30 Business Ideas For Business Intelligence Analysts [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a business intelligence analyst in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a business intelligence analyst could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for business intelligence analysts?

We put together 30 of some of the best business intelligence analyst business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

If you could turn raw data into actionable insights, starting a data mining and analytics tools business might be the perfect entrepreneurial endeavor for you as a business intelligence analyst. With your expertise in identifying patterns, trends, and deep insights from data, you could develop software that helps businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Think about the possibilities—healthcare, finance, and retail industries are all in desperate need of sophisticated data analysis. By creating effective tools with your strong understanding of programming, statistics, and machine learning, you could tap into this growing market and drive industry transformations.

In essence, this business idea marries technical skill and market understanding, offering both challenge and reward. Providing businesses with cutting-edge analytics solutions can be not just an avenue for extra income, but a career-defining venture.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,490 founders

2. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

Starting a customer intelligence analytics business could be a natural extension of your skills as a business intelligence analyst. By leveraging your analytical prowess and strong communication abilities, you could help businesses make data-driven decisions to better understand and serve their customers. This expertise in transforming customer data into actionable insights would position you as a valuable resource for companies aiming to enhance their customer interactions and retention rates.

Given the growing demand for such services, as evidenced by industry leaders like Verint Systems Inc. generating $1.3 billion in revenue in 2022, you could capitalize on this trend. Small businesses would benefit from your ability to fine-tune their marketing and sales strategies, while larger enterprises could leverage your insights to bolster customer loyalty. This side business or even a full-fledged venture could offer significant supplementary income and professional growth opportunities.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

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

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,951 founders

3. Build an analytics tool ($157K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting an analytics tool could be a lucrative side business or entirely new venture. With your expertise in data, you could develop a software or app that enables businesses to access, visualize, and analyze their data more effectively, thus empowering them to make data-driven decisions.

Given the increasing importance of big data, your tool could attract a diverse clientele, from small businesses aiming to optimize their operations to larger corporations seeking to enhance their performance metrics. For instance, considering that QlikView, a leading analytics tool, generated $750M in revenue in 2022, the demand for such solutions is evidently robust.

By leveraging your technical skills, you could build an analytics tool that not only supplements your income but also establishes you as a key player in the growing field of data analytics. This venture could offer substantial revenue opportunities and the satisfaction of solving critical data challenges for a wide range of businesses.

How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How Our Privacy Friendly Web Analytics Tool Reached $4K/Month Without Paid Ads

Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.

Read by 10,272 founders

4. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage a no-code platform to supplement your income or even start a full-time business. Given your expertise in data and analytics, you could create tailored data visualization tools or automated reporting applications that cater to specific industries, streamlining their reporting processes without the need for advanced coding skills.

Imagine developing custom dashboards for small businesses who lack the resources to build them in-house; these tools could provide actionable insights and drive better decision-making for your clients. Additionally, your deep understanding of data structures and patterns would give you an edge in creating sophisticated, user-friendly applications that save time and reduce errors.

By utilizing a no-code platform, you could quickly bring your entrepreneurial ideas to life, meeting the increasing demand for digital solutions in today's market. This approach allows you to capitalize on your existing skills while exploring new revenue streams, offering personalized solutions to a broader clientele.

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

How much does it cost to start: $749 (?)

How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,779 founders

5. Start an AI SaaS business ($39.3K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your deep understanding of data and analytics to start an AI SaaS business, capitalizing on your expertise in interpreting and handling complex datasets. This venture allows you to create and offer cloud-based software solutions embedded with artificial intelligence, such as natural language processing tools or predictive analytics platforms. Companies eager to harness such advanced technology would subscribe to your services, eliminating their need to develop these sophisticated tools in-house.

The landscape is ripe with possibilities, and your analytical skills would be invaluable in designing applications tailored to different industries’ specific needs. This endeavor requires some investment in cloud infrastructure and a skilled development team, but the potential payoff is significant. If you are tech-savvy and entrepreneurial, starting an AI SaaS business could become a scalable and profitable side hustle or full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $150 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My Notion Form Builder $180K ARR

NotionForms, a SaaS company offering a form builder integration to Notion, boasts an impressive total of 26k users, 850 paid subscribers, and an ARR of $182k, with steady growth since its launch and being used internally by many huge tech companies.

Read by 8,421 founders

6. Build an AI tool ($297K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and deep understanding of data to create AI tools that help companies automate their processes and make data-driven decisions. With the surge in AI technology adoption, there's a significant market opportunity to develop AI solutions such as chatbots, virtual assistants, or machine learning platforms tailored to the specific needs of various industries like healthcare, finance, and retail.

Given the projected increase in AI software revenues from 9.5 billion U.S dollars in 2018 to 118.6 billion U.S dollars by 2025, the demand for such tools is only going to grow. By tapping into this lucrative market, you could supplement your income, make extra money, or even transition to running a full-fledged AI business.

Building an AI tool would require strong technical skills and a solid understanding of computer science, but your experience in analyzing and interpreting data sets places you in an excellent position to develop innovative solutions. This entrepreneurial venture could not only diversify your professional portfolio but also offer scalable growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,550 founders

7. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your expertise to start a data analytics software business. This venture would enable you to capitalize on your deep understanding of data collection, analysis, and interpretation to develop user-friendly software solutions tailored to specific industries or niches. For instance, you could create custom reporting tools and dashboards that help businesses visualize and make informed decisions based on their data.

Your background provides you with the insights needed to design software that addresses particular pain points and enhances the decision-making process. Identifying a target market and emphasizing the simplicity, efficiency, and value of your tools will be paramount to attracting clients. This approach could not only supplement your income but also potentially grow into a full-fledged business offering significant value to your customers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Diesel Laptops: From Selling on eBay to Making $20M/Year

Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.

Read by 18,835 founders

8. Start a no code automation business ($23.5K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a no-code automation business could be a natural extension of your skills in analyzing and optimizing processes. Utilizing no-code tools, you could automate repetitive tasks and workflows for clients, freeing them from mundane operations and allowing them to focus on core activities. This could include automating email marketing campaigns, integrating various applications, and managing customer data—all without writing a single line of code.

Given the increasing demand for businesses to streamline their operations and cut costs, your analytical skills and understanding of business processes could make you especially suited for providing high-value, automated solutions. By helping companies optimize their efficiency, you could carve out a profitable side business or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. Start by familiarizing yourself with popular no-code platforms and consider earning certifications to enhance your credibility in this burgeoning field.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,779 founders

9. Start a wordpress template business ($15.4K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical and technical skills to identify market trends and design WordPress templates that cater to specific business needs. You could use your expertise to create data-driven, optimized templates that help companies present their metrics and analytics in a visually compelling way. This niche focus can set you apart in a competitive market.

By starting a WordPress template business, you could benefit from a scalable model where you design templates once and sell them multiple times, ensuring a steady income stream with minimal ongoing effort. Tools like Elementor and the WordPress Customizer can help you quickly bring your creative visions to life without needing extensive coding knowledge. Given the minimal startup costs and the increasing demand for customizable website solutions, this venture has the potential to provide both financial rewards and creative satisfaction.

How much you can make: $4,333 — $21,900/month

How much does it cost to start: $265 (?)

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

I Turned My 'MVP Template' Into A Business That Now Makes $4,380/Month

Aspiring founders will learn how Alexandro Martínez built SaasRock, a powerful Remix boilerplate generating $4,380 MRR with impressive features and integrations, offering insights gleaned from launching, scaling, and effectively engaging with a community of developers.

Read by 5,782 founders

10. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills to offer ecommerce management services. By using your expertise in data analysis, you could help online stores streamline their operations, manage inventory more efficiently, and optimize their marketing strategies. This can lead to significant cost savings and increased sales for your clients, making your services invaluable.

In this role, you could become the backbone of an ecommerce operation, ensuring smooth processes and freeing up time for business owners to focus on innovation and growth. Your deep understanding of ecommerce trends and digital tools would enable you to tackle complex challenges and provide tailored solutions to each client.

If you’re passionate about online retail and operational management, this can be a rewarding side business or even a full-time venture. The demand for efficient and effective ecommerce solutions is high, and your skill set positions you perfectly to capitalize on this growing market.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,378 founders

11. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and data prowess to develop cloud management software, a crucial tool for modern businesses navigating digital transformation. This venture entails creating platforms that help organizations efficiently manage their cloud resources, from data storage to security compliance, providing an indispensable service in today's data-driven world.

Your expertise in data analysis and insights would be invaluable in designing user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems that allow businesses to monitor and optimize their cloud infrastructure. With your background, you'd be well-equipped to create a tool that not only identifies inefficiencies in cloud usage but also provides actionable recommendations to improve performance and reduce costs.

Given the growing shift towards cloud-based operations across various industries, the potential market for cloud management software is vast. By embarking on this venture, you'd be tapping into a high-demand field with limitless possibilities, offering a rewarding blend of technical challenge and business opportunity.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month

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

How We Partnered With Salesforce To Develop A $330K/Month Laboratory Information Management SaaS

Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.

Read by 8,124 founders

12. Start a skills training business ($94.8K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your expertise to start a skills training business, catering to the increasing demand for data analysis and business intelligence skills. By offering specialized training programs through an online platform, you could help individuals and companies enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities, tapping into the booming skills training market projected to reach $47.2B by 2027.

Training clients on tools like SQL, Python, and various data visualization software not only supplements your income but also establishes you as an authority in your field. This entrepreneurial venture could provide you with financial freedom and the flexibility to set your rates, allowing you to significantly impact both your life and the lives of your clients by empowering them with valuable, career-advancing skills.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

We Built A $180K/Year Learn-To-Code Community

Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.

Read by 12,691 founders

13. Start a management consulting business ($182K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a management consulting business could be a natural extension of your expertise. Leveraging your skills in data analysis, you could offer invaluable insights to organizations looking to improve their performance, helping them develop strategies to solve issues, create value, and maximize growth. Your ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable recommendations would set you apart in the consulting field, allowing you to provide objective advice and expertise.

Management consulting also offers you the flexibility to operate on your own terms, whether that's as a full-time commitment or a side business. You could work with a variety of organizations to review their operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and suggest resource allocations that drive meaningful change. By doing so, you not only supplement your income but also broaden your professional scope and make a significant impact in an array of industries.

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

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

How These Cousins Started A $200K/Month Consultant Training And Coaching Business

Consulting Success® is a 7-figure, highly profitable business that offers courses and coaching programs for consultants looking to start or grow their consulting business, built through iterative content creation and audience validation.

Read by 9,363 founders

14. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)

For a business intelligence analyst, starting a sales automation platform presents an exciting opportunity to leverage your analytical skills and data insights to streamline sales processes. As someone who specializes in data, you could develop a software solution that automates tasks such as lead generation, follow-ups, and customer relationship management. This would allow businesses to enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and concentrate more on closing deals rather than juggling administrative burdens.

Moreover, the growing demand for digital transformation and operational efficiency makes this an ideal time to explore this venture. By combining your expertise in business intelligence with knowledge of software development and sales strategies, you could create a tool that adds substantial value to companies. This not only supplements your income but also positions you as a pivotal player in today’s fast-paced business environment.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

15. Start a digital marketing consulting ($49.2K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a digital marketing consulting business could be a seamless and lucrative transition. Your expertise in data analysis and strategic decision-making aligns perfectly with the core functions of digital marketing, where creating data-driven marketing plans and optimizing campaigns based on analytics is essential.

You could leverage your skills to offer services such as crafting personalized marketing strategies, managing social media accounts, and optimizing search engine results to boost client visibility. Given the growing demand for digital marketing expertise as more businesses move online, this venture not only supplements your income but also positions you as a sought-after expert in a field ripe with opportunities.

If you have a knack for navigating the digital landscape and enjoy combining creativity with analytics, this could be a highly rewarding entrepreneurial endeavor. The potential for growth and continuous need for skilled digital marketers make it a viable business venture worth considering.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Marketing Agency During Our Honeymoon In Costa Rica

From a honeymoon in Costa Rica to a successful global digital marketing agency generating $100k a month, Travis Richardson shares his journey of building Impressions Agency without taking any loans or money from friends by keeping costs low, adapting quickly, testing out new strategies that produce results, and focusing on building long-term customer relationships.

Read by 10,132 founders

16. Start a recruiting agency ($109K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and data-driven mindset to start a recruiting agency. By understanding market trends and leveraging your ability to analyze data, you could effectively match candidates with the right companies, enhancing the efficiency of the recruiting process. The growing global online recruitment market, projected to reach $43B by 2027, offers a lucrative opportunity for an entrepreneurial-minded individual like you.

Additionally, you could use your expertise in reviewing quantitative metrics to assess the success of your recruiting agency, ensuring that you deliver top-tier results and client satisfaction. Starting a recruiting agency would allow you to supplement your income while utilizing your analytical skills in a different, yet impactful, way.

How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month

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

How I Started A $3M/Year Remote Worker Recruitment Agency

DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.

Read by 12,073 founders

17. Start a time tracking app ($223K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and understanding of data insights to develop a time tracking app that caters to the growing demand for productivity tools. With enterprises increasingly adopting remote work and seeking ways to optimize employee productivity, your expertise could help create an app with robust analytics and reporting features that provide valuable insights into time allocation across tasks, projects, and clients.

Moreover, the ability to scope, plan, and execute a project would allow you to meticulously guide the development process—right from defining project parameters to deploying the final product. Your familiarity with data and reporting would be invaluable in ensuring that the app’s analytical features meet the high standards required by today’s managers and enterprises. This entrepreneurial venture could supplement your income, or even evolve into a full-fledged business, offering you broader career possibilities.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

Read by 8,210 founders

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

As a business intelligence analyst, starting an email marketing tool could be a lucrative venture that leverages your analytical expertise. Given that email marketing is an incredibly effective channel for generating leads, increasing sales, and boosting SEO rankings, you could design a tool that offers advanced analytics to optimize email campaigns. Your deep understanding of data analytics would allow you to create a software application capable of providing actionable insights, making your tool indispensable to entrepreneurs, startups, and various industries exploring data-driven marketing strategies.

Moreover, the industry is booming, with the global email marketing tool market expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, providing a substantial growth opportunity. By capitalizing on your proficiency in handling large data sets and extracting meaningful patterns, you could develop features like audience segmentation, predictive analytics, or A/B testing functionalities in your email marketing tool. This approach not only supplements your income but also establishes you as a key player in a rapidly growing market.

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 14,130 founders

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

As a business intelligence analyst, leveraging your expertise in data analysis and trend forecasting to develop an AI-based business solution could be a natural and lucrative extension of your career. Utilizing AI technologies, you could help businesses streamline their operations, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance decision-making processes with data-driven insights. This would not only provide immense value to clients but also position you at the forefront of technological innovation in your field.

With the growing demand for AI solutions, there's significant potential for generating extra income or even transitioning to a full-time business venture. You could focus on high-impact areas such as optimizing inventory management, enhancing customer service through chatbots, or personalizing marketing campaigns. Many AI platform providers offer user-friendly tools and strong support systems, making it feasible to develop these solutions without needing an extensive tech background, making it a highly accessible entrepreneurial opportunity for business intelligence analysts.

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

20. Start a water aquarium business

As a business intelligence analyst with a fascination for marine life and an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the rewarding opportunity of starting a water aquarium business. This venture involves creating and maintaining aquatic habitats for homes, offices, and public spaces, offering you a chance to blend your analytical skills with your passion for marine environments. By leveraging your expertise in data analysis, you could optimize sourcing strategies for fish species, select the right tanks, and design balanced ecosystems that not only captivate but also sustain long-term health.

Additionally, your analytical background could prove invaluable in streamlining maintenance services and developing predictive models to ensure the health and longevity of the aquatic exhibits you manage. Installing and offering maintenance services allows you to build recurring revenue streams while delighting clients with mesmerizing underwater scenes. If you’re ready to dive into an industry that marries your passion for marine life with practical business skills, a water aquarium business could be a uniquely satisfying and lucrative side venture or full-time pursuit.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)

I Left My 100 Hour Week Job To Start A $120K/Month Aquarium Ecommerce

AquariumStoreDepot is a highly-profitable business in the niche market of aquatic animal keeping, averaging $8-10k per month with a high revenue month of $13k, and expanding over time from dropshipping to proprietary agreements.

Read by 4,824 founders

21. Start a marketing consulting business ($122K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a marketing consulting business could be a natural extension of your skills in data analysis and strategic thinking. Your ability to collect and interpret data to extract actionable insights would be invaluable in conducting market research and analyzing marketing metrics for clients. Additionally, your experience in crafting data-driven recommendations can help businesses develop and optimize their marketing strategies to better reach their target audiences.

You could leverage your expertise in understanding consumer behavior and market trends to help clients make informed decisions, improving their overall marketing effectiveness. Furthermore, your strong problem-solving and communication skills would be essential in conveying your findings and recommendations to clients, ensuring that they understand and can implement your strategies.

With your analytic background and keen eye for detail, you could differentiate your marketing consultancy by offering tailored, data-driven marketing solutions. This could lead to providing high-value services that directly impact your clients' bottom lines, making your consulting business both successful and fulfilling.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

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

22. Start an influencer platform ($71.6K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your data analytics expertise to create an influencer platform that uses sophisticated metrics to match brands with ideal influencers. By developing a marketplace where brands can easily browse, evaluate, and contract influencers, you enable seamless collaboration and enhanced targeting for marketing campaigns. Your proficiency in analytics can differentiate your platform through built-in tools that track and measure campaign performance, providing valuable insights for both influencers and brands.

The development of such software and curation of a robust database of influencers will require initial energy and investment. However, given the rise of social media and demand for authentic brand engagement, the opportunity for scalable income is significant. With the growing emphasis on data-driven marketing strategies, your unique skill set positions you well to establish a successful, impactful influencer platform.

How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

I Built $140K+ MRR SaaS With No Audience & Sold It For $3.5M

This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.

Read by 10,034 founders

23. Start a business podcast ($111K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your in-depth knowledge and analytical skills to launch a successful business podcast. By focusing on industry insights, emerging trends, and expert interviews, you could provide valuable content that resonates with other professionals and enthusiasts in the field. This platform would allow you to share your expertise and build a community, enhancing your professional network and influence.

Starting a business podcast does not demand significant upfront investment and can be managed alongside your regular job, thanks to its flexible nature. Engaging with followers and marketing your podcast on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts can generate additional income through ad revenue and potential sponsorships. With dedication to quality and consistency, this venture could be an exciting and rewarding way to supplement your income while amplifying your voice in the industry.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

Empire Flippers: $20M/Year Helping People Buy And Sell Websites

Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.

Read by 10,501 founders

24. Become a corporate photographer ($23.4K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and market insights to identify lucrative opportunities within the corporate photography sector. Your ability to understand and interpret business data could help you tailor your services to meet the specific needs and marketing goals of different organizations. By providing professional photography services for marketing materials, website updates, and corporate events, you could create visual content that effectively conveys each company's brand and vision.

Additionally, your experience in networking and project management could be invaluable in building a successful corporate photography business. By showcasing a strong portfolio and actively marketing your services through social media and local events, you could attract a diverse range of clients. Excellent communication and customer service skills would further ensure that you meet client expectations, fostering long-term business relationships and repeat engagements. This side business could not only supplement your income but also provide a creative outlet beyond your analytical profession.

How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How I Run A $50K/Month Wedding Photography Studio Like A Startup

This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.

Read by 17,816 founders

25. Become a Facebook ads consultant ($801K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a Facebook ads consultant business could be a natural extension of your skills in data analysis and strategic decision-making. You could leverage your expertise to optimize Facebook ad campaigns, ensuring clients get the highest return on their investment by targeting the right audiences and making data-driven adjustments.

This business opportunity could provide a significant supplementary income, allowing you to make money on the side while analyzing campaign performance and maximizing ad budgets for different niches. With the growing demand for Facebook ads consultants, you could quickly find your place in this lucrative field, helping businesses drive traffic to their websites and acquire new customers efficiently.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $8,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,175 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Disrupted The Ad Industry And Grew My Business To $20M/Year

MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.

Read by 21,882 founders

26. Start a clothing boutique ($122K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a clothing boutique could allow you to leverage your data analysis skills to identify emerging fashion trends and customer preferences. By curating an inventory that matches your target customer's style and using data-driven insights, you could optimize your marketing strategies and inventory management, ensuring maximum profitability.

Focusing on niche segments such as petite or plus-size customers could differentiate your boutique from competitors, allowing you to gain a loyal following. Additionally, applying data analytics to monitor customer behavior and sales patterns can help you make informed decisions, streamline operations, and continuously adapt to market demands.

This entrepreneurial venture would not only monetize your passion for fashion but also enable you to utilize your expertise in business intelligence to run a successful, data-informed clothing boutique.

How much you can make: $500 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

How I Grew My Clothing Boutique to $10K/Month in 6 Months

Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.

Read by 36,949 founders

27. Start a billing and invoice business ($86K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to start a billing and invoice business. This venture involves creating professional invoices, tracking payments, and sending reminders for overdue bills. With your expertise in data management and financial analysis, you could offer a polished and efficient service to small businesses and entrepreneurs needing help with their finances.

Given the low startup costs—mainly a computer, internet connection, and basic accounting software—you could easily dive into this business as a side project or even a full-time gig. Your background in business intelligence would also enable you to provide added value by offering data-driven insights into clients' payment trends and financial health.

The BI tools you're familiar with could be adapted to manage and analyze your billing data, giving you an edge over competitors. With some marketing effort, you could attract a steady stream of clients seeking professional billing solutions, supplementing your income or paving the way for a successful standalone business.

How much you can make: $850 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How We Created A $1M/Month Meal Prep Software

Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.

Read by 10,964 founders

28. Start a garage organizer business

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a garage organizer business could be a lucrative side venture that utilizes your analytical skills to assess and optimize space for homeowners and businesses. Your expertise in data analysis and strategy could allow you to offer customized, data-driven solutions that not only declutter but transform garages into functional and efficient spaces. By tracking common organizational challenges and identifying trends, you could offer targeted services that stand out in the market.

Moreover, the business can unlock additional income streams through excellent customer service and effective time management, helping you balance multiple projects simultaneously. Your analytical mindset will also aid in marketing and networking efforts, enabling you to reach a broader client base through strategic decisions. Leveraging your existing skills in analyzing data and solving problems could set your garage organizer business apart, ensuring satisfied clients and steady growth.

How much you can make: $10,500/month

How We Started A $10K/Month Design Studio

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.

Read by 9,130 founders

29. Start a fashion accessories brand ($65.1K/month)

As a business intelligence analyst, starting a fashion accessories brand could serve as a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture by leveraging your existing skill set in data analysis and market research. With the global fashion accessories market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2021 to 2026, there are numerous opportunities to capitalize on this expanding market. Your ability to analyze consumer trends, demographics, and purchasing behaviors would allow you to strategically select and market high-demand accessories such as footwear, jewelry, and handbags.

Additionally, your expertise in utilizing data analytics tools can help optimize inventory management, pricing strategies, and online marketing campaigns, ensuring a competitive edge in the market. By integrating your analytical skills with a creative approach to fashion, you could launch a brand that not only complements outfits but also resonates with a broad consumer base seeking trendy and functional accessories. This blend of business intelligence and fashion could set your brand apart, making it a compelling business venture to explore.

How much you can make: $1,250 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Launching A Jewelry Brand By Focusing On An Unattended Niche

Mazi + Zo offers high-quality and modern jewelry for sorority sisters and other women, developed by founder Lizzy Klein after discovering a lack of stylish options in the market, and is now expanding into the broader market with organic social media being the most successful channel.

Read by 9,274 founders

30. Become an academic consultant

As a business intelligence analyst, you could leverage your strong research skills and analytical mindset to excel as an academic consultant. Navigating the complexities of academia and providing tailored guidance to students and parents aligns well with your existing skill set. Your ability to assess needs, evaluate options, and generate data-driven insights would make you highly effective in this role.

The growing competitiveness in education means there is a rising demand for personalized consulting services, providing a viable market for your expertise. By starting an academic consulting side business, you could supplement your income while making a meaningful impact on students’ lives. This venture not only aligns with your analytical strengths but also allows you to work closely with clients to help them achieve their academic aspirations.

How much you can make: $9,000/month

How Kurt Elster Monetized And Grew A Podcast to 750K Downloads

Unofficial Shopify Podcast has generated 750,000 downloads and has four sponsors, resulting in significant monetary gain for ecommerce consultant and host, Kurt Elster, who has created a thriving business and community around his podcast.

Read by 5,022 founders

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.