provide opportunities to earn money with minimal requirements. ZipRecruiter reports that food delivery drivers make an average of $18 per hour.
You’ll need a vehicle (or bicycle), a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance to get started.
11. Offer Dog Walking Services
If you love dogs but don’t want to commit to full-time pet sitting, dog walking is a great alternative. Many dog owners need help during work hours.
Platforms like Rover and Wag can help you find clients. Start by offering your services to friends and neighbors to build credibility.
12. Start a Cleaning Business
A cleaning business requires minimal startup costs—just cleaning supplies and transportation.
Brian Winch, founder of Cleanlots, started his parking lot cleaning business with $200.
“Eight weeks in, I was making more money than my full-time job,” Brian says. “Now, I earn over $650,000 per year.”
If you want to start small, offer home cleaning services before expanding to commercial cleaning.
13. Become an Event Planner
Event planning is a great business for organized individuals who enjoy coordinating details. Whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or birthday parties, you can build a portfolio and network with venues and vendors to grow your business.
Amber Sironen Massey started her wedding planning business, Epic Elopements, while keeping her day job.
“I needed financial security while getting my business off the ground,” Amber says. “I also wanted to be sure there was a market for my services before going all in.”
14. Offer Landscaping Services
If you enjoy working outdoors, landscaping can be a flexible side business. Simple services like lawn mowing and hedge trimming require minimal equipment, and there’s always demand for yard maintenance.
You can start by offering services to neighbors and expanding through referrals.
15. Sell Fresh Coffee to Businesses
Many local offices and shops are willing to pay for high-quality, fresh-brewed coffee.
To start, invest in quality beans, a cold brew setup, and durable containers. Experiment with recipes, then approach co-working spaces and independent businesses with samples.
Start Your Side Business Today
A side business can help you earn extra income while developing valuable skills. It also gives you a safety net to test your ideas before committing full-time.
Find a side business that fits your interests and schedule, and start working toward financial independence today.
