30 Business Ideas that Change the World You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Interested in starting a business ideas that change the world business in 2024?

We put together 30 of the best business ideas that change the world businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other business ideas that change the world businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Design an autonomous security robots

An autonomous security robot is a machine that uses advanced technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and mobility to detect, track, and respond to potential security threats in real time without human intervention.

To start an autonomous security robot business, conduct market research to understand the demand and competition.

Then, define your business model and develop a detailed business plan, build and test a working prototype, secure funding, and launch the business through marketing and generating revenue.

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

How long does it take to build: 760 days (?)

How I Raised $70M To Build Autonomous Security Robots That Are Patrolling The Country Today

William Santana Li, the Chairman and CEO of Knightscope, has raised over $70 million in equity to build Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) that are patrolling the country today to provide smart eyes and ears for law enforcement and security professionals.

Read by 7,805 founders

2. Start a 3D Printing Business

3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.

You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.

Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

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

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

Read by 29,962 founders

3. Start a robotic process automation software business

Streamline your business operations effortlessly with a robotic process automation (RPA) software enterprise. RPA software utilizes bots to automate repetitive, mundane tasks that were traditionally carried out by humans.

By developing and selling such software, you’ll help businesses reduce errors and improve productivity. Crafting intuitive, robust bots that can handle everything from data entry to customer interactions requires a keen understanding of both programming and the needs of your target market.

Starting an RPA software business demands initial technical expertise and a commitment to ongoing learning, but the potential rewards are substantial. As industries increasingly seek efficiency, your solutions could become indispensable, offering you a sustainable and scalable venture. If you’re drawn to innovation and the cutting-edge intersection of technology and business, this is an avenue worth exploring.

How much you can make: $14,000 — $830,000/month

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

How We Developed A $2M/Year AI Chatbot Platform

Enterprise Bot CEO Pranay Jain discusses how he grew his AI chatbot platform to reach over $2 million in annual revenue, with plans to double that this year, and shares advice for aspiring founders on keeping a positive attitude and never stop learning.

Read by 6,761 founders

4. Launch an online tuition platform

Online tuition platforms provide a channel for teaching students one-on-one. The tutoring platforms enable students to learn and study online at their chosen schedule, choose a tutor and pay for the courses they can afford.

Examples of online learning platforms include Coursera, codecademy, Udemy and Pluralsight.

To start an online tutoring platform, choose a niche and create a website. You can offer the lessons yourself or keep the online learning platform open for other tutors to signup and list their lessons.

How much you can make: $830,000/month

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

How I Raised $15M To Build A $800K/Month Math Online Tuition Platform

Third Space Learning has become the largest online tutoring company in the UK schools market with around 75% of English primary schools and over 100,000 teachers signed up, generating around £8m in revenue this year and delivering nearly 800,000 hours of teaching to just under 70,000 pupils since 2015, with plans to expand globally in the future.

Read by 9,288 founders

5. Start a food startup

Starting a food business can involve opening your own restaurant, bakery, food truck, cake shop, or even starting a business or blog online.

Other kinds of food businesses include manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Food businesses prepare a wide range of foods such as snacks, sweets, and meals to sell directly to consumers and also include cafeterias at workplaces and similar facilities.

If you have a passion for food, starting a food business can be an extremely fun, challenging, and rewarding business venture.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month

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

How We Started A Successful Hot Sauce Brand

Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.

Read by 34,671 founders

6. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

Read by 14,508 founders

7. Start a stock photography business

Stock photography is typically sold on an exclusive basis to one buyer for a single usage fee. Stock photos are often available in different sizes, resolutions, and file formats. Businesses most commonly use stock photos for marketing purposes.

Stock photography is the supply of photographs often licensed for specific uses. Stock photos are the perfect marketing and advertising resource for website owners and bloggers.

You can build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income by uploading high-quality stock photos.

To start a stock photography business , invest in some good photography gear and learn how to take stock photos. An excellent online presence can help you sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,467 founders

8. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

Read by 14,508 founders

9. Start a podcast

The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.

It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.

To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.

First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.

Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.

Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.

Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,195 founders

10. Start an outsourcing business

Outsourcing is when a business obtains a product or a service from an outsider provider rather than building it in-house. Small companies outsource so they have enough time to attend to critical functions like production.

Many businesses are looking to outsource their non-core activities. Therefore, starting an outsourcing business in 2024 has never been more lucrative.

Start your outsourcing business, identify a niche, and develop a well-researched and complete business plan. Then, invest in the necessary equipment and technology to enable you to deliver services to the customers.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need staff to help you with service delivery. Finally, when your business is up and running, start marketing and focus on delivering superior service to attract repeat customers.

How much you can make: $50,000 — $1,399,996/month

How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)

How I Started A $9M/Year Company Outsourcing Support For Startups

This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.

Read by 10,928 founders

11. Start an online fitness business

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

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

How I Started A $48K/Month Business With An Online Fitness Training Service

This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.

Read by 26,258 founders

12. Start a web development business

A web development business is a company that builds and takes care of websites. They typically use coding and design skills to create online spaces that meet the needs of individuals or businesses.

These businesses help ensure websites work well and look good, playing a key role in the online presence of their clients.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $700,000/month

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

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

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

Read by 46,494 founders

13. Start a scavenger hunt business

Imagine a business where fun and adventure meet entrepreneurial spirit — that’s a scavenger hunt business. Simply put, this venture involves designing and hosting scavenger hunts for individuals, groups, or corporate clients seeking a unique and engaging experience.

The draw lies in its versatility; a scavenger hunt can be tailored to a theme, a location, or specific client needs. It offers a mix of creativity and logistical planning, keeping your workday far from monotonous. You can start small with minimal investment, focusing on local events, then gradually expand by partnering with venues and incorporating technology for a modern twist.

The opportunity to innovate and customize experiences makes this a rewarding business. Plus, there's a built-in capacity for scaling—consider mobile apps or corporate team-building packages. If you’re eager to create memorable experiences while growing a flexible, scalable business, a scavenger hunt venture could be your next exciting challenge.

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

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

How I Make A Living Constructing 'The Perfect Day' For Random Strangers

Constructed Adventures, a company that creates custom-tailored adventures for special occasions, charges a flat rate for adventures and expects a profit of around 60k in 2019, having learned valuable lessons about pricing structure for events, always being open and transparent, and using Google Drive to organize expenses and schedules among other tips.

Read by 5,790 founders

14. Start a saas product developer business

SaaS product is online software that uses a license to access. With cloud computing omnipresent, starting a SaaS company is a low barrier to entry idea with exponential growth potential.

Modern users recognize the SaaS cost-saving benefits and the ability to offer project collaboration. Besides, there are multiple technologies you can use to build SaaS platforms.

To build a successful SaaS product, you need database management skills, programming language, cloud computing, design & development skills.

If you decide to build a SaaS solution, start by conducting market research and competition analysis.

Before starting the development, you must choose a good app monetization model and select an appropriate technology stack.

How much you can make: $40 — $4,160,000/month

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

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

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,239 founders

15. Become a yoga instructor

The first step to becoming a yoga instructor is obtaining a certification from an instructor-affiliated institution near you. Your next step should be drawing up a business plan considering various projections. Finally, determine whether to open a brick-and-mortar establishment, offer online yoga classes, or a hybrid model.

The option has far more responsibilities for brick-and-mortar establishments, like paying rent and utility expenses. Also, check business-zoning requirements and acquire the required licenses. Proper marketing strategies will help you build clientele fast and grow your business.

How much you can make: $59,000 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 282 days (?)

How I Started A $60K/Month Personal Training Company

Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.

Read by 8,577 founders

16. Become a ghost blogger

A ghost blogger is simply a writer who specializes in producing blogs for other people.

As a ghost blogger, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on word count and topic.

Ideally, the ideas and knowledge contained in the article originate from the publicly named author.

Therefore, as a ghostwriter, your role is to put the ideas into words.

How much you can make: $450 — $24,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

I Make $300K/Year With A Team Of Ghostwriters That Create Content For Brands

Content strategist Lacy Boggs leveraged her love of blogging and desire for a more flexible schedule to grow her business from a solo "Ghost Blogger" to a full agency with four writers and a cabal of contractors that helps businesses create bespoke content strategies and consistent traffic, yielding over a ($300k) year in revenue.

Read by 4,861 founders

17. Start a technical specialist business

Technical specialist businesses cater to the increasing demand for specialized tech services without the need for full-time IT staff.

In simple terms, this business involves offering on-demand technical support and services, such as software troubleshooting, network setup, and cybersecurity assessments. Companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often lack the in-house expertise to tackle complex tech issues, making this a valuable service.

The allure lies in the flexibility and scalability of this model. You can operate independently or build a small team of experts, addressing a range of tech challenges for different clients. This is a versatile business idea with the potential to expand into various niches like cloud computing, data recovery, or even tech consultancy.

If you've got strong technical skills and enjoy problem-solving, starting a technical specialist business could be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. It’s a practical way to leverage your expertise while helping other businesses run smoothly.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $720,000/month

How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)

Making $15K/Month Connecting Interns With Companies Looking For Talent

Techintern.io connects startups and tech companies with the best software developer students at colleges across North America and has achieved #1 Product of the Day and #2 Product of the Week on Product Hunt, making $15,000 per month.

Read by 7,609 founders

18. Start a social media management business

Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:

  • Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
  • Setting up social media accounts
  • Posting on behalf of their clients
  • Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
  • Marketing analysis.

To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.

The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.

How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month

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

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

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,968 founders

19. Become a graphic designer

Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.

Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $81,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 90 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 12,516 founders

20. Start a fundraising consulting business

A fundraising consulting business helps organizations, non-profits, and individuals raise money for various causes or projects.

As a consultant, you would identify funding needs and develop and implement a strategy to meet them, including researching funding sources, writing grant proposals, organizing fundraising events, and managing donor relations.

To start this business, you will need a strong understanding of fundraising, a network of potential funding sources, and possibly licenses or certifications.

To be successful, you will need excellent communication and networking skills, the ability to think creatively and strategically, and an understanding of industry trends and best practices. You will also need to manage your business finances, including setting service prices and tracking income and expenses.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

How I Started A Crowdfunding-As-A-Service Platform That Helped 200K Projects Raise Over $200M

ConnectionPoint's founder and CEO, Daryl Hatton, shares his experience of launching an enterprise-class crowdfunding-as-a-service platform that has helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million, and offers valuable insights on taking a focused approach to growth and pivoting the business to solve customer problems.

Read by 6,423 founders

21. Start a chatbot development business

Businesses use conversational AI chatbots to take customer engagement to the next level. Typically, chatbots deliver consistent responses to customers, which helps the business avoid issuing irrelevant or misguiding details to the customers.

As more people focus on using the internet in shopping, education, and research, businesses are deploying chatbots to provide 24/7/365 support to their customers.

For example, online shoppers interact with businesses through chatbots, while students can use chatbots to help with their studies and research.

Therefore, starting a chatbot development business can be a lucrative venture.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $180,000/month

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

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

How My AI Side Project Grew To $15K MRR In Just A Few Months

This case study article is about the founder of SiteGPT, an AI chatbot platform, who started the company as a side project and achieved $15k MRR in just 6 months, overcoming challenges such as building the first version of the product and finding product-market fit.

Read by 7,762 founders

22. Start a green app developer business

Aiming to make a positive impact while capitalizing on the digital revolution? Consider becoming a green app developer. This business revolves around creating and selling mobile applications focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness.

As a green app developer, you’ll design apps that promote environmental responsibility—think carbon footprint trackers, recycling guides, and apps that connect users with local farmers markets. Not only are you tapping into a growing market of eco-conscious consumers, but you’re also contributing positively to global sustainability efforts.

What makes this business especially appealing is the growing demand for green technology. It combines tech innovation with environmental stewardship, offering an exciting challenge and meaningful work. You'll need skills in app design and development, but with many online resources available, ramping up your technical know-how is more accessible than ever.

If you’re passionate about technology and committed to making the world greener, this business idea could be your perfect venture.

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

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

I Harnessed My Photography Experience & Built A $1.8M/Year Photography CRM

Studio Ninja is a photography business management app that has achieved 6 years of success, with 7,000 active paying subscribers and monthly recurring revenue of $150,000, thanks to co-founder Chris Garbacz's experiences and failures as a wedding photographer and serial entrepreneur.

Read by 6,450 founders

23. Start an e-book writing business

An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.

Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)

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

How We Started A $514K/Year Content Curation Agency With Just $35 [From India]

Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.

Read by 6,196 founders

24. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

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

How I Built A $3.5M/Year Taxi Company Competing With Uber & Lyft

Albert Williams grew a $3.5 million transportation company, The Best Deal, from a niche transportation sector; he attributes the company's success to providing excellent service and committing to continuous learning.

Read by 10,523 founders

25. Start a decentralized app

Decentralized apps are digital applications that exist and run on the blockchain or peer-to-peer networks of computers instead of on single computers.

Before you build a decentralized app business, it helps to know your competition and trends ushering in the new wave of decentralized Apps. Remember that dApps aren’t an entirely new concept. The new shared trust mechanisms that are cryptographically secured make the modern decentralized apps stand out. The decentralized apps will be more involved in day-to-day living, reducing costs and eliminating third parties from many of our personal and business transactions. In addition, app developers can expect to create dApps with a heavy focus on the metaverse.

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

How long does it take to build: 357 days (?)

On Creating An Ecosystem For The Creation Of Tokens And Digital Coins

MintMe revolutionizes the crypto-crowdfunding space by offering a platform for both token creators and supporters to earn money through token trading, boasting over 1 million users worldwide and attracting clients through direct engagement and continuous improvements.

Read by 5,266 founders

26. Start a drone delivery service

Drones support the logistics industry in different ways. For instance, delivery drones have the potential to bypass ground-based traffic congestion by lifting a share of ground transportation into the airspace. Besides, drones have made delivery possible in otherwise difficult-to-reach areas like ports, terminals, areas with floods, etc.

Delivery drones are applicable in many areas. Examples include:

  • Courier delivery
  • Medicine delivery
  • Hyperlocal delivery
  • Food delivery
  • On-demand local shipping

But before you invest in the drone courier delivery business, take time to learn the laws governing the industry and research out how other players are operating. Then launch and market your drone delivery business.

27. Start a hospital robotics business

28. Start a robotic engineer business

29. Start an automated home cleaning robot business

A home cleaning robot is an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner with a limited vacuum floor cleaning system that features sensors and automated drives with programmable controllers.

The use of robots in home cleaning is a trend that is gaining traction. Experts estimate that the global cleaning robot market will witness a CAGR of 14.6% in the next decade.

Ideally, homeowners prefer the cleaning robots because they save time, can be used for emergency cleaning, and reach all surfaces, including underneath furniture. Besides, robotic home cleaning has proven to be an invaluable tool for people with mobility issues and those who hate vacuuming floors.

30. Start a trash sorting robot business

meet the author
Pat Walls