I was scrolling the internet when I found this question, what are the best 127 Business Ideas For a 20 Year Old? Well, I started my business in my thirties but I work with a lot of young entrepreneurs.
With creativity and determination, young entrepreneurs can build profitable ventures fterpreneuts. rom the ground up. This post explores over 100 potential business ideas for a 20 year old.
From low-cost startups to more intensive ventures, there are many ways to create value and earn income if you're willing to work hard and gain experience over time.
127 Business Ideas For a 20 Year Old
Takeaway:
There is a huge range of potential business ideas for an ambitious 20 year old to consider. From lower barrier jobs like dog walking or tutoring to side gigs like detailing boats or becoming a YouTube star, the opportunities are endless.
Some key aspects to weigh are your interests and passions, willingness to invest time upfront before profit, and appetite for risk. Services like house cleaning or mobile pet grooming offer a chance to get started fairly quickly if you're seeking more immediate income.
But for those with patience and skill, startup ideas like developing an app or Dropshipping online store could scale over time. Above all, focus on delivering excellent value to customers while continually learning and improving yourself.
Affiliate Marketing
Pros: Low barrier to entry, work from home, flexible schedule
Cons: Takes time to build traffic and commissions
To Start: Research affiliate programs, create website/content, promote affiliate links
App Developer
Pros: Potential for high earnings, creative field
Cons: Requires coding skills, long development cycles
To Start: Learn coding, come up with an app idea, develop and launch an MVP
Appliances Repair
Pros: Steady demand, low startup costs, work locally
Cons: Physically demanding, on-call responsibilities
To Start: Get training, buy tools and truck, market services, build clientele
Automation Expert
Pros: High-income potential, work remotely, hot job market
Cons: Requires technical skills, constant learning
To Start: Get automation training/certification, build a portfolio, freelance, or apply for jobs
Babysitting
Pros: Flexible, make your own hours, work close to home
Cons: Inconsistent income, limited earning potential
To Start: Print flyers, spread the word locally and list services on platforms like Care.com
Baking
Pros: Creative, fun, make tasty treats
Cons: Early/late hours, manual labor, lots of competition
To Start: Perfect recipes, get licensed, rent a commercial kitchen, market services
Become A Blogger
Pros: Flexible schedule, creative outlet, potential passive income
Cons: Inconsistent income, tough to build an audience
To Start: Choose a niche, get hosting/domain, design a site, create content regularly
Become A Cake Decorator
Pros: Creative, profitable, build custom cakes
Cons: Lots of competition, requires artistic skill
To Start: Take decorating classes, build a portfolio, market to weddings/events
Become A Craft Business Blogger
Pros: Monetize your passion for crafts, flexible schedule
Cons: Takes time to grow blog income
To Start: Choose a craft niche, create projects/tutorials, monetize with ads/affiliates
Become A Gift Basket Seller
Pros: Fun themes, enjoyable assembly, local pickup/delivery
Cons: Seasonal sales, homemade vs pre-packaged
To Start: Create appealing designs, source containers/items, market to holidays/events
Become A Graphic Designer
Pros: Good income potential, remote work options, visually creative
Cons: A competitive industry, requires design skills
To Start: Build a portfolio, create branding collateral, list services on freelance sites
Become A Musician
Pros: Express yourself creatively, potential for fame
Cons: Unstable income, tough industry to break into
To Start: Develop musical skills, record demos, play live shows, promote on social media
Become A Scrapbooker Business
Pros: Make creative, personalized items, work from home
Cons: Niche market, requires supplies investment
To Start: Learn techniques, create sample albums, and market to potential clients
Become A Social Media Influencer
Pros: Work from anywhere, make money from brand deals, build an audience
Cons: Very competitive, constantly creating content
To Start: Choose a niche, create posts consistently, partner with relevant brands
Become A Stock Photographer
Pros: Passive income potential, work from anywhere
Cons: Over-saturated market, unpredictable earnings
To Start: Build a portfolio, list on stock image sites, and tag photos optimally
Become A Tee Shirt Designer
Pros: Fun creative outlet, a wide array of platforms to sell through
Cons: Very competitive market saturated with designers
To Start: Come up with clever designs, list on print-on-demand sites, promote work
Become A Tutorial Video Creator
Pros: Build an audience, recurring ad revenue
Cons: Video editing skills required, long ramp-up
To Start: Choose a niche, write scripts, film videos, launch a YouTube channel
Become A Videographer
Pros: Creative work, in-demand skillset
Cons: Expensive gear required, time intensive
To Start: Get a camera, editing software, create sample videos, offer services locally
Become A Virtual Assistant
Pros: Flexible schedule, remote work, build transferable skills
Cons: Income reliant on contracts, administrative work
To Start: Get training if needed, list services, apply for assistant jobs
Become A Voiceover Artist
Pros: Well-paying, work from home, flexible schedule
Cons: Competitive, requires vocal talent
To Start: Get coaching, set up home studio, create demo reels, audition for gigs
Become A YouTube Personality
Pros: Potential for fame/influence, ad revenue income
Cons: Very oversaturated, unreliable income
To Start: Choose a niche, create consistent engaging content, and optimize videos
Blogging
Pros: Own your platform, work from anywhere, potential passive income
Cons: Takes time to build traffic and earnings
To Start: Choose a niche, get hosting, design site, promote content
Buying And Selling On Ebay
Pros: Flexible schedule, access to a wide market
Cons: Requires product research skills, fees cut into profits
To Start: Source profitable products locally, create listings, manage shipping
Cake Maker
Pros: Make beautiful custom cakes while building baking skills
Cons: Lots of competition, perishable product
To Start: Take baking/decorating classes, rent a commercial kitchen, market cakes
Candle Making
Pros: Relaxing creative hobby, great homemade gift idea
Cons: Competition from mass-produced brands
To Start: Experiment with wax, scents, designs, market through craft fairs/Etsy
Catering Business
Pros: Make tasty food for events, set own schedule
Cons: Manual labor, food safety considerations
To Start: Get licensed/insured, find commercial kitchen, market to local events
Chimney Sweep
Pros: Provide essential service, high earning potential
Cons: Dirty work, physically demanding
To Start: Get certified, buy equipment, market to homeowners
Cleaning Service
Pros: Steady local demand, flexible schedule
Cons: Manual labor and client acquisition require hustle
To Start: Buy supplies, print flyers, offer introductory deals
Content Writing
Pros: Well-paying, work remotely, flexible schedule
Cons: Can be monotonous, client acquisition skills needed
To Start: Build a writing portfolio, sign up on freelance sites, apply for gigs
Copywriting
Pros: Lucrative skills, remote work opportunities
Cons: High competition for clients, writing intensive
To Start: Study effective copy, do free work to build a portfolio, apply for jobs
Coworking Space
Pros: Build a community, recurring membership revenue
Cons: Expensive to operate, lots of competition
To Start: Lease commercial space, build out hip environment, market services
Craft Beer Brewing
Pros: For the passionate beer lover, creative flavors
Cons: High startup costs, regulations, lots of competitors
To Start: Study brewing science, get licensed, rent brewing equipment
Curriculum Vitaeresume Creator
Pros: Help clients optimize their resumes, remote work
Cons: Lower pay ceiling than traditional resume writers
To Start: Study principles of effective resumes, offer packages, advertise services
Data Entry
Pros: Flexible schedule, remote work potential
Cons: Repetitive tasks, usually hired as a contractor
To Start: Search online job boards, apply with transcription skills
Decluttering Services
Pros: Growing demand, help clients add space/reduce stress
Cons: Manual labor, frequent travel
To Start: Advertise locally, offer free consultations, provide supplies
Deliver-to-your-door Chef
Pros: Make and deliver meals customized for clients
Cons: Lots of competition, food prep very time intensive
To Start: Take food safety courses, cook sample meals, promote locally
Delivery Service
Pros: Be your own boss, flexible schedule
Cons: Need dependable transportation, lots of competition
To Start: Sign up for apps like Uber Eats, market specifically
Digital Marketing
Pros: High income potential, remote work available
Cons: Constantly changing landscape, client acquisition skills needed
To Start: Get Google certified, learn social media/SEO, freelance or apply for jobs
Dj
Pros: Play great music, set own schedule, energetic events
Cons: Irregular hours, loud environments
To Start: Get DJ equipment, build a music library on platforms like Spotify, practice mixing, book local gigs
Dog Walking
Pros: Animal lover dream job, exercise included
Cons: Weather dependence, scooping poop
To Start: Print flyers, list on Rover, offer dog waste cleanup add-on
Dropshipping
Pros: Low startup costs, run business from anywhere
Cons: Lots of competition, uncertain income
To Start: Find a niche, source suppliers, create online storefront, drive traffic
Editing And Proofreading
Pros: Make money improving written content
Cons: Freelance gigs are very competitive
To Start: Develop style guide, review sample text, offer services on freelance sites
Editor Proofreader
Pros: Flexible schedule, work from anywhere, strong writing skills
Cons: Entry-level jobs have lower pay
To Start: Study editing guides, create a portfolio, apply for gigs on job boards
English Language Tutor
Pros: Help students improve skills, set your own schedule
Cons: Income relies on student demand
To Start: Get certified, create lesson plans, advertise services locally
Errand Running Service Assistant
Pros: Provide helpful services for busy clients, flexible work
Cons: Low barriers so high competition, mostly small jobs
To Start: Print flyers, post online ads, offer intro deals to get clients
Event Planner
Pros: Organize fun gatherings, network and socialize
Cons: Lots of stress handling details
To Start: Become certified, intern or volunteer locally, build a portfolio
Fitness Instructorpersonal Trainers
Pros: Help clients get fit, flexible schedule
Cons: Maintaining client roster takes hustle
To Start: Get certified, offer intro fitness packages, partner with gyms
Food Truck
Pros: Delicious food, mobile business model
Cons: High startup costs, extensive regulations
To Start: Come up with the concept, buy/rent a truck, get licensed, develop a menu
Freelance Writing
Pros: Location flexibility, choose your niche/schedule
Cons: Unsteady income stream, constant networking needed
To Start: Build clips writing for free, pitch to blogs/pubs, list on job boards
Ghost Bloggerwriter
Pros: Get paid to write without being seen, flexible
Cons: Writing consistently in someone else's voice can be challenging
To Start: Practice adapting tone/style, find clients through job boards
Gift Wrapping Business
Pros: Creative expression, help others save time during holidays
Cons: Very seasonal, low barrier business with lots of competition
To Start: Buy supplies in bulk, market services through holiday craft fairs
Grant Writing
Pros: Help organizations get funding, work remotely
Cons: Can be tedious/draining writing so many proposals
To Start: Study grant writing principles, volunteer writing for nonprofits
Graphic Design
Pros: Visual creative expression, high income potential
Cons: Competitive industry, constantly evolving skills
To Start: Build a portfolio, master software like Photoshop/Illustrator, offer freelance services
Graphic Designing
Pros: Unleash visual creativity, plenty of remote work opportunities
Cons: Freelancing requires hustle to find clients
To Start: Learn design software, complete sample projects, list services on freelance sites
Handmade Jewelry
Pros: Creative outlet, can start at home in spare time
Cons: Difficult to scale, lots of competition on platforms like Etsy
To Start: Take classes, buy supplies, create social media profiles to promote work
Holiday Decorating Business
Pros: Spread seasonal cheer, earn extra money during holidays
Cons: Very weather dependent, short window to earn each year
To Start: Acquire decor like lights/inflatables, market services through social media
Garage Door Installations
Pros: Help customers with an essential home needs, great side business
Cons: Physically demanding, needs technical know-how
To Start: Get trained and certified, buy tools and a truck, market your services
House Cleaning Services
Pros: Manage your own clients/schedule, startup costs low
Cons: Physically demanding work, employee reliability issues
To Start: Set competitive rates, print flyers, offer intro deals, hire helpers as needed
House Sitting
Pros: Make money simply by staying in a home, great for travelers
Cons: Income relies on getting regular gigs in desired locations
To Start: Join housesitting sites, promote services, build up reviews over time
Investing Day Trading
Pros: Potential for high profits if skilled, work from anywhere
Cons: Very risky, requires substantial financial knowledge
To Start: Read/watch videos to gain expertise, open a trading account, start small
Language Translation
Pros: Use your fluency to earn, work remotely
Cons: Freelance work relies on a steady flow of clients
To Start: Take certification courses, join translator associations, list services online
Laundry Service
Pros: Provide needed service, build recurring client base
Cons: Equipment/space costs can be high initially
To Start: Rent a laundromat or trailer, set rates and policies, promote locally
Lawn Care
Pros: Build regular local clients, earn extra money
Cons: Outdoor physical work, lots of competition
To Start: Get equipment, print flyers, offer intro lawn care deals
Lawn Care Business
Pros: Build a local client base, recurring revenue
Cons: Outdoor physical work, very seasonal
To Start: Get certified, acquire equipment, market services door-to-door
Leaf Removal Business Ideas For Young Adults
Pros: Rake in profits during fall leaf season
Cons: Short window to earn money each year
To Start: Buy supplies like tarps/rakes/blowers, print flyers, target neighborhoods
Mobile App Developer
Pros: Huge income potential, hot tech field, remote work available
Cons: Very competitive space, coding intensive
To Start: Learn coding languages, partner with designers, and release apps iteratively
Music Lessons
Pros: Share your musical talents and inspire others
Cons: Need private space and regular student commitment
To Start: Decide on instruments, get supplies, and promote services locally
Mystery Shopper
Pros: Get paid to shop, flexible schedule, no experience needed
Cons: Gigs spread out sporadically, mostly just for short-term supplemental income
To Start: Sign up on mystery shopping sites, carefully follow the provided guidelines
Niche And Authority Websites
Pros: Passive income potential, work remotely, choose your topic
Cons: Major time investment initially before earnings come
To Start: Research profitable niches, buy hosting/domain, create helpful content
Pet Grooming
Pros: Animal lover's dream job, flexible schedule
Cons: Requires space and equipment, messy work
To Start: Get trained and certified, rent grooming space, market services
Pet Sitting
Pros: Play with pets, earn money simply hanging out
Cons: Need liability insurance in case of incidents
To Start: Print flyers, list services on Rover/Wag, offer discounts for referrals
Pet Walking
Pros: Get paid to walk dogs, and set your own schedule
Photography
Pros: Express creativity, make money from your art
Cons: Lots of competition, requires expensive gear
To Start: Get a camera/lenses, learn editing software, build a portfolio, and market your services
Photography Business
Pros: Make money pursuing your passion for photography
Cons: Equipment is expensive, very competitive field
To Start: Get a professional camera, editing software, create a portfolio, advertise services
Podcaster
Pros: Creative outlet, work from anywhere, build an audience
Cons: Production and editing can be time consuming
To Start: Choose a niche, set up recording equipment, and launch episodes consistently on platforms like Apple podcasts
Preowned Clothing Shop Owner
Pros: source high-demand vintage fashions, sell locally and online
Cons: Sourcing high-quality items takes time and knowledge
To Start: Learn brands/styles, source thrift/estate/garage sales, photograph and list items
Pressure Washing Company
Pros: Provide a quick cosmetic boost for homes/driveways
Cons: Physically demanding, needs transportation
To Start: Get pressure washer and supplies, print flyers, offer intro deals
Recycling Business
Pros: Eco-friendly concept, steady stream of material to collect
Cons: Need storage space, manual labor
To Start: Get certified, acquire truck/bins, partner with waste collection
Relocation Specialists
Pros: Help people move to new cities, great for outgoing personalities
Cons: Inconsistent demand based on relocation activity
To Start: Learn city neighborhoods/amenities, get licensed, partner with movers
Resume Writing And Editing
Pros: Help job seekers optimize their resumes, work remotely
Cons: Can be tedious formatting lots of resumes
To Start: Study principles of effective resumes, advertise services online
Saas Business Owner
Pros: Passive income potential, huge upside if successful
Cons: Technical expertise and ongoing maintenance required
To Start: Come up with a SaaS concept, partner with developers, handle marketing
Sales Agency
Pros: Earn commissions selling services, flexible schedule
Cons: Income relies heavily on sales skills
To Start: Choose a niche, find provider partners, advertise agency services
Security Services
Pros: Help protect homes/businesses, in-demand field
Cons: Challenging work environments, licensing requirements
To Start: Get trained and certified, apply for jobs at security companies
Sell Art
Pros: Make money from your creative passion
Cons: Standing out in a crowded field is challenging
To Start: Choose a medium, create a portfolio, list artwork on Etsy/local galleries
Sell Ebooks
Pros: Low barrier to entry, passive income potential
Cons: Tough to market effectively as an unknown author
To Start: Choose a niche, write an ebook, create a sales page, and promote on social media
Seo Expert
Pros: Well-paying skillset, remote work available, choose clients
Cons: Constantly changing field, results take time
To Start: Study SEO guides, track analytics trends, offer freelance services
Social Media Influencer
Pros: Get free products, make money from brand sponsorships
Cons: Very crowded space, constantly creating content
To Start: Choose a niche, grow followers through quality engagement, partner with brands
Social Media Marketing
Pros: Valuable skillset, choose your own clients/schedule
Cons: Easy entry so lots of competition for gigs
To Start: Take social media courses, practice on your own accounts, offer freelance services
Social Networking Site
Pros: Build the next big thing, work from anywhere
Cons: Extremely challenging technically and a huge marketing hurdle
To Start: Come up with a unique concept, partner with developers, heavily promote your MVP
Solar Installers
Pros: Growing green energy field, helps homeowners save money
Cons: Physically demanding outdoor work
To Start: Get certified, apply for installer jobs, and consider starting your own company eventually
Start A Car Washing And Detailing Business
Pros: Provide a convenient service, flexible operating hours
Cons: Outdoor physical work, low barriers to entry
To Start: Get equipment, rent parking space, advertise services, offer deals
Start A Child Care Business
Pros: Help local families, enjoy spending time with children
Cons: Extensive regulation, employee reliability crucial
To Start: Take childcare classes, get licensed, advertise locally
Start A Clothing Designing Business
Pros: Express creativity through fashion, potential for growth
Cons: Very competitive against major brands, scaling production difficult
To Start: Learn to sew/design, buy equipment, sell locally/online to start
Start A Community Delivery Service
Pros: Help neighbors by delivering groceries/goods, flexible work
Cons: Need reliable transportation and insurance
To Start: Print flyers, spread word locally, offer intro discounts
Start A Computer Setup Business
Pros: Help non-techie clients get up and running
Cons: Travel required between client sites
To Start: Build skills troubleshooting common issues, market to local consumers
Start A Coworking Space Rental Business
Pros: Provide nice communal workspace, build community
Cons: Expensive to operate, lots of competition already
To Start: Lease space, decorate hiply, offer monthly memberships
Start A Dog Walking Business
Pros: Animal lover's dream job, flexible outdoor work
Cons: Managing employees is a challenge as you scale
To Start: Print flyers, list on Rover, focus on great service to build clientele
Start A Garage Sale Business
Pros: Make money reselling items from estate/garage sales
Cons: Time spent sourcing goods, overhead for storage space
To Start: Learn to spot valuable finds, resell locally and online
Start A Gift Wrapping Service
Pros: Help others save time/stress during holidaysCons: Very seasonal income, lots of competition
To Start: Buy supplies, market to pop-ups, offer good value on quality wrapping
Start A Greeting Cards Business
Pros: Unleash your creativity designing cards, work from anywhere
Cons: Tough to stand out against big brands with marketing budgets
To Start: Design stylish cards, sell on Etsy/craft fairs, expand into stationery/prints
Start A Holiday Decoration Business
Pros: Spread seasonal cheer, earn extra money during holidays
Cons: Very weather dependent, short seasonal income
To Start: Buy decorations, and market services through social media and search engines
Start A House Sitting Business
Pros: Get paid to stay in homes, great for travelers
Cons: Unsteady income stream, lots of competition
To Start: List services on housesitting sites, promote them through social media
Start A Lawn Care Service
Pros: Recurring summer income, low startup costs, being your own boss
Cons: Outdoor physical work, lots of competition
To Start: Get equipment, print flyers, offer intro lawn care deals
Start A Leaf Removal Business
Pros: Make money quickly during peak fall leaf season
Cons: Very short seasonal window to earn each year
To Start: Buy supplies like tarps/rakes/blowers, print flyers, target neighborhoods
Start A Mobile Laundry Service
Pros: Provide convenient laundry services, choose your own hours
Cons: Equipment/space costs can be high initially
To Start: Buy truck and machines, set rates and policies, promote locally
Start A Mobile Pet Grooming
Pros: Go to pets rather than having them come to you
Cons: Time spent driving between appointments
To Start: Get certified, buy van/equipment, advertise in local areas
Start A Party Entertainer Business
Pros: Bring fun and joy to events, flexible schedule
Cons: Need to continually book new events
To Start: Decide on party entertainment services, create marketing materials, promote to parents/event planners
Start A Podcaster Community
Pros: Build a community around shared interests, work remotely
Cons: Challenging to stand out in a crowded field
To Start: Choose a niche, set up recording equipment, launch teaser episodes
Start A Snow Removal Service
Pros: Make money quickly during the winter snow season
Cons: Very weather dependent, short seasonal income
To Start: Get a plow truck, shoveling supplies, print flyers, target local homes/businesses
Tech Support
Pros: Help non-techie consumers solve issues
Cons: Frustrating handling the same questions repeatedly
To Start: Build computer troubleshooting skills, advertise technical services
Transcribing
Pros: Work remotely at your own pace, strong writing/listening skills
Cons: Can be tedious and repetitive, low pay for entry roles
To Start: Take a transcription course, join sites like Rev, build accuracy and speed
Trash Can Cleaning
Pros: Provide a needed home service, recurring clients
Cons: Extremely dirty work dealing with garbage
To Start: Get cleaning supplies/truck, print flyers, offer intro deals
Tree Cutting
Pros: Well-paying services during peak seasons
Cons: Physically demanding and dangerous
To Start: Get certified arborist training, licensed/insured, buy equipment
Tshirt Designer
Pros: Unleash creativity designing cool tee graphics
Cons: Very competitive field with lots of amateur designers
To Start: Practice using graphic design software, list shirts on print-on-demand sites
Tutoring
Pros: Help students while choosing your own schedule
Cons: Income fluctuates based on demand
To Start: Decide on subjects, create lesson plans, advertise locally
Virtual Assistant
Pros: Work remotely with flexible schedule, broad range of tasks
Cons: Income relies on continual client contracts
To Start: Take VA course if needed, list services, apply for jobs on sites
Vlogging
Pros: Build an audience around your personality, creative outlet
Cons: Very oversaturated market, tough to stand out
To Start: Choose niche topics, film videos consistently, optimize SEO
Washing Cars
Pros: Provide a convenient service, earn cash quickly
Cons: Outdoor seasonal work, need transportation
To Start: Gather supplies, print flyers, offer mobile or location-based services
Wedding Planner Or Bridal Consultant
Pros: Help create dream weddings, work on your own schedule
Cons: Stress of dealing with expectant brides, peak seasonality
To Start: Get certified, intern or volunteer to gain experience, market services
Window Washing
Pros: Provide a useful service, recurring business
Cons: Outdoor physical work, fear of heights an issue
To Start: Buy supplies, print flyers, offer introductory specials
Irrigation System Installation
Pros: Essential service for homeowners and businesses, recurring maintenance revenue
Cons: Physical outdoor work, technical knowledge required
To Start: Get certified, buy equipment and truck, market services locally
Pest Control Services
Pros: Help homeowners and businesses deal with unwelcome pests
Cons: Working with chemicals/pesticides, high competition
To Start: Get trained and certified, buy equipment, promote services
Become a Carpenter
Pros: Work with your hands building and fixing things, feel pride in craftsmanship
Cons: Physically demanding work, acquiring wide range of tools/skills
To Start: Get training through apprenticeship or trade school, gain experience
Become a House Painter
Pros: Make homes beautiful, flexible seasonal work
Cons: Repetitive and physically demanding
To Start: Get supplies, print flyers marketing services, offer intro rates
Become a Carpet Installer
Pros: Help homeowners install new flooring, satisfying finished transformation
Cons: Kneeling and hunching over all day
To Start: Get certified, buy tools/van, market installation services
Detail Private Jets
Pros: Work on luxurious aircraft, high earning potential
Cons: Need connections for clients, extensive training
To Start: Get aircraft mechanic certification, gain detailing experience
Detail Private Boats
Pros: Work on high-end watercraft, flexible seasonal hours
Cons: Need access to marinas/clients, outdoor work
To Start: Train in marine detailing, offer mobile or marina-based services
Golf course
Pros: Beautiful outdoor office, meet new people
Cons: Early morning hours, seasonal fluctuations
To Start: Get training in turf management and groundskeeping, apply for jobs