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46 Best Startup Ideas for Students

• Startup Ideas
• Best Startup Ideas
• Student Entrepreneurs

Last Updated: January 12, 2024 By TRUiC Team

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.

Recommended: Find more inspiration by checking out our list of the best startup ideas and top startups to watch in 2024 !

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.

Launching your own company? Build your startup website today with GoDaddy !

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.

Check out our full list of tech startup ideas .

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.

Check out our full list of  startup ideas for food lovers .

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.

Feeling inspired? Learn how to launch your own company with our guide on how to start a startup .

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. 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our list of the top startups to watch in 2024 !

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

• 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

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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: resell 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

A craft business 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.’"

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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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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:

Company overview:, market analysis:, products and services:, sales and marketing strategies:, operations plan:, management team:, financial plan:.

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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Small Business Trends

18 business ideas for college students to consider and pursue.

For many, college is a time of learning and growth. Yet, it’s also an ideal period to explore business ideas for college students.

The drive to earn extra money and the entrepreneurial spirit can align perfectly in these years. Starting a business during this phase can significantly expand opportunities and empower students to immediately apply what they’ve learned.

Read on to discover some prime ideas tailored for those eager to embark on college business ventures.

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?

If you’re a college student, here are some benefits you can obtain by starting your own business:

• Earn extra money: What college student couldn’t earn extra money? Starting a business can help you cover tuition, books, or living expenses. With a particularly profitable business idea, you could even save serious money for graduation when you’re on your own.
• Get a head start on your career: Many people start their careers once they’ve graduated from college. But if your dream is to start a business, jumping into entrepreneurship during college means you’re even closer to your goals upon graduating.
• Build an impressive resume: If you’re interested in a more traditional career path, acting on startup ideas during college still holds many benefits. Potential employers may notice your ambition, creativity, and leadership, giving you a better chance of scoring your dream job.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities: You have access to lots of help while in school, from other students and teachers to business centers and student organizations. Connect with others who have connections to your industry to share ideas or partner on a new venture.
• Start in a low-risk environment: Many college students have loans or parental assistance covering living expenses during college. Once you graduate, you may have extra expenses, a mortgage, or a family that makes you risk-averse. Starting young allows you to really jump in without doing any major harm to your future.

Read more: A College Student’s Guide to Launching a Startup

Our Methodology: The Best Business Ideas for College Students

In guiding college students towards successful entrepreneurial endeavors, we employ a specific set of criteria tailored to their unique needs and constraints. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 denotes the least importance and 5 indicates the highest importance in our review process:

• Importance: 5
• We prioritize business ideas that require minimal initial investment, considering the budget constraints typical for college students.
• The business should offer flexibility to accommodate a student’s class schedule and academic commitments. Ideas that require less time commitment or allow for variable working hours are preferred.
• Importance: 4
• Business ideas that provide students with valuable skills and experience, contributing to their resume and professional growth, are highly valued.
• Importance: 3
• We assess whether the business idea has the potential for growth and scalability, either during the college years or after graduation.
• The idea should cater to a genuine market need or demand, and it should be feasible for a student to implement with limited resources.
• The business idea should have a clear path to generating income, even if it might not be immediate, to ensure it’s financially worthwhile for the student.
• Given the digital proficiency and online engagement of most college students, business ideas that leverage digital platforms or online marketplaces are considered advantageous.
• Importance: 2
• Ideas that incorporate ethical practices and potentially provide a positive social impact resonate well with the values of many college students.

By applying these criteria, we aim to help college students identify business ideas that are not only feasible and flexible for their unique lifestyle but also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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

If you excel in a particular subject, help your fellow students as a tutor. You can charge for Expanding your knowledge is a great way to both help others and earn. If you’re proficient in a particular subject, why not share your expertise?

By offering tutoring sessions, you can charge either per session or establish packages for longer periods. Don’t limit yourself to just college peers; high school students can also benefit from your insights, broadening your client base. This business has a low startup cost and can be a great way to help others.

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.

Start by investing in essential cleaning equipment, and then promote your services to homeowners and businesses in your locality. With consistent service quality, you can establish a steady client roster and scale over time.

3. Essay Writing

For the eloquent writers out there, a business opportunity awaits. Students constantly face challenges in crafting the perfect essay. While you shouldn’t write assignments for them, providing templates, outlines, or even just guidance can be invaluable.

Moreover, offering editing services ensures their work is polished and ready for submission, adding another potential revenue stream. There’s almost no startup cost, and you can scale with additional services.

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.

Deliver meals, groceries, or essential items around the campus or the local town. While apps can be useful partners, a more personalized approach with posters and word-of-mouth can also yield customers.

5. Plan Local Events

For those who find joy in bringing people together and orchestrating memorable events, an event planning service is a viable business. From birthdays to corporate gatherings, events are numerous and varied.

While much of your organizational work might be digital, being present on the ground, especially on event days, ensures everything aligns with your vision.

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.

By collaborating with local gyms or offering specialized sessions at clients’ homes, you can craft unique workout plans catering to individual needs.

7. Photography Business

The world of photography is vast and constantly evolving. If you possess a quality camera and have a knack for capturing moments, this business might be for you.

Whether it’s covering local events, offering portrait sessions, or even landscape photography, the possibilities are vast. Additionally, the digital space provides avenues like online galleries or stock photo platforms to monetize your work further.

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.

Instead of just being the middleman, establish a business framework, either contracting with the restaurants directly or setting up a personalized delivery service where you charge customers a specific fee per delivery. There’s tons of demand for this service, and many digital platforms can support your growth.

9. Sports Coach

Sports play a pivotal role in many students’ lives, providing both physical fitness and discipline. If you possess athletic skills and a knack for teaching, consider venturing into coaching.

Local schools often seek skilled individuals to enhance their teams. Alternatively, offering private coaching sessions to student-athletes can provide a more tailored experience, improving their skill set significantly.

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.

By providing a trustworthy and loving environment, you can watch over dogs, cats, or other pets in the comfort of their homes, providing owners with peace of mind during their travels. There are even digital platforms you can use to market this service and connect with clients.

Summary Table

This table provides a concise summary of local college business ideas:

Initial Investment :

• Low : Minimal financial outlay (like just promoting services online or using skills and tools you already have).
• Moderate : Some investment is needed for equipment, renting space, or initial inventory.

Target Market : A general classification of the primary audience that the business aims to serve.

Online Business Ideas for College Students

Online small businesses often allow college students to serve a niche market for a low initial investment. Here are some opportunities to consider if you’d like to start a business online.

11. Develop Online Courses

The e-learning industry is booming, with many individuals seeking knowledge online. If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, consider structuring it into an online course.

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

The power of social media is undeniable in today’s interconnected world. If you possess technical skills, consider developing a niche social platform tailored for your university or a specific interest group.

Such a platform could operate on subscription models or rely on advertising, depending on your target audience and the value proposition.

13. Web Design

In this digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. If you have a flair for design combined with technical prowess, web design can be a lucrative avenue.

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

E-commerce is a dynamic sector with immense growth potential. If you have unique products or can source them, establish an online storefront. Whether you’re leveraging existing marketplaces or designing your own website, ensure efficient inventory management.

For those with limited space, drop-shipping or partnering with print-on-demand services can streamline operations, letting you focus on marketing and customer service.

15. App Developer

With the proliferation of smartphones, apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, presenting an incredible business opportunity. If you have coding skills and a unique idea, consider developing your own app.

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.

For those who might not want to launch an independent app, there’s a thriving market where businesses seek developers to bring their digital visions to life through contractual arrangements.

16. Market Research

In today’s competitive market landscape, businesses are in constant need of insights to tailor their strategies effectively.

By offering research services, you can assist them in gathering crucial data. This could range from online surveys that gauge consumer sentiment to in-depth focus groups that dive deep into product feedback or usability studies to optimize products.

Position yourself as a trusted intermediary between companies and the information they seek, and monetize this essential service.

17. Translation Services

In our globalized world, bridging language barriers is invaluable. If you’re proficient in multiple languages, leverage that skill by offering translation services. This could involve translating business documents, marketing materials, or even literary works.

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

The digital age has seen an explosion in audio and video content, from corporate webinars to podcast episodes. This surge has concurrently increased the demand for transcription services.

Whether for accessibility reasons, content repurposing, or detailed analysis, turning spoken words into written text is an invaluable service. If you possess keen listening skills and a fast typing speed, this venture could be a perfect match.

Ensure accuracy and timeliness in your transcriptions to build a reputation in this expanding sector.

This table provides a concise summary of online college business ideas:

• Low : Minimal costs, primarily relying on skills, online platforms, and minimal tools.
• Moderate : Some investment in specialized tools, software, advertising, or initial inventory.
• High : Significant financial outlay, particularly for development-heavy projects or infrastructure.

Target Market : Gives an overview of the primary potential clientele or user base for the specific business.

Local vs. Online Business Ideas for College Students

To assist college students in understanding the potential opportunities available, here’s a table showing the differences between local and online business ideas:

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.

Read more: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

What Business is Most Profitable for Students?

The profitability of a student business idea can vary widely based on the market, business plan, and startup costs.

However, online businesses tend to be inexpensive to start, and thus can be quite profitable. Popular ideas include digital marketing, graphic design, and running a YouTube channel.

Image: Envato Elements

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59 Obvious Business Ideas For Students in 2023 (With Low Investment)

Launching a business while studying can be a daunting task. However, it's an excellent opportunity to apply learned theories, gain practical skills, and even earn some income. In this article, we present 59 low-budget business ideas specifically curated for students.

These ideas are designed to be manageable alongside your studies, requiring minimal initial investment, while offering valuable learning experiences. Whether you're pursuing an MBA or an undergraduate degree, there's something here to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

(And, of course, if you're looking for a hub to research, plan and think through it all, get started in Bizway , today.)

1. Tutoring Services

‍ Offer your academic expertise to peers and younger students.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Budget needed: Low
• Technical experience: None
• Tips: Start with subjects you excel in, promote through college boards and social media.

2. Proofreading Essays

‍ Help fellow students improve their essays with your impeccable grammar.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Budget needed: None
• Tips: Offer services on college boards, libraries, or online platforms like Upwork.

3. Campus Laundry Service

‍ Assist students by washing and folding their laundry.

• Budget needed: Moderate (for equipment)
• Tips: Start with dorm mates and friends to gain trust.

4. Dorm Cleaning Service

‍ Offer cleaning services tailored for student accommodations.

• Tips: Promote during start/end of terms when cleaning needs are highest.

5. Freelance Writing ‍

Create content for blogs, websites, and local publications.

• Technical experience: Basic writing skills
• Tips: Start a portfolio on platforms like Medium and seek clients on freelance websites.

6. Graphic Design

‍ Design digital assets like logos, banners, and infographics for businesses.

• Budget needed: Low (for software)
• Technical experience: Intermediate design skills
• Tips: Use free tools like Canva initially, and showcase your work on platforms like Behance.

7. Photography Services

‍ Capture events, provide portrait sessions or sell photos online.

• Budget needed: High (for equipment)
• Technical experience: Basic photography skills
• Tips: Offer discounted rates to friends and college events to build your portfolio.

8. T-Shirt Printing

‍ Create and sell custom apparel for college events or niche themes.

• Budget needed: Moderate
• Tips: Use print-on-demand services initially to reduce upfront costs.

9. Meal Prep Services

‍ Cater to health-conscious peers with pre-planned, nutritious meals.

• Technical experience: Basic cooking skills
• Tips: Begin with simple recipes and promote on college boards or through social media.

10. Mobile Repair Service

‍ Provide handy repair services for common devices like phones and laptops.

• Technical experience: Intermediate technical knowledge
• Tips: Offer pickup and drop services for added convenience; ensure you’re updated on the latest repair techniques.

11. Event Planning

‍ Organize and coordinate events for your campus and outside clients.

• Budget needed: Low to Moderate
• Tips: Partner with local suppliers for decor, catering, etc., and always have a backup plan.

12. Fitness Classes

‍ Lead workout sessions or yoga classes for fellow students.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Technical experience: Basic knowledge of fitness
• Tips: Offer classes in open spaces in the campus or virtually through Zoom.

13. College Blogging

‍ Share insights, reviews, and tips about campus life through a blog.

• Tips: Use platforms like WordPress or Blogger to start; incorporate multimedia like photos and videos.

14. Handmade Crafts

‍ Sell unique handmade items like jewelry, paintings, or knitted goods.

• Technical experience: Craft skills
• Tips: Set up stalls during college fests or sell online via Etsy.

15. Personal Shopping

‍ Assist peers in shopping for clothes, accessories, or even groceries.

• Budget needed: None (unless offering products upfront)
• Tips: Stay updated with the latest trends; consider niche markets like vegan shopping.

16. Digital Marketing

‍ Offer social media, SEO, or PPC services to local businesses.

• Technical experience: Basic digital marketing knowledge
• Tips: Certifications from platforms like HubSpot or Google can add credibility.

17. Personal Chef Services

‍ Cook and deliver meals to students or faculty on-demand.

• Technical experience: Cooking skills
• Tips: Consider health trends like keto, vegan, or gluten-free options.

18. Music Lessons

‍ Teach fellow students how to play a musical instrument or sing.

• Technical experience: Proficiency in a musical instrument or vocals
• Tips: Offer group classes to accommodate more students at a time.

19. Pet Sitting

‍ Take care of fellow students' pets during vacations or busy times.

• Technical experience: None, but love for animals is a must
• Tips: Ensure you have a space for pets and understand their specific needs.

20. Custom Merchandise

‍ Design and sell custom merchandise for clubs, teams, or events on campus.

• Technical experience: Basic designing skills
• Tips: Use print-on-demand services to avoid inventory issues.

21. Study Group Coordinator

‍ Organize and lead study groups for tough courses or exams.

• Technical experience: None, but a strong academic record helps
• Tips: Charge per session or offer package deals for a series of sessions.

22. Campus Tour Guide

‍ Help potential new students and their families get to know the campus.

• Tips: Familiarize yourself with the college's history and frequently asked questions.

23. Language Tutoring

‍ Teach students a new language or help international students with English.

• Technical experience: Fluency in the chosen language
• Tips: Use platforms like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone for structured curricula.

24. Reselling Business

‍ Buy popular or discounted items in bulk and sell them individually at a profit.

• Budget needed: Moderate to High
• Tips: Start with dropshipping to minimize risks.

25. Graphic Designing

‍ Offer design services for websites, advertisements, or custom artwork.

• Technical experience: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator
• Tips: Build a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.

26. Hair and Makeup Services

‍ Offer grooming services for special events or regular styling.

• Technical experience: Basic styling skills
• Tips: Stay updated with the latest beauty trends; consider partnering with event planners.

27. Campus Laundry Service

‍ Offer laundry services to students, including pickup and drop.

• Tips: Offer package deals or subscriptions for regular clients.

28. Organic Farming

‍ Grow and sell organic vegetables or herbs.

• Difficulty: High
• Budget needed: High
• Technical experience: Basic gardening knowledge
• Tips: Use campus spaces or local gardens, and promote the organic and fresh aspects.

29. Travel Planning

‍ Plan trips or local experiences for fellow students during holidays.

• Technical experience: None, but knowledge of the locale is helpful
• Tips: Offer group discounts and unique experiences.

30. Thrift Shop

‍ Sell second-hand clothes, books, or gadgets to students.

• Tips: Hold regular pop-up events and ensure quality control.

31. Interview Coaching

‍ Help students prepare for job interviews or college placements.

• Technical experience: None, but experience in recruitment or placements helps
• Tips: Use real-world examples and conduct mock interviews.

32. Coffee Cart

‍ Serve coffee or snacks to students during breaks or study sessions.

• Tips: Find high-footfall locations and offer student discounts.

33. Campus Delivery Service

‍ Deliver food, books, or supplies across the campus for students.

• Tips: Use apps or chat groups to take orders and update customers.

34. House Cleaning

‍ Offer cleaning services for student dorms or off-campus housing.

• Tips: Offer flexible scheduling and regular cleaning packages.

35. Book Exchange

‍ Create a platform for students to exchange or rent textbooks.

• Technical experience: Basic platform management
• Tips: Ensure quality checks and transparent pricing.

36. Campus Guide App

‍ Develop an app to help newcomers navigate campus facilities, eateries, and events.

• Technical experience: App development basics
• Tips: Collaborate with student groups for regular updates and event integrations.

37. Sports Coaching

‍ Offer coaching sessions in sports you excel at, or arrange group training activities.

• Technical experience: Expertise in the chosen sport
• Tips: Consider seasonal sports clinics or fitness challenges to boost engagement.

38. Nutrition Consulting

‍ Guide students on balanced diets, meal plans, and fitness nutrition.

• Technical experience: Nutrition basics or certification
• Tips: Collaborate with campus gyms or offer meal prep workshops.

39. Custom Merchandise

‍ Create and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, or stickers based on college culture and memes.

• Tips: Take pre-orders to gauge interest and reduce inventory risks.

40. Study Groups & Bootcamps

‍ Organize focused study sessions or intensive bootcamps on challenging subjects.

• Technical experience: Expertise in the chosen subject
• Tips: Collaborate with professors or TA's for credibility.

41. Career Workshops

‍ Organize sessions on resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and job hunting.

• Technical experience: None, but having a recruitment background helps
• Tips: Collaborate with the college placement cell or invite industry professionals.

42. DIY Craft Store

‍ Sell handmade crafts, jewelry, or DIY kits.

• Technical experience: Craftsmanship
• Tips: Offer customization options or hold DIY workshops.

43. Personal Shopper or Stylist

‍ Help students shop for events, or offer wardrobe styling sessions.

• Technical experience: Fashion sense and awareness
• Tips: Stay updated with the latest fashion trends and offer packages for special events.

44. Mental Health Workshops

‍ Organize sessions on stress management, mindfulness, or mental wellness.

• Difficulty: Moderate to High
• Technical experience: Basic knowledge or certification in psychology/counseling
• Tips: Collaborate with college counselors or mental health professionals.

45. Event Planning

‍ Help organize campus events, parties, or functions.

• Technical experience: Organizational and managerial skills
• Tips: Start with smaller events and build a portfolio.

46. Roommate Finder Platform

‍ Develop a secure platform for students to find and vet potential roommates.

• Technical experience: Website or app development basics
• Tips: Integrate verification methods to ensure safety and authenticity.

47. College Gear Rental

‍ Offer rental services for equipment such as cameras, musical instruments, or sports gear.

• Technical experience: None, but knowledge about equipment maintenance helps
• Tips: Offer student discounts and create a strong check-out/check-in system.

48. Campus Tour Guide

‍ Provide tours for prospective students or visitors, showcasing the highlights of the campus and sharing student experiences.

• Technical experience: None, but strong communication skills are essential
• Tips: Collaborate with the admission office for potential leads.

49. Foreign Language Tutor

‍ Assist students in learning a new language or improving their proficiency in one.

• Tips: Offer interactive sessions, like language cafes or game nights.

50. Tech Repair Service

‍ Offer repair services for gadgets such as phones, laptops, or tablets.

• Technical experience: Knowledge of electronics and device repair
• Tips: Ensure you have reliable suppliers for parts and always prioritize safety.

51. Content Creation Agency

‍ Offer services like blogging, graphic designing, or video production for local businesses or websites.

• Technical experience: Skills in content creation tools or platforms
• Tips: Build a strong portfolio and consider group collaborations for diverse offerings.

52. Plant and Succulent Sales

‍ Grow and sell indoor plants or succulents to fellow students.

• Technical experience: Basic knowledge of plant care
• Tips: Offer care workshops or unique planters as an added incentive.

53. Nutrition and Meal Prep Business

‍ Provide pre-packaged healthy meals or snacks for students on-the-go.

• Technical experience: Basics of food and nutrition
• Tips: Collaborate with fitness enthusiasts and offer subscriptions.

54. Handmade Jewelry Store

‍ Design and sell unique pieces of jewelry made from materials of your choice.

• Technical experience: Craftsmanship in jewelry making
• Tips: Offer customization and consider attending craft fairs.

55. Dorm Cleaning Service

‍ Offer cleaning services for dorm rooms or student apartments.

• Tips: Offer packages during move-in/move-out periods for maximum business.

And, of course, if you're looking for a hub to research and plan your brilliant business ideas, get started with Bizway , today.

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See in 90 seconds how LivePlan simplifies

financials for students: Watch

Garretts Bike Shop

Provide real–world business plan examples for your students, inspire confidence in future entrepreneurs and easily create your class syllabus using industry–best business plans., liveplan gives students access to actual business plans so they can practice business planning in and outside of the classroom., it's not just a classroom project. it's your students planning for their futures..

Teach by example

LivePlan's examples of actual business plans show students how they can identify opportunities, meet challenges, and plan their path to profits. Just like real-world entrepreneurs.

No spreadsheets necessary

With all–in–one spreadsheet–free forecasting and pitching tools–students can use LivePlan to build a realistic business plan with accurate projections and compelling pitches. Analyze scenarios. Track progress. Set goals. All in LivePlan.

Works seamlessly with your classroom setup

With LivePlan you can simplify syllabus creation. LivePlan can also be used alongside classroom tools such as Blackboard and Canvas. LivePlan's optional instructional resources can enhance your syllabus with materials that introduce lean planning principles, growth metrics, financial forecasting, and more.

Instructors looking for a great tool to help students develop business plans need to look at Live Plan. The step–by–step process walks students through the entire process from Pitch to Financials. As the Instructor you can also have online access to their plan and provide feedback and comments as the plan develops.

Mike Allen Business Instructor, North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Bring out the best in every student

LivePlan's business plan examples help students turn ideas into top–notch business plans for class projects and startups. The tools, features, and instructional content allow you to focus on bringing out the best in your students for every plan and project.

Before using LivePlan, my students were intimidated by the business planning process. LivePlan breaks it down into manageable steps and takes the mystery out of developing a business plan.

Amy Schulz NACCE Vice President of Education, Membership and Associate Faculty, Feather River College, Quincy, CA

I used LivePlan to develop a business plan for a class project. Turns out, the project became part of a business plan competition where I placed second out of over 200 entries.

Sheila Austin Student

LivePlan provides your students with the tools to

Know the competition

No business operates in a vacuum. LivePlan incorporates real–world industry data, so students can better understand competitors, plan businesses around industry realities, and confidently execute data–driven strategies.

Build business dreams together

From sharing feedback and engaging in discussions, to simultaneously working on different parts of the plan, students can easily collaborate in groups using LivePlan.

Create a plan that fits their needs

Whether small or big, LivePlan can build out the right–sized business plan for your classroom projects. In LivePlan, students can develop a simple lean plan that focuses their ideas, or create a full business plan with all the details and steps necessary to persuade investors, attract partners, and turn their idea into a profitable reality.

With so much happening in the classroom, you need a tool that works with you, not one that makes you do extra work. Used by educators, consultants, entrepreneurs, and students all around the world, LivePlan has been regularly improved and streamlined so it's easy to use.

Develop confidence in their plan and themselves

It's one thing to plan a business. It's another thing to know how to talk about a business plan. Students can develop talking points and practice their pitch in LivePlan so they can discuss their enterprise with confidence and authority.

With LivePlan your students exceed expectations

With LivePlan, students create business plans that:

• Guide them from concept to actionable plan
• Build the confidence necessary to be entrepreneurs
• Combine pitching, forecasting, and collaboration

LivePlan streamlines projects for educators

LivePlan eases project management in the classroom, so instructors can:

• Pinpoint feedback and suggest improvements
• Monitor project progress
• Teach business planning instead of managing multiple apps

Go beyond business plan examples

LivePlan easily integrates into business courses, includes all materials and curriculum to support classroom business projects, and comes with free phone, email, and chat technical support.

The students very much appreciate the guidance the LivePlan program offers. I love the ability to act as a contributor to their plans. The help resources are phenomenal and easy to navigate.

John Shaw Assistant Professor of Management, Davis College of Business – Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL

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Teachers and students love LivePlan

LivePlan really facilitated communication between students who were in a team on the business plan project. Students could comment on sections of their business plan and collaborate on what to change in their plan without having to meet face–to–face.

Amy Valente Assistant Professor of Business, Cayuga Community College, Auburn, New York

LivePlan helped us easily set up the business plan for our startup during our MBA. As soon as the other students saw it, they also wanted LivePlan. The time we saved on planning we could use for operational tasks. It was the ideal solution for us.

The product we produced by using Live Plan was exceptional, far exceeded our expectations, and came out so much better than we could have ever done on our own.

This product is a game-changer. It allows the non–MBA founder to unleash their potential through strategic planning and beautiful design. Highly recommended.

Answers Neuroscience

LivePlan is simply awesome.

Amit Agrawal

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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Business Plan Template for Students

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Thinking of starting your own business as a student? We've got you covered! ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Students is the ultimate tool to help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

With this template, you can:

• Develop a strategic and detailed plan for your business idea
• Outline your objectives, marketing strategies, and financial projections
• Structure your organizational hierarchy for effective management
• Impress potential investors and stakeholders with a professional and well-thought-out plan
• Stay organized and focused on your goals throughout the entire business development process

Don't let your student status hold you back from achieving your business goals. Get started with ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Students today and pave the way for your future success!

Business Plan Template for Students Benefits

When students use the Business Plan Template, they gain a competitive edge and set themselves up for success by:

• Structuring their business ideas and goals in a comprehensive and organized manner
• Presenting a professional and well-thought-out plan to potential investors or stakeholders
• Creating a clear roadmap for their business, ensuring they stay on track and achieve their objectives
• Developing a solid understanding of key business components like marketing strategies and financial projections
• Gaining valuable experience in business planning and management, setting them up for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Main Elements of Students Business Plan Template

When it comes to creating a solid business plan, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Students has got you covered. Here are the main elements you'll find in this template:

• Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do, ensuring that every step is accounted for and easily manageable.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add important details to your business plan, keeping everything organized and accessible in one place.
• Custom Views: Explore different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide, enabling you to visualize your plan in various formats and dive deep into specific areas of your business plan.
• Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with your team by assigning tasks, leaving comments, and attaching files directly within ClickUp, streamlining the entire business planning process.
• Integrations: Integrate with other tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack to streamline your workflow and ensure all relevant documents and communication are easily accessible.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Students, you'll have all the tools you need to create a comprehensive, well-structured business plan that will impress potential investors and set you on the path to success.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Students

Creating a business plan as a student can be a daunting task, but with the help of ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you can break it down into manageable steps. Follow these six steps to create a comprehensive business plan that sets you up for success:

1. Define your business idea

Start by clearly defining your business idea. What product or service will you offer? Who is your target audience? What makes your business unique? Use the Docs feature in ClickUp to brainstorm and outline your business concept.

2. Conduct market research

Next, conduct thorough market research to understand your industry, competitors, and target market. Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and potential demand for your product or service. Use the Table view in ClickUp to organize and analyze your research data.

3. Outline your business structure

Determine the legal structure of your business and outline its organizational structure. Will you operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation? Define the roles and responsibilities of key team members and any necessary partnerships. Utilize the Board view in ClickUp to visualize and assign tasks related to your business structure.

4. Develop a marketing strategy

Create a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote your business and attract customers. Identify your unique selling propositions, target marketing channels, and budget for marketing activities. Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to plan and schedule your marketing campaigns.

5. Create a financial plan

Develop a financial plan that includes projected revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Determine your startup costs, pricing strategy, and sales projections. Use custom fields in ClickUp to track and calculate financial data accurately.

6. Set goals and milestones

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your business. Break them down into smaller milestones and create a timeline to track your progress. Utilize the Goals feature in ClickUp to set and monitor your business goals.

By following these six steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you can create a comprehensive and well-structured business plan that will guide you towards success in your entrepreneurial journey.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Students

Students who are aspiring entrepreneurs or learning about business management can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template to develop a comprehensive and structured plan for their business idea.

First, hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you'd like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize your plan into different sections such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Financial Projections, etc.
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section, ensuring you stay on track.
• The Business Plan View will give you an overview of the entire plan, allowing you to see how each section fits together.
• The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the template effectively.

Customize your business plan further by utilizing the three custom fields: Reference, Approved, and Section. These fields will help you keep track of external resources, approval status, and the specific section each task belongs to.

Monitor and analyze your progress using the various views and custom fields to ensure your business plan is comprehensive and well-structured.

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6 profitable business ideas for students in 2024, may 26, 2023.

6 creative business ideas for students

Begin a fun blog as it is one of the most convenient home business ideas. There are multiple free bloggers forums available online that will serve as the foundation for your website as you create and build your business from your computer or phone. The free layouts are sufficient before the blog starts to make revenue since they include all of the functionalities you’ll need, such as undertakings and sharing.

It means that there is no expense to begin a blogging company. For an easy essay writing service, you can give the service from Writix a try. Pick a topic that will generate enough traffic for you to make money from your internet persona. Choose a topic about which you are enthusiastic so that your material is both informative and enjoyable to read.

Internships

Internships are a great way to earn money while putting your classroom knowledge into practice. They offer valuable skills that will benefit your future career after college. Applying for internships is straightforward, and you don’t need to study additional materials or take external courses. Simply look for internship opportunities at renowned companies like Microsoft, Google, eBay, and other technology firms. Keep in mind that there is no limit to how many internship programs you could do; it all varies depending on how much time you have available.

Video creation

Do you enjoy creating simple animated films or video content? It became one of the most lucrative business ideas credit goes to YouTube alongside other social media websites. The Digital revolution has played a significant role in the growth of the motion graphics and video-making industries. You can make your low-budget film or make interesting advertisements for known brands as a university student. Companies are looking to hire video creators to produce eye-catching videos for their goods to have a competitive advantage over their competitors. Video creation has emerged as a profitable venture for students, offering a platform to  showcase how your app works  or to craft engaging content for brands. With the rise of social media and the demand for captivating visual narratives, there’s ample opportunity for students to monetize their creativity.

Cross-platform app development

Software applications are now the future’s product and therefore, one of the unique business ideas. More strong brands will see the benefits of apps throughout all social media channels as the world embodies cell devices and web services. Begin an app development company to meet this ever-increasing demand.

Web application development necessitates some IT knowledge. However, today’s internet is making developing apps even simpler. You have a lot of templates to choose from that only need a little tweaking to make an app. These tools will help you get a jumpstart on your app development project.

Online coaching

Online coaching is a great remote job for students to make money online. It’s a profitable and fun business idea . With online coaching, you can teach and help others through the Internet. The great thing is that you can decide when to have your sessions. Since the tutoring course is done over the Internet, you can choose when to schedule your sessions based on what works best for you.  

Another advantage is that you won’t need to be concerned about any extra costs. Since there are no overhead expenses, all the money you earn is pure profit. So, online coaching is not only a rewarding experience but also a lucrative opportunity for students looking to earn extra income.

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Top 100 Unique Business Ideas For Students | Startup Ideas Without Investment

Business Ideas for Students: Running a successful low cost business enterprise is not a laymans job, yet it cannot be impelled by factors like age or gender. The right attitude is what you need to make your mark in this world. If you are still in your college days and want to know about small business ideas for students, then you are in the right place. In this article, we have provided business plan ideas for students and how to start a business as a student. Read further to find out more.

• 20. Start One's Own Food Business

List of 100 Business Ideas for Students in India 2024

A list of top 100 unique and innovative business ideas for students are tabulated below:

What Are the Business Ideas for Students With Low Investment

There are many students out there who want to start their entrepreneurship journey. The urge to start business as a student is due to various reasons such as proving, skip the long queue to be financially stable, to hustle and some times to even find a smart solution. Hence to help those students who wants to start a online business as students, we have provided a total of 32 business ideas . Read further to know what they are.

1. Jewellery Maker

Jewellery making is an ideal startup business for college students. You do not need to be a certified jeweler or make huge investments to pursue your career as a jewellery maker. Simply hone your creativity skills by watching online tutorials.

Start your business with simple designs that are wearable and fashionable, made without using expensive metals like gold and silver. Promote your business from your campus and gradually you can start selling on the e-commerce platform.

Casestudy – This Flipkart seller turned her Jewellery Making hobby into a successful online business.

2. Campground Business

Campground management is a real-time business that can be started by most of the students. If you are a student and who loves exploring places, then it is time for you to start a campground business. There is no one on earth who says no to tourism. Most of people get attracted to the word tourism, but cannot execute the same, due to poor planning. Hence, as a student, you can organize campground tours.

Start with a small camping tour through trekking; plenty of people would show interest in this. Successfully execute this and create trust with your customers. That’s it. People will automatically trust you, and then you can get multiple clients for your business. This is one of the most successful camping businesses in India. Just make sure you take care of little things such as safety, housekeeping, and property management, and you will earn a good amount of money through this.

3. Social Media Management

Social media management is one of the best online business ideas for students. Established companies do not have the time to manage their business on social media platforms and hence are on a lookout for outsourcing the job for them.

As a social media manager, you need to manage your clients social media networks and implement strategies to boost sales. Follow other influencers in the same field to learn new techniques and your start-up will definitely skyrocket over the time.

4. Tutoring

There are many tutoring platforms, like Chegg, Wiingy, Embibe, and Doubtnut, that recruit students on their education platforms. Candidates are given question-and-answer tasks on these platforms, where the student is responsible for clearing the academic doubts of their users.

Also, if you are in university, you can approach websites such as Superprof and Varsity Tutors and create your profile. By creating your profile on these websites, you will get requests to clear specific doubts or even complete their assignments. Also, these websites pay the doubt-solvers in dollars. Thus, it is a very good business idea for students at home. Therefore, working from home has a wide array of advantages.

5. Delivery Service

In todays fast-paced world, delivery service turns out to great side business ideas for students, especially. It is easiest to implement and requires minimal investment.

Start your delivery service that caters to client various needs like drop or pick-up, doing grocery shopping or even getting food delivered at home. Professionals or elderly people are the ones who need this service desperately.

Start your website and keep the interface simple as people can easily order their desired service. Set up a margin, nearly 20% on the total costs and charge your clients at the time of delivery. Market your business through word-of-mouth or social media platforms, and get your revenues rolling!

6. Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is one of the best businesses for students. There are many freelance platforms, such as Fiverr , Truelancer, Upwork , Toptal, etc. As a student, you can easily start earning money from these freelance websites because you can register for free and do the work you need. All of these platforms are available for working as a freelance writer. Apart from freelance writing, students can also explore various other types of jobs such as web design, data entry, coding, marketing, graphic design, etc.

Earning as a freelance writer on these platforms comes down to offering quality services to clients and marketing yourself well. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:

• Develop an attractive profile that demonstrates your writing skills and experience.
• Set a fair rate and make sure to communicate it clearly to potential customers.
• Offer a variety of services, including writing, editing, and proofreading services.
• Market yourself on social media, forums, and other platforms.
• Be responsive to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Follow up with past customers and ask for reviews or referrals.
• Be patient and remember that success as a freelancer doesnt happen overnight.

7. Web Design and Development

For companies, making a strong online presence is extremely crucial for survival. Modern technology has shifted to paradigm from offline business to using apps and social media platforms to connect with potential customers. However, most of the companies do not have the time or resources to develop their websites in-house.

Hence, as students turning into website designer and developer is a great business ideas for students with minimal startup costs. You can start as a freelance web designer by creating interesting logo designs for doing complete website revamps. Advertise your work by communicating with professors and fellow students and gradually reach out to the larger community.

8. Content Creation

The need for good content for businesses is ever increasing. There is always a growing demand for fresh content to promote products, create a brochure and build a customer base. College students can easily start their career as content creators without any investment.

A good command over English and flair for writing is all that you need to turn into a money-making business. Hiring students on an ad-hoc basis for creating good content also turn out to be a feasible option for businesses as well.

9. Animation and Video Creation

Do you like to make short animated movies or videos Thanks to YouTube and other social media video sites, this has become one of the most profitable business ideas for students. Digitalisation has heavily contributed to making animation and video creation business bigger and bigger.

As college students, you can produce your own low-cost feature films or create advertisements for established brands. There is also a great potential for video marketing. Businesses are hiring video creators to create conspicuous videos for their products to get a competitive edge over their business rivals.

10. Pet-Sitting Service

Pet Sitting services are a highly profitable venture nowadays, as most residents have pets and are always looking for people who would look after them while they are at work. Some even hire pet sitters just so they can take them out for a walk or play with them. A highly trained professional is not required for doing this job. An individual who is good with animals, can maintain hygiene and genuinely cares about the pets can do this job.

You can spread the word around regarding your services through pamphlets, social media as well as word of mouth. You don’t need to invest a tonne of money into it, instead, you can earn good money, as people pay hourly for pet-sitting services.

11. Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketin g is the practice of promoting someone else’s products or services while earning a commission each time a customer uses your affiliate link to make a purchase. You can achieve this through social media and youtube posts. It is a brilliant business strategy because it has minimal costs and requires no product manufacturing, shipping, or customer support. All you have to do is promote the product and you get paid for it.

The most important thing to do to get started is to find your niche. Research and understand different products and industries and figure out what interests you. Remember, if you want to make this into a proper business you will have to interact with the niche you choose for years.

Once you have chosen your niche and made social media accounts to promote it, start sending out your affiliate links to the people you know; this way you will gain more traffic. This online business for students has a lot of scope and limitless possibilities.

12. Event Promoter

Are you leading your group in almost all social events at college If yes, why not market your skills as an event promoter and capitalize on it. The need for professional experts in managing events, big or small, has grown exponentially.

Event promoter is a sensible small business idea for students that can be started with moderate capital investment. Success is guaranteed in this enterprise if you have good negotiating skills, right contacts and impressive marketing techniques.

13. Resume or Cover Letter Writing

If you are good at resume or cover letter writing, then you can simply offer the same service. You can advertise your services on professional platforms such as LinkedIn to attract clients. Further, you can join Facebook groups of students and market your services.

These days, there is a huge demand for resume and cover letter-writing jobs.

14. Online Course Development

With EdTech booming in recent days, online course development is a wide business opportunity. There are many Ed-Tech companies that cannot hire a large number of teams to develop their content; hence, they outsource their content to agencies.

Hence, if you have friends who are good at online course development, you can approach any small Ed-Tech and talk about content outsourcing. If they are willing to outsource, grab the opportunity and start developing the online courses and modules. Gradually, if one Ed-Tech works with you, then gradually all the Ed-Techs will start working with you.

15. Remote Technical Support

If you are a student who is well versed in technical assistance, then go for a remote technical support job. In this job, students will be assisting their customers with technical assistance who are working from various geographical locations. This can be one of the great business ideas for school students.

16. Selling Organic Vegetables and Fruits

Who doesn’t love to be healthy Yes, the demand for organic products has been increasing day by day. There are many people who have recently started switching to organic products due to various reasons such as huge demand, high price, less competition, etc.

Hence, selling organic vegetables and fruits is one of the best businesses for students who look to make a profit. Even if you don’t have land, you can grow vegetables and fruits on your home terrace and sell them.

Still not convinced Read this article about a 56-year-old woman who earns $60,000 per month solely through organic terrace farming.

Case Study: 56-YO YouTube Star Reaps Rs 60K/Month From Organic Terrace Garden

17. Child Caretaker

In the current scenario where both the partners share financial responsibility, the need for a good and trusted child caretaker is ever-increasing. All you need to do is take good care of the child until one of the parents return and get paid handsomely for it.

Child caretaker is an ideal side business for students seeking a part-time job. You just need to be patient to handle children tantrums and deal with them responsibly. There are also several babysitting training classes to give you a hang of it.

18. Online Coaching Service

In school, if you are a good student theres always a favourite subject you never get tired of reading. Isnt it a great idea to earn a few bucks by giving tuitions on a subject that you have mastered Online coaching service turns out to be one of the lucrative student business ideas that is equally satisfying. Moreover, it is a small business idea for students with zero investment.

Since the coaching is online, you can give sessions at your service during the evenings or late nights. As there are no overheads, all the earnings that you make will be your profit.

19. Voice Artist

You can find jobs where there is a need for voiceovers, like video explainers, book reading, storytelling, etc. Nowadays, there are a number of opportunities in the market. LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, etc. are the job posting sites where one can search for jobs available under such profiles. If you have a good voice, then you can explore multiple projects such as news reading, commercials, broadcasts, documentaries, narration, etc. One can easily earn around $5,000 to $10,000 just by completing a project.

20. Start One’s Own Food Business

Food is an emotion in India. Tea, coffee, momos, Chinese snack items, salads, etc. are some of the low-investment, easy food business ideas that can be started by students in their free time. If nothing, then just on weekends for a few hours. One can also start a cloud kitchen food business if finding a place is a hassle. Also, there are many food delivery apps selling home-made food. So starting a home-made food business is great for students because you can earn well.

What Is EMC And Business Blaster

EMC: Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum, abbreviated as EMC is a framework that allows students to build their own career path by dreaming big, introducing innovations, and diving into the world of untapped opportunities to become a trendsetter. The purpose or objective of EMC is to mold the mindset of the students in a way that they aspire to become their own boss, stimulate creativity, and learn to overcome challenges during their formal education. As a result, they will become productive and responsible citizens of the nation.

Business Blaster: Business Blaster is the practical component of EMC as it involves the execution of the above-given vision of EMC. It is applicable to grades 11th and 12th. Additionally, it puts the vision of EMC into action. So, in Business Blaster, the students have to discover business opportunities or unsolved problems in society, craft business plans and implement them accordingly. Furthermore, the students can brainstorm individually or in a team. Every participating student/team will be given seed money of Rs. 2000 and they can use it to either earn profit or create a social impact.

This article discussed some inspiration for crafting EMC business ideas as well as business blaster ideas for students.

How to Start a Business as a Student

Freelancing as a student or starting one’s own small business can be a great way to gain experience and make some extra money. Here are some steps you should take to get started:

• Identify what your business will offer Define the products and services you will provide.
• Set up a website and create an online presence Create a professional website for your business, and create social media profiles.
• Develop an effective pricing strategy Determine a fair price for your products and services that reflects the value you offer.
• Find and secure customers develop a marketing plan to connect with potential customers.
• Manage finances Set up a system to manage debts, invoices, and payments.
• Track progress

FAQs on Business Ideas for Students

The frequently asked questions on entrepreneurship ideas for students:

What are the startup ideas for students in India Starting a business as a student can be a great way to gain experience and make some extra money. Here are business startup ideas for students:

• Tutoring: Offer tutoring services to those in need of academic help.
• Event Planning: Put your organizational skills to work to plan events for businesses, schools, and other organizations.
• Food Delivery: Start a food delivery service for local restaurants.
• Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative support to busy professionals.
• Mobile App Development: Design and develop mobile applications for businesses.
• Blogging: Write and manage blogs for companies or individuals.
• Graphic Design: Create graphics such as logos, flyers, posters, etc. for businesses.
• Organic Terrance Gardening: Terrace gardening is becoming more popular in most urban locations throughout the world as people have less space to grow plants. Growing vegetables and fruits organically from your terrace is one of the best business idea.

What are the online business ideas for students Here are some online best business ideas for students:

• Online Coaching: Provide coaching and guidance to people looking to improve their lives.
• Content Marketing: Write and manage content for blogs, websites, and other platforms.
• Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and services of other businesses and earn commissions.
• Selling Handmade Goods: Create and sell handmade products on sites like Etsy.
• Dropshipping: Set up an online store and source products from suppliers.

What is the innovative business ideas for students Some of the innovative business ideas for students are:

• Terrace Gardening: To start this business, all you require is a terrace. You can grow organic vegetables and fruits and sell them. Because organic foods are both expensive and scarce, you can easily earn money by selling organic stuff from your terrace.
• Local Reviewer: You can visit your nearest restaurant, spa, temple, hotel, or mall and post a review on your social media handles. By doing so, people will start liking the content and wait for you to review it. As a result, many customers will ask you to visit their location and write a review about it. For this, you can charge money and start earning.

What are the examples of business projects for students Depending on the level of knowledge and experience, there are many different types of business projects for students. Some examples include creating a business plan, conducting market research, developing a website or app, creating a marketing campaign, starting an e-commerce store, and launching a crowdfunding campaign.

What are the business proposal ideas for students Some business proposal ideas for students could include opening a tutoring business, starting a virtual assistant service, creating a debt collection agency, launching an online advertising platform, offering a car detailing service, and creating an event planning service.

What is business product ideas for students Some product ideas for students may include developing an app, creating a new type of clothing, launching a subscription box service, creating a gaming system, starting a web hosting business, offering a 3D printing service, and creating a new type of learning tool.

Wrapping Up

There is no defined age for starting your entrepreneurial journey. Your graduate certificate is not the key to unlock your potential. Implement any of these business ideas for students that suit you best and make your dream come true. The seeds of your hard work and labour will take its time to make a haul. Be persistent in your efforts and you will be undeniably ahead of the game.

Starting your entrepreneurial journey has never been more easy, thanks to the new concept of shared or coworking spaces. Startups, young entrepreneurs or freelancers can now work conveniently in these new-age workstations without investing a big chunk of their money.

Platforms like myHQ are turning everyday coffee shops into working zone for young entrepreneurs at nominal rental plans. All myHQ cafes are furnished with basic office necessities and have dedicated zones for myHQ members to let them work peacefully without any disturbance. Join the myHQ community and interact with interesting professionals, who share the same vision as yours!

FAQs on Top 100 Unique Business Ideas For Students

The best business for students is one that requires minimal startup costs and can be managed alongside studies. Options like tutoring, freelance writing, graphic design, social media management, or selling handmade products online are ideal because they offer flexibility and allow students to develop valuable skills.

Yes, a 16-year-old can start a business in India, but legal restrictions apply. Minors may need parental consent, and some business structures require an adult co-owner or legal guardian. It’s crucial to understand the laws around business registration, taxation, and permits to ensure compliance.

Students can make money through part-time jobs, freelancing, or small businesses. Popular options include online tutoring, content creation, social media management, delivering food, or selling items online. These opportunities offer flexible hours and require minimal startup investment.

Starting a business with no money requires creativity and leveraging available resources. Students can consider service-based businesses like tutoring, dog walking, or social media management. Using free tools for marketing, networking, and building a customer base is essential. Partnering with friends to share resources or using school facilities to conduct business can also help.

Read on for more inspiration

• 14 Best Startup Blogs That Every Entrepreneur Must Follow
• Top 10 Digital Marketing Business Ideas You Can Start Today With Zero Investment
• Top 10 Low-Investment Business Ideas in India

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Varsha Pillareddy

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For Businesses

For students & teachers, the best pitch lesson to introduce business plans to students.

Kassie Winne

In a classroom in Dallas, Texas, we asked groups of students to identify a problem in their neighborhood and find a creative solution for it. Their empathy and creativity blew me away. They were ready to tackle issues like homelessness, a lack of business attire for low-income areas seeking job mobility, creating healthier and more active communities, replacing toxic products with organic ones, reducing our carbon footprint and more. If these were the types of conversations they were having at ages 10 and 11, I couldn’t wait to see what they could accomplish in the future.

The next step was teaching them how to present their ideas in an engaging, succinct way. We encouraged students to be themselves, put their best foot forward, show their passion for their ideas, and to be prepared to present their ideas for no more than 90 seconds. There was excitement in the air on the day of the presentations. For these students, their business pitches were personal, and that seemed to ignite a fire. I could easily picture these passionate students as our future business and community leaders ready to work together and take on difficult problems with creative solutions.

By introducing business and entrepreneurial learning in the elementary classroom, we can support students in developing the skills we so desperately need in our future leaders and citizens — communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills. This activity is a great way to introduce business plans to students and start cultivating those employability skills they will need to be successful.

Entrepreneurial Expedition: The Pitch Activity

For this pitch activity, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other to problem solve. This is meant to be open-ended so that students come up with an idea that they are not only passionate about but also ‘buy in to.’ Meant to be engaging for all types of learners (auditory, visual, reading/writing, kinesthetic) this pitch activity encourages students to be creative, explain their thinking, come up with a visual prototype, and practice their oral language skills.

Step 1 – The Set Up: Tell students today is the day they’re going to solve a problem and they’re then going to convince everyone why it’s a great idea. Pair students into groups of 3-4.

Step 2 – The Problem: Give students 5 minutes to brainstorm a problem they might face each day. Consider a classroom set of brainstorming if students are having a hard time and then allowing groups to select from those problems. EX: they eat breakfast on the way to school and get it all over their clothes, they get sand in their socks during recess, etc.

Step 3 – The Plan: Give students 20 minutes in those same groups to come up with ideas of a solution that would fix their problem. Remind them that this is a brainstorming session so they want to list all ideas and listen to them. They can pick their favorite idea after.

EX: a granola bar that when they unpeel the wrapper, it unwraps into a bowl that collects crumbs, a sock topper that holds their socks up and seals the top so sand doesn’t get in.

After the 20 minutes is up, give students another 5 to discuss which solution makes the most sense to develop a product for. They will need to decide as a group which product they will develop a sales pitch for.

Step 4 – The Design: Students will design their product on a poster. Have them list as many adjectives as they can to describe their product to help in their business pitch once they have completed the design on their prototype.

Step 5 – The Pitch: Once students have finished with their posters, explain that they will be giving the class a business pitch to convince them they have the best product in the class. I suggest sharing this video of 10-year-old Jack and his lemonade stand idea as a good pitch example.

Give students this guideline for a 60-second sales pitch Start with a question.

• What is the problem?
• What is the name of the solution you came up with?
• Why is it a good product?
• Who are you selling this to and the cost?
• How much money do you want for this idea?

Completing the Lesson Have students create their business pitch and practice within their pair/group for 10 minutes, then present to the class.

For elementary teachers looking for a free extended learning experience in financial education and business, check out EVERFI’s Vault – Understanding Money lessons to navigate the world of income and careers through online games and quizzes.

For middle school teachers looking to help their students master the basics of business with a youth entrepreneurship curriculum , check out EVERFI’s Venture – Entrepreneurial Expedition.

Real World Learning Matters

EVERFI empowers teachers to bring critical skills education into their classrooms at no cost. Get activated and join 50,000+ educators across North America!

Want to prepare students for career and life success, but short on time?

Busy teachers use EVERFI’s standards-aligned, ready-made digital lessons to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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15 Business Ideas for Students To Start During College

Are you a college student interested in pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams? Starting a business while still in school can provide you with not only extra income but also valuable experience and skills that will help you in your future career. We’ve compiled a list of 15 business ideas for students in college to help you get started.

These suggestions range from tutoring and freelance writing to pet care and meal delivery services, and they are all inexpensive and simple to implement. You can turn your college experience into a profitable venture with a little bit of creativity and hard work. Excited already? Let’s Begin!

Table of Contents

Introduction.

College is a time for personal development, learning, and adventure. For many students, it’s also a time of financial instability and tight budgets. But what if there was a way to make your college experience profitable? Establishing a business while in college is not only feasible, but it may also give you significant experience and abilities that will help you in your future job. In this article, we’ll look at the 15 best business ideas for students. These suggestions are inexpensive, simple to implement, and may be adjusted to your own interests and skills. Keep reading this article to know more about it

Also Read: 50 Most Profitable Home Manufacturing Business Ideas in India 2023

Why start a business as a college student?

Schools and colleges can provide you with the academic foundation to pursue your ideal career, but establishing a business teaches you essential things that you won’t learn in school. Here are some of the benefits of starting a business as a student:

1. Financial Independence

Establishing a business while still in school can help you become financially independent. It can assist you in earning extra money to support your costs or possibly pay off your student loans.

2. Build Skills

Beginning a business can help you develop important skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management. These abilities will come in handy not just in your future work, but also in your personal life.

3. Get real-world business experience

Yes, business school can teach you theory and formulas, but nothing beats hands-on experience.

4. Possibilities for Networking

Establishing a business allows you to build a network of connections and future clients. This network will be useful when you graduate and begin your career.

5. Test your Industry

Establishing a business allows you to express your creativity and follow your interests. You may turn your hobbies or passions into a profitable business while also having fun. You can also test your industry before graduating to see if you fit in.

6. Career Advancement

Establishing a business can help you distinguish yourself from other job hopefuls after you graduate. Entrepreneurial experience frequently impresses employers since it demonstrates initiative, inventiveness, and a willingness to take risks.

How to start a business as a student?

Now that you know the benefits of Business ides for students ideas for students and their contribution, let’s take a look at the process of how you can get started. Here are some of the steps that you can follow:

Step 1. Determine Your Passion and Skills

The first stage is to identify your areas of interest and expertise. Establishing a business based on your interests and talents will make it more pleasurable and increase your chances of success.

Step 2. Research the Market

Once you’ve developed an idea, conduct market research to see if there is a need for your product or service. Find competitors and examine their strengths and flaws to figure out how to differentiate your business.

Step 3. Develop a Business Plan

A business plan is a road map that outlines the objective, goals, target audience, marketing approach, and financial predictions of your business. It will assist you in being organised and focused on your objectives.

Step 4. Create a Team

Creating a team is critical to the success of your business. Seek folks who share your vision and have complementary skills to yours. Consider collaborating with other students, mentors, or instructors who can guide and encourage you.

Step 5. Launch

It’s time to launch and iterate your business once you’ve secured funding. Remember that starting a business is a process, not an event. When you hear input from clients and the market, you will need to iterate and change.

Step 6. Balance College/School and business

It can be difficult to balance school and business, but it is necessary to avoid burnout and preserve academic achievement. Make a schedule that helps you to prioritise your time so that you can focus on both.

Best business Ideas for college students

Let’s dig into the best business ideas for students that you should definitely consider:

1. Print-on-demand business

The best business a student can start with almost no investment is the print-on-demand business . In this business model, you open an online store, showcase your design on products and ship them directly to your customer. These dropshipping companies will take care of your inventory, printing, packaging, and shipping so that you don’t have to worry about it. This way it omits the need for inventory and manufacturing excess products.

How Blinkstore Assists:

With Blinkstore you can easily set up your online store within a few minutes and start your business by adding products. Here you can also set your profit margin by yourself and add your own designs to your products. A free mockup generator, 50+ products, and 24X7 assistance are a few of the key highlights of Blinkstore. Blinkstore also provides the best quality materials and delivers orders within 3-5 working days. So If you are planning to start your own print-on-demand business, you should consider Blinkstore as your personal choice.

2. Tuition Classes

Starting a tuition class is a popular college business idea. You may use your academic knowledge and talents as a college student to assist high school kids in your community. You can offer tuition lessons in disciplines like math, physics, or English. You can also coach students for standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT. You can also choose to conduct your classes online on platforms like Zoom , and Google Meet and easily earn a good amount of money.

Also Read: How To Start Online Tuition Classes at Home In India (8 Easy Steps)

3. Freelance Content Writing

You may start a freelance content writing business if you have great writing talents. You may provide your skills to companies, websites, or people in need of high-quality material. Blog postings, articles, product descriptions, social media posts, and copywriting are some options to consider. To start, you need to construct a portfolio of your writing examples, define your price, and establish a brand identity. You can collect clients through online job portals like Linkedin, social media, or cold outreach.

Also Read: 15 Best AI Writing Tools Every Writer Must Learn to Use

4. Graphic Designer

Graphic Designing business is one of the best business ideas for students. It is currently in high demand and can be a great option to consider if you are someone who loves to draw and design. You may provide your design services to companies or people that want logos, flyers, brochures, social media graphics, or other design materials. It is advisable to create a portfolio of your design work first and develop a website or social media presence to exhibit your work.

5. Youtube or podcast services

If you enjoy making videos or blogs or love interacting with other people, then you might consider starting a business that provides YouTube or podcast services. You may start your own channel or podcast and give services like as editing, production, and promotion to other producers. You can invite people and celebrities from different fields and engage with them. This is one of the best business ideas for students as it doesn’t require any huge investment and has immense growth potential.

Also Read: How To Earn Money From Youtube in India – Top 10 Ideas

6. Social Media Management

One of the top business plan ideas for students is social media management. Existing businesses do not have the time to handle their business on social media platforms and hence seek to outsource the task. As a social media manager, you can manage your client’s social media networks and develop sales-boosting methods. You can also provide content production, publishing, interaction, and analytics services. Follow other influencers in the same industry to learn new approaches, and your business will undoubtedly grow with time.

7. Drop-shipping Business

Drop-shipping is a common e-commerce business strategy in which you operate as a middleman for the client and the supplier. Dropshipping allows you to sell things to consumers without ever having to purchase products or handle inventories. This is one of the best business ideas for students with design and marketing talents. Choose a supplier that can give you items at a lower cost than retail rates to start a drop-shipping business . You may then open an internet store, list these items, and sell them for a greater price. The supplier handles the shipping and processing of the goods, and you earn a profit on each purchase.

You may find useful:

8. Web Designing

For businesses, having a good online presence is critical for survival. Modern technology has transformed the concept from physical business to connect with potential clients through applications and social media platforms. As a result, web design is a skill that is in high demand. if you have a talent for generating aesthetically appealing websites, you can start a web designing business. You can provide your skills to small companies or individuals that require a website or wish to redesign an existing one. To begin, develop a portfolio of your work and promote it by engaging with teachers and fellow students, then gradually expand your reach to the greater community.

9. Video Editing

Visual media frequently simplifies things. As a result, video editing talents are becoming increasingly in demand. Video editing has proven to be one of the most profitable business ideas for students. You may start a video editing business if you have a love for it. With a creative mind and some graphic design abilities, you may begin offering your services to organisations or people that want assistance editing films for YouTube, social media, or other platforms.

Also Read: 15 Best Free Video Editing Apps and Software for 2023

10. Pet care services

Pet care services are a lucrative business nowadays since most homeowners have pets and are constantly seeking for individuals to look after them while they are at work. Some people even pay pet sitters only to take their pets for walks or play with them. This work does not necessitate the use of a highly qualified specialist.

This profession requires someone who is good with animals, can maintain hygiene, and actually cares about the creatures. You may provide your services to pet owners that require someone to care for their animals throughout the day or evening. You may offer services such as dog walking, feeding, playing, and grooming. You may publicise your services via flyers and social media.

11. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the practice of advertising someone else’s products or services while receiving a commission for each transaction made via your affiliate link. Affiliate marketing has been very popular among business ideas for students. This may be accomplished through social media and YouTube posts.

It is an excellent business approach since it has low overhead and does not involve product manufacture, shipping, or customer service. All you have to do is advertise the product and you will get compensated. To start, establish your speciality, investigate affiliate programmes, generate great content, and advertise your affiliate links. Affiliate programmes can be found through internet affiliate networks or by contacting firms directly.

12. Courier or Delivery services

Courier and delivery services have grown in popularity as e-commerce has grown. As a student, you may create a local courier or delivery business for your classmates, delivering textbooks, food, and personal care products. You might also collaborate with local companies to provide delivery services for their goods.

13. Cab or bike services

Another popular business ideas for students is to provide cab or bike services. If you have your own bike or car, you might launch a ride-sharing business for students in your region offering safe and economical transportation to and from university or other hotspots. You might also rent out bikes to students who wish to explore their city on two wheels. This can be one of the most profitable business ideas for students if done properly.

14. Event Planning and Management

Starting an event planning and management firm might be a fantastic business idea if you enjoy arranging events. You may specialise in organising student events like proms, homecoming dances, and graduation celebrations. You might also assist local firms in planning and executing corporate events and conferences.

Event promoter is a good small business idea for students that can be launched with a modest amount of money. If you have strong bargaining abilities, the correct contacts, and amazing marketing strategies, you will be successful in this venture.

15. Photography and Videography services

As social media and content marketing become more popular, there is a greater need for high-quality photography and videography services. Videography services have recently become one of the many popular business ideas for students. If you enjoy shooting images, you may turn your pastime and ability into a freelancing photography company.

Both students and local companies may use your services, whether they want to improve their Tinder accounts or market their just introduced items. You may establish a photography or videography company that captures photographs and movies for social media influencers, local companies, and events. You might also offer to photograph weddings, family pictures, and other important occasions.

Establishing a business as a college student may be a rewarding and hard experience. Gaining financial freedom, learning useful skills, networking, pursuing your hobbies, and differentiating yourself from other job hopefuls are all advantages.

To succeed, however, you must thoroughly prepare and research your concept, develop a good business strategy, and assemble a motivated team. You will develop a profitable business that may lead to a happy career by balancing your schooling with your business and prioritising your time. So keep learning and never stop exploring!

What are the best business ideas for students?

Some of the best business ideas for students include: Print-on-demand, Graphic designing, Content creation, Video editing and web development services.

How can a student start their own business?

A student can start their own setup by identifying and studying the market and developing a strong business strategy in their area of interest.

Is it possible to start a business with no money?

Some businesses like print-on-demand allows you to start your own businesses without any investment while some other requires a little investment to get started.

How to get the Spotify Student discount: Spotify and Hulu for only $6 a month

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

College comes with enough expenses, so finding savings where you can is always nice. Luckily, several retailers and businesses offer student-exclusive discounts to help out, like Spotify Premium Student . 

Here's the deal: eligible students can get Spotify Premium and ad-supported Hulu for only $6 a month. That's $4  less than Spotify Premium costs on its own. In an era of pricy streaming services hiking their prices, this is an undeniably great offer that all interested students should take advantage of. 

If you'd rather just sign up for Hulu, students can still big with Hulu's student deal , which brings the service down to only $2 a month.

How to get Spotify Premium Student

Signing up for a Spotify Premium Student account is much like subscribing to a regular plan, but the process requires one extra step to verify your enrollment status. 

• Sign in to your existing Spotify account, or create a new one through the Premium Student plan page .
• Verify your student status via SheerID by following the on-screen instructions.
• Enter your payment information.

What comes with Spotify Premium Student?

Spotify Premium Student offers more perks than just a discounted Spotify Premium subscription. In addition to ad-free Spotify music streaming, the plan includes ad-supported Hulu (a $7/month value).

Combined, the two services would typically cost you $19 a month, meaning that Spotify Student saves you $13 a month.

Who is eligible for Spotify's Premium Student plan?

To qualify for Spotify's Premium Student plan, you need to be enrolled at a US Title IV accredited college or university and be over 18. Students studying abroad are also eligible; just make sure your account's country or region matches where you're studying.

How does Spotify verify my student status?

Spotify uses a well-known student discount program called SheerID to verify your status. The site is integrated into Spotify's sign-up process, so you won't need to worry about leaving the page to do this.

SheerID asks for the following to check your enrollment:

• First and last name
• College name
• Date of birth

Does Spotify Student include Showtime?

Spotify Student no longer includes Showtime access. In past years, the student bundle included Hulu and Showtime in addition to Spotify Premium for the same $6 monthly cost. Though the current offer is definitely lacking compared to the Showtime bundle, it's still worthwhile and is currently the only student discount offered by Spotify.

Can I still use Spotify Premium Student after graduating?

Spotify Premium Student remains active for 12 months after you renew each year and can be renewed three times — that means you can only have the plan for four years, max. 

Once you graduate, your plan remains active until your renewal date arrives. If you can't verify your student status at that point, you lose Spotify Premium Student perks.

• Main content

• International

Protests at Columbia and other schools escalate

Chandelis Duster, Christina Zdanowicz and Lucy Bayly

Students at Columbia University encampment say they plan to occupy until demands are met

From CNN's Omar Jimenez and Taylor Romine

Students occupying the West Lawn at Columbia University said Tuesday they are planning on staying there until the university meets their demands of divestment.

They are asking for a “complete divestment” from anything related to Israel, financial transparency into the university’s investments and amnesty from any disciplinary measures for students participating in the protests.  

“This is what we are here for – calling for an end to genocide and for Columbia to financially divest from the violent Zionist settler entity,” a student who identified themself as W told CNN. 

“We are putting our principles into action, and we plan to continue to do so by being here every day until Columbia divests." 

The group is in negotiations with the university through a legal negotiator, said student organizer Khymani James, who declined to share details of the negotiations.  

When asked about the encampment making Jewish students feel unsafe on campus, W said protesters try their best “to make sure everyone feels safe in the encampment," and their community guidelines “preach and hope for peace continuously.” 

Columbia University officials warn ongoing encampment is in violation of university rules

From CNN's Sara Smart

Columbia University officials warned Tuesday that the ongoing encampment is in violation of university rules — but school leaders have not given specifics on disciplinary actions.

“The safety of our community is our number one priority,” university spokesperson Ben Chang said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. “That includes the safety of the encampment that continues to grow. We are watching this closely.”

University officials met with student organizers until 2 am ET Tuesday to discuss the situation, Chang said. “Columbia students have the right to protest but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate fellow students and members of our community," he added.

Chang said acts of vandalism, reports of harassment and discrimination have all been reported during the ongoing protest.

Officials will not release the specifics of student suspensions as “disciplinary actions continue” on campus.

Harvard Yard is closed with no visible demonstrators

From CNN's Isabel Rosales and Matt Egan

Harvard Yard is closed and people associated with the university require permission to be in the area, a CNN team on site reports, adding no demonstrators could be seen from CNN's viewpoint. 

"Harvard affiliates must produce their ID card when requested. Structures, including tents and tables, are not permitted in the Yard without prior permission," the sign posted on a gate says. "Blocking pedestrian pathways or access to building entrances is prohibited. Students violating these policies are subject to disciplinary action."

As of Sunday, the university has limited access to Harvard Yard to those with school identification, the university confirmed to CNN Monday.

A few miles away at Emerson College, about 20 tents were set up in an alley leading up to the school with signs that read "Emerson Demands Ceasefire" and "from the river to the sea," a phrase that demands equal rights and the independence of Palestinians, although in some cases is intended to call for the abolishment of Israel.

New York City mayor says “outside agitators” are causing problems at student protests

From CNN's Mark Morales

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday authorities have identified “outside agitators” causing problems at the mostly peaceful student protests at Columbia, NYU and other schools in the city. 

“We can’t have outside agitators come in and be disruptive,” the mayor said at a news conference Tuesday.

“We need to address this while it’s a spark. Let’s not wait until it’s a blaze,” Adams said. The mayor's administration will be meeting with the heads of universities Tuesday to go over best practices for how they can keep students protesting peacefully. 

A key part of that, he said, is keeping protesters who are not students off the campus. That may mean sharing intel by identifying some known protesters to the universities. 

CNN's Chris Boyette contributed to this report.

President Biden aware of campus protests in this "painful moment" for communities

From CNN's DJ Judd

President Joe Biden is “of course aware” of pro-Palestinian protests that have roiled college campuses across the country, the White House said Tuesday.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One that the administration is “monitoring these situations closely,” taking the opportunity to condemn what he called “alarming rhetoric,” at some student protests.

“[The president]’s, of course, aware of the protests — we know that this is a painful moment for many communities, we respect that, and we support every American's right to peacefully protest, that's something that we have been consistent about,” Bates said.

“But as I said, when we witness calls for violence, physical intimidation, hateful, anti-Semitic rhetoric, those are unacceptable. We will denounce them. The president knows that silence is complicity and that's why he uses the platforms he has to try and ensure that our fellow Americans are safe.” 

But he wouldn’t say what the administration thinks of some Republicans’ call to deploy the National Guard to respond to campus protests at Columbia University. Bates added that the decision to deploy National Guard members would fall to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

A complex time for the Passover Seder

From CNN's Nicole Goodkind

Passover is a Jewish holiday symbolizing emancipation. But this year, with the backdrop of the war against Hamas, still-missing Israeli hostages and devastating civilian causalities in Gaza, the celebration — and the conversations around it — will be more complex for many who will be partaking.

Rabbi Jan Uhrbach, the founding director of the Block/Kolker Center for Spiritual Arts at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, told CNN she will host two Passover Seders this year.

“The whole ritual of the Seder is grounded in the notion that when we speak to each other in deep, holy ways, and we listen in deep holy ways, that’s what brings redemption,” she said. “It’s about uncovering the complexity of what we’re seeing. It’s about uncovering the struggles, the things that are hard to talk about. Not only because we worry that someone may disagree, but because we have trouble articulating what we ourselves may feel and believe.”

It’s important to remember that discussions at the Seder table could get contentious in part because people care, not because they want to hurt one another, she said.

“We human beings long for things to be simple, especially to be morally simple,” she said. “We want clear good guys and bad guys that enable us to feel like we are right. But the reality of morality isn’t like that. The reality of a moral life for a mature person is that we make complex choices.”

Rabbi Uhrbach says that this year’s Seder is ultimately about gratitude.

“We’re all here at the same table,” she said. “That’s what matters.”

Nine arrested at University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus after pro-Palestine encampment formed 

From CNN's Taylor Romine

Nine people were arrested Tuesday morning at the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus after they formed an encampment that went against school policy, the university told CNN in a statement. 

The university's Department of Public Safety received reports Tuesday morning of an encampment near the Northrop Mall on the Twin Cities campus, the statement said. Police arrived around 6 am local time and told those at the encampment "they were in violation of both  University policy  and state trespassing law," they said. 

Police asked the group to disperse by 7 am and told they would be arrested if they stayed. Nine people remained who were arrested without incident, the statement said. 

The Faculty, Librarians, Alumni, Graduate Students, and Staff for Justice in Palestine at the University of Minnesota (FLAGS JP)  posted video on their social media Tuesday  showing the encampment in support of "unconditional solidarity with Palestine and demand an end to the genocide and apartheid." CNN has reached out to the group for comment on the arrests. 

The university said in its statement it "supports and respects free speech through lawful protest" and "supports the rights of all members of our University community to speak and demonstrate peacefully." 

Barnard president addresses student suspensions, underscores importance of "exposure to uncomfortable ideas"

From CNN's John Towfighi

In an email to students Monday, Barnard College President Laura Rosenbury said the "vast majority" of students on interim suspension do not have previous conduct violations and that Barnard will consider lifting suspensions and restoring access to campus for students who commit to a probationary period.

Barnard students were among the protestors suspended and arrested Thursday when the New York Police Department cleared the encampment on Columbia's East Lawn.

Isra Hirsi, daughter of US Rep. Ilhan Omar, was among the Barnard students placed on suspension for participating in the protest encampment.

Students with previous violations will be addressed "thoughtfully through our conduct process," Rosenbury wrote in the email, which was subsequently posted on the university's website.

Barnard students on interim suspension are barred from campus but may use college services like health care, mental health counseling and academic guidance, Rosenbury wrote.

Barnard professors are able to permit students on interim suspension to attend class remotely.

"I strongly believe that exposure to uncomfortable ideas is a vital component of education, and I applaud the boldness of all of our students who speak out, but no student should fear for their safety while at Barnard, and no one should feel that they do not belong. We must always respect and protect one another, especially when we disagree." Rosenbury wrote.

Over 20 tents with pro-Palestine signage set up at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

From CNN's Isabel Rosales

Over 20 tents have been set up in front of a chapel at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Tuesday. 

The tents display numerous Palestinian flags and signage demanding MIT stop providing “support for the Israeli Occupation Forces." Another sign reads "liberated zone." The area is currently quiet, and it appears most demonstrators are on their laptops working. 

The area is encircled by metal fencing, and police cruisers are parked near the tents where four officers are walking around on foot. 

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