As students are always looking into ways to earn an extra income and in need to find opportunities to gain practical experiences and develop their entrepreneurial skills which can benefit them throughout their lives, starting a business would not be a bad idea. Here we have presented 20 best small business ideas for students to start in 2024. There are businesses listed for a variety of skills and interests that you can choose according to your preference and schedule. As these have flexible working hours you can balance your business without worrying about the studies. We have provided detailed explanation, examples and potential net monthly income for you to consider.
1. Online Tutoring
The most common and easy business for a student to start is tutoring. You can offer your service to other students or even kids below your age online. The benefit of this business is that it is scalable and you can manage it from anywhere. You should select the subject you are going to tutor according to your knowledge and expertise and this can range from subjects like Math, science to languages and humanities.
- Example: Tutoring high school students in maths and science via Zoom.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $500 – $2,000
2. Content Creation
Then there is content creation. If you are a creative student, you can create content for social media, YouTube or blogs as videos, articles, or posts. You can focus on specific audiences when doing this and should be dedicated and committed to this business to increase the followers, likes and shares. If you have a large audience who follows you and if you could secure sponsorships, this business will turn into a profitable business in no time.
- Example: Starting a YouTube channel about study tips and college life.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $2,000
3. Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant will not be just a give and take career as students can learn how the organisations work and how to balance work and study while working for an organisation through this. This job involves administrative support like email management, scheduling and social media management. Because this is a flexible job you can do this from anywhere with an internet connection making it easier for students.
- Example: Assisting a small business owner with their daily tasks remotely.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $400 – $1,500
4. Dropshipping
Or you can run an e-commerce store without holding inventory. All you have to do here is to take orders online from the customers and notify the suppliers. Then suppliers sell the products directly to the customers. You don’t have to worry about investments here as this business model minimises upfront investment and you can start this even with your limited capital.
- Example: Selling trendy tech gadgets through a Shopify store.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $500 – $3,000
5. Sell Handmade Goods
If you are creative and interested in making handmade products, you can start a business to sell handmade goods like jewellery, craft or art. Online platforms like Etsy will make it easy to start and find customers. You can focus more on unique handmade products to attract more customers.
- Example: Selling handmade soap or candles on Etsy.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $1,500
6. Freelance Writing
Students who are creative with words and writing have the opportunity to work as freelance writers. This job involves writing blog posts, articles, marketing copy and more according to the requests of the clients either individuals or companies.
- Example: Writing blog posts for small business websites.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $300 – $2,000
7. Graphic Design Services
If you have enough computer literacy, providing graphic designing services could be profitable. You will have to create logos, flyers, social media posts, etc. as required by the clients. However, to do this business, you will also have to have a knack for design. This is a flexible job you can manage entirely online.
- Example: Designing social media graphics for local businesses.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $400 – $2,500
8. Pet-Sitting
For animal lovers, pet sitting would be an enjoyable job to pursue while earning your income. This job requires you to take care of pets while its owner is away and would involve tasks like feeding, walking and providing companionships to the pets.
- Example: Pet-sitting for neighbours during their vacations.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $300 – $1,200
9. Social Media Management
Social media management for client individuals or companies is also an easy business with flexible working hours that students can manage worry less. This job involves creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers to handle the popularity of the client or their services and products. This might be an ideal job for Instagram, Facebook etc. geeks.
- Example: Running the Instagram account for a local café.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $400 – $2,000
10. Affiliate Marketing
Or, if you have a decent follower base in your social media or in your blog, you can promote products or services and earn a commission for the sales you make through your referral links. As this business only needs minimal investments to make and is flexible you can start this easily.
- Example: Writing reviews of tech gadgets on your blog and including affiliate links.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $2,500
11. Photography Services
Students who have quality cameras can come into the photography business. You can cover events like weddings or do portraits or product photography. You will have to have creative eyes and talented photography skills to do this job. You can easily promote your business using social media.
- Example: Taking graduation photos for classmates.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $500 – $2,000
12. Web Design Services
If you can create and design websites for small businesses or individuals, that would be a profitable business for a student. Because of the market competition almost every business is trying to manage their online presence through websites making this a demanding job.
- Example: Designing a website for a local boutique.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $500 – $3,000
13. Fitness Trainer
For fitness freaks there is an opportunity to be fitness trainers. First, you will have to gain the necessary certification. And then you can handle this business as personal or group training sessions online or in-person.
- Example: Conducting virtual fitness classes via Zoom.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $300 – $1,500
14. Sell Digital Products
Another business you can start and handle easily as a student is selling digital products like e-books, templates, or online courses. You will be able to sell these to other students effortlessly as you are a student yourself and earn a good profit. These digital products only require minimal overhead and can be sold repeatedly.
- Example: Selling an ebook on study strategies.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $2,000
15. Resume Writing Services
You can provide resume writing services to students or job seeking individuals. This service includes improving their resume and cover letters or making them anew. This business can be handled online easily.
- Example: Writing resumes for classmates applying for internships.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $1,000
16. Cleaning Services
If you love cleaning and organising, why not start a cleaning service. You can offer service after-event cleaning or domestic cleanings according to what you prefer. This business only requires minimal investment and you can schedule times you are free.
- Example: Cleaning apartments in your local area on weekends.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $400 – $1,500
17. Delivery Services
Another common business that students prefer is delivery service. You can join a local business in your neighbourhood or individuals to provide delivery services. This could be food delivery, package delivery or even running errands.
- Example: Delivering groceries to elderly residents in your community.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $300 – $1,200
18. Upcycling and Selling Goods
You can buy used items for a lower price and refurbish them in quality and sell them with a profit. This business can be profitable if you get creative with refurbishing items.
- Example: Upcycling old furniture and selling it on Facebook Marketplace.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $200 – $1,000
19. Event Planning
Event planning is also a profitable business where you can plan and organise parties, weddings or corporate events. This job needs organisational skills, creativity and skill to attend to every detail as the success rate of the event depends on the organisers.
- Example: Planning a graduation party for a fellow student.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $500 – $2,500
20. Tech Support Services
If you are good with technology, you can provide technological support services to individuals or small businesses in your area. This might include all work related to technology like setting up devices, troubleshooting issues and providing tech advice when necessary.
- Example: Helping classmates with computer issues.
- Potential Net Monthly Income: $400 – $1,500
Conclusion
Starting a small business is very advantageous for a student as they can earn an extra income while enjoying the rewarding feelings of success and brand-new experiences. The businesses listed here guarantee flexibility specially needed for students to balance with their studies. Students can choose from these diverse range of business ideas according to their preferences and excelled skills. They also can power their creativity, academic strength, and technical skills if they get into these businesses. If they are determined and use the right approach, they can have their way up for future entrepreneurial success with these ideas.
