50+ Amazing Business Opportunities for 2026

Creating a home-based business or finding profitable online business ideas can be challenging.

In the US, there are an estimated 34.75 million small businesses, accounting for 99.9% of all firms. That’s a lot of competition. With thousands of possibilities, where do you begin?

If you want to know how to start your own business, you’re in the right place. Here, find business opportunities you can use today to grow a profitable business in 2026.

Online business opportunities

From opening an online store to running a consulting business, here are some of the best online business opportunities in 2026. 

• Dropshipping
• Print on demand
• Affiliate marketing
• Digital products
• Video games
• Self-published author
• Selling on Amazon
• Online recruiter
• Ethical hacker
• Virtual event planner
• Website design
• Social media influencer
• Bookkeeping

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model in which you market and sell products, while a supplier or manufacturer handles shipping the products directly to your customers.

Compared to other ecommerce enterprises, dropshipping businesses cost little to start.

Since you don’t have to buy or store the items you sell, you can offer a variety of products. Dropshipping business opportunities are nearly endless. If a dropshipping supplier stocks a product, you can list it on your online store at no additional cost.

Need some product ideas? These are the top five shopping categories worldwide in 2026:

1. Electronics
2. Fashion
3. Food
4. Beverages
5. DIY and hardware

• Investment: Approx $150 to $750 (domain, Shopify plan, test ads/apps).
• How to start: Validate three to five products with Google Trends and TikTok Creative Center; set up Shopify and DSers/AutoDS, order samples, launch one to two ad creatives (TikTok/Reels).

Print on demand

If you’re an artist, designer, or ecommerce entrepreneur, print-on-demand services offer an easy path to online clothing retail. Printing on demand involves working with a supplier to customize white-label products—such as tote bags or t-shirts—with your designs.

The best part? You don’t need to hold or manage inventory and you don’t pay for products until you sell them. All you need to do is create and manage your online store. 

Raven Gibson, founder of Legendary Rootz, uses Printful to create and test products. I really appreciate the ability to connect everything together,” she says. “I have an idea. I’m able to go in, see if they have a product that serves me or serves that idea that I have, get that sample created. And once it’s approved through me, ’cause I’m the approver, obviously, I’m able to go in and it’s all connected to Shopify. I love it.”

• Investment: Approx $100 to $500 (store and samples).
• How to start: Open Shopify and Printful/Printify, upload five to 10 designs, order sample photos, launch on Etsy and your site, test with Instagram Reels/UCG.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a simple way to earn commission by promoting other people’s products or services. You share a unique link, and when someone buys through it, you get paid. It works across almost any niche so you can choose products that fit your interests or audience.

To make it work, promote only products you actually rate, and create content that helps people decide what to buy (like reviews, tutorials, or quick comparisons). Share your links through blog posts, newsletters, or social channels, and always disclose them. 

• Investment: Less than $100 (domain, email tool).
• How to start: Pick a narrow niche, join programs (Amazon Associates, Impact, PartnerStack), publish comparison/review content, build an email list with ConvertKit.

Digital products

E-learning is a growing industry, projected to be worth more than $614 billion by 2029. Creating digital products such as music, videos, ebooks, and online courses is one way to exploit this boom.

Bonus: Digital products are inexpensive to create and distribute. Make one good product and sell it indefinitely without restocking inventory or negotiating with suppliers. Package up your expertise and sell it for a one-time fee or subscription.

• Investment: $0 to $300 (tools, design).
• How to start: Validate topic via search/social questions, build a MVP (template/course) using Canva, Gumroad, or Kajabi, presell to your list.

Video games

Building a video games business is possible with commitment and the right resources. Today, there are many opportunities: You can earn degrees in related fields, get sponsorships, and even become a professional gamer in this growing industry.

You can earn from livestreaming your gameplay on a platform like Twitch, starting a YouTube channel, or selling game-inspired merchandise.

• Investment: $300 to $1,200 (mic, webcam, capture card).
• How to start: Pick one game and platform, stream three times per week on Twitch/YouTube, repurpose clips with CapCut, sell merch via Fourthwall.

Self-published author

Do you love to write? Have you ever thought about writing a book? If so, consider becoming a self-published author, cutting out the middleman, and publishing and selling your work yourself.

Choose a print-on-demand service, create an online store, or list your books on marketplaces like Amazon, and becoming a published author is within reach. There’s also plenty of space to sell ebooks and audiobooks for profit.

• Investment: $100 to $600 (cover, editing).
• How to start: Outline to market demand (KDP categories), write in Scrivener/Google Docs, publish via Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital, build a simple funnel (lead magnet and email).

Selling on Amazon

If you’re a business owner looking to get your company’s products in front of a large audience, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a great solution. In January 2025, Amazon boasted 2.5 billion visits across its website—that’s just one month.

For about $40 a month, plus selling fees based on your products’ size and weight, FBA manages the logistics required to get your products in front of Amazon’s estimated 310 million customers. That means Amazon takes care of:

• Receiving
• Packaging
• Shipping
• Returns
• Customer service

• Investment: $1,000 to $4,000 (inventory, barcodes, tools).
• How to start: Use Helium 10/Jungle Scout for product research, source via Alibaba or wholesale, send to FBA, launch Amazon PPC, optimize listings.

Online recruiter

For companies without an HR department, hiring is a significant time investment—contracting this duty out to online recruiters can help.

If you’re good at matching people with business opportunities based on skills, this can be an excellent business opportunity. With freelance sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor, you can find those gigs (and your hires) with just a few keystrokes.

• Investment: Less than $200 (site plus LinkedIn Premium optional).
• How to start: Niche down, source with LinkedIn Recruiter Lite, manage pipeline in Airtable/Notion, place on Indeed/ZipRecruiter.

Ethical hacker

Cybersecurity firms hire ethical hackers to hack into clients’ secure systems so they can identify and fix weak spots.

With personal and brand identity theft increasingly common, cybersecurity is one of the main concerns for any organization doing business online. Spending on information security and risk management technology is expected to reach $212 billion by the end of this year.

If you have expertise in coding, networks, and databases, this can be a very lucrative industry.

• Investment: $200 to $1,000 (courses/certs).
• How to start: Build a lab with Kali Linux, freelance via Upwork/bug bounty (HackerOne).

Virtual event planner

Forecast to be worth more than $31 billion by 2029, the virtual event industry includes online social gatherings such as weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties, as well as professional lectures, conferences, and webinars. A virtual event planner can help organize these events.

As the virtual event planner, you are in charge of the following responsibilities:

• Picking and sending out invitations
• Setting up the virtual meeting space (like creating the Zoom room link)
• Creating the event itinerary
• Choosing party favors
• Determining visuals, such as a group shot or video recording of an event
• Creating the gift registry for a wedding or baby shower

If you’re organized and love bringing people together, this can be a great way to earn from home.

• Investment: $100 to $500 (software, branding).
• How to start: Run events on Zoom/Airmeet/Hopin, manage timelines in Trello, get clients via LinkedIn and local orgs.

Website design

Shopify research projects that global ecommerce sales will hit $6.56 trillion this year and reach $8.09 trillion by 2028. And remember, with every ecommerce business, there has to be a website.

If you have a knack for design or expertise on platforms like Shopify or WordPress, you can turn that into a profitable website design business. If you have programming skills, you’ll likely be in even more demand for your services.

• Investment: $150 to $600 (portfolio, themes, tools).
• How to start: Pick a platform (Shopify/WordPress/Webflow), ship three portfolio builds (even as mockups), list services, prospect via warm outreach and Upwork.

Social media influencer

Ever imagine turning likes and follows into dollars? Now’s a good time to leverage your reputation as a social media influencer. 

It takes time to build your reputation online, but being an influencer can be lucrative across industries, including gardening, fashion, food, travel, and parenting. You can make money by growing an engaged audience if you’re passionate about a particular topic.

Read this guide to kickstart your career selling on social media.

• Investment: $100 to $800 (lighting/mic, editing apps).
• How to start: Choose a niche and two content pillars, post daily short-form, track hooks with Notion, pitch brands via Modash/Impact.

Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is a solid business opportunity if you’re detail-oriented and good with numbers. Every business needs someone to track income, expenses, and invoices, which means steady demand and plenty of recurring work. 

To get started, you’ll need a good understanding of accounting basics and tools like QuickBooks or Xero. Many bookkeepers take short online courses or certifications to build credibility. From there, choose a niche, like freelancers, small retailers, or service businesses, and start networking or pitching to potential clients. Once you’ve built a few strong relationships, word-of-mouth referrals can quickly grow your client base.

• Investment: $200 to $800 (training, software, insurance).
• How to start: Learn QuickBooks/Xero, pick a niche (contractors/ecom), set monthly packages.

Businesses to start with little money

• Freelance copywriting or design
• Tutoring
• Used book reselling
• Virtual assistant
• Gig work

You can start these business ideas with little money because you only need the internet and a couple of tools to get started. 

Freelance copywriting or design

Freelancing is one of the most accessible ways to start an online business. As a freelancer, you use your skills to offer services to clients. Common freelance paths include web design, graphic design, SEO, digital marketing services, copywriting, and app development.

If you’re creative, freelance design is a great option. Web designers build and optimize websites for clients, while graphic designers create branding, social media visuals, and marketing materials that make businesses stand out.

Writers, on the other hand, might focus on:

• Content writing: Producing SEO-driven articles and blog posts that attract traffic.
• Copywriting: Crafting sales copy and landing pages that boost conversions.
• Proofreading and editing: Polishing content to make it clear, professional, and error-free.

Freelancing is competitive, but there’s plenty of opportunity if you specialize and build strong client relationships. Your rates will grow with your skills and portfolio, and platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn can help you find your first clients.

• Investment: $0 to $400 (domain, portfolio tools).
• How to start: Ship three portfolio pieces, create two to three fixed-price offers, warm pitch on LinkedIn, manage projects in Notion.

Tutoring

The online tutoring industry is projected to reach more than $23 billion in 2030.

How much you can earn depends on subject matter and expertise. With sites like Paper and Superprof, you set your hours and rates and let potential students find you. With software like Zoom and Google Meet, you can tutor from the comfort of home and inspire students from anywhere in the world.

• Investment: $0 to $150 (whiteboard/cam).
• How to start: Choose one to two subjects/test preps, list on Wyzant/Superprof or build a simple Squarespace page, and use Calendly and Zoom.

Used book reselling

The idea is simple: You find second-hand books (often at thrift stores, charity shops, library sales, or online marketplaces) and resell them for a profit. 

Certain categories, like textbooks, first editions, and out-of-print titles, can fetch surprisingly high prices. With tools like Amazon Seller Central or eBay, you can list and ship books without needing a storefront, making it an easy business to start from home.

Learn to spot books that hold resale value by scanning ISBNs with apps like ScoutIQ or BookScouter, which instantly show what buyers are paying online. Keep your inventory organized, take clear photos, and write accurate descriptions to build trust with buyers. 

• Investment: $50 to $500 (initial inventory, scanner app).
• How to start: Source at thrift/library sales, scan with ScoutIQ/BookScouter, list on Amazon Seller Central/eBay, systemize shelving and shipping.

Virtual assistant

Many companies and individuals hire virtual assistants to save money. They pay them to complete simple, day-to-day tasks as needed rather than hiring a full-time employee.

Most virtual assistant gigs require at least a high school education and attention to detail. You can find virtual assistant gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, and Ovdym and choose tasks and times that work for you.

• Investment: $0 to $200 (site, CRM).
• How to start: Define two to three packages (inbox/calendar/social), list on Upwork/Belay, track SOPs in Notion, communicate via Slack.

Gig work

The gig economy is valued at around $556.7 billion and can open the door to business opportunities when you’re looking for short-term work or a side hustle. Consider sites like Upwork, GigSalad, and Taskrabbit to find work.

In many cases, you can set your rates, and in most, you can set your hours. For gigs such as plumbing, tutoring, ride-share driving, and grocery delivery, expect sites to ask for proof of qualifications or a valid driver’s license, and be ready to explain your expertise. For simple tasks like picking up dry cleaning or helping someone move, you probably won’t need to show proof of experience.

• Investment: $0 to $300 (tools/transport).
• How to start: Pick gigs that ladder to a service, join Taskrabbit/GigSalad/Thumbtack, request reviews on every job.

Small business ideas

Want to sell clothes you find in thrift stores or leverage your photography skills? Here are a selection of small business opportunities you can start today. 

• Secondhand clothes
• Selling on Etsy
• Photography
• Handmade products
• Home-based child care
• Pet sitting
• Pet products

Secondhand clothes

The secondhand apparel market is forecast to grow by $212.1 billion between 2025 and 2029. With apps and other digital technology available to help sell your vintage clothing, you can turn selling unwanted apparel into a successful business in no time.

This guide will help you start selling vintage clothing online:

• Closet Full of Treasures? Here’s How To Sell Vintage Clothing

• Investment: $200 to $1,000 (inventory, photography).
• How to start: Niche by style/era, list on Poshmark/Depop/eBay, standardize photos and sizing charts.

Selling on Etsy

Don’t let anyone tell you your dog collars or vintage doll dresses can’t make money. If you’re crafty, Etsy, an online marketplace with billions in annual revenue, is a fantastic market for selling DIY products.

Here’s how it works: List your creations on Etsy’s website and mobile app in exchange for a commission on sales—Etsy may even feature your products in advertisements. 

Here’s how to get started selling on Etsy:

• How To Sell On Etsy in 6 Easy Steps

• Investment: $100 to $600 (materials, listings).
• How to start: Validate with search volume (eRank/Alura), launch 20 to 40 listings, optimize SEO titles/tags, promote via Pinterest.

Photography

Numerous online business opportunities exist for selling photography, including stock image sites such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, iStock, 500px, and Stocksy.

To succeed in online photo sales, try these tips:

• Find your niche: Whether it’s flowers, travel, buildings, landscapes, or fashion, choose your niche and target audience and stick with them.
• Build an audience: Selling photos isn’t a passive venture. Use social media for your business to build a following and sell more.
• Create multiple revenue streams: Sell on as many sites as possible to create multiple income streams.

Whether you’re a hobby photographer or a full-time pro, selling pictures is a business opportunity that can help you earn cash online—and in person—if you put the time into it.

This guide will help you find markets for your photography business:

• The 15 Best Websites To Sell Photos Online

• Investment: $600 to $3,000 (camera/lens/light).
• How to start: Choose a specialty (brand/product/portrait), build a 10-shot portfolio, sell via Shutterstock/Adobe Stock and direct packages.

Handmade products

Selling DIY and handmade items is a proven strategy for monetizing creativity. Even if you have the will to create something new but lack the know-how, there’s a way to make it happen.

If you’re not sure what to sell, start by looking around your home. What’s missing that you wish you had? Is it a concrete pot? Colorful artisan bed covers? Do some online research to see what’s selling.

That’s what Izabela “Iza” Ersahin, founder of handcrafted toy company Bebemoss, did when she noticed how hard it was to find cozy dolls with a positive social impact. So, the new mom and social entrepreneur engaged a diverse network of mothers in Istanbul to crochet family-friendly soft toys that inspire imagination and joy.

Once you’ve decided what items to make and sell and have seen what’s trending, start creating and continue to get feedback. 

“At Blume we have focus groups, we do interviews, we’re constantly running surveys through our online shop, and so I think it’s one thing to be a customer and understand what the needs are, but you have to also always be directly seeking that feedback, and that’s something we take really seriously at Blume,” says Karen Danudjaja, founder of Blume. 

• Investment: $200 to $2,000 (materials/tools).
• How to start: Prototype three SKUs, test at markets and on Etsy/Shopify, gather feedback.

Home-based child care

If you’re willing to childproof your house and love kids, opening a small home-based child care service could be a great business opportunity. Not only that, but you could be a resource for friends and neighbors.

Check local zoning laws and state regulations to start your home daycare safely and legitimately.

• Investment: $300 to $2,000 (licensing, safety gear).
• How to start: Check state regulations, get CPR/first-aid certified, set ratios and policies, list on Care.com and local Facebook groups.

Pet sitting

Pet owners are expected to spend more than $150 billion on their pets in 2025, demonstrating how important fur babies are to their families. 

If you love pets, you can earn money by starting a pet-sitting business—you can even offer to board pets. With sites like Rover, you set your hours, rates, and services.

• Investment: $0 to $200 (insurance, supplies).
• How to start: Create profiles on Rover/Wag, define add-ons (walks, meds), collect reviews, set service radius.

Pet products

An online pet store is an opportunity to sell everything from organic foods to luxury accessories, beds, and apparel.

Whether you run it as a dropshipping business or sell homemade treats, the pay can be good and the work rewarding. And since pet parents are likely to continue spoiling their fur babies, there’s a decent chance of success. A product sourcing app can help you find profitable pet product ideas. 

Milly’s sells a range of pet grooming products, from detangler sprays to shampoos and colognes. 

• Investment: $300 to $3,000 (inventory or POD).
• How to start: Choose dropship or wholesale, launch on Shopify, validate with TikTok/UCG ads, add subscriptions.

Local service business ideas

• Home cleaning
• Home repair
• Lawn care
• Mobile car wash
• Car sharing

Local service businesses are great options if you prefer hands-on work and want to serve people in your community. They usually have low startup costs, steady demand, and the potential to grow through word-of-mouth and repeat customers. 

Here are a few popular ideas to consider:

Home cleaning

Home cleaning is one of the easiest service businesses to start because you don’t need any special qualifications, just attention to detail and consistency. 

You can start small by offering weekly or biweekly cleans, then expand into move-in/move-out or deep cleaning services. With a few supplies, some insurance, and a reliable schedule, you can quickly build a loyal client base. Many cleaners grow their income by specializing (eco-friendly cleaning, short-term rental turnover, etc.) or by hiring others once demand increases.

• Investment: $150 to $800 (supplies, insurance).
• How to start: Offer recurring packages, niche (eco/Airbnb turnover), book via Calendly, collect Google reviews.

Home repair

If you’re handy and enjoy fixing things, a home repair business can be a rewarding business opportunity. 

Homeowners constantly need help with small jobs, like patching drywall, installing shelves, fixing leaks, or assembling furniture. You don’t need to be a licensed contractor for minor repairs, but professionalism and reliability go a long way. Start with smaller projects, advertise locally, and collect reviews to build trust. Over time, you can expand into specialized work or manage a small team of tradespeople.

• Investment: $300 to $2,000 (tools, insurance).
• How to start: Start with small jobs (assembly, fixtures), list on Thumbtack/Nextdoor, upsell maintenance plans.

Lawn care

Lawn care services are always in demand, especially in suburban areas. 

With basic equipment such as a mower, trimmer, and blower, you can start offering mowing, edging, and leaf removal. As you grow, you might add landscaping, seasonal cleanups, or garden maintenance to your offerings. This kind of business often runs on repeat clients, so building relationships and providing consistent quality will keep your schedule full and your referrals flowing.

• Investment: $500 to $3,500 (mower, trimmer, trailer).
• How to start: Sell seasonal packages, route-optimize with Route4Me, door-hanger flyers and local SEO.

Mobile car wash

A mobile car wash business just needs a few cleaning supplies, water tanks, and portable vacuums to get started. 

Many people are happy to pay a premium for on-site service, especially if you market to busy professionals or local fleets. Over time, you can upsell add-ons like waxing or detailing for higher margins.

• Investment: $300 to $1,500 (tanks, vac, chemicals).
• How to start: Offer three packages (basic/wax/detail), target offices and fleets.

Car sharing

If you own a car that sits unused most of the time, car sharing is an easy way to turn it into income. 

Platforms like Turo or Getaround let you rent your car to verified drivers, handling most of the logistics like insurance and payments. You can start with one vehicle and add more, as well as manage other people’s vehicles for a cut of the profits.

• Investment: Existing car plus $150 to $500 (cleaning, locks).
• How to start: List on Turo/Getaround, set dynamic pricing, add remote access, maintain five-star experience.

Business opportunities for entrepreneurs

• Rent your unused space
• Security
• Construction
• Equipment maintenance
• 3D printing

Rent your unused space

Renting unused space is one of the easiest passive income opportunities in the self-storage industry, which was valued at more than $45 billion in 2025. With sites like Neighbor, you can easily rent spare space to customers who need it.

Basically, instead of going to an expensive storage facility, customers come to your place to store and retrieve their stuff.

• Investment: $0 to $200 (security, shelving).
• How to start: List on Neighbor/StoreAtMyHouse, set rules and access hours, ask for IDs and contracts.

Security

Security is essential in almost every industry, with opportunities ranging from private property protection to corporate services. Businesses need security solutions for office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and large events. Whether you offer on-site security guards, mobile patrol services, or advanced surveillance system installations, there’s a growing demand for reliable security providers.

Small firms can develop a niche by specializing in high-end residential security, tech-driven surveillance solutions, or tailored security consulting for businesses looking to improve their internal safety protocols. Many companies also hire subcontractors to provide additional protection for events, employees, or asset transport.

• Investment: $500 to $5,000 (licensing, uniforms, devices).
• How to start: Get required state licenses, niche (events/residential), sell retainers, use TrackTik for patrol logs.

Construction

The construction industry is filled with business opportunities, from residential and commercial builds to specialized services like eco-friendly construction and renovations. Companies and real estate developers need skilled contractors to handle everything from new builds and remodeling projects to HVAC installation, roofing, and plumbing.

If you’re a small operation, consider subcontracting opportunities with larger firms or targeting niche markets like sustainable building materials, smart home installations, or custom renovations. 

• Investment: $1,500 to $10,000 (tools, insurance).
• How to start: Start with one specialization (bath reno/decks), partner with general contractors, estimate with Jobber/Buildertrend.

Equipment maintenance

Opportunities in equipment management include IT maintenance, HVAC servicing, elevator repairs, vehicle fleet management, and commercial kitchen equipment repairs.

Many companies prefer working with external maintenance providers on retainer or long-term contracts, offering you a chance at stable, recurring revenue. Services like data center maintenance, cybersecurity infrastructure checks, and smart device repairs offer potential for the tech-savvy.

• Investment: $500 to $5,000 (diagnostic tools, certs).
• How to start: Choose category (HVAC/IT/kitchen), sell PM contracts, ticketing via Zendesk/ServiceM8.

3D printing

3D printing has many uses, presenting varied opportunities for 3D printing businesses. In 2026, the 3D-printing market is expected to reach around $35 billion. You can 3D print toys, tools, or even prosthetics. 

3D printers can be reasonably affordable, starting at less than $200. Here are some ways to earn money with your 3D printer:

• Make prototypes for brands/companies
• Make jewelry
• Make costume or cosplay pieces
• Sell your 3D-printed art online
• Sell your 3D printer designs
• Rent out your 3D printer

• Investment: $300 to $2,000 (printer, filaments, CAD).
• How to start: Offer prototypes/cosplay/jewelry, model in Fusion 360/Blender, sell via Etsy and local B2B.

Food and beverage business opportunities

• Selling coffee
• Food bakery
• Coffee carts
• Food trucks
• Home meal prep kits
• Specialty food products
• Food subscription boxes

Selling coffee

Since coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages, plenty of potential customers are ready to buy your coffee online. You can sell things like beans, roasters, mugs, coffee makers, or coffee-themed products. Your target audience already wants coffee; they just need to know where to find yours.

“ When I first started, it was literally going to farmer’s markets and craft fairs and just trying to get feedback about what people thought,” says Debbie Wei Mullin, founder and CEO of Copper Cow Coffee. “And then eventually we were able to afford Meta ads and that’s when it felt like kind of everything changed during kind of the heyday of being able to really find customers through those platforms. And then now today, I think it’s definitely much more about storytelling and it’s about word of mouth.”

Check out these tips for a successful online coffee business:

• How To Sell Coffee Online

• Investment: $300 to $5,000 (inventory/roasting or dropship).
• How to start: Private label or partner roaster, sell on Shopify, subscriptions with Recharge, sample at markets.

Food bakery

From artisan bread and pastries to custom cakes and cookies, bakeries can cater to both everyday cravings and special occasions. 

You can start small from home under a cottage food license, selling at local markets or online, then expand into a physical storefront once you’ve built a following. The key is to find your niche, e.g., sourdough loaves, gluten-free treats, or bespoke celebration cakes. Word of mouth, social media, and local partnerships (like cafés or gift shops) can help you grow fast.

• Investment: $500 to $5,000 (cottage license, equipment).
• How to start: Pick a niche (sourdough/GF/cakes), pre-order model on Square/Shopify, wholesale to cafés.

Coffee carts

Coffee carts are a low-cost alternative to opening a café, perfect for busy urban areas, business districts, or events. 

You’ll need a portable setup, basic barista skills, and a solid understanding of what your local crowd wants, such as specialty espresso drinks, cold brew, or simple grab-and-go coffee. The startup costs are relatively low compared to brick-and-mortar shops, and once you establish regular customers or a great location for your cart, you can easily scale by adding more carts or hiring staff to cover multiple locations.

• Investment: $3,000 to $20,000 (cart, machine, permits).
• How to start: Secure a high-traffic spot/events, menu of six to eight drinks, mobile POS, expand to weekday corporate routes.

Food trucks

Food trucks are ideal for serving high-demand, portable meals, like tacos, burgers, or street-style dishes, at events, festivals, or busy downtown areas. 

The flexibility to move between locations means you can test new markets or menu ideas without committing to a lease. Startup costs include the truck, equipment, permits, and branding, but strong daily sales and catering opportunities can make the investment worthwhile. 

• Investment: $40,000 to $150,000 (truck, fit-out, permits).
• How to start: Test menu at pop-ups, build weekly routes and events, create catering packages. 

Home meal prep kits

Home meal prep kits are a growing niche in the food space, especially for people who want healthy, ready-to-cook meals without the hassle of planning. 

You can create pre-portioned ingredients and recipes or fully cooked meals that customers heat and serve. Start small by serving your community or partnering with local gyms, offices, or families who want regular deliveries.

• Investment: $800 to $5,000 (licenses, packaging).
• How to start: Choose six to eight SKUs, sell subscriptions, local delivery via Route4Me, partner with gyms/offices.

Specialty food products

If you’ve got a signature sauce, jam, spice blend, or baked good that everyone raves about, turning it into a packaged product could be your next business move. 

You can sell specialty food products online, at farmers markets, or through local retailers. Focus on branding and packaging that communicates your story and stands out on shelves. Before scaling, check labeling and food safety regulations in your area, and start by testing small batches to find what sells best.

• Investment: $1,000 to $10,000 (R&D, packaging, labelling).
• How to start: Cottage/commercial kitchen compliance, brand and label, sell via markets and your site.

Food subscription boxes

Food subscription boxes include things like monthly snack boxes, coffee blends, spice kits, or international treats. 

This model works well if you enjoy sourcing and packaging unique items or collaborating with other small food brands. Subscribers love discovering new products, so your focus should be on quality, presentation, and consistency. Start locally or with a niche theme, build a strong brand identity, and use social media and influencer partnerships to attract long-term subscribers.

• Investment: $1,000 to $8,000 (inventory, boxes, 3PL).
• How to start: Curate a tight theme, presell via Substack + Shopify, manage subscriptions with Recharge/Loop, seed with influencer boxes.

Established business models with proven demand

If you’d rather build something with predictable, steady demand, these established business models are worth considering. 

• Laundromat or dry cleaning services
• Car repair and maintenance
• Moving services
• Vending machine business
• Child enrichment program
• Senior care services

Laundromat or dry cleaning services

A laundromat or dry cleaning business offers stable, repeat customers and reliable cash flow once you’re set up. 

Start by researching local demand. You’ll need a location, washers and dryers (either self-serve or full-service), and the right permits. If you don’t want the overhead of a physical space, consider an app-based pickup and delivery service like CleanCloud or DoorDash Drive to handle logistics. Over time, you can add subscription wash-and-fold plans or eco-friendly cleaning options that can bring in more money.

• Investment: $150,000 to $600,000 (location, machines) or $2,000 to $10,000 for pickup/delivery only.
• How to start: Get a feel for foot traffic, negotiate a lease with TI, or launch delivery using CleanCloud or DoorDash Drive.

Car repair and maintenance

As long as people drive, they’ll need repairs, oil changes, and general maintenance. 

Starting a car repair business can range from a small mobile mechanic service (using apps like YourMechanic or Wrench) to a full-service garage. 

To get started, you’ll need automotive repair skills, the right tools, and local business licenses. Many mechanics start by offering mobile services to keep startup costs low, then move into a physical shop once demand grows. 

• Investment: $3,000 to $15,000 (mobile; $75,000 and up (shop).
• How to start: Start mobile (oil/brakes), book via Wrench/YourMechanic or your site, build reviews before leasing a bay.

Moving services

Moving services are always in demand, especially in cities or university towns. To get started, you’ll need a reliable van or truck, basic equipment (dollies, straps, blankets), and insurance. List your services on Taskrabbit, Thumbtack, or MovingHelp.com to find customers early on. 

Many movers start solo, then scale by hiring a small team and offering packing or storage add-ons. 

• Investment: $2,000 to $20,000 (truck, gear, insurance).
• How to start: List on Taskrabbit/Thumbtack/MovingHelp, offer flat-rate local moves, upsell packing/storage.

Vending machine business

A vending machine business can bring in passive income with relatively low overhead once you’re set up. 

The key is finding the right location. High-traffic spots like offices, schools, gyms, or hospitals work best. Start by purchasing or leasing a few machines and stocking them with snacks, drinks, or even niche products like tech accessories or healthy foods. Tools like VendSoft or Vending Locator can help you manage inventory and find placement opportunities. As you grow, diversify into specialty machines (like coffee or PPE) and optimize based on what sells best.

• Investment: $3,000 to $15,000 (two to five machines plus stock).
• How to start: Secure locations first, buy combo machines, monitor with Vendsy/VendSoft, test healthier/niche items.

Child enrichment programs

Parents are always looking for ways to help their kids learn and grow outside of school. Child enrichment businesses, like art classes, STEM clubs, sports coaching, or music lessons, are in constant demand. 

To start, pick an area you’re skilled in and passionate about, then find a local space (or start online via platforms like ActivityHero or ClassBento). Partnering with schools or community centers can help you attract families early on. 

• Investment: $500 to $5,000 (space rental, materials).
• How to start: Pick a program (STEM/art/music), run a pilot in community centers/schools, manage bookings on ClassBento/ActivityHero.

Senior care services

You don’t need to be a nurse to start out in senior care. In fact, a non-medical home care business offering companionship, housekeeping, transportation, and meal prep can be enough. 

Start small by offering local services and listing on Care.com or HomeInstead.com to find clients. You’ll need background checks, insurance, and a caring, reliable approach. As your business grows, consider hiring trained caregivers and partnering with local healthcare providers to expand your offerings.

• Investment: $1,000 to $6,000 (insurance, training, marketing).
• How to start: Define services (companionship/transport/meals), background checks, list on Care.com, build referral ties with clinics.

Business opportunities in generative AI

• AI-powered content creation
• AI-assisted customer service
• AI-driven personalization tools
• AI-generated media services

Generative AI impacts almost every industry by automating tasks, creating new products, and personalizing customer experiences. It’s one of the most promising business opportunities in 2025.

Here are a handful of AI opportunities for business. 

AI-powered content creation

As businesses ramp up their online presence, many are turning to AI to create blogs, social media posts, and ad copy at scale. But they still need humans to guide the process and polish the results. 

Suppose you’re skilled at writing, editing, or content strategy. In that case, you can offer AI-assisted content creation services using tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Copy.ai to generate first drafts, then refining them for tone, accuracy, and SEO. This type of service helps brands produce more content without sacrificing quality, making it a fast-growing niche for freelancers and small agencies.

• Investment: $50 to $400 per month (AI tools, SEO suite).
• How to start: Package “AI-first, editor-refined” content, use ChatGPT/Jasper and SurferSEO, show before/after samples, sell retainers.

AI-assisted customer support

Businesses are eager to cut response times and reduce support costs without losing the human touch. You can build or customize AI chat solutions using platforms like Intercom Fin, Zendesk AI, or Manychat, helping clients automate FAQs, order tracking, and simple troubleshooting. 

With the right setup and training, you can offer a done-for-you chatbot implementation service or ongoing optimization support for clients who want better, round-the-clock customer service.

• Investment: $100 to $800 per month (platform plus hosting).
• How to start: Use Intercom Fin/Zendesk AI, map FAQs and workflows, launch on one high-volume channel, optimize weekly.

AI-driven personalization tools

Companies in ecommerce and online learning are investing heavily in personalization by tailoring every user experience to individual preferences. 

AI-driven personalization tools use customer data to recommend products, courses, or content in real time. If you have a background in marketing, data analytics, or development, you could build or integrate personalization systems using tools like Segment, Klaviyo, or Dynamic Yield. 

• Investment: $0 to $2,000 (data tooling/MVP hosting).
• How to start: Start with an integration service (e.g., Klaviyo plus Segment), build POCs that lift AOV/CR, then productize.

AI-generated media services

AI can now create pretty good visuals, videos, and music in minutes, which is a huge opportunity for creative entrepreneurs. 

You could offer AI-generated media services for brands that need content fast but don’t have in-house design or production teams. Use tools like Runway ML, Pika Labs, Synthesia, or Midjourney to create product demos, ad visuals, explainer videos, or background music. 

• Investment: $20 to $200 per month (model credits), plus PC GPU (graphics processing unit, optional).
• How to start: Offer fixed media packs (UGC-style ads, explainers), create with Runway/Synthesia/Midjourney/Pika. 

Finding the right business opportunities for you

Keep these tips in mind when looking for new business ventures:

• Review industry trends and insights: Continually educate yourself on industry inclinations by subscribing to related publications, joining relevant associations, and following experts on social media.
• Research competitors: Conduct a competitive analysis to see what similar companies do. This will help you identify business opportunities to expand your market reach and create better products and services.
• Listen to your customers: When your customers talk, listen. How do they describe products and services in your field? What frustrations and feedback do they have? Use their insights to tailor products to your audience.
• Collaborate and network: Collaborating with other businesses and networking will help you better understand which ideas work and which don’t.
• Find a mentor: Connect with a mentor who can help you improve your operations and identify opportunities.