115+ Home Based Business Ideas in 2021 (Up to $150k/Yr)

Last Updated Feb 24, 2021

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If you’ve sifted through scams hoping to find ideas for a home-based business, I know how you feel.

Perhaps you’d like to start a home business that allows you to focus on your children while still paying the bills.

Five years ago I decided to ditch my 9 to 5 office job and work at home so that I could raise my newborn son. I had no idea that starting my own home-based business would not only provide the income my family needed in order for me to stay at home but that the income would surpass that of any full-time job I had ever held!

When you consider work at home business ideas and dedicate your time and effort to making a business plan, you can absolutely become successful! You have a talent that is unique; that’s what makes your service or product attractive to potential customers.

I have put together a list of more than 100 home-based business opportunities that you can start from the comfort of your home as a stay-at-home mom. These options allow you to set your own hours, prices (granted they need to be competitive in order to gain customers/clients), and ultimately choose your own financial path.

Home Based Business Ideas For Moms

These ideas for moms typically require no phones and no set hours throughout the day. Of course, you will need to schedule some time into your days to make your business successful, but you can do these things at any point during the day. This flexibility works perfectly for moms with sporadic schedules.

Blogging

Parenting, Crafts / DIY, Travel, Lifestyle, Finance, Food

If you have a specific skill set, knowledge base or interest, the sky is the limit when it comes to the possibilities of making money as a blogger with affiliate marketing. Some writers will blog on the side for some decent spending cash, while others make more than $150,000 per year! Keep in mind that this will never happen overnight.

Blogging is a home-based business that takes hard work and dedication to make a sustainable income. As long as you learn how to do keyword research the right way, you will know exactly what your target audience is looking for. That’s the big “secret” behind blogging. Don’t write what you want to read; write what your target audience wants to read.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but once I figured it out on my own blog, the money started to flow in! You can learn how to start a blog on WordPress.

Proofreader

Court Documents, Blogs, Newspapers, Books

Did you know that you could start a service business that allows you to get paid to proofread for other people? If you have a strong background in grammar or a desire to help others improve their written material, you could be the perfect fit for this idea.

Join this FREE 76-minute online workshop on proofreading. Caitlin Pyle is a successful freelance proofreader who managed to earn over $40,000 working part-time in this industry. She shares her secrets and helps people just like you decide whether or not it’s the right path for them.

eCommerce/Dropshipping

Amazon, eBay, Your Own Website

Have you always been interested in selling products for a decent profit? You can find some trustworthy products to drop ship or stock and rebrand your own inventory for this one. It’s truly a business that you can do in the comfort of your home (even with kids running around).

Starting an online business can seem daunting at first, but you can start with this free training that teaches beginners exactly how to start a dropshipping store on Shopify that actually makes money.

You can also get free training to start selling on Amazon in this free eBook: 5 Simple Steps to Profitable Amazon Selling.

Virtual Assistant

There is a growing need for virtual assistants today because it allows businesses to contract your services on an “as-needed” basis. Instead of hiring a full-time employee, these businesses can hire one and done services, or contract someone like you on an ongoing basis.

You can start listing your talents and offer your virtual assistance online. If you’re not sure what type of services virtual assistants can offer, check out Gina Horkey’s list of 275+ online service ideas and choose one that fits your talents.

Transcribing

Medical, Legal, General

Many people work from home transcribing medical, legal, or just about any type of audio to written material for clients. All you have to do is listen to recordings and type what you hear.

This idea requires great listening and typing skills and some knowledge of the business you work with.

Janet Shaughnessy created an amazing FREE mini online course teaching students how to start transcribing from home. Grab a spot in her free course and learn how to start earning money immediately.

Woodworking

You can make money woodworking as long as you have the artistic skills and ability to work with your hands. Woodworking is a great home business and you can potentially make your pieces out of free wood. There are tons of places to get wood for free, starting in your own backyard. You can even scale your home business and earn up to $90,000 per year!

Freelance Writing

Blogs, Articles, Web copy, Resume, Editing

With great writing skills, you could be building your income with a home-based freelance writing business. Start a blog to showcase your writing skills and be sure to tell your readers that your talents are for hire! You can also pick up freelance gigs on Fiverrto build your portfolio!

There are tons of businesses looking for great content these days. Any time you (and billions of other people) turn to the internet with a question, an online business or blog is there to provide an answer. Get in on the wealth and start writing content that answers peoples’ questions.

Used Clothing Reseller

If you enjoy shopping for second-hand clothes, you could potentially turn this into a full-blown business. Whether you sell used clothing for friends, family, or neighbors, or you shop at garage sales and second-hand stores, there is definitely profit to be had in reselling used clothing online.

You can start small on a platform like ThredUp or Poshmark to see how you like it. In the future, consider building a website, or selling on local garage sale sites for a quick sale.

Become a Brand Ambassador

An ambassador is someone who represents a company and helps sell products (usually on social media). You may not be familiar with the term “ambassador,” but it might surprise you how many companies offer this option. You can easily turn an ambassadorship into a home based business without getting stuck pitching cold sales over the phone. Don’t worry—I know you’re a mom like me, and being on the phone all day is just not an option.

So, if there are so many companies, how do you choose one to be an ambassador for? You should look for three different things in a company before becoming an ambassador for it:

It’s a legitimate business with 10+ years of positive history.

In order to become a successful brand ambassador, you don’t have to join a new business with a unique product. Instead, you’ll have more success with a brand that has built a good reputation. Choose a company that is at least 10 years old and has good reviews showing that the products work.

It’s a necessary business that provides a necessary product.

It’s tempting to become an ambassador for things like makeup, nail art, and candles, but none of those things are necessary. Do they sell when presented to the right audience? Yes, of course! But when the economy takes a downturn, it’s the necessities like clothes, shoes, health products, etc. that continue to sell.

The compensation package is generous and can turn into a livable income.

There are companies that offer free products as compensation for their ambassadors, and then there are companies that offer commission, bonuses, profit share, free products, and the opportunity to grow in leadership and move up within the company. Make sure to do your research and choose one that has a great compensation plan, and that won’t have you spinning your wheels before you even earn a paycheck.

I’m a Plexus Ambassador and I love it. The company is more than 10 years old, sells necessary products, and the compensation package is insanely generous from day one. Check out my FREE guide to become a Plexus Ambassador and make sure to .reach out to me if you have any questions about getting started. I’m here to help you succeed.

Web Design Services

eCommerce, Small business, Blogs

If you have an eye for design and the technical skills to go along with it, you can start your own website designing service! There are tons of simple drop-and-drag platforms that allow you to build websites. Many clients don’t mind taking the easy route because it allows them to make adjustments or additions to their completed website down the road.

Artist

Paintings, Drawings, Calligraphy, Sculptures, Illustrations

Art has a way of selling itself, and on the right platform, you could land your next big commission! If you have the skillset, consider designing a website to showcase your skills to the public.

Author

Ghostwriter, Book, eBook

There are various opportunities for aspiring authors to make money using their writing talents. Maybe you’ve been working on writing an ebook or have an idea in mind that just needs to come to fruition.

Bookkeeping

Do you have what it takes to keep the books for various clients? Start a business service as a bookkeeper either virtually or locally.

Craft services

Greeting cards, Decorations, Restorations, Kids’ Crafts

If you’re crafty and enjoy doing it, then maybe a home-based craft service is for you! Take custom orders online and let your creative juices flow!

In-Home Daycare

If you are good with children, consider providing daycare services in your home to local children.

Like many of these opportunities listed, an in-home daycare requires the proper certifications and paperwork to be a legitimate business. Make sure to check your state’s laws and regulations!

Direct Sales

Beachbody, Usborne, Mary Kay, Lularoe, Pampered Chef, Scentsy

I truly respect those who have what it takes to build a home-based direct sales business! We all have our strengths; if selling and networking are yours, you certainly have a solid number of companies to choose from.

Start a blog

Graphic Design

Logo, Custom T, Flyers

Do you have an eye for graphic design? There are businesses everywhere that need your talents!

Refurbish / Repair Service

Furniture, Tech devices, Clothes, Vintage toys, Appliances, Small Motors
If you enjoy making items work or shine like new, you can always start a refurbish or repair service within your skillset. Add to your service list over time for a well-rounded, home-based service!

Social Media

Management, Marketing, Analyst

If you have experience managing a growing company’s social media accounts, you are harboring a talent that many businesses need!

Home Business Ideas With Low Startup Costs

These home business ideas with low startup costs are not going to be quite as flexible for moms, but that doesn’t mean moms can’t make them work. The best part about these ideas for a home based business is that you can get any one of these started without paying a large sum of money upfront.

Coach

Fitness, Health, Life

There are various coaching opportunities that you could consider for your business. Whether you have past life experiences that will help you coach others or you’re willing to go through the proper training to get up to speed, you could be coaching clients online or locally.

Consulting

Business, Career, Marketing, Travel, Interior design

What are you best at? What could you see yourself helping others with? These are just a few ideas to get your consulting business started!

Customer Service Representative

This could be a home-based business idea or you could search for companies hiring remote employees. Either way, you could be earning money from home as a customer services representative with little to no experience.

Flea Market Flipping

If you enjoy shopping for second-hand items at flea markets, garage sales, second-hand stores, or even online, you might love the idea of starting your own flea market flipping business. Check out this free webinar. It’s a great resource to get your business off the ground. It was created by a young couple who earned $133,000 in their first year of flea market flipping as a side business!

Lessons

Music, Sewing, Cooking, Dance, Art

What are you good at that others might like to learn? Teach lessons out of your home or in your client’s home!

Makeup Artist

If you love makeup and receive compliments for your own makeup, you just might have what it takes to become a professional makeup artist.

Sales

Insurance, Real Estate, Vacuum

There is always something to sell! Start with something you believe in and share your experiences with others.

“Sitting”

House, Animal, Baby

You could be your town’s go-to for dog-sitting, house-sitting, or babysitting!

YouTube

How to, Kid’s Channel, Vlog, Gaming, Lifestyle

Do you have a new or exciting idea that is not already saturated on YouTube? If so, turn it into a YouTube channel and grow your following to make money through YouTube!

Best Home Business Ideas To Make Money

Some of these ideas will require more money to get them started, but that is often part of any successful home business. Also, these businesses can be started and managed from home, but many of them require customer/client involvement either at home or at your customer’s home or office.

Antique Dealer

As an antique dealer, you decide just how small or large you would like your venture to become. Antique collectors (your target customer) travel far and wide to find the perfect piece to add to their collection. Don’t underestimate the value of a vintage item. You can have your own local antique shop or start an eCommerce store to sell online.

Car Dealership

Consider the possibility of buying and selling cars at a profit. If it’s something that interests you and you have the time and funds to build your inventory, this might be an option for you.

Catering

Weddings, Birthday Parties, Special Events

Choose one specific event or diversify with a catering service! If you enjoy cooking great food in bulk, then start offering your services locally and start a catering business.

Cleaning Business

Commercial, Residential, Gutters, Carpet, Garage, Vehicles

A cleaning business can certainly be a la carte, but often the best way to start is to specialize in a specific area. What are you good at cleaning? Start with some before and after pictures of your own projects and use them to build a cleaning business portfolio.

System Design

Security systems, Healthcare systems, Wiring diagrams

Are you tech-savvy but not sure how to harness your talents? You just might have what it takes to design an elaborate home security system, nurse call system, or prepare a wiring diagram for a telephone system going in the new office space down the road. System Design companies can work remotely, so your client base is nearly unlimited!

Doula

Are you enamored with childbirth? Consider becoming a doula and coaching mothers during labor in your neighborhood!

Driver

Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Trucking

If you love to drive and have a clean driving record, you just might be able to build a profitable transportation business. Although it’s not your typical work at home job, you can be your own boss and build your business out of your home to get started. If you start your own driving business, you can hire drivers and have them do the driving for you while you manage the books.

If you’re not ready to start a transportation business, you can drive for Uber.

Entertainment Service

DJ, Clown, Magician, Bounce House Rental, Tent Rental

If entertaining others is your passion, consider building a home-based business that provides entertainment services in your area.

Gardening/Lawn Care

This one might be seasonal depending on your area, but even where there are harsh winters, you can always offer plow services until spring arrives!

Hairstylist

If you love styling and cutting hair and you’re willing to go to school to receive the proper licensing, you might be ready to consider a home-based hair studio.

Handyman/Handywoman

Can you fix things that most people cannot or do not want to fix? Offer your services as the go-to handyperson in town.

Nanny

There are many parents who are looking for a full or part-time nanny to take care of their children. Start small and before you know it, you could have a full-blown nanny service with multiple credible nannies on your team!

Organizer

Paper, Storage, Home

Do you like to keep your personal and commercial space impeccably organized? Snap some pictures and tell your potential customers what type of areas you like to organize.

Photography

Portrait, Wedding, Stock

Dust off your hobby camera and start snapping beautiful images for cash. Build your online portfolio and see if you have what it takes to be a professional photographer.

Planner

Wedding, Party, Funeral

If you have a passion for event planning, consider starting a business in one of these categories!

Property management

Is your landlord looking for a reliable property manager? Chances are there are multiple properties near you that do not have proper management. Research your options to get started and consider this as your home-based business opportunity.

Tutoring

What was your best subject in college? There are virtual and local tutoring opportunities.

This massive list of ideas for a home-based business should help you target the best opportunity that piques your interest. Consider your talents and hobbies when choosing a business idea that you can enjoy and see success in.

What ideas have I missed? What work from home opportunities on this list do you feel are no longer relevant? I would love to hear your ideas!

Ready to Start a Business From Home?

You can often start a home business from scratch with low startup costs depending on the resources and technology you already have on hand. Keep in mind that each business is different and may require more startup funds than others. If you are willing to invest in yourself, your business can flourish!

Review these ideas again and choose a path to get started making money from home! Keep in mind that these are generic ideas that each portray a successful home business. Make sure to do additional research with the Small Business Administration (if in the U.S.) to find out what is legally required in your state to start a home-based business.