39+ Small Business Ideas that Earn Six Figures & Easy to Start

Business Startup Ideas for Women, Men and Teens

Running a successful small business has probably been a lifelong dream for most of us. Even if it hasn’t been, it’s definitely something you should start considering. And these are the top small business ideas to get your brain ticking. 

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Before you completely shoot down the idea of entrepreneurship, because you are comfortable with being an employee… let’s explore what being a small business owner really means. That way you’d understand that it IS a goal of yours. You just didn’t know it. 

According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), a small business is defined as an independent business that employs less than 500 persons. That means… it could be as little as 1 or as many as 500. 

However, depending on the specific industry, they can have as many as 1500 employees. Additionally, their revenue cap can vary between $2.25 million and up to $40 million annually, depending on the industry of operation. 

Why wouldn’t you want to run a business that pockets you $2.25MM each year? At the lowest possible end of the scale!

Small Business Owners are More Common than You Think

Did you know that most contractors can earn up to $19 million annually and still fall in the category of small business?

Get this! Did you know that your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, lawyer, private tutor, consultant engineer and accountant are probably all small business owners? Or employed by small business owners? These are all persons with very specific professional, high level, technical qualifications! 

Regardless of their BSs, MSs, PhDs, ABCs, XYZs and host of other titles and qualifications, when it’s all said and done, they all fall into the world of small businesses! 

Now, did you know that your neighborhood grocery store owner, butcher, vending machine owner, mall kiosk owner, food truck vendor, barber, landscaper, farmer, fisherman, plumber, electrician, mechanic and general contractor… are all small business owners?

How about your favorite upcoming artist, content creator, YouTuber or… friendly blogger that you turn to for all your personal finance and frugal living advice? All small business owners!

Small Businesses are the Backbone of the Economy

There are over 34.7 million small businesses in the United States, employing over 59 million people. No wonder small businesses are considered the backbone of the economy!

Additionally, 82% of small businesses are owned and operated by a single person! That’s approximately 28.5 million U.S based small businesses that are “one-man” shows!

If you never considered these facts before, your definition of small business ideas would have been widened at this point! And now you know that small business ownership, is in fact for you. 

Just to make sure that you are no longer on the fence, but fully embrace these business startup ideas, that we’re about to discuss… let this be the tipping point…

Entrepreneurship Gives You Leverage on Life 

You need to be in charge of your life! And you need multiple income streams to do so! Even if you are happily and gainfully employed with the best job ever, having a side hustle could never be a bad thing!

Be the best employee that you can be, while conquering entrepreneurship! Give yourself some leverage so that your life isn’t fully dictated by situations beyond your control. Let your business be your safety net. 

As a matter of fact, in my first year of college, all engineering students were required to complete an entrepreneurship class. We were specifically told that our ultimate objective should never be to just work for a company, but to be business owners. 

It didn’t occur to me back then that my lecturers were all successful engineers who doubled as part time educators and professional consultants. They were businesspeople! 

Thankfully I was able to follow suit! A decision that changed my life for the better and transformed me into a successful professional, with full control of my life path. I want the same for you!

Now let’s pick your next positive life-changing project! Here are the top small business ideas, that require very little startup money (capital) and are suitable for men, women and even teenagers!

The 39+ Best Small Business Ideas

(High Earning & No Technical Qualifications Required)

Let’s explore the highest earning small business ideas that are ideal for a limited startup budget, perfect for everyone and hold multiple 6-figure potential.

These require little to no specific academic qualifications or lengthy university degrees. Several of these can also be broken down into several other small business ideas, that we captured as well. 

See which one works for you and start planning accordingly!

Work From Home Business Startup Ideas

These are the best small business ideas, along with the average annual income you can expect. Remember that when it comes to entrepreneurship, there is no salary cap! Put in the work and reap the rewards!

1. Content Creator ($116,615 / Year)

Content creation is one of the most popular work from home jobs these days. This small business idea is broader than most people imagine, and there is no salary cap.

You get to exercise your creativity, promote topics, services or products you are passionate about and partner with local and global brands. There are several ways to make money including:

i. Earning money from ads on your platform

ii. Earning affiliate commissions

iii. Selling products on your platform

iv. Publishing sponsored content

You can earn as much as you want to earn, based on the work you put out. There are multiple different avenues that content creators can pursue in order to earn their income.

Based on the platform that you choose to create your content on, and the nature of your content, content creators can be one or more of the following:

i. Blogger

ii. Vlogger

iv. YouTuber

v. TikToker

vi. Instagram Artiste

vii. Social Media Influencer

viii. Product Reviewer

Depending on which option you choose, you can get started with as little as a cellphone. As your income grows, you can upgrade your gadgets. 

2. Consultant ($103,425 / Year)

Anyone with expert knowledge, specialty skills, professional qualifications or experience with regards to a particular topic or field of work, can offer consulting services.

With a global market and the normalization of remote work, all you need is a computer and an internet connection to start your business as a consultant. You have a world of clients awaiting your services!

3. Online Tutor ($39,111 / Year)

If you have some specialized skills, talent, subject expertise or qualifications as an actual teacher, you can start an online tutoring business. If marketed well, and your class sizes grow, you’d be unstoppable in terms of income generation.

Keep in mind, you do not need to be an actual school teacher! Even though Mathematics, English and the various Science subjects are in demand for tutors, you can teach any subject that you want… as long as you have a student or students willing to learn.

Teaching online classes for self defense, cooking, art, dance, trade work, etc. are all options these days!

4. Freelancer ($99,230 / Year)

Instead of full blown consulting, you can also offer your specialty skills to run a business as a freelancer. Take matters into your own hands and reach out to companies and individuals to acquire your short term or long term freelance services.

Or utilize a talent agency or sites like Fiverr and Toptal.

Whatever expertise or even limited experience that you possess, there’s something for you. Popular freelancing options include:

i. Virtual Assistant

ii. Data Entry Specialist

iii. Customer Service Rep

iv. Proofreader

v. Editor

vi. Graphics Artist

vii. Transcriptionist

5. Buy and Sell Stuff Online ($81,617 / Year)

There’s no limit to what you can buy and sell on the internet these days. Being a successful online salesperson is super simple!

Find deals, buy and have them delivered to your door. Then setup a sales page on a website or even via social media outlets like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Easy!

6. Writer ($28,500 / Year)

If you are passionate about writing or just enjoy expressing your creativity with written words, starting a business as a writer may be a great option for you. 

You can freelance, start an online library, write content, work for a publisher, or write and publish your own books or educational material.

The income you earn all depends on the nature of your work and how you choose to market it. For example, Technical Writers earn an average of $81K annually, Content Writers earn ~$84K, while Freelance Writers earn ~$48K.

7. Sell on Amazon ($211,935 / Year)

Having your own store on Amazon is extremely profitable. You can set up your Amazon “store front” as a registered seller and take care of the shipping yourself. Or you can utilize Amazon FBA and let them do all the shipping and handling on your behalf. 

8. Dropshipper ($40,970 / Year)

Dropshippers run online stores but don’t actually handle any inventory themselves. When someone places an order for a product advertised, they receive the payment and remotely facilitate the shipment directly from the supplier to the end customer. 

You never actually touch any physical inventory! You just take care of advertising and sales. Check out Shopify to get started. 

9. Sell Crafts ($53,999 / Year)

Creating and selling your own crafts online can be extremely profitable. Unique art pieces, custom paintings, personalized items, home decor, candles, jewelry, baskets, etc… the sky is the limit!

10. Social Media Manager ($64,845 / Year)

Every modern business, startup business, sportsperson, celebrity, artiste or “up and coming wannabe celebrity” needs a social media following.

With all their existing responsibilities, many don’t have the time to manage their social media accounts themselves. That’s where your new social media management business comes into play!

11. Flip Items ($10K to $10M+ / Year)

Buy old, used or less valuable items, repair and upgrade them… And then sell them for huge profits! It’s called flipping!

From clothes, shoes, tools, books, art pieces, gadgets and electronics… to vehicles and real estate! Start small and keep climbing up the financial ladder as a professional flipper!

12. Artist ($59,432 / Year)

If paints, colors and a canvas are your outlet, consider creating art pieces for sale.

13. Print on Demand ($44,992 / Year)

Convert a spare room or unused space into your printery. You can offer personalized clothing, mugs, specialty items, stickers or even posters, flyers, brochures and invites. They request it and you print it. 

14. Babysitter / Child Care Provider ($36,641 / Year)

Love kids? Set up a babysitting or day care business out of a section of your home.

15. Pet Sitter / Groomer / Trainer ($33,377 / Year)

People pay good money to have their pets cared for. If you’re good with pets, it’s time to cash in on this opportunity.

High Earning Small Business Ideas (Non-Specific Location)

Whether you want to run these businesses out of your home or set up a dedicated space, the choice is yours. They all have the potential to grow into multiple six figure businesses.

Again, the figures shown are just the statistical average income for that field. 

16. Selling Food ($50,396 / Year)

If you love cooking or simply interested in investing in a food related business, there are several options to choose from.

i. Catering

ii. Food Vending

iii. Food Cart / Truck Owner

iv. Event Snacks

v. Vending Machines

vi. Create a Snack Brand

vii. Supply Specialty Meals for Dietary Restrictions (Low Fat, Keto, Diabetic, etc.) 

viii. Fast Food Restaurant

ix. Bar and Grill

x. High End Restaurant

xi. Casual Cook and Deliver

17. General Contractor ($63,175 / Year)

Construction savvy? Have a fair bit of knowledge when it comes to home repairs? Even if you don’t, you can subcontract specialists. You just run the business as a general contractor. 

18. Independent Contractor ($56,645 / Year)

If you are handy at, or interested in, a specific area of the construction or maintenance industry, start your business as an independent contractor.

There are hundreds of options to choose from. Here are a few popular ones: 

i. Landscaping

ii. Electrical

iii. Plumbing

iv. Roofing

v. Carpentry

vi. Flooring

vii. Ceiling

viii. Painting

ix. AC Services

x. Gutter Maintenance

xi. Tree Trimming

xii. Facility Maintenance

xiii. Electronics Technician 

xiv. Pool Maintenance

xv. Handyman Services

xvi. In Person Freelancer

xvii. Welder / Metal Fabricator

xviii. Masonry 

xix. Pest Control / Exterminator

19. Physical Store Owner ($32,808 / Year)

Owning a physical (brick and mortar) store is still a dream business for many persons. Even with the popularization of online shopping. If this is your goal, just figure out the right product and get going!

You can sell:

i. Clothes

ii. Electronics

iii. Car Parts and Accessories

iv. Hardware, House and Home Related Items

v. Garden and Outdoors

vi. Specific Hobbies (Gym, Sporting Goods, Toys)

vii. Supplements

viii. Specialty Items

ix. Personal Accessories

x. Flowers

20. Automotive Contractor ($57,813 / Year)

If you have a passion for cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans or other vehicles and their maintenance… You need to start thinking about an automotive related service that can earn you big money.

These are some great options:

i. Car Wash Services

ii. Detailing

iii. Custom Upholstery Services

iv. Autobody Repair and Painting

v. Mechanic Services

vi. Auto Electrical Services

vii. Vehicle Customization

viii. Auto Music and Electronics

21. Tailoring / Custom Sewing ($47,230 / Year)

Skilled with a sewing machine? Offer services to create or alter garments and earn big bucks. You can also sew various other items such as custom drapery, etc. 

22. Haulage ($71,196 / Year)

If heavy equipment, trucking and transportation gets your motor running, it’s time you look into starting your own company in that field. Here’s a few options to consider: 

i. General Transport and Delivery

ii. Wrecking / Towing

iii. Garbage Disposal

iv. Moving Services

v. Heavy Hauling

vi. Roadside Assistance

23. Transportation Services ($41,891 / Year)

Interested in making a business out of the transportation industry? There are many options to choose from:

i. Private Taxi

ii. Car Rentals

iii. Bus Services

iv. Tour Bus Rentals

v. Party Bus Rentals

vi. Limo Services

vii. RV Rentals

24. Private Tutor ($71,978 / Year)

If you know a little bit about anything, you can sell your knowledge. From academic tutoring, teaching music or art… to coaching sports or specific recreational activities, there’s money to be made.

Parents are wiling to invest lots of money into their kids’ hobbies these days!

i. Academic Tutor

ii. Instructor

iii. Coach

25. Personal Care Services ($52,605 / Year)

Self care is the new craze! And people are spending tons on taking care of their appearance, mental health and physical well-being. If you have some skills in this area, this is your time to shine!

i. Barbering / Hairdressing

ii. Makeup Artist

iii. Nail Care

iv. Massage Therapy

v. Esthetician

vi. Mobile Grooming

vii. Personal Stylist

26. Personal Training ($61,014 / Year)

Personal fitness trainers make a decent payday, especially if they can offer something unique. Create specialty, unorthodox, fun workouts… Show your clients results… And they’d show you the money!

27. Life Coaching Services ($38,219 / Year)

Life coaches help their clients overcome and navigate through various obstacles in life. Whether it’s help with nutrition, fitness, health, emotional well-being, finances, parenting, education, or other aspects of life.  

Juggle multiple clients and you can make a hefty income. This can even be done remotely!

28. Dietitian Services ($76,000 / Year)

Help persons eat appropriately, to accomplish their specific goals. From up and coming athletes, to fit dads and stay at home moms. Everyone needs help with their meal prep ideas. 

29. Blacksmithing ($40,704 / Year)

Like working with metal? How about making knives, swords or specialized metallic tools? Blacksmithing is a very traditional and noble business idea. 

30. Disc Jockey (DJ) Services ($85,596 / Year)

Play and mix music for money! Great money actually! Perform at events, functions, parties and get paid. 

31. Event Planner ($63,335 / Year)

Own and operate a successful party planning business. Coordinate details and liaise with various suppliers, performers and service personnel to execute the perfect event!

32. Entertainer ($36,173 / Year)

Run a performing business to supply entertainment to events. Be a part of a larger show, or run a specific act, if you wish. From DJs, live bands, dancers, musicians, singers or standup comedians… you supply them all.

Or just supply your own talent as a solo entertainer. That’s fine as well. Then build your way up to a full blown entertainment company. 

33. Tour Guide ($39,124 / Year)

Tour guides can range from persons coordinating in-person tour groups around popular tourist destinations, attractions or cities. Or they can liaise with domestic or international travel groups interested in specific venues or events. 

Take care of the groups, explain to them what’s taking place and touch on a bit of history. You’d earn your flat rate plus tips. 

34. Travel Agent ($42,936 / Year)

Book international or domestic tours for persons. Prepare hotels and all-inclusive packages to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Earn a profit!

35. Storage Rental ($56,614 / Year)

If you have access to some free space, start a storage rental business. 

36. Air BnB Host ($37,956 / Year)

Start by renting out a room if you have one available. And then work your way up. If you live in a town that’s a popular tourist destination, there’s good money to be made. 

37. Rent Tools ($10K to $100K+ / Year)

Start by renting whatever hand tools that you own. Bump up to some power tools and then on to some heavy equipment. It’s only upwards from there. 

38. Musician / Actor / Producer ($56,903 / Year)

Follow your dream and create your own independent acts or shows. All while partnering with others on occasion. 

39. Farmer ($46,743 / Year)

Farmers are responsible for keeping us alive. They supply all our food. However, the nature of their operations can vary drastically. From small scale vegetable gardens to huge ranches.

If you love being one with nature, this is the right business for you.

i. Poultry and Eggs

ii. Meat

iii. Dairy

iv. Fruits and Vegetables

v. Hobby Specific (Exotic animals, decorative fish, etc.)

Starting a Business Tips You Must Know

1. With entrepreneurship, more work equals more money! Put in the time and effort and your income would grow.

The monetary figures shown in the post are the national average. These are just a guide, but definitely not a limit! 

2. The area (location and specific clients) in which you operate your business plays a significant part in how high your profits can soar.

3. Just like any other business, your income would grow as your experience and reputation grows. Deliver a quality product / service and the money would flow with time. 

4. Love what you do and have a genuine passion for it. That way, you won’t be threatened by the effort required to grow your business. 

5. Give your business time to grow!

Frequently Asked Questions for Starting a Business Ideas

FAQ: What is the Most Successful Small Business?

The most successful small business is any one that is managed well. As long as small business owners deliver high quality products and services, and reinvest into its growth, the business would be successful. 

Typically, service related businesses that do not need a lot of constant capital expenditure, are quite profitable and low risk. These can be in areas associated with independent contractor services such as landscaping, facility maintenance, etc.

Tools required for these can be rented and the costs absorbed by the client on an “if and when needed” basis. 

Consulting services are also an extremely profitable business. You are paid just for your knowledge and expertise. No great deal of tangible tools are required for this business, and you get paid extremely well. 

FAQ: What’s the best small business to start?

The best small business to start is any business in a field that you are passionate or knowledgeable about. Whether it’s a consulting business, tutoring, selling crafts or offering landscaping services… Start in an area that you are comfortable with.

FAQ: What business is best for a beginner?

A beginner entrepreneur should determine what they are comfortable doing, in order to make money. Whether it is babysitting, pet sitting, private tutoring or offering landscaping and maintenance services.

You need to assess your skill and comfort level and pick one or even a few business startup ideas that work for you. There are many businesses that do not cost anything to start up. 

FAQ: What business can I start with $500?

$500 is all you need to start several businesses. For a facility maintenance business, you can get a lawn mower, trimmer, some basic hand tools and a pressure washer with that money. You can even get going with a food business offering catering services. 

You can also get everything you need to start off as a: pet groomer / sitter, barber, hairdresser, esthetician, nail tech, farmer, crafter. 

Related Posts to Starting a Business Ideas

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Final Thoughts on Business Startup Ideas

There are thousands of ways in which you can make money with a small business. You just need to come up with an idea that feels right for you. Just the fact that entrepreneurship is on your mind, it means that you are headed in the right direction!

Pick a field that interests you, use your imagination and monetize it! Offer good service, a unique or quality product and the money would take care of itself. 

Do you have any other small business ideas that you’d like to share with us? Is there anything that you’d like to discuss? Share with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for more money making discussions and tips for financial enrichment. 

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Small Business Ideas that Earn Six Figures & Easy to Start