19 Home-Based Business Ideas

There’s significant interest in entrepreneurship right now, with 62% of adults saying they’d prefer to be their own boss instead of working as an employee. If you’re interested in starting your own business, there are plenty of options available, ranging from businesses that you can manage completely remotely with minimal social interaction to those well suited for social butterflies at risk for going stir-crazy at home.

In this post, we’ll discuss home-based business ideas that can actually drive significant profitability — and help you earn a full-time living. All of these require at least an internet connection and usually a computer to get started.

Fully at-home business ideas for introverts

If you prefer to put your head down and work with minimum phone calls and overall interaction, these fully at-home businesses will allow you to work relatively independently without leaving the house.

1. Copy editing

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Writing and editing. An English degree is helpful, but not necessary.

Start by getting familiar with both AP Style (for online publications) and the Chicago Manual of Style (for novels and most print books). You can use freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr or find companies that hire freelancers through websites like LinkedIn and Indeed.

2. Bookkeeping or accounting services

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Financial advisory experience. An accounting degree or Certified Public Account (CPA) license would be beneficial.

Help individuals or small businesses that need assistance with essential services like tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll management and tax filing. Some accountants offer year-round services that include bookkeeping, financial education and tax preparation to generate steady income, as opposed to relying exclusively on tax prep services.

3. Graphic design

• Startup costs: Around $250 for graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop.
• Skills needed: Graphic design and illustration skills. A degree in graphic design may be useful, but is not required.

Graphic designers can work on a variety of different projects, including the design and creation of logos, infographics, social media images and marketing resources. Some designers may choose to focus on a single specialty, while others offer comprehensive packages for business clients. Maintain a website with a portfolio of your work and you may find clients on sites like Fiverr, LinkedIn and ClearVoice.

4. Transcription

• Startup costs: Minimal required, but $60 to $200 for a transcription foot pedal can speed up work processes.
• Skills needed: No experience required. Skills like attention to detail, good typing speed and active listening are beneficial.

Transcriptionists can receive audio or video files from clients and work completely independently to complete transcripts. You may be able to charge more when offering specialty transcription services that require exceptional accuracy, including legal or medical transcription. You can work as a contractor for different transcription agencies or pitch clients directly through platforms like LinkedIn.

5. Virtual assistant work

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Attention to detail, time management, communication and organization skills are beneficial.

Virtual assistants (VAs) may help small businesses or individuals with tasks like scheduling appointments, responding to customer emails, completing data entry or logging expenses. Some VAs may offer specialty services, such as uploading blog content or completing basic bookkeeping tasks. Look for calls for virtual assistants on social media and consider joining a virtual assistant platform early on to build up your initial client base.

6. Resume writer

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Writing and editing skills are beneficial, and no degree is required.

Help job seekers improve their resumes with better formatting, targeted messaging and quality data. You can help applicants customize their resumes to highlight skills that employers are actively looking for and alter their resumes based on the types of positions they’re applying for.

Fully at-home business ideas for social butterflies

While some introverts consider starting their own business to minimize day-to-day interactions, there are plenty of at-home businesses that can provide extroverts with plenty of social activity.

These home business ideas offer more opportunities for phone calls, video calls and general social interaction — without requiring you to actually leave your home.

7. In-home daycare

• Startup costs: $400 to $1500 for insurance, with possible additional costs for needed equipment like extra cribs, high chairs or toys.
• Skills needed: Childcare experience is preferred, and first aid child care certification through state programs or organizations like the Red Cross is heavily preferred.

If you have extra room in your home and love children, running an in-home daycare may be a phenomenal option. You can offer your services to family and friends you know, or offer specialty services like caring for infants, toddlers or children with special needs. Make sure that your home is safe for children and you have strong insurance to protect your financial assets.

8. Virtual tutoring

• Startup costs: $0 to $300 for textbooks and teaching materials, with the average textbooks costing around $174.
• Skills needed: Teaching and/or tutoring experience is preferred, along with a relevant degree.

Online tutoring is expected to grow significantly between now and 2030, making it a great option for people who love teaching. Start by reaching out to former colleagues and parents of students you’ve taught. If you have a degree but no teaching experience, consider getting started with a website like Tutor.com or working with children of acquaintances to build up your resume before launching your business.

9. Insurance agent

• Startup costs: Roughly $50 to $400-plus for a license; costs vary significantly by state, insurance type and whether you need to take a course.
• Skills needed: No degree is needed, but strong sales experience is preferred and an insurance license will likely be required.

Many insurance agents and brokers are independent contractors, allowing them to sell policies directly to customers in exchange for commission. This is particularly common for “optional” policies, such as life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance.

10. Travel planner

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Customer service, negotiation and planning skills are beneficial, and no degree is required.

Help clients plan their vacations according to their specific goals, whether that’s seeing Italy on a budget or booking a three-week luxury getaway. You can work with individuals or businesses. Some planners may offer specialized services, such as providing extensive knowledge and detailed planning of select theme parks or coordinating the ultimate romantic trip.

Business ideas you can run from your home

So far, all the businesses we’ve discussed can be run fully remotely from your home. There are additional businesses that you can run from your home but that will require you to venture out to get the job done. These are great options if you want to start a business but don’t want to pay to lease office space.

11. Organization services

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Organization, customer service, empathy and planning skills are beneficial.

Help customers revamp their homes or business spaces with organizational services. Some customers may need help with their full home, while others may request assistance with out-of-control spaces like a basement or kid’s room. It’s essential to be patient and empathetic, as the organization process may be emotional for homeowners. You can join directories like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and market in local groups to promote your services.

12. Translation services

• Startup costs: Minimal.
• Skills needed: Fluency in multiple languages is required.

If you’re bilingual or multilingual, you may want to consider offering translation services. Businesses — including legal and medical practices — sometimes hire contract translators as needed. Government organizations and event organizers also regularly hire translators, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.

13. Home cleaning business

• Startup costs: Around $600 per year for business insurance, in addition to the cost of cleaning supplies.
• Skills needed: Driver’s license and reliable transportation.

The home cleaning industry is expected to grow over the next few years, and it often offers plenty of ongoing work from recurring clients. If you live in an area with a lot of competition, look for ways to stand out, like using green cleaning supplies, offering organization services or giving homeowners a truly hands-off option.

14. Mobile car detailing

• Startup costs: Cost of detailing supplies, plus cost of auto detailing insurance (starting at around $30 a month).
• Skills needed: A driver’s license is required.

Mobile car detailing businesses will clean a customer’s car right in their own driveway for ultimate convenience. While it’s hard physical work, it can be a lucrative business for those who are promoting their business well. Promote your business in local groups, start a website and ask new customers for referrals.

15. Pet sitter

• Startup costs: Insurance costs, which may start around $20 a month, in addition to additional pet equipment like beds or cleaning supplies.
• Skills needed: Familiar with animal care and, ideally, pet CPR.

Pet sitters may check in on dogs and cats throughout the day, stop in for a walk or even stay in the client’s home overnight. In some cases, sitters may board dogs in their own home. If you have extensive experience (such as working as a veterinary technician), you may also be able to offer services like board-and-train sessions or medicine administration.

16. Handyman

• Startup costs: Liability insurance (with average costs around $93 a month) and the costs of tools and supplies.
• Skills needed: Contracting licenses may be required, depending on the state and the type of work you’re doing.

Assist customers with small projects around their home, ranging from mounting televisions to replacing deck railing. You may have a flexible schedule outside of standard nine-to-five hours, and can benefit from doing a variety of different work unless you choose to offer specialized services. Promote your services in local groups and neighbors.

17. Notary

• Startup costs: Roughly $200 to $500 for a license, background check and supplies.
• Skills needed: Attention to detail and strong communication skills are required, along with a notary public certification.

Notaries are responsible for verifying a signer’s identity and ensuring they’re willingly and knowingly signing legal documents. You can work for select companies as a contractor or offer mobile notary services, driving to clients directly. Make sure that you’re registered in local directories and consider reaching out to organizations like private financial lenders who may use notary services regularly.

18. Event planner

• Startup costs: Minimal, outside of recommended insurance.
• Skills needed: Strong planning, negotiation and communication skills are preferred, and no degree is required.

Help customers organize large events, ranging from weddings to corporate retreats. You’ll get to build relationships with different vendors and work closely with clients, making it a great choice for dedicated project managers who love seeing a vision come to life. Create business listings on relevant websites and network with local vendors. A wedding event planner, for example, would want to market on sites like The Knot and connect with local florists, caterers and event venues.

19. Doula

• Startup costs: Insurance costs, which average around $28 per month, plus certification, which varies based on where and how you’re certified.
• Skills needed: Doula certification is heavily preferred.

Doulas can provide a range of services to support expecting parents through pregnancy, birth and even postpartum periods. Some doulas will act as an advocate during the birthing experience, while others offer dedicated postpartum care to support the birthing parent and care for the newborn overnight. Connecting with local healthcare providers, wellness groups and mother’s groups may help promote your business.

Tips for starting a home-based business

Starting a home-based business can feel overwhelming at first, but having the right strategies and resources in place can be essential. These five tips can help you get off on the right foot:

• Get the administrative work done early. Do the paperwork to become established as a business entity, draft contracts, set up a business bank account and get a business phone number and email. You want to have all the important pieces in place right from the beginning.
• Don’t neglect business insurance. Some types of businesses require insurance, but most business owners can benefit from having it. Insurance offers significant protection for business owners, and there are plenty of policies available at a variety of costs.
• Know your funding options. Most of the businesses discussed have relatively low overhead and startup costs, but sometimes you still need startup funds. Look into small business loans and funding, which may offer competitive rates to business owners.
• Choose a business suited to your skills. Business ownership is a lot of work, so it’s important to choose a venture that aligns with your skills — even if you want a career or lifestyle change. An emergency room nurse, for example, may be burnt out from the stressful environment at work but leverage their nursing degree to start a business as a private home health aid, medical writer or nurse consultant.
• Consider how to reach your target audience. Every business is different, so you may need to test multiple different platforms to find your target audience. Copy editors aren’t bound by location and may do well on platforms like LinkedIn, while dog sitters need to find local clients and may benefit from sites like Rover. All businesses, however, can implement social media marketing, pay-per-click marketing and referral marketing.