5 Small Business Ideas to Start This Summer

1. Turn Past Experience into a Freelance Business

Leverage your past work or educational experiences to start a freelance business. For example, skills gained from writing, photography, or social media management can be transformed into a lucrative freelance career. With millions of people already freelancing in the U.S., there's ample opportunity to join this growing field.

2. Offer Pet- or House-Sitting Services

Summer is travel season, making it a perfect time to start a pet- or house-sitting business. This service requires minimal start-up costs and can be advertised through platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor. You can offer flexible rates and schedules, and if you have experience with exotic pets, you can charge premium rates.

3. E-Book Publishing

Writing and publishing e-books is a cost-effective way to generate passive income. Whether you write non-fiction guides or fiction novels, e-books can be sold repeatedly. While each book might not generate significant income on its own, publishing multiple books in popular niches can build a steady revenue stream over time.

4. Offer Online Tutoring

Online tutoring allows you to monetize your skills by teaching various subjects. Platforms like Outschool and Brainfuse enable you to offer classes on topics ranging from academic subjects to hobbies. With the demand for educational content high during summer, you can attract many students and earn a good income.

5. Home Services

Providing seasonal home services such as lawn care, power washing, or pool maintenance can be a profitable venture. By identifying the needs in your neighborhood, you can offer tailored services that vary with the seasons, ensuring year-round business opportunities.

Starting a business doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. By utilizing your skills and understanding the demands of your local market, you can set yourself up for financial success this summer.