50 Best Business Ideas for Women in 2025

Sara Blakely founded women's shapewear brand Spanx—a company valued at $1.2 billion. Blogger turned entrepreneur Emily Weiss started the now $1.8 billion cosmetics brand Glossier after her community took off. Both of these women-owned businesses started with one thing: an idea.

If you're looking for small business ideas for women and have no idea where to start, you're in the right place. In this guide, you'll find more than 50 profitable business ideas, ranked by the investment required and time to generate revenue, so you can choose the right path for your goals and lifestyle.

Why women are choosing entrepreneurship in 2025

The rise of women-owned businesses

Wells Fargo reports there are 14.5 million women-owned businesses in the US, representing almost 40% of all US firms. Collectively, they employ 12.9 million people and generate $3.3 trillion in sales every year.

The growth in women's entrepreneurship is contributing to closing the gender pay gap. Per Bank of America, the difference in median annual income growth between men and women has narrowed to around 4%, down from 6.5% just three years ago. Certain industries—professional sports, travel, and health care—are seeing notable disruption driven by women's wealth and leadership.

Entrepreneur and US soccer star Alex Morgan co-founded Togethxr, a media company dedicated to telling the stories of women in sport. "We know that women in particular, especially female athletes, can really impact culture and change and business," Togethxr's co-founder Jessica Robertson explains in a Shopify Masters episode.

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Advantages women bring to entrepreneurship

Most products created for women aren't designed by them. That gap gives female entrepreneurs a unique advantage: firsthand insight into product development and designs that solve their target market's needs.

Nadia Tucker and Stevie Angel experienced this when they launched Active Truth. Both women became mothers around the same time and wanted to get back into exercise, but couldn't fit back into their old clothes.

"We were finding brands through Instagram that had beautiful tights, beautiful prints, but when we received them in the post, they just weren't performing," Stevie says in a Shopify Masters episode. "It wasn't going to work on bodies without model proportions. They'd be sagging or see-through or rolling down as we went for our walk."

After market research and chatting with other moms, Nadia and Stevie designed their own activewear range.

"We thought there was room for a brand that celebrated a more diverse range of women who were getting out there, being active on their own terms, and not only celebrating them but showing them in the marketing as well," Stevie adds. "Once we saw the need for a brand like this, we thought, 'Why not us?'"

How to choose the right business idea for you

Every great business starts with an idea. If you're stuck for choice, here's how to choose the right one.

Assessing your skills and interests

Entrepreneurship is a long-term game; you likely won't turn a profit overnight. That's not to say you should write off your dream to start a business. It just means you'll need to find an idea that keeps you motivated when things get tough.

Before committing to an idea, consider your:

• Experience: What skills can you lean on that others don't have (or are willing to pay to tap into)?
• Passion: What could you talk about for days on end? How do you spend your free time?
• Personal strengths: What do friends and family ask for your advice on?

Analyze competitors to find a gap in the market

Great business ideas solve problems no others have. Ariane Goldman, founder of Hatch Collective, launched the maternity brand after spotting a gap in the market. "Nobody finds maternity sexy," she says on a Shopify Masters episode. "And I found the fact that it's really empty [as a category], incredibly sexy.

"That, to me, was the opportunity—that everybody looked the other way. And that just inspired me to say, But look at it: It's an incoming freshman class of new pregnant women every single three to six months. You know there's demand there, and there's definitely room to speak to them and provide them with stuff. It's a really big market."

Understanding investment requirements

The cost to start a business varies dramatically depending on the business model you choose. An entrepreneur who wants to develop their own product will spend much more than a college student freelancing to make money on the side.

The growth in women's entrepreneurship is making mentorship and capital more accessible—but it doesn't mean you need to wait to start your business if you're on a budget. Many business ideas require limited upfront investment, and you can use the abundance of existing online resources to learn how to run your company.

"I was so scared to invest in myself, but it ultimately comes back to you," says Etienne Ortega, founder of ORTEGA, in an interview with Shopify Masters. "Anything you can do to invest in yourself, whether it's your kit, your education, or your well-being, doing good things will always come back."

Low-investment online business ideas for women ($0-$1,000)

If your business plan requires minimal startup costs and you're looking for monetization ideas with a low barrier to entry, here are 10 low-investment business ideas to try. These are especially suited for those starting a side hustle, testing an idea, or building a business with flexibility.

1. Dropshipping business

The dropshipping business model uses an online store to sell products provided by suppliers who ship purchases directly to customers, eliminating the need to warehouse products or handle fulfillment logistics.

Dropshipping can be lucrative because it requires limited upfront investment and minimal ongoing maintenance. You don't need to invest cash into inventory—you'll pay for it when a customer places their order—making it one of the best online business ideas for passive income.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Create your online store and integrate a dropshipping app such as Shopify Collective, DropCommerce, or Syncee.
• Find trending products to sell.
• Develop a marketing plan to promote your dropshipped products.

2. Freelance writing business

Freelance writers offer contract services to businesses and individuals who need help producing high-quality written work.

Offer services suited to your skill set, such as writing emails, blog posts, and sales and marketing collateral like webpages or sales sheets. You might also offer ghostwriting and take on projects like thought leadership articles, speeches, or full-length books.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3), if you register for freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr

Quick start steps:

• Choose the service you want to sell: blog posts, ebooks, landing pages, etc.
• Build a writing portfolio and add work samples.
• Find your first client by asking your professional network.

3. Virtual assistant business

Virtual assistants offer administrative support to business owners and private individuals. Help clients respond to emails and messages, schedule appointments, make phone calls, arrange travel, and handle data entry such as bookkeeping.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Create a personal website to list your services.
• Apply to join a virtual assistant agency like Fancy Hands or Wing.
• Reach out to friends, family, or old colleagues to see if they need any virtual assistance.

4. Social media management business

Social media managers need writing chops, graphic design skills, and a solid understanding of popular social media platform norms. If this describes you, earn money by helping businesses develop strategies, plan campaigns, write copy, create graphics, and schedule social media posts.

Investment required: $100 to $500.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Develop a marketing plan to grow your own social media accounts.
• Find freelance social media marketing or content creation work on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
• Pitch local businesses that might need social media support.

5. Digital publication

Earn money by starting a blog or digital magazine. You can write your own content, accept guest posts from contributors, and earn money by hosting ads or affiliate links on your site.

As the saying goes, "the riches are in the niches." Focus on subjects appealing to a specific audience, like exotic plant care, model trains, or competitive dressage, to attract brands that want to tap into a niche audience.

Investment required: $100 to $500.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Choose a blogging platform and define your niche.
• Conduct keyword research and write content to attract your target audience.
• Join an advertising network, such as Google AdSense, to monetize your site.

6. Print-on-demand business

Print- on demand works similarly to dropshipping, but offers greater customization. Work with a print-on-demand supplier to find a trending product, then upload your custom design. The supplier manufactures, fulfills, and ships the order to your customer when you make a sale.

"With Printful, I've also worked with a couple of other dropshipping and print-on-demand companies, and I really appreciate the ability to connect everything together," says Raven Gibson, founder of Legendary Rootz, on a Shopify Masters episode.

"I have an idea. I'm able to go in, see if they have a product that serves me or serves that idea that I have, get that sample created. And once it's approved through me—because I'm the approver, obviously—I'm able to go in and it's all connected to Shopify. I love it."

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Open a Shopify store and choose a print-on-demand app.
• Find a trending product you can customize—such as mugs, clothing, posters, or puzzles.
• Create a marketing plan to drive traffic towards your ecommerce site.

7. Affiliate marketing business

Affiliate marketers make money when they influence someone to make a purchase. For example, a beauty creator could talk about their favorite beauty products on TikTok and include their affiliate link. The brand would pay the creator commission, which typically ranges from 5% to 50%, when they make a sale.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3), depending on your audience size

Quick start steps:

• Join an affiliate program or network.
• Create valuable content around your affiliate products.
• Learn about the rules for disclosing affiliate partnerships.

8. Online tutoring business

The online tutoring industry is estimated to be worth $23.73 billion by 2030. But it's not just parents who spend on tutoring for their children—if you have any teachable skill, you'll likely find clients willing to pay for the service. This includes foreign languages, coding skills, and marketing.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3), provided you already have a teachable skill

Quick start steps:

• Join an online tutoring platform like Tutor.com or Preply.
• Post in local Facebook Groups to find parents or adult learners looking for tutors.
• Package your knowledge into digital products to sell alongside tutoring services. You can use apps like Courses Plus or Tevello.

9. Content creation business

There are several ways to make money as a content creator, such as brand sponsorships, selling merchandise, and content subscriptions—all of which require an audience. Work on growing your social media following to maximize your earning potential.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3), depending on your audience size

Quick start steps:

• Choose a content niche.
• Create accounts on the platforms you want to monetize (e.g., your website, YouTube channel, or social media).
• Stick to a consistent posting schedule and share high-quality content to build an audience.

10. Email marketing consultancy

Email marketing generates impressive results for brands: the average campaign yields a $36 return for every dollar invested. However, not all businesses have the resources to handle email marketing in-house.

As an email marketing consultant, you'll be responsible for helping a business build its email list, send newsletters, and optimize transactional emails. It's a very data-driven business idea—if you can figure out how to turn email subscribers into customers, other entrepreneurs will be willing to pay for your expertise.

Investment required: $100 to $500, depending on your email marketing platform.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3)

Quick start steps:

• Choose a niche—for example, email marketing for local restaurants.
• Learn and practice with different email marketing platforms, such as Klaviyo, Omnisend, or Shopify Email.
• Create and grow your own newsletter.

Moderate-investment small business ideas for women ($1,000$10,000)

Some business ideas require upfront capital—whether that's for inventory, equipment, or marketing. If you have some money to invest but aren't sure where to start, here are some of the best business ideas for women entrepreneurs. They're a good fit if you're ready to move beyond a side hustle or transition from part time to full time.

11. Photography business

If you're a skilled photographer with a talent for making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, earn money by starting your own photography business. Some women may prefer working with women photographers.

Consider specializing in events like weddings, reunions, and corporate celebrations; portraits and family photos; or special sessions like engagement or boudoir photo shoots. You can also serve other businesses, like real estate, food, or stock photography.

Investment required: $100 to $2,000, depending on the photography equipment you need.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3)

12. Makeup and hairstyling business

You don't need to open a hair salon or give professional cuts to start a successful business in the beauty industry.

If you have a talent for blowouts and updos, you can offer mobile styling services to clients who want to look their best for a big event or just want to learn a few styling tips in a hands-on way. Consider adding makeup applications for a full-service package.

Investment required: Up to $1,000, depending on the makeup or hairstyling kit you need.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3)—faster if friends and family hire you to help build your portfolio.

13. Pet-sitting business

If you enjoy caring for animals, pet sitting can be a lucrative and fun business idea. You might board pets in your home, house-sit for clients, start a dog walking service, or offer drop-in visits for pets whose owners work long hours.

Dogs and cats occasionally travel with their owners. Fish, goats, and potbellied pigs—they rarely do. These animals need the same care they're used to while their owners are away, and loving pet parents are often willing to pay for this service.

Investment required: $100 to $500 for insurance.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3), if you register on a pet-sitting marketplace like Rover or Pet Sitters International.

14. Event planning business

A skilled event planner is an organizational mastermind with solid communication skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to bring a client's aesthetic vision to life. If this sounds like you, consider starting an event planning business.

Plan décor and programs, communicating with vendors, and handling logistics. You could specialize in specific events such as weddings, children's birthday parties, or corporate events.

Investment required: $500 to $2,000.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

15. Coaching business

Start a coaching business if you're good at helping people set goals, stay accountable, and achieve personal growth. Depending on your areas of interest, you might offer your services as a life coach, fitness coach, or nutrition coach. You could also create an online course to support your business model.

Coaches typically set their hours and meet with clients virtually, making coaching a great small business idea for stay-at-home parents or people who want to earn extra money while holding a full-time job. Use a booking app like Sesami to stay organized.

Investment required: $100 to $1,500, depending on your coaching qualification.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

16. Wellness and fitness business

If there's one thing that consumers are willing to spend on, it's health and wellness. The industry will be worth an estimated $9 trillion by 2028. Claim your share by selling healthy food, workout programs, or becoming a personal trainer.

Entrepreneur Ramya Ragupathi discovered her business idea while on a personal mission to cure her sinus issues by removing gluten from her diet. Ramya baked wheatless and dairy-free chocolate cakes that her friends and family loved. This recipe later became her social enterprise, Oh My Goodness!

Investment required: $500 to $2,000, depending on whether you're manufacturing your own products or reselling an existing one.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

17. Handmade crafts business

Marketplaces like Etsy attract online shoppers who are looking for handcrafted items, from personalized greeting cards to full-fledged woodworking projects.

This business idea is great if you like working with your hands and sourcing materials. Even if you don't know how to make and sell crafts from scratch, you'll likely find YouTube videos to teach you how.

Investment required: $500 to $2,000, depending on the project and materials required.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

18. Personal chef service

Not everyone has the time or energy to cook food at home from scratch. Busy parents and entrepreneurs often hire personal chefs to do it for them. It's a great food business opportunity if you enjoy cooking and experimenting with new flavors.

Investment required: $100 to $500 for groceries.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

19. Home organization business

Help people in your local area by starting your own home organization business. There are several niches in this industry—for example, wardrobe, pantry, or garage organization services.

You could also upsell clients by helping them sell items they no longer need. For instance, you could list clothing on an online marketplace like eBay or Poshmark and take a percentage of each sale.

Investment required: $100 to $500.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

20. Mobile car detailing

Most people don't enjoy washing their own car and taking a vehicle to a car wash can be inconvenient. That's why some people pay for mobile car detailers to come to their home and wash their car.

Post flyers or business cards to homes in your local area and advertise in newspapers or community groups to find your first client.

Investment required: $200 to $1,000, depending on the equipment you need.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

High-investment scalable business ideas for women ($10,000+)

If you're serious about making money and want to build a business that's bigger than just yourself, here are some bonus business ideas with higher startup costs but greater scaling potential. They're ideal if you've already run a smaller venture, built industry expertise, or are entering entrepreneurship after a successful career and want to leverage your skills for rapid growth.

21. Interior design business

Designing functional, aesthetically pleasing interiors can be challenging—and many homeowners will pay for professional help. If you know how to make indoor spaces more attractive and comfortable, start your own interior design business and help clients furnish their dream homes.

You can also work in corporate interior design, helping retailers craft the perfect shopping space for their customers. These projects are larger but pay well.

Investment required: $1,000 to $5,000.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

22. Digital marketing business

If you have marketing experience, consider starting your own digital marketing agency to help businesses develop and implement strategies tailored to their goals. You can hire contractors—such as graphic designers and writers—to expand your services, or eventually bring on full-time employees as your business grows.

Investment required: $1,000 to $5,000.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

23. Real estate business

Real estate agents are state-licensed professionals who help clients buy and sell property. Their responsibilities include helping sellers prepare, list, and advertise properties, guiding prospective buyers; and facilitating the legal elements of real estate transactions.

If you're detail-oriented, like to work independently, and have strong interpersonal skills, you can obtain your license and earn money as an independent real estate agent.

Investment required: $500 to $2,000 for your real estate license.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3).

24. Graphic design business

Graphic designers help clients develop a unique visual brand identity and create eye-catching collateral, such as website images, presentation graphics, email headers, and brochures.

"No one says, 'Oh, someday, I want to lay out brochures for a living,'" says Dustin Lee, founder of RetroSupply. "Most designers are artists that realize that they can make money—better money—as a graphic designer."

Investment required: $100 to $500 for a personal website.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

25. Wedding planning business

Target a lucrative event-planning niche with your own wedding planning business. You might focus on a particular type of celebration, like rustic outdoor weddings, destination weddings, or big-budget events.

While this business idea is great for women with hospitality or events management experience, you can become a wedding planner with no professional credentials. Attention to detail, project management, and negotiation skills matter most.

Investment required: $500 to $1,500.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3).

26. Small business consulting firm

If you're an experienced entrepreneur who's passionate about supporting fellow women business owners, start a consulting business. You can earn money helping other entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and meet their goals.

To narrow down your target audience, you might focus on a particular business type, like retail businesses, ecommerce businesses, or service-based businesses.

Investment required: $100 to $1,000 for a portfolio website and marketing.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

27. Landscaping business

If you're looking for a profitable business idea that uses your design skills and keeps you outdoors, start a landscaping business to help business owners and homeowners create gorgeous outdoor spaces.

You can focus on a niche, like eco-friendly landscapes, English gardens, or fruit-bearing plants. Or, help local businesses that need extra hands to maintain customer-facing areas.

Investment required: $500 to $2,000, depending on the tools and equipment you need.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

28. General contracting business

If you're a DIY expert with a library of tools and a passion for hands-on projects, becoming a general contractor may be your next great business idea. Increase client confidence by obtaining a license from your state and business insurance from your chosen provider.

Investment required: Between $300 and $500 for a license plus contractor business insurance.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)—sooner if you list your services on marketplaces like TaskRabbit or Airtasker.

29. Retail business

Start a brick-and-mortar business selling apparel, home goods, books, tools, plants, jewelry, furniture, electronics, or just about any other category of consumer products. You can also sell these products online or curate a collection and become a reseller.

You might even focus on a niche and support other female entrepreneurs by featuring products from woman-owned brands.

Sarah Vachon, for example, founded Citizens of Soil to create a modern olive oil brand built on ethical sourcing. "We are always looking for groves that are at least 50% female led," Sarah says on a Shopify Masters episode. "Someone making business decisions, not just like a token name on the estate."

Investment required: $500 to $2,000 for a pop-up shop or $40,000 for a permanent location.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3)

30. Franchise ownership

If you have cash to invest and want to leverage an existing brand's reputation, consider starting a franchise business. This business model grants you permission from the franchisor to use their intellectual property—including their name, logo, and products—to start your own company under their brand.

Investment required: Initial franchise fees range from $100,000 to upward of $500,000, depending on the size of the brand. Most franchisors will also claim a percentage of sales.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3)

High-growth tech business ideas for women

Technology businesses are known for their scalability. From software or consumer electronics, female tech entrepreneurs can secure funding to develop their idea and bring it to market. These opportunities can work well if you're early in your career and want to ride an emerging wave, or if you're pivoting from another field into one with higher growth potential.

31. App development

App developers create software for mobile devices like iOS and Android. This involves writing code, designing app interfaces, testing and debugging software, and maintenance over time.

There are several niches within the app development industry. For example, you could specialize in games, travel apps, augmented reality, or utility apps. Either sell the finished product to another company or monetize it yourself.

Investment required: From $5,000 to $50,000 for a simple app.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3)

32. SaaS business

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is a business model where people access applications over the internet. These services are popular with businesses that don't want to develop their own software. Examples of B2B SaaS businesses include Zoom, Gmail, and Shopify.

Investment required: Between $50,000 and $300,000 on average.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3).

33. AI consulting

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses work. Companies are using AI to save time and increase revenue, and you can help them by offering AI consulting services.

For example, you could work with small businesses to create an automated chatbot for their ecommerce website, or launch an online course that teaches people how to write AI prompts.

Investment required: $100 to $5,000, depending on the AI tools you're using.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

34. Cybersecurity services

If you're tech-savvy and know how to stay safe online, you can build a business by educating others on how to do the same. For example, you could offer consulting services to businesses that want to prevent cyberattacks and protect customer data.

Investment required: $500 to $2,500, depending on the cybersecurity tools you use.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

35. Data analytics consultancy

All businesses collect data, but not all have the in-house expertise to understand it.

If you're a math enthusiast who loves working with spreadsheets, consider becoming a data analytics consultant. You'll help other businesses collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data, and may advise them on how to keep their data secure.

Investment required: $500 to $5,000, depending on the data analytics platforms you use.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

Creative and artistic business opportunities for women

Many women entrepreneurs have found success by turning their creativity into a thriving business. Below are five ideas to inspire you. They're especially appealing if you're looking to turn a long-time hobby into a source of income or start fresh after a career break.

36. YouTube channel

Make money as a YouTuber by working with brands on sponsored content, using affiliate links for products you recommend, or selling merchandise. You could also join the YouTube Partner Program and earn ad revenue when brands advertise on your content.

"I was just an avid YouTube watcher," says creator Amanda Rach Lee. "So I was like, ''You know what? I can do this too.' And I started making them just for fun, and I didn't think anyone would see it."

Amanda's channel grew so much that she even launched her own product line—a range of bullet journals and stationery accessories—to monetize her audience further through her ecommerce store.

Investment required: $100 to $2,000, depending on your equipment.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

37. Podcast production

Creators like Joe Rogan and Alex Cooper have proven that podcasting can be a multimillion dollar business opportunity. With a regular show and loyal audience, you can monetize your podcast through brand sponsorships, ads, or memberships through platforms like Patreon.

If you prefer to stay behind the scenes, you can offer podcast production services. Either start your own studio or have clients send their audio files to you to edit.

Investment required: $100 to $2,000, depending on your equipment.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰⏰(out of 3).

🎧Listen up: 18 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs, Hosted by Women

38. Stock photography

Modern smartphones can capture high-quality photos without the need for expensive cameras. Use this to your advantage by selling photos online.

Platforms like Shutterstock, Unsplash, and iStock pay creators for their stock imagery. Whenever someone purchases your photos through the platform, you'll earn a cut of the revenue.

Investment required: $0 to $1,000, depending on your camera.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

39. Online art gallery

Prefer to have more control over your photography? Open an online art gallery where online shoppers can buy original pieces or reproductions.

For greater income potential, combine this business idea with the print-on-demand business model. Choose a supplier that integrates with your online store to sell canvases, mugs, and stickers featuring your artwork. The partner manufactures and ships each order directly to your customer.

"All I have to do is upload and let it do the work for me," says artist Maria Qamar, founder of Hatecopy. "Now I can focus on actually creating art and connecting with people."

Investment required: Less than $100, though dependent on the art you're creating and the materials required.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

40. Music lessons

If you know how to play an instrument and have the patience to teach others, consider offering music lessons. People pay experts to teach them to sing, play the piano, or learn guitar. It's a great way to make money with music without actually having to produce your own songs.

Investment required: Between $100 and $500, depending on the musical equipment you need.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

Service-based business ideas for female entrepreneurs

Service-based businesses tend to have higher income potential because the biggest investment you'll make is your time. Many also offer the option to work from home, so you can run your business on the side of a day job or busy lifestyle. They're a strong fit if you want flexible hours, are reentering the workforce, or need to build client work around family schedules.

41. Bookkeeping services

Bookkeepers reconcile a company's bank statements and track its transactions, including expenses and income, in a sales ledger.

Bookkeeping is different from accounting because you don't need any formal qualifications to sell this type of service (though they are recommended). Chartered accountants, on the other hand, must pass the Uniform CPA Examination before they can do more advanced financial reporting, auditing, and tax filing.

Investment required: Less than $100, depending on whether you're using bookkeeping software or a spreadsheet.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

42. Translation services

Roughly 1.53 billion people speak the English language. That's roughly 15% of the global population, leaving plenty of opportunity to y translate content from English into another language.

For example, you could help an ecommerce business translate its website, or work with a travel agency to create brochures or itineraries in different languages.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3) if you register on translation marketplaces like Translated or Gengo.

43. Résumé writing

Job seekers need a résumé when they're applying for jobs, but there's a lot that can go wrong. Help them position themselves as the ideal candidate with a résumé writing business. Attention to detail, design, and copywriting skills can help you land potential clients.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

44. Career coaching

A career coach helps clients find a career path that fits their skills, experience, and goals.

If you have experience in a particular field, you could specialize in coaching job seekers looking to break into the industry or advance their careers. For example, if you're a mompreneur, you could coach fellow parents on how to navigate their professional careers after having a baby.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

45. Life organizing

Monetize your project management skills by becoming a freelance life organizer. The jobs you'll pick up are similar to those of a virtual assistant—the main difference is you'll help clients in-person, not just online. That might include helping clients organize physical paperwork, their pantry, or a vacation.

Investment required: Less than $0.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

Unconventional business ideas for women

Here are some out-of-the-box business ideas if you want a fun money-making opportunity.

46. Rent-a-friend service

Loneliness is a growing concern for women. One report found roughly three-quarters of women have fewer close friends than a year ago. Some 7% said they didn't have anyone they'd consider a close friend.

Rent-a-friend services aim to combat this. You'll get paid to spend time with clients—whether that's hanging out, traveling, or even serving as a "rented bridesmaid" for someone who needs a friend.

Investment required: $0.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3).

47. Professional cuddling

Human touch has been proven to improve both physical and mental well-being, but not everyone has access to it. This has paved the way for "professional cuddlers" who offer therapeutic sessions to clients seeking personal touch.

Investment required: $0.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3)

48. Mystery shopping

Businesses pay mystery shoppers to visit their stores and pose as regular customers. You'll be asked to offer feedback on the store's cleanliness and customer experience, and be reimbursed for your purchase along with payment for your time.

Investment required: $0.

Time to first revenue: ⏰(out of 3) if you register on mystery shopping platforms like Second to None.

49. Voice-over artist

Authors, radio stations, and business owners hire voice-over artists to bring their script to life. It's a great business idea if you're a confident speaker and have basic audio editing skills. You can get paid to narrate commercials, YouTube videos, video games, and audiobooks.

Investment required: $100 to $500 for a decent quality microphone.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

50. Ethical hacking

Ethical hackers are hired by businesses and governments to break into their computer systems, networks, or software to find security vulnerabilities. The goal is to stress-test their cybersecurity measures and fix weak points before they're spotted by fraudsters.

Investment required: Less than $100.

Time to first revenue: ⏰⏰(out of 3).

Success stories: Women entrepreneurs who made it

Lyn Allure: from side hustle to multiple business owner

Lyn Allure started her entrepreneurial journey without a solid business idea in mind. She launched a YouTube channel as a creative outlet while in university. This side hustle later turned into a full-time job, and helped her launch a portfolio of successful businesses—including a hair extension store and a personal finance community.

"Sometimes people think they need to get a business loan and invest thousands of dollars to start something up," Lyn says in a Shopify Masters interview. "That isn't necessarily the case." Instead, Lyn recommends taking advantage of free online resources such as YouTube videos and online communities.

Gaby Bayona: growing a global brand without investors

Gaby Bayona started making handmade dresses at 18 with a sewing machine, some fabric, and skills passed down from her mom. Ten years later, she's the founder of Truvelle—a thriving bridalwear business with more than 40 employees and four retail stores.

Gaby bootstrapped the business with a $15,000 loan. She began sewing each piece by hand and partnered with a retailer in Ottawa to expand her reach. "I had no idea how to wholesale dresses. … I didn't even have [standardized] sizes," Gaby says in a Shopify Masters interview. "That's how unprepared I was for this. But I said yes."

April Mall: turning a loan into a thriving plant business

April Mall was once a full-time nurse who cared for plants as a way to escape the stress of her job. She started Unsolicited Plant Talks to sell propagated plants and offset the cost of maintaining her own.

However, April and her business partner husband, Daryk, soon ran out of space to store their inventory, so they applied for a NASA loan offered to agricultural businesses. It cost roughly $35,000 to build their first greenhouse—but the investment paid off. Within three months, sales were booming, and they needed a second greenhouse.

"We went from shipping 30 to 100 plants a month as a side hobby to shipping 600 to 1,200 plants a month," Daryk says in a Shopify Masters episode. Now, they have two additional full-time employees and part-time help to manage the business.

Resources and support for women entrepreneurs

Starting any new venture can be daunting, but there is specialist support out there for women entrepreneurs.

Funding opportunities

Registration fees, licenses, and marketing costs add up. Even if some ideas can start on a budget, most new businesses need some form of capital to get going.

While there is still a gender bias in the funding world, some institutions offer specialist assistance for female entrepreneurs to help close the gap and support women-owned businesses. This includes:

• Business loans for women
• Small business grants for women in business

"The first source of outside funding we received for Bogobrush was from the Michigan Women's Foundation," says founder Heather McDougall. "It's been great for me to engage with so many women who've paved the way before me in business, and it's a reminder for me to do the same for other women along the way."

*Shopify Capital loans must be paid in full within a maximum of 18 months, and two minimum payments apply within the first two six-month periods. The actual duration may be less than 18 months based on sales.

Mentorship programs

A business mentor lends expertise to new entrepreneurs who need guidance.

Not only can access to a mentor make entrepreneurship feel less isolating; it can also impact business success. You get to learn from people who've "walked the walk" and avoid making the same mistakes.

"At the beginning, my list was so insanely long," says Hannah Perry, owner of Floof Cotton Candy, on a Shopify Masters episode. "There was just no way of getting through it every day. You're raising babies and trying to just get through, make a product, and somehow you're supposed to call the state tax franchise board for your seller's permit number. I was drowning in making the product and building the business.

"So I hired a business coach and I had her for six months. I would write three things that needed to get done that day that I'd put on top of my big list. So I got those three done instead of looking at everything that was really important to do."