20 Business Ideas For Couples [2024]
Starting a business with your partner can be both rewarding and challenging. The synergy of your combined skills and shared vision could lead to successful ventures in various industries. Exploring business opportunities together in 2024 could bring you closer while achieving your professional goals.
From e-commerce to consulting, there are numerous opportunities where both of you could thrive. Whether you’re leveraging each other’s strengths in a tech startup or opening a cozy café, the options are plentiful. Teaming up for a business endeavor could be the perfect way to turn your dreams into reality.
This article will explore some of the best business ideas for couples in 2024. You could find inspiration, discover the right fit, and take the first steps toward your entrepreneurial journey together. Let’s delve into the possibilities that await you as a dynamic duo in the business world.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other couple businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business as a couple can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. Subscription box businesses revolve around delivering niche products to customers on a monthly basis, catering to specific interests, which means endless opportunities to channel your combined passions into a unique offering. Beyond supplementing your income, this business model allows you to work closely together, leveraging each other's strengths in areas like product sourcing, box design, and customer service, making it an exciting and collaborative experience.
Working together on a subscription box business means you could tap into various markets and create a loyal customer base by offering exclusive and curated product selections. By understanding your niche and consistently offering quality products, you can achieve a high level of customer satisfaction and retention. Check out our detailed guide on starting a subscription box business, which covers everything from setup costs to profitability.
Why consider starting a subscription box business?
- It leverages combined strengths, allowing for efficient operations and faster growth.
- It fosters creativity and innovation by merging your unique ideas and passions.
- It creates a steady and predictable income stream through recurring monthly subscriptions.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is a fantastic way for couples to supplement their income or even develop a full-fledged online business. This model requires minimal upfront investment since you won’t hold inventory and can operate from anywhere with an internet connection. By working together, couples can leverage their combined skills in marketing, customer service, and operations to create a seamless and efficient business.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Low startup costs: You won’t need to invest in inventory or warehouse space, making it easier to start on a budget.
- Flexible operation: Manage your business from the comfort of your home, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Shared responsibilities: Couples can divide tasks based on their strengths, whether it’s marketing, customer support, or managing supplier relationships.
For more information on running a successful dropshipping business, check out this Starter Story link.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel as a couple can be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even build a full-time business. By combining your unique skills and passions, you could create engaging content that resonates with viewers, ranging from vlog-style videos to tutorials and entertainment. Consistency and creativity are key, and with dedication, your channel can grow to generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Why start a YouTube channel as a couple?
- Sharing the workload. Collaborating as a couple allows you to divide tasks like video production, editing, and marketing, making the process more manageable and enjoyable.
- Double the creativity. Two minds can offer diverse perspectives and ideas, resulting in richer and more varied content.
- Building a community. Couples create content that can attract a loyal following, offering relatable and authentic experiences that viewers love.
Consider checking out more on starting a YouTube channel and the potential it holds for entrepreneurial couples. Learn more about the profitability and success stories from Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for couples to supplement their income and potentially launch a full-time business. By leveraging your combined interests and expertise, you could create engaging audio content that attracts a dedicated audience. As a couple, your dynamic interactions and shared passions can make your podcast stand out and resonate with listeners looking for authentic and relatable discussions.
Why start a podcast?
- You could turn your shared interests into valuable content, making the process enjoyable for both of you.
- Podcasting allows you to leverage social media and online communities to grow your audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
- With minimal startup costs, such as a microphone and hosting platform, you could start this business on a budget and scale it over time.
For more insights and tips on starting a podcast, check out how much podcasters make on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
5. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be an excellent entrepreneurial endeavor for couples looking to supplement their income or establish a thriving side business. One of the great benefits of this business idea is its flexibility; each partner can leverage their unique skills — one focusing on photography while the other handles marketing or editing, for example. With a bit of initial investment in quality photography gear and by learning to take stock photos, you could build an impressive portfolio and earn passive income by uploading high-quality stock images to various platforms. Read more about stock photography business success stories here.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Combining skills: You could capitalize on each other's strengths to manage different aspects of the business, making the process efficient and more enjoyable.
- Passive income: Once uploaded, your high-quality stock photos can continue generating income with minimal ongoing effort.
- Creative bonding: Sharing a creative project can strengthen your relationship and turn your passion for photography into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
6. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business as a couple offers a unique blend of financial growth and partnership synergy. By pooling your analytical skills and financial resources, you could navigate the complexities of the stock market more effectively. This venture is perfect for couples who share a keen interest in market trends and have a strategic mindset, as the combined effort can lead to more informed and balanced investment decisions.
For those intrigued by finance and numbers, this business offers an exciting avenue to turn passion into profit. Educational resources and trading platforms can equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge. However, it requires dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements.
Why start a stock investing business?
- It allows for collaborative decision-making, balancing risk with shared insights.
- You can diversify your investment strategies by leveraging your combined financial skills and perspectives.
- Managing a stock portfolio together can strengthen your partnership while working towards common financial goals.
For more tips on starting a stock investing business, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business can be a fantastic opportunity for couples looking to supplement their income or embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. By purchasing goods or services for resale, you could quickly launch an online venture without the burden of production costs. What's more, you do not need a website immediately, as you can utilize social media platforms initially and establish a website as your business grows.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- Flexibility in working hours and location makes it easier to manage alongside a full-time job or other commitments.
- Leveraging each other's skills—one can handle sourcing and the other marketing—can lead to greater efficiency and success.
- Minimal initial investment is required, reducing financial risk while offering the potential for significant returns.
For more details on starting your own ecommerce reselling business, you might find this success stories page helpful for inspiration and practical insights.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
8. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business is an excellent venture for couples because it allows you to leverage your combined skills and passions to create a diverse range of courses. Whether you're experts in cooking, coding, or even web design, the synergy of working together can lead to more comprehensive and engaging content. This business model also provides a flexible schedule, allowing you to balance work with your relationship while generating a passive income stream.
Why consider starting an online course sales business?
- You can combine your unique skills to create comprehensive and engaging courses.
- The e-learning market is rapidly growing, offering substantial income potential.
- It allows for a flexible schedule, giving you the freedom to balance work and personal life.
For more insights on this business idea, check out our success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
9. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning a brilliant idea into a mobile app can be an excellent business venture for couples looking to leverage their unique strengths. Developing an app involves creating software that caters to user needs, whether it's a productivity tool, game, or utility. By combining your skills—one of you focusing on design and user experience while the other manages marketing and technical aspects—you could build a successful app that supplements your income or even becomes a full-time business. For inspiration, see stories of other couples on Starter Story who have launched successful mobile apps.
Why develop a mobile app?
- You could combine your diverse skills, enhancing creativity and problem-solving.
- Shared responsibilities in planning, designing, and marketing can strengthen your partnership.
- Launching a mobile app offers the potential for substantial passive income if your idea gains traction in the market.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
10. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app as a couple offers a unique opportunity to combine your skills and passions to create a valuable resource for users. Imagine leveraging your shared interest in health and wellness to help others achieve their goals, with features like personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises. This venture not only allows you to work closely together but also taps into a growing market focused on holistic health.
You'd be providing a virtual coach in users' pockets, offering expert advice and reminders tailored to their needs, from drinking water to yoga practices. The journey involves market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, making it a perfect fit for a driven entrepreneurial couple. If you’re passionate about combining health and technology, this is your chance to contribute meaningfully while building a thriving business. For further inspiration on starting a health and wellness app, check out these success stories and ideas.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You can positively impact people's lives by providing them with tools to achieve their wellness goals.
- The health and wellness industry is rapidly growing, offering substantial market potential.
- Working together allows you to combine your unique skills and passions, making the business both rewarding and effective.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
11. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution as a couple presents a unique opportunity to combine your strengths and harness cutting-edge technology to streamline operations for other businesses. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could offer services that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable data-driven decision-making for your clients. Many AI platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for you to dive in even if you have no prior tech background.
With the rapid growth of AI solutions demand, your business could tap into a lucrative and expanding market. As a couple, you could focus on different aspects, such as one handling the technical support while the other manages customer relations, ensuring a well-rounded approach. The right implementation plan targeting high-impact areas could position you competitively and foster innovation and business performance improvements.
Why consider launching an AI-based business solution?
- You could capitalize on a booming market with increasing demand for AI-driven improvements in business operations.
- You don't need extensive tech expertise to start; many platforms offer user-friendly tools and robust support.
- Working together, you could balance and complement each other's skills in this dynamic and innovative field.
Explore the possibilities and read more about AI-based business solutions' profitability and startup costs.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
12. Start a garage organizer business
Starting a garage organizer business as a couple can be both rewarding and financially beneficial. With many people looking to declutter and maximize their garage space, you could provide a much-needed service tailored to each client's needs. Combining your strengths and organizational skills, you and your partner can tackle projects together, making the business not only profitable but also a joint venture that brings you closer.
For more information on starting a garage organizer business, consider checking out this success stories page on Starter Story.
Why consider a garage organizer business?
- You get to work closely with your partner, leveraging each other's strengths in a collaborative environment.
- The market demand is high, as many homeowners seek professional help to organize their cluttered garages.
- Low startup costs and the ability to scale your business as you grow, making it ideal for side income or a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
13. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an ideal venture for couples who want to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. By offering services that automate social media engagement and management, you could help small businesses and influencers save time while enhancing their online presence. This business leverages both technology and marketing skills, providing a fulfilling avenue for couples who enjoy working together and keeping up with social media trends.
With the growing need for effective social media strategies, your services—ranging from post scheduling to data analysis—could be highly demanded. For more insights and tips on this entrepreneurial endeavor, check out these social media automation business success stories.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could streamline social media management for clients, freeing up their time and adding value to their brands.
- By integrating or developing cutting-edge software, you could stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
- This business can be easily scaled, allowing you to grow your client base as you become more proficient.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
14. Start a mobile mechanic service
Starting a mobile mechanic service as a couple allows you to leverage each other's skills and interests while catering to the growing demand for convenient automotive repair and maintenance. With the flexibility to work part-time or full-time, you could easily manage your schedule to balance other life commitments. This business model provides autonomy to set your hours, choose your service areas, and work independently or for a shop, making it a versatile and rewarding venture.
Learn more about the profitability of a mobile mechanic service if you’re considering this business.
Why starting a mobile mechanic service?
- It's a high-demand service with an automotive market estimated to reach $810B by 2026.
- Operating as a mobile mechanic provides flexibility in hours and location, enhancing work-life balance.
- Combining your skills can lead to efficient service delivery and increased customer satisfaction, driving business growth.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.
15. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website could be an excellent way for couples to supplement their income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged business. By focusing on a specialized topic that you both are passionate about, you can create targeted content that attracts a loyal audience. You could monetize the site through various methods, including affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products.
Running a niche website provides you with the flexibility to work together, combining your strengths and shared interests. For example, you could explore some of the successful niche website stories on Starter Story to gather inspiration.
Why starting a niche website?
- It allows you to focus on a topic you both love, making the process enjoyable and fulfilling.
- Leveraging each other's skills can streamline tasks like content creation and SEO, making the business more efficient.
- It offers a potential for passive income, giving you the flexibility to manage other commitments while earning money.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be a dynamic and lucrative project for entrepreneurial couples with a knack for technology and solving problems. By identifying and addressing specific needs within the WordPress community, you could create valuable plugins that help websites run smoothly and efficiently. As a couple, you could combine your skills and collaborate daily to develop, market, and sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your own blog, or a dedicated website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- You could leverage your complementary skills and work together to create unique solutions for common website issues.
- The business model offers flexibility, allowing you to work from home and manage your own schedule while supplementing your income or even replacing it entirely.
- Selling plugins can become a significant source of passive income, as once developed, your products can continuously generate revenue.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
17. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is a wonderful opportunity for couples to combine their individual passions and expertise into a shared project, fostering both personal and professional growth. By focusing on a specific, profitable niche—such as fashion, video games, or cooking—you could create valuable content that resonates deeply with an engaged online community. Through unique articles, reviews, and guides, you not only build a loyal audience but also open doors to monetization through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and speaking opportunities.
By leveraging your combined creativity and knowledge, you could develop a distinctive brand voice, making your blog a go-to resource in your chosen niche. If you're passionate about your topic and enjoy collaborating, a niche blog could become a fulfilling side business or even a main income source.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could share your combined expertise and passions, turning your interests into a profitable venture.
- Working together on your blog will foster teamwork and deepen your relationship.
- The potential for diverse income streams, such as affiliate links and brand partnerships, could help you grow your earnings over time.
For more insights on starting a niche blog and its profitability, check out this Starter Story resource.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
18. Become a cake decorator
Embarking on a cake decorating business can be a delightful and unchallenging opportunity, especially if you and your partner share a love for baking and creativity. This venture allows you to dive into the bustling bakery and wedding industries, where your artistic talents can shine through custom-edible masterpieces. With the right cake decorating techniques, quality ingredients, and creative marketing, you could soon see your custom cakes gracing weddings, events, and special occasions in your community.
Why start a cake decorating business?
- You could capitalize on the growing demand for unique, custom-designed cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special events.
- Working together as a couple allows you to combine your strengths, making the business more efficient and enjoyable.
- Your flexibility in creativity and schedule can make this a lucrative side hustle or a full-time business.
For more inspiration, check out successful cake decorating businesses.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.
19. Start a backlinks tracking tool ($17.6K/month)
Starting a backlinks tracking tool can be a perfect side business or full-time venture for couples who are tech-savvy and passionate about digital marketing. By developing a tool that monitors and analyzes inbound links, you could help websites improve their SEO strategies, which is crucial in today’s competitive digital landscape. This business idea leverages the growing demand for SEO solutions and could provide a steady stream of income given the ongoing need for website optimization.
With each partner bringing unique skills—whether it’s technical expertise for developing the software or marketing acumen to attract clients—you can create a comprehensive solution that meets a clear market need. For more on how to get started, you can explore a detailed guide on Starter Story.
Why starting a backlinks tracking tool?
- Combine your skills: One partner could handle technical development while the other focuses on marketing and client acquisition.
- Constant demand: SEO and digital marketing solutions are always needed, providing a steady client base.
- Scalable business: With the right development, your tool could serve a large number of users, increasing your potential revenue.
How much you can make: $5,200 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Founder Ayal Aldema built SheerSEO, an online SEO software, to fill a gap in the SEO market, offering a free service to help clients optimize their sites, which now makes $30,000/month by selling SaaS service to both webmasters and SEO professionals.
20. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool can be an excellent side business or an entire venture for couples looking to supplement their income. With the email marketing industry projected to hit $2.53 billion by 2028, this is a field ripe with opportunities. Whether it’s catering to entrepreneurs or real estate agents, this venture allows you to tap into a growing market by providing tools essential for business growth.
An email marketing tool assists businesses in creating, managing, and automating email campaigns, making it invaluable for lead generation, sales, and customer retention. As a couple, combining your unique skills can result in a powerful and efficient operation, allowing you to create a small-scale tool that could eventually scale up. For more insights, you could explore specific success stories and tips on Starter Story.
Why starting an email marketing tool?
- You could tap into a booming industry, with market growth expected to soar in the coming years.
- By combining your unique skill sets, you could efficiently create and manage a tool that meets market demand.
- This venture provides opportunities for scalable growth and diversified customer bases.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
