No specific business idea aptly suits women.
The perfect business idea for a woman is the one she wants to start.
But here’s the thing.
Women often need an idea that suits their demanding situations, like getting paid less than their male counterparts, being a single mom, or running a family household.
That’s why many women need a second income, want to quit their jobs to work from home and be with their children or have a burning desire to become an entrepreneur.
Whatever your reason, if you’re a woman looking to diversify your income source and build equity, this list of business ideas is for you.
Are you looking for an additional revenue stream or want to start a business that enables you to live your entrepreneurial dreams without selling your soul to the corporate machine?
If so, one of the following business ideas could be the answer you’re looking for!
Online tutors provide students with education, guidance, and support in every subject imaginable.
For example, you could offer pre-exam/project academic advice, study strategies, or course materials.
You only need a knowledgeable subject, delivery skills, and the right marketing platform to attract your target audience.
Online tutoring is a low-cost way to start an online business with high profit margins; Tutorme.com reports tutors can earn between $20 and $60 per hour.
The online fitness and yoga industries are booming, with some coaches earning $100,000 per year on platforms like Exercise.com.
Fitness coaches/yoga instructors can work one-on-one with clients or with groups or create fitness programs their target audience can purchase and download.
All you need to start is an accredited National Commission for Certifying Agencies certificate and an online fitness coaching platform.
Our digital world needs 24/7 global tech support to keep running, which means enormous opportunities for anyone with experience in this field.
Tech experts offer their skills and knowledge to fix any tech problems their customers may encounter.
Glassdoor reports remote tech support salaries range from $40K to $60K per year.
To become a remote tech support entrepreneur, you only need technology experience, excellent problem-solving skills, and a Wi-Fi connection!
Social media managers create, schedule, and publish content to interact with and grow their employer’s online community. Managers also monitor the content’s performance to develop strategies with the highest engagement rates.
And it’s lucrative, with social media managers earning between $35 to $350 per hour!
To start an online social media management business, get a certification, choose your niche and the services you want to provide.
VAs provide professional services like administrative duties and technical help to other business owners and large corporations on a full or part-time self-employed basis.
VAs can earn between $10.75 to $27.46 per hour, depending on your service. Your primary investments are your laptop and internet connection, so it’s a profitable online business idea.
To start a virtual assistant business, you’ll need computer skills and experience with software and business programs, and you can find clients using a virtual assistant agency.
Wedding planners help design and run every aspect of a couple’s big day, from drawing up a budget, finding and hiring vendors, structuring and setting a timetable for the ceremony and reception, and overseeing everything on the wedding day.
Wedding planners can charge between $40-$70 per hour for online consulting services.
You don’t need a degree to become a wedding planner, but experience (and contacts) are essential.
Fancy running a low-risk online business where you don’t buy, handle, or deliver the stock?
Welcome to dropshipping.
Drop shippers promote and sell other businesses’ products via their websites. When they receive an order, it goes to the supplier, who ships it to the buyer; the drop shipper then gets a commission for making the sale.
To start dropshipping, choose a niche, perform competitor product research, find a reputable supplier, build your online store, and market your dropshipping business.
The Etsy online marketplace platform enables independent artists, designers, crafters, and collectors to sell their creations, and 80% of its sellers are women!
Etsy is popular because it’s a quick and cheap way to sell digital products or handmade goods online.
To sell on Etsy, create a free account, open your shop, upload your product images, and set your prices and shipping fees.
eBay is an e-commerce platform that allows you to sell (almost) anything.
It’s a great way to enter the e-commerce world as it has a global customer base, and you could begin selling today by advertising anything you have but no longer need!
To start an eBay business, create your listing and follow the instructions; it’s the easiest way to start an online business!
Do you fancy running a business where the commute is a short walk from your bedroom to your home office via the espresso machine?
The following business ideas for women at home could be the perfect fit.
Home bakery entrepreneurs use their kitchens rather than renting expensive commercial spaces to bake bread, pies, cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, cookies, and similar items for private and commercial clients.
Home bakery incomes are rising, with monthly profits ranging from $300 to $2,500, depending on what they bake and their clientele.
To start a home-based bakery business, contact your location’s Environmental Health department to inform them of your new business and to get the relevant permits.
Home-based caterers can run their business in 2 ways:
Home-based catering businesses suit aspiring culinary entrepreneurs who need low start-up costs and high-profit margins, as pretax profits are 15% more than restaurants!
Contact your local Environmental Health department for permits and licenses to start a home-based catering business.
Home-based daycare provides care for children, from infants to elementary, during working hours, Mondays to Fridays. However, some offer extended care for parents working weekends or non-traditional schedules.
Daycare is a lucrative business, with an average monthly cost of $1,230 per child.
To start a daycare business, contact your state’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to research regulations. And research the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website for qualifications.
Alterations and sewing are popular in the wedding and fashion industries and for individuals who need to make clothes larger or smaller.
Starting a sewing and alteration business could be highly lucrative as these skills are becoming rare and difficult to find. Research shows that home-based alteration businesses can earn a 40% profit margin, which is handsome in any industry!
All you need to start is the experience (not essential as you could take a course) and the right equipment.
Now for a business that could clean up by providing laundry services to other local companies like B&Bs, boutique hotels, busy individuals, and large households in their local vicinity.
To start a personal laundry business, get the licenses and permits, and source 2nd-hand commercial equipment on websites like lowlaundry.com.
Starting a candle-making business is affordable and requires little experience.
But the rewards could be red hot as the U.S. candle market is worth over 3.2 billion annually, and profit margins per candle are around 300%!
You can start your candle-making business at home, learn online, begin with essential equipment, and sell at farmers’ markets, church sales, wholesale outlets, and online using eBay, Amazon, Houzz, and Modalyst.
Airbnb entrepreneurs use their properties (or others with contracts) to provide short and long-term rental spaces to businesses and private individuals.
Startup costs depend on your property’s condition and your profits on its location. Still, with a global audience, it’s a business opportunity that unlocks your asset’s potential to create additional income.
Airbnb reports hosts earn (on average) $924 a month, but many make far more!
To start your Airbnb business, join the platform, list your property, write your property description, upload quality images, set your rates, include your contact information, and contact your local Department of Revenue or county clerk’s office to learn about the legalities in your area.
It’s hard to start a business with no money; most need some financial investment.
However, the following ideas tick the box of little or no cash upfront.
Affiliate marketing is a low-investment, high-margin business idea where you partner with other brands to sell their products or digital services from your website/landing page through an affiliate link.
To start an affiliate marketing business, you’ll need a website and relevant content that ensures people find you when searching for that product or service. You receive a commission once they click the link and buy the product.
A solid social media following would be advantageous as you can promote your affiliate links to your audience.
Print-on-demand is a low-investment order fulfillment business idea where a supplier prints your design on your chosen products when you make a sale.
You join a POD platform, choose your products (of which there’s an endless choice), create your designs, sell them on your website or your PODs platform, and your supplier prints and delivers, taking a commission for each product sold.
The POD advantage is you can outsource your designs to freelancers on websites like Fiverr or Upwork, and you only pay for what you sell.
Freelancers are independent contractors (like me) who earn their wages on a per-task, per-job, or retainer basis.
Freelancing has many benefits, like a flexible work schedule, working from home (or a beach), and a better work/life balance.
Freelancing startup costs are low; you only need a website, a LinkedIn account, or a profile on a freelancer job site like Fiverr.
Some freelance ideas are:
Digital products are digital information you deliver electronically via a website and email, like online courses, eBooks, software, digital art, music, and virtual goods.
The advantage of selling digital products is that they become a lucrative passive income once you create them and begin marketing.
To sell digital products, you’ll need expertise in a specific subject or industry, and you can learn how to develop and launch your digital product business on websites like Teachable and Kajabi.
Monetizing content is a comparatively new and highly lucrative business idea.
You monetize content by becoming a social media influencer, creating podcasts, or creating a YouTube channel, then promoting other brands ‘ products (or your own) and advertising space.
As these marketing channels are free to join, monetizing content can be a low-cost, profitable business idea.
Now for an off-line low-cost business idea that people always need and pay good money for.
Handywomen do odd jobs in people’s homes that are too small for a tradesman, like repairs, basic carpentry, and interior and exterior maintenance.
Anyone with basic craftsmanship or trade skills can become a handywoman, and it’s a lucrative niche with high hourly rates because of high demand and low startup costs.
If that sounds up your alley, check out my guide on how to start a handyman business.
You don’t need experience to start a new business; instead, you can work within your strengths and weaknesses, get help from others with the skills your niche requires, and learn as you go.
Some business ideas, however, are more suitable for inexperienced budding entrepreneurs, so let’s look:
If you love dogs, exercise, and need flexible working hours, a dog care/walking business is perfect for those with zero entrepreneurial experience.
Your startup costs are low, and according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can earn up to $33,873 annually! Not too shabby for doing something you love, right?
To start a dog walking business, you might need a local business license and liability insurance; you can find clients using social media (local dog-loving Facebook groups), word-of-mouth referrals, and a website to take bookings and promote your glowing testimonials.
There are 2 types of cleaning businesses: commercial and residential. For inexperienced entrepreneurs, residential offers a lucrative opportunity to clean up financially!
Residential cleaners work in people’s homes, cleaning bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, etc. But you can also provide specialized services like window cleaning, pressure washing, disinfection, and chimney sweeping.
To start a cleaning business, you need a local business license, a permit, and insurance. And a range of cleaning products like mops, brooms, dust rags, a commercial vacuum cleaner, certain chemicals, and transport.
You don’t need experience to become an online entrepreneur! You can start your business today using e-commerce reselling.
E-commerce reselling involves buying products in bulk from wholesalers and selling to individuals at a higher price. And you can also resell 2nd hand goods on sites like eBay, Poshmark, The RealReal, Depop, and thredUp.
Reselling has low startup costs and high profit margins, so it’s an attractive option for inexperienced entrepreneurs.
Online transcription involves converting speech into written text for business, legal, and medical clients.
While you need little experience, you require fast typing skills to make it profitable.
Average pay rates range from $15 to $30 per hour. All you need to start is a computer, a messaging service, and software like Grammarly or Pro Writer to ensure your transcripts are always perfect.
To start your transcription business, pick a niche, set your rates, and find clients using websites like indeed.com.
Small business ideas are ones you can start and run without the expense of hiring part or full-time staff but with the potential of expanding with demand.
The beauty of small business ideas is you call the shots and only outsource when you know it`ll be profitable.
Okay, here are my favorite 5:
Freelance photographers work as self-employed contractors providing images per their clients’ requests or for sale on photography platforms like iStockPhoto, Shutterstock, and Unsplash, which pay royalties when individuals use your pictures.
The job involves meeting client contract specifications or taking images of your favorite hobby (travel or nature). Simply put, you’re a lens for hire as a freelance photographer.
And you have many niches, like real estate, portraits, products, food, weddings, events, and sports.
Salary.com reports freelance photographers earn between $40,028 and $52,770 annually.
To start your freelance photography business, create your business plan, choose your niche, purchase the proper photography equipment and software, set your prices, market your business, and develop your portfolio.
Entrepreneurs with a flair for jewelry could start a jewelry brand. And with low startup costs and high-profit margins (on average 42.6%), it’s a financially viable niche!
Jewelry has 3 categories: custom, handmade, and fine jewelry, and all are in high demand.
All you need to start your jewelry business is some jewelry-making knowledge (which you can get online), a jeweler’s bench, and tools. Or you can focus on the designs and outsource the production!
Then, use social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to promote and sell your products or book a stall at local jewelry markets.
Gym Bunnies can turn their love for fitness into a thriving business by becoming a personal trainer and offering virtual, group, or private fitness seasons.
The fitness industry is booming, with trainers’ wages starting at $25 and rising to over $100, depending on your target market and experience.
To become a fitness trainer, you’ll need an accredited certification from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), training equipment, the proper licenses, some liability insurance (an LLC is perfect for that), and a stimulating attitude that inspires your clients to reach their fitness goals.
Nutritionists advise clients on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle and achieve health-related goals, like reducing blood pressure or losing weight.
The nutritionist’s average salary is $52,785 annually, but what you can earn depends on your certifications, experience, location, and target market.
To start your nutritionist business, you’ll need an accredited diploma in nutrition and dietetics. You can advance your nutritionist skills (and earn more) by completing an undergraduate degree in health science.
Esthetician professionals provide skincare and beauty services to clients to help improve their appearance. Services include hair removal, waxing, facials, makeup applications, and body treatments.
Self-employed estheticians may earn as much as $52,100 per year. But estheticians specializing in skin care treatments, like cosmic dermatology, medical esthetics, and laser treatments, can earn far more because of the high demand.
To become an Esthetician, research your state’s Board of Cosmetology requirements and get an esthetician license.
We all need inspiration to start a business, and who better to inspire us than famous women entrepreneurs who’ve changed the business landscape and contributed to society?
The famous women entrepreneurs below are household names, but some you might not know; however, all are inspirational!
Media mogul and philanthropist known for her influential talk show and media empire.
Founder of Spanx (Oprah funded Sara when others refused), a famous shapewear brand, and a self-made billionaire.
Founder of the iconic fashion brand Chanel, revolutionizing women’s fashion in the early 20th century.
Co-founder of The Huffington Post, a successful online news and blogging platform.
Founder of the Estée Lauder Companies, a significant player in the cosmetics industry.
Former CEO of PepsiCo, recognized for her leadership in the corporate world.
Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and author of “Lean In” which promotes women’s empowerment in the workplace.
Author of the Harry Potter series, who went from a struggling single mom to one of the world’s most successful authors.
Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, poverty, and education.
Feminist icon, journalist, and co-founder of Ms. Magazine.
Actress and entrepreneur, co-founder of Latin World Entertainment, a talent management and entertainment marketing firm.
Fashion designer and founder of the iconic wrap dress.
Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, a successful direct-selling cosmetics company.
Below, you`ll find business resources to help you start and run your business.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): NAWBO provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for women business owners.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): WBENC is a leading advocate for women-owned businesses, offering certification, networking, and educational resources.
SCOREWomen’s Business Center: SCORE provides mentoring, workshops, and resources tailored to women entrepreneurs.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership: The SBA offers resources and programs to support women-owned businesses, including the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.
Women 2.0: Women 2.0 promotes women in technology and entrepreneurship, providing events, content, and resources.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED): WED celebrates and supports women entrepreneurs, offering events, mentorship, and resources.
Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC): AWBC supports a network of women’s Business Centers across the U.S., providing resources, training, and counseling.
Ellevate Network: Ellevate offers networking opportunities, resources, and events to support professional women and entrepreneurs.
Women’s Venture Fund (WVF): WVF provides training, financing, and support for women entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
SheEO: SheEO is a global community supporting female entrepreneurs through a unique funding model and mentorship.
Business grants for women: A list of resources, including mentorship, networking opportunities, funding information, and educational resources.
Check out relative forums: You can also find business resources on discussion forums like Reddit and Quora.
Businesses with low startup costs and high profit margins include affiliate marketing, dropshipping, e-commerce reselling, and local handywomen services.
Dog walking, house cleaning, home (or online) tutoring, pressure washing, virtual personal assistant, and Airbnb hosting are all simple businesses to start.
Fun is subjective, so it depends on what you enjoy doing. For example, if you love gardening, starting a landscaping business could be a blast; if animals get you giddy, pet sitting or grooming could be the perfect business.
Like fun, success is subjective, so the answer depends on what you want to achieve by starting a business. For instance, to spend more time with your family, choose an online business like virtual freelancing or selling on eBay.
Now, launch your business and begin taking the steps toward becoming an entrepreneur.
And remember, regardless of what anyone thinks, go for it if you can and want to do it.
I’ll leave the last words to Barbara Ann Cocoran, founder of the Cocoran group, one of New York City’s most successful real estate businesses.
“Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your instinct.”
Powerful words from a powerful woman.
This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness.
Terry is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building businesses across multiple industries – construction, real estate, e-commerce, hotelier, and now digital media. When not working, Terry likes to kick back and relax with family, explore Taoism’s mysteries, or savor the taste of fine Italian red wine.
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