business plan ideas for college students

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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.

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

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

3. Sell digital products

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

5. Try dropshipping

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

8. Sell print-on-demand goods 

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

10. Create experiences

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

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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 

13. Offer technical services

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14. Start and monetize a podcast

15. Create and sell student resources

16. Start a community-focused business or non-profit 

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

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

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18. Organize on-campus events

19. Try affiliate marketing

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

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?

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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Business Plan Examples for Students

Ajay Jagtap

• December 29, 2023

26 Min Read

Do you know what’s the most common mistake students and rookie entrepreneurs make while preparing their first business plan?

Of course, it’s the first business plan we’re talking about; there’ll definitely be a few. However, overcomplicating things and failing to consider a business plan example still remains the most common one.

That’s why we decided to come up with a solution. We’ve curated this list of top business plan examples for students to help you get going.

So whether you need a business plan for a college project, start a side hustle, or win a business competition, these examples are just what you need to create business plans that stand out.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start by understanding the key elements of a business plan example:

Key Elements of a Business Plan Example

Business planning is not as complicated of a process as people think it is; they’re just overcomplicating things. (Don’t think so?)

Let’s simplify the key elements that make up a comprehensive business plan; you’ll understand it better that way.

• Executive Summary: A high-level overview or summary of your plan.
• Company Overview: A detailed description of your business idea, its fundamental elements, history, and future goals.
• Market Analysis: A study of your external business environment that includes details about your industry, competitors, and target market.
• Products and Services: Description of the products or services you intend to exchange for money.
• Sales and Marketing Strategies: A section outlining sales and marketing strategies your business will implement to achieve its financial goals.
• Operations Plan: A section outlining the business processes and daily activities involved in ensuring seamless business operations.
• Management Team: Introduction to your founders, key management, and their compensation plan.
• Financial Plan: Your financial plan is a detailed breakdown of your business’s financial projections and financing needs.

That’s pretty much it about the key elements of a business plan example. Next, let’s explore the best business plan examples for students.

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Top Business Plan Examples for Students

Now that you already know about the components of a business plan template, let’s review some of the best business plan examples for students.

1. Startup Business Plan Example

Upmetrics’ startup business plan example is the ideal solution for students planning to start up or participate in a business plan competition. This business plan template follows the SBA-approved business planning format used by thousands of successful entrepreneurs.

Whether your startup is about a new-age AI-based application, an online shopping site, or traditional IT consulting—this sample business plan is just what you need.

Unlike any traditional small business plan, this example of a startup business plan is lean and agile in approach, focuses on innovation, and emphasizes market validation.

2. Lean Business Plan Example

Since you’re transitioning from a student to an entrepreneur, you may not have enough time to spend on creating a detailed business plan. That’s where this lean business plan template can help.

It’s a condensed version of a traditional plan summarizing all its sections with a primary focus on covering only the critical aspects of the business.

This template is best for startups or businesses uncertain about business planning and student-turned-entrepreneurs with limited time and resources to prepare a business plan.

3. SBA Business Plan Example

Following an SBA-recommended business plan format is key to securing bank loans and business grants. Since it can be time-consuming to find a template that follows a similar outline as the SBA, this SBA-approved business plan example is the way to get started.

This SBA business plan template has nine primary sections, that include executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization, product description, marketing, funding request, and financial projections.

SBA business plan examples ensure you stay on track and don’t deviate from your funding needs.

4. One-Page Business Plan Example

As you may have already guessed, a one-page business plan is a one-page version of a traditional business plan. Since it’s a condensed version of a business plan, drafting it can be quite easy and quick compared to a lean or traditional plan.

Employees, partners, and vendors often use one-page business plans as a quick overview of your company and banks and investors as a summary of your operations.

While it may not be the ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking investment or bank loans, students with side hustles and idea-stage startups can consider this option.

5. HBS Sample Business Plan

Harvard Business School’s new venture competition selected this sample business plan as a finalist in 2011.

This is a business plan of App Success, a collaborative web-based platform that connects low-income high school seniors with college students from top universities; this business will enable them to collaborate on college selection, college applications, and financial aid applications.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a mobile or web-based solution.

6. Kean University Sample Business Plan

Kean University organizes a business plan competition every year for its students where students prepare and present business plans to compete, and this is one of the sample business plans the University provides to participants to understand the format.

It’s a business plan of Blue Water Boatworks, Inc., a boat detailing and cleaning company specializing in servicing recreational fiberglass and aluminum watercraft.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a business related to housekeeping, cleaning, or maintenance.

7. UVM Sample Business Plan

If you are looking for a strategic business plan for a food business, the University of Vermont’s Fancy Foods Business Plan can be a guiding resource for you.

Despite the fact that it can be a good reference for detailed planning, it was written in 1998, so any statistics and numbers may not seem relevant to today’s market landscape. Make sure you keep that in mind.

You may closely follow this example as a reference if planning to start a food truck, restaurant, or any other business that serves food.

That was the list of best sample business plans for students. However, there’s more to talk about. You now have a business plan example, but what about pitching to investors? Let’s explore free pitch deck examples for students.

Free Pitch Deck Example for Students

Pitching to investors as a first-time founder can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. Worry not; we’ve got a solution—investor pitch templates. We’ve prepared a set of 8 investor pitch templates and examples for students and entrepreneurs to help create winning business pitches.

Whether you need a pitch to find an opportunity, ask for subject matter knowledge, or a problem-solving pitch, these investor pitch examples have got you covered. Download now.

How to write a winning plan for a business plan competition?

Creating a business plan is no different than creating one for a real business. Similar to how entrepreneurs prepare and present business plans to investors, Students in business plan competitions pitch to judges.

In short, the business planning process remains exactly the same. Let’s discuss how you can write a winning plan to help you win a business plan competition.

• Select a compelling business idea : everything starts with a compelling idea. Make sure you have a viable business idea to compete in the competition.
• Refer to winning business plan examples : Once you are sure about your business concept, refer to business plan examples from previous winners and how they planned the sections of their plan.
• Market Research & Industry Analysis : After referring to business plan examples, conduct industry research and market analysis to make your statistical and financial numbers accurate and realistic.
• Understand business model and revenue streams : Since you are preparing a business plan for a company that doesn’t exist, be sure about the business model and how the business will generate profit.
• Use AI business plan generator : Using an AI business plan generator like Upmetrics can be incredibly helpful in speeding up the business planning process. With industry-specific business plan templates and AI assistance to write your plan, you can write the first draft of your plan in literally no time.
• Presentation and visuals : Prepare visuals and graphs to make your business plan visually appealing and numbers digestible. You may not need to prepare these visuals if you use business plan software manually.
• Proofread and edit : Grammatical errors are the last thing judges want to see in a business plan. Make sure you proofread and edit your draft thoroughly before submitting it.

Easy as that, that’s the way to write a perfect business plan that can lead you to victory in any business plan competition on planet Earth. Let’s have a look at a real-life business and financial plan example.

Business and Financial Plan Example for Students

Having learned about business planning for students, let’s quickly discuss a coffee shop sample business plan and financial statements prepared using Upmetrics.

1. Executive Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will be a new cafe in Phoenix, Arizona. The 1,500 square foot café will be located in the newly constructed Market Square Plaza on the northeast corner of 135th Street and Mission Street. The anchor tenant, the Price Chopper grocery store, has already taken occupancy, and the excellent location brings more than 10,000 shoppers weekly.

The Cooper’s Cup, aptly named for the aromatic brown liquid that will fill the cup, fills the void of original cafes in the market and stands out from its corporate peers with its fast food concepts and prompt services. The Cooper’s Cup is the alternative to fast food/commercial/coffee shops and offers a much calmer, civilized gourmet coffee experience.

There are no televisions in the cafe, the background music is subtle, and work from local artists will hang on the walls. The restaurant is well-appointed, with overstuffed leather chairs and sofas in a library-like setting. The cafe is reminiscent of times gone by – yet is cutting edge technologically with WIFI and state-of-the-art espresso machines.

The Cooper’s Cup measures its financial success in terms of increased market share and earnings. This is a tremendous opportunity with a total local market of $54 million! The keys to success will be offering quality gourmet coffees, taking advantage of its small size, and relying on an outstanding barista staff.

To achieve these goals, the cafe will present some of the area’s finest gourmet beans from local distributors. Because of its small size, the restaurant can enjoy larger margins through lower overhead. The cafe will hand-select baristas and offer salaries comparable to the chains. The baristas will be trained to cross-sell and sell higher-margin products.

The primary objectives of the business plan for Cooper’s Cup are below:

• To increase revenues by $36,000 or 5% in Year 2 and $73,000 or 10% by Year 3
• Achieve a profit margin of 5.2% in Year 2 and 6.90% by Year 3
• Be the Cafe of Choice in the Phoenix area and the recipient of the Best Coffeehouse Award.

Guiding Principles

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to values such as excellence, passion, quality, integrity, and leadership, allowing them to navigate challenges and provide for future opportunities. These core beliefs start with their commitment to their products and their employees. Cooper’s Cup rewards excellence and cherishes loyalty. The cafe will work with its employees to build strong businesses and a secure future.

Mission statement

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to its products and employees, which they believe is the recipe for market success.

Key to success

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from the competition. Below are their Keys to Success:

• Great Products : providing exemplary products at market prices – will make customers want to return again and again.
• Hire Quality Baristas : Pay employees rates similar to the larger chains with opportunities for long-term careers and opportunities for advancement with long-term plans to open a second facility.
• Convert Customers to Connoisseurs : Only 40% of the nation’s coffee drinkers consume premium ground and whole bean coffee – this will aid in the continued growth.

Financial Summary

2. Business Overview

The Cooper’s Cup will be a coffee house/cafe located in Phoenix, Arizona. The cozy cafe will be located in the newly completed Market Square Plaza in the Arizona City area. The cafe will serve gourmet coffee, espresso, drip coffee, lattes, and smoothies. The simple pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls. All pastries will be supplied daily by a local bakery.

The cafe will be owned and operated by Owen Jones, a veteran restaurateur with several years of experience running and managing chain restaurants. The cafe will be open for business Monday – Thursday 7-10, Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11, and closed Sundays.

The Cooper’s Cup will be formed as an S-Corporation owned by Mr. Doe.

Start-Up Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will have seating for 40 patrons. The rent is $2,075 a month, with a three-five-year lease available. The site comprises 1500 square feet of leased space consisting of a dining room, a coffee bar, two restrooms, and a storage room in the back.

This storefront needs to be plumbed and wired appropriately to be used as a restaurant. Painting, new floors, and countertops are also needed. A custom coffee bar needs to be built. With materials bought on sale and volunteer labor, the cost to renovate will be $71,725.

The coffeehouse equipment will consist of two commercial espresso machines, air pots and urns, a commercial blender, a commercial brewer, top-loading coffee bins, barista syrups, cold drink dispenser, frothing equipment, a commercial refrigerator, microwave, and stainless steel prep bar.

The cost of the equipment is $38,275. The furniture will consist of leather couches and chairs (purchased at auction), coffee tables, bookcases, and window treatments. The artwork will come from local artists and be sold on a consignment basis. The books were secured via donations. The total cost to furnish is $14,000. Other startup expenses will be dishes, furniture, rent deposit, and marketing.

Location and Facilities

The new coffeehouse is located in the highly desirable Phoenix, Arizona, area at the northeastern intersection of 135th Street and Mission Street in the Newmarket Square Plaza. The property is situated in an excellent location, with an easy 6-minute drive time to I-435 and 69 Highway. 

The property is 95% leased with Price Chopper as the Anchor Tenant. Other tenants include LifeSpring Med Spa, Jane’s Canines (Pet Store & Boarding), Pride Cleaners Kahn Dental, and Swim U. 

Price Chopper brings more than 10,000 shoppers per week to the center. The location comprises a population of 9,420 within a one-mile radius, 61,102 within a 2-mile radius, and 149,550 within a 5-mile radius – with a median household income of $120,856. Sprint / Nextel’s corporate office is within 2 miles of the site.

3. Market Analysis

Phoenix, Arizona, is an award-winning place to live and work and is considered the leading business community in the Midwest. National publications and organizations recognize Phoenix for its business environment and livability. Here’s a sampling: 6th Place, America’s Best Places to Live Money, Top 50 Cities to Live and Play, National Geographic Adventure, 3rd Hottest Town in the U.S., Money, Among 20 Best Places to Live & Work Employment Review, One of only 72 Sterling Tree Cities in the U.S., National Arbor Day Foundation, Top 10 best Locations to Raise a Family, Southern Business and Development, 1st Place, Kid Friendly Report Card, Population Connection, 2nd Best City in America to Live Business Development Outlook.

Phoenix is at the core of one of the most dynamic local markets in the U.S. It offers easy access to the Arizona City region’s amenities, and, as part of the Arizona City metropolitan area, it is within the most centrally located major market in the nation. I-35, I-435, I-635, and U.S. Highway 69 all pass through Phoenix, and no point in the city is more than 3.5 miles from a freeway. The city maintains an excellent arterial street network and plans to construct additional lane-miles as the area grows. Three airports serve the region. Arizona City International Airport (MCI) is just 25 interstate highway miles north of Phoenix. Johnson County Executive Airport—the second busiest in Arizona—provides complete services for private business jets and general aviation. New Century AirCenter, just 12 miles southwest of the city, offers available aviation services and accommodates cargo or passenger jets of any size.

Phoenix supplies some of the most highly educated workers in the nation, with 97% of Phoenix adults over age 25 holding at least a high school diploma. Johnson County, where Phoenix is located, ranks first among the country’s 231 counties with populations greater than 250,000. The county ranks sixth in the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree and 16th with a graduate or professional degree.

The Phoenix area has a population of 175,265, based on the 2010 census. The median household income is $77,881, and the median age is 37.9. (2010 U.S. Census)

Industry Analysis

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Peet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. Coffee shops are part of the specialty eatery industry, including retail outlets specializing in bagels, donuts, frozen yogurt, and ice cream products. (First Research)

Competitive Landscape

Consumer taste and personal income drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on the ability to secure prime locations, drive store traffic, and deliver high-quality products. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialized products, serving a local market, or providing superior customer service. Specialty eateries, which include coffee shops, are labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is about $50,000. Coffee shops compete with convenience stores, gas stations, quick service, fast food restaurants, gourmet food shops, and donut shops. (First Research)

Market Size

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Pet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. (First Research)

Target Market and Segment Strategy

Most adult coffee drinkers said their lifelong habits began during their teenage years. 54% said they began drinking coffee between 13 and 19. Another 22% reported their coffee cravings started between 20 and 24. This means that 76% of adult coffee drinkers began drinking coffee by the time they were 24. So, despite a large amount of marketing and advertising directed at the younger age groups, savvy coffee shop owners will remember to cater some of their offerings to the adult and senior market. (National Coffee Drinking Study).

The Cooper’s Cup will offer a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts by providing a quiet, cozy, yet sophisticated cafe and a sense of refinement and peace in an otherwise hectic and fast-paced world. While other coffee shops cater to convenience with drive-throughs or loud music venues late into the night, the Cooper’s Cup will stand apart from its competitors with its quiet yet soothing ambiance, capturing a truly unique (and much-needed) market niche.

• Unique products (specialized roasts, local ingredients, locally-themed or named drinks, custom drinks by the star barista, etc.)
• Games, puzzles, mind benders, and other activities that encourage customers to linger over their coffee
• Hosting or sponsoring local events (entertainment, readings, book clubs, etc.)
• Using technology to creatively compete in marketing with big chains — services like FourSquare, Yelp, and Google Places can increase visibility in the local market.
• Delivering amazing service from knowledgeable baristas — spend lots of time training staff and utilizing online services like the American Coffee & Barista School.
• Selling coffee-related items (and tracking down any co-marketing opportunities with a local community college or another student-related group in the area)

4. Products and Services

Product/services descriptions.

The Cooper’s Cup’s primary offering is gourmet roasted coffees with mocha, carmelicious, white mocha, candy bar latte, and brewed coffee. Complementing the coffee will be a smoothie line including wild berry, strawberry, peach, mango, and lemonade. Rounding out the simple menu line will be pastries obtained from an outside supplier, freshly made and delivered daily. The pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls.

Product/Service Sourcing

The Cooper’s Cup has negotiated supplier agreements with several local food-service wholesalers and coffee wholesalers in the Phoenix area that have a reputation for quality and reliability:

• Mean Beans Coffee Roasters
• Phoenix Brewers
• Healthy Harvest Bread Co.
• Mary’s Organics

If one of the abovementioned specialty suppliers cannot meet their needs, the following national suppliers can provide all the food-service products they require. In addition, the following wholesalers will supply the cafe with general restaurant supplies:

• Lawrence Food Products Corp.
• Gerry Food Supply Inc.

Future Products/Services

Young families, which comprise Phoenix’s third largest market share, are often overlooked in the coffee market. Coffeehouses traditionally have not been considered ‘kid’ friendly. To overcome this hurdle, Cooper’s Cup has long-term plans (5 years) to open a 2nd coffee shop: A combination indoor play area/coffee bar. This concept allows parents and caregivers to meet and relax with other adults while the children can enjoy the indoor playground amenities.

Additional future services will include in-store sales for home purchases and an online store.

The website will have the option to purchase a prepaid gift card program – Prepaid gift cards provide immediate cash, reduce credit card transaction charges, and draw new customers to the business.

5. Sales and Marketing Strategies

Swot analysis.

Unique Selling Proposition

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from a crowded sea of coffee chains and franchises. What sets it apart from the competition is primarily its smaller, cozier size combined with premium coffees served by knowledgeable baristas, providing so much energy and enthusiasm for its products.

Market Strategy and Positioning

The Cooper’s Cup utilizes a focus strategy on its Market. By specifically targeting three primary segments, they can cater specifically to their needs.

Senior Market (age 45+)

The Cooper’s Cup will target this Market simply by its well-selected location. Although this demographic group could readily drive downtown, they prefer a local cafe to unwind and relax and historically become some of the most loyal patrons.

Newly Hired Employees

The cafe will attract regular customers (weekly or more) – particularly the newly employed (first job) by providing free WIFI services and providing interesting games in the customer area.

Young Families

The third targeted Market, younger families, often find that coffeehouse is not ‘kid’ friendly. The company has long-term plans to create a combination coffee shop/play area so that parents and caregivers can meet with other adults while the children can enjoy the bounce houses, slides, and indoor playground equipment.

Pricing Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup primarily utilizes competition-based pricing. The cafe does not utilize coupons and discounts (other than opening promotions) because they believe that the most valuable customer demographic of daily coffee consumers is not influenced by discount programs or coupons.

Promotion and Advertising Strategy

• Online Advertising – The Cooper’s Cup will advertise regularly on popular social media sites like Facebook. Compared to traditional print advertising, this is a cost-effective tactic that will allow them to reach prospects in a highly targeted way (e.g., based on criteria such as age, gender, geography, etc.).
• Website – Cooper’s Cup will develop a simple Web site, which will provide basic information about the business, the menu, and links to their presence on the aforementioned social media channels.
• Radio Advertising – During the first six months of operation and the busy holiday shopping season, the business will advertise on local radio stations.

Sales Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup will use the following methods to increase sales revenue (as recommended by Andrew Hetzel on Better Coffee, Better Business):

• The menu will focus on the most profitable products sold. The cafe will always draw customer attention to the best products.
• As warranted, the cafe will raise prices to bolster its brand image. Prices communicate the perceived value of a product, so if set too low, the customers might assume that the beverages are inferior compared to the competition.
• Monitor flavoring inventory – Excess flavoring inventory ties up capital and valuable backroom space for storage. The cafe will utilize 4-6 varieties, including sugar-free offerings.
• Control waste and theft – audit sales and inventory reports to evaluate ingredient waste due to inefficient preparation, returned drinks, and employee consumption. Retail locations can easily waste 20% or more of their daily sales in these three key categories, which is a substantial and unnecessary loss.
• Monitor and evaluate hours of operation.
• Run employee sales contests – The baristas are the salespeople and have great influence over the customer ordering process. All baristas will have some form of sales and customer service training to make each transaction active rather than passive. Sales contests will emphasize high-margin items or cross-selling.

6. Operations Plan

Staffing and training.

An ongoing training and education program will ensure that each staff member learns and implements Cooper’s Cup’s exacting service and operational procedures standards. Staff meetings will reinforce service standards and principles. The Cafe will have detailed work descriptions and training programs for each position, from entry-level employees to the ongoing development of managers and owners. New employees will undergo an extensive training program. This ensures that each guest receives a quality experience from all employees, regardless of how long they have been employed. The Cafe embraces the concept of promoting from within. Excellence in one function typically leads to excellence in another. Regular staff evaluations and training will ensure motivation and address critical issues.

Inventory controls

The founder will be responsible for hiring and training managers who, in turn, will ensure that the day-to-day operations will comply with the standards set by Restaurant policy. Weekly management meetings will provide a forum to review and discuss financial and operational performance. Critical decisions related to purchasing, human resources, marketing, capital expenditures, and customer service will also be addressed.

Purchasing cost controls

Food preparation personnel will follow standardized recipes developed by the founders to control food costs and ensure consistency. The coffee shop will offer an innovative menu with nutritious food and beverages while achieving the most significant margin yield.

Customer Service

The hospitality business recognizes the client’s support experience is the critical driver to replicate business. The direction will Offer a superior degree of Professionalism by hiring individuals who deliver the ideal attitude to work and teaching them the skills required to accommodate guests. The restaurant will keep high levels of consumer satisfaction with talented, educated, and well-trained workers who understand and implement the fundamentals of fantastic service. Ongoing training will be provided to enable staff to perform their jobs with confidence and ability. Employees are well-spoken, well-versed, and trained to provide friendly, prompt, and professional service to each customer. This practice teaches employees who, by producing an exceptional customer experience, can optimize sales and raise their reimbursement. The team will have the knowledge and service required to create excellent daily service for every customer.

Technology & Software

While the quality of the cuisine and dining experience contributes significantly to a restaurant’s profitability, attention to business and financial details can transform small changes into significant returns. Critical sales, cost of sales, labor, inventory, marketing, and overhead metrics are monitored daily. Trends are evaluated, and constructive actions will be taken where improvement is needed. The management team will have access to the restaurant’s transactions and reports available in its real-time POS (point of sale) and accounting systems. Trends will be evaluated, and corrective action will be implemented as required.

7. Organization Structure

The Cooper’s Cup is formed as an S-Corporation wholly owned by John Doe.

Management Team

The Cooper’s Cup will be owned 100% by John Doe. Mr. Doe, a graduate of Arizona State University, has an undergraduate degree in business administration. During high school, he worked as a waiter in a local hospital coffee shop that purchased its beans from a local roaster. In addition to being an avid coffee drinker, this job allowed him to learn about the business first-hand. In college, Doe worked in a campus coffeehouse for four years, eventually becoming an assistant manager. Following graduation, Doe secured a business development position for a regional restaurant chain, which provided additional first-hand exposure to the food and beverage industry—especially the steps involved in establishing new locations.

Management Team Gaps

The Cooper’s Cup will rely on its POS (Point of Sale) system to generate daily accounting and cost activity reports. Mr. Doe will supply these to an outside bookkeeper for the preparation of annual income taxes.

Personnel Plan

Initially, the cafe will hire 1 manager, 5 baristas, and 2 part-time servers. In Year 2, the cafe plans to hire 1 additional full-time barista.

8. Financial Plan

Important assumptions.

• The sales forecast is conservative and assumes a 5% increase in Year 2 and a 10% in Year 3.
• The analysis accounts for economic seasonality – wherein some month’s revenues peak (such as holidays ) and wane in slower months.
• The analysis assumes the owner will not withdraw any salary till the 3rd year; at any time it is assumed that the owner’s withdrawal is available at his discretion.
• Sales are cash basis – nonaccrual accounting
• Moderate ramp-up in staff over the 5 years forecast
• Barista’s salary in the forecast is $36,000 in 2023.
• In general, most cafes have an 85% gross profit margin
• In general, most cafes have a 3% net profit margin

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash-Flow Statement

Projected Profit & Loss Statement

Break Even Analysis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a business plan for a college project.

As mentioned earlier in the article, business planning for a college project or competition is no different than for a real business. You can write your business plan using these step-by-step instructions.

• Select a compelling business idea
• Refer to business plan examples
• Prepare a business plan outline
• Create a company description section
• Conduct market research and industry analysis
• Describe your product and services
• Outline sales and marketing strategies
• Create an operations plan
• Introduce management team
• Prepare financial projections
• Summarize your plan with an executive summary

What is a business plan for students?

A business plan is a necessary business document that highlights its purpose,  business goals, product/service offerings, go-to marketing strategies, operations and financial plan, key people involved in the business operations, and other necessary details.

As a student, consider a business plan example as a document that helps you better understand business and industry dynamics and learn how a business operates inside out.

What is a business plan competition for students?

Business plan competitions are competitions mostly organized by universities for students passionate about entrepreneurship and the business world. These competitions offer students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial skills while also providing opportunities for mentorship and networking.

How can I increase my chances of winning a business plan competition?

There cannot be a straightforward answer to this question, but there’s surely a method that can increase your chances of winning a competition—Using AI-powered business plan software.

Why? An AI tool will make you 10X more productive while writing a business plan and preparing financial forecasts. So you can spend more time researching the market and brainstorming business ideas.

Where can I find more business plan examples for students?

Upmetrics’ library of 400+ business plan examples could be an incredible source for students to find more industry-specific business plan examples. There are examples for almost every small business category, including real estate, retail, entertainment and media, food & beverages, and more.

About the Author

Ajay is a SaaS writer and personal finance blogger who has been active in the space for over three years, writing about startups, business planning, budgeting, credit cards, and other topics related to personal finance. If not writing, he’s probably having a power nap. Read more

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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.

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

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

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

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

‍ 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

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

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

‍ 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

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.

90% of startups fail. Learn how to not to with our weekly guides and stories. Join 40,000+ founders.

16) Pool Cleaning Services

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

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

‍ 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

‍ 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

12 business ideas for students to start at college

• Nirit Braun
• Dec 10, 2023
• 10 min read

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

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• Inspiration
• Startup Ideas

46 Best Startup Ideas for Students

| Written by

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 !

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.

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
• Startup Ideas for Animal Lovers
• Tech Startup Ideas
• Startup Ideas for Food Lovers
• Side Hustle Startup Ideas
• Ecommerce Startup Ideas
• Low-Cost Startup Ideas
• Software Startup Ideas
• Profitable Startup Ideas

Further Reading

• What Is a Startup? July 2, 2024
• 8 Best Online Incorporation Services for Startups in 2024 August 14, 2024
• How to Start a Startup in 10 Steps (2024 Guide) July 18, 2024

Topics to Explore

• Startup Basics
• Startup Leadership
• Startup Marketing
• Startup Funding

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Small Business Trends

18 business ideas for college students to consider and pursue.

Here’s a word from Adam Erhart about the “7 Best Businesses for Beginners to Start in 2023.” Some will look familiar, like pet sitting, but the ones like honeybee and goat rental services are truly unique! It’s a good watch and supplement to the article:

Why Should College Students Start a Business?

Our methodology: the best business ideas for college students, ideas for local businesses founded by college students.

There are many startup business ideas you can run in your college town. If you’re looking to serve others in person as a university student, here are some small business options.

1. Tutoring Business

2. cleaning business.

Every space, whether a home or an office, requires regular cleaning. If you’re seeking a venture that’s evergreen, a cleaning business might be your answer.

3. Essay Writing

4. delivery service.

The modern world thrives on convenience, and delivery services are in vogue. If you have access to a car or even a bicycle, start your own delivery business, with high market demand in many areas.

5. Plan Local Events

6. personal trainer.

Physical well-being is on everyone’s list, making personal training a sought-after service. If you’re passionate about fitness and health, leverage that to help others in their fitness journey.

7. Photography Business

8. food delivery services.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is a key selling point, and food delivery taps into this need. If you wish to zero in on this niche, establish collaborations with local eateries that lack a delivery component.

9. Sports Coach

10. pet sitting business.

Pets are cherished family members for many, and ensuring their well-being is paramount, especially when owners are away. If you share a deep affinity for animals, this business avenue can be both emotionally and financially rewarding.

Summary Table

Online Business Ideas for College Students

11. develop online courses.

Whether you’re conducting live classes or creating pre-recorded modules, the flexibility allows students globally to benefit at their convenience, all while you generate revenue.

12. Social Media Platform

13. web design.

By offering customized website solutions, either charging per project or on an hourly basis, you can cater to a wide array of clients, from local entrepreneurs to larger corporations.

14. Sell Online

15. app developer.

This can either be a standalone product where users pay a fee or a freemium model with in-app purchases. Always ensure that your app brings significant value to encourage users to invest.

16. Market Research

17. translation services.

As businesses expand internationally, there’s an increasing demand for professionals who can accurately and effectively communicate messages across diverse linguistic landscapes.

18. Transcription Services

Local vs. Online Business Ideas for College Students

What Business Idea is Best for College Students?

The best college business ideas vary based on each student’s skills and goals. However, some options that can be both fun and profitable include web design, managing social media platforms, tutoring younger students, and running a writing service.

What Business is Most Profitable for Students?

20 Business Ideas For College Students 2024

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Cash on my mind!

Looking for business ideas for students while in college is a sign that you are already looking to make it big in the future and is indeed quite a rewarding experience. Starting out with a business can teach you many life skills, such as time management, money management (students dread this term, we know), and so much more. This insane rise of technology our generation has seen has been unprecedented, which also means huge chances of growth!  In this blog, we will be sharing 20 business ideas for students in 2023 that suit your interests and passions while also having the potential for growth. Strap in, as we are in for a long ride - the future is bright for college entrepreneurs!

1. Make money from social media

As one of the top small business ideas for students during college, we have all grown up surrounded by the advent of social media. Keeping apart the random snaps you send your friends, social media can also be transformed into a source of income. With corporates and businesses all around the world looking to connect with Gen Z via their primary mode of communication, the potential for growth in social media is unsurprising. To get started, students should identify a niche they're passionate about and create a social media account around that topic. Once they have a following, they can start making it as a startup business ideas for students through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or by selling products related to their niche. Since you are a student, this blog can help you understand how Social Media shaped Gen Z in recent years .

2. Pet-sitting services

Pet sitting can be a pawsome way for students to earn some extra dough! It's one of the most amazing business suggestions for students that allows you to spend time with furry friends and get paid for it. For starters, you can ask the neighbourhood family if they would like to opt for you as their pet-sitter for the night, and, eventually, word-of-mouth and clever marketing can help you garner various leads. Additionally, you get to hang out with cool fur babies and chill while the owners come back. How cool is that?

3. Sell on creative marketplaces

Looking for a side hustle that won't take up all your study time? Why not sell your wares on creative marketplaces as startup ideas for students? Whether you're a know-it-all at creating beautiful handicrafts, a designing magician, or a passionate photographer, you can utilise your skills to make money! Do not slack on your academics,  the key to success is finding the right balance between studying and selling!

4. Publish a magazine or blog

Perhaps a business suggestion for students that many may have already considered before is publishing a magazine or blog. This is one of the common business ideas for students that does not require as much effort as the others, but what it does require you to do is unleash all your creative potential. You do not need to be a hardcore journalist to begin. This is one of the small business ideas for students that expect you to choose your own niche, hone your writing skills, and learn more about search engine optimisation. All you have to do then is write a repository of relevant articles and content that you feel your audience would like to read about, and you're all set! 

5. Upcycling

Remember donating or throwing away the books you don't have use for anymore, or perhaps that old piece of furniture that didn't suit your house's aesthetics anymore. Well, what if we tell you can turn a profit from all those things and more? With upcycling business ideas for students, you can upcycle times you do not need any more such and turn them into items with more value. Have a lot of soda cans lying around? Stack them up and engineer them into a stool! There are so many things you can upcycle and transform into business suggestions for students with artistic and utility value.

6. Create food hampers

Isn't it so fun receiving a cute basket filled with exciting goodies and snacks? You can make one too with such similar business ideas for students. Creating food hampers requires some initial investment as well as a creative eye, but with their selling value, you can make a great profit by creating some interesting-looking food hampers. You can ask your friends and family if they need some hampers for an upcoming event, and chances are you'll probably receive a bunch of leads. Use these business suggestions for students and become the new entrepreneur in town!

7. Buy and sell popular graphics

Why not try your hand at buying and selling popular graphics and icons as one of the most popular small business ideas for students? With the rise of online business ideas for students, the market for graphic assets has never been hotter! Items such as rare Pokemon TCG cards and other rare pop culture icons can be bought at low prices and flipped for huge sums of money. You don't even have to leave your dorm room!

8. Organise Student Trips

You have always been that friend who has carefully created the itinerary for the upcoming group trip, right? Time to put those painstaking efforts into a business of your own. You can start organising student trips as a side hustle. Start off by enquiring your own school if they can let you handle the organisation in exchange for some monetary benefits and see how things go from there. As you grow, you can start marketing yourself on the internet via SEO and social media!

9. Sell Audio or eBook versions

With the rise of e-commerce and technology, there's never been a better time to turn classic literature into cash! You can easily convert out-of-copyright works into audio or eBook formats and then sell them on popular platforms. You will not only be bringing old classics back to the forefront but also making good money while doing so! 

10. Become a Model (for Stock Photographs)

Constantly receive compliments on how good you look? Or perhaps how comically expressive you are? Those are all great qualities that can help you become a great stock image model! With modelling business ideas for students, becoming a stock photograph model is often the first step to a glistening career in the industry. Reach out to your nearest stock image agencies and submit your portfolio now!

Business Ideas And Best Deals On Your Stay

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11. Web Design And Development Business

Are you tired of ramen noodles and instant coffee tech-nerds? Wish to explore business suggestions for students? This is your chance to turn your coding skills into cash (excuse the joke)! Whether you're into HTML or CSS, you can start your own web design and development business and make a mint while you study. Put your tech skills to the test and consider this as one of the perfect business ideas for students and for you. 

12. Offer transcription services

For students who have a keen ear and a quick typing speed, offering a transcription service as one of the business ideas for students could be the perfect side hustle! With the rise of online learning, there's never been a better time to turn your listening skills into a business. You can offer your services to fellow students, professors, or even to businesses and organisations. You get to brush up on your lecture material while you work, too! With a little bit of hustle and an acumen of transcription expertise, you'll be making money in no time!

13. CV design freelancing

Offering a CV design freelancing service could be one of the perfect startup ideas for students! With economies all around the world booming. You can bet a ton of people are looking to boos their chances of getting their dream jobs with a killer CV. You can offer your services to fellow students, alumni, or even local businesses. You will also get to brush up on your own CV skills for when you have to apply for a job yourself, too!

14. Translation Services

Multilingual students, this is your chance. With the globalised world we live in, there's never been a greater need for such small business ideas for students to provide clear and accurate communication across languages. You can offer your services to individuals, businesses, or even online platforms. You not only get to help out your clients, but you also brush up on your own linguistic skills, which sounds like a win-win!

15. Photography Services

The world is enamoured with those who capture life at its finest, and photography is a skill that lets you do that. With social media and the cutthroat competition of posting the perfect photo, there's never been a higher demand for skilled photographers. You can start by offering your talent to friends and family, local businesses, or even event planners. You get to turn your passion for clicking pictures into a successful business while you graduate! With some creativity and an eye for business opportunities, you have one of the best business ideas for students. Photography also makes an appearance in our blog on the top 10 creative side hustles .

16. Blogging

Your search for sharing your writing skills and earning money while doing so is not a dream anymore! Companies and individuals all over the world are looking to post high-quality human-written content; do not miss out. You can blog about anything that interests you, whether it's fashion, food, travel, or just your daily musings. You get to turn your writing into a steady source of income! Wait no more to share your artistic abilities with the rest of the world.

17. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Business

offering search engine optimisation (SEO) services could be the perfect side hustle for you if you are in the know-how of boosting traffic for websites! The demand for SEO experts has never been higher as it not only gets your website more traffic but also offers it more reliability. Especially in today’s time, the appeal of an SEO expert is more than ever. Weave through Google rankings and offer your expertise on the same to fellow friends and family or even local businesses when starting out.

18. Start Affiliate Marketing Business

Hey there, studentpreneur, looking for a side hustle that won't hog all your free time? Why not try your luck with affiliate marketing? With just a few clicks, you can become your own virtual sales squad, earning a commission for every sale made through your referral links. You can spread the word on your blog, social media, or even just by chatting it up with friends and family. All you need to be familiar with is online marketing know-how, and you'll be living the life of a successful student business boss in no time!

19. Become a clothes reseller

Thrifting has been more popular than ever. Gen Z can be credited with rediscovering the art of thrifting the trendiest (not always, but it’s okay) clothes out there.  We bring you the best online business ideas for students you've been looking for! Give those old Vans another chance at life by upcycling and reselling them. Whether it's patching up denim jackets or giving t-shirts a new graphic, authenticity is what matters when you aim to create a thrifting business. Who says you can't make money while being environmentally conscious? 

20. Provide packaged meals

We all miss home-cooked food when away. Restaurants never give you the homely feeling you’re looking for. Why not fill that niche for your peers and family by starting a meal service, perhaps on campus? Making money while packaging your meals with love is a notion most can’t refuse, so the money-making potential is definitely there. Start your empire now with the best business ideas for students!

Things to know before starting a business

We're sure after reading these business ideas for students. You are itching to go out there and make a name for yourself in the niche you're interested in. Hold your horses, young Padawan. Consider these few rules, or rather, guidelines, before you go about your next business venture.

• Manage your expectations: We are in no way asking you not to dream big. But starting out, be realistic with your expectations of how successful you'll be. Even Bill Gates's first business venture failed! Don't give up if you face setbacks.
• Conduct legal business: All of these business ideas for students leave little room for illegal activity, but even then, make sure whatever you do is all done legally. Read the fine print.
• Identify a niche: Most successful startup ideas for students stem from a niche or inadequacy that others have failed to fill. Identify that niche and breakthrough!
• Prioritise your studies too: It is obvious that planning a business plan at such a young age, but make sure you do not slack with your studies.
• Financial management: Starting off it is understandable that you would start off small. So make sure when you implement these business ideas for students, you record every single investment and return. 

In conclusion, starting business ideas for students in college can be a great way to develop entrepreneurial skills, earn some extra income, and gain valuable experience. With the right idea and a solid plan, it's possible to turn a side hustle into a successful and sustainable business. The list of business ideas for students in 2023 provides a starting point for anyone looking to launch a new venture. Whether you're interested in fashion, technology, or something else entirely, there's an idea on this list that is sure to inspire you. Remember, the key to success is persistence, hard work, and the ability to adapt and pivot as needed. So, take these ideas and run with them – the sky's the limit. Check out this blog to learn how you can start freelancing as a student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i implement business suggestions for students with no money, which business ideas for students are the best, what are some cheap business ideas for students to start with, how can students make money through social media, what are some things to keep in mind before starting my startup ideas for students.

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The Complete Guide to Business Ideas for College Students

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More than ever, young people are starting businesses. We’ve long since passed the days when starting a business in college was an outlier. Coming up with strong ideas that will launch a profitable business is more important than ever.

The life of a college student is hectic. While there may be some free time, most students have a full plate of work, classes, homework, and socializing. Starting an independent business with the right business idea can make a student’s crazy schedule easier to manage because it’s more lucrative and flexible than most part-time jobs. It’s also a great way to build a solid foundation for the future.

Finding the right business idea in college can be tough because founders and inventors still in school often don’t have enough real-world experience or connections to get investor funding, anticipate urgent pain points, or recognize whether their ideas are viable. This can lead to products that aren’t practical, wasted energy and time, and administrative and legal complications. 

Why College Business Ideas Are So Important

There are many benefits to starting a business while pursuing a college degree. It’s a chance to earn extra income with flexible hours. Running a business offers professional experience and a chance to try out different niches and industries. College can be challenging for hands-on learners, and starting a business in college provides an opportunity to apply the theories and ideas that come up in the classroom.

26% of entrepreneurs start two or more businesses in their life. With each business, owners and founders learn new tools and strategies that contribute to future success. A classroom can be the best place to test a risky idea. Coming up with business ideas in college isn’t a strategy for leaving school early; it’s an opportunity to make the most of your college investment. A college campus is also a great place to build a business toolbox. 

College startups offer an opportunity to hone skill sets that may be useful in the future. For example, if your business ideas are primarily mobile apps, you may want to take computer science classes to learn how they are made (not necessarily to make them yourself). Relevant college courses that relate to your business ideas can provide a better foundation for communication with your future team and help you set realistic expectations for your industry. 

Learning new skills can also connect you to people who share your passion and help hone your business ideas. Starting a business in college can also make it easier to narrow your sights on the right job after graduation.

Even better, students have access to heavy discounts to set up technology for a new business.  Colleges may offer copying and printing services, free Wi-Fi, extensive libraries, and private online resources that make it easier and less expensive to launch a business. And there’s no better place than a college campus for word-of-mouth advertising.

How To Develop Business Ideas As a College Student

42% of startups fail because the business idea isn’t something customers need. Instead of running with any business idea while in college, focus on the right one. 

When you’re trying to find the perfect product to sell, there are three questions that you should ask:

• What do people need?
• What do you love?
• What do you know?

Let’s dive into each of these further.

1. What do people need?

Start with your daily life and any problems you run into regularly. Many of these problems won’t seem like a big deal, like the fruit you buy at the grocery store molding before you can eat it. But you aren’t the only one to encounter it. You could invent or find a dropshipped product that can slow the molding process and keep your fruit fresh to solve this problem. Or maybe you want to address financial planning and budgeting for students with an app.

As you’re looking for problems to solve, think about the industries the problem relates to and other related problems. Then keep brainstorming about what manufacturing and development might look like or the supply chain. 

It might feel like these concerns are too complex to worry about yet. Still, if you plan to start a business while in college, you’ll soon realize that thinking about any new ideas from every possible angle is necessary for success. 

Excellent planning can cut down on risk, open up exciting avenues for growth, and help build the relationships any startup needs.

The problem you aim to solve does not need to require a product. Perhaps you encounter an issue of time, such as needing someone to walk your dog during the day while you work.

Other examples of business ideas that may solve a problem include:

• App development
• Dog walking
• Virtual assistant
• Tech support
• Affiliate marketing

When looking for problems to solve, involve others. Ask friends or family members what daily issues they’d like to fix, mitigate, or solve. Research what people search for or buy online and what issues they aim to solve or prevent.

2. What do you love?

Another great source for business ideas is your hobbies and passions. The business idea will connect to the communities you are already part of. The challenges and pain points will be easy for you to understand because of your experience and expertise.

Launching a business is more than making money. It’s easy to bail on a struggling business when it’s not a passion project, so coming up with original ideas is a better strategy than pulling from a list of someone else’s college business ideas. 

The right business for college students won’t just turn a profit. It will be a mission to dedicate significant time and energy to. Maybe you made memes for fun in high school. You could build a business in social media management in college. Find an area you already have relevant experience in and turn it into a service you can offer for profit. Other passion-based business ideas might be:

• Creating or testing video games
• Starting a blog
• Running a podcast
• Editing term papers
• Creating crocheting, knitting, or sewing patterns
• Logo and graphic design

Think about the things you already enjoy and see if there’s a way to turn that into a profitable venture.

3. What do you know?

For some, the first step toward a new business idea will pop up while on campus. For example, suppose you were at a career fair and noticed that students asked for assistance with grad school applications or career advice. In that case, you might think about creating a career consulting and application review service for students on campus. 

There are a ton of business ideas that would work at any college or university. Make the most of college connections, classrooms, and concerns. These business ideas can work on any campus:

• Tutoring/teaching
• Event planning
• Personal training or exercise classes
• Moving and packing services
• Lawn care/landscaping
• Painting and general handyman services

Consider what you already know how to do and who you know that may be looking for help. Use these answers to identify where you can make a difference.

Quick Tips To Improve & Refine Your Business Ideas 

Whether you’re just starting or have been playing with business ideas for a while, these quick tips can help you hone your loose thoughts into a tight business idea to start while in school.

Find a niche

No matter what business idea comes out on top, there will be stiff competition. In addition to popular local businesses, any new company will compete with a rapidly growing online market. 

It may seem counterintuitive, but the most effective way to grow an audience for a new business is to select a small and specific segment of people to market to. For a baking business, this might mean limiting baked goods to custom-decorated cookies or wedding cakes. For a personal trainer, focus on a specific type of exercise or a single type of fitness you excel at, like strength training for endurance runners. 

Every industry can benefit from innovative ideas, and the deeper you go into an area of interest, the more potential problems and solutions will rise to the surface. 

Ask a mentor

An excellent resource for college business ideas is the campus community. College is typically a moment where there is more time to try new things, meet new people, and learn from experts in different areas of study. 

These qualities make any college campus a hotbed of exciting and valuable business ideas. Set up an appointment with a mentor or professor on campus, organize a meeting with like-minded friends to brainstorm ideas, or set up a spot on campus that’s ideal for meeting new people and collect their opinions about your latest product ideas.

If you can find an expert or professor in the field of your general business ideas, having a mentor can be extremely valuable for first-time entrepreneurs. 

Read reviews

If you have a niche but haven’t settled on “the” business idea yet, start reading product or service reviews in your area of interest. You’ve probably had multiple “Aha!” moments scanning reviews in the past but didn’t write your ideas down because you were too busy shopping! 

Reviews are also a great resource to refine and develop an idea that’s still in progress. Learn from someone else’s mistakes before investing your time and energy in a new college business.

Be sure to look at negative reviews, too. As you read through what actual users and customers have to say about products and services in the area you’re interested in, you’ll see where companies are doing things well and where there is a problem to solve or a challenge that needs addressing. Researching user experiences is part of a broader concept called market research, which includes identifying pain points.

Long-Term Strategies for the Right Business Ideas for College Students

While the above tips are things you can start doing right now to come up with business ideas, these tips and strategies are looking to your long-term success.

Practice giving and receiving feedback

Students in creative majors get a lot of practice taking criticism since most writing and visual arts classes focus on making projects and participating in classroom critiques. Most other majors don’t get as much of this experience, but it’s essential to learn how to accept and use critical feedback on your ideas, especially if they have significant personal meaning. 

Criticism can be tough to take and sometimes our emotional responses to criticism can overpower the value of the critical input that we receive. Try to remember that anyone offering feedback is a potential future customer. There’s a good chance that anything that you’re hearing in a critique will come up again once people are paying for your products.

Practice giving constructive criticism and asking for it back from others on your ideas, business plan, and more. Don’t get defensive. Instead, reflect on the feedback and see if it makes sense with what you’re trying to build and accomplish. 

Remember, just because you receive feedback does not mean that you’ll implement all of it. Think critically about all feedback and criticism you receive and identify what makes sense to use and what doesn’t.

Come up with a business plan

Do you want your new business to last beyond college, or is it just something for right now? Starting any business is a commitment, so it’s smart to think about the long-term costs and benefits of each business idea. 

As you evaluate each of your business ideas, ask yourself:

• What will it take to scale? (tools, resources, labor, etc.)
• What are the risks?
• Will you need to hire help to make it work?
• Does the idea require skills and knowledge you don’t have yet?
• What kind of funding will the idea need? 

As you are getting ready to launch your new business, take the time to write a real business plan. Business plans include details like your market research, your specific products and/or services, your sales and marketing strategies, your plan for funding and investments, and more. You may not think you need one yet, but having a detailed business plan increases your chances of success with your new company.

You can use business plan software to assist in this step. A great software we recommend for beginners is LivePlan . LivePlan will walk you through the entire business plan process piece by piece, and even includes templates so that you aren’t starting from scratch. With the tutorials and support for first-time business owners, you can’t go wrong with LivePlan. 

LivePlan’s Standard package is just $15 per month and includes step-by-step instruction, a pitch builder, over 500 sample plan templates, financial forecasting, and financial statements. Plus, it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Start small and grow slowly

An initial great idea doesn’t always lead to a great business. What can seem like tiny details in the planning process can have a significant future impact on the product, marketing, and sales. Take some time to experiment and test ideas before jumping on your first inspiration.

The right business idea for a college student like you won’t be the best business idea for everyone. A valuable business idea should be fit for your unique skills and abilities. It should be something you can create and run in the extra time you have available during the school year and holiday breaks. You’ll also want it to be something you enjoy or care about enough that you will put your business ahead of the friends and activities outside of school that are also vying for your time and attention.

When a business sees early success, it can feel like every moment should go toward growing the business. But if your business idea gets big too fast, you’ll be unable to balance school and work, and both will suffer. Look for ideas with growth potential that you can start small, like a t-shirt business on campus. As school becomes less demanding and your marketing and business operations skills improve, you’ll find the right time to add new products, expand to other campuses, or start utilizing social media.

As you start coming up with business ideas, this guide for starting a business for under $100 will walk you through creating a business plan, naming your business, and setting up hosting and a domain name.

The most budget-conscious way to launch a new business is to start an ecommerce site. This simple guide, How to Start an Online Store and Make Your First Sale , has everything you need to start selling with your new business idea!

And after launching your business, don’t sit on branding! Here is a guide to building your brand and why it is your most powerful marketing tool.

Make your website better. Instantly.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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25 January 2024 • Resources

25 Best business ideas for college students to start in 2024

Navigating the bustling landscape of entrepreneurship as a college student presents unique challenges and opportunities. Balancing academic commitments with the drive to explore the business world, students are often on the lookout for ventures that not only align with their busy schedules but also offer valuable learning experiences.

If you want to start a business but have no ideas , don't worry—we're here to assist!

In this comprehensive guide, we explore a range of the best business ideas, ideas that are both innovative and feasible, tailored specifically for college students. From leveraging digital skills in a tech-driven market to harnessing creative talents in crafting unique products, these ideas not only provide avenues for income but also serve as a platform for skill development and real-world business experience.

Whether you're tech-savvy, artistically inclined, or have a knack for organization and planning, there's a business idea here that's just right for the entrepreneurial student!

Table of contents

1. Sell your own handmade creations

2. tutor other students, 3. become a freelance graphic designer, 4. manage social media for other businesses, 5. start blogging/vlogging, 6. develop apps, 7. try fitness coaching.

• 8. Offer photography services

9. Start an event planning business

10. provide pet care, 11. create online courses, 12. start a dropshipping business, 13. become a freelance writer, 14. offer cleaning services.

• 15. Supply tech support

16. Get paid to translate

17. provide personal chef or catering services, 18. offer lawn care or gardening services, 19. become a virtual assistant, 20. give affiliate marketing a try.

• 21. Provide web development services

22. Start a delivery service

23. offer seo services, 24. launch your own podcast, 25. resell vintage goods.

Selling handmade creations is an excellent business idea for students, blending the allure of entrepreneurship with the joy of creativity. It provides a platform to express your creativity and passion, whether it’s in crafting jewelry, art, clothing, or any other unique items you wish to create. This creative outlet can also be a stress reliever amidst academic pressures.

What's more, the handmade market is often associated with quality and authenticity , traits that attract a growing segment of consumers seeking personalized and one-of-a-kind goods. With the rise of online marketplaces like Etsy and social media platforms, reaching potential customers has never been easier. 

That being said, if you want the most control over your ecommerce venture, you'll definitely want to create your own online store. And for that, the WiziShop platform has got you covered.

With WiziShop, you'll be able to get started in ecommerce easily and quickly, with all kinds of resources at your disposal. Choose from a library of templates to design an online store that matches your vision. Take advantage of our powerful artificial intelligence (AI) to help you come up with a business name and slogan. This AI also makes it possible to generate text content like product descriptions, blog posts, translations, and much more in seconds—a time-saving tool that's a definite plus for busy students!  

Besides the AI, you'll have 400+ other pre-integrated tools at your disposal to facilitate the online-selling process and sell more products. No need to scramble around and search for third-party add-ons to make your site shine!

And if you're worried about entering the exciting world of ecommerce as a newbie, rest assured that WiziShop is committed to your success, regardless of your level of online sales experience . Avail of free training to learn more about numerous ecommerce-related topics, and don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable Business Coaches to ask questions or get tips and ideas for how to take your web store to the next level.

Sign up today for a 7-day free trial, and then get your first month for just $1!

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Using your existing knowledge and academic skills to supply tutoring services is a practical and accessible way to start making extra money as a college student. As a peer tutor, you can capitalize on your understanding of current academic curricula and methodologies, offering relatable and effective guidance to help other people learn . This also provides an opportunity to reinforce your own knowledge, as teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify one’s own understanding.

In addition, tutoring is inherently flexible, allowing you to schedule sessions around your own classes and commitments. This adaptability makes it a practical choice for busy students. Consider also that there's a constant demand for personalized, one-on-one academic assistance, which creates a steady market for tutors.

Furthermore, tutoring fosters a range of transferable skills, such as communication, patience, and problem-solving. It’s not just a source of income; it’s an avenue for personal and professional development , enhancing employability capabilities while contributing positively to the academic journey of fellow students. 

Freelance graphic design is a fantastic idea for a business that students can start due to its blend of creativity, flexibility, and market demand. It involves creating visual content like logos, brochures, website designs, and social media graphics for others. This field allows you to utilize and hone your artistic talents while learning about different industries and marketing trends.

The flexible nature of freelancing enables you to adapt your work to your current course load and take on projects that suit your time constraints. What's more, the demand for graphic design is widespread across various sectors , offering diverse opportunities.

Building a strong portfolio showcasing your style and range of skills can boost your chances of success with this kind of business. Staying updated with the latest design trends and software is also key. Keep in mind that you can always take online courses or avail of other resources to learn more, level up your design skills, and become an expert in your field as well!

In today's digital age where having a presence on social networks is crucial for businesses, social media management can be a great way for student online entrepreneurs to earn some extra money. For many students, who are often digital natives, managing social media comes naturally , making it a viable and accessible business option. This role involves creating content, scheduling posts, engaging with audiences, and analyzing performance metrics, skills many students already possess or can quickly learn.

The flexibility of social media management is a significant advantage for students. They can do the job remotely and adjust their working hours to fit around their academic schedule. There's also very low startup investment for this type of job compared to other ideas described in this article. Note that the demand for social media expertise is high across various industries, offering a broad client base.

This role also offers a pathway to developing a professional skill set that's increasingly sought after in the job market. As social media continues to evolve and play a critical role in business strategy, students with expertise in this area are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Another easy way for students to make money is to start blogging or vlogging. With low entry barriers and extensive potential for both creative expression and income, this can be the ideal part-time business if you enjoy sharing your knowledge, opinions, and insights with a wider audience, building a community around shared interests. 

Starting a blogging or vlogging business entails creating written or video content about topics and ideas that interest you, such as travel, fashion, technology, education, or personal experiences. Over time, this can then lead to earning income via diversified streams like ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise.

Whether you opt to concentrate on blogging or vlogging, remember that sharing consistent, high-quality content is best for building and retaining a following. It's also essential to engage with your audience through comments and on social networks to help foster a community and increase reach. Don't hesitate to harness the power of SEO for your blogging/vlogging venture, as well-executed SEO strategies can do wonders for boosting traffic to your content!

App development involves designing, creating, and maintaining applications for mobile devices, a skill set in high demand across various industries. This field offers students a creative outlet to bring innovative ideas to life , whether in gaming, productivity, health, education, or any other sector.

Besides allowing for working on projects at your own pace, starting a venture involving app development also offers the potential for substantial financial returns, either through direct sales, in-app purchases, or advertising!

While there are all kinds of roads to take when it comes to developing apps for your startup student business, you'll find that it's a good idea to focus on identifying and solving a specific problem or fulfilling a niche demand . Staying on top of the latest programming languages, design principles, and user interface trends will be advantageous for the success of your business.

Engaging in this field not only provides a practical learning experience but can also pave the way for a thriving career in technology.

Fitness coaching is another great business idea for students, especially those passionate about health and wellness. It involves guiding clients through exercise routines, providing nutritional advice, and helping them learn how to achieve their fitness goals.

This role can vary from personal training to conducting group fitness classes, both in person and online. Working as a fitness coach means that you'll be promoting a healthy lifestyle, which can be beneficial for your own well-being.

Consider obtaining a certification in fitness training to bolster your knowledge and credibility. Having a solid understanding of exercise science and nutrition is essential to provide safe and effective guidance. 

To attract clients, you could, for example, network in local gyms and community centers, in addition to building a strong online presence on social media . By offering personalized training plans to suit individual client needs, maintaining a positive and motivational attitude, and continuously updating your knowledge about fitness trends and techniques, you'll find that you'll be well on your way to success! 

8. Offer photography services 

Another way to turn your artistic flair and eye for detail into a profitable venture as a college student is to start a photography business. This involves capturing images for various occasions and purposes, such as events, portraits, landscapes, or commercial use. Offering photography services allows you to harness your creativity and technical skills to produce visually appealing and meaningful photographs.

As there's quite a bit of competition in the field of photography, developing a unique style and building a diverse portfolio showcasing your best work will be key when you're starting out. Networking is also crucial; connecting with potential clients through social media, local events, and word-of-mouth referrals are all great ideas to help you significantly boost business.

In addition, it's beneficial to plan for a small investment in good quality equipment and continuously hone your skills through practice and learning, helping you to be able to provide people with treasured photo keepsakes to enjoy for years to come. 

Event planning, a promising idea for students who wish to become a business owner , combines organizational skills with creativity. It involves conceptualizing, coordinating, and executing events such as parties, weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings.

As this role demands lots of attention to detail, from selecting venues to arranging catering, decorations, and entertainment, ensuring each aspect contributes to a successful event, it demands a greater time investment than other kinds of student businesses. That being said, it offers an amazing opportunity to not just earn extra money but also build a diverse network and gain valuable real-world experience in project management and client relations!

Success in event planning hinges on strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage budgets and deadlines . Building a portfolio through volunteering or planning small-scale events can demonstrate capability to potential clients. What's more, establishing relationships with vendors and venues can lead to better deals and referrals down the road.

Providing pet care is an excellent business idea for students, particularly those who love animals. This service includes taking care of pets while their owners are away, which could involve feeding, walking, playing with, and sometimes administering medication to the pets. If you're not able to offer full-on pet sitting, you could instead go for a less time-intensive option like dog walking, taking dogs out for regular exercise and socialization.

If this type of business appeals to you, keep in mind that you will need more than a passion for animals to succeed . Reliability and trustworthiness are crucial, as pet owners need to feel confident in leaving their beloved animals in your care. 

Aim to build a good reputation through positive client testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals. It can also be beneficial to have some knowledge of pet care and first aid and offer additional services like pet grooming or pet transportation to diversify your business and increase your income potential.

In this era of digital learning, creating your own online courses is the perfect way to share your knowledge and earn money as a student yourself. Online course creation entails designing and producing educational content in a specific area of expertise or interest, which can range from academic subjects to practical skills like photography, coding, or cooking. This format allows you to package your knowledge into structured, accessible modules that can be sold on e-learning platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.

However, there's another way to go about selling online courses...

Did you know that with the WiziShop ecommerce solution, you can sell digital products like online courses? Yep—it's not just for physical goods!

One of the best things about selling digital items is that a single product can be sold over and over again. Although creating an online course does require a greater time investment than other projects, especially if you want to include high-quality videos and interactive content to enhance the learning experience, you can sell the course to an infinite number of customers once it's finished, without any additional effort on your end.

Of course, you may want to add course updates as time goes on. Be sure to gather feedback and continuously improve your course content based on user experience.

Like the idea of selling products online but don't have the resources to manage stock? Give dropshipping a try!

Dropshipping is a compelling business idea for students due to its low startup costs and manageable operations. It involves setting up an online store to sell products, but unlike traditional retail, you don’t keep stock on hand. Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, the order is forwarded to a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to the customer . This model makes it a great option if you want to start a business with no money .

Just like with any other kind of ecommerce business, it's crucial to select a niche market with demand and limited competition for a dropshipping venture. You'll also need to build a user-friendly, attractive website and utilize effective digital marketing strategies, including SEO and social media advertising, to bring in customers. Note that establishing a good relationship with reliable suppliers can help ensure product quality and timely delivery.

If you've got some top-notch writing skills up your sleeve, becoming a freelance writer can be a profitable venture due to the constant demand for quality written content. Freelance writing can mean creating various types of written materials, anything from articles, blog posts, and other web content to academic papers or marketing materials, for different individuals, organizations, or businesses. 

That being said, it's important to note that the rise of AI poses challenges for freelance writers. AI can generate content quickly, potentially reducing demand for certain types of writing jobs.

To stay competitive, freelance writers should focus on developing unique, creative skills that AI cannot replicate , such as persuasive writing, in-depth research, and storytelling with a personal touch. Building a niche expertise area can also add value to your services. Embracing AI as a tool, rather than viewing it solely as competition, can enhance productivity and the quality of work.

Offering cleaning services is a practical business idea for students seeking flexible work with steady demand. It involves providing cleaning services to homes, apartments, or offices, which can range from general cleaning to more specific tasks like deep cleaning, window washing, or organizing spaces. 

Reliability and attention to detail are crucial to success with this kind of activity. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful in this industry, so maintaining a high standard of work and a professional demeanor can significantly boost your business .

If your budget allows, consider investing in efficient cleaning tools and supplies to improve the quality and speed of your work. Marketing your services in local communities and online platforms like social media or community boards can help draw in clients. 

15. Supply tech support 

It's no secret that technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up with it can be more difficult for some people than others! If you've got a knack for technology and problem-solving, why not start your own tech support business?

Your venture could entail offering assistance with various technology-related issues, such as installing software, troubleshooting hardware problems, setting up networks, and providing general IT advice . This kind of service generally caters to individuals and small businesses lacking in-house technical support.

Even if you already consider yourself to be a tech wiz, staying updated with the latest technology trends and solutions is essential. It's also crucial to establish a reputation for reliability, quick response times, and effective problem-solving. Offering remote support services can expand your reach beyond local clientele. 

Offering translation services is a valuable business idea for students proficient in two or more languages. With this kind of activity, you'll be converting written or spoken material from one language to another while maintaining the original content's tone, context, and meaning. This service is in demand across various sectors, including legal, medical, educational, and business fields.

Similar to freelance writing, AI has shaken up the field of professional translating, as there are all kinds of tools available today that make it possible to translate text in seconds. That being said, don't let this deter you if you're just starting out—these AI tools aren't perfect, and many businesses will still want a human to ensure that a translation is indeed correct!

To be successful with your translation business, you'll need to have a strong grasp of the languages involved, including cultural nuances and technical jargon specific to different fields . Building a portfolio of your work is crucial for attracting clients. Additionally, specializing in a particular type of translation, such as legal documents or medical transcripts, can make your services all the more sought after.

To find job opportunities, consider networking with translation agencies and using freelance platforms. Also be sure to prioritize maintaining professionalism, providing accurate translations, and meeting deadlines to build a good reputation.

If you possess excellent culinary skills and a passion for cooking, providing personal chef or catering services may be the perfect business for you as a college student. Whether you choose to prepare and sell meals tailored to clients' dietary preferences and needs for individuals, families, or events, this venture offers a flexible way to earn money. It can range from daily meal prep for busy professionals to catering for small parties or events.

Success in this field requires not only cooking skills but also creativity in menu planning, understanding of nutrition, and the ability to adapt to various dietary requirements. You will also want to be sure that you become known for your reliability, hygiene, and tasty recipes.

To set yourself apart from the competition, consider offering unique or niche services, like vegan or regional dishes . For culinary-inclined college students, this type of business offers a platform to showcase their talent while gaining practical experience in food preparation and business management.

Tired of being stuck in a classroom or library and itching to get outside? Offering lawn care or gardening services is the perfect business idea for college students who enjoy outdoor work and have a talent for landscaping. This kind of work entails maintaining and beautifying outdoor spaces, which can include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, weeding, and general garden upkeep.

If possible, purchase high-quality equipment to boost efficiency and improve the quality of work you offer. Note that offering additional services like seasonal yard clean-up, mulching, or snow removal can provide year-round income opportunities .

As a college student, creating a business that involves lawn care or gardening services not only provides financial benefits but also the satisfaction of physical work and the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills. What's more, it allows you to work around your courses, which means primarily during weekends or summer breaks.

A virtual assistant (VA) performs various administrative tasks remotely, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, social media management, and customer service . This role suits students as it can be tailored around their academic schedule and doesn't require a physical office space.

To succeed as a VA, strong organizational skills, proficiency in using digital tools, and effective communication are crucial. Specializing in a niche (like social media management for small businesses or administrative support for real estate agents) can make your services more appealing.

You can find new VA opportunities by building a professional online presence, networking on platforms like LinkedIn, and asking for referrals from happy clients . Regardless of the task or client, aim to always maintain reliability, pay attention to detail, and take a proactive approach in your work to strengthen your reputation and ensure long-term success for your small business. 

Amazon Associates

One of the easiest online business ideas to start, affiliate marketing offers a flexible way to earn income with relatively low effort after initial setup. It involves promoting products or services for companies and earning a commission for each sale or lead generated from your referral . This can be done through a blog, social media, a YouTube channel, or other digital platforms.

To start, choose products or services that align with your interests and are relevant to the people in your target market. Then, be sure to create high-quality, engaging content that genuinely adds value for your audience. Building trust with your audience is crucial; always disclose affiliate relationships and focus on promoting products you genuinely believe in.

Want to make your affiliate marketing adventure even simpler and save loads of time? Try Evolup, the AI-powered solution for creating affiliate online stores!

Compatible with all affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, the Evolup platform offers maximum freedom, allowing you to add the programs and products that best suit your needs. Easily build your affiliate website and import your products in just a few clicks. Use the solution's AI to help you write blog articles, generate lists of pros and cons, translate text, and more.

Get started today with a 7-day free trial!

21. Provide web development services 

Have a passion for technology and coding? Thinking about turning it into a paying venture that involves providing web development services, where you will create and maintain websites, encompassing aspects like website design, front-end and back-end development, and ensuring functionality across various devices and browsers. 

With this type of business, you'll want to be sure that you stay current with the latest technologies, coding languages, and design trends . In addition, having a robust portfolio showcasing diverse projects ready to go is essential for helping attract potential clients.

Focus on providing clear communication with clients, understanding their needs, and delivering projects within deadlines are key to ensure that you build a good reputation. Offering ongoing support and maintenance services can also lead to long-term client relationships. 

With a growing number of people wanting convenient delivery options to deliver items to their homes or businesses, starting your own delivery service as a college student can prove to be advantageous. This venture involves transporting goods, such as food, groceries, or parcels, from businesses to customers. 

In order to be successful with your delivery service, you'll of course need to have reliable transportation, e.g., a bike, scooter, car, etc. It also helps to have a good knowledge of the local area in which you'll be doing your deliveries.

Establishing partnerships with local businesses can provide a steady stream of delivery tasks. You may also wish to think about investing in technology, like a reliable GPS and an efficient scheduling system, to enhance your delivery service efficiency. Offering excellent customer service, being punctual, and maintaining a professional attitude are crucial for gaining repeat customers and positive reviews. 

Offering search engine optimization (SEO) services is a smart business idea for today's college students, particularly in this digital age where online visibility is crucial for businesses. Consider that less than 1% of internet users click through to the second page of results on search engines like Google , according to  Forbes , which means getting your site to appear on that first page is a must. Even better if you can rank in the Top 10! 

SEO entails optimizing websites to improve their ranking on search engine results pages, increasing organic traffic, and enhancing online presence. This field requires skills in keyword research, content creation, link building, and understanding search engine algorithms.

Keep in mind that SEO is an ever-evolving beast... To be successful in SEO, you'll need to stay updated with the latest trends and algorithm changes in search engines. Building a strong understanding of various SEO tools and analytics is also necessary.

A great way to showcase your skills is through your own website. Demonstrating how you've improved your site's rankings over time can help show potential clients that you know what you're talking about. Providing clear, measurable results and maintaining transparent communication with clients are critical for building trust and long-term relationships. 

Launching your own podcast gives you a platform for creative expression and potential income through a medium that's growing in popularity. Podcasting involves planning, recording, editing, and publishing audio content on various topics, ranging from entertainment and education to niche interests. It's an opportunity to delve into subjects you're passionate about and share your perspectives with a wider audience.

With relatively low startup costs and the flexibility to record episodes around academic schedules, podcasting is an attractive business option for many college students. Before you start recording, however, you'll want to be sure to pick a unique and engaging topic to stand out in a crowded market. Remember that consistent, high-quality content is key to retaining and growing an audience.

It's also important to keep in mind that this kind of business will likely take more time to start generating income compared to others . Monetization can come from sponsorships, advertisements, or listener donations as the audience grows. Utilizing social media and networking to promote the podcast can enhance visibility and speed up the process of earning money with this type of venture.

Reselling vintage goods allows college students to tap into the growing trend of eco-conscious and unique fashion. With this sort of business, you'd be sourcing vintage clothing, accessories, or even furniture, and reselling them for a profit. It requires an eye for style, knowledge of current trends, and an understanding of the value of vintage items.

Starting a reselling business doesn't require significant investment, as you'll get your items from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. To do well with this entrepreneurial endeavor, you should be adept at spotting high-quality, in-demand vintage pieces . Understanding your target market and pricing items competitively yet profitably is also crucial.

Creating a strong online presence through social networks and online selling platforms like Etsy, Vinted, or Depop can attract customers. However, to take your business to the next level, it's a good idea to launch your own ecommerce site, giving you more control over how you sell your vintage finds.

Begin selling your vintage goods today with WiziShop!

Regardless of where you opt to promote your offerings, note that good photography skills and storytelling can enhance the appeal of your items. Staying engaged with the vintage community and continuously learning about vintage eras and styles can also help in growing your business! 

Kathleen Panozzo is the author of this article

Kathleen is a Content Marketing Specialist at the WiziShop Group. Passionate about writing, she enjoys discovering the latest happenings in ecommerce and sharing her findings on this blog to help merchants achieve even greater success with their online stores.

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Earn money while studying: 15 business ideas for college students.

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With the rise of the gig economy and the increasing demand for entrepreneurship, college students have a unique opportunity to turn their passions and skills into profitable ventures. 

Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash, build your resume, or simply explore your entrepreneurial spirit, numerous business ideas can be executed from the comfort of your dorm room or campus. 

In this article, we’ll explore the best business ideas for college students, from building your personal brand online to offering technical services and tutoring. 

Is It Possible to Start a Business While Being a College Student?

Yes, it is possible to start a business while being a college student. You can start a business with relatively no cash . The internet has made the process easier than it used to be. You no longer need a physical storefront or a large investment.

Instead, you can leverage your creativity, skills, and knowledge to create a successful business from your laptop or smartphone. Whether you’re looking to sell products online, offer services, or simply build your personal brand, there are numerous opportunities for you to get started.

Why Start a Business Even as a College Student?

Starting a business as a college student has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows you to explore your entrepreneurial spirit and test your ideas in a low-risk environment. 

Secondly, starting a business can help you develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and time management, all of which are highly sought after by employers. 

Thirdly, it can provide you with a source of income, allowing you to gain financial independence and freedom. Finally, starting a business can allow you to make a positive impact in your community and the world, by solving problems and creating value for others.

15 Business Ideas for College Students

The entrepreneurial spirit can strike at any time, and finding creative ways to make money while still in school can be a great way to gain valuable experience and financial independence. 

Here are 15 business ideas that are perfect for college students, whether it’s during the school year or over the summer break:

Build Your Personal Brand Online 

With social media platforms and blogging websites, it’s never been more convenient to build your personal brand . Create content around your interests, expertise, and experiences to build a following. This can help you monetize your online presence through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even offering your own products or services.

Sell Items at Pop-Up Stores or Online

Use your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to source unique items, design your own products, or thrift for treasures to sell at pop-up stores or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. This type of business is flexible and can be adapted to fit your busy college schedule.

Resell Different Items of Interest

Buy popular items at a low price and sell them for a profit, either online or in person. This could include limited edition sneakers, collectible items, or trending products. Keep an eye on market trends and demands to make the most of your reselling venture.

Pet Sitting

If you love animals, pet sitting is a great way to earn some extra cash. Offer your services to friends, family, or neighbors, or sign up on websites like Rover to connect with clients. This is a flexible and enjoyable option, especially during breaks when people may be on vacation.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic way to make money while still in school. Offer your services to family, friends, or neighbors, or use websites like Care.com to find clients. Babysitting is in high demand, particularly during evenings and weekends, making it a perfect side gig for students.

Cleaning Business

Start a cleaning business and offer services such as house cleaning, dorm room cleaning, or even laundry services. This business idea is flexible and can easily fit around your class schedule. Plus, it’s always in demand, as people are constantly looking for help with cleaning tasks.

Become a Freelancer

Freelancing allows you to offer your skills in areas like writing, graphic design, web development, or social media management. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can help you find clients and build your portfolio. You can also set up an LLC as a freelancer to reap the benefits of tax advantages. 

Offer Technical Services

If you’re tech-savvy, you can offer services like computer repair, software installation, or smartphone troubleshooting. Advertise your services on campus, online, or through word of mouth. This is a great way to put your technical skills to use and make extra money.

To excel as a tutor, you need to first identify the subjects or areas in which you have expertise and passion. You can then advertise your services on campus, through social media, or by joining online platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com. When working with students, be patient, empathetic, and prepared with effective teaching strategies. 

Essay Writing

You can offer your writing skills to help students with essays, research papers, or other writing assignments. This is a great way to utilize your writing skills and make money in your spare time.

Translation Services

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, offer translation services to individuals or businesses. This can include document translation, language tutoring, or even providing interpretation services at events.

Become a Local Reviewer

As a local reviewer, you will assess and write reviews for products, services, or events within your local area or community. Offering your services as a local reviewer, include providing honest reviews of local businesses, restaurants, and attractions. This can lead to paid partnerships, sponsored content, or even free products and services in exchange for your reviews. 

Delivery Service

With the rise of food delivery apps and online shopping, there’s always a need for reliable delivery drivers. Offer your services as a delivery driver or courier for local businesses or sign up with apps like DoorDash or UberEats. This is a flexible gig that can work around your class schedule and help you earn extra cash.

Organize Student Trips

If you love planning events and have a knack for organizing, consider organizing student trips. This could be anything from weekend getaways to spring break trips. Work with travel agencies or plan the trips yourself, and charge a fee for your services. This business idea allows you to explore new places while helping fellow students create lasting memories.

Run a Summer Camp Program 

During the summer break, consider organizing and running a summer camp program for kids. This could be a day camp focused on sports, arts, or academics, or even an overnight camp. This business idea requires careful planning and organization, but it’s an excellent way to gain leadership experience, work with kids, and make money during the summer months.

8 Steps to Start a Business

Once you’ve settled on a business idea and a suitable business name , it’s time to take actionable steps to bring your idea to life. Here are eight direct steps to help you start your business:

• Create a Business Plan: A business plan helps you focus on your objectives and serves as a guide for decision-making as you grow your business. You need to have a business plan to better manage your business.
• Choose Your Business Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) , or corporation. This decision affects taxation, personal liability, and legal requirements.
• Register Your Business: Choose a unique and memorable name for your business and register it with the appropriate government authorities. This may include registering your business name, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and registering for state and local taxes.
• Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Depending on your business type and location, you may need to obtain licenses and permits to operate legally. Research the requirements in your area and ensure you comply with all regulations.
• Open a Business Bank Account: Keep your personal and business finances separate by opening a dedicated business bank accoun t. This makes it easier to manage your business finances and track your expenses and income.
• Secure Funding: Determine the amount of capital you need to start your business and identify potential funding sources, such as personal savings, loans, grants, or investors. Create a detailed budget to guide your financial decisions and help secure the necessary funding.
• Get Business Insurance: Protect your business from potential risks and liabilities by obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage. This may include general liability insurance, property insurance, or professional liability insurance, depending on your business type and needs.
• Promote Your Business: Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers and build awareness for your business. This may include creating a website, leveraging social media, networking, and using traditional advertising methods. Continuously analyze and adjust your marketing efforts to maximize your business’s growth.

Become a College Student Entrepreneur

Starting a business while in college is not only possible but also highly rewarding. Whether you want to earn extra income, gain practical experience, or explore your passions, there are plenty of business ideas that are perfect for college students. From building your personal brand online to offering technical services to tutoring, the possibilities are endless. 

However, it’s important to take note of your finances as your business grows. doola’s bookkeeping services can help ease the financial management aspect of your business, allowing you to focus on your passion and drive your business forward. With doola , you can stay on top of your finances and make informed decisions for your business.

What is the best business idea to start for students?

The best business idea for students depends on their skills, interests, and available time. Popular ideas include tutoring, freelancing, pet sitting, or selling items online. Choose a venture that aligns with your passions and schedule.

What is a profitable small business for students?

A profitable small business for students is one with low overhead costs and high demand. Freelancing, tutoring, or offering technical services are examples of businesses that can generate significant income with minimal upfront costs.

What are low-cost college business ideas?

Low-cost college business ideas include offering services like tutoring, pet sitting, or freelance work. These ventures require little to no initial investment and can be easily scaled as the business grows.

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16 Business Ideas for College Students and Recent Grads

Back to Business Ideas Categories

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on July 12, 2022 Updated on July 3, 2024

As a college student, you’re no doubt tight on money but full of energy. You could work at the local campus bookstore or a restaurant, but maybe you’d rather start a business you can work on between classes and studying. 

You wouldn’t be alone, as many college students are starting side hustles, sometimes as a gateway to full-time entrepreneurship. Well, you’ve come to the right place, as this guide lists 16 great business ideas for college students that can put you on the road to serious success. 

1. Freelance Writing

Skilled writers can earn $25 to $40 per hour or more, and businesses often hire freelancers for projects like website content, marketing copy, and white papers. College students can start by building a portfolio through online writing and then find clients and gigs on platforms like Upwork.

The flexibility of freelance writing makes it an ideal choice for students. They can choose projects that align with their interests and fit their schedule, ensuring they can balance their academic commitments. By engaging in freelance writing, college students can earn money, build their portfolio, and develop valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

2. Proofreading

With a wide range of materials requiring proofreading, such as books, business plans, and web content, the demand for proficient proofreaders is constant and diverse. Platforms like Upwork provide abundant job opportunities, allowing students to start earning right away, typically at rates of $15 to $20 per hour.

Building a strong online presence and continuously improving skills are crucial for success in the proofreading business. Creating a professional website or online portfolio, networking with potential clients, and staying updated with industry standards can help attract clients and establish a solid reputation.

3. Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent business idea for college students due to the high demand for tasks like appointment scheduling, email management, and travel booking. The virtual assistant industry is projected to see a stunning 22% annual growth through 2028 , providing ample opportunities. College students can earn $20 to $25 per hour and enjoy the flexibility of working from their dorm room or apartment.

To start as a virtual assistant, college students can market their services online, create a professional website or portfolio, and network with professionals in various industries. The ability to work remotely and set their own schedule allows students to balance their academic commitments while earning income.

4. Search Engine Optimization

Countless small businesses outsource their SEO needs, recognizing its vital role in their success. With hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150, depending on experience, and an industry worth over $80 billion, it’s a side hustle that can blossom into a full-time business.

To start, college students can leverage their skills by offering SEO services to small businesses. Building a strong online presence, networking with local businesses, and staying updated with the search engine algorithms are crucial steps.

5. Dropshipping

With no need to purchase inventory upfront, students can sell a wide range of products . Dropshipping allows online businesses to place orders with suppliers only after receiving orders from customers, eliminating the need for inventory management and reducing financial risks.

The logistics and shipping process in dropshipping are simplified as the goods are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer. The most important aspects include: deciding a niche – what you want to sell, finding a reliable partner and setting up your online store. When it comes to marketing, the focus should be on SEO and promoting your products via social media.

6. Pet Sitting

As a pet sitter, your responsibilities typically involve visiting the client’s home to feed and spend time with the pet, with some clients even requiring overnight stays. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money in your spare time while indulging in your love for animals.

To start a pet sitting business, college students can promote their services through various channels such as word-of-mouth, local advertisements, and online platforms dedicated to pet services. Building a reputation for reliability and excellent care is crucial for attracting clients and securing repeat business.

7. House Sitting

When homeowners go on vacation, they often hire house sitters to ensure the security and maintenance of their properties. House sitters typically stay in the house, preventing theft or damage and attending to tasks like watering plants. With an average daily rate of around $50, college students can earn income while managing their academic commitments.

To start a house sitting business, college students can rely on word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family, and neighbors to build their reputation. They can also create profiles on house sitting websites or join local community groups to connect with homeowners in need of their services. Demonstrating reliability, trustworthiness, and attentiveness to homeowner needs are key factors for success in this industry.

8. Social Media Marketing

Businesses often outsource their social media marketing needs, presenting an opportunity for students to help companies establish and grow their online presence. Social media marketers typically earn a minimum of $50 per hour, with potential for higher rates depending on the extent of the work.

To establish a social media marketing company, college students can create a strong online presence through a professional website or portfolio, showcasing their services, expertise, and testimonials from successful clients. Networking with local businesses and professionals, as well as staying updated with social media trends and best practices, are crucial for success in this industry.

9. Mobile DJ

As an alternative to bands, mobile DJ services are increasingly popular for various events. Whether you have prior DJ experience or not, starting a mobile DJ business allows you to make money while enjoying yourself. With potential earnings of up to $1,000 per event, it presents an attractive income potential.

To get started, invest in essential DJ equipment and build a diverse music library. Promote your services through social media, local event directories, and word-of-mouth referrals. Networking with event planners and industry professionals can also lead to additional opportunities. Providing an exceptional and memorable experience for event attendees will help you build a solid reputation and secure repeat business. As your business grows, consider expanding your services or partnering with other event service providers to further enhance your offerings.

By leveraging your writing skills and choosing a subject you’re passionate about, you can attract a following and monetize your blog. Income can be generated through ads or affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions from companies when readers make purchases through your blog’s links.

To start, select a niche that interests you and resonates with your target audience. Consistently produce valuable content to engage and retain readers. You should learn how to optimize your blog for search engines, like Google and Bing. However, you should write for your audience, not search engines.

Promote your blog through social media and networking with other bloggers. As your blog gains traction, explore advertising options like Google AdSense or collaborate with brands for sponsored content.

11. Vending Machines

With minimal effort, maintaining and restocking the machines can bring in a monthly income of around $300 to $400 per machine. By strategically placing vending machines in high-traffic locations like college campuses, hospitals, airports, or office buildings, students can establish a reliable income stream.

To start, research suitable locations and acquire vending machines stocked with popular products. Building relationships with property owners or businesses for machine placement is crucial. Regular inventory checks and prompt restocking are necessary to ensure customer satisfaction and maximize profits. Providing excellent customer service and promptly addressing any issues or malfunctions contribute to the success of the business.

12. House Painting

Exterior house painting is a lucrative weekend business idea for college students. With the potential to earn thousands of dollars per job, it offers a profitable income stream. Basic equipment such as a ladder, a vehicle, and painting supplies are all that’s needed to get started. While expertise in painting is beneficial, there are ample online resources, including YouTube tutorials, that can help students learn the necessary techniques.

To attract clients, you can create a professional website or online portfolio to showcase their previous work and customer testimonials. Promoting services through social media platforms and local advertising (getting listed on Google Business and Yelp) will help reach homeowners in the area. Offering competitive pricing and exceptional customer service will set you apart from the competition.

13. Software Development

The US software market has seen substantial revenue growth over the past decade, presenting a lucrative opportunity for students to enter a thriving industry and make significant earnings before graduation. You know the famous start up companies that began in college, like Facebook and Google, but there are many others.

To begin, you should identify a market need or problem ( use our lean canvas generator ) that can be addressed through innovative software solutions. By leveraging technical skills, you can develop software tailored to specific industries or customer demands. Starting a software company requires a solid business plan, securing necessary resources such as funding and talent, and building a strong brand and online presence. Actively networking within the industry, collaborating with businesses, and seeking mentorship can further improve growth prospects and open doors to new opportunities.

14. Tutoring

By leveraging the expertise in specific subjects or an area that you have experience with, you can offer valuable tutoring services to other students, kids or even professionals. The convenience of online platforms like Zoom or Google Meet allows for flexible and accessible tutoring sessions.

To start, you can create a professional online presence through websites or tutoring platforms . Effective marketing strategies such as social media promotion and word-of-mouth referrals can help attract clients and build a solid client base. Offering flexible scheduling and competitive pricing makes tutoring services appealing to students seeking academic assistance.

15. Jewelry Making

Whether selling online or locally, you have the opportunity to express your artistic vision through appealing designs of bracelets, rings, necklaces, and more.

To begin, focus on developing a collection of jewelry pieces that align with your artistic vision and cater to your target market’s preferences. Experiment with different materials, techniques, and styles to create designs that set your brand apart.

Selling your jewelry online can be done through e-commerce platforms, social media, or online marketplaces. Utilize captivating product photography, engaging product descriptions, and responsive customer service to create a positive shopping experience. Additionally, consider selling your jewelry locally through pop-up shops, craft fairs, or collaborations with local boutiques.

16. YouTuber

While the competition is fierce, innovative content creators have the opportunity to build popular Youtube channels and earn significant income through ad revenue.

To succeed, you should find a unique niche or angle that sets their content apart, delivering high-quality videos consistently and engaging with their audience authentically. Utilizing creative storytelling and showcasing their own personality can help foster a strong connection with viewers. Building a strong online presence beyond YouTube and exploring alternative income streams like brand partnerships or merchandise sales can further enhance their success.

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• Freelance Writing
• Proofreading
• Virtual Assistant
• Search Engine Optimization
• Dropshipping
• Pet Sitting
• House Sitting
• Social Media Marketing
• Vending Machines
• House Painting
• Software Development
• Jewelry Making

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17 Business Ideas for College Students for 2022

Startup and business ideas for college students.

Starting a business in college can be a great way to make a living and pay for your way through school, if you do it right. Or, if you’re inspired by other great entrepreneurs who met their co-founders and launched the next biggest fortune 500 company, then starting a business in University may be your calling.

The great thing about business ideas for college students is that campuses can be the perfect place to validate a product or service offering too.

We are going to go over 17 business ideas. There is also both a range of small and large scale business ideas.

1. Voice-enhancement app

The voice-enhancement app would be a fun and cool app that people could download and use to enhance their voices for voice messaging. It would utilize their already installed messaging app, such as iMessage, and allow people to enhance their voices in cool and interesting ways, clip their audio files, and other fun features. They say audio is the next big thing as more and more people use it to type out texts, send regular voice messages, and use voice devices like the Amazon Alexa.

One co-founder would need to have a strong background in coding and software development, but this could easily be developed and launched from a college dorm room. If you wanted to take a different route, this could also be possibly created into an app that people could use. This idea would be worth validating if you want to try and create the next big social business idea!

2. Dorm cleaning service

Some people in college and university really miss having their parents or home maids clean their rooms. Now that they are at university, they may not want to clean their dorms by themselves. Leaving the perfect opportunity for you to charge them a fee to clean up the room.

It would be easy to do as you can simply market the business by going door to door in dorm buildings. Startup costs would also be very low since it costs could consist of cleaning supplies and a business license. After a while, and if you have a consistent clientele base, you could look into hiring other students to do the cleaning for you. The great thing about this idea is that it could be started from almost any college or university, and has the opportunity for expansion.

3. On-campus delivery service

There are many delivery services established that will delivery goods, packages, and food around cities, however, there are no or very few services that will deliver goods across campus. A professor may need a suit from the school dry cleaner delivered to the lecture hall. Or a group of students may need a bunch of food delivered to their dorms from the cafeteria. Saving them time so they can study. This would also be another business idea for college students that would be low-cost to start . You’d only need a bike, a strong bag for transporting things, and potentially a GPS if it was a large campus. This business idea could easily be expanded across other schools if you wanted to grow this idea beyond your own college.

4. Add-on online courses for college classes

If you have a strong interest and specialty in a set of college courses, you could create an online and easy to follow set of video courses that others could watch and learn from. Sometimes students need to hear the course information in different ways than the professor presents it, to fully understand the material.

Be careful though that you don’t copy the courses you just took, otherwise you could end up in legal trouble with the college. Your courses would have to have a different spin on how the material is taught. They could pay a simple fee for each course or a package deal if there were multiple courses. A background in video editing and course creation would come in very handy.

“Our extremely conservative estimate for the global tutoring industry is that it’s worth $100 billion (annually),” said Julian Dierkes, a professor with the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia (Source).

5. language transcription service.

If you are at a college or university abroad in a different country where they speak different languages, and you know both your home language and the native language in that country, you can start a transcription service.

By setting up a website where other people or companies can upload documents in one language, you could have an online portal of work that you can do in your dorm. When they upload it to your website, you could work on it, transcribe the document to their needs, and then send it back to them over your portal and a fee would be taken. This would be a great way to set it up so you don’t spend your precious time dealing with mail and hardcopy documents.

Again, this idea can grow into a large company if you hired other students to expand your workforce.

6. Research paper writing company

If you love to write and have a strength in writing research papers, this business idea for college could be perfect for you. Similar to the idea above, you could setup a website where other students from different universities around the state or country could send in their research paper requests, along with deposits for the work.

Then you could write the paper from the comfort of your dorm room and charge a fee for the end work. Many of these students will pay big money for a great finished product as it means they get a good grade when they really needed it.

However, one thing to watch out for is that some colleges and universities have policies about helping students in this manner. This is another idea that could grow with the help of other students.

7. Furniture Lending Service

Many college and university students move to their dorms with furniture specifically designed for their new room. But after a year they often end up throwing it out or selling it for pennies on the dollar as it usually does not accommodate other places well, and students don’t have time to sell the furniture. This means the students or their parents have wasted a lot of money on custom furniture of their dorm.

This college business idea would help stop that by allowing students to rent their dorm furniture. By working with local furniture shops around each campus, you can design furniture for each room and then charge a monthly or yearly fee to students. You could advertise to them online through Facebook or Instagram or Google to get them to know about your service before they come to the school.

8. Virtual assistant – professor niche

The virtual assistant is a great business model for college students as you can operate this business from your dorm room or house. As a virtual assistant, you would help other businesses and professionals with their online needs. This may be converting datasets in excel, transcribing audio, or simple data entry.

However, due to the current market competition for general virtual assistants, you could change your offerings to fit professors and college teachers. You could provide marking services, presentation preparation and development, and other tasks a professor would need done.

9. University/ College entrance consultant

As a new college or university student, you may now be qualified to help others get accepted into the schools you got accepted to when you were in high school. If you applied to several schools and got into them all, this will broaden your credibility.

For this business idea, you could set up a consulting service for wealthy families to coach their teen through the process of applying and getting accepted to their school of choice. A deposit for the work done, and a fee for the acceptance could be a good way to setup the payment systems. This could also be done online if you have the email packages and a great video calling system.

10. Senior companion service

There is no doubt that the 65+ community is growing around the globe. In some areas of the world, that group is poised to be the fastest growing demographic in the area! Meaning they will have a huge impact on business. If you are attending school in a place with a high senior’s population, this could be a great fit for you.

By advertising to the local communities about your service, you could charge a monthly fee to go and hangout with a single or group of seniors for the afternoon or evening. Possibly running chores for them in case they can’t or their family couldn’t anymore. This service would also have great potential to expand, as you can hire other students to take various shifts, and it would be a great way for them to meet others in the community while getting paid.

11. Textbook exchange service

The textbook exchange service is a classic college business idea that is hard to start and grow, but if done right, can have major rewards. This service would involve setting up an app or website where people from a certain school could upload their used textbooks for others to be able to buy or rent them.

Where this idea usually fails is that at the launch due to low stocks of the needed textbooks, and then the textbook buying season buys and the company runs out of money to sustain until the next semester.

If you are able to set up this website or exchange in advance with a great stock of textbooks, this would increase your chances of success. Similarly, if you chatted with the professors and teachers to confirm older versions of the textbook could be used for class, it would give students confidence that they can get the used book and still succeed.

This would be a great business to run as most of the work would be needed before the new semester, before any large assignments in class.

12. Notes Digitization service

If you can type fast, you could offer a note digitization service to other students, teachers, or university staff. This service could be charged on a per-word basis for you to type up handwritten notes into word documents, excel sheets, or even powerpoints.

If you like dealing with people in person and don’t want to run a business that is completely based online, this may be a great service for you to run. There would be a human interaction component, as you would always need to pick up the notes since they are a hard copy.

13. Dorm room greens service

I’m talking greens.

Many students want to have plants in their dorm, but may fail to keep them healthy, or simply throw them out after. Instead, you could offer a service where you can deliver and water the plants for them. Every few weeks or months, the plants could be switched out to a different plant at the student’s preference. You could also see if you could get help from the school to fund this since, as it would be costlier to startup with all the costs of plants, containers, soil, etc. Payments could be set up on a one-time or monthly subscription.

14. Campus electric scooter rentals

Campus committing doesn’t have to be boring and with this service, it won’t. The campus electric scooter rental would have 5-10 electric and push scooter racks located at various strategic points on campus. Students could then rent them for a per minute or single-use fee to get to their classes.

This is another larger scale business idea as the scooters would an expensive initial investment, but it has the potential to grow as you can expand to large cities with huge campuses.

15. Care-package subscription service

Many new university and college students miss home when they first move to school. And their parents miss taking care of them! This service would help solve that problem as parents could buy their kids care packages that could be delivered at certain times of the year. That way, the students don’t get as home-sick and they also get a great and healthy packed box of goods.

This business could partner with local food chains and suppliers as it would help them get their name out as well, so supplies could be cheaper or even free. Secondly, the willingness to pay by many families may be quite high, so the price point could be higher than most other subscription box services.

16. New grad employment consulting service

Graduating from college or university can be very intimidating. Especially for those whos programs didn’t prepare them to get a job when they left their studies. This is a nightmare reality that many new grads face, and many of them end up getting a job completely unrelated to their studies just to pay the bills.

This is another college business idea that could be potentially funded by the university, as it gives the institution a good reputation of helping their students and their alumni landing job opportunities. To start this, you could put together a resume and cover letter training packages, as well as mock interviews and other classes related to getting the job in the field they want. A single class-fee could be charged here.

Although the employment rates have returned to their 2007 average, there are millions of graduates every year, so 2% to 4% of 10 million is a healthy market size of around 300,000 people that could use your help. This idea could also be adjusted for high school students that need a job, as that market is larger and would be a good place to expand.

17. The ethical phone company

The large phone producers like Apple, Samsung, and Google continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable for a company to do to its consumers. From purposefully draining and gaming the batteries phone life around the launch time of new phones, and the unethical pricing you’ll pay to get your device repaired, it is time someone start an ethical phone company.

This company would involve creating a phone that is not $1,000, but instead around $300-$500, with parts that can be interchanged and replaced as needed. Additionally, parts wouldn’t be made for the purpose to break in 6 months either. This phone company would be ethical, and that could appeal to a very large mass market across the world.

It would also be a great business idea to start in college because you may have access to students in other programs like computer science and engineering so they could help you make this a reality.

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Startup Dreams: 20 Business Ideas for College Students

College is a time for exploring new activities and discovering what interests you. It’s also an excellent opportunity to contemplate your future career path. Starting your own business is one way to stand out from your peers while gaining invaluable experience. However, devising a unique and viable business idea can be challenging, especially when balancing lectures, exams, and other commitments.

That’s why we’ve created this post to offer college students ideas and guidance on launching their unique businesses. We will explore various industries, providing practical tips and resources to help you achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations. Whether you’re a business major or keen to explore your creative side, this post aims to inspire and empower you to embark on your entrepreneurial journey with the best business ideas for college students.

Business Ideas for College Students Starting Their Own Startups

For college students, initiating a business venture can be both challenging and rewarding. It offers an opportunity to sharpen your skills, gain valuable experience, and potentially make a societal impact. With the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread use of the internet in modern society, college students have more opportunities than ever to start their businesses.

This post delves into inventive business concepts tailored for college students eager to launch their startups. We’ll provide practical advice and essential tips to help kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, whether you’re contemplating a social media marketing agency or an eco-friendly product venture.

Hiring a digital marketing service is a strategic move once you’ve started a business. These services can effectively promote your business online, leveraging tools like SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns to reach a wider audience.  Are you an aspiring entrepreneur in search of inspiration? Or perhaps you’re looking for innovative ideas? Either way, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover exciting business ideas that you, as a college student, can pursue.

Virtual Event Planning

The rise of remote work and virtual meetings has increased the demand for skilled virtual event planners. As a college student, you might already possess the necessary skills for this field, such as organizational and communication abilities, multitasking, and familiarity with internet technologies. By leveraging these skills, you can establish a virtual event planning business, catering to organizations, enterprises, and individuals seeking impactful online events.

To start, you’ll need essential equipment like high-speed internet, a reliable computer, and a quality headset/microphone. Familiarize yourself with virtual event planning tools like Zoom , WebEx , or GoToWebinar . Then, develop a professional brand and marketing strategy to attract clients. With the growing need for virtual event services, college students have ample opportunities to earn income, gain valuable experience, and thrive in the event planning and management sector.

Dorm Cleaning Service

Launching a dorm cleaning service is an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity for college students. This idea addresses a common issue among many students: maintaining a clean dorm room. As the owner of a dorm cleaning business, you can provide a valuable service that allows fellow students to concentrate on their studies and social lives, without the stress of cleaning their living spaces.

Starting this business is relatively straightforward, with low initial costs. You’ll need basic cleaning supplies and a business license. Market your services by distributing flyers on campus, going door-to-door in dorms, or using social media platforms.

As your client base grows, consider hiring fellow students to help with cleaning. This expansion will enable you to handle more clients and grow your business. You can also offer additional services for a fee, like laundry or organizing.

This business idea has great potential for scalability. If successful at one university or college, consider expanding to other campuses or even different cities. With effective marketing and branding, you can establish a thriving and profitable business that offers a much-needed service to college and university students.

Also Read: From Novice to Pro: 80 Digital Product Ideas That Sell

Starting Your Own Tutoring Service

Launching a tutoring service can be a profitable venture for academically-inclined students who enjoy teaching. To start, create a business plan that details your services, pricing structure, and marketing strategies. Reach out to potential clients through social media and word-of-mouth referrals. Attract new customers and stand out from the competition by offering initial sessions for free or setting up referral incentives.

As your business grows, prioritize client needs and feedback to build a reputation for quality education and individualized attention. Tutoring services are in high demand due to the growing need for personalized education. Starting your own tutoring business can provide valuable experience in both teaching and entrepreneurship, along with the opportunity to earn additional income. By leveraging your academic achievements, you can help other students reach their educational goals and build a rewarding career.

Delivery Service

If you’re seeking a flexible way to earn extra income, consider starting your own delivery service. With just a car or bicycle, you can deliver a variety of items, such as food, groceries, or other goods, to people in your local area or on your college campus.

Begin by collaborating with existing delivery apps like Uber Eats or Postmates, or promote your services independently by posting flyers around town or on social media platforms. Whether you have a few hours in the evening or want to work weekends, this can be a great way to make money on your schedule.

By providing a reliable and swift delivery service, you can build a loyal customer base and become the preferred delivery provider in your community. With dedication and hard work, you may even expand your delivery service into a full-time business!

Voice-Enhancement App

Consider an app that transforms voice messages into something extremely intriguing, going beyond typical speech upgrades to provide users with a variety of fascinating capabilities. Imagine integrating it with your existing messaging software, such as iMessage, to add artistic effects, clip audio files, or experiment with other entertaining features in your voice messages.

Having a co-founder with strong expertise in coding and software development is critical to making this happen. The exciting part is that this venture doesn’t demand a large, expensive office; it could be developed and launched directly from a college dorm room. Alternatively, you could turn this idea into user-friendly software that everyone can enjoy.

Given the increasing popularity of audio communication—whether typing out texts, sending frequent voice messages, or using voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa—this concept holds a lot of promise. Validating this idea might pave the way for the next great social enterprise.

Online Additional Courses To Improve College Learning

Developing online courses complementing college curricula can be an outstanding way to aid students in their academic journeys. By offering alternative perspectives, these courses can make the material more accessible and easier to grasp, especially for students who may struggle in conventional classroom settings.

It’s crucial, however, that the content you create is original and not merely a copy of existing college courses. Plagiarism can lead to legal issues, so it’s important to present the material in a unique and personal manner.

Students interested in these online courses could pay per class or opt for a package deal if multiple courses are offered. Having skills in video editing and course creation is beneficial to produce high-quality content that effectively engages and educates students.

Online Service To Transcribe Documents In Multiple Languages

Starting an online multilingual document transcription service is an innovative business idea for college students proficient in their native language and the language of their study country. This idea is especially relevant for international students studying in non-English speaking countries.

To begin, all you need is a computer and internet access. Set up a website where individuals or businesses can upload documents in one language to be transcribed into another. Offering this service online streamlines the process, eliminating the need to handle physical documents.

There are several benefits to this business model. It offers the flexibility to work from anywhere at your convenience. As the business grows, you can employ more students, allowing you to accept more clients and expand your services. Plus, as an online service, you have the potential to cater to a global clientele, making it a truly international business opportunity.

The Lucrative Print-on-Demand Merchandise

The print-on-demand industry has surged in popularity, especially among students and young entrepreneurs. The ease of collaborating with artists and suppliers to print designs on a variety of items, including t-shirts, phone cases, and more, has significantly increased the demand for personalized products.

Platforms like Shopify simplify launching a print-on-demand business. This model allows products to be produced only when ordered, reducing the need for extensive inventory management. Students can leverage Instagram influencers and other social media platforms to promote their businesses effectively. Print-on-demand has emerged as a profitable and sought-after business model, providing a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs to start their ventures with minimal upfront investment.

Starting A Home-Based Food Catering Business

For culinary enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into a profession, starting a home-based food catering business is an excellent choice. One of the key advantages of this venture is the ability to tailor your investment to the scale of your desired setup. You can start small, gradually expanding your customer base by serving neighbors and friends, and grow as you gain more experience.

To promote your business, consider creating a website and joining networks that offer home delivery services. Additionally, social media and digital marketing tools can be powerful ways to advertise your services and reach a broader audience.

Overall, starting a home-based food catering business can be a deeply rewarding experience for those who love cooking and sharing their culinary creations with others.

Also Read: How to Start a Blog and Make it Successful in 2024 – A Guide for Beginners

Starting A College Research Paper Writing Service

Launching a business that offers research paper writing services to college students can be a profitable venture for those with strong writing skills and a knack for research. The concept involves creating a website where students from various colleges can request research papers and make a deposit payment for the assignment.

As the business owner, you would operate from your dorm room and charge a fee for your writing services. Many students are willing to pay for well-crafted papers, as these can significantly impact their grades.

However, it’s important to be aware that some colleges and universities have policies that may prohibit students from using such services. To navigate around these restrictions and further develop this business idea, collaborating with other students might be a viable option.

App Developer

If you’re an aspiring app developer looking to monetize your skills, creating your own app and charging a fee or offering in-app purchases is one way to do it. It’s essential to ensure that your app provides substantial value to encourage users to pay.

Another route is to offer your app development services to businesses on a contractual basis. You can generate a steady income by creating bespoke apps for various clients, and this approach also allows you to broaden your experience by working with different organizations and designing apps for a range of industries.

Participating in online forums and attending conferences can help you stay current with the latest app development trends and technologies. By continuously honing your skills, you can become a sought-after app developer and significantly boost your earning potential.

Certified Fitness Instructor

As a college student with a passion for fitness, becoming a Certified Fitness Instructor offers a lucrative business opportunity. You can conduct fitness sessions for fellow students eager to improve their health and wellness, either on campus or online. 

Gaining a certification not only validates your expertise and skills in fitness but also helps in attracting a broader clientele. Consider charging per session or offering package deals for multiple sessions to accommodate students’ budgets. With dedication and effective marketing, this venture can turn your fitness passion into a profitable business.

Email Marketing

For students with strong email composition skills, starting an email marketing business is a profitable and cost-effective idea. Despite the rise of various digital marketing tools, email marketing remains a crucial and powerful strategy for many organizations. Utilizing platforms like Upwork and PaperPerHour, students can showcase their email marketing prowess and acquire clients.

As a niche marketing field, email marketing allows students to start with minimal costs and incrementally increase their rates as they build their reputation and client base. With the right expertise and strategy, email marketing can offer significant growth opportunities for student-run businesses in the digital marketplace.

Specialized Virtual Assistant Services For College Professors

For college students, offering specialized virtual assistant services tailored to college professors and educators presents a unique business opportunity. While the virtual assistant market is competitive, specializing in academic-related tasks can set you apart. This specialization can include grading, preparing presentations, and handling other tasks unique to the academic world.

Focusing on these specific needs, college students can establish a niche in the virtual assistant industry, providing essential support to professors who often struggle to find assistance with their specialized tasks. Operating from home or a dorm room, this business model is not only convenient but also addresses a critical demand in the academic community.

Starting A Business As A College Admission Consultant

Having navigated the college application process successfully, you can leverage your experience by starting a business as a college admission consultant. This role involves providing personalized guidance to high school students to enhance their chances of getting accepted into their preferred colleges and universities.

Targeting affluent families willing to invest in your advisory services can be a strategic approach. Your pricing structure could include an initial fee for your services, with additional charges for each successful admission. With the appropriate software and tools, you can offer your services online through email and video consultations. This business idea not only allows you to share your expertise and skills but also offers the potential to generate additional income.

Providing Companionship To Seniors

With the senior population rapidly increasing globally, and in some areas being the fastest-growing age group, businesses have an opportunity to cater to this demographic. One way to do this is by setting up a senior companion service, focusing on areas with a high concentration of elderly residents.

In this venture, you can offer your time and companionship to seniors, either individually or in groups, for a fee. To reach potential clients, consider marketing your services within the local community. Additionally, you can assist seniors with tasks and errands they or their family members may not be able to manage. 

By hiring more students to work different shifts, you can expand the service and increase its availability. This business not only provides a valuable service to the elderly but also enables young students to connect with community members while earning an income.

Building A Successful Textbook-Sharing Service

Creating an online marketplace for college students to buy and sell used textbooks is a concept that holds appeal for many. While starting and running such a business can be challenging, it has the potential to be quite lucrative if executed properly.

A significant challenge to this model is the initial shortage of textbooks. This scarcity means that if there is a high demand for books, you might struggle to meet the supply, which can be costly. Therefore, it’s crucial to accumulate a substantial collection of textbooks before launching the business. 

Additionally, consulting with professors to determine if older editions of textbooks are acceptable for their courses is a smart move. This strategy can broaden the range of books you offer, making the service more appealing to students.

Turning Handwritten Notes Into Digital Text

This service is dedicated to converting handwritten notes into digital formats, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. Catering to those who prefer in-person interactions, a proficient typist collects the hard copy notes directly from clients, adding a personal touch to the service. The pricing model is based on a per-word charge.

The service providers can establish a revenue-generating fee structure based on the volume of transcription. They charge a specific rate for every word transcribed from handwritten notes into digital text. This service is particularly useful for individuals seeking to digitize their handwritten notes for better organization, ease of access, and convenience.

Unlike purely online businesses, this service involves direct client engagement, requiring the physical collection of original notes. If personal interaction and face-to-face communication appeal to you, this business model could be an ideal fit. Meeting clients to collect their notes offers an opportunity to build personal connections and deliver customized services according to their specific needs.

Service for Plant Care in Dorm Rooms

Struggling to keep plants alive in your dorm room? Our Dorm Room Plant Care Service offers a convenient solution for students who love the idea of having plants but find it challenging to care for them.

We take care of the distribution and watering of plants, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant in your dorm space. Plus, you have the option to rotate the plants periodically, according to your preference, whether it’s every few weeks or months. We understand that the costs associated with plants, pots, soil, and other supplies can be a hurdle in establishing this service. That’s why we suggest seeking financial support from your educational institution to help offset these initial expenses and make plant care more accessible for students.

Convenient Electric Scooter Rentals on Campus

Tired of the daily trek to classes on campus? We’ve got a solution to make your campus commute more convenient and fun! Introducing our electric scooter rental service, designed specifically with students like you in mind. We have strategically placed racks of electric and manual scooters around the campus, making it incredibly easy for you to rent a scooter whenever you need one. Whether you need a quick trip or a longer ride, our scooters are available for both per-minute and one-time rentals, ensuring you can get to your classes quickly and efficiently.

While investing in a fleet of scooters requires a significant initial outlay, this business model has potential beyond just our campus. With aspirations to expand to larger campuses, this concept has the potential to evolve into a more extensive enterprise with substantial profit opportunities. So, keep an eye out for our convenient scooter rentals and get ready to change the way you navigate campus.

Furniture Lending Service

Many college and university students invest in bespoke furniture for their dorms, only to dispose of or sell it a year later at a fraction of the cost. The problem lies in the furniture’s poor adaptability to various spaces and the time constraints students face when trying to sell it. This results in significant financial waste for both students and parents.

Here’s a practical solution: a college business concept that tackles this issue by offering dorm furniture rental. The idea involves collaborating with local furniture stores around schools to create personalized furnishings for each room. Students would pay a reasonable monthly or annual fee for the furniture they need, rather than making a one-time purchase.

To spread the word, implement an effective online advertising strategy on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Google. This ensures that students are aware of the service before they arrive at school, providing them with a more financially sustainable and convenient alternative to investing in expensive, one-time-use bespoke dorm furniture.

Care Package Subscription Service

Launching a subscription service for care packages can provide comfort to students moving away from home for higher education, as well as to their parents. This service allows parents to send care packages to their children throughout the year. Filled with a variety of delicious and comforting food items, these packages aim to alleviate homesickness and offer a much-needed morale boost to recipients.

To keep costs down and support local businesses, the company can partner with local grocery stores and suppliers. However, considering many families are willing to pay a premium for this service, the subscription rate may be higher than that of other subscription box services. This business model offers a unique way to bridge the distance between students and their families, making it a meaningful and potentially profitable venture.

New Graduate Employment Consultation Service

Transitioning from college or university to the workforce can be daunting, particularly for those whose degrees don’t align directly with available job opportunities. Many recent graduates end up taking jobs unrelated to their fields of study. However, there’s an opportunity to address this issue with a new service aimed at helping recent graduates find employment related to their areas of study.

The introduction of this service would greatly benefit the university, enhancing its reputation as an institution that supports its students and alumni. This service could offer various packages, including guidance on crafting effective resumes and cover letters, conducting mock interviews to sharpen interview skills, and providing tailored advice for securing jobs in specific industries. A one-time fee could be charged for accessing these services.

By offering this service, the university demonstrates its commitment to helping graduates navigate the job market. It enables recent graduates to explore career paths that align with their degrees, increasing their chances of a successful professional life and making meaningful contributions to their fields.

How Do I Attract Students to My Business?

As a business owner aiming to attract student clientele, it’s crucial to understand your target audience and their values. Begin by conducting market research to pinpoint the needs and preferences of students in your area. Utilize this data to craft a marketing plan that resonates with their interests and motivations.

Secondly, leverage social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, which are popular among college students. These platforms offer an economical way to reach a broad audience. Also, consider collaborations with student organizations or influencers to widen your reach and enhance credibility.

Lastly, offering student-focused discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs can be highly effective. These incentives encourage students to choose your business over competitors, fostering brand loyalty and spurring word-of-mouth referrals, a potent tool for attracting new patrons. Employing these tactics can help you draw students to your business and establish a robust customer base.

In conclusion, college students possess the unique ability to generate innovative business ideas that can evolve into profitable ventures. To succeed, students need to identify a market need or problem and develop a distinctive solution or product to address it. Leveraging their academic knowledge and passions, they have the potential to create impactful businesses in fields like technology, healthcare, sustainability, and social impact.

Moreover, resources such as networking, mentorship, and access to incubators and accelerators can play a crucial role in helping students transform their ideas into successful enterprises. Through their creativity, dedication, and hard work, college students can turn their entrepreneurial visions into profitable businesses that positively impact the world.

Why should college students consider starting their own business?

College students often have fresh, innovative ideas and a unique perspective on the market. Starting a business allows them to develop critical skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while also providing a potential income source.

What are some areas where college students can develop innovative business ideas?

Students can utilize their academic expertise and interests to create businesses in technology, healthcare, sustainability, social impact, and more. They can also identify market problems or needs and devise unique solutions or products to address them.

How can college students turn their business ideas into reality?

Students can make their business ideas a reality by conducting market research, formulating a business plan, and seeking mentorship and networking. They can also leverage incubators and accelerators to help launch their ventures.

What challenges might college students face when starting their own business?

Challenges may include a lack of experience, limited financial resources, and balancing academic commitments. With determination, dedication, and support, these obstacles can be overcome to create successful businesses.

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8 Business Ideas for College Students [+How to Start]

How would you describe a perfect business for students? Let me guess—

Low barrier to entry, little upfront investment, and fast return?

Well, I’ve just described a lemonade stand. 

But if you’re looking for a more sustainable source of income than lemonade cash and are willing to put in some effort into your business, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve brainstormed and researched tens of small business ideas for college students. We picked the ones that you can easily do from home, are low cost, and have the potential to be profitable. 

In this article, you’ll find:

• 8 best ideas for starting a college business
• A how-to on starting a business as a student
• Advice from student entrepreneurs and a business advisor

If this isn’t what you’re looking for, get inspired with these stories:

• How My Dog Accessories Store Doubled Sales
• How I Made $23.000 in High Ticket Sales
• How To Sell Underwear Online Using Influencer Marketing

Business ideas for college students like you

To help you get started, here is a list of college business ideas that go beyond babysitting and cleaning services:

• Becoming a social media influencer
• Pet business ventures
• Side gigs for students exclusively
• Flipping various items
• Flipping websites
• Affiliate marketing
• Advertising
• Dropshipping

The suggestions are adaptable so you can use your own skills and interests to make them work.

Hopefully, you’ll walk away with a small business idea you can start at home and scale up when you’re ready.

1. Become an influencer on social networks

Why is influencer marketing on top of the list of entrepreneurship ideas for college students? 

The short answer is— users trust influencers , brands allocate their budgets to influencer marketing , and you can really make money doing it , even if you’re a micro or nano influencer. All these factors make it the best business for students at home.

But making money from influencing others to buy the stuff you advertise takes building authority, trust, and connections. So, it doesn’t happen overnight.

The key is to choose a niche you feel comfortable in. You have to understand your target audience’s needs and likes so that you can deliver engaging content to them. 

As far as technicalities, optimize your profile on social media platforms—engaging bio and profile photos are a must. If you switch to a business account, you’ll have access to a lot more options.

Now, you can let brands you’re open to collab. 

Rather than waiting for them to find you, start reaching out and contacting potential businesses. You can create a pitch template and tell them what you have to offer. But don’t forget to personalize it—include a name of the brand and a sentence or two about what you like about it. 

The downside? You’re exposing yourself to criticism. 

Users may follow your content for different reasons. You need to find an effective way to appeal to your audience. For example, Anh started her Instagram page (@ medicalmyanne ) to show her journey as a medical student. She shares her medical experience and everyday life. Her posts include relatable memes, self-care tips as well as sponsored content.

2. Pet business

Influencers are all very nice, but pets can easily upstage them.

The pet industry is steadily growing , year by year. It’s forecasted to reach almost 110 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. Not surprisingly, there are many significant branches, from food and treats to accessories to services like pet insurance , pet sitting, walking, grooming, or poop scooping.

Whichever branch you choose, consider 2021 pet industry trends. The most important ones are:

• 31% of pet industry customers are Millennials, and 69% of them opt for natural and organic products
• 40% of dog owners and 25% of cat owners bought clothing for their pet in 2020
• 43% of dog owners and 41% of cat owners buy premium pet food
• 73% of Gen Zers and 68% of Millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable pet products

What does it mean for your business?

Millennials like to use technology to buy products and services, so you can develop an app that scratches their itch. Or you can incorporate technology to satisfy their needs. For example, if you have a website, you can install a chatbot that can book your services.

Get free chatbots and start earning money from your new business right away

Jano and Josue exactly knew how to take advantage of the trends. They founded a company called Whisker Bag that sells high-end cat travel bags and used live chat and chatbots to ramp up their revenue to $100k a year.

If you’re looking for a relatively small capital business for students, you can set up a dropshipping business (we’ll go through it in detail later). You could sell pet costumes, clothing, and accessories and cash in on important holidays—over a half of pet owners like to buy gifts for their companions. 

Last but not least, remember that the owners care about their pets’ health but also want to contribute to saving the environment. If you’re thinking about grooming services, natural or organic care products can be your company’s USP. 

Looking for more out-there college entrepreneur ideas?

Why don’t you develop a U.S. version of sustainable insect-based pet food ? It’s healthy for animals and reduces carbon pawprint.

3. Side business for students specifically

If you only have time for a side-gig, why don’t you use the resources that you already have? By that, I mean your own notes.

There are a couple of small business ideas for students in university who want to earn money by sharing their notes. Just listen— 

You can upload your lecture notes and study guides on online platforms and get paid when someone else downloads them. This includes handwritten materials and drawings. And if you’re really good at it, take your note-taking art to Instagram and become an influencer.

You can also offer note transcription and note digitization services.

There’s also traditional tutoring, where you pass on your valuable knowledge during one-on one-sessions. You can take it to the next level, though, and create a YouTube or a TikTok channel, podcasts, webinars, or online tutorials in your field of expertise.

Swetha Tandri came up with a YouTube channel Melodies for Math when she was in high school. It explains various math concepts through songs. At first, she wasn’t getting anywhere but she wasn’t going to give up on the idea so easily. She says:

The most important thing when starting a creative venture is to be consistent through thick and thin and to be open to trying new things. Swetha Tandri Creator of Melodies for Math

That’s why she decided to try new channels and it worked! Through posting daily on TikTok, Swetha amassed more than 64K followers on the @melodiesformath and has now 500 Discord server members, 1.68K YouTube subscribers, and even found her first tutoring clients. You can also use popular TikTok trends to reach new audiences.

@melodiesformath how to graph a function in just 16 seconds! #algebra #algebra1 #algebrahelp #algebra1help #mathsongs #mathhelp #melodiesformath #math #fyp ♬ Life Goes On – Oliver Tree

Remember that using online resources comes naturally to most students . The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the introduction of digital learning among younger students. To me, it’s a pretty good indicator of what drives learning these days.

4. Flipping items

The core of this business is to find used items and invest your own time and skills to resell the items for a profit. It’s for those who like garage sales , flea markets, or the thrill of bidding on auctions and online marketplaces. 

For example, you can source cheap items on the Facebook marketplace and sell through the Amazon FBA program . There are also dedicated apps for the best items to flip:

• Flyp and Poshmark for selling clothes and accessories
• Mercari has categories for electronics and home goods
• Decluttr to flip books, games, and most of tech
• SidelineSwap is great for sporting equipment 

And if you want to take your college business to a next level, you can build your own online store on an eCommerce platform . 

In the “buy low, sell high” business model the time is key—sometimes searching for a perfect flip can take a considerable amount of time, then there is restoration and marketing of the item.

It’s a perfect side hustle you can do at your own pace at weekends. It often doesn’t require a lot of investment. You can find some flips on a dumpster because owners don’t know the value or don’t bother to go through stuff they want to get rid of.

Beware though— 

Not everything sells fast. And some items take up a lot of space. So you may need to rent storage space and pay extra to ship large items. But don’t let that discourage you—

There’s a lot more competition to sell small items. So if you’re willing to handle large goods, you have a better chance to get a good deal. My advice is to build good relationships with freight companies and use an open marketplace uShip.com to find carriers. 

5. Flipping websites

The list of items you can flip isn’t limited to physical items. You can also flip digital products . It means websites, blogs, eCommerce stores, subscription services, domains, and so on. The process is similar to other forms of flipping.

You go to a website flipping marketplace , like the pioneer Flippa , do your research, and buy an existing website. Do a background check before sealing the deal, though. For example, you ask the seller to access their Google Analytics account to check traffic and assess the business profitability.

It can be a good part-time business for students in college, as long as you can invest some money upfront (anything from a four to five-digit number) and wait for the results. It can take at least half a year to increase the value of the website.

Alternatively, you can build a website from scratch , optimize it to generate traffic and then sell it. 

There are lots of ways in which you can improve your website . You can learn them by doing, but you’ll see better results if you already have experience growing websites.

Some domain names can be very lucrative, too. And it can be less challenging and risky to buy a whole website. There are a couple of business ideas for college students you can try:

• Develop a website based on your interests and list it for sale
• Create content for the website, put Google Ads on it, and make money whenever people visit your site or click on it
• Keep the domain and flip it when it becomes popular

6. Affiliate marketing

Starting an affiliation is another example of a good business for college students. It’s a great way of getting a passive income to get you through uni because you don’t have to be engaged full-time to make money.

Assuming you have a blog that already has 1,000+ visitors every month and the potential to attract more, it’s a good start for affiliation. You can also check Google Trends to check the traffic for your niche. The basics of affiliate marketing are simple—

You refer your website visitors to other businesses’ websites to buy their products or services. Every time someone buys something through your affiliate link with a unique code, you earn a small commission. You can also add affiliate links to your YouTube videos. 

But it starts to add up at a scale— 

The average global conversion rate in eCommerce is 2-3%. If you can match it, for every 100 visitors, two or three will convert.

The most popular program is probably Amazon Associates despite relatively low commission (roughly 1-10%). Not all affiliate websites look like a blog. Take This Is Why I’m Broke website for example— 

It’s a pretty simple design with large check-it-out buttons.

There are plenty of other programs you can try with a higher commission. It’s impossible to list all of them here but a simple google search in your niche should give you the idea.

For example, AdamEnfroy.com started out as a review site for online business software. It’s his full-time project. He’s found dozens of affiliate programs and, according to his first income report , they generated $2,906 of revenue after 5 months from launching the website.

7. Advertising

Another type of online business for students is selling advertising space. Banner ads are probably a more common way of monetizing your website than affiliation. 

If you have a website that was your passion project in high school, you can start looking at it from a different perspective and turn it into a college business idea. You may not like the way the banners look on your website, but once you monitor the income, you may change your mind.

You can go about advertising in two ways:

• Find and work with the advertisers directly
• Work with a middleman (so-called network) who brings advertisers to your website in return for a cut

Setting up network adverts using Google Adsense , InfoLinks or Media.net is dead easy. Just copy-paste a code into your site to create ads relevant to a visitor’s recent internet search.

Some networks require a traffic threshold and they will only accept you after your website is established and getting regular traffic. You earn extra cash every time visitors click on the advert (CPC) or per 1,000 impressions (CPM).

Most of them, including Google, limit the number of the network’s ads per page (usually three). They will also disable accounts that send invalid traffic, so for example when you click your own ads or send bots.

In most cases, you can run multiple ad networks on your site without violating the terms of service. But read the rules of each network before doing so. You’ll probably want to avoid inserting too many ads per site, anyway. If readers can’t find the content they are looking for, your traffic will drop, and consequently, you’ll earn less on the ads. 

There was one notable exception to the rule, though— 

The Million Dollar Homepage .

The site was started by a UK student in 2005 and became a phenomenon. The idea was to make $1m by selling advertising space that consists of a million pixels. Businesses could buy the pixels and link them to their websites.

Back then the idea was praised for its novelty. The site took off and raised a total of $1,037,100. The last 1,000 pixels were auctioned off for $38,100 on eBay. Now, it exemplifies link rot—links that used to work now point to dead pages. 

When you’re blogging you can combine different ways of monetizing your site for better income.

8. Dropshipping

Starting dropshipping on Shopify might be one of the best online business ideas for students with entrepreneurship skills. It lets you sell goods in an online store without directly handling or stocking them. It’s easy to set up, you don’t need a lot of initial investment, and you can see quick results.

All you have to do is to build a website on Shopify and connect it to products on AliExpress via the app Oberlo . Once your website visitor places an order, the order details are automatically sent to the supplier who fulfills it. The process is fully automated and takes a few clicks.

Shopify’s an easy eCommerce platform for beginners who don’t necessarily have web design skills. To succeed, you’ll need to know how to optimize your website to attract organic traffic and how to use Google Merchant Center via Shopify’s Google channel. 

You can start this type of business with literally $0.00 if you combine free trials and starter plans. 

But if you really want it to kick off, you’ll need to absorb some extra costs.

You can find out more about how Shopify dropshipping works and Shopify pricing before deciding if this is something you’d like to do.

Starting a business in college: how to succeed?

Finding an idea that works for you is the first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur. But if you’d like to succeed in any type of business, it’s good to follow tried and tested steps that make a student’s life less hectic.

1. Find a problem

As many as 42% of startup businesses fail because customers don’t need the product or service they offer. So finding a pain point is an essential ingredient to starting any successful business. 

True, but how? 

Start with yourself and your daily life— 

What do you like and dislike? What bothers you? What needs changing? Often, it won’t be a big deal—just a nuance. But there are always new challenges waiting for your business idea.

Sometimes the great business opportunity will come to you unexpectedly— 

When Austin Gappelberg was a university student , he noticed that losing dorm keys and cards was a serious problem among his fellow students. The replacement for the key cost $150.

That’s how he developed a minimum viable product (MVP) of a key holder . It goes in the back of a phone and prevents people from losing their keys. 

It’s brilliant in its simplicity!

2. Find a solution

Once you come up with a solution that scratches the itch, test the idea with your friends. Talk to the community to see if they would use it, and ask how much they would pay for using it.

Tyler Kennedy is a developer and founder of Dont Text , an iOS app for blocking spam texts. He says the best way to start out is to start. He says—

Do not wait to start, or you never will. And once you start, tell everyone about what you’re working on. I promise you, no one is going to steal your idea, so you do not need to keep it a secret. You have to tell people and get feedback. Learn what people want or how to improve what you’re doing. Tyler Kennedy Founder of Dont Text

In his experience, it’s also a good way of finding customers, even before you have anything to sell them. 

Don’t be afraid to use the “I’m a student” card. Reach out to local business owners, professors, and even random strangers who might potentially use your product or service. A lot of them will cheer you on and be happy to help.

When they want to use your business, you might be onto something.

You’re going to need a strong professional network in every stage of building your business. Check out any networking events, meetups, workshops, and societies that focus on how to be an entrepreneur in college. It’s a great place to meet and connect with like-minded students. 

3. Take the idea to the next level

Now, that you’ve run your business for a couple of months, and you’re committed to expanding it—Congratulations! You can get ready for the next challenges. 

Elizabeth Hay is an entrepreneur and a business consultant for the Penn State Small Business Development Center . If you asked for her expert advice at this point, here’s what you’d hear: 

If an entrepreneur is looking to scale, they really need to understand their unique value proposition and how they can grow their customer base without incurring a ton of costs. This is not as easy as it sounds, but the entrepreneurs who figure it out are very successful! Elizabeth Hay Entrepreneur and Business Consultant

Here’s a thought—

Can you maintain the same quality of service/product when your customer base grows? Is the infrastructure you created enough to accommodate growth? Finally, can you handle everything on your own or do you need a team to help you out?

In short, when it gets difficult to keep your head above the water, it’s time to think about how to scale your business. It means setting the scene to enable growth.

When things get busy, talk to your professors. See if you can use your business in place of classroom assignments.

4. Evaluate your business 

When student entrepreneurs come to Elizabeth Hay, they usually start out the consultation with a Business Model Canvas . This is a single-page worksheet with nine building blocks that contribute to a strong business model. It’s a quick way to do and assess a new business plan. 

Once you work through the Business Model Canvas, you can think up the next steps you should take. This will vary for each unique business.

Imagine your sales tripled overnight. 

In that case, would you be able to handle the increased orders and customers? How would it impact your profit and loss statement? What would need to change for your business to succeed?

If you want to be prepared, think up a sales growth forecast. Include the number of new customers, orders, and revenue you’d like to generate—the more specific, the better.

Do the same with the expense forecast. Expenses will go up for sure, and your job is to anticipate where and how. You can include the cost of new technology, hiring staff, implementing new systems to handle sales.

5. Get funding

To ensure the growth of your business, you need money to invest. There are many advocates of bootstrapping. It means funding it independently and spending money only on things you really need. If you can pull it off without outside investment, the reward may be huge.

But as with anything, there are pros and cons of bootstrapping — 

On the one hand, you have 100% of ownership and control of your business. You can stick to your vision and get bigger revenue when you succeed. Aside from that, you get a sense of undeniable achievement. 

It’s a good option for students who intend to keep the business after college. And it works well if you manage to produce a positive cash flow and profits from day one.

On the other hand, bootstrapping can lead to your business failure if you can’t ensure a steady cash flow. For many entrepreneurs, the outside capital can make or break the business. External financing gives you an extra boost to your marketing, service, or manufacturing that allows growth.

Bootstrapping means a lot of hard work and long hours without the help of seasoned shareholders or influencers. It’s also less budget for hiring talented staff.

So, how can you finance your college business?

You can find funding for your business in a number of ways. As a student, you can enter college competitions and grant programs that are unavailable to other entrepreneurs. 

Check if your college hosts any startup competitions. They can be pitch competitions, business model competitions, or new venture competitions, where the winners get cash prizes or other similar awards. Another option is startup loans , which can provide the necessary capital to kickstart your business without needing to win competitions or rely solely on personal funds.

ProTip! If your founding team is from different universities, you can qualify for grants in each of them.

Then, aim even higher. Search for regions and global grants and awards, like The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), that can really accelerate your business.

6. Prepare your pitch

If at some point in running your business you decide to get external funding, you’d better beef up your story-telling skills. 

You’ll need a pitch presentation to convince investors—professors, local business owners, and industry leaders—that your idea is great. Fortunately, you can use pitch deck templates, like the one created by the first angel investor in Facebook, Peter Thiel , or the one that secured funding to an Uber competitor, Cabify . 

Emily Ennis pitched and won multiple pitching events to raise seed funding when she was a student at Florida Gulf Coast University. She started her business Safe Driving Toolkit after she was involved in an accident herself. Her pitch depends on the audience she is pitching for, but that everyone loves hearing a good, impactful story. You can establish authority if you add a few facts and statistics. 

Here’s what happens next— 

Then I get into the money raised thus far and what we have done with it. Investors like to know that their money is going to good use, and it really helps to be able to show them that. If you have any prototypes or demonstrations to show or involve them in, it's wonderful and they love being able to visualize that even further. Lastly, I go over what I'm asking for and why. I show them the total, and then break it down on the slide. Emily Ennis Founder of Safe Driving Toolkit

Emily says it’s normal to fail to secure the funding at one competition or another. What if she wasn’t able to raise external funding at all?

I would have raised the money elsewhere, though it may have taken considerably longer and changed my idea a bit. Emily Ennis Founder of Safe Driving Toolkit

If you’re inspired and want to try presenting your idea at a pitching event, here’s how to create a pitch deck by a fundraising expert, Alejandro Cremades.

7. Invest in automation

The main idea behind automation is to simplify processes and make your work more efficient. Not having to deal with routine, repetitive tasks every day saves you a lot of time that you can spend on more complex issues instead.

What areas of your business can you automate?

You can use technology to automate marketing efforts , social media communication , and customer support . One of the leading trends in automation is using chatbots . They can handle up to 80% of standard questions , and their accuracy is constantly improving.

Even if you don’t need as much technology when you start a business in college, it will change as you grow. Most businesses don’t run off a single system. They use a dozen or more systems. 

So it’s vital to ensure that the ones you invest in first integrate with other automation tools. Otherwise, you risk communication and management problems in the future.

It’s never too late to evaluate what automation products are available on the market. See if the time you can potentially save justifies the expense?

8. Hire staff and outsource tasks

While the technology gives you the much-needed leverage, it’s employees that are your most valuable asset . On the one hand, you’ll need management that has bench strength —that is, skilled people who can easily take on new responsibilities. 

Family and college businesses often overlook the importance of bench strength. They usually make do with what, or who, they have to solve day-to-day urgencies. So why don’t you fill in new roles in a more systematic and thoughtful way?

On the other hand, you need employees to deal with customer service, deliveries, manufacturing, and so on. Determining how many of them you need can be tricky. Then you have to figure out the benefits and payrolls.

Scaling definitely requires recruiting and hiring. Sometimes you may find it easier and cheaper to find a reliable partner and outsource the work instead of hiring internally.

Read more: What Is the Most Common Industry for Small Businesses

Key takeaway

Whether you’re a freshman or senior in college, you may be considering starting your own business to make extra money, pay off your student loan , or gain real-life experience. Here’s what to remember about businesses for students:

• The best college business ideas materialize when you find a problem bothering people and come up with a solution. 
• Profitable businesses are built on solid research and analysis, such as Business Model Canvas.
• If you’re not sure how to start a business in college, talk to your professors, go to meetups, and join societies to discover more about entrepreneurial ideas for college students.
• There are many unique and easy businesses to start in college. It’s best if you do what you love and don’t give up after you fail.

If you fail in setting up a college business, see it as a process that leads you to a successful venture.

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Monika wrote content about discovering innovative solutions in business, digital marketing, and ecommerce. She used the insights in her writing to help small and medium brands take their businesses to new heights.

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13 Business Ideas For College Students With Little Or No Capital

May 23, 2023 by Odumije Leave a Comment

I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it takes money to have fun in college, and it’s no secret that tuition and costs of student living go up every year. For this reason, many college students are opting to go into starting their businesses to fit their skills and limited time.

According to the entrepreneurhandbook , universities should serve as a breeding ground for new businesses. Where else can you get free marketing, video, development, and design resources? In addition to the abundance of resources; many students are actively seeking work experience, with the majority of them willing to work for free on an exciting project to use as a reference when applying for jobs after graduation.

Here are 13 business ideas for college students with little or no capital that you can build while still in college.

Table of contents

Is it possible to start a business as a college student, 1. access to resources, 2. flexibility and experimentation, 3. knowledge and learning opportunities, 4. supportive community, 5. low-cost marketing and testing, 6. personal and professional growth, 1. sticker shop online, 2. tutoring, 3. transportation and delivery, 4. personal training, 5. writing, editing and proofreading, 6. become a social media influencer, 7. forex trading, 8. web design & development, 9. marketing firm, 10. voiceover services, 11. niche blogging, 12. do something for your school, 13. create a service for your peers, bonus tip 1 – become a disk jockey (dj), bonus tip 2 – car wash services, 1. time management, 2. financial constraints, 3. lack of experience and knowledge, 4. social and personal sacrifices, 5. uncertainty and risk, 1. create a schedule, 2. set realistic goals, 3. manage your time effectively, 4. leverage support and delegate, 5. take advantage of resources on campus, 6. prioritize self-care, 7. communicate with professors and classmates.

It is possible to start a business as a college student. Many successful businesses have been launched by college students who were able to leverage their skills, resources, and networks to create innovative ventures.

Benefits Of Starting A Business As A College Student

Here are some reasons why starting a business as a college student is feasible:

College campuses often provide a wealth of resources that can support entrepreneurial endeavors. These may include business incubators, startup competitions, mentorship programs, access to faculty expertise, funding opportunities , and networking events. Taking advantage of these resources can provide a strong foundation for your business.

College years are often characterized by a more flexible schedule compared to the demands of full-time employment. This flexibility allows you to allocate time to work on your business idea, test different strategies, and learn from your experiences. College is also a time when you can afford to take risks and experiment with different business concepts.

As a college student, you have access to a wide range of academic courses and educational resources that can enhance your understanding of business concepts, entrepreneurship, and various industries. You can leverage your coursework to gain knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to your business venture.

College campuses are often vibrant communities with like-minded individuals who are eager to support each other’s endeavors. You can connect with fellow students, join entrepreneurship clubs or organizations, and build a network of collaborators, mentors, and potential business partners. The college environment fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

With the prevalence of social media and digital marketing channels, it has become easier and more affordable for college students to promote their businesses. You can utilize online platforms to reach your target audience, gather feedback, and test your product or service before scaling up.

Starting a business as a college student can be an incredible learning experience. It allows you to develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and resilience. The lessons learned from building and managing a business can be highly transferable and beneficial in your future career, regardless of whether the business succeeds or not.

Business Ideas For College Students With Little Or No Capital

If you are a student, you already know the dilemma of student life and you might already have searched a lot about the following:

• Business ideas for students in university
• Affordable business ideas for students
• Business Ideas for college students
• Things to sell to college students
• Business ideas for students without investment
• Money-making ideas for college students
• Low-cost startup ideas for college students
• Home-based business ideas for students
• Online business ideas for students

This article will guide you through some of the best business opportunities and startup ideas that you can start in your student life. The best thing is that all these ideas do not require a huge investment and can be started with little or no money.

On our list of business ideas for students, the sticker business comes in first. Stickers are a popular item all around the world. It can be stuck to cups, laptops, skateboards, and other surfaces. Many people begin their sticker business on Etsy, Shopify, or social media platforms. Making stickers nowadays is quite simple. You can design and create it on your own.

Using a Cricut at home, you can create your designs. Alternatively, you can look for a reputable sticker manufacturer, such as CustomSticker.com or Stickers.co . Both are inexpensive and accessible. Because they have an amazing team from design to production that is favorable to beginners, the latter will help you save a lot of time when it comes to designing and making.

Tutoring is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option because it does not require any investment. Individual or group sessions are possible options. Consider distributing flyers in local libraries and stores; many parents would welcome the assistance of a current college student with application essays and other tasks.

You might also advertise your services on the internet and social media, or just reward those who can help you with word-of-mouth marketing by giving them referral prizes.

If you have a vehicle, it can help you generate money in your spare time. You can become an Uber driver (or sign up for other comparable services) or provide local transportation services (pick & drop to office, school, etc.).

Within the city, you can also contact local firms for documents and small product delivery. As your business grows, you can add new services, such as assisting students with moving in and out of school residences and dorms, airport pick-up and drop-off, and so on.

Unlike the previous startup concept, a transportation company may have some upfront costs, such as a vehicle, licensing, and insurance, as well as ongoing costs, such as fuel and maintenance.

READ ALSO: How To Become A Chartered Accountant In Nigeria In 2024

If you enjoy working out and staying in shape, you should consider launching a personal training business on your college campus. Believe me when I say that a large number of students will be interested in your service and will be able to bring in a significant amount of revenue through referrals. Beginning with early morning yoga classes or nighttime fitness camps for students and professionals is a good place to start.

Because many trainers work out of their client’s homes and do not require office space, this business does not require a large investment. After building a sufficient clientele, you might consider partnering with a local gym rather than launching your own.

Offering writing, editing, and proofreading services is another simple business idea for college students. It is only viable if you have strong writing talents. The nicest part about starting a writing and editing business is that it is one of the best work-from-home possibilities. All you have to do now is put some effort into your spare time.

Start by looking for essay writing jobs on Fiverr , EssayWriters.net, DigitalPoint Forums , and lots more. The more jobs you get, the higher your chances of increasing your customer base gets. Existing consumers can receive referral discounts, which will undoubtedly assist you in gaining new customers. To find new clients, you can also look into other business forums and freelance platforms.

If you enjoy spending time on social media, this is likely the greatest way to turn your enthusiasm into a constructive activity. You may be having the same amount of pleasure, but it should be worth your time.

Using an online video editor , almost anyone can make amateur videos, and as a college student, you may start your own Facebook/Instagram page and create and distribute funny/interesting/valuable original videos. Develop a strong fan base and reach out to businesses to promote their products to your audience.

This is another lucrative home-based business that a university student can start, but it is a bit of a risky enterprise. The forex trading business, like the crypto trading software, requires little capital, so only consider it if you’re ready to learn how to trade, are confident in your analytical skills, and have a solid understanding of cash flow and the exchange market.

SEE ALSO: 13 Effective Time Management Tips For College Students

If you’re a design or computer science student, this could be a terrific way to get real-world experience while still in school. You can begin with modest projects such as logo design or a simple HTML website, and as your skills increase, you can expand to include comprehensive website redesigns and mobile apps.

There are numerous options for web design and development experts; nevertheless, you must focus equally on marketing your company and honing your professional talents. This is one of the top college business ideas for students because it prepares you well for the commercial world.

Students with marketing majors have a lot of chances in the marketing and advertising industries, and you’ll see a lot of non-marketing grads who are highly successful in operating their agencies.

You may begin by assisting small businesses, startups, and personal brands with social media marketing, and as you acquire experience, you could expand to provide entire online and offline marketing solutions.

Consider it your company capital and start a voiceover service today if you’re a college student with a nice voice and exceptional diction. On Fiverr, you can start with small projects and scale up based on customer feedback.

Voice-over services are in high demand by big firms and startups, thanks to rising marketing trends, and now it’s your turn to capitalize on this opportunity.

READ ALSO: How To Register For ICAN 2024 | Requirements, Set Up Guideline

Now, this is a truly stress-free business any student can launch with no money. It will also allow you to work at your own pace. The success of your firm, however, is contingent on your ability to turn your blog into a profitable enterprise.

You’ll need to do a lot of research to identify a profitable blogging niche that also happens to be something you’re interested in, and then create some fantastic content for it. When you have a great site with a large following, you have a lot of possibilities for monetizing your business.

You’re a university student. So, what better way to spend your time than starting a business that you can later integrate into your school? When it comes to college operations and systems, the possibilities for improvement are boundless. One of the best business ideas for college students is to stay school-related.

If a student truly had a fantastic suggestion to improve their machine’s performance, many institutions across America would be highly receptive. Assume you’re a web developer who’s designed a class scheduling tool tailored to your college. Most institutions have their systems, and it would be beneficial for students to have something that they and their lecturers are both familiar with. No more excuses for being late for class!

Send an email to the head of the business department or a school official who can assist you in getting started. Pitch your proposal to them, being sure to include a clear plan. If it’s a good idea, they’ll most likely be pleased to help a future graduate launch a firm. By assisting your school, you will be assisting yourself!

You may want to check out the 15 Best Colleges In Connecticut For International Students | 2024

Perhaps the route of ‘assisting your school’ isn’t for you. What’s better and more accessible than school administrators and the stumbling blocks that come with authority? Students all around you! This will be especially useful if you attend a large school. Consider the complaints you hear from your fellows and create a business out of it.

Here are a few things I’ve personally heard over and time again:

• Professors don’t communicate well. When academics have nothing to hold them back from communicating effectively, things might get choppy. Create a web interface for students and professors that clears their inboxes and allows for more direct communication!
• After a weekend of partying, my sneakers are filthy. Make a shoe-cleaning business. People can sign up, after which you collect their shoes and record their addresses. Clean them up as best you can, then return the shoes for a charge. The fact that the shoes are collateral means you may get paid upfront or be sure you’ll get paid later.
• Make a cleaning company. College students are notoriously dirty, so if you’re up for it, gather some friends and clean some rooms!

You can come up with a lot more business or service concepts for your school. Why put off your decision? Begin generating ideas and earning money!

Being a DJ as a campus student is one of the best ways to hone your skills and make cool money from it too. As a Disk Jockey, you can play for big events in and outside the school and also at smaller events.

Taking up a car wash business is one lucrative business idea for college students. Setting up car ash doesn’t require much other than a reliable aftersource and space where people can park their vehicles.

Are There Drawbacks Of Starting A Business As A College Student?

Starting a business in college may be a perilous venture. For one thing, college students sometimes lack business experience. This might make it difficult to attract cash, hire qualified employees, and build a good marketing and financial strategy.

Furthermore, the fast-paced environment of college might make devoting the required time and attention to a new business difficult. Students who establish enterprises while in college face the danger of graduating with significant debt.

Here are a few disadvantages of being a student entrepreneur:

Balancing the demands of running a business with your academic commitments can be challenging. College coursework can be demanding, requiring a significant amount of time and effort. Starting a business might require you to dedicate additional time and energy, which can put a strain on your ability to effectively manage both.

Starting a business often requires financial resources, and as a college student, you might have limited access to capital. It can be difficult to secure funding or invest significant amounts of money in your venture. Limited financial resources might restrict your ability to grow and scale your business.

READ ALSO: What IELTS Score Is Required For PNP Canada In 2024? Full Details

As a college student, you may have limited experience and knowledge in the specific industry or field you’re venturing into. This can make it more challenging to make informed decisions, navigate obstacles, and compete with more experienced entrepreneurs. It’s important to recognize the gaps in your knowledge and seek guidance from mentors or industry experts.

Starting a business requires dedication and commitment, often resulting in personal sacrifices. As a college student, you might have to forgo some social activities, leisure time, or even part-time jobs to focus on your business. This can impact your social life and overall college experience.

Starting a business inherently involves risk and uncertainty. There is no guarantee of success, and failure is a possibility. As a college student, you may have limited experience in managing risk and dealing with the consequences of failure. It’s important to carefully evaluate the risks involved and have contingency plans in place.

Despite these challenges, many successful businesses have been started by college students. It’s essential to be aware of these drawbacks and develop strategies to overcome them. Proper planning, time management , seeking advice and support from mentors, leveraging resources available on campus, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can significantly enhance your chances of success.

How To Balance School And Business As A Student Entrepreneur

Balancing school and a business as a student entrepreneur can be challenging, but with careful planning and effective time management, it is possible to succeed in both areas.

Here are some tips to help you balance your responsibilities:

Develop a clear schedule that outlines your academic commitments, study time, and dedicated business hours. Allocate specific blocks of time for each task and prioritize your activities accordingly. Having a structured schedule will help you stay organized and ensure that you allocate sufficient time to both school and your business.

Establish realistic goals for both your academic and business pursuits. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks that you can accomplish within the available time. By setting specific targets, you can stay focused and track your progress in both areas.

Time management is crucial when balancing school and business. Identify time-wasting activities and minimize or eliminate them. Use productivity techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused, timed intervals) or task prioritization methods to make the most of your time. Avoid multitasking, as it can often lead to decreased productivity and quality of work.

READ ALSO: 13 Effective Time Management Tips For College Students

Don’t be afraid to seek support and delegate tasks when necessary. If you have a team or business partners, distribute responsibilities among them. Delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement, allowing you to focus on essential areas. Additionally, consider leveraging support from family, friends, or classmates who can help with certain aspects of your business or academic workload.

Many colleges and universities provide resources and support for student entrepreneurs. Explore opportunities such as business incubators, entrepreneurship programs, mentorship, or networking events offered on campus. These resources can provide valuable guidance, connections, and even funding to help you grow your business while managing your studies.

Balancing multiple responsibilities can be mentally and physically demanding. It’s important to prioritize self-care to maintain your well-being. Make time for rest, exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation. Taking care of yourself will ensure that you have the energy and focus needed to excel in both school and your business.

If your business activities occasionally require flexibility or adjustments to your academic schedule, communicate openly and respectfully with your professors and classmates. Explain your situation, and the importance of your business, and explore potential accommodations or alternatives when necessary. Building positive relationships and maintaining clear communication can help you navigate any conflicts that may arise.

Many students find it difficult to make ends meet while pursuing their degrees due to rising tuition fees, an uncertain employment market, and living costs.

Rather than taking out thousands of dollars in student loans, starting your own business would not only help you support yourself through college, but also beyond. You’ll have less debt and more money when you graduate, plus you’ll be able to add this experience to your CV in case you need a job later!

• Startupguys.net – 12 Profitable Business Ideas for College Students with Little or No Investment
• Enterpreneur.com – 9 Low-Cost Business Ideas for College Students
• savethestudent.org – 53 small business ideas to start at university
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About Odumije

Odumije is a graduate of Communication Arts from Imo State University. He is a lifelong learner with a passion for making education updates and insights engaging and accessible to all. Here, he shares tips, tricks, and resources for students, parents, and educators alike.

Mystudentkit is a student educational resource website that provides foundational academic information, materials & digital skills acquisition to students of all levels

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9 Low-Cost Business Ideas for College Students It can be difficult for students to balance a part-time job with a heavy class schedule. Here are nine low-cost business ideas for under $100.

By Rose Leadem Feb 26, 2019

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It takes money to have fun in college, and it's no secret that tuition and costs go up every year. But with classes scattered throughout the day and even at night, how can you add a job? That's why more and more college students are opting to go into starting their own business to fit their skills and limited time.

Here are nine ideas for low-cost businesses that you can build while still in college.

Residential cleaning service

In search of a part-time job that caters to your busy class schedule? A residential cleaning service can be a viable option.

In 2009, 21-year-old Kristen Hadeed posted an online ad offering residential cleaning services. After successfully cleaning her first home, Hadeed was able to build her network of clients solely off referrals.

"With cleaning, it's a trust thing. When you trust someone, they'll refer you," explains Hadeed.

Cleaning homes granted Hadeed the flexibility to balance a heavy academic schedule while maintaining a part-time job based on her own availability. She eventually recruited other students to join her business, founding one of Florida's largest independently owned cleaning services, Student Maid .

In the beginning stages, keep it simple, advises Hadeed, starting with an online ad for your services. From there, the opportunities should flow. To avoid heavy startup costs, require all of your clients to supply the majority of the cleaning supplies and use recyclable rags and a diluted white vinegar solution to clean.

For residential cleaning services, you can charge starting at $20 an hour. Other advice? Always overestimate the amount of time it will take to clean, and charge an hourly rate in case you've got a large space.

Moving service

Whether moving back for the fall semester or moving home for the summer, movers can make an incredible income helping on-the-go students. A mover can make up to $200 for a single job. Stephen Vlahos and Cameron Doody noticed this need and created Bellhops , a student moving service that's expanded nationwide.

"It's twice what students could make working at a pizza shop, plus they get regular tips," Doody told Pando . "And they can work whenever they want."

What's the catch? Being a mover is hard work and involves a lot of heavy lifting, so having the ability to move large items and furniture with ease is a must.

Joining or starting a business like Bellhops, where you're able to have flexible hours and build your own schedule, can be great for college students. If you've got a large network already, spreading your services through word-of-mouth, social media, online ads, flyers and a website can jump start your entrepreneurial career for little to no startup money.

Child caretaker

Good with kids? A position as a babysitter or nanny could be the perfect opportunity for a college student seeking a part-time job. Whether it's taking care of kids on date night or picking them up from school, there's a constant demand for babysitters.

Web babysitting services like SitterCity.com and Care.com make it simple and easy to promote your services and tap into a network of busy parents. Many colleges also offer their own career listing sites that connect students to local babysitting and nannying opportunities, though the best way to pick up new gigs is often through trusted referrals.

Babysitting involves an incredible amount of responsibility, so it's important to have confidence in your skills as a caregiver. Providing a background check and taking first aid and babysitting training classes are great places to start.

Babysitting rates can vary between $8 to $40 an hour depending on your experience, the city you live in, children's ages, number of children and the amount of responsibility involved (driving, cooking meals, handling pets, etc.).

If you're in school, chances are you can pull your weight in at least one subject. Whether it's math, essay writing or chemistry -- or even standardized testing -- use your knowledge to make money and teach others who might be struggling in the areas in which you excel.

There will probably always be a high demand for tutors in college, and the resources for promoting your services are expansive. Students who wish to pursue a job as a tutor have multiple options, such as tutoring through a college's peer-tutoring center. By applying and registering as a tutor at your school, you'll be able to earn extra cash without having to market your services yourself. If you wish to go independent, find out if your school has an online community board where you can post your services and rates, or go into your student center and library and leave fliers at the front desk.

If you excel in a certain subject, talk with the relevant professors to see if they'll help spread the word. Many schools often allow you to officially register as a tutor so that students are able to look up your information on the school's website.

Also, consider tutoring high school students in your area. One area particularly in demand is SAT tutoring for both the general SAT and specialized subjects. Nationally recognized SAT prep companies such as Kaplan and The Princeton Review list available job opportunities on their websites for tutors around the United States.

Tutors can charge anywhere from $10 to $100 per hour depending on subject matter and the city; however, the going rate for SAT tutors tends to skew higher. Look up what tutors are charging in your area before setting your rate.

Event organizer/promoter

It's undeniable that a number of college students get wrapped up in their school's social scene. Why not capitalize on it?

During his junior year in college, Alex Sanchez cofounded Edgework Entertainment , an event management, promotion and consulting startup. Sanchez noticed an unmet demand for off-campus events in the community.

To bridge the gap, he networked with local venue owners and musicians by acting as a liaison between local entertainers and venues. He was also able to plan and execute successful events that his company promoted on-campus through guerilla marketing tactics, such as passing out fliers, putting up posters and speaking to students one-on-one to create buzz among the student body.

The compoany also utilized major social media channels and created a website to get word out to the community.

It could be considered a win-win for all parties: Venues attracted more customers, musicians received exposure and Edgework Entertainment took a percentage of cover charges and ticket sales.

"Find the right people to work with and make sure you have good chemistry. Everyone is painting a small part of a larger picture so communication is key," says Sanchez.

On top of exceptional communication skills, having organizational skills as well as a grasp on the fundamentals of business, marketing and finance are necesssary as an event organizer.

Résumé writing service

Whether applying for a summer internship or preparing for life after college, a majority of college students need a well-written résumé. Internship and job opportunities are competitive, and the way a résumé looks and reads can make or break a student's chances for a position at his or her dream company.

First and foremost, it's important that your résumé be impeccable so you can guarantee your services to other students. Go into your school's campus career counseling center to learn about résumé writing, and perfect your own. The internet will also be your primary tool to help with research of résumé formatting .

If you're an excellent writer with a sharp eye for how to organize information clearly, résumé writing is an easy opportunity for you to help others and make money on your own time.

Professional résumé writers can charge hundreds of dollars per résumé; however, as a college student catering to other young up and comers, start off by keeping your hourly rate fairly low (maybe between $15 and $20 per job).

Bookkeeping

Oftentimes when you think of bookkeeping, numbers, math, accounting and finance pop into your head. However, you don't need to be a finance major to pursue a job as a bookkeeper.

According to Ben Robinson , a certified public accountant and business owner, having a basic knowledge of accounting may be helpful, but it's not a necessity upfront. If you have decent computer skills and the ability to navigate real-world problems, bookkeeping could be a great option for you.

All businesses are required to maintain bookkeeping records, so there is always a demand for bookkeepers; outsourcing a college student as a bookkeeper is an easy way for companies (especially smaller ones) to limit costs and avoid hiring an expensive professional.

Startup costs are low. They include software such as QuickBooks or Xero , which cost anywhere from $5 to $70 per month, and marketing your services to businesses through job listings, referrals or your in-school network. Robinson recommends charging around $60 per hour for bookkeeping services, although this fee can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the extent of your experience. Consider starting out with a lower price, and after you build your skills and referral base, you can increase your prices.

Jewelry maker

You don't need to be a world-class jeweler to start your own jewelry line. LeiLei Secor, founder of Designed by Lei , started off by making simple knot friendship bracelets. Years later, Secor began making wire-wrap jewelry, which she began to sell on Etsy , an e-commerce platform that charges a small fee per listing.

Without any formal education in business, Secor learned how to sell online by doing thorough research and watching online tutorials, which she recommends to any aspiring jewelry maker.

"I also focused a lot of on photography," she says. "I think great photos are one of the most important aspects to successfully selling online."

Focusing primarily on Etsy search engine optimization and promoting designs on social media platforms is the best way to drive traffic to your products, Secor advises.

Startup costs are minimal; creating an Etsy account is completely free, and listing an item is $0.20/listing. The kind of jewelry you make will determine the cost of materials -- for example, if you wish to work with wire, you will need basic wire wrap tools that come bundled in a kit, such as a wire cutter and several types of pliers.

Avoid using expensive materials such as real gold and silver or precious stones. You can upgrade your materials once you've started selling your items online and have built up a reserve.

Delivery and errand service

Starting a delivery service that offers running errands, picking up takeout or even going grocery shopping for a busy professional or someone who is elderly is a great way to make extra cash.

Like the leading food-delivery services, Postmates or Seamless , you can make a fortune doing tasks for others, especially if you go to a smaller school in an area where these food-delivery services don't exist yet.

Start by setting up a website where people can place orders. For a low fee, there are a number of platforms already available that make this step simple such as 1&1 , TemplateMonster and GoDaddy .

Save all receipts and charge customers after you've completed a task -- and add a 20 percent fee to the total costs of a purchase to generate your revenue. Market your services through word-of-mouth, fliers and social media pages.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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Biden asks Supreme Court to lift block on student loan repayment plan

A recent poll said that less than half of americans supported student loan forgiveness..

Student loan borrowers enrolled in SAVE won't have to make payments while the courts decide the program's fate. ( iStock )

President Joe Biden's administration has asked the Supreme Court to lift a block on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan , which is designed to ease the burden of student loan debt for millions of borrowers.

Biden introduced SAVE after the Supreme Court struck down Biden's student loan forgiveness plan . The White House said that the SAVE plan could lower borrowers' monthly payments to zero dollars, reduce monthly costs in half and save those who make payments at least $1,000 yearly. Additionally, borrowers with an original balance of $12,000 or less will receive forgiveness of any remaining balance after making 10 years of payments.  

Legal challenges from Republican-led states resulted in a temporary block of the program until the litigation concluded. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a preliminary injunction blocking the SAVE student loan repayment plan. The block prevents the Department of Education from offering the plan while litigation continues. In the meantime, borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan are being moved into forbearance while the Biden administration defends the plan in court.

"We remain committed to supporting borrowers and fighting for the most affordable repayment options possible for millions of people across the country," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "Already, we've approved $169 billion in relief for nearly 4.8 million Americans entitled to relief under various programs, including teachers, veterans, and other public servants; students who were cheated by their colleges; borrowers with disabilities; and more. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and I are committed to fighting for college affordability for all."

Private student loan borrowers can't benefit from federal loan relief. But you could lower your monthly payments by refinancing to a lower interest rate. Visit Credible to speak with an expert and get your questions answered. 

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Less than half of all borrowers make payments

Roughly 40% of borrowers are current on their student loan payments since they resumed in October following a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report .

As of January 31, 2024, nearly a quarter of borrowers in repayment (7.3 million) were enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan. Because of the court order injunction, these borrowers will not have to make payments on their student loans while the litigation is ongoing and will not accrue interest on their loans during the forbearance. 

However, the time spent in forbearance won't count towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness. PSLF forgives federal student loans after 10 years of qualifying payments, or 120 payments, for borrowers who work full-time for a qualifying government or nonprofit organization. IDR plans have a loan forgiveness benefit after a required repayment term of 20 or 25 years, depending on the plan.

"This injunction, if allowed to stand, would harm borrowers who have dutifully repaid their loans for up to 25 years by denying forgiveness that has been available under law for three decades," Cardona said.

If you're having trouble making payments on your private student loans, you won't benefit from federal relief. However, you could consider refinancing your loans for a lower interest rate to lower your monthly payments. Visit Credible to get your personalized rate in minutes.

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Poll shows fewer adults support debt forgiveness 

According to a recent AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll , less than half of Americans (39%) said they supported federal student debt cancellation.  

Americans were more likely to support forgiveness of some or all of a student loan debt in certain situations, like if the borrower was defrauded or misled by their school or in cases where the borrower made on-time payments for 20 years or the loans accrued more interest than originally borrowed.  Other reasons Americans may support debt cancellation is if the borrowers attended school at an institution that left them with a large amount of debt compared to their income or if they are experiencing financial hardship.  

"In recent years, more than a million borrowers who were defrauded by the schools they attended have received debt relief from the government, and the survey shows that forgiveness under such circumstances is supported by a majority of Americans," University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Associate Professor Lesley Turner said. "Although existing forgiveness policies may receive less attention than broad-based student loan forgiveness plans, such as the one overturned by the Supreme Court in 2023, they are an important source of relief for the most vulnerable borrowers – those who took on debt but did not necessarily benefit from their investment in the ways they hoped."

If you hold private student loans, you could lower your monthly payments by refinancing to a lower interest rate. Visit Credible to speak with an expert and get your questions answered.

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How to make friends in college: 8 tips from real students

Is one of your biggest concerns how to make friends in college? You aren’t alone. Every college student wants to find their people who they can comfortably confide in and enjoy spending time with. Keep reading to learn from some real University of Northern Iowa students about their experiences making friends in college.

How to make friends in college

Have a positive outlook on making friends.

If you go into your college experience believing you can’t make friends in college, you may find it more challenging to foster new connections. But if you believe that you will make friends and you put in the proper effort, you’ll be more likely to leave your time in college with fulfilling relationships.

“When I was a freshman, I was very nervous to make friends here at UNI,” said William Palma, a third-year student majoring in computer science. “I had the belief, however, that I would find meaningful people, and I was able to meet great people with this positive mindset.”

Even if you didn’t have a lot of friends in high school, have the belief that college will be different. “This is a fresh start for you, and you have the ability to control your college experience,” said Meggan Barrow, a third-year student majoring in comprehensive secondary science education.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly scrolling on your phone. This is especially true while you’re in a classroom waiting for a lecture to begin. Challenge yourself to be in the moment and off your phone. For Carissa Demings, a senior accounting and business analytics student, this is one way she has figured out how to make friends in college. Even while she is walking to class, she tries to avoid being on her phone. “People are more likely to approach you or talk to you before class if you aren’t occupied with your phone,” she said.

Remember you aren’t alone

‌ Whether a person is introverted or extroverted, the thought of making new friends in college will be a little nerve-wracking. “I remember feeling very nervous about how I might be perceived if I was the first to start a conversation with someone new,” said Samantha Robinson, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders. “What helped me to overcome that feeling was knowing that EVERYONE is feeling nervous about the same thing. I quickly learned that most people starting college are looking around, hoping for someone else to start the conversation. By knowing that everyone is nervous about the same thing, it made me feel a lot better about putting myself out there and making new friends.”

Leave your comfort zone

Perhaps the most important advice you can take when it comes to thinking about how to make friends in college is to be willing to take risks. That may mean getting involved with a group where you don’t know anyone or showing up to a sporting event even though you don’t know all the rules. Put yourself out there! “Leaving your dorm room or apartment to get involved is the first, easiest step to making friends, even when you may not feel like it,” said Robinson. 

“Be open to meeting new people and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself with someone new,” said Lizbeth Garcia Tellez, a senior majoring in strategic public relations. “Embrace the chance to connect with others!”

Put in the work

Friendship is a two-way street. It takes time and effort on the part of both parties to create a lasting relationship. Organize get-togethers with new connections such as movie nights or coffee meet-ups. Even if you aren’t in the same classes, asking someone to study with you is also a great way to further a connection. “Collaborating on study sessions gives us a chance to spend more time together and support each other academically, which deepens our connection,” said Garcia Tellez.

“With being so involved, it’s hard to block off time to make friends or even hang out,” said Barrow. “I have overcome this by allowing myself more breaks in my schedule and not going to everything possible.”

Be the friend you want

It can be hard to make the first move in a friendship by introducing yourself to someone new. But you can’t always be expecting other people to introduce themselves to you first. In general, you will make more friends if you treat others the way you would like them to treat you. “Even if you’ve found your group, be open to it growing,” said Madison Duong, senior majoring in marketing: advertising and digital media. “Invite others to join you when your friends hangout. The small action of including someone in your plans makes all the difference.”

Let your friends increase your connections

Often, when you make a friend, you will have the opportunity to meet their friends, too. This will multiply your connections in college. Don’t be afraid of mixing your friend groups or asking your friends to introduce you to more people. When everyone is helping each other foster community, knowing how to make friends in college gets a lot easier!

Be yourself

Whether you’re conversing with your dorm neighbor or meeting your intramural teammates, make sure you are always your authentic self. “I tried to be someone I wasn’t my freshman year,” said Caleb Brothers, a senior majoring in interactive digital studies and graphic technology. “I had to realize that if people didn’t want to know me for who I really was, what was the point? Don’t be afraid to be who you truly are. The friends will come, so there’s no need to hide behind a mask or a facade.”

Where to make friends

There is no shortage of places where you can make friends at college. According to students, some of the best places include:

• Orientation  - Orientation is really your first chance to start making friends at college. Because it can be overwhelming, it might be a good idea to focus on just one or two people you could become friends with.
• Welcome Week activities   - The first week at UNI is filled with all kinds of events for students. Take advantage of these opportunities.
• On-campus jobs   - Whether you work in an office on campus or the dining centers, jobs are a great way to spend an extended period of time with other students.
• Classes  - Try to converse with your classmates before and after class. It’s usually pretty easy to ask them if they’d like to study for an upcoming test together.
• Campus events - Keep an eye out for events happening on campus throughout the school that you can go to and meet more people. Read your weekly Panther Experience emails, check out the  UNI Calendar and look for flyers and sidewalk chalk signs across campus. You can also follow various departments and student organizations on social media.
• Student organizations - Get involved with student groups right away. These are a great place to find people with common interests.
• Residence halls - Leave your door open whenever possible and look for other open doors on your floor. Don’t be afraid to stop by and say “hello.”
• Dining centers - Ask others in the dining center if you can sit with them, or if you see someone eating alone invite them to sit with you.

Make lifelong friends at UNI

Hopefully, these tips will help you flip your mindset from “I can’t make friends in college” to “I CAN make friends in college.” Remember that making friends gets easier with practice, so if you don’t feel like you’ve made friends in the first few days on campus, just keep trying! It will get better.

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• Quick Takes

Vanderbilt Moves Forward on Florida Expansion Plans

By  Josh Moody

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Vanderbilt University has plans to expand from Tennessee into Florida, potentially developing a new $520 million campus in downtown West Palm Beach, the South Florida Business Journal reported .

The proposed campus would reportedly feature a college for computer science and artificial intelligence, as well as an “innovation hub” seemingly focused on entrepreneurship.

“It is not a satellite campus. It is a second campus,” J. Nathan Green, Vanderbilt’s vice chancellor of government and community relations, said in remarks reported by the Journal . “We will be as committed to this community as we are in Nashville.”

Vanderbilt officials presented details of the plan to the Palm Beach County Commission yesterday. Commissioners directed staff to begin negotiations to donate five acres to Vanderbilt, and the City Commission voted to donate two acres to the new campus project.

West Palm Beach, dubbed “ Wall Street South ” in recent years, is a growing hub for finance companies, which the university hopes to tap into by focusing on certain industry-related programs. Vanderbilt University chancellor Daniel Diermeier previously told local media that a campus in the Florida city would emphasize graduate degrees in the finance, data and technology industries, with a planned enrollment of about 1,000 students.

The move comes after the University of Florida hit pause on a similar plan to build a graduate school in West Palm Beach; the deal fell apart in 2022 after UF officials tried to purchase land for the campus but were unable to reach a deal with the seller .

“Given some regrettable divisions in the local community, the University of Florida is pausing deliberation about a possible West Palm Beach campus,” UF officials said in a 2023 news release announcing that the university would not move forward with that development.

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