31 Business Ideas For Cloud Systems Administrators [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a cloud systems administrator in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a cloud systems administrator could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for cloud systems administrators?

We put together 31 of some of the best cloud systems administrator business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Become an IT consultant ($27.4K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your specialized skills to become an IT consultant and supplement your income. Your expertise in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure positions you uniquely to evaluate and design tailored IT solutions for businesses. By diagnosing companies’ IT systems and addressing their cloud-related needs, you could help them achieve their business objectives more efficiently.

Becoming an IT consultant allows you the flexibility to work with a variety of clients, broadening your professional network and opening up numerous entrepreneurial opportunities. You could turn this side business into a full-time venture, offering your consulting services to businesses looking to enhance their cloud capabilities and overall IT infrastructure. This path not only diversifies your income streams but also allows you to make a substantial impact on businesses striving to stay competitive in the digital age.

How much you can make: $2,100 — $100,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,504 founders

2. Start a sales automation platform ($171K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a sales automation platform, streamlining and automating various sales processes such as lead generation and follow-ups. This platform would enhance efficiency and minimize errors for businesses, allowing them to focus more on closing deals rather than being bogged down by administrative tasks.

Your deep understanding of cloud infrastructure could be crucial in developing a reliable and scalable software solution that meets the growing demand for efficiency in today’s fast-paced business environment. Additionally, your familiarity with software development and sales strategies would enable you to create a tool that truly adds value, making it a worthwhile investment for companies looking to embrace digital transformation. This entrepreneurial endeavor could serve as a significant source of supplementary income or even evolve into a full-fledged business.

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 12,010 founders

3. Start an email automation platform ($282K/month)

For cloud systems administrators, venturing into the world of email automation platforms offers an exciting entrepreneurial opportunity. Leveraging your expertise in cloud infrastructure, you could design a robust platform that handles high volumes of emails and ensures seamless delivery. Your knowledge of system scalability and security can be pivotal, providing businesses with reliable and efficient email solutions.

Given the increasing reliance on digital marketing, developing an email automation platform could capitalize on high market demand. You could work with developers to create features such as audience segmentation, content personalization, and automated scheduling. This collaborative work could meet client needs while allowing you to continually optimize the software for enhanced performance.

Starting such a platform not only supplements your income but also aligns with your technical skills and passion for building impactful technology solutions. This business endeavor could be the perfect side project or even evolve into a full-fledged enterprise, offering essential tools that enhance communication and engagement for businesses worldwide.

How much you can make: $21 — $4,160,000/month

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

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

How We Launched A $35K/Month Tool To Send Bulk LinkedIn Messages

Two entrepreneurs developed Coldinbox, a bulk LinkedIn messaging tool that assists B2B business development managers in converting high-value prospects into leads and customers, resulting in $35,000 in monthly profits.

Read by 13,760 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your existing expertise to develop cloud management software, tapping into a growing market driven by the push for digital transformation. By creating software that optimizes cloud resources, ensures security compliance, and streamlines data storage, you could provide invaluable solutions to businesses navigating the complexities of cloud infrastructure.

Diving into this venture means designing intuitive user interfaces and robust backend systems, allowing companies to monitor and optimize their cloud environments efficiently. Given your current role, you already possess the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills essential for developing such software.

With industries like healthcare and finance rapidly migrating their operations to the cloud, the demand for effective management tools is immense. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a skill set in software development, starting a cloud management software business could be a highly rewarding opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business.

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 8,118 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, starting a business with a no-code platform could be an excellent way to supplement your income and explore entrepreneurial ventures. These platforms allow you to build software applications using graphical interfaces rather than traditional programming, making it easier to create and deploy solutions without extensive coding knowledge.

With your background in cloud systems, you already have a strong understanding of infrastructure and digital workflows, putting you in a prime position to leverage this technology. You could offer custom application development, create specialized tools for clients, or even launch your own innovative products. The growing demand for digital solutions means there are countless opportunities to tap into this market, turning your technical expertise into a profitable side business or a full-fledged enterprise.

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 10,767 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, you could start a no-code automation business to supplement your income or transition into a new entrepreneurial venture. Using your existing expertise in cloud environments, you could leverage no-code tools to automate repetitive tasks and workflows for businesses. This could include automating email marketing campaigns, integrating various applications, and managing customer data without the need for advanced programming skills.

Given the rising demand for optimized efficiency and reduced operational costs, businesses are actively seeking solutions like no-code automation. By helping companies streamline their operations, you could create significant value while utilizing user-friendly platforms. This entrepreneurial path would allow you to capitalize on your problem-solving skills and deep understanding of business processes, potentially turning them into a profitable side business or full-time endeavor.

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 10,767 founders

7. Create a shopify app ($52.4K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and understanding of server management to develop a Shopify app. With the ecommerce market on a rapid rise, store owners are constantly seeking solutions for improved customer engagement, inventory management, or sales optimization. Your expertise in managing cloud environments positions you well to create a robust and performant app that addresses these needs.

Developing a Shopify app requires coding proficiency and an eye for UX design, skills which you likely already possess or can easily acquire. While this is a demanding venture involving continuous updates and customer support, it also has the potential for significant financial returns through monthly subscriptions or one-time fees. By tapping into Shopify’s built-in market, your app could become an essential tool for thousands of online businesses, providing you with a steady stream of income.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and the dedication to solve common ecommerce challenges, a Shopify app can be a lucrative side business or even evolve into your primary source of income.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $110,000/month

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

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,551 founders

8. Start a time tracking app ($76.1K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, leveraging your expertise to develop a time tracking app could be a lucrative endeavor. With your background in managing and optimizing cloud-based systems, you could create a robust, scalable application that enables users to clock in/out, track tasks, and generate insightful analytics. The high demand for improving productivity and supporting remote work environments makes this a viable business opportunity.

You could focus on integrating advanced features like real-time data synchronization, cloud storage, and custom reporting tools that align with the needs of managers and enterprises. Developing a time tracking app allows you to tap into the growing market for productivity tools, providing a valuable service to businesses looking to optimize their workflows.

This venture not only supplements your income but also capitalizes on your existing skill set, making it a seamless transition from your current role. By following a structured project plan, testing prototypes, and utilizing suitable API solutions, you could successfully bring your time tracking app to market.

How much you can make: $350 — $500,000/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 8,196 founders

9. Start a wireframing software business ($199K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and understanding of software architecture to start a wireframing software business. With the increasing demand for intuitive and user-friendly interfaces in digital products, there's a burgeoning market for tools that simplify the design process for UI/UX designers. Your expertise in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure could give you a critical edge in developing scalable, reliable, and efficient wireframing solutions that stand out in a competitive market.

Additionally, your background in tech positions you well to understand the needs and challenges faced by designers, allowing you to create a product that truly makes a difference. Investing in proper research and development to ensure your wireframing software meets the current demands will be crucial. If the tech industry excites you and you're ready for the challenge, this venture could supplement your income and potentially grow into a highly profitable business.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $675 (?)

How long does it take to build: 562 days (?)

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Digital Services And Software Development Agency

Founder Brian Nyagol started Brainverse Technologies in Kenya, Africa, focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises digitize their business, digitalize their processes and build effective digital footprints, with an average monthly revenue of $4,500, serving a total of 113 clients in the past 2 years through referrals and online advertising.

Read by 7,812 founders

10. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, leveraging your technical expertise to develop an email marketing tool could present a lucrative opportunity. Given the projected growth of the global email marketing tool market to $2.53B by 2028, there is substantial potential for generating steady income. Your deep understanding of cloud infrastructure would enable you to build a scalable, reliable platform that outperforms existing solutions in terms of performance and security.

By using your skills to create and manage a high-quality email marketing tool, you could attract a broad range of clientele—including entrepreneurs, startups, and real estate agents—who need efficient ways to communicate with their audience. Furthermore, integrating advanced features like automation and analytics into your tool would enhance its appeal, offering users robust capabilities to effectively manage their campaigns. This venture could start as a side business, eventually growing into a full-time endeavor as demand increases.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

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

How long does it take to build: 170 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 14,094 founders

11. Start an online learning platform ($30.5K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, leveraging your expertise to start an online learning platform could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business. With the increasing demand for online learning services, driven by individuals looking to advance their skills or simply find productive ways to spend time indoors, you could create courses tailored to teach cloud computing concepts, system management, and best practices.

Imagine building a platform like Udemy or Coursera, where you offer specialized courses designed for both budding and experienced IT professionals. Even if you're not proficient in web development, you can easily hire an experienced programmer to create an interactive website that allows users to sign up, search for courses, and make secure transactions. This venture not only allows you to monetize your knowledge but also helps others elevate their careers by gaining new skills in cloud systems administration.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 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 12,677 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a data mining and analytics tools business. By developing software that transforms raw data into actionable insights, you could help organizations in key industries like finance, healthcare, and retail make data-driven decisions. This entrepreneurial venture would utilize your knowledge of programming, statistics, and machine learning, which are all familiar territories for you.

Given the skyrocketing demand for sophisticated data analysis, there’s a substantial market for innovative analytics solutions. You could create tools that uncover patterns, trends, and insights, providing businesses the intelligence they need to make better strategic decisions. This business not only aligns with your existing skill set but also has the potential to drive significant industry transformations, making it both a challenging and rewarding pursuit.

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 10,458 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your strong analytical skills and IT expertise to start a customer intelligence analytics business. By utilizing cloud-based data storage and processing solutions, you would be able to efficiently gather and analyze vast amounts of customer data to generate actionable insights for businesses of all sizes.

With customer intelligence analytics becoming increasingly critical for businesses looking to improve their marketing strategies and customer retention rates, there is a growing demand for experts in this field. Your familiarity with cloud infrastructure and data management would give you a competitive edge, allowing you to seamlessly integrate analytics solutions that help businesses understand their customers better and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, by offering advanced customer intelligence services, you could tap into a lucrative market, much like industry leaders such as Verint, which generated $1.3B in revenue in 2022 through its actionable intelligence solutions. Starting this business could not only supplement your income but also position you as a key player in an evolving industry.

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 10,922 founders

14. Start a marketing coaching business ($69.6K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to start a marketing coaching business and supplement your income. Your ability to understand complex systems and data can be a huge asset when analyzing market trends and crafting strategic marketing plans for businesses. You could guide companies in refining their messaging and strategies to effectively communicate their unique selling points, thereby amplifying their voices in the competitive market.

Starting a marketing coaching business requires minimal upfront investment, relying instead on your strategic insights and marketing knowledge. You could offer personalized one-on-one coaching sessions, conduct group workshops, or develop online courses tailored to various business needs. This venture allows you to utilize your passion for marketing and your knack for helping others achieve their goals, thereby transforming your skills into a profitable and rewarding side business.

How much you can make: $350 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,350 (?)

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

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

Read by 21,198 founders

15. Start a custom apparel business ($268K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and creative flair by starting a custom apparel business. This venture allows you to design and sell personalized clothing items like t-shirts, hoodies, and caps, catering to niche markets such as fan merchandise or corporate gear. Your ability to adapt to new technologies gives you a leg up in mastering design software and setting up efficient, automated processes for ordering and inventory management.

Platforms like Etsy and Shopify make it relatively easy to launch your online storefront, where your cloud expertise can optimize backend operations and ensure a seamless customer experience. Moreover, your strategic thinking in systems administration can be applied to marketing efforts, such as leveraging social media and collaborating with influencers to reach your target audience. This side business could not only supplement your income but also provide a creative outlet and an entrepreneurial challenge.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 348 days (?)

From Scrubbing Floors To Running A $1M Screen Printing Business

This case study features an entrepreneur who started a screen printing company with no financing or investors, and despite struggling for the first few years, was able to grow his business to hit $80,000 in revenue in October 2018 and is set to hit $1 million by the end of 2019.

Read by 16,936 founders

16. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your expertise to develop an online tool that addresses specific challenges in your industry or other sectors. For example, you might create a web application for cloud resource management, streamlined deployment processes, or robust monitoring solutions. Your deep understanding of cloud environments positions you perfectly to design tools that enhance efficiency and productivity.

By focusing on a prevalent pain point and crafting a digital solution, you could supplement your income or even transition to a full-fledged business. Given the growing demand for digital tools that streamline business operations and individual workflows, the potential market for your online tool could be significant.

Developing such a tool involves not only coding but also market research, user feedback integration, and ongoing updates. If you have a passion for innovation and problem-solving, creating an online tool could be a lucrative venture worth pursuing.

How much you can make: $500 — $35,000/month

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

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

How We Built An $8K/Month Niche Online Tool [Business Idea Validated On Reddit]

Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.

Read by 14,362 founders

17. Start a campus bus shuttle service

As a cloud systems administrator, starting a campus bus shuttle service could be a lucrative side business, leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail. By collaborating with campus administration and using cloud-based solutions for scheduling, route optimization, and maintenance tracking, you could run a highly efficient and responsive service. This approach not only ensures seamless operations but also provides an opportunity to streamline data analytics and reporting, aspects at which you are likely proficient.

Your technical background could provide a competitive edge in managing real-time tracking systems and integrating user-friendly mobile applications for students and staff. Additionally, diversifying into transport services supplements your income and expands your entrepreneurial footprint, capitalizing on the trusted relationships you build with both the campus administration and its users.

18. Start a software integration plugin ($33.3K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of various cloud platforms and APIs to develop a software integration plugin, seamlessly connecting disparate applications for businesses. This could help companies automate data flow, eliminate manual intervention, and enhance overall productivity. By tapping into the growing complexity of tech stacks, your expertise will allow you to create a product that addresses a significant industry pain point.

Entrepreneurially, this venture could be highly lucrative, given the increasing demand for streamlined solutions in the business world. You could offer customization, regular updates, and technical support to meet specific client needs, adding value and stickiness to your service. This not only supplements your income but also could potentially evolve into a full-fledged business, establishing you as a go-to solution provider for software integration challenges.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,550 (?)

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

How I Launched A $12K/Month Amazon Seller Central And Google Sheets Integration

Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.

Read by 10,749 founders

19. Start a personal finance business ($227K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your analytical skills and technical expertise to start a personal finance business. This venture involves helping individuals and families manage their money, budget effectively, and make wise investment decisions. With your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, you could excel in creating customized financial plans and providing continuous support to keep clients on track.

To establish credibility in the personal finance space, you might pursue certifications in financial planning, which would enhance your expertise and build client trust. Given the consistent demand for financial guidance, especially amidst economic challenges, your services could be highly sought after. This business not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by helping them achieve financial security and peace of mind.

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

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How I Started A 250K Monthly Pageviews Personal Finance Blog

Your Money Geek blog grew rapidly to over 250k monthly page views in nine months, leading to the creation of a white-glove, paid mastermind program to help site owners drive traffic and revenue for their own blogs.

Read by 19,320 founders

20. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, starting an AI-based business could be an exciting and lucrative opportunity given your existing technical expertise and familiarity with cloud computing infrastructures. You could develop AI-driven solutions that optimize cloud resource management, automate routine tasks, and enhance system security. Imagine creating a platform that uses machine learning to predict and optimize resource utilization, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses.

Not only could you help companies streamline their operations with intelligent automation, but you could also leverage AI to provide real-time insights and predictive analytics that can guide strategic decision-making. By diving into the AI landscape, you'll be tapping into a rapidly growing market with endless possibilities, positioning yourself at the forefront of technological innovation while supplementing your income or even pivoting to a full-fledged AI business.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,987 founders

21. Start a personal finance newsletter ($595K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could channel your analytical skills and attention to detail into starting a personal finance newsletter. This side business allows you to make extra money while helping others achieve financial freedom. By sharing practical strategies on budgeting, investing, saving, and debt management, you could cater to a diverse audience, from financial novices to seasoned savers.

Given the growing interest in financial education, your expertise in analyzing data and trends would be invaluable in providing reliable and actionable content. Starting a personal finance newsletter not only diversifies your income stream but also positions you as an authority in a field that complements your technical proficiency. With dedication and consistent effort to stay informed about market trends, this venture has the potential for significant residual income and a positive impact on your readers' lives.

How much you can make: $160 — $3,000,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

Read by 28,571 founders

22. Start an investment consulting business ($263K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you already possess a strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, which can be seamlessly translated into the world of investment consulting. By leveraging your ability to manage complex systems and data, you could offer in-depth financial analyses and tailored investment strategies to your clients. This field requires not just financial expertise, but also the capacity to communicate complex information clearly – a skill you've likely honed in your current role.

Starting an investment consulting business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a new career. With the increasing demand for personalized financial advice, there's a significant market opportunity for someone who can combine technical skills with financial acumen. If you have a passion for helping others grow and protect their financial assets, this could be a highly rewarding and lucrative business venture.

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

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

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,283 founders

23. Start a low code platform ($1.31M/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a low code platform, offering a highly valuable tool for businesses looking to develop applications without extensive coding knowledge. This business idea focuses on providing an intuitive, user-friendly environment where users can build complex software solutions using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates.

Given your existing skill set, you would be well-positioned to ensure a solid technical foundation and provide robust customer support, which are critical for the success of a low code platform. The growing demand for efficient, cost-effective tech solutions makes this a lucrative opportunity. With the ability to serve diverse clients—from startups to large enterprises—you could create a thriving side business or even transition into this venture full-time.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $7,500,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,987 founders

24. Start a food & beverage company ($32.1K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you could channel your technical expertise and problem-solving skills into launching a food and beverage company. Your ability to manage complex infrastructure and optimize operations can be directly applied to streamlining supply chains, ensuring seamless distribution, and enhancing online sales platforms for your food products. Leveraging cloud solutions for inventory management, data analytics, and customer engagement could give your business a competitive edge.

With an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore opportunities in creating specialty snacks, gourmet meals, or organic juices. The evergreen nature of the food and beverage industry means there is always a market hungry for new, high-quality products. While developing unique recipes and maintaining high standards of quality are essential, the satisfaction from seeing consumers enjoy your creations makes this a fulfilling venture worth pursuing.

How much you can make: $500 — $80,000/month

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

How Andy Hayes Started A 7 Figure Tea Business Online

How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.

Read by 25,782 founders

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

As a cloud systems administrator, leveraging your expertise to start an ecommerce management services business could be an excellent side hustle or full-time venture. You could utilize your technical knowledge to streamline inventory management, improve customer service, and optimize order fulfillment processes for online stores. By handling these critical backend operations, you provide a comprehensive support system that allows ecommerce businesses to scale efficiently.

Your strong organizational skills and familiarity with digital tools position you perfectly to offer solutions that boost sales and enhance overall operational efficiency. For overwhelmed entrepreneurs looking to offload their day-to-day management tasks, your services could be invaluable. This entrepreneurial path not only provides a steady supplemental income but also offers a rewarding opportunity to delve deeper into the booming ecommerce industry.

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 9,365 founders

26. Start a nanomedic business

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your technological expertise to dive into the burgeoning field of nanomedicine. Given your proficiency in managing complex IT environments, you would be well-equipped to handle the intricate data infrastructures and security requirements essential for running a nanomedic business.

A nanomedic business requires robust data management and secure cloud solutions, especially when dealing with sensitive medical data and proprietary research. Your unique skill set would allow you to design and implement these systems efficiently, making it possible to offer cutting-edge healthcare solutions. This presents a substantial opportunity to supplement your income or transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture within a high-growth industry.

By combining your cloud expertise with the advanced innovations in nanomedicine, you could help drive forward this exciting field while opening the door to considerable business potential. Whether it's developing software for nanomedical devices or managing cloud-based platforms for patient data, the possibilities are vast and financially rewarding.

27. Start a recreational boat rental service

As a cloud systems administrator, starting a recreational boat rental service could be an excellent way to diversify your income streams. The experience economy is booming, with consumers increasingly valuing experiences over material items. By tapping into this trend, you could cater to tourists, families, couples, and friends looking for unique recreational activities.

Utilize your technical expertise to create an efficient online booking system and manage the logistical aspects of the business. You could leverage your cloud management skills to ensure data security and streamline operations, making the business scalable and efficient. With proper planning and investment in the right equipment, you could achieve a substantial return on investment in this thriving market.

28. Start a real estate investment club ($305K/month)

Starting a real estate investment club could be a lucrative side business for a cloud systems administrator leveraging your strong analytical and technical skills. As someone adept in system optimization and data management, you could apply your expertise in market research to identify promising real estate opportunities, analyze property values, and assess risks. This knowledge would be invaluable in guiding fellow club members towards successful investments, ensuring collective growth and profit.

Moreover, your experience in a tech-savvy environment makes you well-suited to manage and streamline the administrative and communication aspects of the club. You could employ advanced tools for managing club data, automating communication, and even setting up virtual meeting spaces, making your investment club more efficient and appealing to potential members. By establishing a real estate investment club, you not only diversify your income stream but also build a network of like-minded professionals invested in mutual success.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $600,000/month

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

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

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29. Start a search platform ($55K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, you may consider starting a search platform to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged side business. Your expertise in managing cloud environments can be invaluable in developing a scalable and reliable platform that extracts and organizes data efficiently. You could focus on niche markets such as scientific research, legal documents, job postings, or local events, areas where specialized search engines are often in high demand but underdeveloped.

By leveraging your cloud architecture skills, you could design an intuitive interface and a dependable algorithm to deliver the most relevant results to your users. The increasing need for accurate and efficient information retrieval ensures that a well-executed search platform could become a critical resource for many. This venture could not only diversify your income streams but also offer the entrepreneurial satisfaction of creating a tool that provides real value to its users.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

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

I Built A Reddit Search Engine That Generated $60K In Its First Year

Bootstrapped founder Fed shares the success of his community-focused products, The Hive Index and GummySearch, which have helped over 10k people find online communities each month and generated $60k in revenue in its first year, respectively.

Read by 12,047 founders

30. Start a white pages tool

As a cloud systems administrator, you could leverage your expertise in data management to develop and launch a white pages tool. This streamlined online platform would provide quick and easy access to a comprehensive database of personal and business contact details. Your background in cloud architecture and system integration would ensure the tool is robust, scalable, and capable of handling large volumes of data efficiently.

By automating the processes of gathering, verifying, and updating contact information, you could create a reliable and interactive user experience. The demand for such a tool is high, driven by the widespread shift to online communication and the increasing need for efficient contact management. This side business could cater to a diverse customer base, from individuals reconnecting with lost contacts to businesses seeking to expand their client lists, offering a lucrative opportunity in today's digital age.

How much you can make: $6,000,000/month

Pivoting From Social Media Aggregator To $6M/Month People Search Tool

Spokeo is a people information service helping over 15 million users a month search and connect with others through organizing over 14 billion records into easy-to-understand reports generating over $6M per month.

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31. Start a travel directory ($89K/month)

As a cloud systems administrator, starting an online travel directory aligns well with your technical skills and passion for leveraging cloud technology. You could utilize your expertise in cloud hosting and data management to develop a comprehensive, scalable travel platform that offers travelers trusted reviews, tips, and a vast selection of destinations. By ensuring high availability and optimizing user experiences through efficient cloud infrastructure, your directory could become a reliable source for planning memorable trips.

Moreover, your proficiency with security and data protection would be critical in safeguarding user data and maintaining trust within the active community of travelers who rely on your site for up-to-date and accurate information. The project not only supplements your income but also allows you to apply your cloud admin skills to a consumer-facing product, blending technical prowess with entrepreneurial ambition. This side business could potentially grow, leveraging your industry insights and technical abilities into a full-fledged enterprise.

How much you can make: $3,800 — $250,000/month

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

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

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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.