300+ New Side Hustle and Small Business Ideas

There are plenty of reasons to want to start a new side hustle or start your own small business. 

It can be a great way to make extra money, pay off debt, survive financially while you’re unemployed, invest in your future, or completely replace your full-time job. 

Starting a business and working for yourself can give you more control and flexibility so that you can have the work-life balance you want. You can choose who to work with, as well as what projects, gigs, or tasks you want to work on. (And which ones you don’t.)

You can decide what passion or interest you want to pursue, or what new job skills you want to learn.

You can decide if you want to stay at home and start an online business in your spare time. Or if you are going to dive head first into entrepreneurship and turn a hobby into a lucrative and profitable new start-up business.

You are in charge.

The great news is there are also plenty of different opportunities. I’ve compiled a massive list of over 300 side hustles and small business ideas, so you can find the one that’s right for you!

Start Your Own Small Business or Side Hustle with these 300+ Ideas

This is a list of ideas to inspire you. 

I’m not going to sugar-coat it. There are some things on this list that will be hard to make a successful full-time job out of, and therefore they probably make a better side hustle.

The logistics and feasibility of each potential business idea are also unique. You will have to do some research to find out which one is best suited for you and your needs.  

I’ve included some relevant links within this post to give you more context or recommendations of resources I’ve found useful. Yes, a few of them are or contain affiliate links. (You can read my disclosure policy here.)

Administrative Roles

A lot of administrative roles can easily be done remotely, so more and more companies are hiring freelancers and contractors on-demand to fill these roles.

• Data entry
• Freelance writer
• Transcriber
• Translator
• Proofreader
• Captioning
• Editor
• Resume writer
• Researcher
• Fact checker 
• Medical coder
• Grant proposal writer
• Manuscript reader
• Virtual assistant

Business & Financial Services

Many of these professional services require certain training and education credentials, but if you have the qualifications, there are plenty of opportunities.  

• Bookkeeping
• Accountant
• Payroll service provider
• Financial advisor
• Business analyst 
• Business coach
• Money coach
• Data analyst
• Project manager
• Business writer
• Broker
• Tax consultant
• Legal consultant
• Scopist – legal document editor
• Public relations
• Publicist
• Recruiter
• Field agent
• Social media consultant
• HR consultant 
• Career counselor
• Mediator 
• Arbitrator
• Interpreter 
• Notary
• Non-profit founder
• Fundraiser organizer
• Campaign manager
• Local politician
• Lead generator
• Participate in focus groups
• Process server for divorce papers, warrants and subpoenas

Computers & Tech Jobs

If you are technically inclined, a job that utilizes your computer skills makes sense. Most only require a computer and internet access to do the job, and the roles can range from beginners to advanced.

• Troubleshooter or tech support
• Computer programmer
• Coder
• Computer repair
• Cellphone repair
• App developer
• App designer
• App tester
• Web developer
• Web designer
• Website tester (get started with sites like UserTesting or IntelliZoom)
• Software developer
• Software tester
• Website manager
• Search engine optimizer
• Cybersecurity analyst 
• File, video, or photo digitizer

Content Creating

We consume so much content every day between work and entertainment. So why not get paid to create content of your own? 

• Copywriter 
• Ghostwriter
• Scriptwriter
• Reviewer
• Blogger (Learn how to make money blogging)
• Website owner
• Membership website owner (such as OnlyFans or Patreon)
• Vlogger
• YouTube channel owner
• Podcaster
• Social media manager
• Social media influencer
• Book or ebook author
• Review books or ebooks
• Twitch or video game streamer

Creative & Design Jobs

There are plenty of ways you can put your artistic talents to work by creating art and products that people want.

• Designer
• Graphic designer
• Sign maker 
• Greeting card maker
• Painter
• Illustrator
• Animator
• Caricaturist
• Hydro dipper
• Etcher
• Engraver
• Glassblower
• Arts or design teacher
• Hand-made good seller
• Etsy shop owner
• Art dealer
• Art restorer
• Custom framer
• Custom jeweler 
• Candlemaker
• Tattoo artist
• Costume designer
• Tshirt printer
• 3D printer technician
• Body painter

Driving Jobs

These side hustle ideas may require you to use your own vehicle, so be sure to factor in the cost of wear-and-tear. You may also need a specific driver’s license classification to drive the larger vehicles.

• Delivery driver (such as DoorDash, Postmates, UberEats and Instacart)
• Courier, messenger
• Ride-share driver (such as Uber or Lyft)
• Mover
• Dump runner
• Junk remover
• Pedicab driver 
• Tow truck driver
• Newspaper or flyer bundle delivery

Entertainer & Performer Jobs

If you are a natural entertainer or performer, there are lots of side hustle ideas where you get paid to be the star!

• Birthday party performer
• Children’s entertainer
• Storyteller
• Clown
• Magician
• Hypnotist
• Adult entertainer
• Mascot
• Trapeze performer
• Impersonator 
• Comedian
• Trivia host
• Theme party host
• Murder mystery party host 
• Escape room owner
• Haunted house owner
• Motivational speaker 
• Model

Film & Photography Jobs

Combine your passion for film-making and photography with your technical knowledge to create movies, record important events, and capture images that tell a story.

• Film or photography teacher
• Photographer
• Drone photographer or filmer
• Stock photo seller
• Stock video seller
• Voiceover actor
• Narrator
• Filmmaker
• Videographer
• Video editor
• Movie extra
• Allow filmmakers to use your home or property as a shooting location

Food Services

There are health and safety laws and requirements around food including food handling, temperature control, adequate equipment, hygiene, sanitation, and safety codes. They differ by state or province, but there is also federal and municipal legislation that applies. 

• Caterer
• Meal prepper 
• Baker
• Cake decorator
• Restaurant or franchise owner
• Personal chef
• Farmer
• Gardener
• Horticulturist
• Food truck or food cart owner
• Homebrewer      
• Winemaker
• Bartender
• Lemonade stand operator 
• Farmer’s market vendor

Health & Fitness Services

This is another area that can be highly regulated, so be sure you meet the training requirements and have the proper licenses before launching your side hustle or small business idea. 

• Nutritionist
• Weight-loss coach
• Masseuse or massage therapist
• Doula
• Personal trainer
• Referee
• Reflexologist
• Fitness instructor
• Professional/MMA fighter 
• Personal support person
• Ergonomic assessor 
• Private coach
• Counselor

Home & Family Care Services

We all know that running a household takes a lot of work. So why not help others manage their own household and family needs?

• Housekeeper or cleaner
• Housesitter
• Interior decorator 
• Babysitter, nanny, or child care services
• Home daycare owner
• Mother’s helper
• Surrogate mother
• Baby-proofer
• Elder caregiver
• Companion
• Respite worker 
• Landlord 
• Rental property owner
• Vacation home rental
• Renting out your parking space
• Rent out your vehicle or RV
• Home-stager
• Upholsterer
• Window treatment consultant
• Rent out household items, including gear, tools, and equipment

Hospitality & Tourism 

Although this sector struggled, it is bouncing back. It was a $2.9 trillion industry in 2019, after all. 

• Travel agent
• Tour guide
• Map seller and distributor
• Mystery shopper
• Event planner, wedding planner or party planner
• Bed and breakfast owner or Airbnb host
• Wedding officiant
• Bridesmaid or groomsman for hire
• Promoter
• Party supply renter
• Set-up and tear down festival vendors and displays
• Party bus or boat operator 
• Event host
• Emcee 
• Boat charterer
• Private pilot

Labor & Handy Services

Once again, certain manual labor and trade roles will require proper certification. The good news is that there are short (and sometimes paid) training programs available if you are interested, as well as a lot of on-the-job learning. 

• Contractor
• Builder
• Assembler
• Home inspector
• Repair person 
• Demolition person
• Scrap metal sales
• Installer
• Painter
• Dry-waller
• Wallpaper installer or remover
• Tiler 
• Mechanic
• Automotive repair person 
• Own a muffler shop
• Electrician
• Home theatre installer 
• HVAC technician 
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Woodworker
• Stainer
• Power washer
• Excavator
• Cement and concrete pouring
• Landscaper
• Gardener 
• Snow-shoveler
• Grass-cutter or lawn care
• Weed remover 
• Tree and shrub trimmer 
• Pressure washer 
• Car washer
• Car detailer
• Custom car builder 
• Restoration specialist 
• Pool cleaner 
• Pool repair person
• Garage door installer
• Irrigation installer
• Gutter cleaner
• Window washer
• Pest controller
• Exterminator
• Fumigator
• Skate and knife sharpener
• Locksmith
• Watch repair person
• Commercial or industrial cleaner
• Custom furniture builder

Music & Dance Jobs

Similar to the entertainer and performing roles mentioned above, your musical abilities can be a great way to make extra money.

• Band member
• DJ
• Wedding singer
• Composer
• Music producer
• Music or dance teacher
• Piano tuner
• Busker
• Dancer
• Choreographer
• Stock music creator

Personal Services

From jobs in the beauty industry to personal safety, there are many small business ideas in this sector. There are health and safety regulations to follow with some of these jobs, too. 

• Hairstylist or barber
• Stylist
• Make-up artist
• Cosmetologist
• Esthetician
• Nail technician, manicurist, or pedicurist 
• Personal assistant 
• Personal shopper
• Gift buyer
• Odd-job and errand-runner (such as TaskRabbit)
• Tailor or seamstress – sewing, mending, hemming, alternations, etc. 
• Fashion consultant
• Professional organizer
• Personal investigator 
• Security guard
• Life coach
• Second language conversationalist
• Genealogists – family history researcher

Pet & Animal Services

The pet industry is full of small business ideas depending on what the demand is like where you live. Here are few different ways to make extra cash for animal-lovers.

• Pet sitter (such as Rover)
• Pet groomer
• Dog walker
• Trainer
• Poop scooper or litter cleaner
• Pet food maker
• Pet baker
• Pet taxi driver
• Doggy daycare operator
• Kennel operator
• Pet rescue owner
• Stable owner
• Taxidermist 
• Beekeeper
• Aquarium cleaner and maintenance

Sales & Marketing

Selling things is one of the easiest and most common ways to make extra money. The possibilities of what to sell and how to sell it are vast!

• Affiliate marketer
• Social media marketer
• Email marketer
• Digital marketer
• Direct seller or multiple-level-marketer (Please watch out for scams!)
• Product demonstrator
• E-commerce business owner
• Store owner – online or a physical location
• Amazon FBA or Retail arbitrage
• eBay seller
• Dropshipper
• Flip items:
  • Antiques
  • Cars
  • Clothes
  • Collectables
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Musical instruments
  • Real estate
  • Websites
• Inventor or product creator
• Crafter 
• Gift basket designer
• Marketing consultant 
• Brand manager
• Brand ambassador
• Visual merchandiser
• Realtor or real estate agent
• Vending machine owner
• Sales consultant
• Sales representative
• Ad manager 
• Newspaper or flyer delivery
• Flea market vendor or farmer’s market vendor
• Sell your unwanted and unused items at a garage sale or yard sale or use sites like eBay, Kijiji and Craigslist

Teaching & Coaching

The beauty about teaching and coaching jobs is that there are so many topic possibilities from your skills to things you were taught yourself, and you can teach at different levels from beginners to experts. 

• Coach or trainer
• Tutor or teacher – in person or teach online
• SAT or test preparation instructor
• Course creator
• Public speaker or presenter
• Lesson plan and curriculum creator
• Tech and smart device teacher 
• Workshop facilitator 
• Curriculum writer

Unique & Unusual Jobs

If you’re looking for a unique small business idea, here are a few that will make you stand out. 

• Mock jury member
• Professional cuddler
• Participate in clinical trials
• Used underwear seller
• Sell your plasma, sperm or eggs
• Online dating consultant 
• Tarot card reader
• Psychic 
• Fortune teller
• Spiritual advisor
• Paranormal investigator
• Mall Santa
• Pyrotechnics expert
• Stunt person or stunt coordinator 
• Bounty hunter

Whatever side hustle or small business idea you decide to pursue, I hope the extra income is exactly what you need to improve your financial situation. I wish you the best of luck!

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