Start a print-on-demand business today
Starting your own business is a bold move – both thrilling and daunting – especially when you’re unsure which path leads to real success.
So, how do you choose a business that actually thrives?
This guide explores the top ten most successful businesses to start in 2025, backed by current trends, real-life examples, and proven revenue potential. Whether you’re after flexibility, low startup costs, or room to scale, we’ve broken down the opportunities with the strongest chances of success.
What makes a business successful?
Before diving into any new venture, it’s important to understand what actually fuels long-term success.
Many of the ideas featured in our list of the top ten most successful businesses to start align with these core principles:
- Market demand: Most profitable businesses solve real problems or meet rising needs. If there’s consistent demand for your product or service, you’ll always have a stream of potential customers.
- Scalability: Can your business grow without your costs skyrocketing? Scalable models – like software development, online courses, or print-on-demand (POD) – can handle growth without major new investments.
- Profit margins: Businesses with healthy margins (the difference between what you earn and what you spend) are more sustainable. Digital services, coaching, and eCommerce often excel here.
- Low overhead costs: When your fixed costs are low, you don’t need much capital to start – and you reduce your financial risk. Online-based businesses typically beat brick-and-mortar stores in this area.
- Recurring revenue potential: Subscriptions and repeat purchases create predictable income and long-term growth. Think SaaS platforms, coaching memberships, and product subscriptions.
Industries with sustained growth include:
- eCommerce and dropshipping
- eLearning and coaching
- Health and wellness
- Online marketing and content production
- Sustainable and eco-friendly products
Interested in exploring even more unique business ideas? Check out our guide with creative and unconventional opportunities to inspire your next venture.
The top 10 most successful businesses to start
If you’re looking to launch a business with real potential, these ten models stand out for their scalability, low entry barriers, and strong market demand.
Here’s a breakdown of the most profitable business opportunities.
1. Print on Demand
Print on Demand lets you sell custom-designed products – like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases – without investing in inventory or managing shipping. When a customer orders, the item is printed and shipped by a third-party provider, so you only pay for what you sell.
This low-risk model is ideal for creatives, side hustlers, or small business owners, as it offers full control over branding and product design without the upfront costs of traditional retail.
![Top 10 most successful businesses to start in [bp_year] 1](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bolt.svg "bolt")
Francisco Rivera transitioned from online teaching to launching a POD Etsy store with a focus on candles. Within a year, he achieved six-figure sales using platforms like Printify and Etsy.
Tools and platforms: Printify, Printful, Etsy, Shopify
2. Digital marketing services
With more businesses moving online, the demand for digital marketing services – such as SEO, content marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, and social media management – continues to rise.
This business requires minimal upfront costs and offers high return on investment (ROI), especially when offering niche expertise or targeting small businesses eager to expand their online presence.
Digital marketing has earned its spot among the top ten most successful businesses to start due to its flexibility, high demand, and substantial income potential.
It’s also highly scalable. Begin as a solo freelancer and gradually expand into a full remote agency as your client base expands.
3. Graphic design business
Graphic design services remain in high demand across industries, with businesses needing support for branding, web design, packaging, and marketing materials. With a laptop and the right design software, a graphic designer can start offering services with minimal costs.
As your portfolio grows, so does your potential to scale – by increasing your rates, specialising in a niche, or building a small studio with additional designers.
4. Content production (YouTube, blogging, podcasting)
Content production is among the top ten most successful businesses to start in 2025, with the global creator economy valued at over $191 billion and projected to surpass $525 billion by 2030.
Platforms like YouTube, Substack, and Spotify allow you to build audiences around your passions and monetize through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, or digital products like courses.
Content creators can transform side projects into full-time income streams with consistent effort, quality content, and a clear niche.
5. Real estate investing and property management
Real estate is one of the most reliable paths to building long-term passive income. It consistently ranks among the top ten most successful businesses to start, especially for those looking to build wealth over time.
Generate consistent cash flow through short-term vacation rentals, long-term leasing, or house flipping. Many also expand their income by offering property management services or investing in their own rental portfolios alongside client work.
Platforms such as Zillow and Airbnb, along with real estate management tools like Buildium or Rentec Direct, make it easier than ever to research markets, manage tenants, and automate key processes – helping even small-scale investors operate efficiently and profitably.
6. Software as a service (SaaS)
SaaS is one of the most scalable business models, offering recurring revenue through subscription-based pricing.
Even small startups can disrupt entire industries by solving a specific problem with an easy-to-use software tool.
For example, Salva Health, a Colombian startup founded in 2019, developed a portable, AI-powered device that helps detect breast cancer early, particularly in underserved communities.
Thanks to no-code platforms like Bubble and Glide, launching a SaaS product no longer requires deep technical skills, making it more accessible for non-developers with a strong business idea.
7. Personal finance and investment coaching
As more people want control over their finances, interest in financial literacy and investing has grown rapidly. There’s a rising demand for practical, trustworthy guidance, from budgeting and debt management to stock market education and retirement planning.
This has opened the door for personal finance coaches and investment mentors to build impactful small businesses that empower individuals to make smarter money decisions. Thanks to its growing market and flexible business model, it’s also one of the top ten most successful businesses to start.
Start by offering one-on-one consultations or small group workshops, either locally or online, to build your reputation and client base. As your expertise grows, scale by creating digital products like eBooks, online courses, or subscription-based communities.
With low startup costs, a wide range of potential niches, and strong income potential, this space offers a flexible and rewarding opportunity for anyone with a solid grasp of financial principles and a passion for helping others.
8. Health and wellness business
The health and wellness industry is thriving, driven by a growing focus on preventive care and lifestyle improvement. Opportunities range from training and personal self-care coaching to selling supplements or fitness programs.
Many fitness coaches are now scaling their small businesses by offering digital products like workout plans, nutrition guides, personal training, or app-based coaching, which helps them reach a wider audience and build long-term customer loyalty.
Depending on your skills and the audience you want to serve, you can enter the sector as a personal trainer, a wellness coach, or a supplement seller.
9. Online education and coaching
eLearning platforms have made it easy to turn knowledge into a business. If you’re an expert in coding, marketing, personal development, or even creative skills like photography or music, there’s a growing global audience eager to learn.
The flexibility of remote education means you can reach people across time zones, languages, and industries, making it one of the most accessible and scalable business models today. It’s no surprise that virtual education and coaching consistently rank among the top ten most successful businesses to start in recent years.
Begin with one-on-one coaching or small group sessions to test your approach and refine your content. As you gain experience, business models like membership sites, digital courses, and paid communities will allow you to scale without trading time for money. With platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, and Thinkific, launching a professional online course or coaching program has never been easier.
Working with a tight budget? Discover low-cost business ideas with high profit that prove you don’t need a large investment to launch a successful brand.
10. Green and sustainable businesses
Today’s consumers expect sustainability. More people are actively choosing eco-friendly products and services, creating space for online businesses that prioritize environmental impact.
Sustainable business ideas include selling upcycled goods, installing solar panels, launching refillable product lines, or creating zero-waste solutions.
These models not only align with growing market demand but also appeal to socially conscious consumers who are willing to support ethical brands.
How to choose the right business for you
Even the best business model won’t work if it doesn’t align with your lifestyle, goals, or strengths. That’s why choosing the right business starts with honest self-reflection and thorough research.
Start with a self-assessment
Consider your skills, interests, and available resources. What are you good at? How much time can you realistically invest each week? Are you comfortable taking financial risks, or do you need something with minimal upfront costs? Defining your strengths and limits helps narrow your options and sets the foundation for a business you’ll enjoy building.
Do market research
Next, dig into the data. Use Google Trends, Reddit discussions, or AnswerThePublic to assess demand. Check out competitors – what are they offering, who are they targeting, and how are customers responding? Look for underserved niches or gaps where you can offer something better or different.
Test your idea before going all in
Before committing fully, find a simple way to validate your idea. Try launching a pre-order campaign, running a small paid ad, or offering a service to a few test clients. Early feedback can save you time, money, and energy – and help refine your approach before scaling up.
Taking these steps will increase your chances of success and help you feel more confident in the direction you choose.
Still unsure which path is right for you? Printify’s roundup of the best businesses to start offers more insight into beginner-friendly ideas with strong growth potential.
Start a successful business with Printify
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Printify makes it easy to launch your own product-based business online without upfront investment or inventory. Whether you’re starting a side hustle or aiming to build a full-time brand, here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for free – Create your Printify account in minutes and explore a wide range of customizable products.
- Pick and design your products – Choose from apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Add your own designs using Printify’s Product Creator.
- Decide where to sell – Connect your store to platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Wix, and start reaching customers worldwide.
- Focus on what’s important for your business – With Printify handling production and shipping, you can spend more time on branding, marketing, and growth.
FAQ
The most successful businesses solve a real problem, are scalable, and have consistent demand. In 2025, models like POD, SaaS, and online marketing services stand out for their low barriers to entry and strong income potential.
Sectors expected to grow in 2025 include eCommerce, online education, health and wellness, and green businesses. These industries align with current consumer trends and show strong potential for long-term success.
With a $10,000 budget, you can confidently launch businesses like dropshipping, POD, or a digital service agency. These models require minimal upfront investment in inventory and can be grown through smart marketing and platform tools like Shopify, Printify, or Canva.
Final thoughts
Starting a business is one of the most rewarding ways to take control of your income and future – but choosing the right path is key. We’ve explored the top ten most successful businesses to start in 2025, all offering strong growth potential, low startup risk, and opportunities to scale.
There are many possible options, from launching a print-on-demand store or offering online marketing services to exploring opportunities in graphic design, content creation, or real estate.
Whichever route you choose, align it with your strengths, validate your idea early, and stay focused on long-term value. With the right tools and mindset, you’re well on your way to success.
