Leveraging a small business idea that delivers reliable profit over the long term starts with a strategic approach, especially in 2025’s fluctuating market.
Understanding which types of businesses are most likely to succeed can vastly improve your chances of success.
Here, explore 30+ of the most profitable businesses for entrepreneurs, including tips on how to get started once you decide on your business idea.
What does it mean to be a profitable business in 2025?
In 2025, profitable businesses maximize profit margins, are scalable, and have existing demand. These businesses tap into emerging ideas and industries, staying ahead of competition with innovative solutions, great customer experiences, and seamless checkout flows. They leverage fresh tools like AI and automation, growing without sacrificing quality.
The 35 most profitable small business ideas by category
- Online and digital businesses
- Service-based businesses
- Creative and content businesses
- Trade and skilled labor
- Emerging opportunities
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur seeking the most profitable business ideas, you’re in luck. There are lucrative business opportunities available in various industries.
Whether you’re starting small with low-cost business ideas or you have a big budget that lets you aim high, here are some of the most potentially lucrative businesses to start:
Online and digital businesses
- Technology services and software development
- Ecommerce
- Digital marketing
- Consulting
- Online courses
- Virtual assistance
- Social media management
- Mobile app development
- Subscription box services
1. Technology services and software development
The tech and software sector has accounted for an outsized portion of the US stock market for years. The software industry alone is projected to reach nearly $743 billion by the end of 2025.
Big tech businesses like Microsoft and Apple are among the most profitable companies on the planet, but small software developers can also gain a toehold in this industry.
If you have an idea and strong coding or development skills, you could consider launching your own startup—a high-risk, high-reward option. Or you can start a potentially profitable business offering tech consulting or tech support to other businesses.
2. Ecommerce
An ecommerce business is any business that sells goods and services over the internet.
Shopify’s Global Ecommerce Sales Growth Report forecasts that the booming ecommerce industry will be worth more than $8 trillion worldwide by 2028, and total US ecommerce market revenue alone is projected to reach $1.8 trillion in 2029. Starting an online store lets you tap into this rapidly expanding market.
A significant benefit of getting into ecommerce is the relatively small amount of capital and investment required. Depending on what you choose to sell––especially if you choose a dropshipping model and sell something like coffee––it takes little more than an internet connection to establish your own business online.
💡Tip: Many profitable online businesses use a customer relationship management (CRM) platform to streamline operations.
📚Learn more: How to Start an Ecommerce Business
3. Digital marketing
IMARC anticipates the digital marketing industry to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% from 2025 to 2033. If you have digital marketing experience, now may be a great time to establish your online offerings.
Your digital marketing business may include copywriting, content creation, social media management, pay-per-click (PPC) ad management, graphic design services, or any combination of those services.
Profitable companies in this sector often home in on a particular market niche—which could be anything from high-end apparel to the food truck industry—and cultivate a set of loyal clients. As your marketing business grows, you can potentially expand into new business categories and serve more niche markets.
4. Consulting
On average, consultants make $103,425 per year, a compelling yearly salary for many. The consulting industry in general has grown rapidly.
The business consulting industry consists of firms and individuals guiding business managers on key areas like corporate strategy, growth, human resources management, optimization, and more. There’s no specific requirement for becoming a business consultant, but it helps to have a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in the field where you offer consulting services.
Start a consulting business by identifying your strengths, researching the market, setting up your business, choosing a pricing strategy, marketing, and growing your client base.
5. Online courses
You can make a lot selling online courses, with the online education market expected to reach nearly a $100 billion valuation in 2025. That growth isn’t expected to slow down, either, with projections set at a growth rate of nearly 10% over the next four years.
There’s little overhead involved in offering an online course, but you’ll need to market yourself and build a following. Aim to teach classes that match your skill set and résumé. For example, established graphic designers can offer graphic design courses, while successful entrepreneurs may offer online business courses.
Online courses are also a great way to diversify your revenue streams. You can teach live courses that your audience signs up for on specific dates, but you can also offer courses in ways that generate passive income. For example, you could pre-record courses and offer access to them on demand. You can also distribute them via your own subscription services or list them through online course libraries like Skillshare, Udemy, or Domestika.
Creating online courses is a great, low-cost business idea that can yield high profit in the long run.
6. Virtual assistance
Starting a virtual assistant (VA) business is a unique business idea suitable for entrepreneurs who are organized, tech-savvy, and comfortable working remotely. With low startup costs and increasing demand across industries, virtual assistance can be a solid, scalable business model in 2025.
Entry-level VAs who handle administrative work can expect to earn $24 per hour on average. More experienced VAs offering skills like project management, marketing, or bookkeeping might charge much more.
On average, full-time virtual assistants in the US earn between $49,000 and $54,000 annually, according to Zip Recruiter.
7. Social media management
Many businesses turn to social media to help increase sales. You can jump on this opportunity by working as a social media manager. According to Glassdoor, social media managers earn an average annual salary of $60,000.
Making social media management a profitable business idea requires a basic understanding of social strategy, creator tools, and how to effectively market different types of businesses on social channels. While social media can be a rewarding and strategic tool, it can also come with significant stress and increased screen time.
8. Mobile app development
ZipRecruiter estimates that mobile app developers make $181,499 per year on average or $85 hourly, making this a highly lucrative business idea.
If you’re interested in getting into mobile app development, you will need several different skills.
This includes:
- The ability to program in different languages like Java Script, Swift, and Kotlin
- Knowledge of UI and UX design
- Project management skills
Generally, starting a mobile app development business does require a high level of upfront development knowledge.
9. Subscription box services
Tap into the rapid growth of subscription ecommerce by starting a subscription box business. One report estimates that by 2029, subscription ecommerce will reach more than $3.48 trillion.
In order to get a subscription box off the ground, you’ll need to determine which type of box you’ll offer. For example, you could:
- Curate different items like pet toys, clothing, and snacks
- Offer a food box with meal kits or ready-made meals
- Create craft boxes that give subscribers the elements to build something new
- Send fresh flowers on a recurring basis
Ideally, you’ll choose a niche to help you stand out among other boxes in the market. Earnings will vary based on things like your profit margins and types of products you sell.
Service-based businesses
- Real estate
- Fitness coaching
- Home cleaning services
- Event planning
- Car washes
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Vacation rentals
- Pet care services
- Tutoring
- Franchise opportunities
10. Real estate
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, becoming a real estate agent is a cost-effective way to enter the industry, offering a flexible schedule.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers detailed information on real estate agent salaries and employment trends in the US, so if you’re curious about what starting a real estate business venture looks like, that’s a great place to start. To give you a snapshot, the median annual wage for an agent in 2024 was $58,960.
If you decide this is the right move for you, check in with state licensing and education requirements, as they vary across the US. You’ll likely need to do some pre-license education and pass your state real estate license exam.
11. Fitness coaching
Research firm IBISWorld estimates that the US personal training market generated nearly $13 billion in 2024. This figure includes numerous trainers or fitness coaches operating small businesses out of their homes or in shared spaces.
Like many fields in the wellness industry, fitness coaching comes with relatively few startup costs aside from education, unless you’re pursuing a niche like Pilates that requires investment in expensive equipment.
Many fitness coaches achieve success by first sharing tips and tricks on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, and then building a following. You can do this for free and from home or while on the go, so it’s a great way to gauge appetite from potential clients as you’re getting started.
12. Home cleaning services
As the COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the importance of personal hygiene and maintaining clean spaces, it drove a surge in the US cleaning services industry, which is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.6% over the next five years.
You can tap into the home cleaning industry by either doing the cleaning yourself or by hiring a team of cleaners to work while you handle marketing and appointment booking.
Promote your cleaning business on your own website, use third-party sites like Craigslist and Taskrabbit to advertise your services, or maximize your reach by using a combination of sales channels.
13. Event planning
If you’re organized and outgoing, you might consider starting an event planning business.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the event planning industry is growing faster than the average of all occupations combined. The BLS anticipates a yearly growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2030.
One potentially profitable business model is to specialize in event planning for weddings. According to a survey run by wedding site Zola, the average wedding in the US costs $33,000. On average, wedding planners make $2,100 per event. Other event services businesses focus on corporate gatherings, which is also a lucrative niche to tap into.
14. Car washes
As long as people own cars, they will need a place to wash them. One estimate anticipates that the global car wash market will exceed $49 billion in 2030.
You’ll have to spend money on real estate, equipment, and water, but car washes don’t require many employees—particularly self-service washes—which makes them cheaper to operate than many other businesses.
Self-service car washes generate an average of $40,000 per year, while large full-service car washes earned up to $900,000 in 2023.
15. Bookkeeping and accounting
Most successful business owners require accounting services, payroll services, and a range of other financial services. If you have a knack for bookkeeping or want to earn money on the side of a full-time accounting or payroll job, this is a great way to tap into entrepreneurship.
Get your feet wet as a sole proprietor, or hire staff and scale up.
The average profit for bookkeepers ranges based on billable hours, your fees, the type of work you do, and the types of clients you work with. ZipRecruiter lists the average bookkeeper salary at $58,245 a year, with high earners generating up to $83,500.
16. Vacation rentals
If you own real estate or have the means to invest in it, you can make money renting properties to vacationers. Though the initial time and monetary commitment are high, in the long run, rentals can generate passive income while you work on other projects.
The amount of money you can make from a vacation rental depends on factors like location, property type, seasonality, occupancy rate, features (luxury or rustic), how you market the property, and where you list it. 2024 data from Tipalti, reported by Thrillist, puts typical annual Airbnb earnings across the US at $44,235, with the top-performing state, Hawaii, generating around $73,247 for the average host.
✨ More ideas: 20 Profitable Rental Business Ideas You Can Start Now
17. Pet care services
People love their pets and will invest in keeping them safe, happy, and healthy.
Starting a pet-sitting or pet care business can be a lucrative way to earn extra money. You could also build it into a thriving full-time business over time. This global pet care market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 7% from its 2024 valuation of just over $259 billion. The average hourly rate for pet sitters is $25 per hour.
To break into this business, first ensure that you love pets and are up to the challenge. Then, choose a legal structure for your business, obtain the necessary insurance and licenses, and start building and marketing it.
If you want to dip your toe in at first, consider signing up to walk a dog or to cat sit on platforms like Wag! or Rover.
18. Tutoring
Starting up a tutoring business could be more lucrative than you think. Demand for flexible learning continues to grow at a rapid CAGR of 14.5%. On average across the United States, private tutors make $35 per hour.
To start this type of business, all you need is a computer, video call software, and expertise in a specific area. Consider offering services to different age ranges across various disciplines, such as English, math, or science, or specialize in preparation for specific tests, like the LSAT, MCAT, or SAT.
19. Franchise opportunities
Take advantage of franchise opportunities by starting a franchise. Statista notes that “2025 look[s] like the strongest year on record for the industry.”
Types of franchises include: business services, commercial and residential services, lodging, professional services, real estate, restaurants, and retail.
Getting into the franchise business can be highly lucrative, but startup costs are often very high. For example, it costs between $1.47 million and $2.64 million to open a McDonald’s. However, the median earnings for these restaurants hover around $4 million per year.
If you want to open a franchise, you’ll need to meet franchise net worth requirements, have enough to pay franchise fees, and have the capital required for the initial investment.
Creative and content businesses
- Fashion and apparel
- Photography and videography
- Graphic design
- Music lessons
- Translation
- Freelancing
- Podcast production
20. Fashion and apparel
The global fashion and apparel market is experiencing growth and is projected to reach a value of nearly $2 trillion by 2025.
If you have an eye for design, a cogent business plan, and a sound business structure, you can start your own fashion or apparel company. You’ll need to research wholesale suppliers and select the right sales platforms to ensure the most profitable business outcomes.
Whether you sell online via your own ecommerce store, through ecommerce marketplaces, in brick-and-mortar stores, or dream of opening a retail shop in your small town, you can turn a passion for fashion into a successful venture.
📚Learn more: How to Start a Clothing Business in 14 Steps
21. Photography and videography
The photography industry is growing at a CAGR of more than 6%. If you possess the necessary skills and equipment, now may be an ideal time to launch a photography business.
The amount you can earn as a photographer depends on your skill level, the type of work you do, and whether you own your own business or you’re a second shooter for someone else. The median yearly wage for a photographer in 2024 was $42,520, and the median hourly wage was $20.44 per hour.
Videography can also be a great—and lucrative—part-time business to take on. Videographers earn slightly more than photographers, with an annual salary of $70,570 and an hourly wage of $33.93.
For both businesses, some experience is required. You’ll either need to build your own reputation or secure a position as a second shooter for someone who is already established.
22. Graphic design
According to an industry outlook report from IBIS World, graphic designers are in for “higher value contracts” as media increasingly goes digital. That said, the role does require significant experience to be successful.
There are many options if you’re looking to turn your graphic design chops into a thriving lifestyle business. You could craft images to make and sell digital images like wedding invitation designs, or market physical items like greeting cards and stationery sets.
Graphic designers can earn $18 to $45 per hour, or an average annual salary of $61,300.
23. Music lessons
If you play a musical instrument or sing, you could offer music lessons. You’ll need to have teaching skills and a way to offer lessons. That could be online, at a music studio, or you could travel to local schools.
Private music teachers can expect to earn a yearly salary that ranges from $20,000 to $84,000, with an average of $54,498.
24. Translation
The translation industry has grown at a CAGR of just over 4% from 2020 to 2025, and is expected to reach a market size of nearly $11 billion in 2025. If you speak at least two languages fluently, starting a translation business might be a great option for you.
The median annual wage for translators is $59,440, equivalent to $28.58 per hour.
25. Freelance
Freelancing is a business you can start up on your own with very little overhead—perhaps that’s why more than a quarter of the labor force is already doing it. What you do depends on your skill set, training, capacity, and market demand, among other factors. However, the average freelancer earns $48 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $14.90 to as high as market demands allow.
Keep in mind that some freelance jobs pay better than others, and work can be inconsistent.
26. Podcast production
If you have an engaging personality, an interesting or niche idea, and a voice that sounds good when recording, you might try to make money podcasting.
The upside is that podcasting’s highest earners can make millions. The downside is that pay varies widely based on success. Still, as the startup costs for creating a podcast are relatively low, it may be worth trying to break into this booming industry.
CTA:Trade and skilled labor
27. Home improvement services
Starting a home improvement or handyman business can be a flexible, rewarding, and profitable venture. The home improvement market is projected to grow by over 3% in 2025.
It’s also a relatively simple and affordable business to start. All you need is a set of tools, knowledge of how to perform various home repairs, insurance, and any licenses required by state regulations. Then, post about your business on local sites like Nextdoor or register on sites like Angi.
28. Landscaping
If you already have basic landscaping equipment or the ability to purchase it, as well as a working understanding of various plants and local suppliers, try opening up a landscaping business.
You’ll need to establish a client base and form relationships with plant nurseries and vendors who supply materials such as soil, mulch, rock, and concrete. Nationally, landscapers earn between $23,000 and $50,000 per year, with an average annual salary of $36,665.
29. Painting
Attention to detail, meticulous prep work, and tools like paint sprayers, rollers, drop cloths, and painter’s tape are the key things you’ll need to start a painting business. On average, you could make $48,660 per year as a painter, or around $23.40 per hour.
This also depends on factors such as location, demand, and the type of painting you do. For example, you might earn more by painting home exteriors than by painting interiors.
30. Construction
There are many options out there if you’re looking to start a construction business. Pay varies by experience, trade, location, and job type, but generally, people make $25 per hour, within a range of $12 to $36.
There are training and licensing requirements for the construction field. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide health and safety training to keep employees safe on jobsites. You also may need to take and provide other types of training like CPR, electrical safety, welding, and how to operate heavy equipment, and train workers on different types of construction materials and strategies. Licensing will vary based on state and trade; for more information consult Procore’s in-depth guide of construction licensing by state.
31. Plumbing
If you have the time and budget to train as a plumber, this could be a lucrative business idea for you. While earnings depend on different factors like specialty, location, and job type, you’re looking at a range of $29,500 to $100,000 per year. On average, plumbers make $62,970 per year or $30.27 per hour.
Becoming a plumber requires trade-specific training and licensing. In terms of the license you’ll need to get started, you’ll be able to see requirements broken out by state in Jobber’s resource. Licensing varies, but most states do require that you obtain a license to become a plumber. In terms of training, the most common way to break into the field is through an apprenticeship.
Emerging opportunities
32. AI consulting
One AI business idea is to start an AI consulting business. The AI industry as a whole is expected to be worth more than $244 billion by 2025. So far, the earning potential for AI consultants reflects this. On average, AI consultants earn $113,566 per year, making it one of the most potentially lucrative business ideas on this list.
While it could be a great strategy to get in on AI early, be mindful that there’s still a lot of unknowns.
Recommended reading 📚 17 Best Million-Dollar Business Ideas To Start in 2025
33. Sustainability consulting
The global sustainability and green technology market is growing at a rapid CAGR of just over 23%, with a market size projected at $79.65 billion in 2030.
Tap into the eco-friendly business by consulting brands on how to make their supply chains more sustainable. This could include things like:
- Auditing the amount of waste a brand creates from manufacturing to product delivery
- Providing recommendations and setting up a model to craft a more circular business
- Sourcing and implementing sustainable product packaging
- Working with manufacturers to use more sustainable materials for products
In order to break into sustainability consulting, consider taking courses related to the field. According to the University of San Diego, essential background skills include project management, communication, and collaboration. You should also possess a solid understanding of the sustainability industry, best practices, and federal and state environmental regulations.
34. 3D printing
You can also make money from 3D printing. The 3D printing industry is expected to exceed $134 billion in 2034. Consider honing in on a niche to stand out in a crowded market. For example, one creator earns $10,000 monthly by focusing on making products within a high-demand niche. You’ll also need to ensure that products and/or services are high quality and that you establish a solid marketing plan.
Profits from this type of business will vary based on the type of services you offer. Consider selling custom 3D-printed products, offering on-demand 3D printing services, or even selling 3D printing machines and accessories.
Depending on your decision, 3D printing may require a larger upfront investment, as you’ll need to purchase 3D printing equipment.
35. Drone services
The drone data services industry is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of nearly 30%. Drone services can be essential for mapping and surveying, photogrammetry, 3D modeling and digital elevation models, and spectral imagery.
Making money with a drone is a real possibility now, as long as you obtain the proper certifications and follow rules and regulations. How much you can earn depends on the type of drone services you provide. For example, you may make different amounts of money mapping versus taking aerial shots for weddings or real estate photos.
How to choose the right profitable business for you
The most profitable business idea for you will be based on your skills, budget, the niche you’re interested in, and market demand.
- Start with your strengths. Think about what you’re good at and what you like doing, whether it’s coaching, crafting, or consulting. Try to match your skills and interests with real customer needs. For example, if you like problem-solving, AI consulting could be a good fit. If you’re creative, you could make crafts to sell, create digital content, or make money as a graphic designer.
- Validate demand. Research to confirm your target market is looking for what you’re offering.
- Determine your competitive edge. To stand out, you’ll need to prove why shoppers should purchase from you. What is your value proposition, and how is it unique?
- Plan for scalability and sustainability. Will your idea be scalable? Your business should require only a reasonable amount of time or funding as you grow. Also, consider long-term trends and avoid jumping on a fad.
How do you start a profitable business?
Here are five essential steps for entrepreneurs to consider when starting a profitable business:
- Conduct market research. Understand your target market, customer needs, and competition. Identify opportunities and gaps in the market that your business can address.
- Draft a solid business plan. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target audience, value proposition, revenue model, and marketing strategy. A well-thought-out plan will help guide your business decisions.
- Manage your finances. Set a realistic budget, carefully manage expenses, and ensure that you have adequate funding. Keep a close eye on cash flow and your cash flow versus profit, which is crucial for sustaining and growing your business. You’ll also need to understand gross profit versus margin.
- Build a strong online presence. Establish a professional and approachable online presence through a website and social media. Utilize digital marketing strategies to reach and engage with your target audience.
- Remain focused on customers. Prioritize customer satisfaction and build strong relationships. Listen to customer feedback, adapt to their needs, and provide excellent products or services to create loyal customers who can contribute to your business’s profitability.
Most profitable businesses FAQ
What is the cheapest business with the most profit?
Ten types of businesses that have low startup costs and a high profit potential include starting an online store, tutoring, affiliate marketing, consulting, selling online courses, pet sitting, photography, establishing a car wash, content creation, and event planning.
What is the easiest business to start?
The easiest business to start is likely to be one where you are a sole proprietor and can work from home. When you add employees and physical locations, you must navigate more complicated regulations and logistics.
What business makes the most profit?
Finance, law, real estate, healthcare, and software development are among the most profitable industries in the US. If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, consider starting an ecommerce business, AI consulting business, or a software-based venture, such as a virtual assistant business.
What are the most successful small businesses?
The most profitable small businesses operate in areas with high profit margins and consistent demand. A successful small business generates sustainable, recurring revenue, is scalable, and has relatively low overhead.
What business is in the highest demand?
Sustainability consulting, AI consulting, drone services, and digital marketing all have the highest compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) on the list, indicating that they are particularly in demand.
What kind of online business is most profitable?
Ecommerce can be a highly profitable online business to start. The ecommerce industry is expected to grow to $8.09 trillion by 2028. The total US ecommerce market revenue increased for the 10th consecutive year, and starting an online store lets you tap into this rapidly expanding market.
