30 Small Business Ideas to Start from Your Home

Even with the lifting of pandemic lockdowns, many people still choose to stay and work from home. So if you’re thinking about ways to earn money from home, then it’s time to consider starting your own home-based business. 

You can start a blog, although it takes time before you can earn cash from it. If you have the perfect recipe, you can start baking and sell cakes, cookies, and pies. You can also do some needlework and sell your products online. Take a look at our home business ideas and see if anything inspires you.

1. Digital Marketing Service

The global digital marketing market reached $366.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $1,029.7 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 11.8% from 2024 to 2032, according to IMARC Group.

If you’re looking to start your own digital marketing business, you’re in luck. There has never been a better time to do it. Just catch up on the latest industry trends and know the steps in setting up a business. Keep in mind that since this is a relatively new industry, there are no concrete guidelines for success, but some insights into how other companies grew their own businesses can be helpful. Read and learn everything you can about the business before uploading your first social media post or your first digital ad. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to get the hang of digital marketing!

2. Social Media Management

In 2023, there are 3.86 billion monthly social network users, nearly half of the world’s population. Despite issues with content moderation and data privacy on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, the number of social media users continues to grow.

Starting a social media business can be as simple as starting a blog about the media industry on LinkedIn or as complex as creating a fully-fledged Instagram business with lots of people using your content and products. With any social media business, the marketing will be absolutely crucial. The primary goal will be to connect with your target audience on the relevant platform. This means that before you even get started, you should do some research and experimentation to decide which platform and its user profile best fits you and your interests. From there, you’ll just need to find your niche to start building a respected brand.

3. Tutoring

Do you have an area of academic expertise? Maybe you’re great at math, deeply familiar with science, or obsessed with language and literature. Even if you’re not a subject expert, but simply good with children, now’s a great time to consider starting a tutoring business. 

The industry took a hit during the pandemic, but today many tutors are embracing virtual instruction and tutoring is expected to see steady growth in the years ahead. As a result, you’re now able to run a tutoring business almost entirely from home, all while helping children to learn and excel and making a good living.  

Starting a tutoring business is not terribly complicated. If you have teaching experience or some proof of your expertise, you mainly need a good computer and you can start offering your services on a variety of online platforms, like Tutor.com or eTutorWorld. With a bit of marketing on social media, you should be able to attract a few clients and start building your tutoring empire.

4. Online Courses

Thanks to video conferencing apps, e-learning and online courses are becoming more popular and seeing explosive growth. Revenue in the online education market is projected to reach $185.20 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.56% from 2024 to 2029, resulting in a projected market volume of $279.30 billion by 2029. If you’re an expert in a certain field, then you can start an online courses business and help educate the world while making some cash.

Before you can launch your business, it’s important to keep yourself updated with the latest trends such as the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in conducting online classes. Integrating these in your online course programs and providing engaging content can spell the difference for your business. 

You can start small and run your business from home. You just need a PC or mobile device, fast and reliable internet connection, a compelling website, and a creative marketing plan to attract clients. With these in place, your online courses business will surely attain success.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an increasingly popular business model in which online stores sell products without carrying inventory. Instead, when the shop owner receives an order, she simply contacts the supplier and relays the product order, which is then shipped directly to the customer. Already, advanced dropshipping apps like Oberlo have begun to emerge, allowing business owners to simultaneously offer a variety of products from several different suppliers. 

The market is growing fast and offers great opportunity for the bold entrepreneur. Yet because a dropshipping business is relatively easy and inexpensive to launch and operate, the competition is getting intense. In order to stand out, your dropshipping business will need to offer either uniquely appealing products or, more likely, a one-of-a-kind customer service experience, from order placement through delivery. 

6. Online Resale

Want to talk about a booming industry? In the coming years, apparel resale is expected to grow faster than the overall clothing industry, with most of that growth happening online. One reason is that Gen Z’ers and Millennials prefer sustainability, thrifting and throwback trends. Another is that the resale industry sources its goods domestically and as a result is not facing the same supply chain issues as major retailers. 

The big question is how you’ll go about reselling your goods. One option is to rely on major online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Another is to partner with resale-focused sites like ThredUp. A third is to create your own resale website. The advantage of this option is you’ll be able to express your own sense of style and build your own brand, while the downside is the added expense. 

Whichever route you choose, as long as you have reliable access to quality goods for resale and continue to provide strong service, you’re likely to keep that cash register ringing.

7. Translation Service

Demand for translation services is expected to grow as more companies seek to capture or increase their share of the global market. They translate documents, localize websites, and interpret speech from one language to another, including sign language. If you’re thinking about starting a translation business, you’re not alone. But if you have the skills and the right talents and tools, you could edge out the competition. 

In this internet age, finding translators who can work remotely across the globe has become easier. Promoting diversity among your staff could also be good for your business because you’ll be able to offer translation services for more languages. Do the paperwork to register your business, keep yourself updated with the latest technologies, promote your services, and you should be able to gain traction as soon as you start operating.

8. Home Decor

If you have a creative mind, starting a home decor business can be the perfect career choice for you. It may seem daunting as you’ll be competing with big companies like IKEA, Wayfair, and Bed Bath & Beyond, but your business can thrive if you play your cards right. The home decor industry in the US has been expanding steadily, with total revenue expected to cross $252 billion in 2029. 

You’ll need to make a significant investment if you decide to put up a brick and mortar shop. An option is to run your business from home and sell your merchandise through online marketplaces to reduce your startup and overhead costs. You’ll still need to register your business and comply with other legal requirements. It’s important to keep up with the latest trends and be innovative in promoting your products to make them stand out in a crowded marketplace. With a creative marketing strategy and a lot of hard work, your home decor business can be very rewarding.

9. Blog

In the podcast era, you might have thought that blogs had gone out of style. You would be wrong. The internet is home to more than 600 million blogs, more than 2 million blog posts go online every day, and after years of steady growth, the US is home to about 32 million blogs. As a result, there is real opportunity for a bold entrepreneur looking to start a blog business and get in this massive market. 

It requires minimal investment. All you really need is a reliable computer and decent wifi. The major hurdle is coming up with a concept, an objective or mission for your blog business. You might choose generating funds to feed hungry children or delivering crucial news to the people of your city or state. Once you’ve found your niche, you’ll need to reach out across your network, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and beyond, looking for all those who write on related subjects and asking them to get on board. You could offer discounts, incentives, or rewards to sweeten the deal. 

Once a couple of accomplished bloggers sign on, the paid advertisements will start rolling in and you’ll be on the road to success in the blogging business.

10. Consulting Business

If you have an area of expertise — finance and budgeting, technology, operations, or management — you could start up your own consulting firm and help businesses improve their efficiency and profitability while also making a good living. 

Starting a consulting business is difficult, and will require hard work and determination, as well as a decent amount of red tape. Beyond building up a strong network and reliably providing value to your clients, a key element of your success will be understanding what sets you and your firm apart from your competitors and finding ways to promote that message to your target market and deliver on your promise. Accomplish this and you’ll soon build a reputation and, with a bit of luck, seven-figure revenues.

11. Videography

More than 8,000 job openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected in the US each year through 2030, making this one of the fastest growing employment sectors. Globally, the massive film and video market is predicted to double by the end of this decade. If you have video production and editing skills, you might consider setting up a videography business. With the increasing use of videos in the digital marketing landscape, there will probably be no dearth of opportunities for you.

Starting a videography business is not easy, but it’s not impossible either. First, it’s important to develop your brand and come up with an attractive business name and logo. Next, you must invest in the right cutting edge equipment and keep yourself updated with the latest technologies. To promote your brand, you can set up social media accounts, make video samples and develop a website. Finally, tap into your creativity to propel your business to the top. Grab that opportunity to make a profit now!

12. Subscription Box Business

Who doesn’t love package deliveries? That’s why Amazon’s grown’s so fast, and why subscription box services, which entail the recurring delivery of niche items like organic fruits or handmade clothing, have emerged so quickly.

You could start your own subscription box business and provide excellent products to customers who appreciate them while grabbing a share of this booming market. You could offer a wealth of products, from food and drink, to grooming, hygiene and fitness, clothing, books, pet supplies and more, and then let customers curate their own deliveries. Or you could focus on a single product line, such as New England jams and jellies, and fill each delivery box with a surprise gift. 

To get started, research the subscription box market, find out what’s doing well and keep your eye out for a market gap to fill. Once you’ve found a fantastic supplier, you’ll be on the road to subscription success!

13. Dog Grooming

Most dog lovers call themselves fur parents and regard their pet dogs as their children. This pet humanization trend is driving rapid growth in the pet care industry. If you love dogs and are looking to tap into this lucrative market, then consider starting a dog grooming business. 

Dog grooming is part of the pet grooming and boarding industry, which is valued at almost $14.5 billion in the US in 2023. The market grew steadily, although marginally, in the pre-pandemic years and surged when more people adopted pets to cope with the pandemic lockdowns. 

Before you launch your business, it’s important to learn dog grooming skills, such as cleaning, styling, and identifying any potential health issues. You can take a dog grooming course, which often comes with an apprenticeship program. When you’re ready, you can start running your business from home to keep your startup costs to a minimum. But it’s to your advantage to come up with a creative marketing strategy and set aside funds to implement this in order to find clients. Good luck!

14. Business Coaching

In North America, the coaching industry generates an annual revenue of $2.08 billion, with an average income of $67,800 for 93% of actively practising coaches. Americans have learned to appreciate the value of good insight and planning, particularly when it comes to major decisions involving their finances, career and personal matters. 

If you have expertise in any of these areas, you could start your own coaching business and help people lead more fulfilling lives while grabbing a slice of this fast-growing market. It’s easy to get started. You just need a reliable computer, some relevant experience and a strong marketing campaign, highlighting your skills on social media and beyond. 

The challenge will be attracting and maintaining clients, so you’ll need to find a way to stand out from the coaching crowd and prove your worth. A great website will surely help.

15. Craft Business

Do you have a creative hobby? If it involves some sort of craft, you might want to consider turning your favorite at-home pastime into a business, and potentially a major revenue stream. With people stuck at home for months on end looking for something creative to do or something interesting to buy, the arts and crafts industry has exploded since the pandemic. Etsy annual revenue for 2023 was $2.748 billion, a 7.1% increase from 2022. That means right now is a great time to start your own craft business, provided people with wonderful products and ride this wave to prosperity. 

You’ll be your own boss, working at home at times that are best for you. You’ll be able to embrace and express your creativity, producing goods that could be sold around the world. But you will need to decide which products to focus on. This could be anything from crocheted blankets and clay jewelry to embroidered handkerchiefs and knit hats. Whatever you choose, be sure to research what’s already out there and offer a unique twist on existing products. Building a strong brand will be key to the success of your craft business.

16. Virtual Assistant Service

The job didn’t even exist 20 years ago, but now, thanks to new technologies and the sharp increase in remote work during the pandemic, the virtual assistant industry is booming. After years of strong growth, the market is expected to be worth more than $4 billion by 2026. That means now is a fantastic time to start your own virtual assistant business. 

To be clear, we’re talking about a human, not a digital or AI-powered, assistant, who provides administrative, technical, and creative services to clients remotely, via the internet. If you have a strong business skillset, you can get started with a minimal investment and run the company out of your own home while serving clients anywhere in the world. You could also add more skills over time, increasing your revenue streams and the rates you’re able to charge. 

With hard work and a bit of luck, you’ll soon be helping businesses run more smoothly and efficiently while making good money for yourself.

17. Computer Repair

Businesses stand to lose customers and important data whenever their computer systems are down. Properly maintaining computers through regular cleaning, hard drive updates, and virus prevention can prevent breakdowns and extend a computer’s shelf life to up to eight years, computer security firm Norton says. 

That’s why demand is high for computer maintenance and repair services. The US computer and electronics repair industry is valued at $21.3 billion. If you’re knowledgeable about computers and have troubleshooting skills, consider starting a computer repair business. 

This type of business can be run from home, with minimal startup and overhead costs. But you’ll still need to register your business and comply with applicable regulations. Obtaining certifications on top of a bachelor or associate degree will increase your value and attract more clients so it’s wise to apply for these. Computer repair technicians mostly study computer science, IT, or computer information systems. It’s also important to be abreast of the latest trends. With your impressive skills, you’ll be making big profits in no time.

18. Graphic Design

Strong graphic design is a crucial element of nearly every business’s branding and marketing strategy, which is why it’s always in great demand. After years of steady growth, the US graphic design industry is worth nearly $17 billion and offers real opportunity for the bold entrepreneur. You could start your own graphic design business from home and work with clients around the world, generating good money and turning your creative passion into a successful career. 

You will, however, need to have a strong creative streak and some skill and experience with graphic design software and tools. If you don’t have a related degree, you could brush up on your graphic design skills by taking courses at an online platform like Udemy. Next, it’s a good idea to research the market, see what sort of graphic design is trending lately, and keep an eye out for a market gap that might fit your skillset. 

Understanding and clarifying what you will offer, which businesses you are targeting and how you’ll stand out from the competition will be crucial elements to your success.

19. Medical Billing and Coding

Many health care providers are outsourcing some business functions, such as medical coding. If you’re a certified medical coder, why not start your own medical billing and coding business? It’s something that you can do from home so your overhead costs will be minimal, and it’s a growing market with plenty of opportunities due to the pandemic. The U.S. medical coding market was valued at $18.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow from $20.17 billion in 2023 to $41.99 billion by 2030.

So, if you are ready to get started, make sure you have the required certifications to operate a medical billing and coding business. A medical coder translates reports of a patient’s visit into payment codes, which are then used as the basis for the medical bill or insurance claim. This is not an easy profession to make a living off. It’s important to abide by national standards to protect patient information and other regulations. With proper training and hard work, you can make your medical billing and coding business successful.

20. Sewing Business

With so many ready to wear clothes available in the market, you’d think a sewing business would no longer be viable. But the cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry in the US has steadily grown, although marginally, in the last three years. The global industrial sewing machine market was valued at $2,973 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $4,692 million by 2030.

When starting a sewing business, keep in mind that there are a lot of other services you can offer. You could provide alteration services, or hold sewing lessons. Besides the usual pieces of clothing, you can also make pet clothes and accessories, or some home decor. Here are some profitable sewing business ideas. It’s important to register your business first and comply with all regulatory requirements. Once you’ve hurdled that, you should go online and harness your digital marketing skills to promote your business. With the right skills and hard work, you’ll be making money fast from your sewing business.

21. Shirt Printing

Shirt printing is a lucrative industry that continues to grow in popularity especially among the young population. If you’re looking for a new business opportunity, look no further than a shirt printing business. The global custom tshirt printing industry is anticipated to grow steadily and approach $14 billion in market size by 2032. Rising disposable income and increasing preference for customized shirts are expected to drive growth. 

Anyone can start a shirt printing business. But in order to succeed and grow your business, it’s important to be knowledgeable in silk screen printing and updated with the latest printing technology such as direct-to-garments, sublimation, and more. You may come up with packages that already include the shirts as well as the design and printing services for the convenience of your customers. Another way to do it is to come up with your own designs and sell shirts with these designs. With the right skills and resources, you can build a successful business.

22. Publishing Company

Books give you knowledge and life lessons, provide entertainment, enhance your imagination, and record important memories of society. Some books are better than others, though. If you love books and you want to have control over the type of books that see print, why don’t you start a publishing company? 

The market size, measured by revenue, of the book publishing industry was $44.3 billion in 2023. Besides publishing, publishers also take care of book editing, design, illustration, and distribution. 

There are segments that are still performing well such as educational books, scholarly publications, and ebooks. German data firm Statista predicts the ebook market to grow 17% per year and approach $7 billion by 2025. It’s a wise choice to stick to these segments and start publishing ebooks first. You can do so on self-publishing platforms such as Amazon’s KDP, which claims to sell more than eight in 10 ebooks sold worldwide. Good luck!

23. Etsy Shop

Ever since the pandemic forced everybody to stay at home, millions of people have tapped into their arts and crafts skills, driving a massive boom in handmade goods. The online marketplace Etsy has been the main beneficiary: annual revenue for 2023 was $2.748 billion, a 7.1% increase from 2022.

If you have a hobby or craft skill — such as sewing, crochet, vinyl cutting, jewelry-making, woodworking, or screen printing — you could start your own Etsy business and give people fun products while doing what you love and making good money! What’s wrong with that? 

You’ll also be able to work from home, and work the hours you choose. One good way to get started is to visit Etsy and review the product offerings looking for a market gap in your area of expertise. Once you’ve found your niche, you’ll be on the online highway to success!

24. Web Hosting Service

Are you looking to start your own web hosting business? If so, you’re in luck! 

Nearly every business in the world needs its own website these days, which is driving sharply increased demand. The global web hosting market is projected to grow by 17.35% from 2024 to 2029, reaching a market volume of $355.80 billion by 2029. This is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, and you could get it now and ride this growth wave to serious success. 

First you’ll probably want to brush up on your know-how, and there are lots of free and affordable online courses out there to give you a good grasp. Next you’ll likely want to hire a technician or two to do the heavy lifting of web hosting and website services. Finally, before you start marketing your services, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the required licenses and certifications. 

Now you’re ready to start hosting websites and providing a crucial service to countless businesses.

25. Project Management Service

Demand for project management skills is growing across several industries such as IT, manufacturing, construction, defense, publishing, and even healthcare. If you’re thinking about starting a project management business, you’re on the right track. It’s a great way to start your entrepreneurial journey and make big profits. 

Generally, a project management business oversees the implementation of a project and makes sure the goals are achieved within a certain time frame and based on the allotted budget. Your business will be in charge of complying with the regulatory requirements such as the conduct of an environmental impact study and detailed engineering design study as well as the filing of applications for permits and licenses. As project manager, you’ll need strong organizational, business, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. It’s to your advantage to obtain certifications to prove you underwent training and learned these vital skills will add value to your project management business.

26. Freelance Writing

In this age of social media and digital marketing, opportunities abound for skilled and creative writers who can connect to any audience. If you’re looking to capitalize on your writing skills and creativity, you might want to consider setting up a freelance writing business. You could write or ghostwrite for magazines, books, blogs, organizations and corporate clients. 

There’s nothing easy about freelance writing, though. You would be competing with millions of writers on known freelancing platforms so you’d have to work first at establishing your brand as a writer. Create a blog or a website, set up an account on social media and networking platforms, and connect with other writers to find your first client. It would take a lot of hard work, patience and dedication for you to succeed. But once you start to find some clients, you can expect to land more contracts.

27. Web Design

Do you know of any legit business that doesn’t have a website? That’s right — in today’s digital world, businesses need to have a decent website if they expect to be taken seriously. That’s why web design is a $42 billion industry that’s seeing steady growth as the number of new US businesses hits record highs. All those new companies will need websites, which means right now is a great time to start your own web design business and design a bright future. 

First, if you’re not already an established graphic designer, you will need a bit of training. But there are many helpful options out there, including online educational platforms that offer subscriptions that allow you to take as many classes as you want. Alternatively, many universities offer affordable website design certification courses. Once that’s sorted, the next crucial step will be building your own website, which has to be fantastic or nobody will trust your skills. 

With some quality social media marketing, you should be able to rope in a client or two. Impress them and you’ll be on the road to design success.

28. App Development

Did you ever think about how often you use mobile apps? Probably many times a day, which is why apps are among the world’s fastest growing industries. If you have some tech skills, you could start your own app business and ride that growth to great success. 

Getting there, however, will not be as easy as unlocking your phone. First, you’ll need a great idea for your first app. If you’ve already got that, you’ll need to do the build out and coding, then have the app vetted and approved by major app outlets, like Apple and Google. And that’s when the real work begins — convincing smartphone owners that your app is more appealing and valuable than the millions of other apps competing for their attention. 

You might think that’s the easy part, but many entrepreneurs make that same mistake. Even the most brilliant apps need a well-executed marketing strategy to take off. Any fool can make an app. The hard part is getting people to use it.

29. Real Estate Investment

When it comes to making money, real estate ranks among the more sound investments because a piece of property is almost guaranteed to appreciate over time. If you’re looking to get into the real estate game, you should know that it’s probably not as hard as you think. If you’re looking to be an agent or broker, you’ll need to do some studying and get your real estate license. But if you’re more interested in investment and possibility property management, no training or certification is required. What is required is a significant amount of capital and a good eye for value. 

You could start by researching your local market. When you see a home or two offered at below-market rates, that may be opportunity calling your name. But be sure to do your due diligence before taking the plunge and starting a real estate investment business.

30. Bitcoin Business

With bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies surging in value, a lot of people are setting up trading businesses. Bitcoin, the dominant player in the cryptocurrency market, has a massive market capitalization that has been growing steadily. Majority of bitcoin ATMs are in the US, but no single bank or institution controls this network. If you’re thinking about starting a bitcoin business, this is your opportunity. 

It may seem complicated, but you just need to follow some steps to set up a bitcoin exchange. You will need a cryptocurrency exchange account, personal identification documents, a secure internet connection and a method of payment like bank accounts, and debit and credit cards. Be mindful of the risks, though, because your account may be compromised without proper storage and security measures. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are also highly volatile, intangible, and uninsured. They can be used for criminal and illegitimate purposes, so it would be wise proceed with cautious optimism.