25 Most profitable businesses to start in 2025

1. Print on Demand

Print on Demand (POD) is one of the most profitable businesses to start for entrepreneurs looking to sell custom products online. 

In 2024 alone, the global POD market was valued at $10.21 billion and is projected to reach around $102.99 billion by 2034, showing this business model’s potential for long-term growth and profitability. 

POD doesn’t require you to hold any inventory, produce items yourself, or deal with shipping, making it super easy to sell products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and phone cases through an online store.

You choose products, add your designs, and list them in your online store. Once a customer orders, your print-on-demand supplier will print and ship the order right to their doorstep. 

Platforms like Printify and Printful have the best products, lowest prices, and tons of design tools and resources to set you up for massive success. 

2. Digital marketing services

Starting a digital marketing agency is a highly profitable business idea with low startup costs.

The global digital marketing industry was valued at $410.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to nearly reach $1,189.5 billion by 2033, showing that demand for this business won’t dip anytime soon. 

As businesses increasingly use online platforms as their main promotional tool, the demand for digital marketing services like search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and social media management continues to rise. 

Begin by offering your services to local small business owners to build a portfolio, then expand from there.

3. Online courses and tutoring

If you’ve got skills others want to learn, offering online courses and tutoring is a low-cost way to build a profitable business. Whether it’s graphic design, coding, photography, or language lessons, teaching can quickly become a steady source of income.

The market for online tutoring was over $10 billion in 2024, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.

Offer one-on-one or group classes if you prefer a more hands-on approach, or record and publish videos and written materials for others to use at their own pace if you prefer to make passive income.

4. Freelance writing and editing

Freelance writing and editing are two of the most profitable small business ideas for all the wordsmiths out there. As more small businesses invest in digital marketing, the need for clear and consistent messaging creates new opportunities for skilled writers and communicators.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers who specialise in areas like SEO, technical writing, or eCommerce content can earn upwards of $70,000 per year, making this one of the most successful service-based businesses to run remotely.

Startup costs are low, and you can work from anywhere as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection. 

5. Property management

Property management is one of the most profitable small business ideas, especially in areas with busy markets or rising demand for vacation rentals. Landlords often rely on real estate agents to handle everyday tasks like rent collection, tenant communication, and maintenance, creating plenty of opportunity for independent managers or small agencies. 

The property management market was worth $21.17 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $33.11 billion by 2029, so now is definitely the time to get in on these profits. 

With the right systems, this business idea can scale fast, particularly if you specialize in residential or commercial properties. While local certification may be required, startup costs are typically lower than those of other real estate ventures.

6. Pet sitting

Pet sitting is a low-cost, high-demand business that’s perfect for animal lovers. With so many pet owners traveling for work or vacations, there’s always a need for reliable, personal care – something that feels way more comforting than a kennel or pet hotel. 

Pet sitters can set their own rates depending on the needs of the clients, distance to and from their house, and time spent with the pet. Most sitters charge $20-$30 per day, or $45-$75 per overnight stay. 

It’s easy to get started, often right from home or by visiting local clients. If you’re looking for a flexible, pet-friendly way to earn a steady income without startup costs, this is a great place to start. 

7. Virtual assistant services

Virtual assistants are in high demand as more businesses are looking for help with administrative tasks without the cost of hiring full-time staff. From scheduling and email management to research and data entry, there’s a wide range of services you can offer.

The average hourly rate for a virtual assistant is $28.07, though specializing in niches like eCommerce, travel, or real estate can increase your rates. 

A virtual assistant business can grow into a full-fledged agency with strong organizational skills and the right systems.

8. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing isn’t just a side hustle anymore – it’s a full-blown business opportunity.

If you’ve built a loyal audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, brands are ready to pay you to promote their products and services through sponsored posts, affiliate deals, product collabs, or even your own merch.

The key is picking a niche and building real trust with your audience. Specialities like beauty and skincare, cooking, home and DIY, and parenting are very popular.

You don’t need millions of followers, either – micro-influencers often see great returns thanks to their high engagement and strong community connections. Depending on your follower count, influencer marketers make anywhere from $10 to $10,000 per post.

9. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn online by promoting other companies’ products through content like blogs, videos, or social media posts. You earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your unique link – no need to create or ship your own products.

Unlike influencer marketing, which often relies on brand deals and sponsored content, affiliate marketing focuses more on driving sales through helpful, evergreen content. It works best when you stick to a specific niche and build trust with your audience through honest recommendations.

Affiliate marketing is expected to generate roughly $37.3 billion in global revenue in 2025 and is projected to reach $48 billion by 2027. That’s a lot of money to be made, and now is the perfect time to grab your share. 

With low startup costs and no inventory, affiliate marketing is one of the simplest, most successful small business ideas.

10. Social media management

As more small businesses rely on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to connect with customers, social media marketing management has become a valuable and profitable business idea. 

The market was worth approximately $27.03 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach $124.63 billion by 2032.

However, small business owners often lack the time or know-how to post consistently, engage followers, or track performance. That’s where social media managers come in! 

This business idea involves creating content calendars, writing captions, designing visuals, and running basic campaigns. With low startup costs and a service always in demand, it’s a great fit for those with a creative eye and a good grasp of trends and audience behavior.

11. Hospitality business

If you’re into food, travel, or hosting people, the hospitality industry has tons of high-earning business opportunities. 

Whether running a cozy B&B, launching a food truck, or setting up a mobile coffee cart, there’s a lot of room to get creative based on your location, budget, and audience.

Create a solid plan, provide excellent customer service, and choose a clear niche – like luxury stays, local cuisine, or quick grab-and-go options – to build a hospitality business that attracts loyal customers, generates steady income, and grows with time.

12. Event planning business

Event planning is a great fit for organized, detail-focused people who can manage logistics and are passionate about creating fun, memorable experiences for others. 

Employment for meeting, convention, and event planners is expected to grow by 7% between 2025 and 2028, which is faster than the average for most other jobs. 

Businesses, couples, and individuals often pay well for someone to handle the details of their event so they can focus on socializing. 

Start small by working with local vendors and grow through referrals. It’s a flexible service with strong earning potential.

13. App development

App development is a highly profitable business idea for those with advanced tech skills, with the annual salary in the US ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. From productivity tools to fitness trackers and niche games, the demand for mobile apps keeps growing as users seek faster, more personalized digital experiences.

While it requires more prior experience than many other business ideas on this list, the earning potential is high, especially with subscription models or in-app purchases. 

Depending on your target audience and personal preference, develop your own apps or offer software development to companies looking to expand their digital presence.

14. Home improvement services

Home improvement services are always in demand, especially as more homeowners choose to upgrade their current space rather than move. 

The global home improvement market hit $894.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $1.32 trillion by 2034, showing what a successful business it can be. 

Whether interior painting, flooring, kitchen remodels, or landscaping, these services offer reliable income and strong repeat business. Specialize in a specific area to stand out and charge higher rates. 

This business is ideal for those with hands-on skills or trade experience. With a clear plan, quality tools, and a focus on great customer service, you’ll rack up a large client list in no time. 

Start small, build a strong local reputation, and grow through referrals, online reviews, and community marketing.

15. Logistics and transportation

With the boom in online shopping, services like last-mile delivery, local courier businesses, and specialized freight handling are in super high demand.

Logistics and transportation managers in the US make a whopping $87,000-$137,000 per year on average.

Successful business ideas in this industry include same-day delivery service for local retailers, refrigerated transport for food businesses, and storage and dispatch services for small eCommerce sellers. 

You’ll need things like a license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle. But if you’re fast, dependable, and know your area well, this business plan can grow into a strong, scalable business.

16. Insurance

Insurance is one of the most profitable business ideas, providing steady income from commissions and policy renewals. 

In the United States, insurance sales agents earn an average annual wage of approximately $79,700, with top earners making over $134,000.

Whether you’re selling health, life, or property insurance, it’s all about building long-term relationships with your clients.

You’ll likely need a license, and sometimes a bachelor’s degree, but getting started is more doable than most people think. Focusing on a niche, like small business coverage or residential and commercial properties, can help you stand out and grow faster, especially as more people look for personalized plans.

17. Home cleaning services

Home cleaning is a practical business with consistent demand. The market is estimated to grow by $36.81 billion from 2024 to 2028. The average home cleaner’s salary in the US is $20.36, with the potential to earn much more depending on location.

Services can range from basic weekly cleaning to specialized deep cleans, move-out services, or short-term rental turnovers.

Running a cleaning service is flexible, making it a good fit for those looking to manage their own schedule while generating steady income.

You don’t need a large team to get started. Many cleaning business owners begin by working solo and grow through client referrals.

18. Food truck owner

Owning a food truck is a popular alternative to launching a full restaurant and often a faster way to start making money. 

Food trucks bring in between $250,000 and $500,000 per year, depending on cuisine type and location.  

Street food, specialty coffee, and regional cuisine often sell well in food trucks. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages since you can test different locations, adapt your menu quickly, and build a loyal customer base without the high overhead of a permanent space.

19. Personal trainer

If you’re passionate about fitness and enjoy helping others reach their goals, working as a personal trainer can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Beginner trainers might charge around $25 per hour, while experienced trainers in wealthier areas could charge several hundred dollars per hour. Offer in-person sessions at gyms, parks, or clients’ homes, or build an online presence to reach a broader audience through virtual training.

Earning certifications can boost your credibility, but what really drives success is your ability to connect with clients and deliver results. People are willing to pay big time for a trainer’s full attention, custom exercise plans, and moral support.

20. Bookkeeping and accounting

Bookkeeping and accounting are must-haves for businesses of all sizes, which makes them a fantastic business option if you’ve got a head for numbers. 

Many business owners prefer to outsource tasks like tax prep, payroll, and cash flow tracking to save time and avoid mistakes.

The average rate for bookkeeping is around $20 per hour, though as you gain experience, clients will be willing to pay more. 

Getting certified as a CPA (certified public accountant) or budget planner can open even more opportunities in the financial services industry, especially if you want to work with bigger clients. But even without formal credentials, strong bookkeeping skills and recommendations can take you far.

21. Graphic design services

Graphic design is a solid business idea for creatives. Just about every business needs logos, packaging, social media visuals, and web graphics. Start with freelance projects and grow through referrals or by offering design packages for small businesses and startups. 

Pay depends on experience, type of visual, and whether you choose to charge per hour or per project. The average hourly rate is $25, with top earners making $150 per hour.

22. Podcast production

Podcast production is a seriously profitable niche as more creators launch shows but don’t have the time or skills to handle editing, sound design, and publishing. Many are willing to pay top dollar for fast, reliable help.

As a podcast producer, you’ll work with individuals, brands, or agencies that want high-quality episodes without dealing with the technical side. Since most podcasts release regularly, you have a great opportunity to gain long-term clients.

So, how much do podcasters make? Those who use affiliate marketing, paid subscriptions, ads, or sponsorships can earn between $500 and $900 for every 10,000 episode downloads.

You don’t need a full studio to start – just solid audio editing skills and the right software. Over time, you can scale by offering packages, launching an agency, or expanding into related services like show planning or guest booking.

23. Online reselling

Online reselling is a simple way to run your own business, especially if you have a good eye for products that hold value. Start by selling second-hand or clearance items on platforms like Depop, eBay, Poshmark, or Vinted. As you do some market research to learn what sells, it becomes easier to focus on a specific category and streamline your process. 

Success depends on research, clear product descriptions, and quality photos. While competition is strong, resellers who choose a very specific target market (like vintage fashion lovers, tech lovers, or card collectors) can build a reliable income stream with room to grow.

24. Transcription services

Transcription involves converting audio or video recordings into written text. It’s in high demand across industries, from healthcare and legal to media and education. If you’re detail-oriented and have speedy typing skills, it’s a practical and profitable way to earn from home.

Most transcription work is freelance, offering flexibility in schedule and workload. Specializing in areas like medical transcription services can increase your earning potential, especially with specialized training or certification. 

Earnings vary depending on how you charge – per work hour, per word, or per audio hour/minute. 

25. Translation services

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, start a translation services business and earn around $28.58 per hour. All types of companies and organizations need content adapted for different markets, such as websites, marketing materials, or technical documents.

Start by freelancing or joining translation platforms, then build a client base by specializing in a niche like legal, medical, or eCommerce.