50 Best Home-Based Business Ideas: Start Your Business at Home

For many people, working from home can be both liberating and fulfilling. Any business takes hard work and dedication, but starting a home business can be easy and fun.

Because every entrepreneur is different this list of home-based business ideas are divided into sections low start-up cost business ideas, home business ideas for Moms, for women, for artists, for pet lovers, introverts and small-town business ideas that are home-based.

List of Business Ideas Home-Based

Especially for moms who need to be home with the kids, working from home can be a great way to bring in extra income—and most home-based businesses require little to no start-up costs!

Here are our top 50 ideas for home-based businesses for moms and for people looking to start a home business.

Top 10 Home Business Ideas With Low Startup Costs

To begin our list of home business ideas let’s start with those with low start-up costs such as these below. These are the top home business ideas that you can start with low investment and make a good profit. All of these business models can be launched for under $100 and some of them require no money – zero  $0 to launch.

Idea #1: Bookkeeper

Do you have experience using Quickbooks, keeping accounting books for small businesses and are good with numbers? You could become a freelance bookkeeper. Many small businesses cannot afford to have a full-time accountant or bookkeeper.

This means that they need people just like you to help them manage their financial accounts, reconcile bank statements and make tax payments. You can work as few or as many hours as you like remotely from your home, and the pay is great! Learn how to start your bookkeeping business here.

>>Check out my list of the safest new business ideas here

THE easiest, fastest and cheapest way to start your business!
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Idea #2: Personal Fitness Trainer

Sometimes we all need a little extra help to stay in shape. If you are passionate about health and fitness, consider helping people in your community to eat healthily, train regularly, and get in shape. You can get in contact with a local gym to get clients. No need for a fancy gym you can train your clients in homes, their gym club or the park.

Idea #3: Selling Used Books

Even in today’s digital age book sales are still profitable. You could begin selling books such as textbooks, reference or fiction from your home by using internet marketplaces.

Your only cost would be to purchase the used books at cheap prices to start your inventory. Start small with $25 worth of used books and then reinvest your profits from sales. Then you can buy books in bulk to increase your inventory and build your business. Click here to learn about the best places to make money selling used books online. 

Here are more of my reselling business ideas that can be started at home

Idea #4: Cleaning Service

No need to purchase expensive supplies or equipment to start your own cleaning business. You  probably own everything you need which you’ve been using to clean your own house. Supplies required are only rags, cleaning solutions and a vacuum.

Begin by promoting your business with inexpensive flyers posted in your neighborhood. Also contact your friends, family, and colleagues for referrals to new customers. Discover your perfect cleaning business name idea here.  

Idea #5: Mobile Device Trainer

Use your expertise in smartphones and tablets to teach others about their usage and different features. This is a great home business because you will travel to your customer’s locations and not need an office or classroom.

One of the best target customers is small businesses that ask their employees to use tablets for business transactions. They need professionals to train their staff on-site. Another group of eager customers is seniors who want to learn how to use their new mobile phones.

Idea #6: Personal Chef

If you love to cook and everybody loves to eat your delicious dishes, consider becoming a personal chef. You do not need to have a certified professional kitchen in your home because you will be cooking in your client’s kitchens.

Today’s busy professionals and families want to hire personal cooks. You will prepare a week’s worth of special dishes suited to their dietary needs and taste preferences which your clients will heat and eat. Or you could specialize in in-home or in-office events such as dinner parties or business meetings. Click here to get tips for starting a personal chef business. 

Idea#7: Etsy Shop Owner

Online marketplaces have made opening a digital boutique easier and cheaper than ever – directly from your kitchen table. You can create individual works of art, jewelry, home decor or apparel and sell it worldwide on your own storefront at etsy.com.

Alternatively, if you are not an artist, you can sell other artisans to work for a profit as a broker-dealer. Check out this guide on how to open an Etsy shop from the Etsy help center.

Idea #8: Event Planner

Do you throw the best parties in town? Then consider starting an event planning business for fun and profit. This can be easily done from home because most of your work will be done online and by telephone.

Tasks consist of coordinating caterers, florists, photographers, venues and musical entertainment to your client specifications. You do not need an office to meet your customers instead you can go to their locations and homes. Starter costs are low.

Start with $100 of inexpensive marketing materials such as business cards or simple brochures. Plus use social media and online forums to meet potential customers and learn about referral sources.

Idea #9: College Application Financial Aid Consultant

You can help parents of high school students to save money and get financial aid by directing them to available resources.

The college application and financial aid process are complicated and families want to hire professional help. Make money helping students select colleges, fill out applications and complete financial aid forms.

Additionally, you can provide student coaching for writing college entrance essays and also advise parents on the tax advantages of college saving plans. Other services include negotiating favorable financial aid packages from college offers.

Market your college application business through high school guidance counselors, college placement courses, libraries, universities, and private tutors.

Idea #10:  Online Thrift Vintage

Consider reselling vintage clothing or gently used designer clothing on an online thrift shop. Get ideas for your thrift shop name here.

Other types of items that resell well are apparel in special sizes (plus, petite, big & tall), specialized hobby equipment (such as drone – get drone business ideas here) and educational resources.

>>Read the full list of business ideas with low startup costs here

Home Business Ideas for Stay at Home Moms

Welcome Mompreneurs, and stay-at-home Dads and parents of small children who want to start a business from home! Smart thinking. Making money from home while caring for children is a win-win.

Combining your home and work life is ideal and can certainly be accomplished with these home business ideas for parents:

Idea #11: Home Daycare Provider

If you are good with kids and love having them around, being a home daycare provider can be an excellent business to run out of your home. Especially if you already have kids, you can get paid to do what you’re already doing!

Read these tips on how to start your own daycare center at home here

Idea #12: Home Baking  Business

Do you bake the best brownies in town? Then use this sweet business opportunity and start a home baking business.

Depending upon your local regulations you can bake items in your home and sell them at events, food stores in your area and other bakeries. Some towns require that you have your kitchen inspected before you can begin baking at home for resale.

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This business model works well because you can bake early in the morning before the kids are awake and then sell and deliver your baked goods on the way to taking your children to school. or bring them along for the ride.

>>Bakers check out my startup guides for your State:
How to Start a Profitable Baking Business in California
Texas Bakery Startup Guide

Idea #13: Online Boutique

With today’s easy to use powerful software such as Shopify for e-commerce and Aliexpress (where you can buy thousands of products for under $5) you can start an online boutique selling a variety of items.

Idea #14: Business Plan Writer

Aspiring entrepreneurs want to hire business consultants to help them write business plans for their banks financing requirements and for presentation to potential investors.

Most small business owners are experts at their product and service but not at business plan writing. This business model idea is ideal for stay-at-home moms because you can write a business plan at any time that is convenient for your schedule – plus you can help people around the world to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.

The best way to get started is to list your services on online marketplaces such as Upwork and Freelancer.

Idea #15: Blogging

To be successful in blogging you have to be passionate about the product and consistent about posting content. Many mommy bloggers have become successful blogging about subjects such as child care, cooking, DIY, crafts, fashion, relationships, and beauty.

Get inspiration for your craft business name from my naming ideas list

To make money from your blogging efforts to become an affiliate marketer.  Here you will feature products with links for site visitors to purchase. Learn about 77 of the profitable affiliate marketing niches here

You receive a small commission when they order. Also, you can display ads on your blog of products and services your demographic audience would be interested in.

Idea #16: Virtual Assistant

Help busy executives and entrepreneurs with office tasks and administrative work such as correspondence, phone calls, appointment scheduling, and online research.  Here are tips on how to start your virtual assistant business from a Mompreneur

Idea #17: YouTube Channel – DIY, Parenting, and Cooking

YouTube is fast becoming a powerhouse of business opportunities. It is free and simple to start a channel and broadcast to the world. The most popular channels for Moms are obviously parenting, and also DIY, crafts, art, fashion, beauty, cooking and decorating.

Learn the top 10 tips on how to start a mommy Youtube channel on this video

>>Get more of my best fashion business ideas here

Idea #18: Portrait Photography

This lucrative business idea is ideal for parents because most of your photo subjects will be kids and families. Schedule photo shoots during school or nap time.

The great flexibility of scheduling and the ability to market your services and edit photos anytime from home make this business model a winner.

Idea #19: Direct Sales & Network Marketing

If you like people and are good at selling seriously consider starting a direct sales business. Network marketers can generate serious income from their home offices while the kids are at school or with the babysitter.

Moms who are also network marketing successes voted these companies the best to get started making money. Read the FAQ about these firms here

AdvoCare
Usbourne Books and More
SeneGence
LuLaRoe
Trades of Hope
doTERRA Essential Oils
Scentsy
Pampered Chef
AVON
Direct Cellars

Think about these considerations about network marketing as you plan your home business.

Idea #20: Medical Billing

Health facilities and hospitals hire outside firms to code their bills. If you have experience in the medical field use that knowledge to build a profitable business from home.  Here are tips for a successful home medical billing business from experts

Home Business Ideas Ideal for Women

Idea #21: Tutoring

Do you have a college degree? Do you speak another language, or are you especially skilled at math? Then you can offer expert help to students by tutoring them on various subjects and preparing them for important tests for college placement.

Learn how to start a tutoring business from this entrepreneur at Side Hustle Nation

Idea #22: Music Teacher

If you have musical talent, you should seriously consider teaching lessons out of your home. Not only will it help bring you a bit of extra cash, but it will also help bring musical joy and culture into the community! You can also teach international students by becoming an online teacher.

Idea #23: Interior Designer

Have artistic flair and a good eye for design? Love working with the different colors and textures when decorating rooms in your home? If so, definitely consider offering your skills to help others design their interiors. The best part is, you do not even need an office space to get started!

Idea #24: Home Hair Salon

If you can cut, dye and style hair then open your own hair salon in your home. In my town, there are many successful salons in basements, second bedrooms, and attics of people’s homes.

By starting your salon at home you save dramatically on start-up costs of equipment purchase and storefront lease payments.

Another twist on this home-based business idea is to start a traveling mobile hair salon service. Go to your client’s home and style their hair in their bathroom or bedroom.

Check out these tips on how to launch and market your mobile hair salon here

Idea #25: Mobile Manicures

As a professional manicurist and nail artist, you do not need to work in a brick and mortar salon. Instead, go mobile! Go to your customer’s homes, offices or school to give them manicures, apply fake nails and do your nail art.

There are two ways to go about this business startup. One is to outfit a van and create a mobile nail salon as the photo below shows. This is a great idea but also has significant startup costs.

If you don’t have lots of money to invest, you can get started with your nail supplies in a tote bag and work in your client’s home.  Get nail salon name ideas here.

Discover more profitable mobile business ideas here

Idea #26: Executive Barber

Most men don’t like to go to the salon to get their hair cut and beard trimmed, they prefer a man’s barbershop.

But busy male executives often don’t have the time to visit their barbers. Take advantage of this business opportunity by starting an executive barber service that goes to men’s offices to cut their hair and groom their beards.

This is a smart business model because you service multiple clients in one office building. This reduces travel expenses and saves time instead of going to individual client’s homes in different parts of town.  Get inspired by this luxury mobile barbershop website.

Idea #27: Online Boutique

Women buy the majority of products sold in America. As such, women know which products sell best and what attracts buyers. Use this knowledge to build your own online boutique.

It is easier and cheaper than ever with such simple to use e-commerce platforms like Shopify (which I highly recommend) Start your online boutique on Shopify for free HERE

You can sell all types of products in your online boutique. The hottest product trends according to online marketing experts at Shopify include shapewear, athleisure wear, pet beds, and smartwatches.

Idea #28: Beauty Expert Youtube

Beauty vloggers (video channels) are among the highest online earners. Makeup tutorials are the highest viewed videos on Youtube. If you have a knack for beauty skills and enjoy being in front of the camera this home business idea is right for you.

Find pretty makeup business name ideas on my list here

To be successful specialize in a particular type of beauty to stand out from your competition. Some beauty niches to consider are mature makeup, how to hide scars and birthmarks, theatrical makeup, film special effects, costume makeup, and face painting

Read this practical advice on how to start a beauty Youtube channel from the experts at Vlog Nation. 

Idea #29: Cooking Instructor

If you know how to cook and like to teach others this is a perfect at-home business to launch. Your company can offer many types of cooking classes such as diabetic cooking skills, weight-loss strategies, vegan kitchen tips, and frugal dishes for the family.

A neighbor of mine offers entertaining cookery classes in her kitchen for small groups of up to 8 people. She demonstrates cooking techniques while she makes dinner. Then her students get to eat her delicious dishes. She is consistently sold out for all her classes.

Check out these delicious business ideas for foodies like you

Idea #30: Marketing and Public Relations

Are you good with words and like to write? Enjoy meeting people? If so, then a business offering marketing and public relations services would be ideal for you.  Many companies hire people to spread the word about their products and services.

Learn how to start your own PR Public Relations firm here

>>Get more business ideas for women here

Home Business Ideas for Small Towns

If you live in a rural area or small town here are the best home-based ideas for you.

Idea #31: Web Designer

Thanks to the world wide web you can design websites for clients all around the globe. Your small-town population is not a hindrance to your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Start by creating a portfolio of sites to show your talent to prospective clients.

Hint: you can design sample sites that are not actual companies to kickstart your company. Instead, you will own these test sites. Use low-cost domains and hosting at Godaddy to build an impressive (and affordable) web design gallery for under $100 for 20 sites.

Consider listing your services at online marketplaces such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.

Idea #32: Woodworking

Most small town houses have garages and workshop space that you can use to start your profitable woodworking business. Learn how to make money from your own woodworking business from successful home-based woodworker Jim Morgan 

If you’ve been thinking about starting a home-based business, it needs to be something fun and easy to start.

The good news is, He can show you how to get a nice extra part-time income by turning your woodworking passion into profits and working right from your garage.

Idea #33: Sell Children’s Clothes

Because small towns are wonderful envirornments to raise children there is a high demand for children’s clothing. More kids growing up fast equals a profitable business opportunity.

Consider opening a brick and mortar store or rent a section of an existing shop for your kids apparel sales. Good locations include places where moms frequent such as hair salons, grocery, and day care.

Another, different, and innovative way to sell children’s clothes is in a mobile van. This offers you the option of driving to your customers in nearby towns and at family events. Learn about more ways to make money with a mobile business on my list

Idea #34: Farming

The countryside is ideal for launching an agricultural-based business from your home. The opportunities are endless including; aquaculture, hydroponic farms, flower farms, beekeeping, commercial mushroom growing, and worm farming.

Check out my big list of agricultural business ideas here

Idea #35: Firewood Delivery

Starting a firewood business in rural areas can be extremely lucrative. Especially so in small towns because more country homes use wood as their primary fuel source. This home business can boost your income since the sale of firewood is rising steadily. Many firewood sellers report selling out of fireplace logs and kindling regularly.

Get tips from Mother Earth News on how to start a business selling firewood here.

Read about more small town business ideas on my list

Home Business Ideas for Creative Artists

Idea #36: Photography

If you are artistic and own a digital camera business then picture-perfect profits are in your future! There is a strong demand for photographers to take pictures at events such as weddings, parties, reunions and business conferences.

Often, too, local companies want professional headshot photos of their employees. Small businesses hire photographers to photograph their office headquarters and products for brochures, and website and social media posts.

Portrait photography is a trending home business idea perfect for Moms. In demand are all types of portraits such as; engagement, pregnancy, new baby, Christmas card and pet portraits.

Get tons more photography business ideas on this big list. Plus get inspiration for your new photography business name here

Idea #37: Freelance writer

Today there is a great need for writers of all types, so seriously consider becoming a freelance writer if you like to write and are talented. Perform your writing services while the kids are at school or write after your day job as a side hustle!

The most successful freelance writers specialize in writing in a particular niche such as advertising copy writing, website content, blog posts, technical specifications, instruction manuals, and fiction ghostwriting for book authors.

Idea #38: Social Media Management

If you love to post on social media and are a savvy marketer you can make money managing social media for businesses around the world.

Companies want to hire experts to write posts, create compelling images and videos to promote their products and services on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

This business idea will work with your kid’s schedules (or your full-time job) because you can develop and create the content in your free time and have it automatically scheduled to post on various social media accounts via software programs such as HootSuite and Tailwind.

Idea #39: Cake Decorator

If you can make beautiful cakes then use your talents to start a business. Even in small towns there is a need for beautiful and delicious cakes to celebrate events such as weddings, birthday parties, retirements and holidays.

It’s easy to get started. Simply photograph some of your cake creations and post them online to start networking with your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues letting them know that you’re available for hire to create custom cakes for their special events.

Idea #40: Craft Handmade Products

Use your artistic talents to create one of a kind items such as wooden signs, candles, soaps, furniture and paintings. Sell your creations at galleries, retail boutiques, gift stores, flea markets, online marketplaces (ebay, etsy) and farmer markets.

Get more art business ideas from my list 

Business Ideas Home-Based for Introverts

Idea #41: Grant Writer

Nonprofit organizations need help preparing grant applications for private and government foundation funding. Sell your writing, organization and research services to help groups secure funds to support their mission and projects.

Start locally with your favorite charity by offering to write grant applications at a lower cost (or even complimentary) to get portfolio samples to show new prospective customers.

Grant writing can be extremely lucrative because you can charge $25 to $100 per hour. Most grant writers make $50,000+annually working part-time from home. This is also a fulfilling business because you are helping these worthy causes to receive available money to further their charitable missions.

Get started by learning how to write winning non-profit grant proposals at this free course.

Idea #42: Food Products

Do you love to be alone in your kitchen cooking delicious dishes? Great! Use your talent to develop food products to market for sale at local retailers and online.

Attention foodies here are other ways to make money from your love of food.

Idea #43: Resume Writer

If you enjoy writing and formating resumes there are many people who want to hire you to improve their job hunt. This is the perfect business to run from home for shy entrepreneurs.

Y0ur job would be to help job hunters transform their dull, lifeless resumes into compelling marketing tools that communicate their work experience and skills to prospective employers.

The very best way to learn how to get started in to read these tips from professional resume writers at Penny Hoarder. 

Idea #44: App Developer

Do you love playing mobile games and using your cell phone apps? Then consider taking your passion and turning it into a business.

Even if you are not an app coder you can help businesses and organizations customize generic apps for their products.  Here are tips on how to build your own app if you don’t know how to code from LifeHacker

Idea #45: Cleaning Service

One of the easiest ways to make money on your own is to start a cleaning business. Here you can be alone and clean homes or offices for cash.

Get inspired to name your cleaning business from my list of name ideas

Home Business Ideas for Pet Lovers

Idea #46: Dog Walker

Who doesn’t love walking the dog? You get to go outside, get exercise, and make money too! Advertise your services to your busy neighbors to help them save time during the day. Also trying connecting with your local dog owners via apps such as Wag or Rover. Click here to explore the Wag program to learn how to become a dog walker. 

Idea #47: Pet Sitting

If you love animals you can become a pet sitter for virtually no start-up cost. Your job would be to take care of pets while their owners are away; either for the day, at work or on vacation. Some pet sitters also include additional services such as daily walks, obedience training sessions and grooming dramatically increasing their profits.

You can start this business from home because you will travel to your pets home to perform your pet sitting services. So you do not need a storefront nor kennels.

Idea #48: Dog Grooming

Love pooches? Think about starting a dog grooming service. You can set up a bathing and grooming station in your home, garage or backyard. Or you can equip a van and offer a mobile pet grooming service. Don’t forget about offering cat bath and nail trimming services.

Here are my best name ideas for dog grooming businesses

Idea #49: Dog Breeder

Dog breeding is a good money maker that can easily be started at home. If you are a dog lover who wants to start a successful and ethical dog breeding business read these tips from Little Doggies Rule. 

My list of the most profitable dog breeds to sell

Idea #50: Dog Trainer

Dog trainers can work with puppies to socialize, adult dogs with behavioral issues, at shelters to help rescue dogs become ready for adoption and for companion animals. If you’re considering a career that merges pets and business, starting your own dog training business is a great option to consider.

Should I start a business with my family? Learn the answer to this question in my blog post about the pros and cons of starting a business with your family. It discusses how to balance work & relationships and the best ideas for your family business startups.

Learn how to sell your business idea to investors or to a company – step by step in my guide here

Want to start a home-based business in New York? Read my startup guide to learn how to start a home business

Want more small business ideas? Read my list of the best easy business ideas for beginner entrepreneurs to start cheap!