27 Business Ideas For Software Development Managers [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

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

We put together 27 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

As a software development manager, starting a mobile app development business could be a natural extension of your existing skills and expertise. With your background in managing development teams and your deep understanding of software project lifecycles, you are well-equipped to oversee the creation of high-quality mobile applications. This venture could allow you to leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to develop innovative apps that meet the growing demand for mobile solutions in sectors like productivity, gaming, and social networking.

Moreover, launching a mobile app development business could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even become your primary business. With the rising trend of businesses seeking to engage with their customers via mobile apps, the market opportunities are vast. Your experience in software development management will be invaluable in not only creating top-notch apps but also in marketing and selling them effectively.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 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 12,511 founders

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

As a software development manager, you could leverage AI-based business ideas to supplement your income or establish a new revenue stream altogether. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, you could create software or platforms that optimize processes, provide valuable insights, or automate repetitive tasks—all areas where your technical expertise already positions you for success.

For instance, you could develop AI-driven customer service bots that businesses can use to operate more efficiently and reduce costs. Alternatively, you might explore predictive analytics tools for healthcare, enabling providers to deliver better patient outcomes through data-driven decisions. With the ever-growing field of AI, you could be at the forefront of revolutionary technology, positioning yourself as a leader in this transformative industry.

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 20,994 founders

3. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)

As a software development manager, starting a micro SaaS could be an excellent opportunity to leverage your existing skills and industry knowledge. With micro SaaS, you could create specialized software solutions targeted at niche markets, allowing you to gain deep insights into your customers' specific needs and deliver highly customized solutions. This aligns perfectly with your expertise in managing development projects and understanding complex requirements, making it easier to identify and solve unique problems within the market.

Moreover, a micro SaaS approach ensures that you can build closer relationships with your customer base, fostering trust and loyalty. You could utilize your skills in project management and customer engagement to iterative improve your product based on user feedback, ensuring its long-term success. Starting small and focusing on a specific issue allows for sustainable growth and scalability, making it a practical side business or even a full-fledged venture for an entrepreneurial-minded software development manager like yourself.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

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

How long does it take to build: 60 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 23,565 founders

4. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)

As a software development manager, starting an e-commerce plugin could be a lucrative side business or even a full-fledged venture. Given your understanding of software development and project management, you could leverage your skills to create features like a robust shopping cart, seamless payment gateways, and feature-rich product catalogs. An e-commerce plugin that improves processes can have massive market potential given the rise of online stores looking to streamline their operations.

With your background, you could focus on creating plugins that integrate easily with existing e-commerce platforms, catering to specific niches or addressing prevalent pain points in the market. The growing demand for such plugins offers a fertile ground for your entrepreneurial aspirations, allowing you to provide solutions that save businesses time and money by automating manual tasks. This could be your opportunity to innovate within an ever-evolving e-commerce landscape while supplementing your income through steady sales and possibly recurring revenue from subscriptions.

How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

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 23,565 founders

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

As a software development manager, starting an email marketing tool could be a lucrative side business or even a full-fledged enterprise. Given your technical expertise and experience overseeing software projects, you could develop a feature-rich application that caters to various industries. An email marketing tool helps businesses create, manage, and automate email campaigns, making it an invaluable asset for generating leads, boosting sales, and increasing customer engagement.

The email marketing industry is booming, with market size projections reaching $2.53 billion by 2028. By leveraging your skills and experience, you could create a tool that addresses the unique needs of modern marketers, entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents. This venture not only offers the potential for substantial financial return but also allows you to impact other businesses' growth and success, making it a fulfilling entrepreneurial pursuit.

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 14,117 founders

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

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to create a robust time tracking app that addresses the needs of other managers and organizations. Given the increasing emphasis on remote work and productivity, a well-designed time tracking app can offer essential features like clocking in/out, task tracking, and comprehensive analytics and reporting. These features would provide valuable insights into how time is allocated across various tasks, projects, and clients, helping to boost efficiency and accountability.

Launching a time-tracking app could become a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture, especially considering the growing demand for such tools in the corporate world. With your expertise in project management and software development methodologies, you could efficiently define your project scope, assemble a capable team, and navigate the development process smoothly. Additionally, focusing on user experience and integrating reliable API solutions could set your app apart, making it a go-to resource for businesses aiming to optimize their performance.

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 8,202 founders

7. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)

As a software development manager, starting an email app business could be an excellent way to leverage your existing skills and industry knowledge. You could create a platform that offers users intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses, addressing the pervasive issue of cluttered inboxes and inefficient email management. This venture not only capitalizes on your expertise in software development but also taps into the growing demand for more efficient digital communication tools.

By focusing on unique features that differentiate your app from established competitors like Gmail and Outlook, your email app could stand out in a crowded market. Building and launching such an application would require a solid understanding of user interface design and thorough market research, areas in which you already have substantial experience. This innovative approach has the potential to capture a significant market share and offer a valuable service to both individuals and businesses, providing you with a lucrative and fulfilling side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.

How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month

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

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,337 founders

8. Start an amazon service agency ($59.2K/month)

As a software development manager, starting an Amazon service agency could be a lucrative side business or even a potential full-time endeavor. Leveraging your technical expertise and project management skills, you could assist Amazon sellers in creating, optimizing, and managing their product listings and storefronts. You could provide a range of services, from comprehensive management to focused offerings like Amazon advertising campaigns, effectively acting as a specialized digital marketing company tailored for the Amazon marketplace.

The analytical and strategic mindset you’ve developed as a software development manager positions you well for this entrepreneurial venture. The high demand for skilled Amazon service agencies means that with hard work, research, and dedication, you could tap into a massive business opportunity. By combining your existing management skills with new insights into e-commerce and digital marketing, you could significantly supplement your income and create a scalable business.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $138,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $25K/Month Amazon Service Agency

A service agency that helps brands grow their business on Amazon saw a 300% YoY growth, averaging $25k a month in revenue and profits of approx. 30-40%, after restructuring pricing and realizing that their service was more valuable than they gave it credit.

Read by 8,756 founders

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

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical skills and industry insights to launch a data mining and analytics tools business. By transforming raw data into actionable insights, you could develop software solutions that help businesses uncover patterns and trends, driving better strategic decisions. This venture is particularly promising, given the surging demand for data-driven decision-making across key industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

To get started, you might focus on identifying the specific needs of these sectors and creating tools that provide robust data analysis capabilities. A strong foundation in programming, statistics, and machine learning will be essential to develop effective solutions. Ultimately, this business idea enables you to combine your technical expertise with market understanding, offering a compelling, entrepreneurial path that could pioneer business intelligence and industry transformation.

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 10,475 founders

10. Start a cryotherapy business ($62.5K/month)

As a software development manager, you could leverage your project management and leadership skills to start a cryotherapy business, tapping into the booming wellness industry. Cryotherapy, with its benefits in muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and boosting mental well-being, presents a unique opportunity to diversify your income streams while meeting a growing market demand.

Setting up a cryotherapy business would involve significant investment in specialized equipment, such as cryo chambers, and ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment. Your analytical skills would be invaluable in selecting the right location, possibly near fitness centers or urban areas, to attract health-conscious clients. Moreover, the strong organizational and team management skills you possess could ensure your staff is well-trained and capable of providing top-notch service, enhancing client satisfaction and business success.

While the initial costs could be substantial, the potential for profit is significant, especially if positioned correctly in a market increasingly aware of the wellness benefits of cryotherapy. This venture might be appealing if you're interested in a dynamic field that allows you to positively impact others' health and well-being.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $90,000/month

How We Started A Successful Cryotherapy Business That Landed Shark Tank

How a Cryotherapy business started in a small town with $3,000 has grown over 5 years to boast 200 monthly members in a big box gym in Silicon Valley, offering a variety of pain management and wellness modalities, thanks to personalized outreach to businesses, SEO and word of mouth.

Read by 10,672 founders

11. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As a software development manager, you could greatly benefit from leveraging your extensive experience and knowledge by starting a startup instructing business. Your firsthand insights into effective team management, project planning, and technical leadership are invaluable to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. This business would allow you to guide them through the intricacies of establishing a solid foundation, ranging from business planning and marketing strategies to setting clear paths for success.

To get started on a budget, you could first pinpoint your specific areas of expertise, such as agile methodologies, software project management, or tech-driven market analysis. By establishing a simple web presence or actively engaging on social media, you could showcase these services effectively and reach a wider audience. Offering your services at competitive rates initially could help you build a strong clientele base, eventually expanding through positive word-of-mouth and satisfied customer referrals.

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

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

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

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,015 founders

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

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical skills and industry insights to create a sales automation platform. This business idea involves developing a software solution that automates and streamlines key sales processes, such as lead generation and follow-ups, which can dramatically reduce the time and effort required for these tasks.

By integrating a sales automation platform, businesses could enhance their efficiency, minimize errors, and focus more on closing deals rather than handling repetitive administrative work. Given your background in software development and understanding of project management, you could build a tool that tackles the nuances of both technology and sales, providing substantial value to companies looking to optimize their operations.

Additionally, the growing demand for digital transformation and efficiency in the business world makes this an ideal time to explore this venture. As companies increasingly seek ways to automate and streamline their processes, your platform could become an invaluable resource, making this not just a side business, but potentially a highly lucrative full-time enterprise.

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 12,015 founders

13. Start a B2B sales app ($144K/month)

As a software development manager, leveraging your technical skills to start a B2B sales app could be a lucrative entrepreneurial venture. Your in-depth knowledge of software architecture and user experience design could enable you to create a tool that simplifies and enhances the workflow for sales professionals. For instance, integrating features like automated lead generation, lead scoring, and follow-up systems into your app can significantly boost sales efficiency for businesses.

Given that 72% of B2B buyers highly value the convenience of self-service access to their accounts and orders, your app could fill a critical market need. You could start by validating your idea through direct engagement with sales professionals to identify gaps in existing solutions and gather feedback. This approach ensures that your app is tailored to meet the specific needs of your target users, increasing its adoption and success in the marketplace.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

How We Created A $40K/Month 1-Click Integrations Platform

Integrately founder Abhishek A Agrawal built a 1-click integration platform which acquired around 1,500 paid customers within the first month of its launch, showing that people are looking for an easy way to automate their processes.

Read by 11,837 founders

14. Digital products ($261K/month)

As a software development manager, venturing into digital products could be an excellent way to supplement your income or launch a side business. Digital products—whether they are software-based like an app or game, or information-based like an eBook or course—capitalize on your existing expertise and leadership skills. You could leverage your technical know-how to create valuable software solutions or educational content that resonates with your target audience.

Since digital products are easy to create and share, you could potentially build a thriving business without the overhead of physical inventory. The flexibility of digital products means you could continue to work your regular job while developing and refining your product in your spare time. Whether creating a membership site or a niche community, the possibilities are endless and offer an opportunity to turn your skills into a steady income stream.

How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month

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

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

How We Created A $30K/Month Marketplace Of Photo Filters And Digital Assets For Creatives

FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.

Read by 11,050 founders

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

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical expertise and project management skills to create a cloud management software, tapping into the burgeoning demand for efficient cloud solutions. This business involves developing software that helps organizations manage their cloud resources—everything from data storage to security compliance—through user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems.

Not only would you be meeting a critical need in an era increasingly defined by digital transformation, but you'd also be entering a growth industry with immense market potential across diverse sectors like healthcare and finance. If you thrive on solving complex challenges and have a passion for software development, starting a cloud management software could be a lucrative and fulfilling avenue 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 8,121 founders

16. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical expertise to offer SEO services as a supplemental income stream. By optimizing website content, building quality backlinks, and conducting keyword research, you could help businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google. Your strong background in technology would make understanding and implementing SEO strategies more intuitive.

Starting an SEO services business is relatively low-cost, primarily requiring a computer, an internet connection, and some fundamental SEO knowledge, which are likely already at your disposal. This venture allows you to offer valuable services to small businesses looking to enhance their online presence without significant upfront investment. It’s a practical way to utilize your skills and expand your professional portfolio while potentially earning additional income.

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

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

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

How I Started A $28K/Month Boutique SEO Company

This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.

Read by 9,613 founders

17. Start a healthy food processing business

As a software development manager, you could leverage your project management skills to start a healthy food processing business. With the rising demand for healthy and functional food, this could be a lucrative venture that taps into your ability to manage complex systems and processes efficiently. By identifying a market gap and innovating with processing technology, you could create products that cater to the growing consumer preference for nutritious, processed food.

Your analytical mindset could help you understand customers' changing tastes and preferences, enabling you to offer superior products that stand out in the market. Managing a team of food processing specialists could be similar to leading a team of developers, focusing on quality, timelines, and continuous improvement. This side business could not only supplement your income but also fulfill an entrepreneurial pursuit leveraging your managerial expertise.

How much you can make: $52,944/month

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

How I Healed My Injury With Bone Broth And Bootstrapped A $540K/Year Business

Bluebird Provisions Bone Broth is North America's fastest-growing bone broth brand, doing 49,000 per month and growing 50% YoY, with 5000% growth in customer base since starting, thanks to an SEO-focused strategy, email marketing, referrals, and Amazon.

Read by 3,927 founders

18. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

As a software development manager, starting a social media marketing agency could be a practical and lucrative side business. Your analytical and project management skills would be invaluable in creating effective social media marketing strategies that serve customers efficiently. Given that social media marketing tools allow you to automate a lot of the work, this venture would not demand excessive time, making it feasible alongside your full-time job.

Additionally, developing a robust agency portfolio and leveraging your existing professional network could help you attract clients more easily. The extra income from this venture could help you clear utility bills, finance your college education, or save for a vacation, providing a flexible way to supplement your primary income.

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

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,804 founders

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

Considering your expertise as a software development manager, starting a customer intelligence analytics business could be an excellent entrepreneurial path. Leveraging your strong analytical abilities and communication skills, you could help businesses understand their customer data, transforming it into actionable insights that drive better decision-making. This niche is in high demand, as every business craves deeper understanding to tailor their marketing, sales strategies, and improve customer retention.

With case studies like Verint's impressive achievement, generating $1.3B in revenue in 2022, it's clear the market is both lucrative and growing. Utilizing platforms similar to those provided by Verint, you could enable companies—both small and large—to interpret customer interactions and convert these into valuable business strategies. As a software development manager, your technical know-how and project management skills would be instrumental in implementing and scaling such a business, promising both supplementary income and the potential for a full-fledged enterprise.

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 10,934 founders

20. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)

If you're a software development manager with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a business communications software could be a highly rewarding venture. With your expertise, you could develop cutting-edge tools designed to streamline communication within and between companies, enhancing collaboration and increasing overall productivity. This could also have the potential to address common workflow inefficiencies, thereby amplifying business profitability.

In today's era of remote work and digital collaboration, there's a massive market for reliable, user-friendly communication software. By creating solutions that bridge communication gaps, you could provide significant value to businesses struggling to maintain effective internal communication. As you navigate this largely uncharted territory, your innovative product could shape how organizations interact, laying the groundwork for future advancements in business software solutions.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

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

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,228 founders

21. Start a technology consulting business ($137K/month)

As a software development manager, starting a technology consulting business could be a natural extension of your career. Leveraging your extensive experience in IT and your ability to stay ahead of current technology trends, you could offer valuable insights to businesses that lack a technical background. Entrepreneurs and startups often struggle to navigate the complex landscape of technological innovations, making your expertise highly sought after.

By starting a technology consulting business, you could help organizations use technology to drive innovation and growth, while solving critical enterprise challenges. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to build a brand around your specialized knowledge. Your skills as a manager of development teams give you an edge in understanding both the technical and strategic needs of your clients, providing them with comprehensive and practical solutions.

How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month

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

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.

Read by 8,100 founders

22. Start a payment app ($716K/month)

As a software development manager, you could leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to develop a payment app, tapping into the flourishing digital payment industry. Starting a payment app would not only utilize your current skill set in software development but could also drive passive income with relatively low initial investments. The convenience of allowing users to make quick payments via their mobile devices creates a lucrative opportunity for you as a professional to capitalize on this ever-growing market.

By creating a payment app, you could seamlessly cater to business owners and professionals who need a solution for accepting occasional or irregular payments for their products and services. This venture offers immense potential, given the popular trend of mobile transactions and the constant demand for efficient, user-friendly payment solutions. In this evolving landscape, your specialized knowledge and experience could be pivotal in crafting an innovative and competitive app, positioning you well within a virtually endless niche.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

Read by 23,484 founders

23. Start a PPC consulting agency ($87.3K/month)

As a software development manager, starting a PPC consulting agency could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Given that paid advertising offers a 200% ROI, many businesses, particularly startups, are eager to incorporate PPC into their marketing strategies but lack the expertise to do so effectively. You could leverage your analytical skills and digital marketing understanding to guide these businesses through successful PPC campaigns.

If you are familiar with Google Ads and other PPC platforms, you could provide value immediately by optimizing clients' campaigns. Even if you are new to PPC, you could outsource a consultant to help manage the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on client acquisition and strategy. This could not only supplement your income but also position you as a versatile professional, broadening your career possibilities beyond software development.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $390,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,250 (?)

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

How I Turned My Jobs on Upwork Into A Full Scale Marketing Agency

Big Flare is a location-independent PPC advertising agency that spends over $3M per year on Google Ads for their small to mid-sized e-commerce clients, with a team of five spread across five different countries and timezones, and plans to grow to a $10M+ company within 10 years.

Read by 12,644 founders

24. Start a soy production business

As a software development manager, you possess critical thinking and project management skills that are transferable to starting a soy production business. Utilizing your idle land for soy production could offer a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income stream. Soybean is a key source of food, nutrients, and oil, which ensures a consistent demand in the market.

Leveraging your ability to manage teams and projects, you could efficiently handle the logistics and operations of a soy production business. Selling mature soybeans to local millers or cereal shops allows you to tap into a profitable agricultural market without requiring extensive changes to your current career framework. This venture not only supplements your income but also provides a balanced blend of technology and agriculture in your entrepreneurial journey.

25. Start a vacation property rental agent business

As a software development manager, you could leverage your project management and organizational skills to start a vacation property rental agent business, offering an excellent supplementary income stream or even a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Your expertise in managing complex tasks and coordinating teams can be seamlessly transferred to managing property listings, bookings, and customer service.

Additionally, your technical acumen may provide a unique advantage in creating or using advanced software tools to automate processes, optimize property visibility online, and enhance the overall guest experience. This business, rooted in your ability to manage multifaceted projects, allows you to diversify your income while capitalizing on the growing market for vacation rentals.

26. Start an ice cube business

As a software development manager, you could capitalize on your project management and problem-solving skills to start an ice cube business. With minimal capital investment, as water is its primary raw material, this venture presents a low-barrier opportunity for additional income. You'll need an ice maker, water, and a power source—the overhead is quite manageable.

Effectively leveraging your planning and marketing expertise could help in running the business efficiently and profitably. By applying your knowledge in process optimization and leveraging technology, you could streamline operations, possibly even expanding the business through automated vending machines or subscription models for local businesses. This venture offers a manageable yet profitable opportunity to diversify your income while utilizing your existing skill set.

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

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How We Built A $1.2MM/Year Business Selling Light Up Ice Cubes

Learn how a team from Mississippi State University turned a classroom project into a $1.2 million year business selling liquid-activated, light-up drink cubes and sensory toys for kids, which are now sold in 37 countries.

Read by 9,802 founders

27. Start a coffee roasting business ($82.5K/month)

Starting a coffee roasting business could be a unique and profitable endeavor for a software development manager looking to diversify their income streams. The global coffee roaster market is growing steadily, presenting a lucrative opportunity, particularly with the right market research and strategic planning. With entrepreneurial drive, you could leverage your analytical skills to assess the competition and understand the supply chain within your target area.

You could decide whether to supply roasted coffee to local coffee shops, elite lodging establishments, or directly to consumers. Additionally, the business involves utilizing advanced machinery such as roasters and grinders, which might appeal to your technical proficiency. By aligning your passion for quality products with your business acumen, starting a coffee roasting business in 2024 could be a rewarding venture.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How We Started A $80K/Month Coffee Roasting Company

Latvian coffee roasting company grew from a team of 2 to 13, with a current monthly turnover of €80k, driven by word-of-mouth marketing, sustainable practices and developing accessible products for the specialty coffee market.

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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.