This free Notion document contains the best 100+ resources you need for building a successful startup, divided in 4 categories: Fundraising, People, Product, and Growth.
![business plan product ideas for students The Founder's Handbook](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/623663189462e26f37e7e642_The%20Founder%27s%20Handbook%20-%20Website%20Image-min.webp)
This free eBook goes over the 10 slides every startup pitch deck has to include, based on what we learned from analyzing 500+ pitch decks, including those from Airbnb, Uber and Spotify.
![business plan product ideas for students Perfect Pitch Deck eBook](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/64dbf2a1570b6c05af7d3f71_Pitch%20Deck%20Lead%20Magnet-min.webp)
This free sheet contains 100 accelerators and incubators you can apply to today, along with information about the industries they generally invest in.
![business plan product ideas for students 100 Accelerators & Incubators](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/628da130938954fe969143d6_Accelerators%20Lead%20Magnet-min.webp)
This free sheet contains 100 VC firms, with information about the countries, cities, stages, and industries they invest in, as well as their contact details.
![business plan product ideas for students VC Firm Lead Magnet](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/6361949ebee2819b6044a5eb_VC%20Firms%20Lead%20Magnet.webp)
This free sheet contains all the information about the top 100 unicorns, including their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.
![business plan product ideas for students 100 Top Unicorns](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/629f90da48c3e1be3aa71c4b_100%20Unicorns%20Lead%20Magnet-min.webp)
![](http://sokolural.site/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
The Best 36 Business Ideas for Students on a Budget 2024
Description
![business plan product ideas for students Fundraising OS](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/65de3f1213bc3d6f69b7ddf4_Fundraising%20OS%20Website%20Image.webp)
Everything you need to raise funding for your startup, including 3,500+ investors, 7 tools, 18 templates and 3 learning resources.
![business plan product ideas for students VC Firms List](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/639a3c402cefd6ea898a3ea0_VC%20Firms%20Lead%20Magnet.webp)
Information about the countries, cities, stages, and industries they invest in, as well as their contact details.
![business plan product ideas for students AI Investors](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/64e80a57689c0f512019d683_AI%20Investors%20Cover.webp)
List of 250 startup investors in the AI and Machine Learning industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
![business plan product ideas for students BioTech & Health Investors](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/64d3fea17dde2db77454d78d_BioTech%20%26%20Health%20Investors%20Cover-min.webp)
List of startup investors in the BioTech, Health, and Medicine industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
![business plan product ideas for students FinTech Investors](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fada95bd7a18db677087e20/64d59154dd5ad108e14490a9_FinTech%20Investors%20Cover-min.webp)
List of startup investors in the FinTech industry, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
When you are a high school or college student, you generally have huge batches of free time. There's no better way to spend them than becoming a student entrepreneur...
In the past decade, the world has seen many incredible businesses being started by college students (Facebook, just to name one).
Is it Possible to Start a Business While Being a Student?
The internet has removed many barriers that once prevented students from starting businesses. These days, there are no legal, financial, or knowledge restrictions holding you back from launching a side hustle while in school.
School and university demand many of your hours, but if you stay organized and make the best use of your hours, you will find time to both study and run your startup.
Best 36 Business Ideas for Students
1) sell used books.
![business plan product ideas for students Sell Used Books](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968ad53a8b11b43c541cbe_tgO_rZcTHlgEQ6BiEGrXpn6Ys8NWgmDTB0h-jW3j2ECkuSbQ16rk5yoznLbdiw24rqNlaz2TTgsNRPlGzbjEqpck-TgGQDOc1y_LiSSJbR_B_GTsBGVrZtnJ0kR3PnokFBDld8zsOkH4QrCoxtuA0hjGUMPiwDGKYHNnlhbo8fYszQVJJqaDHJ7bhCR6yg.webp)
Difficulty : Low
Investment : Low
Description : You finished your academic year, congratulations! Now check your desk… you have a pile of used books, right? In many cases, they end up in your house’s trash bins. However, there’s something better to do with them: sell them to younger students at a cheaper price than what a new copy is.
You'll probably, at least, make enough money to purchase the books needed for your next semester. The best of this idea is that it doesn’t require either any investment or much time.
Resources : Here’s an article on the 6 best places to re-sell old books and some tips on how to do it.
2) Flip Websites
Difficulty : Medium
Investment : High
Description : You buy websites that are exiting for a low price, grow them in 6 months to 2 years, and sell them at a much higher price for a profit. There are people who work full-time on this and make millions per year with their sites.
The key here is to buy a high-quality website at a low price. There’s a ton of information on what you should consider and check when doing it. At the same time, there are all kinds of free digital marketing courses that you will find useful if growing one of these websites.
Resources : Flippa , Empire Flippers, and Micro Acquire are three website marketplaces. Besides that, you should check out this article on how to find, evaluate and buy websites , as well as this review we've written about Micro Acquisitions course , which goes all about buying, growing, and selling sites.
3) Re-Selling
Investment : Medium
Description : There’s an ethical unresolved issue around re-selling sneakers, tickets, or whatever, but I’ve personally seen many people make loads of money buying items at a low price and selling them at a higher one. Re-selling works best with limited items (such as the mentioned tickets and some exclusive sneakers), as those who haven’t been able to purchase them are willing to pay more than their original price to have them once the item is out of stock.
The key when re-selling is understanding the market and anticipating which items will people be more willing to pay for once they run out. Note that it can be pretty risky; I know of a guy who bought 10 tickets for a concert and couldn’t re-sell them. He ended up inviting all of his friends for free with a huge loss.
Resources : This is a really inspirational article on how to re-sell sneakers and make a profit.
4) Writing Services
Description : Start a website that offers all kinds of writing services to students or businesses. It could be anything from sales & marketing copy, SEO content, essay writing, academic papers, or even simple proofreading.
There are already many trustworthy services online, and before starting out your own writing service, it is a good idea to work as a professional essay writer for a top website. After you have gained some valuable experience doing this, you can move on to creating your own essay-writing service. You could charge per hour or project.
+1 if the website invites other fellow students to offer such writing services and you charge a fee ;)
Resources : This article will help you decide whether you should or should not start freelance writing. If yes, make sure to check this one, which teaches you how to do it.
5) Play Cupid
![business plan product ideas for students #5 business idea for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c449db8fe7c6d2c22fb_JL43H7nee870Z5AxY5A6auLZmJ_S4_BILKYEbGOmN1FY5VLLv9jOVlnEyeruItJjviYOIwEM0rWJ3801xhEwUYim7-xSQt3bvoC6pdJUt5SnWOGd8czbU2PU5pTOv2BCT_rMWvS81G8Dn569pCXQ79tPu80CoUXm1DL_2pHtzYWgbNQeV6G3xSzSVVJGeA.jpeg)
Description : Set up a website or an app, exclusively for your college campus or local area, to let the singles meet. This will be much appreciated by the community and, with a small fee, the app could kick-off and be the Tinder of your campus or neighbourhood.
The app could, instead, be focused around networking. People could use it to meet other people and make new friends.
Alternatively, the app could also be focused around professional networking.
Resources : This Bubble template is a great and cheap point to start a dating app.
6) Motivational Apps
![business plan product ideas for students #6 business idea for college students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c449db8fea9802c22fc_cIMMgneeYXSUlZFmk0z7b7VDy9LUI0jFQ-yh9x1iOw7W04cJZ3fZOCb58018liJnwN5Sv6So1O6DzuHmJnM7XRdgq-2DZoBPgu6TRuCmtuwz7DWVwdNXZooBDgbOQG_xElaWyA-CrVRrD1s3v8tEJCs9I6RXmed1BRwK4ep2ATTzODTEXZssWY8dTPaWog.jpeg)
Difficulty : Hard
Investment : Medium
Description : Motivational apps have a broad scope range. They could be for anything from academics to mental health.
Consider academics. The app could show events, seminars, or lectures and let the user log the attendance to these, getting award points in exchange. Such apps encourage improved productivity among students in a positive and fun way.
These rewards could be in the form of vouchers, coupons, or deals for any local service. For the sponsors, this would be a worthwhile advertisement option among the clientele too.
Similar apps could be designed for fitness, gym attendance, and other activities too.
The easiest way to monetize such an idea would be through ads.
Resources : There are many tools out there to build apps cheaply and fastly (even without coding). Check our Tools page .
7) Babysitting
![business plan product ideas for students #7 startup idea for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c44d53b2ca960a78070_Ofi-6b2zuVTue-wflIkxwRN-GjtnSZkDkb3331jzHRrOyWjpLwX6zqHaFQq6aZwhK7o3oT9wIY2jbrrLZTXZ5dCKntNOEHFFlqjUJ6Xf8ivcsG0Z4I1OqenC1Ox4zeLpa-fbCJAhJqy0r0-3cdReuQcE4UIX0XWKH8mFx7IlR706CjGeGsvymKIiwAXQFg.jpeg)
Description : There will always be demand for babysitters and nannies. With both parents working and maternity and paternity leave shrinking in length, the market for this is only widening. If you have a knack with babies and have a pleasing personality, you are already good to go.
Resources : Here is a detailed article on how to properly set up your babysitting business and make the most of it.
8) Babysitting Network
![business plan product ideas for students Babysitting Network Business Idea](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c447fe0e5546f9b8372_1l8DcRsZZOqMt4vJydDUEJ46sRz6Mi19TCaOHWywzukZsMMHK0xSm6IM7bKSDPoFD-RsQmDWcfp8MII2OQB0LLHoOc2qXXIwUD8uxIjwddecKq1qbpiBoI4LRE53CuxfI8gAhT5qzXm_R41U6Ve66_CwV4M355WQqLqiO57oZeChFjha2Thno64zRWQmhQ.webp)
Difficulty : Medium
Description : You can create a sort of marketplace for babysitting. Other prospective babysitters could sign up for it and offer their babysitting services. Parents could select between the available babysitters and hire them through the platform. You could keep a commission.
Even if you are not able to do the babysitting job due to lack of time, you'll still make a commission from fellow babysitters who have signed up for the program.
Resources : Here is a long article on how to build and grow a nanny app.
9) Pet Sitting
![business plan product ideas for students #9 business to start in college](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c44d53b2cb6eda78071_ydsioJG66anVICkJ2vwbknbGXTo8oj5p6oyWs0PkY24bZdihhYz6g4v7XBuGRsERa6mFRWc8vlWJKW0aKINN5Wbry_kG3JjeWdaQG5O8OR8LTjhiqpTLJw4qxgUX-R_zFg1qg128wgiU8QYt4UfzfX4VtnpHNjdg8TcUgL5A4Nm2A8LjEkqY9wJdORoMKA.jpeg)
Description : What’s better than babysitting? Pet sitting! Who doesn’t want to spend the whole day playing with dogs? There are busy workers and families taking holidays who need someone to take care of their loved pets.
There are two main ways to face this business idea. The most common one is to take pets for a one/two-hour walk every day/every two days. The second one would be to take care of pets of people taking holidays, for one to four weeks.
Resources : The Balance Careers has a huge series of resources for pet sitters.
10) Local Reviewer
![business plan product ideas for students #10 business for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968c446204a04c3fa72835_WhM5Dsk3XvwiODwbr7Y4za58kZ0YfmhKiJGzTfxTiyywV3INHeadVhFeK51c9HryjwCW1bj4MWLqqdsfimWYlNpcrXTLaXreAguU6tKlIcirB_5zCzZzG3odXcOvx6502BhVZZOzzwpAvPb4pW6K8_KXjoiWlM7xxJUEhM0Do2ZF93thCai_IWaQPLUfkQ.jpeg)
Description : Every time we want to buy a product, the first thing we do is to look online for product reviews. Sure enough, all big cities have their own dedicated websites for such reviews from multiple sources. But what about small places or even campuses? There’s a huge opportunity there.
Start a website that reviews the local accommodations. You can make this exclusive for the campus itself or other accommodations in the area that students could rent out. This would work as a credible source rather than just word of mouth. There could also be options added to include listings and discussion forums. You can monetize this through advertising.
Resources : WPBeginner has a long article on how to build a review site using WordPress, which would probably be the cheapest and fastest way to do it.
11) Swap Website
Description : Swap websites are used to swap, sell, and borrow goods and services. For example, if a person needs something but only for a single use, it is best to rent it out rather than buy one.
On campus, there is more than one person who is willing to do that, but it is lacking a way to find that person. Such a website would simplify this while enabling people to save a few bucks.
Call it a new age barter system; especially on campus, there would be a lot of demand for this. Start this locally and then expand it later. There are loads to borrow and exchange from academic services, bikes, books, and even clothes. You can monetize it through advertising.
Resources : Here’s a list of 36 bartering and swapping websites to get some inspiration. We’ve also interviewed the founder of a shutdown swapping site who shared all the mistakes he made throughout his journey.
There are loads to borrow and exchange from academic services, bikes, books, and even clothes. You can monetize it through advertising.
12) Design Services
Description : All kinds of businesses have design tasks. So, you can create a site that offers different types of design services, such as logos, flyers, packaging, or even websites, and niche down to local businesses or even other students starting their own startups. This is a great startup idea for students and you could charge per hour or per project.
When you are a student, it can be hard to get businesses to trust you. There are many ways to achieve it, such as showing them previous high-quality work, offering one free project, and connecting them with your previous clients.
Resources : You may be asking how to build a portfolio if you’re just starting and have never had clients, right? Here’s a tool that generates fake client briefs for you to design and showcase in your site.
13) Digital Marketing Services
![business plan product ideas for students Digital Marketing business dea](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dcaec13a870785b2a8e_6jOuJCDzozKFL8QW6keOhpVU1drZo5GO91Z_K_xPhenfbvmLHyJwNw4hl8HwUxZ1bMv_7GnO_M0iEewtIXdXkrZvTEBKfXbgCboBA57hD6q_MG-1s4HmY_o75X_lajZCN7YunIV2emKLfON5yPl2v6xl7is8_l_kTccGgAndjIUUIAs0ZqZLP5CAPGBWKw.webp)
Difficulty : Hard
Description : Digital marketing has grown a lot in the last decade, with the emergence of eCommerce and online businesses. The businesses that don’t digitalize themself and ignore working on their internet profile and presence are missing a huge percentage of clients.
There probably are many local businesses looking for help on their digital marketing strategies. You can reach their owners and provide them with a free consultation to show you know about the subject. You could help them with local SEO , social media management , and Google Ads / Facebook Ads campaigns, among other strategies.
Resources : Make sure to check out Acadium , a tool connecting businesses looking for digital marketing work to be done, and students who are willing to learn and do that work. They provide great free digital marketing courses on different topics.
14) Development Services
Description : Having a website is a must for any kind of business, and most local ones tend not to have one. There’s a huge opportunity there.
Learning to code is super accessible for everyone. There are thousands of free development courses, books, articles, and videos, so “I don’t know how to code” is definitely no longer an excuse. And if you don’t want to learn, you can even build a website without coding. This site was built with Webflow , a powerful visual web design tool.
Resources : Google “free web development course” and you will get 3.2B results… I think that’s enough ;) You should also check this complete guide on web development freelancing.
15) Cleaning Services
![business plan product ideas for students #15 business ideas for students in university](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dc9ec13a853cd5b2a8d_m2rj9iNFxH-rzIz4yTYZkhTpacdre19gcQpFrN9cO60bYrsysakGGnwIfFJLx8F5Ky7Z62stp4fO9fdizgu5nrdSuyb4CPOA8y2GF0Vlv9jhpdbLzLW1tDTpDVYtMBAXSZnVUMH9rJ3lY8Asqts40Egr-7kA33eUumARRqGsSXWzI6PAOrdlrR_MDBnlLg.webp)
Description : Publish an online ad offering cleaning services in your neighborhood. Do a great cleaning job and build trust with your clients. Ask your clients for a referral and you will soon be cleaning the houses of all your neighbors.
That’s actually what Kisten Hadeed did and the origins of Student Maid, a really successful cleaning company in Florida. You can charge per hour and keep initial investment really low by asking clients to supply you with the needed equipment.
Resources : This article from Entrepreneur.com teaches how to get started in this industry.
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16) Pool Cleaning Services
![business plan product ideas for students #16 business ideas for students without investment](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dc99db8fe3d562c4772_JyjvG7TCh3gi8czHNH0NQeQA_PjGxmD9X9mszz1lkz9fma4u1cwdC9FOtVQftybKK8rV35osJRlf1o9o5YL7e_Y-emRXfssWZnQPB4aBK9D2IvsXKR9tQpYYNFxTKr0X8nQlCz0jzE6SvgN0GH8OKmlmq_cKRid5RFM-suHisCP4lEzG-JO7rJe3V2s2JQ.jpeg)
Description : Cleaning pools is an alternative to the already mentioned cleaning neighbor’s houses business idea. It’s definitely not as easy, as it requires to be educated on what you’re doing. You might even need legal permissions to work on it, depending on where you are based. On the side, it requires some investment in equipment and products to be able to carry out the job.
Both the difficulty and investment issues come with a big chance of making great money. You can easily get paid $40-60/hour. Note that the business would mainly run during the summer seasons.
Resources : This article provides detailed information on how to set up and grow a pool cleaning business.
17) Moving Service
![business plan product ideas for students #17 business ideas for students in school](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dca51f344ec6cd9deb0_9FDLJsfMN2esCnYbBmqrFdFJglHgITVcb2zRYKciLYGHgVD4ex9nKuenF-Lh5aH4n93XLY05F4xkhSYvknbpyuaE8VZvEmTYD1YD9_7bM4aBPORiZ09b87Jt4_XBiWtxdx7IVEquC5X_HP9xC9OcuR00pKMEdvGtFToXDYwSpwvzAptgDUSVamD2ZfP7jw.jpeg)
Description : Both neighbors and students need moving services eventually, whether it's because the academic year has finished and the student is moving back to their homes, or because a neighbor has rented a new house. You can make money (at least $200/moving) if you find it easy to pack items and move boxes.
Resources : Here’s a long article on how to start a moving company, some tips for growing it, and the recommended price you might want to charge.
18) Transcription Services
![business plan product ideas for students Transcription services business idea](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dcaeaa1f2d3592d6b00_hwzvUSa116wSk2bkgchNKr_Ugmvadp2RfaDTcOMw1Zop7yZeuNbuW-qApaqZS683vink-L3ceJblC9UoZGkpXyMawKhPkzgsnXAq6hMT5G8Cgl39UUm8prGZMFBOf4SYfUO1_liTATqiQsrcrUjdnT9iVpQLy6Q8479xmlpRpo8Vw5YYPTuG4o1OWEkEsg.webp)
Difficulty : Low
Description : Transcription services are needed in all kinds of fields, such as law, medicine, and businesses. It also doesn’t require either fixed hours or many skills. On the side, there are many forms of transcription, including video podcasts and recorded lectures, so you will probably be able to select the niche that interests you.
No formal training is needed in order to be able to do transcription services. Good listening abilities, great knowledge of English grammar rules, and fast typing skills would be a perfect combination to get high-quality work done fast.
Resources : Here’s a motivational story on how Benjamin Walker grew a transcription business to +$1M/year.
19) Translation Services
![business plan product ideas for students Translation services business idea](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dca3a8b113456546593_Kz_6La0yJfCZkc2Y85zBxwMdDbh5qUc_Ljq6FgMZn55LWdPluMqfo09qv4P64tJm5F7X7HL7cbo4r_8anL-a7_GzDU02mtJDkyThATDrec0KsedFNzfsCvgbcvWAkRh-I0wNoRWXzA3vwCDHXPU-yAUij20twf68bXrWUS-kv7zz1on97DrPcp2Ab05lBQ.webp)
Difficulty : High
Description : Offering translation services isn’t as easy as offering transcription ones. You will need to be bilingual in both languages and know the grammar rules of the two of them. Businesses may not be really willing to offer advanced translation work to students, but they might be if it is basic and unimportant translations.
You could start by translating lectures, books, and articles for professors. There’s a ton of high-quality content in other languages - professors might want to share it with their students but they can’t as it isn’t in the student’s native language. That’s where you can help and charge per word translated.
Resources : Here’s a whole content site dedicated to the business of translation.
20) Photography Services
Description : If you love taking photographs, you can take your hobby and talent into a photography freelancing business. Both students and local businesses may need your services whether because they want to update their Tinder profiles or because they are looking to promote their recently-launched products.
In the beginning, you can start offering all kinds of services, but as you grow the business, you will probably realize there’s a ton of competition and you will need to niche and focus on one segment or one specific photography service in order to be different than the rest.
The biggest issue for this kind of business is the cost of the photography equipment, which, if you’re moving from one place to another, can break and make it even more expensive.
Resources : Make sure to check this guide from Bplans on how to start a successful photography business.
21) Photography Portfolios
Description : Good photography skills need to be appreciated before they get lost in that Instagram page. Any campus will have a few fellows with exceptional skills in photography and videography. It would be easy to make a database of students who are interested in and create a platform to sell their work to others.
The platform could charge a fee to either the photographer or the customer. On the side, it could also work hand in hand with a photography club giving more chances and connections to both sellers and buyers by offering more exposure.
Resources : Here’s a no-code template to build such an app.
22) Food Delivery Services
![business plan product ideas for students #22 business ideas for students at home](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968dcb7fe0e5e31a9baf3b_k_VtfSbgtRvo7qZBVh7qxMRcvHdPjJS2BuL7KBaIkFsmInw1QZPZu9pHHFg2JgxA49yQUTEvaklEX6hgi7tiWhMQ5_2ifx8hTh76GmFCZSWtwScdbhHa8j5AGZ_E-OUviQF8BK30aV9KITRDW3KN7IbrICl5dfZwq3qBmgub9u1Y1MglCbG1kWH7Pul0Ng.jpeg)
Description : Create a platform to deliver quick eatables, like sandwiches and smoothies, made by local businesses. Start by targeting firms with employees in younger age groups, who often go out to grab a meal during lunch breaks. This is a gold mine, with food deliveries for simple items that don't break their wallet, the business would be exponential. With options to schedule deliveries made earlier to arrive at lunchtime, this could actually be a problem solver for the firms.
Take a step further and make these homemade too. This way, it is not necessary to rely on multiple third-party services. The food will be authentic, tasty, and have a personal touch to the service.
Resources : Steven Long was the founder of Chowdy, a Toronto-based food delivery startup making $110k/month which had to shut down due to some legal issues. Ali Jiwani is the founder of MealSurfers, a Canadian food startup that made an exit when it was making $7k/month. Make sure to check those two stories and learn from both the wins and mistakes of each.
23) Deliver Food Hampers
![business plan product ideas for students #23 startup business ideas for college students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7dd53b2c58a6a7a666_BGB8nSm3ajPO8XGaQDYN_2gKJ0xdYzUzatcrQ1vW8mvBlnCijABWeochRBdU3955qCtDLZnsZPdtUh0pqJVcQHkRwCh39yeu7LkqLxKue3X7KZgXcZcAs-ITMMs9gg7pd4FUXb6e8IbJ5I9l1hQYJdcM3MV-YSLYtmj9OKh0B7sm4-zIVnclVa-s7grb3Q.jpeg)
Description : How often have you thought about that mac and cheese your mom makes so deliciously. Or even wondered when you are finally going to eat something healthy?
Well, the lack of time or will to go to a grocery store and cook something is in the least probable category. And the parents are well aware of this too. So design an app where parents can make such orders for kids that would be delivered to them.
This will have the personal touch and love of a package coming from home itself. You could monetize it by taking a shipping fee.
Resources : Entrepreneur.com has a complete article about food hamper businesses. You should check it out!
24) Blogging
![business plan product ideas for students #24 small business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7d048e7c33309ffdc3_K-682d887esRoYdGqRTY6XXYtn9oZORZ4iKp-xvcRA6SfMiHY8cWZ_fnzXEiWcM0LCdsa9GqzgK4yfwQQXKSHp9eFYY30fpEyDXM8GBSMwn_G3cI_8KdUXPB1r8T3GTPUtWBlJMFH-bUjf4tz_E7oLmvJUbY-KSs-KFAyixq8XttHLmVfgRd5R59obF4Hw.jpeg)
Description : Is there anything you really enjoy talking about? Are your friends tired of listening to you talk about it? Then start a blog about that topic, build an audience, and monetize it through ads and premium content.
The startup costs of building a blog are super low nowadays (with a domain and hosting would be enough, so less than $50/year) and the information to grow such a site is free all over the internet.
When we started this site, we had 0 knowledge of how to grow it. Nowadays, it receives +150k users every month from all over the world. Note that it took us 3 years to build such an audience. Consistency is key when blogging.
Resources : GrowandConvert is a content marketing agency that has an amazing blog related to creating and publishing content on the internet. Backlinko is another blog that publishes content-related articles, particularly about the search engine optimization of these.
25) Video Classes
![business plan product ideas for students #25 business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7d048e7c36439ffdc9_CB5hmN1XJ8xId6qZYWjo1I4zzndsBkU6nH7SEkn5KzwMcC_vQEA5Hus7xZITqcArY_Fhn_16qfO9cQSzdHeqNujMpOMuvTTHJIVIfCJofOmYXUvJF4IepY7_-icx4iaT7BKzbgKXewLfHZGbCPJ0pQCOSoG0uWubXvVFs3u7woVH8_poz5fvWHxmkY0ClA.webp)
Description : Visual media often makes things easier. That is precisely the reason why we are all so hooked up on Youtube, without having a clue why we are watching a cat playing piano at 3 am. The thought is simple, won’t lectures be so easy to understand with such visuals? With a creative mind and some graphic design skills, it could be put to use for this.
The idea is to make a visual representation of any lectures and offer them to tutors and students. It would make studying so much better and more straightforward. You could monetize it by pricing every video or through a monthly subscription.
Resources : Here’s a great guide on how to make videos look professional without investing much money.
26) Class Notes
Description : We all know those students who are pretty lazy to actually take notes or those others who tend to miss classes under any kind of excuse, right? Those students would be your niche market if you set up a class note business.
There are some people who are really great at taking lecture notes, being able to summarize the information in a nice-looking and concise way. If you are that kind of person, you should consider re-selling your notes to other students. You could sell them independently per class or in packages of all the notes related to one exam or to one semester.
Resources : Make sure to check this well-known book , in which Sönke Ahrens shares his unique technique to take smart notes that are easy to study and learn from.
![business plan product ideas for students #27 business plan ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7e67bb252d60fcb2c3_mJj8oIP887BKe4LvPIaXykzV1qQFN0vhrEj6yTqREBb1oCmGdIQYCtaAEU49Ot3cBNi31QoTUaVfWa8ODdBNFTrgLAk0Sk62LEqrOi8p2P85VvSH_jGssXLTtwR_-0n9d6cdS5lvKZ-2-tQRz8DL_YUN5Crw2jwEJh8Ic4T2x1NUuEq0Su4NwC3HGSQaaA.webp)
Description : Where there are students, there are tutors. If you stand out in one subject, you can probably teach it to someone else who struggles to understand it. A common trouble-maker subject is Maths, but note that there are many math tutors as well.
Schools and professors tend to be helpful with students starting their tutor businesses. Some schools even have a database of tutor students, so make sure to check if there is one in your school. The monetization model would be per hour; you can charge anything between $10-$100, depending on the subject, the concepts taught (how advanced they are), etc.
Resources : This article is super inspiring for anyone starting a tutoring business. The writer shares how he is making $1,000/week as well as lots of recommendations and mistakes you should avoid.
28) Organize Trips
![business plan product ideas for students #28 innovative business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7ec92e13083ca26f32_W4E0Yjo07nARECpvOjdMrNiXzawba0_jKeq4UWYgOTKJYJq4L23HAlL7buCfgs9fUTXSjn06ox8oFeV5TTv2a3oiB3zUdZi2T6mnSnHRrS42x5uUkIpDBhIordNSZ0IcWGQ5xGPpo3Dbqun7fUG7VW0fsOeS4CRvQ0QIsQSIgKRTCtruYmMxKxlN1EaPMA.jpeg)
Description : It is a known fact that most of the group plans for a trip but never happens. The WhatsApp groups have seen hundreds of failed plans. It is the time that someone takes responsibility and get things done.
Organize trips to various destinations which could be for events, festivals, or even just weekend trips. You can charge a commission or a fixed amount for an all-inclusive deal.
Resources : Here’s a detailed guide from Bplans on how to start a travel agency.
29) Event Organizer
![business plan product ideas for students #29 innovative business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7e2721b321fe8a8d7d_D5HvIKYOUEa2maaDdJQ-Lelaew6lIe-5TVIfhM0SdnSgO1jCWPCeqEwTJ8Cw1WfwMNBXMXk3HszER7qe2xENpXeyPoD0BzKrYh21cVzJjCPj9kHLxXSoB4jy87R_JWthik1x_h_Jb3NECmefAeeaaeRJAfsX0uYkxfBrF8_NyK_4GcBbNwTKb31ZY6D_9g.jpeg)
Description : Lots of students enjoy parties and socializing, so why not capitalize on it? Everyone is willing to spend $10, $30, or even much more on a great party. These can take all forms and shapes, from organizing a small meetup at a nightclub to running Project X 2.
What will you need? Excellent communication skills to convince everyone they can’t miss such a party (social media is a MUST to promote it!) and advanced organization abilities to make sure everything is in the right place at the right time.
Resources : Here’s a long article from Capterra explaining how to turn those small parties/events you have maybe carried out in the past, into a profitable business.
30) Campus Newsletter
![business plan product ideas for students #30 business idea for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63968e7e048e7c25f79ffdd1_0tGnofC4lQUZC0Xe30o4btKHXiP8bcPQ1kJRyxxGJY7E4xWckNdY-QR0RD5ctJAA6SjkjFRUMq8XFW2z7jWY_uBwYSnENmjaTYcJmNuiQsji-37nHxFe0VzuIQSSxwuNVmZuk2KevHLxpxqNIjB3XgDq1grf45wXmfszRbtp9ZtXzeqRup5dbUTYWn__AA.webp)
Description : This is quite a unique business idea for students. If your campus doesn't have a newsletter already, it is time to start one. The source of money from this could come from advertisements from local businesses or even other student startups.
The newsletter could be sent as emails rather than printed versions or both. As a third party, a student can even make a deal with the college to create brand awareness among potential students using the letter. It could be used for promotional purposes, branding, and lead generations outside the campus too.
Resources : Here’s an article on 7 tips to create a school newsletter.
31) Campus Podcast
![business plan product ideas for students #31 ideas for college students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63969130f6b0c7804233a56f_vq8m8q82tkAwFuvsmRLkHpfqtYPEnvaBI6HyGekwDNG8RGoReMkQRv5Vdh39T_VHIddD0Dx-uo4JIJYxAIZLuzEqp427cTipe_T8-PNp5GBGRCzmvs82ckIij6NvJFs7yc6lTfpSvXYi5_WIwzeKjC8bwHwGsMpOTCUL0XzENCBRNRUnBKnkoH2Wbi20JQ.jpeg)
Description : Instead of a campus newsletter, you could do a podcast. It could be an interview podcast, talking with students and professors, or more like a solo podcast, talking about the news, events, and things going on in the campus.
The equipment needed is pretty cheap, with the possibility of recording even with your phone. As for monetization, it could be done through sponsorships from local businesses or premium content for those who love the podcast.
I haven’t personally seen this on many campuses, which makes me think this is one of the most innovative and unique business ideas for students on the list.
Resources : Here’s an article on the 5 steps required to start a school podcast.
32) Language Course
Description : Do you excel in any language? Do you enjoy teaching other people? Then you should set up a Skype language course and sell classes to people from anywhere in the world while staying in your home. You could easily charge $20-$60/hour and work part-time on it.
Growing your client base is all about building an online presence and getting referrals from your existing customers. In the beginning, you could boost your initial customers by providing them with a free 1-hour call.
Resources : Here’s a long guide for beginners on how to make $30/hour teaching languages and 6 places to get your first clients.
33) Bookkeeping
![business plan product ideas for students #33 business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/6396913051f344969dda365e_gprDGsdKPMUWzFvxOKVci0IITNqB_2XLXc6Z5x4g7-Q906d29qbXBkM91IZaGpFtPVYzBCBfd69dzmM-aSPTqxDFKXPMHrbWrcmziL6nvtwSznMLSTtsrrpao_3IMY7nMmQI874urLMaBY6ivbo95aWMjV7XP8uXyov6IYsq1zChWX4-NFhzjZQgH9rqlw.webp)
Description : You don’t need to have a finance degree in order to be able to manage a local business’s bookkeeping records. An online course or even just some Youtube videos would be more than enough to start with. As all businesses require such work to be done, you probably won’t have big issues finding your first customers.
The initial investment costs are super low, as you can ask the business owner to supply you with the needed tools. As for monetization, most bookkeepers charge per hour and the amount depends on the complexity of the tasks ($30-$100 or more).
Resources : Here’s a detailed video on how to start a bookkeeping business in 2021.
34) Jewelry Business
![business plan product ideas for students #34 business ideas for college students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/63969130c92e13a268a29870_zcTX6g2hmCj1YxrNNlp2-rekB3bD___Bfdh4rraJPXF20kKXXKClRzfjG8qW8Pbiv_a0U-jCLVV0kkuvG22AWi0e0TCuJeJxePbBXS2EEgNj-riKieBEJ3RbxcowKwVsDRjSgx1Eg4tTNcxL4Axu9RmkdCVzFPQYefm7f2OdmolBnZvJ4Yb9KqBlhjwzpQ.jpeg)
Description : This is a great startup idea for students because jewelry making isn’t as hard as it sounds. You can easily learn about it through online courses and Youtube tutorials. You will then need to practice a lot until you start getting great results. Profit margins can be really high when you achieve a nice looking product.
There’s a ton of competition in the jewelry space so you will have to identify a niche. Social media (particularly influencers) are among the most usual strategies carried out by this kind of businesses.
Resources : Shopify has a detailed guide on how to start such businesses. Besides that, a few years ago we interviewed , on this site, the founder of a jewelry business that shut down and then emerged again with a new business model just to start making +10k/month.
35) Baking Business
![business plan product ideas for students #35 businesses to start in college](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/6396913051f34434a6da365f_bYc8a7-IQk3BIcMohL5vrLrzmoM4uz3XC8ufLPHW3knDLbsy7KFLs50uLpLs6vWRBLofPSh1-T8MKO3XF_TTQk7iYybrCcxgvwW07jxQC8EXUgihbM9ET4TAtn1fGlVLUfc83q2T3xBn1l5ybTzb3-ayIU4iynPGr1goe4xBEmbHSTm8Co4H9D_vcN319g.jpeg)
Description : Selling cakes, cookies, bread or other baked goods can be another startup business idea for students. You can easily post an online ad or some leaflets around your campus. Make a client happy, and you will have 3 new ones. The food industry works a lot with word of mouth.
There are two main ways to monetize this. The first would be to prepare the goods based on requests from customers. The second could be to produce 100 cookies, rent a bike, and wander around the campus and neighborhood looking for hungry people. The chosen price for the cookies would be cheaper than if it’s a requested job.
Resources : Here’s a detailed article on how to set up and grow such a business. You should also watch this video from the founder of a “late-night cookie delivery service” in his college city.
36) Youtuber
![business plan product ideas for students #3 business ideas for students](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/639691303a8b1153f354a5f8_SE6g9WTCVQI5Y5u8BdIk-icsimzSJMKDkTRsl3tclfqlcJ9RnsNeVnccBGOqLYiWAFRfTKK63ljxI1PSsOrULVdgL69wouS4BO7skr5ssMj-90wvYa3IdYVXD-x6cYetaBKKlNOMLzN2Mrk4VW9LzxDFkLRYXGKs87sYUwRKPdJo-ckAx6zBpUA5IyTJgg.webp)
Description : Becoming a YouTuber looks like a easy and lucrative career. Many see it as a great business plan idea for students because you make videos on a niche that you enjoy and then make money off them through ads and sponsorships. But the reality is that becoming a well-known YouTuber is not an easy feat.
Behind every famous one, there is a long, painful journey of hard work. Start by creating content and keep iterating from there with the help of your audience. It won't be an overnight success, but if you keep going for some time, you'll see amazing results.
Resources : Here’s an article about a checklist to become a successful Youtuber.
How Can a Student Start a Business?
Or in other words, how do you become a student entrepreneur?
The list of business plan ideas for college students mentioned above is nonsense if you don’t now take action toward the chosen business.
If you are a Business student, you probably have an idea of what are the steps that involve setting up and launching a business. However, all kinds of students read this article, so here are some common steps that entrepreneurs carry out:
1) Decide on the idea
All of the business ideas for college students on the list are really interesting ways of making money, but you definitely can’t work on them all.
To decide which to focus on, make sure to think about what you enjoy doing in your free time, what you excel in, and what would you be willing to keep doing even if it doesn’t bring money (or it means negative numbers). We have compiled a list of both online business ideas and offline business ideas so you can pick the one that best suit your needs and skills. We hope we came up with some innovative startup business ideas for students that you would have never imagined.
Make sure to also consider your initial investment. Some featured in the list are business ideas for college students without investment or little resources, while some others will require a few hundred or thousands to start.
Note that some of the above are business ideas for students in university (or would work better with them) and others are business ideas for students in school (those that don’t require much money and getting physically involved).
2) Decide on a niche
Nowadays, there are businesses of all sizes and shapes. Building one has become so easy that the internet is full of websites, millions of videos are uploaded to Youtube every second, and thousands of LLCs are formed every day.
This means that there’s a lot of competition in any industry. The best solution for students who don’t have enough resources to invest in research and development and build a unique product or don’t have the capital required to set up a huge factory and win over competitors through economies of scale (= low pricing), is to focus on a niche.
A common niche could be to geographically limit the business so that you just focus on people within your neighborhood or your college campus. Another could be to focus on people with certain interests and likes.
3) Choose a name and a brand style
Here’s a detailed article on how to choose a name for your startup. The key is to brainstorm many, evaluate each option, and ask for feedback from your partners.
As for branding, here’s another article on how to build the brand of a business. There are free tools to do it. Don’t spend much money/time on it, at least at the beginning.
4) Launch the business
It’s now time to push the LIVE button for your business.
This needs to happen as fast as possible so that you quickly validate whether it is worth it to keep pushing towards that business idea or it’s better to move to a new one from the above list of entrepreneurship ideas for students.
There’s a common issue entrepreneurs face when launching new startups that’s called “ paralysis by analysis ”. They keep improving the product, adding features, changing the design, etc, and spend months and months without launching it.
This is exactly what you need to avoid, especially if this is your first business. 90% of startups fail (I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this), so you need to launch fast, validate early, and move to another business if it didn’t work.
5) Market your business
You pushed the LIVE button and you didn't get any sales, right?
The “build it and they will come” phrase is a completely unreal myth . It will take you blood, sweat, and tears to get your first clients.
Do some advertising, go outside your home and deliver leaflets (there actually are some unique business ideas for students at home above, in case you’re too lazy), knock on your neighbor’s doors, send cold messages to potential customers that you found on Facebook groups, etc.
6) Make sure your customer is happy
Many of the college business ideas tend to market themselves by word of mouth and referrals. That is why it’s essential to make sure that each of your clients is happy with the results.
Interact with your customers, ask them what they think you could do better next time, provide them with a discount if any parts of the job were done incorrectly… there are so many ways to make your client happy, even if the price of the service is high or the quality of the work wasn’t the best.
If the business is going well, you will soon find yourself with many tasks under your belt and little time to work on them, along with studies and extracurricular activities.
That’s when you might start considering hiring your first employee. In order to avoid the risks of going into negative numbers during a bad month, you can work on a commission-based wage.
In this stage, the selection of new team members is essential. Remember that word of mouth can be a key way of promotion and marketing. If you hire someone who has zero knowledge of the tasks they are required for, delivers low-quality work, or mistreats clients, you will soon find yourself ceasing operations.
Now It’s Your Turn!
There is no direct and simple answer to the question of how to start a business in college.
As smooth as the above startup ideas for students may sound, they will all inevitably require a lot of dedication and perseverance.
There is an abundance of resources at your fingertips, from valuable classes to school technologies, and access to professors. So make use of them in the best way possible, and if the idea still doesn’t seem feasible, lay the groundwork for it.
You would be getting practical knowledge and work experience before finishing the course. Even if it fails. Remember that college is the time to blossom and experiment, and it is only the beginning of your life journey.
If you have any questions, have other small business ideas for students you think we’re missing, or want us to help you with your new startup, make sure to reach us at [email protected] !
Which Business is Best For Students?
Here are some of the best businesses: flip websites, re-sell sneakers or tickets, baby or pet sitting, deliver writing, design or development services, start a blog, sell your class notes, become a tutor, organize others’ trips, organize parties, and create a campus newsletter or podcast.
What Kind Of Business Can a Student Start?
Students can start all kinds of businesses, but it’s really common that they start a service-based one, such as house cleaning, pool cleaning, food delivery, content writing, content transcription, graphic design, and website development, among others.
First, decide your business idea and choose the segment of the market that you’ll be serving. Then, choose a business name and design your business’ brand. Once it is launched, market your business in your neighborhood or campus. Finally, hire employees and scale it!
![business plan product ideas for students Pre Seed Funding](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fadb14c46b287ad224b60b9/624e4451207dc09881e9cc09_Social%20Media%20Images.webp)
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![business plan product ideas for students](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/2ecdaa09da44408d3c2a2b9cba3a2c07.png?originalWidth=1005&originalHeight=1288)
20 Business Ideas for College Students in 2024
Starting a business in college opens up opportunities beyond what’s offered in the classroom. Browse business ideas you can implement from your dorm room.
![business plan product ideas for students Illustration of a person lifting a graduation cap off their head to reveal a lightbulb](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/zodiac-business-ideas-college-students_0a4e8961-5b70-4857-8528-d2bb033671d8.png?v=1705590770)
While summers typically bring sunshine and a chance to relax or travel, for college students the season presents a different opportunity. Starting a small business while you’re still in college can help you reduce tuition debt and earn real-world experience in the summer months. It may even become a flexible side gig once classes resume.
Even better news: There are ways to design your summer around something you enjoy, where you make money online while setting your own hours. There is no shortage of clever small business ideas for college students. But which one is right for you?
Ahead, explore low-barrier business ideas you can implement with little to no upfront investment or experience. The future is bright for those who seize it!
20 business ideas for college students
- Sell handmade goods
- Start a tutoring business
- Sell digital products
- Start a neighborhood service-based business
- Try dropshipping
- Become a content creator
- Become a reseller
- Sell print-on-demand goods
- Become a freelancer
- Create experiences
- Sell at pop-up shops and markets
- Run a summer camp program
- Offer technical services
- Start and monetize a podcast
- Create and sell student resources
- Start a community-focused business or non-profit
- Innovate and develop a new product
- Organize on-campus events
- Try affiliate marketing
- Offer branding and marketing services
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or you’re on break before your senior year of college, this is your moment. When else in your life will you have this much time—and youthful energy—to make a leap?
There are plenty of profitable business ideas for college students that require no startup costs, and can even be run from your home (or dorm room).
1. Sell handmade goods
![business plan product ideas for students The inside of an artist's studio with walls covered in art](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/bookhou_handmade.jpg?v=1705590827)
If you’re creative, take a break from the books to work with your hands and sell handmade goods . You can sell your products through an ecommerce store, online marketplace , or in-person events like a local market. There may be opportunities to sell or market your goods on campus, too. Check with your student administration for rules around commercial activity on school property.
🧼 Success Story: How Katie Carson Build a Soap Empire on YouTube
Royalty Soaps was born after its founder—then a high school student—gained a loyal YouTube following for her soap-making content. 👉 Read Katie's story
2. Start a tutoring business
![business plan product ideas for students A tutor teaches two young children](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/tutoring-side-hustle.jpg?v=1705590988)
3. Sell digital products
![business plan product ideas for students Webpage from the ecommerce site of Thread Theory](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/thread-theory.png?v=1705591095)
This is one of the best business ideas for students living in cramped apartments or dorm rooms. All you need is a computer and your creativity. If you’re studying design, try creating templates or printable digital art to sell online . In a music program? Create beats or short music clips to license for commercial use.
4. Start a neighborhood service-based business
![business plan product ideas for students Woman kneels down to pet a dog on a leash](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-8.jpg?v=1705591207)
5. Try dropshipping
![business plan product ideas for students Two empty cardboard boxes on a table](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/make-money-online-dropshipping_068135e2-0d53-4c85-91a4-f1ebb10fa6e8.jpg?v=1705591235)
6. Become a content creator
Angelina Li started making her own slime at age 14, documenting her experiments on TikTok. After she went viral, she built Fireflyslime , running the business while attending college.
If you’re already a minor superstar on a social media platform like TikTok , YouTube , or Instagram , consider leveraging your growing audience to make money. Do sponsored content or set up an ecommerce store to sell merch to your fans. If you’re starting from scratch, the key to building a following on social media is finding a niche market and creating consistent, engaging content that speaks to your target audience .
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7. Become a reseller
![business plan product ideas for students A woman holds up a vintage shirt in a retail store](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/Sell-vintage-clothing-pexels-mart-production-7679814.png?v=1705591274)
8. Sell print-on-demand goods
![business plan product ideas for students A person leans over a screenprinted tshirt](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/passionfruit.jpg?v=1705591306)
Selling print-on-demand goods is another great option for starting a business on a low budget, and it’s one of the easiest online business ideas for creatives. If you have artistic skills, you can print your designs onto anything from t-shirts to mugs. This business model is a great startup idea you can launch in your free time and run without much oversight.
9. Become a freelancer
![business plan product ideas for students A woman sits at a desk working on a computer](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-12.jpg?v=1705591352)
10. Create experiences
![business plan product ideas for students A person drags a paddleboard across the beach](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/kayak-tours.jpg?v=1705591375)
As a hospitality student, you may consider testing your skills by creating experiences. Can you build and sell local experiences to tourists, for example? Think biking or culinary tours of your city’s favorite spots. University students can offer a unique perspective of the place where they study. In person or virtual classes can also fall under this category. Have a skill and a knack for teaching? Advertise DIY workshops or online marketing courses.
11. Sell at pop-up shops and markets
![business plan product ideas for students A fruit stall at a farmers market](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-3.jpg?v=1705591409)
🥪 Success Story: How a Vegan "Meat" Brand Launched at a Farmer's Market
Brother and sister team Kale and Aubry Walch tested their recipes at a local market before building their own plant-based deli. 👉 Read their story
12. Run a summer camp program
![business plan product ideas for students A person looks through binoculars in a camp setting](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-9.jpg?v=1705591433)
13. Offer technical services
![business plan product ideas for students A person sits at a computer editing a sound clip](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-2.jpg?v=1705591491)
Market your business with Shopify’s customer marketing tools
Shopify has everything you need to capture more leads, send email campaigns, automate key marketing moments, segment your customers, and analyze your results. Plus, it’s all free for your first 10,000 emails sent per month.
14. Start and monetize a podcast
![business plan product ideas for students A person talks into a podcast mic](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-business-ideas-21_2c767521-c621-429e-b4b9-2ee883ddd109.jpg?v=1705591532)
15. Create and sell student resources
![business plan product ideas for students A hand hovers over study material](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-6.jpg?v=1705591556)
16. Start a community-focused business or non-profit
![business plan product ideas for students A webpage from the ecommerce site of Tsuno](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/tsuno.png?v=1705591581)
If your goal isn’t to make money but to gain skills and experience, you could start a cause-based business that gives back to a charity or community organization that you care about. Otherwise, your for-profit business can still aim to donate proceeds to a cause of your choice. Consider worthy causes that are close to home, like providing support for students on financial assistance.
17. Innovate and develop a new product
![business plan product ideas for students A woman holds several Black dolls](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/yelitsa-1_f4bf71f0-983f-44df-bea5-071f65ccaf42.jpg?v=1705591610)
If you’re in an industrial design program, you have access to the tools and software to help you develop a product. If you stumble upon a great invention that could solve a pain point, don’t wait until you graduate to bring it to market. Tap into campus resources to launch your business while you’re still in college.
👩🏾🦱 Success Story: An Art Major Developed a Product to Fill a Market Gap
Yelitsa Jean-Charles was dissatisfied by the options for dolls with Black hair. So she designed her own. She built her successful business, Healthy Roots Dolls, to teach a generation to love their curls. 👉 Read Yelitsa’s story
18. Organize on-campus events
![business plan product ideas for students Rows of seating in a campus auditorium](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-4.jpg?v=1705591636)
19. Try affiliate marketing
![business plan product ideas for students Ecommerce webpage from brand Barkbox](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/Screenshot_2023-09-28_at_1.57.28_PM.png?v=1705591687)
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money online with minimal effort, once you set it up. This is one of the best business ideas for students with already busy schedules. To get started, you’ll need an audience, whether that’s a loyal group of subscribers on YouTube or an engaged Substack email list. You’ll then embed affiliate links in your content, promoting another brand’s products and making a commission when it leads to a sale.
20. Offer branding and marketing services
![business plan product ideas for students A woman sits at a laptop in a cafe setting](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-1.jpg?v=1705591733)
The benefits of starting a business in college
School can give you the academic backing to pursue your dream career, but starting a business teaches you valuable lessons you won’t find in a classroom. There are several benefits to pursuing a business idea in college—and it’s not too late to cash in on them.
Gain real world experience
Sure, business school can teach you theory and formulas, but there’s nothing like doing business to learn the ropes. Experience helps make your résumé stand out from the competition.
Learn hands-on skills
Strengthen your skills in empathy, delegation, stress management , customer service , and more. Student entrepreneurs have a leg up on fellow graduates once they hit the job market. The skills you learn outside the classroom become just as valuable as those learned in class.
Build your professional network
By the time you graduate, you already have a contact list full of people to approach for references, mentorships, and even jobs. This network can include faculty, other students, and members of the local business community .
Try out an industry before you graduate
Studying fashion management? Run your own business selling clothes online to get a taste for the business. Have an interest in working with animals? Try your hand at starting a pet business , offering services to pet owners like dog walking or cat sitting.
Flesh out your résumé
As a new graduate, your CV may be pretty sparse. But if you run your own business in college, you can add “CEO” to your list of accomplishments.
Earn extra cash
Saving to pay expenses and minimize debt is a good idea if you want to lessen the burden after you graduate. A part-time retail job can also be a source of income, but when you’re the boss, the earning potential is up to you.
Enjoy an income source that works around your studies
The common struggle of scheduling a part-time job around studying and classes can add stress. Work on your business on a flexible schedule and then go all in on your summer break.
Gain job opportunities
Your experience running a business will expose you to other people and businesses in your industry. If you make a great impression, these connections could lead directly to job offers after you graduate.
Prepare for your future
One of the biggest takeaways from the FIRE movement is that the earlier you start planning for retirement , the earlier it can happen. Earning income through a small business in college means that you may be able to start saving and investing now.
💡For parents and teachers: Know a younger student looking for a summer opportunity? Browse age-appropriate business ideas for students in Shopify’s guides to business ideas for teens and business ideas for kids and help them start a business that sets them up for success.
How do I start a business as a college student?
![business plan product ideas for students A woman shoots a social video with a phone and tripod](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/college-student-business-idea-7.jpg?v=1705591767)
Which business idea for college students is best for you? In short, your startup should reflect your interests and leverage your strengths. Ask and answer questions like:
- What am I good at?
- What skills do I have that could benefit others?
- Can any of my hobbies or interests become a small business?
- What’s important to me and what are my values ?
- How much time do I have to commit to a small business?
- How much will it cost to start a business ?
- How can I leverage resources at my college to help me start a business ?
- What are my goals?
The answers to these questions will also become a foundation for your business plan and brand guidelines .
Graduate ahead of the class
There are infinite small business ideas for students of all ages. College students should especially take advantage of this exciting phase of life to explore all possibilities for the future—and graduate with a leg up on your classmates. Whether you sell products or services online or find unique opportunities in your field of study, you could be making money now doing what you love.
Feature image by Alice Mollon
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Business ideas for college students FAQ
What is the best business idea for college students.
The best business idea to pursue while you’re still in college is the one that fits best with your schedule, skills, and interests. There are a number of services you can offer that would benefit your built-in audience of fellow students. Profitable business ideas with low upfront costs include on-campus tech services, print-on demand sales, and maker businesses.
What can I sell as a university student?
University students can sell anything, provided you check age restrictions for selling products like alcohol and understand local laws that govern the product or service you’re selling. Creatives can sell prints through a photography business or dabble in jewelry making. Sell your skill through consulting or paid online courses. The possibilities are endless!
What are low cost college business ideas?
Low cost business ideas for college students are those that do not require upfront inventory, specialized equipment, or other costs to get started. For a small fee, anyone can start a business by setting up a simple website to sell goods or services. Try the Shopify Starter Plan to get up and running right from your social accounts.
What’s the easiest business to start in college?
The easiest businesses to start in college is one with a business model that allows you to have a flexible schedule, a low barrier to entry, and low initial investment. These include affiliate marketing, selling digital products, virtual assistant services, and dropshipping.
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- Startup Ideas
46 Best Startup Ideas for Students
| Written by
![business plan product ideas for students Students working together.](https://startupsavant.com/images/startup-ideas/ideas-students.jpg)
Whether you’re in high school, community college, or university, it can prove challenging to juggle a 9-to-5 job while finishing school. Launching your own startup company as a student offers the flexibility of creating your work schedule to align with a busy school schedule.
The first step involves selecting the right business idea for you based on your interests, the overall startup costs, and the amount of time you can dedicate to your business. This guide highlights the most unique and innovative startup business ideas for students to help you find the right one for you.
Startup Business Ideas for Students
Some of the most successful startups in history were created by students. Even if you are only looking for a little side-hustle income while you study, an innovative concept will undoubtedly set you apart from the get-go. Here are some of the best startup ideas for students we’ve sourced.
1. Tutoring
Are you proficient in a specific subject or do you have a unique skill? If yes, you can help other students by starting your own tutoring business. Any subject in which you excel — like math, English, or science — can provide a potential tutoring opportunity.
Tutoring businesses can charge by the session or the hour. You can easily market this type of business within your school, at the public library, or in community centers. Best of all, this startup idea has virtually no startup costs.
2. App Development
While it might seem like there’s already an app for everything, the potential to create millions of apps for entertainment purposes or to solve everyday problems still exists. This startup idea can ideally suit tech-savvy students, but anyone can create a popular app with the right support during production and a great idea.
If you don’t currently have an app idea, don’t worry. Start brainstorming ideas by conducting an audit of daily tasks or problems an app could simplify or solve. Many of the most popular apps solve a common problem, making them more likely to have widespread appeal.
3. Freelance Writing
If you’re a skilled or talented writer, freelance writing might provide a great way for you to make money as you pursue your education. Freelance writers of all kinds are in demand by businesses and publications looking for temporary employees to write blog posts, articles, and other content.
One of the biggest benefits of freelance writing at a younger age is that you’ll gain experience that can help you later on as you establish a career. Sites like Upwork® and Writer Access® provide a secure platform for businesses and freelancers to connect.
4. Podcasting
Next up on our list of business ideas for students is podcasting. As the popularity of podcasts continues to grow , it’s an ideal time to start a podcast of your own. In fact, the podcast industry was valued at $18.52 billion in 2022 . The most successful podcasts feature engaging hosts and a specific topic that can attract interested listeners. You also must feel comfortable with interviewing and public speaking before you start a podcast.
Moreover, it’s best to choose a topic for which you have a passion and can see yourself dedicating a good amount of time to researching. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, your podcast could focus on interviewing other entrepreneurs who currently work to fight climate change.
5. Tech Support
Do you have a knack for solving technical problems? If so, you may want to consider launching a tech support startup. You can run these types of online businesses entirely from your home and market it by posting flyers at schools, coffee shops, and libraries. You just need a phone, a website, and some technical experience. You also can charge by the job, the hour, or the type of device.
In this type of business, customers typically call or email with a technical issue and you, the tech support person, walk them through how to fix that issue. Alternatively, you can request your customers drop their computers off so you can take a first-hand look.
6. Digital Textbook
Digital textbooks are educational ebooks that provide a much-needed alternative to traditional textbooks in terms of both price and sustainability. With the introduction of ereaders and other devices, the market for digital alternatives to educational materials continues to grow. Whether you plan to write a digital textbook or start a website that’ll house popular digital textbooks, this startup idea can enable you to earn a profit while you provide a service to students and the educational system.
Online learning continued to gain popularity in the past year. Providing additional tools for students — or people who just want to brush up on a subject — by developing an educational technology (edtech) startup can make education more accessible to a larger fraction of society. Startup costs for this business idea can range from $12 to $27,209 , depending on the business model.
Whether you plan to develop an app, create online courses, or build an online tutoring resource for students, you must first identify your target subject and platform. Additionally, successful edtech startups tend to offer a product that’s both effective and intuitive. Remember to consider those criteria during your product development process.
See our interview below with the co-founders of edtech startup Trashbots !
![business plan product ideas for students YouTube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HVdCbugUd8k/hqdefault.jpg)
8. Meal Delivery Service
Faced with fewer dine-in options, people increasingly turned to food delivery services in the past year. In fact, the market is expected to experience a 14.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2032. Starting your own meal delivery service can help small local businesses meet delivery demand, enable customers to enjoy their favorite restaurants, and provide a business opportunity that’ll work with your busy schedule.
To compete with the big names in meal delivery, connect with your local restaurant owners. Many popular food delivery apps and websites charge a substantial fee to deliver for restaurants. Your business can gain a competitive edge by offering quick delivery times and lower fees.
9. College Care Package Business
Going away to college often represents an exciting adventure. For families and friends seeking to support their favorite college students, a college care package business can take the guesswork out of what to send them with thoughtfully curated packages.
One benefit of starting this type of business is that you can operate it completely online. That’ll reduce your overhead costs and give you more freedom for your busy schedule. Offering a variety of packages for different types of students with customizable options will set your college care package business apart from the competition.
10. Ebook Writing
Today, you can accomplish almost everything virtually — even publishing a book. Ebooks provide an alternative to traditional publishing, making them cheaper for both authors and readers. Moreover, ebooks are far more sustainable than paper books.
To get started, you’ll need writing experience and a topic idea for your ebook. Whether you choose to write a novel or a cookbook, the ebook market offers a huge profit potential while requiring minimal startup and overhead costs. Especially considering that ebooks made up over 10% of book sales in 2022 . That makes this type of business a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
11. Social Media Influencer
A successful social media influencer almost always understands how to create and effectively market a brand. If you think you’re up to the challenge, this can make a lucrative and exciting startup idea. Social media influencers with between 10,000 and 25,000 followers make $100-$250 per post , on average.
Influencers earn money through brand deals. Because every industry has influencers, you’re more likely to generate a large viewership and build a strong brand if you focus on a specific industry or niche for which you have a passion. In addition, you’ll need to feel comfortable with public speaking and connecting with your audience in order to attract brands that want to work with you.
12. Mobile Coffee Cart
Many students work in coffee shops and cafes while pursuing their education. A mobile coffee cart offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to network within your community. It also provides a relatively low-cost alternative to opening a brick-and-mortar cafe with many mobile coffee carts costing between $2,000-$5,000 to start.
Customers typically hire mobile coffee carts to work events like corporate retreats, school events, and even weddings. Make your business stand out by offering a customizable drink menu that can complement customers’ event themes.
13. YouTube Channel
Launching a YouTube channel is next up on our list of startup business ideas for students. YouTube has billions of subscribers worldwide, which means the platform offers a great opportunity for new channels and video content. Starting your own video channel can represent another form of blogging (called “vlogging”) or provide a space for you to teach a skill or share a hobby. If you have a passion for ceramics, for example, you could start an entire channel about your process from clay to kiln.
Social media platforms focus on making connections, and YouTube is no exception. Every industry or hobby has the potential to connect with thousands of YouTube subscribers, which you could parlay into a lucrative business venture. Especially considering the average YouTuber in the US makes $33 per hour on average.
14. Review Website
Like most people, you probably search online for reviews before you spend your money at an unfamiliar business. Review websites hold businesses accountable by giving people insights about them so potential customers can make an informed decision.
You can easily start and manage this kind of website with a minimal budget, making it perfect for student entrepreneurs. In order to run a successful review website, you’ll need to gain credibility with customers and differentiate your site from larger review sites like Yelp.
![](http://sokolural.site/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
15. Social Media Platform
Many social media users seek new platforms to explore so they can connect with others. Starting your own social media platform can provide a space to foster a sense of community as well as a potentially lucrative business venture. Moreover, it offers a flexible schedule — especially during the initial stages of operating your site.
To entice users to join your social media platform, focus on developing ideas that’ll make your site feel distinct from other platforms. For example, you could opt to cater to a specific demographic like gamers or musicians.
16. Livestreaming
If you already spend a lot of time playing video games, why not make it a business venture? Livestreaming essentially involves broadcasting live footage of your game as you play, using a platform like Twitch or Smashcast. Once you obtain the minimum number of followers (e.g., 500 on TWITCH), you can become a partner of the livestreaming site and begin to make money based on the traffic your streams generate.
17. Graphic Design
Many businesses and organizations need graphic designers to create visual branding for use on everything from signage to marketing materials. Because graphic design is a fairly broad industry, having a multifaceted skill set can prove extremely beneficial. For example, proficiency in logo design as well as typography or web design can help you book more clients and build your portfolio.
18. Dropshipping
If you like the idea of an ecommerce startup but don’t have the room to store items to sell, dropshipping could be the perfect solution. Dropshipping startups simply take customer’s orders online, but instead of filling orders themselves, they are sent to a third-party retailer for fulfillment. Essentially, your startup consists of customer experience management, marketing, and curating items for your dropshipping business. On average, dropshippers make $3,414 per month , according to ZipRecruiter.
19. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular side hustle , but it can be a profitable business idea if you do it right. Through affiliate marketing, you will earn a commission on sales you drive for brands you partner with. What makes this idea particularly good for college students is that there is a relatively low barrier to entry. Be sure to pick products you’re already known for, associated with, and to which you have market access.
20. Website Development
Building websites can be a great way to make money as a student, particularly if you’re studying something related. Almost everyone, from businesses to individual entrepreneurs, needs a website, and if you do a great job on the first few projects, you’ll start getting business through word of mouth. This is another space with a pretty low barrier to entry as there are many open source tools available for developers.
21. Virtual Assistant
You don’t have to be in an office to help businesses and fellow entrepreneurs get organized. A virtual assistant startup is a great business idea for organized, task-oriented individuals. If this sounds like you, it is easy to get started by utilizing sites that can help you find work you’re interested in. Get a competitive edge by diversifying your skill set to make yourself eligible for a litany of job opportunities. Plus, this flexible position brings in $24 per hour on average in the US, according to ZipRecruiter.
22. Web Design
Web designers focus predominantly on the user experience aspect of web pages. If your field of study relates to design (or even if this is just a passion for you), a web design startup might be your best bet for a student business. To really hook the clients, pair up with a friend in the development space and offer your services as a package.
23. Handcrafted Products
Handmade, artisanal goods never go out of style. Plus, the market for handmade goods is expected to see moderate growth from 2023 to 2030 at a CAGR of 4.7% . Selling handcrafted products offers you the flexibility of selling your goods online, in established retailers, or at local markets. The first step involves determining the product(s) you’ll make. This could include food products, pet toys, wooden furniture, or many other items. To successfully sell handcrafted products, remember to focus on product quality and cater to the right niche market.
24. Cleaning Services
Next on our list of the best business ideas for students is cleaning services. You can start a successful cleaning startup in several ways. For example, you could start a house-cleaning business, an office-cleaning business, or a graffiti-cleaning business, among others.
This type of startup has low initial costs and flexible hours. You can schedule as many clients as you can manage based on your availability. Overhead costs for cleaning services include marketing materials, cleaning supplies, and vehicle expenses, which means it’ll cost very little to launch your cleaning startup. Notably, in the US, cleaning business owners make $127,973 per year on average , making this a lucrative business for students.
25. Moving Company
If you ask people if they enjoy moving, most will answer with a firm “no.” That can make a moving company startup a potentially lucrative business idea. Not to mention, the industry has grown by 11.4% in 2022, meaning the demand for moving companies is increasing. You’ll need to hire a team and purchase a vehicle large enough to move furniture so this type of business has higher startup costs than other business ideas. But, that initial investment can pay off once you start booking jobs and generating positive reviews.
26. Planner and Journal Business
The right planner or journal can help even the most disorganized people manage their time more effectively. Journals also can serve multiple purposes, making them a valuable tool for many. Starting a planner and journal business can help fulfill the demand for these products while offering you a potentially lucrative business venture.
Planner and journal businesses can sell their products online or in established retailers like bookstores and novelty shops. To make your products stand out, consider giving them distinctive features like including time-management tips inside your planners or manufacturing your journals from recycled materials.
27. Social Media Marketing
If you’re already spending a lot of time on social media platforms and you have a good understanding of the marketing end, why not turn that into a startup? Anyone with a product or service, especially local businesses, to sell today needs to be on social media, and many business people do not have the skills or the time to pull it off well. The multiple free scheduling and design tools available today also make this a pretty low-cost industry to enter.
28. Website Flipping
Another website-based startup you can try is website flipping. People often allow their websites to go dormant either because they’ve closed their business or just aren’t interested anymore. This is an opportunity for you to purchase this website at a relatively low cost, optimize it, increase the traffic, and flip it at an excellent profit when it is worth far more than it was.
29. Motivational Apps
Mobile apps are really popular, and if they make you feel good and improve your life, all the better. Apps geared toward motivation do very well in most app stores, and they’re relatively simple to build and maintain. You will need to come up with an innovative idea, though, but thankfully, there are many spaces to work within — meditation, mindfulness, inspiration, and productivity, to name a few. If you plan to develop an app of your own, you can also take advantage of university-led incubators or startup accelerators such as Techstars Mobility or Plug and Play Tech Center.
30. Organization Service
Few people naturally possess strong organizational skills. If you’re one of those few, an organization service may represent the perfect startup idea for you. Professional organizing services not only help customers tidy up cluttered spaces, but also help them develop the organizational skills they need to maintain order going forward. One of the benefits of starting this type of business is you can operate it either in person by visiting customers’ homes and offices or virtually by conducting video consultations.
31. Errand-Running Service
Busy professionals, small businesses, and seniors typically need help running errands they can’t get to themselves. This could involve going to the post office, picking up dry cleaning, or taking a pet to a vet appointment.
To get started, you just need a vehicle, a phone, and some spare time. You can operate your errand-running business from home and market your services on bulletin boards at community centers, senior centers, or anywhere you can post a flier with your information. While this business idea isn’t the most lucrative, on average, errand runners make $15 per hour . If you can manage a fleet of errand runners, the earnings can add up.
32. Language Learning Startup
If you’ve learned a foreign language, you know it’s difficult, especially for adults. However, knowing a second language is not only a fun pastime, but it opens up job opportunities and helps people connect with other communities. A language learning startup can be any product or service that helps people learn a new language, such as an app, instructional website, or written guides.
To make your startup stand out, focus on making learning a new language fun for users so that they want to reach for your product or resources again and again. If you opt for a tech-related language learning model, consider utilizing an edtech incubator to help develop your idea such as Berkeley SkyDeck, FasterCapital, or ASU Venture Devils.
33. Virtual Event Planning
With businesses and organizations grappling with social distancing requirements in the last few years, the virtual events space has exploded, and hosting events online has actually become a game-changer for many businesses. As a result, a new critical skill has emerged: the need to plan these events. If you have great digital skills and you’re pretty good at organizing people, look into virtual event planning as a startup. Again, there are many open-source tools available that make breaking into this space relatively cheap.
34. Clean Beauty Products
Green or “clean” beauty products are increasing in popularity across the US as we learn more and more about the harmful effects of some ingredients in traditional beauty products. In fact, the global clean beauty market is currently valued at $8.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $15.3 billion by 2028 . A green beauty product startup provides a better alternative, whether it’s clean skincare or cosmetics — the key is to create a product that is as effective as traditional products without the same damaging ingredients.
35. Software Startup
A software development startup is responsible for creating, distributing, and maintaining the programs that businesses use every day. This industry is experiencing exciting growth with annual revenue of $238 billion per year and an annual growth rate of 3.9% , which means this startup idea holds a tremendous amount of opportunity for entrepreneurs.
36. Snack Company
Do you have a go-to homemade snack that you know other people would love as well? If so, take your tasty treats to the next level by starting a snack company . Consumers are always looking for delicious new snack options with special ingredients or a twist on a classic snack. Growing your audience can be done by going to farmers’ markets or local events and letting people try your delicious new snack!
37. Robotics Startup
It’s not uncommon for robotics startups to be founded by students or recent graduates, especially if they are studying in the field at one of the more prestigious colleges with well-backed programs and grants for research. College can be an amazing place to discover new technology and brainstorm with fellow students, but you also want to ensure that you understand the industry you’re trying to get into before you get too far ahead of yourself.
With that said, definitely use the resources at your disposal if you’re in a great robotics program and see where it can take you and your startup. Or, consider joining an incubator or accelerator such as AlleyCorp, MARL 5G Accelerator, or Buildit Accelerator to help develop your startup.
38. Fintech
If you have a good understanding of both the financial and technology spaces, you may want to consider a fintech startup as your niche. Historically, student fintech startups that have focused predominantly on student financial issues have done really well. It’s vital to understand your market, after all. When you start to delve into the world of finance, though, you’ll need to ensure that you are complying with any state laws that govern the industry. After you’ve ticked that box, your fintech startup will be ready to go. For a startup idea like this, you may want to consider seed stage venture capital firms such as Precursor Ventures that have a history of deploying capital into promising fintech companies.
39. Marketplace Website
Become the platform your community uses to sell and exchange goods and services by creating a marketplace website startup. Elevate the startup idea by prioritizing user experience and safety protocols. The key to a successful marketplace website is to create a positive experience for users that makes buying and selling items seamless and safe.
40. Sustainable Clothing Line
Fashion is one of the most wasteful industries on the planet. If you’re thinking about starting a clothing line, consider making it a sustainable one! Plus, the demand for these businesses is growing and is projected to continue that trajectory, forecasted to grow from $7.8 billion in 2023 to $33.05 in 2030 . A sustainable clothing line can make an impact by creating thoughtful garments that are long-lasting and ethically made out of sustainable materials such as linen or hemp.
41. Virtual Meeting Platform
With the virtual events space growing so considerably, the need for virtual meeting services has increased proportionately. This might mean anything from scheduling software for end-to-end management or perhaps even add-on apps that assist large companies with the management of various meetings simultaneously. There are several open-source tools available to help you break into this space.
42. Beverage Startup
If you have a great drink recipe or an idea for a special ingredient or function that will entice customers, start a beverage company ! A competitive edge in this industry is well-designed packaging that is catered to a target demographic and, of course, a delicious beverage inside. If you’re more of a connoisseur of beverages, a beverage distribution company is another lucrative startup idea that can be focused on a specific type of beverage such as beer, soda, or wine. Keep in mind that if you start a beverage company, you may benefit from a founder community such as Foodbevy to connect with other entrepreneurs in the space and grow together.
43. SEO Services
Search engine optimization ( SEO ) is an essential tool for online marketing. However, to achieve a successful SEO service, you need to dedicate time and effort to creating content and staying on top of changes in search trends. Starting an SEO services startup offers customers an opportunity to cash in on this powerful internet marketing tool without spending too much of their own. To create a successful SEO services startup, you will need a deep understanding of SEO tactics and the software to do effective research.
44. Online Courses
Online courses are a great way to use your existing knowledge to help college students, professionals, or anyone looking to expand their skill set in a niche market. This startup idea, on average, can bring in roughly $82,500 per year , according to ZipRecruiter. To create an online course, you will likely want to join an online course platform such as Udemy or Skillshare and utilize digital marketing strategies to get the word out about your course. However, a great online course can be one of the less laborious but still profitable business ideas for students.
45. Translation Services
If you speak more than one language, offering translation services can be a great way to leverage your skills to start your own business. A translation services business is often responsible for translating various documents while maintaining client confidentiality. This can be done to either provide grammatical and spelling help or to ensure the content of the translation matches the original document.
46. Become a Reseller
With the rise of apps such as Poshmark, Vinted, and Depop, reselling clothing, shoes, and even home goods has become a popular side hustle for students. While some sellers opt to resell items from their own closets, others choose to upcycle garments or scour local thrift stores for deals on items. This idea involves keeping an eye on trends as well as offering items seasonally to ensure you are selling an item when demand is at its peak.
How to Choose a Business Idea
Starting your own business as a student can mean additional cash and valuable experience. However, choosing a profitable business idea can be challenging, here’s a few tips to find the right business idea for you.
Research Time Dedication
Whether you’re in high school or college, school is your number one priority. Therefore, you need to seek business ideas that will be doable with your current school load. Many online business ideas for students provide time flexibility and allow you to work on your entrepreneurial goals during spare moments.
Pull From Your Skill Set
What are you already well versed in? Pulling from your skill set allows you to build a strong foundation early on and capitalize on your existing knowledge. This could mean launching a tutoring business if you’re highly educated in one subject or doing freelance work doing strategy for other local businesses getting started on social media platforms.
Follow Your Passion
Above all, when you’re starting your own business you should choose business ideas that you’re excited and passionate about. If you are passionate about your business idea, there is a higher chance you will dedicate the time and effort necessary to make it a profitable, sustainable startup.
Explore More Startup Ideas
- Best Startup Ideas
- Online Startup Ideas
- Startup Ideas for Social Entrepreneurs
- Sustainable Startup Ideas
- Startup Ideas for Education Entrepreneurs
- Startup Ideas for Teens
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- Tech Startup Ideas
- Startup Ideas for Food Lovers
- Side Hustle Startup Ideas
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Further Reading
- What Is a Startup? July 2, 2024
- 8 Best Online Incorporation Services for Startups in 2024 August 22, 2024
- How to Start a Startup in 10 Steps (2024 Guide) August 29, 2024
Topics to Explore
- Startup Basics
- Startup Leadership
- Startup Marketing
- Startup Funding
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31 Best Business Ideas for Students 2024 (Combine with Studies)
Navigating college is an adventure. For many, it's a time of learning, growth, and exploration. But it can also be a time for innovative thinking and entrepreneurial action. Yes, college students can start their own businesses and make serious money!
Welcome to the world of student entrepreneurship! This guide will provide you with the 31 best business ideas for students in 2023. You don't need to wait until graduation to lay the foundation for a successful future.
Whether you have a knack for creating viral content on social media platforms or simply have a burning passion, there are countless profitable business ideas.
Not only will these ventures potentially earn you income, but they also teach invaluable skills, enhance your resume, and perhaps transform into a full-time career post-graduation. Buckle up and get ready to explore!
Benefits of Starting a Business as a Student
In between juggling classes, extracurriculars, and social life, you may wonder why on earth a college student would want to start their own business. The answer lies in the benefits that come with running your own show, especially while still in college.
Let's unpack the potential rewards of a student launching their own business.
Real-World Experience
By translating a business idea into action, students can gain hands-on experience in the business world.
You'll learn to manage resources, understand the market, and enhance your negotiation skills. In other words, you're receiving a real-world MBA while still pursuing your degree.
Financial Independence
Let's not overlook the appeal of making money. Many college students feel the pinch of financial constraints. Having a profitable business idea not only paves the way for financial independence but also reduces reliance on student loans or part-time jobs.
Entrepreneurial Skills
Student entrepreneurship cultivates essential entrepreneurial characteristics and skills like leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to future career endeavors and can set you apart in the job market.
Utilize Free Time
College often offers more free time than a 9-5 job. This flexibility allows for the pursuit of innovative startup business ideas. And remember, many of today's biggest companies were born out of college dorm rooms.
Building a Network
Running a business gives students opportunities to interact with diverse groups, helping them build a strong network. This can open up more opportunities down the line, both for their business and for their future careers.
Best Business Ideas for Students
1. online tutoring.
![business plan product ideas for students Global Online Tutoring MArket](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-Online-Tutoring-MArket.jpeg)
Ah, the classic tutoring business. But this time, with a modern twist. As a college student, you have a treasure trove of knowledge that can be turned into an online business idea.
What and Why?
Online tutoring is one of the most approachable business ideas for students. You get to share your academic strengths, be it math, science, languages, or essay writing, with learners worldwide.
With the shift to remote learning, the demand for online tutors has spiked, making it a potentially lucrative endeavor.
Where and How?
Get started by identifying the subject areas you excel in and are passionate about teaching. You could offer services through established platforms like Chegg or start your own website. Don't forget to advertise your services on social media platforms and student forums, and use the best online teaching tools .
Practical Takeaways
- Research online platforms where tutors are needed.
- Identify your strengths and the subjects you can teach.
- Build a schedule that balances your tutoring with academic commitments.
- Network on social media pages and student forums to find potential students.
2. Proofreading and Editing Services
Another business idea where you can cash in on your academic skills is proofreading and editing. It's a niche market, but it's always in demand, especially among your fellow students.
The hustle and bustle of academic life often leave students struggling to proofread their papers thoroughly. Offering a fresh pair of eyes and a knack for grammar, you can provide editing services for your peers and even academic staff.
Just like online tutoring, you can start offering these services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr or create your own website . Again, the social media accounts of your fellows are your best friends when it comes to promotion.
- Brush up on your grammar and style guides.
- Determine a fair but profitable pricing structure.
- Promote your services through all available channels.
- Deliver high-quality work to build a good reputation and attract repeat clients.
3. Social Media Consultancy
![business plan product ideas for students Social Media Consultancy](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Social-Media-Consultancy.jpeg)
While college students are known for their social media savvy, local businesses often struggle to maintain an active online presence. This disparity creates a prime opportunity for you to step in and offer your services.
By offering social media consultancy services, you can help businesses expand their online presence and engage with their customers more effectively. With more businesses turning to online platforms, the demand for social media consultancy is on the rise.
Start by identifying local businesses in your area that could use a social media boost. Offer to manage their social media pages or provide consultancy on their online strategy. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer can help you manage multiple social media accounts efficiently.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of various social media platforms.
- Identify businesses in need of social media services.
- Master the tools that will help you manage social media accounts efficiently.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest social media trends and stats to offer relevant advice.
4. Website Development
Let's talk digital, shall we? Web development – it's like constructing buildings but in cyberspace. With more and more businesses going digital, the need for well-crafted websites is ever-growing.
Website development is one of the most lucrative online business ideas that aligns with the digital age. If you're tech-savvy and know how to code, this is your opportunity to make serious money. Every business, big or small, needs a website, and they're willing to pay for a job well done.
This is one of the profitable online business ideas that can be launched right from your dorm room. You can start by using website builders like WordPress or Wix to provide simple websites.
As you grow, you can move on to more complex coding languages like JavaScript or Python to offer custom solutions.
- Learn basic and advanced coding languages.
- Create a portfolio website to showcase your work.
- Stay updated with the latest web design trends and stats .
- Network with local businesses and online communities to find potential clients.
5. Graphic Design Services
![business plan product ideas for students Graphic Designer Facts & Stats](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Graphic-Designer-Facts-Stats.jpeg)
Picture this – using your creativity to help businesses visually communicate with their customers. Yes, we're talking about graphic design .
If you have a knack for aesthetics and know your way around design software, offering graphic design services could be your golden goose. From logo design to marketing collateral, businesses need a multitude of graphics and are ready to pay for quality work.
You can offer your services on freelancing platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. Alternatively, you could create your own website to showcase your portfolio. Social media platforms are excellent places to promote your work and attract clients.
- Learn to use design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva.
- Develop a diverse portfolio showcasing your design skills.
- Understand the needs and preferences of your target audience.
- Stay updated with the latest design trends.
6. Freelance Writing
If you're the kind who can paint pictures with words, then freelance writing could be your canvas.
Freelance writing service is a flexible and profitable business idea that can be pursued right from your college dorm. Businesses, bloggers, and various online platforms are always in search of original, high-quality content.
You can offer writing services on platforms like ProBlogger or start a blog . Besides, academic writing platforms, like EssayShark and Writers Labs, always welcome writers who can assist with essay writing. Promote your services via social media to attract more clients.
- Polish your writing skills and learn different writing styles.
- Identify your niche – tech, fashion, academic writing, etc.
- Create a portfolio showcasing your writing prowess.
- Network with potential clients on social media platforms.
7. Virtual Assistant
![business plan product ideas for students Business Functions Delegated to Virtual Assistants](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Business-Functions-Delegated-to-Virtual-Assistants.jpeg)
Stepping into the digital arena once more, let's explore the world of virtual assistance. Picture a personal assistant operating in the cloud, and you've got a virtual assistant.
What and Why? Being a virtual assistant is a great business idea for students. With more small businesses going digital, the demand for remote assistance is on the rise.
As a VA, you can offer services ranging from email management to social media scheduling. If you're organized and love helping others, this gig could be your ticket to making extra money.
Where and How? Kickstart your VA journey right from your laptop. Begin by identifying the tasks you're skilled at—it could be anything from managing calendars to handling customer service. Promote your services on social media platforms and freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
- Identify your skills and package them into services.
- Use project management software like Asana or Trello for organization.
- Master employability skills , like communication and learning, to elevate your chances of being hired.
- Develop a strong online presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, to attract potential clients.
8. E-commerce Store
Imagine owning a store without the hassle of a physical space. Welcome to the world of e-commerce .
What and Why? Starting a profitable online store is one of the best business ideas for students. The e-commerce industry is booming, and there's a world of products you could sell. From handmade crafts to imported goods, the online marketplace is vast and varied.
Where and How? E-commerce platforms , like Shopify or Etsy, make it easy to set up your own e-commerce store. To start an e-commerce business from scratch , you need to identify your niche, source products, set up your online shop, and start selling.
- Research to find a profitable niche that aligns with your interest.
- Excellent product photography is key to attracting customers.
- Invest in good customer service.
- Use social media platforms to promote your store.
9. Dropshipping Business
![business plan product ideas for students Global Dropshipping Market Size](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-Dropshipping-Market-Size.jpeg)
Now, what if you could run a store without dealing with inventory? Sounds great, right? That's dropshipping.
What and Why? Dropshipping is a lucrative online business idea where you sell products without handling them. You purchase the item from a third party after a customer makes an order and have it shipped directly to them. It's a fantastic way to start an e-commerce business with minimal upfront costs.
Where and How? You can start dropshipping on an e-commerce platform like Shopify, which integrates with dropshipping providers like Oberlo. You select the products, set up your store, and start marketing.
- Choose products with high demand and low competition.
- Create an appealing website to attract customers.
- Excellent customer service is still a priority.
- Use social media and SEO strategies for marketing your business.
10. Translation Services
In the modern globalized world, language has never been more important. This is where offering translation services can come into play for multilingual students.
What and Why? Translation services are an excellent business idea for students fluent in more than one language. With businesses expanding internationally, the demand for translators is high.
Offering translation services can help bridge language gaps and enable effective communication. Plus, it's an online business idea with low startup costs .
Where and How? This business can be operated from anywhere. You can offer your services on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Moreover, targeting industries like legal or medical can fetch higher rates due to the specialized language used.
- Identify the languages and industries you want to focus on.
- Develop your translation skills and stay updated with linguistic changes.
- Network with businesses that may require your services.
- Create a profile on freelancing platforms.
11. Digital Marketing Agency
![business plan product ideas for students How big is the Digital Marketing Industry](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/How-big-is-the-Digital-Marketing-Industry-1.jpeg)
With businesses going digital, having an online presence has become a necessity. And guess what? You could be the one to help them establish that presence.
What and Why? Starting a digital marketing agency is a perfect business idea for students well-versed in the digital world. From SEO to social media management, businesses are willing to pay for help in navigating the online marketplace.
Where and How? Digital marketing services can be run from home with your laptop and an internet connection. You could start with a specific area, like SEO or social media, and expand your offerings as your agency grows.
- Stay updated with the latest digital marketing trends and stats .
- Identify your niche and excel at it.
- Build a portfolio to showcase your skills.
- Network and build relationships with potential clients.
12. Mobile App Development
Got a knack for coding? Mobile app development could be your ticket to a thriving business.
What and Why? With everyone glued to their smartphones, apps have become indispensable. Mobile app development is an excellent business idea for students with coding skills. There are different kinds of mobile apps out there. Whether it's a game or a productivity app , if you can create such an app, there's a market for it.
Where and How? Developing apps can be done from your dorm room or home. All you need is a computer, relevant development software, and a great idea. Once your app is ready, you can publish it on app stores and start generating income either through in-app purchases or advertising.
- Stay updated with the latest app development technologies.
- Identify a problem that your app can solve.
- Invest time in designing an intuitive and attractive user interface.
- Market your app effectively on social media platforms and app stores.
13. Online Coaching
![business plan product ideas for students Online Coaching Platform Market Size](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Online-Coaching-Platform-Market-Size-.jpeg)
Do you have skills or knowledge that others are eager to learn? If so, online coaching is an excellent business idea that lets you capitalize on your expertise while helping others grow.
What and Why? Online coaching is all about imparting your knowledge, skills, or experiences to others via digital means.
Whether you're an academic wizard, a business guru, or even a sports coach, you can reach and impact a global audience. With the rise of remote learning, this online business idea has gained immense popularity.
Where and How? You can operate an online coaching business from the comfort of your home. Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet can be used to conduct sessions, and social media platforms can help market your services.
Additionally, creating a YouTube channel to share snippets of your coaching sessions can attract potential clients.
- Identify your area of expertise and the target audience.
- Design a structured curriculum or course.
- Market your services through social media.
- Deliver high-quality, engaging sessions to retain and attract more clients.
14. Stock Photography
Do you have a keen eye for aesthetics and a decent camera? Then stock photography can be a lucrative business idea for you.
What and Why? Stock photography involves selling your high-quality photos through platforms that supply images to businesses, websites, and individuals.
With businesses' growing online presence, the demand for unique, quality images is on the rise, making it an excellent business idea for students.
Where and How? You can start your photography business from anywhere, shooting images that interest you or align with market demand.
Once you have a collection, you can upload these photos to stock image websites like Shutterstock or Getty Images, where users can purchase them.
- Invest in a good quality camera and learn basic photography skills.
- Understand the market demand and trends in stock photography.
- Regularly upload your photos to stock image websites.
- Ensure your images are clear, well-composed, and high-resolution.
15. Podcast Production
![business plan product ideas for students U.S Market Podcast Revenue Growth Projections](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/U.S-Market-Podcast-Revenue-Growth-Projections.jpeg)
Podcasting is taking the digital world by storm. With a unique concept and excellent production, you can join the podcasting wave.
What and Why? Podcasting involves creating digital audio files on various topics that can be streamed or downloaded by users. If you have a knack for storytelling or expertise in a specific field, podcasting can be an engaging way to share your knowledge and ideas.
Where and How? Starting a podcast doesn't require a fancy studio. You can start recording from your own room with a decent microphone and editing software. Once your podcast is ready, distribute it on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your own website.
- Identify a unique topic or niche for your podcast.
- Invest in decent recording and editing equipment.
- Promote your podcast through social media and collaborate with other podcasters.
- Engage with your audience by asking for feedback and topic suggestions.
16. Fitness Instructor
For those students passionate about health and wellness, becoming a fitness instructor is a rewarding way to transform your passion into profit.
What and Why? As a fitness instructor, you'll provide workout routines and health advice to clients. With the increase in health consciousness, this business idea for students allows you to empower others to lead healthier lives while maintaining your own fitness.
Where and How? You can conduct classes virtually using video conferencing platforms , like Zoom or Skype, or in person if you have your space.
Initially, you can provide services for a small fee or even free to build a client base and reputation. Gradually, as you gain more clients and experience, you can increase your rates.
- Gain fitness certification to enhance credibility.
- Identify a fitness niche – yoga, aerobics, weight training, etc.
- Market your services on social media platforms and through word of mouth.
- Maintain a high level of personal fitness and continually update your knowledge.
17. Home Organizing Service
![business plan product ideas for students Home Organizing Service](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Home-Organizing-Service.jpeg)
If you have a knack for decluttering and organizing, starting a home organizing service can be the right business idea for you.
What and Why? A home organizing service helps clients declutter and organize their living spaces, leading to a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
With the rise in popularity of minimalistic living and decluttering trends, this is one of the more practical small business ideas for students.
Where and How? This business can be started in your local area, targeting homes and even offices. You'll physically visit the client's location, assess the situation, and provide organizing services. You can promote your services through social media platforms, local advertising, and word of mouth.
- Learn basic organizing principles and trends.
- Start with small projects and gradually take on bigger ones.
- Build a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients.
- Provide excellent customer service to build a solid reputation.
18. Pet Care Service
For animal-loving students, a pet care service can be an enjoyable way to earn extra money.
What and Why? A pet care service includes pet sitting, dog walking, and even grooming. As people's lives become busier, the demand for reliable pet care services is on the rise, making this a profitable business idea for students.
Where and How? You can start a pet care service in your neighborhood. Promote your services by distributing flyers or posting on community notice boards.
You can also leverage the online business model by creating a simple website optimized for SEO or using social media platforms to attract customers.
- Learn basic pet care skills, including first aid.
- Determine competitive rates for your services.
- Promote your services both offline and online.
- Provide a caring, reliable service to build trust with clients and their pets.
19. Gardening Services
![business plan product ideas for students Global Landscaping And Gardening Services Market](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-Landscaping-And-Gardening-Services-Market.jpeg)
As greenery is the need of the hour, a gardening service might be the best business idea for students with a green thumb.
What and Why? Gardening services can range from lawn maintenance to plant advice and landscaping. It's a business idea for students who enjoy gardening and have knowledge about different types of plants and their care.
Where and How? You can start this service within your local community. Advertise your services at local events, community centers, or online platforms. As you gain experience, you can expand your client base through word of mouth and positive customer feedback.
- Brush up your knowledge about different types of plants and their care.
- Invest in basic gardening tools.
- Offer personalized garden design services.
- Consider offering related services like composting advice or garden installations.
20. Handmade Crafts
If you have a knack for creating handmade items like jewelry or home decor, turning your hobby into a business could be a lucrative idea.
What and Why? Creating and selling handmade crafts allows you to express your creativity while making money. From jewelry making to knitted products, the possibilities are endless, and the demand for unique handmade items is growing.
Where and How? You can sell your handmade crafts at local craft fairs or online platforms like Etsy. Also, sell them on social media platforms like Instagram, where you can reach a larger audience. Word of mouth among other students is a powerful way to expand your business too.
- Identify a niche market and create products that appeal to that market.
- Invest in high-quality materials for your crafts.
- Learn about basic business principles like pricing strategies and Marketing Mix .
- Take high-quality photos of your products for online listings.
21. Online Courses
![business plan product ideas for students Global eLearning Market Size by Year](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-eLearning-Market-Size-by-Year.jpeg)
With the rise of the internet, sharing knowledge has never been easier. If you're knowledgeable about a specific subject, offering online courses can be a million-dollar business idea .
What and Why? Online courses can be about anything, computer coding, music, art, science, you name it. If you're passionate and knowledgeable about a topic, you can teach it to others. This is an ideal business idea for college students, as they can target their peers or those in lower grades.
Where and How? You can create your courses and host them on online course platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or even your website. Promote your courses through your social media platforms, within your college, or through email marketing.
- Identify a topic that you're both knowledgeable about and that has demand.
- Design the course to be engaging and comprehensive.
- Invest time in creating high-quality course materials.
- Utilize SEO to ensure your course is discoverable on online platforms.
22. Influencer
Nowadays, being a social media influencer isn't just about posting photos on a beach. It's a business idea ripe with potential for enterprising students with a knack for online communities.
What and Why? “ Influencer” is a broad term spanning across various social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.
It's all about building an audience by sharing engaging content and working with brands to promote their products or services. This is an excellent business idea for students with a flair for creativity and a strong social media presence.
Where and How? To start, choose a niche you're passionate about. Popular niches include finance, beauty, business, and marketing.
Then, create and share content that reflects your interests and personality. As you gain followers, you can collaborate with brands for sponsored posts or affiliate marketing .
- Consistency is key. Regular posting and interaction with your audience are crucial.
- Collaborate with other influencers to expand your reach.
- Quality content is critical. Ensure your posts are unique and engaging.
- Leverage your influence to collaborate with brands for sponsored content.
23. Videography Services
![business plan product ideas for students Market Size Outlook](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Market-Size-Outlook.jpeg)
If you're adept at capturing the world through a lens, offering videography and photography services online could be an exciting business venture .
What and Why? Videography services can cover a range of events – weddings, corporate events, music videos, or social events. With the growing demand for high-quality video content, this can be a profitable venture for students skilled in filming and editing videos.
Where and How? Start by creating a portfolio showcasing your work. These could be videos you've made for school, for friends, or for personal projects. Promote your services through social media platforms, and as you build your client base, request referrals and testimonials to build your reputation.
- Invest in high-quality filming and editing equipment.
- Attend videography workshops or online courses to enhance your skills.
- Build a solid online portfolio using a website builder for videographers and promote it on social media platforms.
- Network within your local community and offer competitive pricing for your services.
24. Data Analysis
In today's data-driven world, businesses are continually looking for insights to help them make informed decisions. This presents an opportunity for students skilled in data interpretation.
What and Why? Data analysis involves processing data sets to extract meaningful insights. These could be market trends, customer behavior, or operational efficiencies.
This business model is suited for students with a strong analytical mindset and familiarity with data analysis tools.
Where and How? You can offer your services to online businesses that need help analyzing their customer or operational data. Start by identifying a niche, such as e-commerce or finance, and market your services to businesses in that industry.
- Master popular data analysis tools like Excel, SQL, or R.
- Stay updated with the latest trends and stats in data analytics .
- Start a blog or website to showcase your expertise and case studies.
- Understand the needs of your clients and customize your analysis accordingly.
25. eBook Author
![business plan product ideas for students Global E-Book Market](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-E-Book-Market.jpeg)
Weaving words into stories or sharing knowledge on a subject of your interest can now earn money, thanks to the revolution of digital publishing.
What and Why? As an eBook author, you can write books and publish them digitally on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books. This is an ideal student business if you have a knack for writing and want to share your expertise or creativity with the world.
Where and How? Start by identifying a niche you're passionate about, write the eBook, format it, design a cover, and publish it online. Promote your book on social media platforms and through your personal network to reach a wider audience.
- Research popular niches to find a potential market for your book.
- Consistently write, edit, and revise your work for the best outcome.
- Promote your eBook aggressively on various platforms.
- Collect reviews and ratings to increase your eBook’s visibility and credibility.
26. Budgeting Advice
Many university and college students struggle with managing their finances. If you're good with numbers and budgeting, this business idea for students is a match.
What and Why? As a budget advisor, you can help fellow students understand their finances better and manage their money effectively. This can be rewarding and beneficial, especially when most high school students and university freshmen have little to no knowledge about budgeting.
Where and How? Begin by offering your services to other students in your college or university. You can conduct one-on-one sessions or organize workshops. Utilize social media and school bulletin boards to advertise your services.
- Stay informed about personal finance trends and advice.
- Develop a simple, effective budgeting system that's easy to follow.
- Build trust by maintaining the confidentiality of your clients' financial information.
- Market your services effectively to reach a wider audience.
27. SEO Consultant
![business plan product ideas for students State of SEO in Business](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/State-of-SEO-in-Business.jpeg)
If you understand the importance of SERPs and know how to optimize them, becoming an SEO consultant could be one of the best startup ideas.
What and Why? As an SEO consultant, you help businesses improve their online presence by optimizing their website and content for search engines. In the digital era, every business seeks to rank higher in search engine results, creating a demand for SEO experts.
Where and How? You can start by offering your services to small businesses in your local area or online. Keep updating your SEO knowledge, as search engine algorithms change frequently. Use SEO tools for audits and propose data-driven strategies to clients.
- Stay updated with the latest SEO trends & stats and algorithm changes.
- Gain practical experience by working on different projects.
- Obtain SEO certifications to enhance your credibility.
- Develop strong communication skills to convey your strategies to clients effectively.
28. Virtual Reality (VR) Game Development
Embracing the newest technological trends can lead to unique business ideas for college students. If you're intrigued by the immersive world of VR, this business idea might be just right for you.
What and Why? Virtual Reality (VR) game development involves creating interactive, engaging gaming experiences using VR technology. The VR gaming market is booming, with more players seeking thrilling, immersive experiences.
Where and How? Starting this business would require knowledge of game development and VR technology. You can learn these skills from numerous online courses and tutorials.
Start by creating simple games, get feedback from players, and continuously improve your games based on the feedback.
- Acquire VR game development skills and stay updated with VR trends.
- Choose a game genre that aligns with the interests of your potential customers.
- Use feedback to refine your games for a better user experience.
- Market your games on various gaming platforms and forums.
29. Transcription Services
![business plan product ideas for students Global Business Transcription Market](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-Business-Transcription-Market.jpeg)
In an era of content explosion, transcription services have become a sought-after solution for many businesses and professionals.
What and Why? Transcription involves converting audio or video content into written text. It's a business idea with a low startup cost that can generate consistent income. Universities, businesses, podcasters, and researchers are among those who often require transcription services.
Where and How? You can start this business right from your dorm room. All you need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and good listening and typing skills. Market your services on freelance platforms and reach out to potential clients directly.
- Invest in high-quality headphones and transcription software to increase your productivity.
- Be accurate and detail-oriented to ensure high-quality transcripts.
- Learn to transcribe in different formats and styles to cater to various client needs.
- Market your services actively on freelance platforms and social media channels.
30. 3D Printing Service
If you are tech-savvy and enjoy creating physical products, a 3D printing service could be one of the great business ideas for students.
What and Why? A 3D printing service provides customized objects made using 3D printers. The demand for this service is increasing as more people discover the benefits of 3D printing, from custom gifts to practical everyday items.
Where and How? You would need to purchase a 3D printer and supplies and learn how to use design software. Alternatively, you can skip the upfront cost of investing in a 3D printer and simply outsource the work and charge the client a premium.
You’ll get business by marketing your services to local businesses, younger students for their school projects, or individuals looking for personalized items.
- Learn how to operate a 3D printer and use 3D printing software .
- Identify a niche market like custom gifts or school project models.
- Advertise your service locally and online to reach potential customers.
- Offer a range of products to cater to different customer needs.
31. Personalized Gift Service
![business plan product ideas for students Personalized Gifts Market](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Personalized-Gifts-Market.jpeg)
The world of personalized gifts can be a fertile ground for student business ideas. Your imagination is the only limit.
What and Why? A personalized gift service is all about crafting unique presents tailored to the recipient's tastes and interests. As a university student, this business idea allows you to blend your creative talents with the opportunity to earn money.
Where and How? You can run this business from your dorm room or home. Simply get started with a few art supplies and a dedicated workspace.
Later, you can explore technologies, like 3D printing, for more complex designs. Promote your service online, leveraging social media platforms to showcase your creations and reach potential customers.
- Identify a niche market after conducting market research . Personalized gifts for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries are popular choices.
- Offer a broad range of personalization options to attract different customers.
- Showcase your creations on social media platforms to attract potential customers.
- Provide excellent customer service to ensure repeat business and referrals.
32. Online Book Club
If you're a university student who loves reading, an online book club could be the perfect startup idea for you.
What and Why? An online book club provides a platform for book enthusiasts to discuss and share their views on various books. It can generate income through membership fees, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing.
Where and How? You can start by creating a website or a social media group for your book club. Decide on a book to read each month, and organize weekly or bi-weekly discussions. Engage your members by encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions.
- Pick a variety of interesting books to attract a diverse audience.
- Engage your members through polls, debates, and live chats.
- Monetize your book club through membership fees, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Promote your book club on various platforms to reach a larger audience.
33. Language Lessons
![business plan product ideas for students Global Online Language Learning Market](https://www.founderjar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Global-Online-Language-Learning-Market.jpeg)
If you're fluent in more than one language, offering language lessons could be a great way to leverage your skills and earn extra income.
What and Why? Providing language lessons involves teaching a second language to students or adults. With the rise of global communication, the demand for learning new languages is continually growing.
It's one of the viable business ideas for students, especially for those who have mastery over a high-demand language.
Where and How? You can offer these lessons either face-to-face or online. If you choose the online route, you can take advantage of various virtual meeting tools . Develop a curriculum, start marketing your services, and adapt your teaching methods to fit different learning styles.
- Determine what languages are in demand through market research.
- Develop a structured curriculum that caters to different proficiency levels.
- Be patient and adaptable to cater to different student learning styles.
- Leverage social media and online language learning platforms to reach potential students.
How To Start a Business as a Student
Initiating a business venture as a student is a bold step towards financial freedom and practical learning. But where does one start? What are the considerations, and how do you manage it with academic commitments? I will break it all down for you.
Identify Your Interest and Skill Set
The first step in starting a student business is to identify what interests you and where your skills lie. Business ideas stem from a keen interest and a set of relevant skills.
For example, if you're a fast typist and have a keen ear, offering transcription services might be your calling. Similarly, if you are proficient in a foreign language, offering language lessons could be a great fit.
Perform Market Research
Once you've identified your potential business venture, the next step is to conduct market research. It's a crucial step that often differentiates a successful business from a failed one.
This research helps you understand the demand for your product or service, identify your target audience, and determine competitive pricing strategies .
Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan acts as a roadmap for your venture. It outlines your business goals, strategies for achieving them, and the resources you need. It also helps you understand the financial aspects of your business, including your costs and potential revenue.
Start Small and Scale Gradually
One of the advantages of being a student entrepreneur is the ability to start small. With minimal financial risk, you can test your business ideas and adapt based on feedback.
Starting small allows you to learn the ropes, make mistakes, and refine your business model before you scale up.
Balancing Business and Academics
Juggling a business venture and academic commitments can be challenging. Time management and organization skills become critical.
It's essential to allocate specific hours to your business without hampering your studies. Remember, your education is a priority that you shouldn't neglect.
- Explore your interests and identify a business idea that aligns with your skills and passion.
- Conduct thorough market research to understand your potential customers and competitors.
- Draft a clear, comprehensive business plan to guide your venture.
- Start on a small scale, learn from the experience, and refine your business model.
- Learn to balance your academics and business to ensure success in both areas.
In a nutshell, starting a business as a student can be a rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to apply what you learn in your studies, develop new skills, and earn money.
So, why wait? Dive into these business ideas, unleash your entrepreneurial spirit, and start building your empire today!
Explore Further
- 21 Recession-Proof Small Town Business Ideas 2023
- 30 Best Tech Startup Ideas for Beginners in 2023
- 13 Best Countries to Start a Business in 2023
- 21 Best Small Business Ideas to Make Money Online in 2023
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Martin luenendonk.
Martin loves entrepreneurship and has helped dozens of entrepreneurs by validating the business idea, finding scalable customer acquisition channels, and building a data-driven organization. During his time working in investment banking, tech startups, and industry-leading companies he gained extensive knowledge in using different software tools to optimize business processes.
This insights and his love for researching SaaS products enables him to provide in-depth, fact-based software reviews to enable software buyers make better decisions.
BUSINESS STRATEGIES
12 business ideas for students to start at college
- Nirit Braun
- Dec 10, 2023
- 10 min read
![business plan product ideas for students business ideas for students](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/46e2e0_29223679192e4c379cff754a47f1f8e6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_46,h_30,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/46e2e0_29223679192e4c379cff754a47f1f8e6~mv2.png)
A student business idea is an entrepreneurial endeavor initiated by a college student. College students may start businesses for various reasons and these ventures can range from small side hustles to full-fledged startups.
Learn more: How to choose a business idea
Why might students need to start a business?
There are many reasons why college students might choose to start a business . Some of the main ones include:
College students often face financial challenges, including high tuition fees, living expenses and student loan repayments. Starting a business can provide an additional income source and financial stability. Read more about how to make money as a student or how to make money as a teenager .
Entrepreneurship allows students to gain real-world job experience and build their resumes or portfolios. This practical experience and gained expertise can be valuable when seeking employment after graduation.
Running a business can offer flexibility in terms of work hours, which can be beneficial for students with irregular class schedules or other academic commitments.
Students may have unique talents, skills, or interests they want to pursue as a business. Entrepreneurship allows them to turn their passions and college studies into profitable ventures.
12 best business ideas for students to start while at college
Students at college can explore a range of business opportunities that fit into their busy schedules. Ideas like freelancing, dropshipping, tutoring, blogging and others offer them the chance to earn and learn simultaneously. Service businesses like pet care, landscaping and cleaning are great for part-time ventures that can accommodate academic commitments.
Freelancing
Dropshipping
Craft business
Start and monetize a blog
Marketing services
Pet sitting and care
Landscaping
Bookkeeping
Delivery services
01. Freelancing
Freelancing involves offering your skills and services to clients or businesses on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers work independently, often remotely and may provide services such as writing, graphic design, web development, social media management or digital marketing.
Learn more: Freelance ideas , how to make money as a graphic designer
Why is freelancing a good business idea for students?
Freelancing offers students the flexibility to work around their class schedules and other commitments, much like other side business ideas do. Students can leverage their skills and expertise to earn income in areas they are passionate about. Freelancing allows students to gain real-world experience, build a portfolio and network with potential clients. All of which can help them in their professional careers post-graduation.
What are some good freelancing businesses for students to start?
Content writing : this could be writing blog posts or freelance copywriting services for businesses.
Graphic design : creating logos, infographics or marketing materials for clients.
Web creation and development : build websites for individuals or businesses. You can use a website builder like Wix to easily build websites for clients.
Social media management : manage and grow social media profiles for small businesses. This can include creating posts and content, tracking users and building engagement.
02. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an eCommerce business model where students can set up online stores and sell products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the products are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer.
Learn more: eCommerce business ideas , Dropshipping business ideas
Why is dropshipping a good business idea for students?
Dropshipping requires minimal upfront investment, making it accessible to students on a tight budget.
Learn more: Low-cost business ideas , How to sell online
The e-Commerce industry is continuously growing and dropshipping allows students to tap into this market without the hassles of inventory management. In 2022 global retail m-commerce sales topped $431.4 billion and are expected to top $511.8 billion in 2023.
Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business
What are some good dropshipping businesses for students to start?
Online clothing store: sell clothing, accessories, or niche-specific fashion items. Learn more: How to start a clothing business .
Electronics and gadgets: offer a range of tech gadgets and accessories.
Home decor: sell decorative items, furniture or interior design products.
Health and wellness: focus on products like supplements, fitness equipment or eco-friendly products.
03. Reselling
Reselling involves buying products at a lower price and reselling them at a profit. This can be done through various channels, including online marketplaces, thrift stores, or even college flea markets.
Why is reselling a good business idea for students?
Reselling can be started with a small investment, which is suitable for students. It provides students with valuable experience in sales, marketing and negotiation all of which are important professional skills to learn. Students can engage in reselling part-time or during breaks so it doesn’t conflict with their studies.
Learn more: Best businesses to start with little money
What are some good reselling businesses for students to start?
Thrift store finds: sell vintage clothing , collectibles or antiques.
Online bookstore: sell used or rare books through online marketplaces.
Tech accessories: offer phone cases, chargers, or tech gadgets.
Home decor: resell furniture, artwork or other decorative items.
04. Craft business
Selling crafts online involves creating and selling handmade crafts and products. This can include jewelry , candles , artwork, hand-knit scarves or personalized gifts.
Why is crafting a good business idea for students?
Craft businesses allow students to express their creativity and turn their hobbies into income. Operating from a dorm room or small workspace minimizes overhead costs.
Learn more: Home-based business ideas
Handcrafted items have a unique, artisanal appeal that can attract regular customers. Learn how to sell crafts online .
Learn more: Unique business ideas
What are some good crafting business ideas for students to start?
Handmade jewelry: create custom jewelry pieces or unique designs.
Candle making : craft scented or decorative candles.
Art and illustrations : sell original artwork, prints, or digital designs.
Personalized gifts : offer custom-made gifts, such as mugs, t-shirts or home decor.
05. Tutoring
Tutoring involves providing educational support to students or learners in specific subjects or skills. This can be done in person or online and subjects can range from math and science to languages and test preparation.
Learn more: How to start a tutoring business
Why is tutoring a good business idea for students?
Students can leverage their knowledge in subjects they’re passionate about and in turn, share them with other students. Tutors can schedule sessions around their class schedule and availability which makes this a flexible business idea to start. It can also be a great business idea for students looking to enter teaching or lecturing as a professional post-graduation.
Learn more: Business ideas for teachers
What are some good tutoring businesses for students to start?
Academic tutoring: offer assistance in subjects like math, science, or history.
Language lessons : teach foreign languages or provide English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons.
Test prep: help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or GRE.
Music or art lessons: provide music instruction or art lessons to aspiring learners.
06. Start and monetize a blog
Blogging involves creating and regularly updating an online platform where you share information, opinions, or expertise on a specific topic or niche. Monetizing a blog means earning income from it through various methods like advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content or selling digital products.
Learn more: How to start a blog
Why is a blog a good business idea for students?
Blogging allows students to work on their own schedules, making it easy to balance with classes. All you need to blog is a computer and an internet connection, making it possible to do from anywhere. It's an opportunity to express ideas, passions and knowledge. These are all important skills for a college student. Over time, a well-monetized blog can generate passive income.
Learn more: Passive income ideas .
What are some good blog ideas for students to start?
Travel blog : share travel experiences, tips and affiliate links to booking platforms.
Fitness blog : Discuss fitness nutrition and promote related products.
Tech blog: write reviews and recommendations for tech products.
Finance blog : offer financial advice, budgeting tips and promote financial tools.
Get started with the Wix blog maker and make your own blog.
07. Marketing services
These services encompass a wide range of activities, such as social media marketing, content creation, SEO and advertising, to help businesses reach and engage their target audience.
Learn more: How to start a marketing business
Why is marketing a good business idea for students?
Students often possess digital marketing skills, either from their studies or from their own use of social media and can leverage them to help businesses improve theirg online presence. Marketing is essential for businesses and there's a consistent demand for marketing services that students can tap intoStudents can offer marketing services on a freelance basis, which provides flexibility around their studies and extracurricular commitments..
What are some good marketing businesses for students to start?
Social media management : help businesses grow and manage their social media profiles.
Content creation : provide blog posts, articles or video content for companies.
Email marketing: helping to create the assets and strategy for email marketing campaigns.
08. Pet sitting and care
Pet sitting and care services involve taking care of pets when their owners are away. This includes pet sitting, dog walking, feeding and providing companionship or even boarding.
Why is pet care a good business idea for students?
Students who love animals can earn income doing what they enjoy. Pet sitting can be done part-time, at the weekend, in the evenings or during breaks. Minimal investment is needed for pet sitting and dog walking which suits most students' budgets.
What are some good pet-related businesses for students to start?
Dog walking: offering daily dog-walking services for pet owners.
In-home pet sitting : care for pets at the owner's home while they're away.
Pet boarding: provide boarding services for pets in your home or a rented space.
Pet grooming: offer grooming and spa services for pets.
09. Landscaping
Landscaping services involve tasks like lawn maintenance and gardening. This can include mowing, weeding, planting and landscape design.
Why is gardening a good business idea for students?
Landscaping provides a physical workout, which can be appealing to students who want to keep fit as part of their business. Landscaping can be seasonal, allowing students to work during breaks and avoiding conflict with their studies. The startup costs for basic landscaping services are relatively low, some lawn care services can be done with the lawn owner's tools or equipment.
Learn more: Business ideas for teens , Recession-proof business ideas
What are some good landscaping-related businesses for students to start?
Lawn care: offer services like mowing, edging and lawn treatment.
Gardening and planting: assist homeowners with garden design and planting.
Tree care: prune, trim and care for trees on residential properties.
Landscape design: create landscape plans and implement them for clients.
10. Cleaning services
Cleaning services involve cleaning and maintaining residential or commercial spaces. This can include house cleaning, office cleaning and specialized cleaning services.
Why is cleaning a good business idea for students?
Cleaning businesses can start with basic cleaning supplies, keeping initial costs low for students. Cleaning can be scheduled around classes and other commitments, a flexibility that is ideal for college students as a part-time business idea .
What are some good cleaning businesses for students to start?
House cleaning: offer regular house cleaning services for homeowners.
Office cleaning: provide cleaning services for small businesses or offices.
Specialized cleaning: focus on niche cleaning services like carpet cleaning, window washing, or post-construction cleaning.
Janitorial services: offer cleaning and maintenance services to commercial properties.
11. Bookkeeping
A bookkeeping business involves maintaining financial records and ensuring the accuracy of financial transactions for businesses. This includes tasks like data entry, reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports.
Why is bookkeeping a good business idea for students?
Students with accounting or finance knowledge can offer bookkeeping services to businesses who need it, this can be done on a freelance basis, providing flexibility for students. It’s also a great way for students to learn how to manage a business themselves.
What are some good bookkeeping businesses for students to start?
Small business: assist small businesses with their financial record-keeping.
Virtual services : provide remote and online bookkeeping services to clients.
Tax preparation : expand services to include tax preparation and filing.
Financial consulting: offer financial advice and consultation in addition to bookkeeping. Make sure you understand the risks and liabilities involved in providing businesses with financial advice that they may then act on.
12. Delivery services
Delivery services involve transporting goods or packages from one location to another. This can include food delivery, courier services or package delivery.
Why are delivery services a good business idea for students?
Delivery services can be scheduled around class hours and student availability. Basic delivery services can be started with a vehicle or even a bicycle, meaning minimal startup costs.
What are some good delivery services for students to start?
Food delivery: partner with local restaurants for food delivery services.
Package delivery : delivering parcels for courier companies or retailers.
How to turn a student business idea into a successful business?
Choose a business idea that aligns with your skills, interests and market demand. For example, if you have a special talent for animation, then you can learn how to make money as an animator . Conduct market research to identify unmet needs or niches within your target industry. You can also consider choosing from recession-proof business ideas , to ensure no matter what you're able to maintain your business.
Create a detailed business plan outlining your business goals, target market, competition, financial projections and marketing strategy.
Explore funding options, such as personal savings, grants, loans or crowdfunding, to finance your business.
Effectively manage your time to balance coursework, business operations and personal life. Create a schedule that accommodates your class schedule and business needs.
Build a network of mentors, peers and potential clients. Networking can provide valuable guidance and opportunities for collaboration.
Establish a strong online presence through a business website , social media and e-Commerce platforms (you can do this by making an eCommerce website of your own) if applicable. Online visibility is essential for attracting customers and clients via an eCommerce model.
Prioritize the quality of your products or services and provide excellent customer service. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and refer your business.
Ensure your business complies with all relevant laws and regulations. This includes registering your business and applying for business licenses, permits, taxes and intellectual property considerations.
Develop effective marketing strategies to reach your target audience. Consider digital marketing, social media, content marketing and traditional advertising methods too.
Be prepared to adapt to changes and challenges in the business landscape. Flexibility and the ability to pivot when necessary are key to success.
Keep accurate financial records and budget your expenses wisely. Monitor your business's financial health regularly.
Seek feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement. Be open to making necessary changes and enhancements to your business.
Consider seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs or professors who can provide guidance and support. They can provide invaluable advice, such as this from Anegl Gregorio, Founder of the Spice Suite , "The best advice that I give to people is always 'Start now, perfect later,'” she says. “I never got so tied up in the need to perfect it all. I'm here to say, 'Just start it. You can fix it along the way. If you build your tribe and your community, they will go along the journey with you.’"
Explore more business ideas
Craft business ideas
Beauty business ideas
Reselling business ideas
DIY business ideas
Clothing business ideas
Small-town business ideas
Business ideas for couples
Rental business ideas
Family business ideas
B2B business ideas
Scalable business ideas
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Looking for business ideas to start at school, college, or university? Here's a list of the best 36 business ideas you can start as a student in 2024.
Browse age-appropriate business ideas for students in Shopify’s guides to business ideas for teens and business ideas for kids and help them start a business that sets them up for success.
46 Best Startup Ideas for Students. Whether you’re in high school, community college, or university, it can prove challenging to juggle a 9-to-5 job while finishing school. Launching your own startup company as a student offers the flexibility of creating your work schedule to align with a busy school schedule.
1. Blogger. Blogging is one of the best business ideas for students because of its flexibility. It's about running websites, usually revolving around a niche, like gardening, finance, food, or another topic. You’ll write blog posts about the niche, attracting an audience online, which will bring traffic to your website.
Draft a clear, comprehensive business plan to guide your venture. Start on a small scale, learn from the experience, and refine your business model. Learn to balance your academics and business to ensure success in both areas. In a nutshell, starting a business as a student can be a rewarding experience.
Create a detailed business plan outlining your business goals, target market, competition, financial projections and marketing strategy. Explore funding options, such as personal savings, grants, loans or crowdfunding, to finance your business.