23 Business Ideas For Students [2024]

Updated: September 23rd, 2024

In 2024, students have more opportunities than ever to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. With access to advanced technology and resources, you could easily start a business while balancing your studies. Whether you're interested in tech, arts, or helping others, there's a business idea out there for you.

You could explore e-commerce by selling products online, taking advantage of platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Alternatively, consider starting a freelance service where you offer skills such as graphic design, content writing, or coding. These ventures require minimal initial investment and can be managed alongside your academic commitments.

For those passionate about sustainability, you could create a business focused on eco-friendly products or services. From selling reusable goods to offering consultancy on sustainability practices, the possibilities are extensive. These ventures not only provide a sense of purpose but also appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious consumers.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other student businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be a great way to supplement your income or even build a thriving side business as a student. By focusing on a specific topic such as fashion, video games, or cooking, you could engage with a passionate online community while also honing your writing skills and gaining valuable experience in content creation and marketing. Moreover, niche blogs have the potential to generate income through various monetization strategies like affiliate links, brand collaborations, and ad revenue.

To begin, identify a profitable and underserved niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Then, create engaging and informative content, ranging from how-to guides to video interviews, to attract and retain followers. For more tips on how to succeed, check out this comprehensive guide on niche blog startup costs.

Why consider starting a niche blog?

  • It allows you to build a personal brand and engage with a community of like-minded individuals.
  • You could generate passive income through monetization strategies like affiliate marketing and brand collaborations.
  • It provides a platform to develop valuable skills in content creation, SEO, and digital marketing.

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 (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 78,126 founders

2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast as a student offers a unique opportunity to delve into a world of content creation and entrepreneurial growth. With minimal startup costs and the flexibility to fit into your existing schedule, podcasting could be an engaging way to supplement your income while sharing your passions and insights with a broad audience. For a detailed guide on how much you could make from a podcast, check out our insights on podcast profitability.

Why consider starting a podcast?

  • Minimal startup costs and flexible scheduling make it student-friendly.
  • You could grow a dedicated audience, potentially attracting sponsors for additional income.
  • It’s a great way to develop valuable communication and marketing skills, beneficial for any career path.

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

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

Read by 19,196 founders

3. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Starting an eCommerce reselling business could be an excellent choice for students looking to supplement their income or build a side business. As an eCommerce reseller, you purchase goods or services to sell online without dealing with production costs, making it a low-risk and highly flexible option. You don't need a website right away; you can start by leveraging social media to reach potential customers and expand to a more formal setup as your business grows. Check out some success stories for inspiration.

Why consider an eCommerce reselling business?

  • It's low-risk with minimal initial investment, making it ideal for a student budget.
  • You can easily balance it with your studies, working at your own pace and on your own schedule.
  • You can capitalize on trends, quickly adapting your inventory to meet current market demands.

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 (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

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.

Read by 7,379 founders

4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity for generating extra income as a student. With this model, you could sell products online without the need for stocking inventory, which means lower upfront costs and less risk. Setting up your online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and sourcing products from suppliers on AliExpress, could be managed around your class schedule and other commitments.

For more detailed insights on the profitability and success stories of dropshipping, you could visit Starter Story's dropshipping business section. The key is to carefully manage your expenses and profit margins to ensure your venture remains profitable.

Why start a dropshipping business?

  • It requires low initial investment, making it suitable for a student budget.
  • You could run the business flexibly, allowing you to balance it with your academic responsibilities.
  • By focusing on marketing and customer service, you could scale your business without needing significant capital investment.

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

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

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.

Read by 25,762 founders

5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel might be the ideal entrepreneurial venture for a student. By sharing your expertise, passions, or hobbies, you could earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Whether you're creating how-to guides, vlogs, educational content, or entertainment, YouTube offers a versatile platform where your creativity can turn into a lucrative side business.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. You'll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and engage with your audience regularly. Depending on your niche, this can be a productive and enjoyable way to supplement your income while honing valuable skills.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • It's a flexible way to share your unique voice and creativity.
  • Potentially generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
  • Develop valuable skills in video editing, SEO, and social media marketing.

For more information, check out this detailed guide on how to start a YouTube channel.

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 (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

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.

Read by 12,318 founders

6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Starting an online course sales business would make sense as a student if you're looking to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged side business. As a student, you often possess specialized knowledge or skills in various subjects, from coding and web design to cooking and music, which can be transformed into valuable online courses. By leveraging your expertise, you could tap into the booming e-learning market, predicted to exceed $645 billion in the next few years.

Launching an online course is relatively straightforward. You need to identify your target audience, create engaging and informative content, and select an online platform to host and sell your course. Given the current demand for e-learning, this business model not only offers the potential for significant passive income but also enhances your resume and builds your professional brand. For more insights, you can explore this page on Starter Story.

Why start an online course sales business?

  • Low upfront investment. With minimal costs, you could create and sell courses from the comfort of your home.
  • Flexible schedule. You could work on your courses around your academic commitments, making it a flexible side hustle.
  • Passive income potential. Once created, you could continue to earn from your courses for years to come.

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 (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

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.

Read by 12,027 founders

7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Starting a niche website can be a fantastic way for students to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged side business. It combines creative freedom with the potential for steady revenue by focusing on a specialized topic you’re passionate about. You'll generate income through targeted content and various monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.

To kick things off, you'll need to select a niche that excites you and create compelling, high-quality content to attract and engage a specific audience. Over time, as you grow your site’s traffic through research, content creation, and SEO, your niche website could become a reliable source of passive income. If you have a particular interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website is an excellent project to start as a student.

Why start a niche website?

  • Flexible and manageable. You can work on it at your own pace, making it easy to balance with your studies.
  • Low startup costs. All you need is a domain, hosting, and your creativity to get started.
  • Passive income potential. Once established, your site can generate income without requiring constant attention.

If you’re eager to explore more about starting a niche website, check out these niche website success stories for inspiration and practical advice.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

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.

Read by 3,615 founders

8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Affiliate marketing offers a unique opportunity for students to earn a passive income by promoting products and services from other companies. By recommending and marketing products you believe in, you could earn commissions on sales, making it an excellent side hustle that fits into a busy student schedule. Start by researching and partnering with reputable brands or eCommerce stores that you align with, and create content around their products to drive traffic and sales.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • Low startup costs: You can start with minimal investment, often requiring just a computer and an internet connection.
  • Flexible schedule: You can work at your convenience, making it easy to balance with your academic responsibilities.
  • Scalable income: Your earning potential grows as you drive more traffic and sales, offering great long-term financial benefits.

For more tips and success stories, visit this page on affiliate marketing business ideas.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,623 founders

9. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? As a student, the flexibility of app development allows you to work around your academic schedule and leverage your creativity. Developing a mobile app involves creating a software application that can run on smartphones and tablets, catering to various user needs, from productivity tools to gaming. This business venture can potentially yield substantial passive income and open doors to exciting career opportunities in the tech industry.

Starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. Your primary tasks will include planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads. More insights on successfully starting a mobile app business can be found here.

Why create a mobile app?

  • Mobile apps have become an integral part of everyday life, offering immense opportunities for innovative solutions.
  • Creating an app can be done alongside your studies, providing flexibility and the chance to earn extra income.
  • If you have an idea that can solve a problem or entertain millions, your app could gain significant traction and generate substantial revenue.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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.

Read by 11,006 founders

10. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a student venturing into the entrepreneurial world, creating an AI writing tool presents a unique opportunity to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged business. This fantastic idea leverages the advancing tech landscape, focusing on developing an AI-powered tool that can generate engaging, error-free content efficiently. Imagine providing a solution that aids businesses, bloggers, and your peers in creating high-quality content with minimal effort.

Given the constant demand for quality content, your AI writing tool could easily find a broad user base, making it a lucrative venture. By focusing on this innovative business idea, you could transform how content is created, making writing tasks more manageable and less time-consuming. Learn more about the possibilities with AI writing tools here.

Why start an AI writing tool business?

  • AI writing tools are in high demand, offering vast market potential.
  • Developing this tool as a student allows you to combine learning with practical entrepreneurship.
  • This business stays at the forefront of technological trends, ensuring future scalability and relevance.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,757 founders

Starting a business as a legal nurse consultant might seem unconventional for a student, but it offers a unique mix of flexibility, expertise, and financial opportunities. By leveraging your background in nursing, you could provide invaluable insights to attorneys on medical-related cases, helping to identify malpractice and scrutinize medical records. This role allows you to work from home or on a contract basis with legal firms, making it a viable option for students balancing their studies and career aspirations.

With the right marketing strategies and business model, you could build a successful side hustle or even a full-fledged consulting business. Plus, the demand for specialized knowledge in legal cases involving healthcare ensures that your skills will always be valuable. For more detailed information, view the pros and cons of this business idea.

Why consider a career as a legal nurse consultant?

  • Leverage your nursing expertise in a high-demand, niche market.
  • Work flexible hours that fit around your academic schedule.
  • Gain experience in both the healthcare and legal fields, enhancing your professional portfolio.

12. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business is an excellent way to supplement your income and utilize your creative skills as a student. By investing in good photography gear and learning the elements of high-quality stock photos, you could build an impressive portfolio and begin earning passive income. This business requires relatively low upfront costs and offers the flexibility to work around your class schedule.

Why start a stock photography business?

  • It provides a passive income stream by continuously earning from existing photos.
  • You could build a professional portfolio, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities.
  • It allows you to leverage your photography skills in a practical, money-making manner, fitting well with a busy student lifestyle.

For more insights, visit this page on Starter Story.

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 (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

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.

Read by 15,472 founders

13. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Starting a social media automation business as a student can be a brilliant way to supplement your income and gain entrepreneurial experience. By offering tools and services that help schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could cater to influencers, small businesses, and brands looking to enhance their social media presence without the manual effort. This type of business leverages your tech-savviness and understanding of social media trends, making it a fitting venture for today's digital-minded students.

With social media platforms continuously growing, there's an increasing demand for seamless and consistent engagement strategies. By creating or integrating automation solutions, you could save your clients time and contribute significantly to their digital marketing successes. For more insights on starting this business, check out these social media automation business success stories.

Why start a social media automation business?

  • It only requires minimal upfront investment and can be managed remotely, making it ideal for a student lifestyle.
  • The growing demand for efficient social media management means there's a vast potential client base.
  • You'll gain practical experience in both technology and digital marketing, valuable skills for any future career.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,242 founders

14. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be a smart move for students looking to supplement their income or kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. This business model, which involves providing customers with a curated set of niche products on a monthly basis, is currently in high demand. By understanding your niche market, you could not only offer exclusive and valuable products but also generate significant profits.

Why start a subscription box business?

  • You could capitalize on a growing trend by offering unique and curated products that appeal to specific customer interests.
  • Managing a subscription box business offers flexible hours, allowing you to balance it with your academic responsibilities.
  • Building customer loyalty is easier with recurring monthly subscriptions, providing a steady income stream.

For more detailed insights, check out this article on subscription box business profitability.

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 (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

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.

Read by 31,439 founders

15. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business could be an excellent side hustle for entrepreneurial-minded students looking to supplement their income. This model allows you to sell custom products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases without upfront inventory costs, serving as a perfect fit for a student's limited budget and schedule. You can leverage platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to reach a global audience while focusing on creating unique designs.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

  • Minimal startup costs and risk, perfectly suited for a student's budget.
  • Flexibility to manage the business from home and at your own pace, ideal for balancing with studies.
  • Opportunity to monetize your creativity, potentially turning a passion into profit.

For more insights and tips, check out the Print-On-Demand Business Success Stories section on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

Read by 29,963 founders

16. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

Are you wondering how to supplement your income or kickstart a business venture while still a student? Developing a lead generation tool might just be the opportunity you're looking for. This business idea involves creating a software application or platform designed to identify and capture potential customer leads for businesses, saving them the time and effort of manual lead hunting.

As a student, diving into lead generation can be a profitable side hustle or even a main business venture. By integrating your tool with websites, social media, and other digital platforms, you could help businesses collect valuable data like email addresses and phone numbers, allowing them to focus more on conversion. If you're tech-savvy and have a knack for marketing, consider this high-demand field where businesses are eager to streamline their client acquisition processes. For a deeper dive into the pros and cons of this idea, check out this lead generation tool guide.

Why develop a lead generation tool?

  • The market is vast and growing. Businesses of all sizes need efficient ways to capture leads.
  • It's a scalable venture. Once developed, a lead generation tool can serve multiple clients with minimal additional work.
  • High potential for passive income. Businesses will pay for your service continuously, making it a lucrative ongoing revenue stream.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,917 founders

17. Start a laser cut coasters business

Starting a laser cut coasters business as a student could be a lucrative side hustle that blends creativity and technology. With access to precision tools and the ability to produce custom designs, you could easily tap into the market for unique and personalized décor items. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to explore entrepreneurial ambitions without requiring a massive initial investment. For more detailed insights, check out this comprehensive guide on starting a laser cut coasters business.

Why start a laser cut coasters business?

  • It allows you to combine artistic skills with cutting-edge technology for unique products.
  • Custom designs can generate higher profit margins compared to mass-produced items.
  • Balancing studies and business is possible with flexible production schedules.

18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

Starting a health and wellness app as a student could be an excellent way to supplement your income and build a substantial side business. By focusing on custom fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could cater to a growing demand for personalized health solutions. Imagine creating a platform that guides users through their wellness journey while providing you with valuable entrepreneurial experience.

Creating this app will require market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, allowing you to learn and apply a wide range of business skills. If you’re passionate about health and technology, this could be your path to making a meaningful impact while earning money during your studies.

Why start a health and wellness app?

  • The demand for personalized health solutions is rapidly growing, giving you a substantial market to target.
  • You gain invaluable skills in various areas such as app development, marketing, and collaboration with health professionals.
  • The potential to positively impact users' lives makes this not just a financial opportunity but a fulfilling venture.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

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.

Read by 8,607 founders

19. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Navigating the world of stock investing can be a lucrative venture if you’ve got a knack for financial markets. A stock investing business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit. It’s all about analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision. Websites like Starter Story provide numerous stock investing business ideas that could help you get started on the right foot.

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 offers flexible hours, allowing you to pursue your studies alongside.
  • High potential for returns if you develop effective trading strategies.
  • You’ll gain invaluable financial literacy and market analysis skills beneficial to long-term wealth-building.

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 (?)

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

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.

Read by 23,787 founders

20. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

As a student, starting an email marketing tool business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and acquire valuable entrepreneurial experience. Email marketing is highly effective for generating leads, increasing sales, and reaching a broad audience. Given that the email marketing industry is booming with a projected market size of $2.53B by 2028, you could capitalize on this growth by developing a tool that serves the needs of various entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Building an email marketing tool involves acquiring a domain and hosting account, which simplifies the initial setup process. From there, you could focus on tailoring your software to help users create, manage, and automate their email campaigns efficiently. Your service could cater to niches such as startups, real estate agents, and influencers, offering them indispensable tools for their marketing efforts.

Why start an email marketing tool?

  • The high demand for email marketing tools means you could tap into a growing market.
  • It offers you the chance to develop technical and business skills, setting a strong foundation for future endeavors.
  • Low startup costs make it accessible even with a student budget, allowing you to test your entrepreneurial capabilities without significant financial risks.

For more tips and success stories on launching your own email marketing tool as a student, check out starter story.

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 (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

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.

Read by 14,133 founders

21. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing.

By integrating AI solutions, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. AI tools automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. The best part? You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. Success stories can further inspire your entrepreneurial journey.

Why start an AI-based business solution?

  • AI solutions are in high demand, positioning you in a rapidly growing field.
  • Many AI platforms are user-friendly, requiring minimal technical knowledge.
  • Automating tasks with AI allows you to focus on high-impact areas, increasing overall business efficiency.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,992 founders

22. Start a volleyball accessories business

Thinking about turning your passion for volleyball into a business? Consider starting a volleyball accessories business, an enterprise that caters to enthusiasts of this growing sport. By designing, manufacturing, and selling volleyball-related products like knee pads, wristbands, custom jerseys, nets, and portable ball pumps, you could supply players with essential gear that enhances their game.

This idea stands out because recreational sports are gaining popularity, and athletes constantly seek high-quality, reliable accessories. Starting this venture allows you to tap into a niche market, providing gear tailored to volleyball players' needs while honing your entrepreneurial skills. Running this business will involve market research, developing supplier relationships, and creating an online presence, offering a balanced mix of creativity and practical engagement in a sport you love.

Why start a volleyball accessories business?

  • You could target a growing niche market with a passionate customer base.
  • Running the business combines creativity and sports, making work enjoyable and fulfilling.
  • It's an opportunity to develop crucial entrepreneurial skills while pursuing something you love.

For more inspiration and guidance, check out some volleyball accessories business success stories.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How We Invented A $2.5M/Year Four-Way Volleyball Net

CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.

Read by 12,355 founders

23. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

Starting a WordPress plugin business as a student is a smart way to supplement your income while still in school. With WordPress powering a significant portion of the web, there is always demand for new and improved plugins that solve specific problems. By developing and selling plugins, you could earn a steady stream of income and also build a portfolio that could impress future employers or investors.

Why start a WordPress plugin business?

  • Low startup costs: Developing a WordPress plugin requires minimal financial investment, mostly your time and coding skills.
  • High demand: The vast number of WordPress users means a potentially large customer base for your plugins.
  • Skill enhancement: Building and selling plugins can enhance your coding skills and diversify your experience, making you more marketable in the tech industry.

For more details and real-life success stories, check out these inspiring stories from entrepreneurs who have successfully started their own WordPress plugin businesses.

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

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

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.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.