46 Side Businesses That Can Run Alongside Your Job
Unlike side hustles that are often skill-based, side businesses are mini-companies you can build while keeping your 9–5 job. They require a bit more setup but can create long-term cash flow, brand value, and even passive income.
This list of 50 side businesses covers online, local, product-based, and service-based opportunities with income streams, ROI, and 90-day scaling hacks.
Online Side Businesses
E-Commerce Store (Shopify/WooCommerce)
- Income Stream – Product sales, private label.
- ROI – $500–$2,000 setup. $1,000–$15,000/month potential.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Start with 1 trending product → scale with TikTok ads.
Digital Marketing Agency
- Income Stream – SEO, SMM, paid ads packages.
- ROI – Skills-based, $200–$500 tools. $2,000–$20,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Get 2–3 clients via LinkedIn → upsell monthly retainers.
Print-on-Demand Brand
- Income Stream – Custom t-shirts, mugs, hoodies.
- ROI – Low inventory risk. $300–$2,500/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Create niche-based store (pets, anime, fitness).
Online Course Business
- Income Stream – Paid courses, memberships.
- ROI – $200–$500 setup. $1,000–$10,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Record short modules, sell via Gumroad/Teachable.
App or SaaS Startup (Small Scale)
- Income Stream – Subscriptions, licensing.
- ROI – Higher dev cost, but scalable. $5,000–$50,000/month potential.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Build MVP → Beta users → Launch on ProductHunt.
Creative & Niche-Based Businesses
Photography Business
- Income Stream – Weddings, events, stock photos.
- ROI – Camera investment $1,000+. $2,000–$8,000/event.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Partner with event planners.
Interior Design Studio
- Income Stream – Project fees, consultations.
- ROI – $500–$2,000 setup. $1,500–$15,000/project.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Showcase before-after photos on Instagram.
Handmade Crafts Business
- Income Stream – Etsy, Instagram shop.
- ROI – Low material cost. $500–$5,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Focus on eco-friendly/unique designs.
Product-Based Side Businesses
Food Truck or Stall
- Income Stream – Fast food, snacks.
- ROI – $2,000–$5,000 setup. $2,000–$15,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Pick crowded spots + offer unique menu.
Home Bakery
- Income Stream – Cakes, desserts, catering.
- ROI – $500–$2,000 setup. $1,000–$6,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Target birthday/office catering markets.
Organic Skincare Brand
- Income Stream – Creams, oils, soaps.
- ROI – $500–$1,500 setup. $2,000–$10,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Sell via Instagram reels + influencer reviews.
Subscription Box Business
- Income Stream – Monthly curated boxes (snacks, beauty, gadgets).
- ROI – $1,000 setup. $3,000–$20,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Focus on niche subscription model.
Service-Based Side Businesses
Cleaning Services Company
- Income Stream – Residential, office cleaning contracts.
- ROI – $500–$1,500 setup. $2,000–$12,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Offer first cleaning free → upsell contracts.
Event Management
- Income Stream – Weddings, corporate events.
- ROI – Medium-high cost. $5,000–$50,000/month potential.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Partner with vendors, photographers.
Fitness Studio / Personal Training
- Income Stream – Memberships, classes, online coaching.
- ROI – $2,000 setup. $3,000–$15,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Start with outdoor bootcamps → grow into a studio.
Local & Franchise Businesses
Car Wash & Detailing Shop
- Income Stream – Per wash + packages.
- ROI – $2,000–$10,000 setup. $1,500–$20,000/month.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Subscription model (weekly/monthly wash plans).
Real Estate Rentals
- Income Stream – Airbnb, commercial leasing.
- ROI – High capital, but $1,000–$10,000/month passive.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip – Start with one rental unit, list on multiple sites.
Franchise Business (Food / Retail)
- Income Stream: Brand royalties, product sales.
- ROI: $10,000–$100,000+ investment. High scaling.
- 90-Day Scaling Tip: Pick established franchise with strong brand recall.
