What kind of business is better than a family-run business? Those are often the best kind, because they’re built on love and trust and help buildc ...
47 Business Ideas For Couples to Start Together
Written by: Esther Strauss
Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on July 12, 2022
A lot of people who love each other want to spend as much time together as possible, and one way to do that is to start a business together. You and your mate could start a restaurant, coffee shop, gym, podcast, travel agency, house flipping business or something else.
Running a business together can strain a relationship, but if a couple has a strong bond and is committed to building a lasting and lucrative company, they’ll definitely have a great shot at success!
Check out our list of excellent business ideas for couples to jumpstart your thinking.
1. Lawn Care
Best For: Couples who enjoy outdoor work and have a knack for gardening or landscaping.
Roles: One can manage customer relations and scheduling, while the other handles the operational aspects like mowing and maintenance.
Success Tips: Offer eco-friendly services and unique lawn designs to stand out. Consistent quality and customer service will build a loyal client base.
2. Catering
Best For: Couples who love cooking and event planning.
Roles: One can focus on menu creation and cooking, the other on logistics and client relations.
Success Tips: Specialize in a type of cuisine or unique dietary needs to differentiate your service. Building strong relationships with event planners can also be beneficial.
3. Dog Walking
Best For: Animal-loving couples who enjoy staying active.
Roles: Split the area or time slots to cover more ground or offer personalized services.
Success Tips: Provide additional services like pet sitting or grooming. Use social media to share your adventures and attract pet owners.
4. Tutoring
Best For: Couples with a strong background in education or specific subjects.
Roles: Each can tutor different subjects or age groups based on expertise.
Success Tips: Offer online options to reach more students. Develop personalized learning plans to enhance your reputation.
5. Food Truck
Best For: Couples passionate about food and travel.
Roles: One handles cooking, the other manages the business aspects like permits and location scouting.
Success Tips: Create a standout menu and use social media to announce locations and specials. Engaging in local events can also increase visibility.
6. Coffee Shop
Best For: Couples who appreciate coffee culture and community building.
Roles: One could manage the coffee making and menu, while the other focuses on the business operations and customer service.
Success Tips: Offer unique blends or themed events to create a community hub. Excellent service and a cozy ambiance will help retain customers.
7. Yard Sign
Best For: Creative couples who enjoy design and decoration.
Roles: One can handle design and production, the other marketing and client communications.
Success Tips: Offer customizable options for events and celebrations to appeal to a broader market. Maintain an active and engaging social media presence.
8. Ice Cream Business
Best For: Couples who enjoy making and sharing treats.
Roles: One focuses on production and recipe development, the other on sales and customer interaction.
Success Tips: Experiment with unique flavors or dietary options like vegan or sugar-free to attract a diverse clientele. Location is key, so consider high foot-traffic areas.
9. Rental Property
Best For: Couples interested in real estate and long-term investment.
Roles: One can manage property maintenance, the other tenant relations and financials.
Success Tips: Maintain properties well and choose locations wisely to enhance value. Good tenant relationships can minimize turnover and vacancy.
10. Farmers’ Market
Best For: Couples with a passion for organic products and local food systems.
Roles: One can focus on product selection and procurement, the other on sales and customer engagement.
Success Tips: Offer unique or hard-to-find local products. Engaging directly with customers can build loyalty and brand recognition.
11. Dog Grooming
Best For: Couples who are detail-oriented and love animals.
Roles: One can handle grooming, while the other manages bookings and customer service.
Success Tips: Provide a calm and safe environment for pets. Offering add-on services like nail trimming or teeth cleaning can also attract more clients.
12. Party Planning
Best For: Couples with a flair for organization, design, and working with people.
Roles: One can handle client relationships and event design, while the other manages logistics and supplier coordination.
Success Tips: Specialize in specific types of events like weddings or corporate gatherings to stand out. Strong attention to detail and a network of reliable suppliers are crucial.
13. Drone Business
Best For: Tech-savvy couples interested in photography or videography.
Roles: One can pilot the drones and manage the technical aspects, while the other focuses on marketing and client communications.
Success Tips: Offer unique services like aerial real estate photography or agricultural surveying to differentiate yourselves. Keeping up with the latest drone technology and regulations is key.
14. Pet Sitting
Best For: Animal lovers who prefer a flexible schedule.
Roles: Duties can be split by type of pet or client location. Both can share administrative tasks and customer service.
Success Tips: Offering additional services like grooming or training can enhance your appeal. Build trust through professional conduct and genuine care for the animals.
15. Candy Making
Best For: Couples who enjoy cooking and have a creative sweet tooth.
Roles: One can focus on recipe development and production, while the other handles marketing and sales.
Success Tips: Experiment with unique flavors and packaging to create a niche market. Local farmer’s markets and online sales can be effective channels.
16. Travel Agency
Best For: Couples who love to travel and have good organizational skills.
Roles: One can specialize in trip planning and client consultations, the other in marketing and managing supplier relations.
Success Tips: Focus on unique travel experiences, like eco-tours or culinary trips, to attract specific clienteles. Excellent customer service will encourage repeat business.
17. Online Courses
Best For: Knowledgeable couples passionate about education and technology.
Roles: One can create content and teach, while the other manages the technical aspects and customer support.
Success Tips: Focus on niche topics where you have expertise. High-quality content and interactive elements can set your courses apart.
18. Remodelling
Best For: Couples with skills in design and construction.
Roles: One can focus on design and client relations, while the other manages construction and subcontractors.
Success Tips: Keep up with the latest design trends and sustainability practices. Delivering projects on time and within budget will build your reputation.
19. Estate Sale
Best For: Couples with an interest in antiques and managing estate affairs.
Roles: One can handle appraisals and pricing, the other marketing and customer relations.
Success Tips: Transparency and sensitivity are key in dealing with clients. Knowledge of items’ worth and effective sales strategies are critical.
20. Fitness
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy helping others achieve their health goals.
Roles: Both can be trainers, or one can focus on training and the other on business operations and marketing.
Success Tips: Offer diverse programs and personalized training plans. Maintaining a clean, welcoming environment will attract and retain clients.
21. Donut Shop
Best For: Couples who love baking and early mornings.
Roles: One handles the baking and product development, the other manages the shop and customer service.
Success Tips: Unique flavors and dietary options (like gluten-free) can set your shop apart. A strong local marketing strategy will help attract customers.
22. Wellness Center
Best For: Couples dedicated to health and holistic well-being.
Roles: Split roles based on expertise—yoga, nutrition, therapy, or spa services. Both should be involved in the community and customer engagement.
Success Tips: Offer a range of services and workshops to cater to different wellness needs. Creating a peaceful, supportive environment is essential for customer retention.
23. BBQ Business
Best For: Couples who are passionate about cooking and socializing.
Roles: One can focus on food preparation and recipe development, while the other manages operations and customer service.
Success Tips: Offering a unique menu with signature sauces or dishes can set you apart. Focus on quality ingredients and consistent taste.
24. Ecommerce Store
Best For: Tech-savvy couples with an interest in retail and marketing.
Roles: One can handle website management and product sourcing, while the other focuses on marketing and customer relations.
Success Tips: Niche products tailored to specific audiences can help you stand out. Excellent customer service and a user-friendly website are crucial.
25. Subscription Box
Best For: Creative couples who enjoy curating products and building a brand.
Roles: One can focus on product selection and packaging, the other on marketing and customer retention.
Success Tips: Find a niche market with a strong community. Regularly refresh your box contents to keep subscribers engaged.
26. Printing Business
Best For: Couples with a knack for graphic design and technology.
Roles: One can manage design and production, while the other handles sales and client relationships.
Success Tips: Offering customized solutions and maintaining high-quality prints can differentiate your business. Networking with local businesses can provide steady clients.
27. Dry Cleaning
Best For: Couples interested in a steady, service-oriented business.
Roles: Split responsibilities between managing the front desk/customer service and handling the cleaning operations.
Success Tips: Providing exceptional service, quick turnaround times, and care for delicate items can help build a loyal customer base.
28. Bakery
Best For: Couples who love baking and have a flair for creativity.
Roles: One can focus on baking and product development, while the other manages the shop and customer service.
Success Tips: Unique flavors and custom designs for cakes and pastries can attract customers. Hosting baking classes or events can also draw in a crowd.
29. Copywriting
Best For: Couples with strong writing skills and marketing knowledge.
Roles: One can specialize in writing content, while the other manages client relations and business development.
Success Tips: Developing a niche, such as technical writing or advertising copy, can increase demand. Maintaining a high standard of quality is key.
30. Bar
Best For: Couples who enjoy nightlife and have good people skills.
Roles: One can focus on the business side and promotions, while the other manages the day-to-day operations and bartending.
Success Tips: Creating a unique theme or hosting special events can help attract customers. Focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment.
31. House Flipping
Best For: Couples interested in real estate and renovation.
Roles: One can handle the renovation projects and contractors, while the other manages finances and property acquisitions.
Success Tips: Understanding market trends and focusing on profitable locations are crucial. Quality renovations that stay on budget and on schedule will maximize profits.
32. Gardening
Best For: Couples with a passion for plants and outdoor work.
Roles: One can specialize in design and client consultations, while the other handles installations and maintenance.
Success Tips: Offering specialized services like organic gardening or native plants can set you apart. Building strong customer relationships through reliable and detailed work is important.
33. Dog Boarding
Best For: Animal-loving couples who are organized and have ample space.
Roles: One can manage the business and customer service side, while the other focuses on the care and daily activities of the dogs.
Success Tips: Providing a safe, fun, and loving environment is essential. Additional services like grooming and training can also be offered.
34. Funeral Service
Best For: Compassionate couples comfortable with handling sensitive situations.
Roles: One can manage client services and funeral planning, the other can handle logistics and operations.
Success Tips: Offering personalized services and maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor can set your service apart.
35. YouTube Channel
Best For: Creative couples with a passion for content creation and media.
Roles: One can focus on video production and editing, while the other manages content strategy and audience engagement.
Success Tips: Focus on a niche topic where you can offer unique insights or entertainment. Consistent posting and interaction with viewers are key.
36. Personal Shopper
Best For: Fashion-savvy couples with good interpersonal skills.
Roles: Split shopping duties based on personal strengths or client preferences, with both handling client consultations.
Success Tips: Building a strong personal relationship with clients and understanding their needs can make your service invaluable.
37. Commercial Cleaning
Best For: Couples who are organized and don’t mind physical work.
Roles: One can manage client relations and business development, while the other oversees staff and cleaning operations.
Success Tips: Reliability and high cleaning standards can set your business apart. Consider specializing in green cleaning practices.
38. Sex Toys
Best For: Open-minded couples with an understanding of sexual wellness.
Roles: One can handle product sourcing and operations, the other marketing and customer education.
Success Tips: A respectful and discreet approach to marketing and customer interaction can help establish trust and a solid client base.
39. Homeschooling
Best For: Couples with educational backgrounds and a passion for alternative education methods.
Roles: One can develop curriculums and teaching materials, the other can manage marketing and customer support.
Success Tips: Offering personalized and diverse educational resources that cater to different learning styles can attract a wide clientele.
40. Blog
Best For: Couples who enjoy writing and have specific expertise or interests (couple who love to travel can start a travel blog, or those passionate about food can develop recipes blog).
Roles: Both can contribute content, with one focusing more on writing and the other on the technical (website) and promotional aspects (SEO, social media).
Success Tips: A strong focus on SEO and consistent, high-quality content are crucial. Engaging with your audience through comments and social media can enhance visibility.
41. Pet Store
Best For: Animal-loving couples with knowledge of pet care.
Roles: One can manage the store and sales, the other can focus on inventory and supplier relations.
Success Tips: Providing high-quality products and knowledgeable service can set you apart. Consider offering pet care classes or events.
42. Online Resale
Best For: Couples with a knack for finding deals and understanding market trends.
Roles: One can handle sourcing and inventory, while the other manages online listings and customer service.
Success Tips: Focus on a niche market or specialize in specific types of products to differentiate from competitors.
43. Laundry Business
Best For: Couples looking for a steady enterprise with regular client interaction.
Roles: One can manage operations and maintenance of the facility, the other customer service and marketing.
Success Tips: Offering additional services like dry cleaning or express services can enhance appeal. Consistency in service quality is crucial.
44. Restaurant
Best For: Couples passionate about food and hospitality.
Roles: One can run the kitchen operations as the chef, while the other manages the front of the house and business aspects.
Success Tips: A unique menu and excellent customer service can make your restaurant stand out. Regularly updating the menu and hosting events can also draw customers.
45. Gym
Best For: Fitness enthusiast couples who enjoy health and wellness.
Roles: One can focus on training and program development, the other on membership management and marketing.
Success Tips: Offering unique classes or personal training sessions can differentiate your gym. Maintaining a clean and welcoming environment is also key.
46. Pharmacy
Best For: Couples with a background in pharmacology or healthcare.
Roles: One can handle pharmaceutical operations and patient consultations, the other manages the business and regulatory compliance.
Success Tips: Providing excellent customer service and personalized care can set your pharmacy apart. Offering health and wellness events can also attract customers.
47. Nutrition Business
Best For: Couples with expertise in dietetics or wellness.
Roles: One can focus on individual client consultations and program development, the other on business operations and marketing.
Success Tips: Personalized nutrition plans and active follow-up can help build a loyal client base. Hosting workshops or seminars can also provide additional value.
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