Leveraging a small business idea that delivers reliable long-term profits starts with a strategic approach, especially in 2026’s uncertain market.
Understanding which types of businesses are most likely to succeed can vastly improve your chances.
Here, explore more than 30 of the most profitable businesses for entrepreneurs, including tips for getting started once you’ve chosen a business idea.
What does it mean to be a profitable business in 2026?
In 2026, profitable businesses boast maximized profit margins, scalability, and 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
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 to aim high, here are some of the potentially most lucrative businesses to start:
- Online and digital businesses
- Service-based businesses
- Creative and content businesses
- Trade and skilled labor
- Emerging opportunities
Online and digital businesses
- Technology services and software development
- Ecommerce
- Digital marketing
- Consulting
- Online courses
- Virtual assistant services
- 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 American software industry alone is projected to reach more than $409 billion by 2030.
Big tech companies like Microsoft and Apple are among the most profitable on the planet, but small software developers can also gain a toehold in this industry.
If you have a solid 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 ecommerce business offering tech consulting or tech support to other companies.
Next steps: Build a prototype of your software solution with an app like Lovable. Then pitch it to a few potential users to validate before completing the code.
2. Ecommerce
Ecommerce businesses sell goods and services online.
Shopify’s Global Ecommerce Sales Growth Report forecasts that the booming ecommerce industry will be worth nearly $8 trillion worldwide by 2028. The total US ecommerce market revenue alone is projected to reach over $1.8 trillion in 2029. Starting an online store lets you tap into this rapidly expanding market.
A significant benefit of ecommerce is the relatively low capital and investment required. Depending on what you choose to offer—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.
Next steps: Use Google Trends to identify a rising niche, then start an ecommerce business with a free three-day Shopify trial. Consider whether you’ll use dropshipping or work with a supplier before building your storefront.
3. Digital marketing
Market research company IMARC anticipates the digital marketing industry will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% from 2025 to 2033. If you have digital marketing experience, now is 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 professional services.
Profitable companies in this sector often home in on a particular market niche—which could range from high-end apparel to the food truck industry—and cultivate a loyal client base. As your marketing business grows, you can potentially expand into new business categories and serve more niche markets.
Next steps: Create a free audit offer and reach out to local businesses. Ask if you can review their social media channels, ads, or SEO in exchange for a testimonial to kickstart your portfolio.
4. Consulting
On average, consultants make $103,425 per year in the rapidly evolving consulting industry.
Business consulting involves firms and individuals guiding business managers in key areas such as corporate strategy, growth, human resources management, optimization, and more. Some high-impact niches are:
- HR compliance for remote teams
- AI workflow integration
- Supply chain sustainability
There’s no specific requirement to become a business consultant, but it helps to have a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in your field of consulting.
Start a consulting business by identifying your strengths, researching the market, setting up your business, choosing a pricing strategy, conducting marketing, and growing your client base.
Next steps: Draft a one-page methodology framework and share it on LinkedIn to gauge interest from your existing professional network.
5. Online courses
You can make a lot selling online courses, with the online education market value expected to reach more than $375 billion in 2026.
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 classes 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 lessons and provide on-demand access. You can also distribute via 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 profits in the long run.
Next steps: Outline your curriculum and pre-sell the course on social media (and your email list, if you have one) to gauge interest before you record content.
6. Virtual assistant services
Starting a virtual assistant (VA) business is a unique business idea with low startup costs and a scalable business model if you start an agency. It’s a service suitable for entrepreneurs who are organized, tech-savvy, and comfortable working remotely.
Entry-level VAs who handle administrative work can expect to earn an average of $24 per hour. Experienced VAs with skills such as project management, marketing, or bookkeeping can charge much more.
On average, full-time virtual assistants in the US earn between $49,000 and $54,000 annually, according to Zip Recruiter.
Next steps: Decide on your skill set (i.e., inbox management, travel booking, calendar management) and create profiles on Upwork and Fiverr to land your first contract.
7. Social media management
Many businesses turn to social media to help increase sales. You can take advantage of this opportunity by working as a social media manager. According to Glassdoor, social media managers earn an average annual salary of $62,822.
Making social media management a profitable business idea requires a basic understanding of social strategy, creator tools, and how to market different types of businesses effectively on social channels. While social media can be a rewarding and strategic career, it can also come with significant stress and increased screen time.
Next steps: Create a mock strategy for your dream client and post it as a case study on your channels and website to show potential leads that you know what you’re doing.
8. Mobile app development
ZipRecruiter estimates that mobile app developers earn an average of $181,499 per year, or $87 per hour, making this a highly lucrative business idea.
If you’re interested in mobile app development, you will need skills such as:
- Programming abilities in languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, Swift, and Kotlin
- Knowledge of UI and UX design
- Project management skills
Generally, starting a mobile app development business requires a high level of upfront development knowledge.
Next steps: Sketch out the user flow of your app idea on paper or in Figma. Show it to a group of friends to test usability before developing or hiring a developer.
9. Subscription box services
Tap into the rapid growth of subscription ecommerce by starting a subscription box business, an industry expected to reach over $116 billion by 2033.
There are several categories of potential subscription box services, including:
- Pet toys, clothing, and snacks
- Food boxes with meal kits or ready-made meals
- Craft boxes
- Fresh flowers
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 the types of products you sell.
Next steps: Consider your favorite niche and curate a test box with the items you’ll use. Take high-quality photos and run a small social media campaign to test if people subscribe before buying more inventory.
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. It’s a great place to begin if you’re curious about starting a real estate business venture. To give you a snapshot, the average annual real estate agent salary sits at just over $100,550.
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 license exam.
Next steps: Look up your state’s pre-licensing course requirements and enroll in the first module this weekend to commit to the process.
11. Fitness coaching
Research firm IBISWorld estimates that the US personal training market generated nearly $11.9 billion in 2025. This figure includes numerous personal trainers or fitness coaches operating small businesses out of their homes or in shared spaces.
Like many fields in the wellness industry, fitness coaching has relatively low startup costs aside from education (unless you’re pursuing a niche like Pilates reformer training, which requires investing in expensive equipment).
Many fitness coaches achieve success by sharing tips on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok to build a following. You can do this for free—from home or on the go—to gauge appetite among potential clients.
Next steps: Post a 30-day fitness challenge on TikTok and YouTube to build an engaged audience and launch paid coaching tiers.
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 four years.
Start by cleaning yourself, or hire a team for it while you handle marketing and appointment booking.
Promote your cleaning business on your website, third-party sites like Craigslist and Taskrabbit, or maximize your reach through a combination of sales channels.
Next steps: Post a “first five cleans at 20% off” offer in your local neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor to fill your schedule.
13. Event planning
If you’re organized and outgoing, 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. The BLS anticipates 7% annual growth until 2030.
One potentially profitable business model is to specialize in wedding event planning. The average US wedding costs $36,000, with the average wedding planner earning $2,100 per event. Another event service business idea is to focus on lucrative corporate gatherings.
Next steps: Volunteer to coordinate a small charity event or office party to build a portfolio piece you can show paying clients.
14. Car washes
As long as people own cars, they will need places to wash them, with the car wash industry expected to exceed $49 billion in 2030.
You’ll have to spend money on real estate, equipment, insurance, and water, but car washes—particularly self-service ones—don’t require many employees, making them cheaper to operate than many other businesses.
Car wash earnings vary by location and type, with small self-serve businesses averaging $40,000 per year in 2023, and the entire industry growing 5.7% year-over-year in 2025.
Next steps: Scout three potential high-traffic locations and sit nearby for an hour to count the cars passing by to estimate potential volume.
15. Bookkeeping and accounting
Most successful business owners require accounting, payroll, and a range of other financial services. If you’re skilled at bookkeeping or want to earn money on the side of a full-time accounting or payroll job, consider offering your services as a sole proprietor or hiring staff and scaling 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 $83,000.
Next steps: Get certified in QuickBooks or Xero to add immediate credibility to your freelance profile and attract higher-paying clients.
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.
How much you can make from a vacation rental depends on location, property type, seasonality, occupancy rate, features (luxury or rustic), how you market the property, and where you list it.
Next steps: Run a market analysis on AirDNA for your neighborhood to see if projected rental income actually covers a mortgage.
✨ 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. Valued at just over $259 billion in 2025, the global pet care market is expected to continue growing. The average hourly rate for pet sitters is $26.
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.
Next steps: If you want to dip your toe in at first, consider signing up to walk a dog or to sit a cat on platforms like Wag or Rover. Develop good relationships with pet owners, so they leave positive reviews on your profiles.
18. Tutoring
Demand for flexible learning continues to grow at a rapid 14.5% CAGR. On average across the United States, private tutors make just under $35 per hour.
To start a tutoring business, you need a computer, video call software, and expertise in a specific area. Consider offering services to different age groups across various disciplines, such as English, math, or science, or specializing in test preparation for particular tests, such as the LSAT, MCAT, or SAT.
Next steps: Identify one specific subject or standardized test you mastered, and list your services on a local parent forum or university job board.
19. Franchise opportunities
Take advantage of pre-built business opportunities by starting a franchise.
It isn’t cheap to start a franchise—McDonald’s requires you to have at least $500,000 in non-borrowed funds before they’ll consider you. However, the average McDonald’s franchise owner makes $150,000 a year.
While fast food restaurants are among the most popular small businesses, there are plenty of other lower-cost service franchises—such as senior home care, mosquito control, or commercial cleaning —with lower entry fees than restaurants.
If you want to open a franchise, you’ll need to meet the franchise net worth requirements, have enough funds to pay the franchise fees, and have the capital for the initial investment.
Next steps: Browse Franchise Direct for opportunities. Contact a franchisor to request their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and review Item 19 to see financial performance data.
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 growing and is projected to reach more than $2 trillion in value by 2030.
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 an ecommerce store, through ecommerce marketplaces, in brick-and-mortar stores, or open a shop in your small town, you can turn a passion for fashion into a successful venture.
Next steps: Sketch your first three designs and contact a local print-on-demand service to order a single sample unit to test the look and feel.
📚Learn more: How to Start a Clothing Business in 14 Steps
21. Photography and videography
The photography industry is growing at a CAGR of nearly 6%. If you have the necessary skills and equipment, now is 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 2025 was $42,345; the median hourly wage was $20.36.
Videography can also be a winning part-time business. Videographers earn slightly more than photographers, with an annual salary of $63,930 and an hourly wage of $30.74.
For both businesses, you’ll need some experience. You’ll either need to build your reputation or secure a second-shooter position with an established professional.
Next steps: Reach out to three established photographers and offer to assist them for free on their next shoot to gain field experience and connections.
22. Graphic design
Despite advances in AI, graphic designers remain in demand 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 create and sell digital images, such as wedding invitation designs, or market physical items like greeting cards and stationery sets.
Graphic designers can earn $13.85 to $39.65 per hour, or an average annual salary of $63,222.
Next steps: Create three brand style guides or logo concepts for a fictional brand. Post them on Reddit for feedback and add them to a Behance portfolio to show your skills.
23. Music lessons
If you play a musical instrument or sing, you could offer music lessons. You’ll need teaching skills and a way to deliver lessons—online, at a music studio, or by traveling to local schools.
Private music teachers can expect to earn a yearly salary that ranges from $20,000 to $84,500, with an average of $54,498.
Next steps: Sign up for a platform like Lessonface to offer online lessons. Go around town to coffee shops or community centers and post flyers for a free first lesson to get your first student.
24. Translation
The translation industry reached an estimated market size of nearly $11 billion in 2025. If you speak at least two languages fluently, starting a translation business might be the small business idea you’re looking for.
The median annual wage for translators is $57,200, or $27.50 per hour.
Next steps: Take a translation test on a platform like ProZ to know your fluency level. Create a website for yourself and sign up for freelance marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork.
25. Freelancing
Freelancing is a business you can start 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 $99,230 per year and nearly $48 per hour.
Note that higher earnings come from specialization. So, focus on developing high-value skills, such as technical medical writing, cybersecurity analysis, or software-as-a-service (SaaS) content strategy.
Keep in mind that some freelance jobs pay better than others, and work can be inconsistent.
Next steps: Identify 10 clients you want to work with. Send each one a personalized cold pitch showing a problem you can solve for them right now.
26. Podcast production
If you have an engaging personality, an interesting or niche idea, and a voice that sounds good on recordings, try making 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’s worth trying to break into this booming industry.
Next steps: Record a two-minute trailer introducing your show’s concept and upload it to Spotify for Creators to commit to a launch date.
Trade and skilled labor
27. Home improvement services
Starting a home improvement or handyperson business can be a flexible, rewarding, and profitable venture. The home improvement market is projected to reach $688 billion by 2029.
It’s also a relatively affordable and straightforward 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.
Next steps: Offer to fix a minor issue for a neighbor for free and ask them to post a recommendation on Nextdoor if they are satisfied with your work.
28. Landscaping
If you already have basic landscaping equipment and a working understanding of various plants and local suppliers, consider opening 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.
Next steps: Start by offering basic lawn mowing services using equipment you already own to fund the purchase of professional-grade gear.
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 $45,394 per year, or $21.82 per hour.
Your earnings depend on factors such as location, demand, and the type of painting you do. For example, you can earn more by painting home exteriors than by painting interiors.
Next steps: Practice estimating the square footage and paint cost of your own living room to refine your pricing model before quoting a client.
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, construction workers make $52,333 a year or $25.16 an hour.
There are training and licensing requirements for the construction field. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide health and safety training to keep employees safe on job sites.
You may also need to provide or arrange other types of training, such as CPR, electrical safety, welding, and operating heavy equipment, as well as training workers on different types of construction materials and strategies. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; for more information, consult the US Chamber of Commerce’s guide to contractors’ licenses.
Next steps: Check your state’s contractor board website to determine precisely the trade exam and insurance requirements for your specialty.
31. Plumbing
If you have the time and budget to train as a plumber, it can be a lucrative field. While earnings depend on 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 $63,215 per year or $30.39 per hour.
Becoming a plumber often requires trade-and state-specific training and licensing. In terms of training, the most common way to break into the field is through an apprenticeship.
Next steps: Visit your local plumbers’ union or trade school website to find the next enrollment date for apprenticeship programs.
Emerging opportunities
32. AI consulting
AI consulting businesses are in high demand, with the industry as a whole expected to be worth more than $1.68 trillion by 2031.
On average, AI consultants earn $113,566 per year, making it one of the most potentially lucrative company ideas on this list.
Next steps: Become proficient with one AI tool, such as Midjourney or ChatGPT, and offer paid workshops for local businesses on how to use it for productivity.
Recommended reading 📚 17 Best Million-Dollar Business Ideas To Start in 2026
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. Your services can include:
- Auditing how much waste a brand creates from manufacturing to product delivery
- Providing recommendations and setup for circular business practices
- Sourcing and implementing sustainable product packaging and product manufacturing materials
Next steps: To break into sustainability consulting, consider taking courses related to the field. The University of San Diego lists project management, communication, and collaboration as essential background skills. You should also possess a solid understanding of the sustainability industry and its best practices, as well as federal and state environmental regulations.
34. 3D printing
You can make money with 3D printing, with the industry expected to exceed $134 billion in 2034. Consider homing in on a niche, like this creator who earns $10,000 per month printing home décor.
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 significant upfront investment, as you’ll need to purchase 3D printing equipment.
Next steps: Download a free design file from Thingiverse and print it at a local makerspace to get a feel for how 3D printing works and test material quality.
35. Drone services
The drone data services industry is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of nearly 30%. Drone services are increasingly essential for mapping and surveying, photogrammetry, 3D modeling, digital elevation models, and spectral imagery.
Making money with a drone is possible 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, mapping versus aerial shots for weddings or real estate listings.
Next steps: Download a study guide for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot certification exam and set a test date, as you cannot operate commercially without it.
How to choose the right profitable business for you
The most profitable business idea for you will combine your skills, budget, niche, 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. 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 earn 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 fads.
How do you start a profitable business?
Here are six essential steps for entrepreneurs to consider when starting a profitable business:
- Conduct market research. Understand your target market, customer needs, and competition. Find market validation, or proof that there is an audience willing to pay for a solution to the problem you’ve identified.
- 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 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 the difference between gross profit and 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 your customer base. Prioritize customer satisfaction and build strong relationships. Listen to customers’ feedback, adapt to their needs, and provide excellent products or services to create loyal customers who contribute to your business’s profitability.
- Test your business idea. Before you go all in, launch a simple version of your product, known as a minimum viable product (MVP). Doing this will help you validate your product idea and fix problems before investing in the final version.
Most profitable businesses FAQ
What is the cheapest business with the most profit?
Some businesses with low startup costs and high profit potential include starting an online store, tutoring, consulting, selling online courses, photography, establishing a car wash, content creation, and event planning.
What is the easiest business to start?
The easiest business to start is 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 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, with the sector representing 20.5% of global retail sales in 2025. The ecommerce industry is expected to grow to $9.8 trillion by 2033. Starting an online store lets you tap into this rapidly expanding market.
