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Starting a side business is a great way to increase your income stream, be your own boss and enter the world of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking to build a business from the ground up or jump into an established model you can get up and running quickly, you can establish a legitimate business—and one you can even do from home—around your other financial and family obligations. Here are five side businesses you can do from home.
Healthy Vending
The vending machine industry is thriving, generating over $7 billion a year in sales. And with health at the forefront of everyone’s mind these days, a healthy vending machine business can become a profitable side hustle. It’s easy to get healthy vending at work and when placed in locations with high demand and excellent foot traffic—such as hotels, airports, hospitals, warehouses, manufacturers, schools, office buildings and more—vending machines are there to make money for you. If you’re looking for a passive income stream, healthy vending can be up and running in weeks, rather than months or years—and remote monitoring makes it easy to manage inventory. Another benefit to a healthy vending machine side business is you don’t have to quit your day job (unless you want to) but you still get to be your own boss and call the shots.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
According to a 2021 NanoGlobals poll, the demand for qualified, virtual assistants increased 41 percent in 2020 over the prior year. The need continues to grow by a projected $4.12 billion by 2025. Virtual assistants provide professional support services such as administrative assistance, human resources, appointment scheduling, answering emails, customer service, marketing, social media management, bookkeeping, accounting and more. Their clients are typically other professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners. The beauty of this career option is that you can do it as a side business or hire a virtual assistant to help with yours. Your ideal clients are out there—and you can help them succeed.
Direct sales
Direct sales is selling products directly to consumers in a non-retail environment such as in-home parties, at the office, or online through social media. Due to possible oversaturation, depending on the direct sales company you choose, these types of side businesses require a little more effort into the hustle than the average side business. Fans of the industry say the flexibility and income potential make it worth it. It’s a great option for people who like to socialize or have a way with the art of persuasion. There’s a direct sales company for just about everything you can think of—clothing, cosmetics, skincare, kitchenware, home decor, essential oils to name just a few—so do your research and find a company whose values align with yours as you start your side business.
Tutoring
With schools across the U.S. facing a teacher shortage, the need for qualified tutors has increased drastically. Starting a side business as a tutor is a great way for teachers, subject matter experts and high-achieving college or high school students to earn extra money. It’s easy to get started with word-of-mouth referrals from other teachers, families, students, friends and neighbors. You can tutor remotely or in person, set your own rates and work around your schedule. There’s never been a better time to become a tutor and it’s the perfect side business you can do from home.
Baby Sitting and Pet Sitting
Turn your love for kids or animals into a side business you can do from home. It’s a great way to earn extra money, especially as people head back to the office. Whether you opt to provide daytime care or date night babysitting, you’re able to work around your schedule. Pet sitters are also in high demand, especially as people begin traveling again.