Creating a home-based business or finding profitable online business ideas can be challenging. With thousands of possibilities, where do you begin?
If you want to know how to start your own business, you’re in the right place. Here, find business opportunities you can use today to grow a profitable business in 2025.
Online business opportunities
From opening an online store to running a consulting business, here are some of the best online business opportunities in 2025.
- Dropshipping business
- Print on demand
- Digital products
- Video games
- Self-published author
- Freelancing
- Selling on Amazon
- Virtual assistant
- Gig work
- Online recruiter
- Ethical hacker
- Virtual event planner
- Website design
- Social media influencer
Dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a business model in which you buy products from a supplier or manufacturer that ships them directly to your customers.
Compared to other ecommerce enterprises, dropshipping businesses cost little to start.
Since you don’t have to buy or store the items you sell, you can offer a variety of products. Dropshipping business opportunities are nearly endless. If a dropshipping supplier stocks a product, you can list it on your online store at no additional cost.
Need some product ideas? These are the top five shopping categories worldwide in 2025:
- Electronics
- Fashion
- Food
- Beverages
- DIY and hardware
Print on demand
If you’re an artist, designer, or ecommerce entrepreneur, print-on-demand services offer an easy path to online clothing retail. Printing on demand involves working with a supplier to customize white-label products—such as tote bags or T-shirts—with your designs.
The best part? You don’t need to hold or manage inventory and you don’t pay for products until you sell them. All you need to do is create and manage your online store.
Here are some resources to get your print-on-demand business started:
- What Is Print on Demand and How to Start a Business
- 11 Best Print-on-Demand Companies and Sites
- 25 Best-Selling Print-on-Demand Products
Free Webinar:
How to quickly start a profitable print-on-demand store
In our free 40-minute video workshop, we’ll get you from product idea to setting up an online store to getting your first print-on-demand sale.
Digital products
E-learning is a growing industry, projected to be worth more than $625 billion by 2029. Creating digital products such as music, videos, ebooks, and online courses is one way to exploit this boom.
Bonus: Digital products are inexpensive to create and distribute. Make one good product and sell it indefinitely without restocking inventory or negotiating with suppliers. Package up your expertise and sell it for a one-time fee or subscription.
Click here to learn more about selling digital products:
Video games
Building a video games business is possible with commitment and the right resources. Today, there are many opportunities: You can earn degrees in related fields, get sponsorships, and even become a professional gamer in this growing industry.
You can earn livestreaming your gameplay on a platform like Twitch, starting a YouTube channel, or selling game-inspired merchandise.
Self-published author
Do you love to write? Have you ever thought about writing a book? If so, consider becoming a self-published author, cutting out the middleman, and publishing and selling your work yourself.
Choose a print-on-demand service, create an online store, or list your books on marketplaces like Amazon, and becoming a published author is within reach. There’s also plenty of space to sell ebooks and audiobooks for profit.
Freelancing
Freelancing is one of the most common online business opportunities. Freelancers are self-employed professionals who offer services and products based on their expertise.
You can turn skills like web design, SEO,marketing, copywriting, and app development into profitable home-based businesses.
If you’ve got a way with words, here are three freelance writing jobs to consider:
- Content writing: SEO content writing drives website traffic and creates brand recognition and awareness.
- Copywriting: Ecommerce copywriters produce sales copy to increase ROI and revenue.
- Proofreading and editing: Proofreaders and editors ensure easy reading with error-free website, blog, and product copy.
Freelancing is competitive, but there’s money to be made. Your rates will depend on your expertise, experience, and network. Sites like Freelancer and LinkedIn can help you explore opportunities in your field.
Selling on Amazon
If you’re a business owner looking to get your company’s products in front of a large audience, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a great solution. In January 2025, Amazon boasted 2.7 billion visits across its website—that’s just one month.
For about $40 a month, FBA manages the logistics required to get your products in front of Amazon’s estimated 310 million customers. That means Amazon takes care of:
- Receiving
- Packaging
- Shipping
- Returns
- Customer service
This guide will help you ace your Amazon listings:
Virtual assistant
Many companies and individuals hire virtual assistants to save money. They pay them to complete simple, day-to-day tasks as needed rather than hiring a full-time employee.
Most virtual assistant gigs require at least a high school education and attention to detail. You can find virtual assistant gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, and Ovdym and choose tasks and times that work for you.
Learn more about virtual assistants here:
Gig work
The gig economy is valued at around $455 billion and can open the door to business opportunities when you’re looking for short-term work or a side hustle. Consider sites like Upwork, GigSalad, and TaskRabbit to find work.
In many cases, you can set your rates, and in most, you can set your hours. For gigs such as plumbing, tutoring, rideshare driving, and grocery delivery, expect sites to ask for proof of qualifications or a valid driver’s license and be ready to explain your expertise. For simple tasks like picking up dry cleaning or helping someone move, you probably won’t need to show proof of experience.
Online recruiter
For companies without an HR department, hiring is a significant time investment—contracting this duty out to online recruiters can help.
If you’re good at matching people with business opportunities based on skills, this can be an excellent business opportunity. With freelance sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor, you can find those gigs (and your hires) with just a few keystrokes.
Ethical hacker
Cybersecurity firms hire ethical hackers to hack into clients’ secure systems so they can identify and fix weak spots.
With personal and brand identity theft increasingly common, cyber security is one of the main concerns for any organization doing business online. Spending on information security and risk management technology is expected to reach $212 billion in 2025.
If you have expertise in coding, networks, and databases, this can be a very lucrative industry.
Virtual event planner
Forecast to be worth more than $31 billion by 2029, the virtual event industry includes online social gatherings such as weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties, as well as professional lectures, conferences, and webinars. A virtual event planner can help organize these events.
As the virtual event planner, you are in charge of the following responsibilities:
- Picking and sending out invitations
- Setting up the virtual meeting space (like creating the Zoom room link)
- Creating the event itinerary
- Choosing party favors
- Determining visuals, such as a group shot or video recording of an event
- Creating the gift registry for a wedding or baby shower
If you’re organized and love bringing people together, this can be a great way to earn from home.
Website design
Shopify research projects that global ecommerce sales will hit $6.56 trillion this year and reach $8.09 trillion by 2028. And remember, with every ecommerce business, there’s a website.
If you have a knack for design or expertise on platforms like Shopify or WordPress, you can turn that into a profitable website design business. If you have programming skills, you’ll likely be in even more demand for your services.
Get started on your website with these tips:
Social media influencer
Ever imagine turning likes and follows into dollars? Now’s a good time to leverage your reputation as a social media influencer.
It takes time to build your reputation online, but being an influencer can be lucrative across industries, including gardening, fashion, food, travel, and parenting. You can make money by growing an engaged audience if you’re passionate about a particular topic.
Read this guide to kickstart your career selling on social media:
Small business ideas
Want to sell clothes you find in thrift stores or leverage your photography skills? Here are a selection of small business opportunities you can start today.
- Secondhand clothing
- Selling on Etsy
- Photography
- Handmade products
- Tutoring
- Home-based child care
- Pet sitting
- Pet products
Secondhand clothes
The secondhand apparel market is forecast to grow by $212.1 billion between 2025 and 2029. With apps and other digital technology available to help sell your vintage clothing, you can turn selling unwanted apparel into a successful business in no time.
This guide will help you start selling vintage clothing online:
Selling on Etsy
Don’t let anyone tell you your dog collars or vintage doll dresses can’t make money. If you’re crafty, Etsy, an online marketplace with billions in annual revenue, is a fantastic market for selling DIY products.
Here’s how it works: List your creations on Etsy’s website and mobile app in exchange for a commission on sales—Etsy may even feature your products in advertisements.
Here’s how to get started selling on Etsy:
Photography
Numerous online business opportunities exist for selling photography, including stock image sites such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, iStock, 500px, and Stocksy.
To succeed in online photo sales, try these tips:
- Find your niche: Whether it’s flowers, travel, buildings, landscapes, or fashion, choose your niche and target audience and stick with them.
- Build an audience: Selling photos isn’t a passive venture. Use social media for your business to build a following and sell more.
- Create multiple revenue streams: Sell on as many sites as possible to create multiple income streams.
Whether you’re a hobby photographer or a full-time pro, selling pictures is a business opportunity that can help you earn cash online—and in person—if you put the time into it.
This guide will help you find markets for your photography business:
Handmade products
Selling DIY and handmade items is a proven strategy for monetizing creativity. Even if you have the will to create something new but lack the know-how, there’s a way to make it happen.
If you’re not sure what to sell, start by looking around your home. What’s missing that you wish you had? Is it a concrete pot? Colorful artisan bed covers? Do some online research to see what’s selling.
That’s what Izabela “Iza” Ersahin, founder of handcrafted toy company Bebemoss, did when she noticed how hard it was to find cozy dolls with a positive social impact. So, the new mom and social entrepreneur engaged a diverse network of mothers in Istanbul to crochet family-friendly soft toys that inspire imagination and joy.
Once you’ve decided what items to make and sell and have seen what’s trending, start creating!
Here’s some advice to help you start your online handcraft store:
Tutoring
The online tutoring industry is projected to reach more than $12 billion in 2025.
How much you can earn depends on subject matter and expertise. With sites like Paper and Superprof, you set your hours and rates and let potential students find you. With software like Zoom and Google Meet, you can tutor from the comfort of home and inspire students from anywhere in the world.
Home-based child care
If you’re willing to childproof your house and love kids, opening a small home-based child care service could be a great business opportunity. Not only that, but you could be a resource for friends and neighbors.
Check local zoning laws and state regulations to start your home daycare safely and legitimately.
Pet sitting
Pet owners are expected to spend more than $150 billion on their pets in 2025, demonstrating how important fur babies are to their families.
If you love pets, you can earn money by starting a pet-sitting business—you can even offer to board pets. With sites like Rover, you set your hours, rates, and services.
Pet products
An online pet store is an opportunity to sell everything from organic foods to luxury accessories, beds, and apparel.
Whether you run it as a dropshipping business or sell homemade treats, the pay can be good and the work rewarding. And since pet parents are likely to continue spoiling their fur babies, there’s a decent chance of job security. A product sourcing app can help you find profitable pet product ideas.
Follow this advice to start earning with your pet business:
Business opportunities for entrepreneurs
Selling coffee
Since coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages, plenty of potential customers are ready to buy your coffee online. You can sell anything from beans to roasters to cups to coffee makers to coffee-themed products. Your target audience already wants coffee; they just need to know where to find yours.
Check out these tips for a successful online coffee business:
Rent your unused space
Renting unused space is one of the easiest passive income opportunities in the self-storage industry, which was valued at over $45 billion in 2025. With sites like Neighbor, you can easily rent spare space to customers who need it.
Basically, instead of going to an expensive storage facility, customers come to your place to store and retrieve their stuff.
Security
Security is essential in almost every industry, with opportunities ranging from private property protection to corporate services. Businesses need security solutions for office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and large events. Whether you offer on-site security guards, mobile patrol services, or advanced surveillance system installations, there’s a growing demand for reliable security providers.
Small firms can develop a niche by specializing in high-end residential security, tech-driven surveillance solutions, or tailored security consulting for businesses looking to improve their internal safety protocols. Many companies also hire subcontractors to provide additional protection for events, employees, or asset transport.
Construction
The construction industry is filled with business opportunities, from residential and commercial builds to specialized services like eco-friendly construction and renovations. Companies and real estate developers need skilled contractors to handle everything from new builds and remodeling projects to HVAC installation, roofing, and plumbing.
If you’re a small operation, consider subcontracting opportunities with larger firms or targeting niche markets like sustainable building materials, smart home installations, or custom renovations.
Equipment maintenance
Opportunities in equipment management include IT maintenance, HVAC servicing, elevator repairs, vehicle fleet management, and commercial kitchen equipment repairs.
Many companies prefer working with external maintenance providers on retainer or long-term contracts, offering you a chance at stable, recurring revenue. Services like data center maintenance, cybersecurity infrastructure checks, and smart device repairs offer potential for the tech-savvy.
3D printing
3D printing has many uses, presenting varied opportunities for 3D printing businesses. In 2025, the 3D-printing market is expected to reach around $29 billion. You can 3D print toys, tools, or even prosthetics.
3D printers can be reasonably affordable, starting at less than $200. Here are some ways to earn money with your 3D printer:
- Make prototypes for brands/companies
- Make jewelry
- Make costume or cosplay pieces
- Sell your 3D-printed art on Etsy
- Sell your 3D printer designs
- Rent out your 3D printer
Investment opportunities
Buy an ecommerce business
If you’re flush with cash and don’t want the hassle of starting a business from scratch, consider buying one. Sites like Flippa help you find listings for established ecommerce businesses.
Best of all, it doesn’t necessarily matter where the ecommerce business is. For example, you could live in San Francisco and buy an ecommerce business that started in Hoboken, New Jersey—and you can do it all from your couch.
Click here and discover how to find ecommerce success:
Buy a franchise
Franchises offer brand recognition, ready-made customers, and built-in support systems. You’ll need to invest time and money—and follow the franchise’s operating playbook—but you won’t be starting your business from scratch.
Seek franchises that align with your budget and interests. Popular options in 2025 include eco-friendly cleaning services, pet care brands, and mobile fitness centers. Be sure to review the franchise agreement carefully, looking out for strict rules and high fees.
Support is the biggest advantage franchises offer, with training, marketing materials, and ongoing advice often included.
Invest in startups
Investing in startups can be exciting, rewarding, and risky, but the returns can be huge if you choose well.
Start by researching booming industries such as solar power, 3D printing, or social media sites. You can invest directly in a startup or use platforms that facilitate buying equity in multiple early-stage companies.
To reduce risk, spread your investment across several startups. And don’t just invest money—offer guidance if you have relevant experience. Many startups value investors who contribute more than cash.
Business opportunities in generative AI
Generative AI impacts almost every industry by automating tasks, creating new products, and personalizing customer experiences. It’s one of the most promising business opportunities in 2025.
Here are a handful of AI opportunities for business.
AI-powered content creation
Help brands quickly produce articles, social media posts, and marketing copy with generative AI tools. If you’re a good editor, it’s possible to meet this demand for generative AI-produced content. Businesses are always looking for ways to scale their content without losing quality.
AI-assisted customer support
Build chatbots or virtual assistants that handle customer inquiries 24/7. AI support solutions reduce response times and improve customer satisfaction.
AI-driven personalization tools
Develop platforms that use AI to personalize recommendations for shoppers or learners. Companies in ecommerce and online education are investing in this technology.
AI-generated media services
Start a business creating AI-generated videos, images, or music to help companies create eye-catching media quickly and affordably.
How to identify new business opportunities
Keep these tips in mind when looking for new business ventures:
- Review industry trends and insights: Continually educate yourself on industry inclinations by subscribing to related publications, joining relevant associations, and following experts on social media.
- Research competitors: Conduct a competitive analysis to see what similar companies do. This will help you identify business opportunities to expand your market reach and create better products and services.
- Listen to your customers: When your customers talk, listen. How do they describe products and services in your field? What frustrations and feedback do they have? Use their insights to tailor products to your audience.
- Collaborate and network: Collaborating with other businesses and networking will help you better understand which ideas work and which don’t.
- Find a mentor: Connect with a mentor who can help you improve your operations and identify opportunities.
Finding the right business opportunities for you
Whether you’re looking for wholesalebusiness ideas or want to start a low-investment or part-time business, Shopify has a wealth of resources to help you meet your goals.
Read more
- How to Start a Dropshipping Business- A Complete Playbook for 2024
- 17 Unique Business Ideas for You To Try This Year
- How To Source Products To Sell Online
- Top Online Shopping Categories in the US
- 130+ Dropshipping Products To Sell for Profit
- The Ultimate Guide To Dropshipping (2024)
- The 12 Best Ecommerce Platforms for 2024
- 24 Best Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money Today
- Top 12 Achievable Business Ideas for Kids
- How to Start a Blogging Business in 2024 (Beginner's Guide)
Business opportunities FAQ
What are examples of business opportunities?
- Selling digital products
- Launching an ecommerce store
- Becoming a virtual assistant
- Offering digital marketing services
- Consulting or freelancing
- Selling your photography
- Offering pet care or selling pet products
- Designing websites
What are the best businesses for beginners?
- Dropshipping
- Selling thrift or vintage clothes
- Renting your unused space
- Driving for Uber or Lyft
- Becoming a social media influencer
- Pet sitting or pet boarding
What is a good business opportunity?
A good business opportunity aligns with your passions, offers growth potential, and motivates you.
How can I find business opportunities in my area?
Start with local research. Visit community events, join local business groups, and talk to small business owners to identify market gaps. Online platforms like social media and local business directories can also help you identify opportunities.
What are the best business opportunities for beginners?
The best opportunities for beginners are low-cost and easy to start, such as freelance services, online reselling, or home-based businesses like tutoring or pet sitting. Look for ideas that match your skills and that you can grow over time without significant upfront investments.
