12 Part-Time Businesses You Can Start Today

Posted on: March 30, 2023 |

There are more business opportunities available today than ever before. No matter what type of skills or assets you have, there are part-time businesses that you can start today. Working online, from home, or near your home, you can turn your free time, hobbies, or interests into extra income. With a bit of luck and hard work, these part-time businesses may even turn into a full-time business.

12 Part-Time Businesses You Can Start Today

1. Vending

Vending can be a highly effective, low-maintenance, part-time business for anyone. With a bit of investment and the right location, you can set up a vending machine and earn money throughout the day, no matter where you are. Since ice vending doesn’t require restocking, this can be a great part-time vending business for entrepreneurs that already have a full-time job.

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2. Rentals

A rental business requires relatively little upkeep, but can still provide great additional income. This might include a rental property, an RV or camper, or even particular equipment, like camping gear, skis or snowboards, woodworking tools, and much more. You’ll need to spend a bit of time maintaining this property or these assets, and managing your rentals, but this is a great part-time business you can start today using assets you may already have.

3. Pet Sitting or Grooming

If you enjoy caring for dogs, cats, and other pets, pet sitting or pet grooming may be a great part-time business for you. This is an especially attractive option for those who work from home; you can care for pets throughout the day while still attending to your daily activities. Pet grooming will require more time and energy, but you’ll be able to make appointments based on your own availability.

4. Photography

Any business that allows you to make appointments based on your availability can be a great part-time business. To start a photography business, you’ll need a high-quality camera and some photography skill. Then, you can start advertising your services through a website, word-of-mouth, or other ways. Photography businesses tend to be busier during certain times of the year, like wedding season or graduation season, so you can divide your time accordingly.

5. Make a Class

Sharing your skills and knowledge can be a great way to also start a part-time business. You might create a slideshow, write an instructional booklet, or create a complete class on a platform like Udemy, Skillshare, or a similar platform.

6. Blogging

Those with a flare for writing and an interest in a particular topic might find a great part-time business in blogging. This might include freelance writing for other businesses, or starting your own blog. Write about something that excites you, so you’ll have fun and you’ll have the momentum to keep going.

7. Manage Social Media

Social media can be a powerful way to reach new audiences, but many businesses don’t have the budget to hire a full-time social media manager. If you enjoy scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or similar platforms, consider how you might turn this into a part-time business, either with your own social media account, or managing posts as a freelancer.

8. Thrift Store

Many people visit thrift stores to look for hidden, high-value items, or just to get an affordable shopping fix. You don’t need a large retail space to run a thrift store, but you will need an eye for valuable items. You can skip the brick-and-mortar store altogether and sell items online.

9. Fitness

As a fitness coach, personal trainer, or nutritional coach, you can work on evenings or weekends, when most people visit the gym or plan meals. If you have knowledge of experience with fitness, nutrition, and motivation, this can be an effective and rewarding part-time business.

10. Crafts

From painting to crocheting to jewelry-making and much more, you may find yourself making more crafts than you or your loved ones can really enjoy. In this case, selling your crafts is a great part-time business idea that you already have the skills and passion to start.

11. Gardening

Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or another plant, you’ll need to invest a bit of time and effort at certain intervals, but this can be an enjoyable and therapeutic side business. You’ll need to set aside time for planting and a bit of time regularly for weeding and harvesting, but the right plants will mostly grow on their own.

You might also rent out your land to a local gardener to take advantage of. Or, if you don’t have a yard, you can even grow many plants in crates, boxes, or even leftover food containers. You might grow your own food or decorative plants to reduce your expenses, or sell your plants at a local farmer’s market.

12. Freelancing

Freelancing encompasses a wide variety of different skills. Whether you’re a skilled designer, programmer, musician, artist, writer, or something else, odds are that there’s a niche for you as a freelancer. As a freelancer, you’ll be able to work at your own pace, take jobs that interest you, and build up your client list gradually.

To find the right part-time business that you can start today, ask yourself a few questions first, including what resources you have available, and what passions or interests might also be good business opportunities. If you have the determination to keep going and the skills to set yourself apart from the crowd, you may be able to turn your part-time business into a full-time business that you love.