Do you want to build your own successful business as a man but don’t know where to start?
I can help you.
I’ve been a businessman for years, but I know the difficulties of starting your own business from the ground up. I wasn’t always successful—I also struggled.
I developed this list of the best business ideas for men to help small business owners like yourself avoid some of the same struggles I faced.
Let’s begin.
38 Profitable Small Business Ideas for Men
Nonetheless, starting a small business for men is a huge opportunity. Whether a family business startup or a side business for generating passive income, anyone can earn with the right skill and knowledge coupled with passion and dedication.
This section will explore some of the best profitable small business ideas. If you are looking for self-business ideas for men, you have come to the right place.
Barbershop
Men need to take care of themselves, too, especially when it comes to their hygiene. A good haircut can boost their confidence and make them look cleaner and manlier.
If hair is your passion, consider opening a barbershop.
Pressure washing
A pressure washing business is excellent for those needing intense cleaning of exterior surfaces with deep-seated dirt, grease, and tough residue across a large surface area.
A pressure washer is a heavy tool requiring someone physically fit to use. Anyone would love to get help with outdoor deep-cleaning needs.
Consider opening a pressure washing business if you’re okay with manual labor and physical effort.
Event Planner
Suppose you have exceptional organization and coordination skills; you could try event planning.
An event planning business can be a lucrative source of income. You can help private and corporate clients hold their events successfully.
Solar Power Business
Due to the ongoing popularity of solar energy, it’s no wonder that solar products are so profitable these days. You can earn by starting this great small business idea involving solar chargers, solar panels, and other solar-powered products.
Drone Business
The drone business is perfect for men who have a passion for technology and want to add extra oomph to any event.
Drones are expensive, so pursuing this business requires a major investment. However, the drone business market is not yet overly saturated, making it a profitable business idea.
Dropshipping Business
If you want to start an online store without dealing with inventory, start a dropshipping business.
As a dropshipper, you purchase the items from a third-party supplier that ships the orders directly to the customers on your behalf. A dropshipping business is a great idea for those with a limited budget because it’s a low-investment business venture.
Tutoring Services
Are you good at Math or in a particular subject? You can share your knowledge in specific subjects by offering your tutoring services. You help students struggling in school and earn while doing what you love.
Photographer or Videographer
Photographers and videographers are always in demand, whether for special events or simple photoshoots. A special event would not be complete without spectacular photos and videos.
If you have a knack for photography, producing or editing videos, it’s your chance to showcase your talent and start a business.
Cleaning Services
You can open a cleaning business offering services to residential and commercial customers.
Not everyone is fond of cleaning or has the time for it. You can step in and provide cleaning services for customers who need them.
Business Consultant
If you have a particular set of skills, from hard skills such as marketing to soft skills such as leadership or organization skills, you can earn from it.
You can become a business consultant and help startups and small businesses with their budget and marketing planning.
Handyman Business (Home Repair and Improvement Services)
Not everyone can repair broken pipes, paint a room, or replace old tiles. You can help these people by opening a handyman business, provided you have the right skills.
Starting with just a few tools, equipment, and an engaging website, you can start a home repair and improvement service.
Landscaping Business
If you have an eye for landscaping, starting a landscaping business is a logical choice. Startup investment is generally low, which makes it a great business venture if you want to tend to someone’s yard on a budget.
Food Services (Catering, Baking, etc.)
Love cooking for your family and friends? Or do you simply love food? Then, starting a food business is the right choice for you.
You can never go wrong with cooking the food you want. You could start with a bakery, a catering business, or meal plans (popular nowadays).
Personal Trainer
Are you a self-proclaimed health and fitness connoisseur? Why not start your own business out of your passion for fitness?
You can build your gym or post your services online to guide clients who work out in the comfort of their homes.
Corn Roasting
Corn roasters are a hit in festivals and state fairs because they give corn a richer and deeper flavor.
Corn roasting is a lucrative and profitable source of income that won’t require much strength and effort. Anyone can start this business, whether part-time or full-time.
However, you must invest in equipment and proper training.
Crafts or Handmade Products Business
Making knives and woodworking can be more than mere hobbies in your downtime. You can also earn money from them!
Many people are looking for unique handcrafted stuff, so this is something you can get into. Start by making space for a workshop at home, then sell your craft online.
Delivery Services
Most people are too busy to go out and grab essentials. Offering delivery services can help busy office workers or full-time moms manage their time and budget.
Digital Printing
Even if smartphone cameras are the norm these days, many people still want printed photos for memories to keep. Plus, film cameras are trendy again.
Use your skills to create spectacular graphics and print on shirts, bags, mugs, and more.
Financial Services
Technological advancements and more accessible internet access have paved the way for the rise of the financial services industry.
It has since made payments and other financial services possible with a few clicks. Popular examples of financial services include:
- Lending businesses
- Brokerage houses
- Fintech companies (Cryptocurrency, Open banking, etc.)
- Payment processing companies
Fish Farmer
Learning the fish farming trade takes time to become successful in this industry. But it’s a lucrative business that can earn you a decent income, nonetheless.
Before starting a fish farming business, you must find good quality water bodies, equipment and machinery, and money to invest.
Mushroom Farmer
If you are into agriculture, you might want to try mushroom farming. It is the perfect stepping stone to cultivating your dream of starting a business in the farming sector.
Mushroom farming is one of the fastest-growing farming businesses nowadays. It is said to grow by 10% over the next five years, with the US as the world’s second-largest mushroom producer.
One of the best benefits of mushroom farming is it requires only minimal initial investment. You can do mushroom farming indoors or outdoors, although the former needs more planning, investment, and technical experience.
Food Truck Owner
Want to start a food business but don’t have much to build your restaurant? Try creating a food truck business! Earn profit from your culinary specialty without dealing with rentals (if you were looking into renting a commercial space).
The best part is you can do tours and offer them in different locations. Just park cook and people will flock to you!
Juice Bar Owner
People nowadays are more health-conscious and often look for healthy food to incorporate into their diet, including fresh fruit juice – not the packed ones from supermarkets.
The juice bar business has the potential to grow in a few more years, yet it is already a billion-dollar industry as early as now. It’s not too late to hop on this venture.
Interior Designer
If you have a knack for interior design, now is your chance to showcase your creativity, design, and organization skills.
Anyone can start an interior designing business at home if they have the abovementioned skills, but a degree in interior design is a plus.
Jet Ski Rental
Men who love adventure and the ocean can consider starting a jet ski rental business. If you live near a large body of water, it is the perfect opportunity to get into!
Anyone on the beach would love to experience jet skiing, which is an ideal way for you to earn.
Outdoor Advertising Services
Even if social media has become a major advertising channel, outdoor advertising never goes out of style. It covers a vast mileage, making it an effective advertising channel.
This opportunity is perfect if you have outdoor space in a busy area with lots of foot traffic.
Perfumer
Starting a perfume-making business is a good idea if you love scents and smelling good.
You’ll need your passion for fragrances and learn to work with different scented essential oils for that perfect perfume. You will also have to find wholesale suppliers for your business.
Pest Control Services
Dealing with pests on your property is not an easy feat. You can start a pest control business with small capital.
Invest in proper equipment and push for a commercial operation for better profitability.
Rain Water Harvester
Did you know that you can earn money from rainwater? Rainwater harvesting is collecting and storing rainwater in tanks and reservoirs.
You will need to invest in filters and storage tanks, among a few, to start the business. You can collect rainwater through rooftop rainwater and surface runoff harvesting.
Real Estate Expert
The real estate industry is broad as it covers different properties such as industrial spaces, residential housing, and capital markets.
It is one industry that never wanes because people always need a place to stay, whether for domestic or business purposes.
Consider starting your own real estate business or as a consultant, if you have the expertise.
Restaurant Owner
Starting a restaurant business would require a lot of startup investment for equipment, supplies, staffing, and training. You also have to create a comprehensive marketing plan before opening your restaurant.
Nonetheless, it can yield great profit and is one of the most popular business ventures.
Resume Writing Services
Resume writing may not be as easy as you think. You should be exceptional at grammar and vocabulary. Likewise, you should also have good copywriting, formatting, and designing skills.
Make people’s resumes stand out by offering your resume writing services. You can use Canva or similar design software to create engaging resumes and help applicants land their dream jobs.
Smartphone Repair
Do you have a knack for repairing electronics such as smartphones? Why not consider starting your smartphone repair services? The majority of people nowadays use smartphones.
They will need someone to repair their phones or tablets if they’re damaged. You will be their go-to smartphone repair man once you establish your clientele.
Online Store or E-Commerce Business
The e-commerce industry has grown exponentially in the last several years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many aspiring entrepreneurs open online stores, which are easy to create.
Here are the most popular items sold at Shopify based on search volume that cater primarily to men:
- Smartwatches
- Drones
- Dashcam
- Grooming products (beard oil, shaving kit)
- Power Banks
- Men’s Backpacks
- Wireless earphones
Voice Over Artist
If you have a voice that can be at par with David Attenborough’s, you must showcase your extraordinary talent!
Start your voiceover/acting service for video, film, and audio narrations. With basic computer equipment, software, and your voice’s power, you can start a career as a voice talent.
Affiliate Marketing
Moms and social media influencers are not the only ones who can make money through blogging.
Men can also pursue affiliate marketing and create blogs out of their passion. Affiliate marketing works when a visitor comes to your site and clicks on an affiliate link.
Start with identifying your hobbies and passions, which usually cater to men. The most common ones are cars, gadgets, travel, history, and woodworking.
Freelancing
The digital age has enabled aspiring entrepreneurs to offer their products and services online.
For instance, you can make money from home by freelancing on Fiverr.
You can offer skills such as content writing, video editing, social media management, graphic design, programming, etc. Some websites have freelance job platforms where you can set up your account, build your portfolio, and find clients.
Tailoring Business
Do you like men’s fashion and know the latest fashion trends? Have an eye for detail?
If you love to see your tailored creations worn by popular fashion icons someday, perhaps you can try honing your tailoring skills to people, or you can make fabulous clothes for a specific niche.
What Are the Best Small Business Ideas for Men?
Franchising
If you have the budget but don’t want to start from scratch, business franchising is the one for you. Unlike a startup, franchising lets you carry the brand and adapt its business model.
Most franchising companies provide operating manuals, equipment, brand standards, marketing strategy, quality control, and training.
Ecommerce
Starting an e-commerce business can pave the way for earning money from the comfort of your home. More and more consumers shop online, which makes starting an e-commerce store a surefire way to profit.
You can be a successful entrepreneur and start an online store without a significant startup cost. Although it’s a competitive industry, it remains one of the best ways to earn money online.
Services
Aside from tangible products, anyone can also sell their services. From fitness coaches to dog trainers, anyone can make a profit out of their skills and passion. It’s probably the best business idea for men to generate money fast, as it’s relatively easier to provide a service than setting up other businesses.
Retail
A retail store can be a great way to reach your target customers and earn profit. You can sell anything from books, home and decor, apparel, handcrafted items, and more.
The more unique your items are, your business will gain traction and attract potential customers.
Restaurants or Food Establishments
Everyone needs food. That is why restaurant businesses won’t go out of style. You can never go wrong with starting a food business with low startup costs and potential high profitability.
How To Know If You Have a Profitable Small Business Idea
Profitability is a very crucial factor when starting a potential business. You wouldn’t want to spend time and good money on a business only for it to fail. Thus, determining a potential business’s profitability is essential before starting it.
Here are questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have a profitable small business idea.
Can It Solve a Problem?
It’s frustrating to face a problem with no accessible solutions in the market. The best business ideas are those that can solve problems.
People patronize businesses that will solve their problems and satisfy their needs.
Are People Willing To Pay for It?
Every business needs customers. How can your business earn if no one buys from you?
Paying customers is a validation that your business has potential. If the same customers buy from you several times, your company has a great chance of becoming successful and profitable.
As Wil Schroter, co-founder and CEO of Fundable, says, “Anyone can discredit a simple idea, but no one can discredit paying customers.”
How Much Is the Product or Service?
You also have to determine the price of the product or service and how much people are willing to pay for the value it gives.
Once you have identified the cost, you can evaluate whether your business idea is feasible.
Is There a Market for Your Business Idea?
Without a market, a supposedly good business idea will be in shambles. In business, you should determine if your brand has a niche market.
Personal preference, gut instinct, and extensive research are keys to telling if your target niche is around the corner.
Will It Take All Your Time?
Running your own business will take a lot of your time. If you are really into it and want your business venture to succeed, be ready to spend many hours mastering your craft and keeping the business alive and kicking.
No matter how potentially lucrative a business idea can be, it won’t last for years without hard work and passion.
The Bottom Line
I hope my list of the best small business ideas for men helps you decide on the best business for your goals, needs, and budget.
However, remember that regardless of your small business idea, you must put in significant effort to succeed. You’ll only make good money if you work hard and conduct proper research before starting your business idea.
Whatever you decide, I hope your business flourishes.
