24 Best Part-Time Business Ideas for 2026

Starting a part-time business is one of the ways to become an entrepreneur while still earning a full-time salary. 

According to a 2025 survey from Self, these side hustles typically require five to 10 hours a week and earn an average of $688 per month.

To inspire you, this article walks through 24 profitable part-time business ideas to generate extra income on your own schedule. 

What is a part-time business (and how is it different from a side hustle)? 

A part-time business is a venture you take on outside of a full-time job. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists part-time businesses as taking up to 35 hours per week. The IRS, as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), defined part-time employees as those who work less than 30 hours per week. 

Side hustles are similar but differ in structure and intent. Side hustles are less formal and more flexible than part-time businesses, though the distinction varies by person and business model.

How to choose the right part-time business for you

Before you dive into the list of ideas, take a few minutes to reflect on how to come up with the right business idea for you. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneurial introvert, looking for a family business idea, searching for a way to make extra income while working full-time, or a teen or college student in search of an easy side business, a suitable option aligns with your lifestyle and strengths.

Use the checklist below to clarify your capacity, resources, and interests. This should make it easier to identify a part-time business idea that fits you. 

Quick self-assessment checklist:

• How many hours can you realistically commit each week?
• How much capital are you willing to invest upfront?
• What skills and experience can you leverage?
• Does the idea align with market trends or customer demand?
• Will it fit with your lifestyle and long-term goals?

Assess your available time and resources

Consider how much time you can commit to a part-time business each week. A five-hour weekly commitment versus a 20-hour commitment affects which businesses are realistic to manage. More time-intensive businesses may be hard to sustain if you also need to market and fulfill orders.

“When I would come home from work, my nights and weekends, I was able to really pour myself into this passion project,” says Nancy Twine, founder of Briogeo. “I had to be smart with how I was using my time to get things off the ground.” 

You’ll also want to assess what resources you already have—financial and physical. Do you have space to store inventory? Do you have connections who can help you with design? A supplier connection? Understanding what you’re starting with helps you home in on the right online business idea that aligns with your lifestyle and requires little investment upfront. 

Read: 30+ Side Hustles for Stay-At-Home Parents to Make Money

Evaluate startup costs and income potential

How much capital you’re able and willing to spend will impact the business idea you decide to move forward with. For example, if you’re looking for side business ideas with low investment, consider a part-time business that does not require purchasing inventory upfront.

You’ll also want to evaluate long-term income potential and consider how much money you want to earn each month or year from your own business. Use your goals to guide which opportunities are worth your time and energy.

Read: What Makes a Great Business Idea?

Match your skills to market demand

Before WanderFull’s water‑bottle sling ever hit the shelves, cofounder Katie Hill mapped her and her partner’s complementary talents to a clear market need. 

“One of the keys to our success is just our differing strengths that we bring to the table,” she says. “I think that’s part of our secret sauce.”

If that strength is marketing or customer acquisition, those skills will be useful. In a 2025 Shopify survey* of store owners, 36% cited finding customers as their top Year 1 challenge, tied with marketing.

As you determine what to sell, think about your own unique qualities and skills. What skills or expertise do you already have, and how can they meet a growing demand? 

24 best part-time business ideas for 2026

1. Dropshipping
2. Print on demand
3. Affiliate marketing
4. AI meme merchandise stores
5. TikTok Shop affiliate marketing
6. Digital product creation
7. Virtual assistant (VA)
8. Freelancing
9. Personal training or fitness coaching
10. Tutoring
11. Social media management
12. Bookkeeping services
13. Selling crafts
14. Selling new or refurbished furniture
15. Custom gift baskets
16. Personalized products
17. Become a livestreamer
18. Launch a YouTube channel
19. Podcast production
20. UGC creation for brands
21. Pet care services
22. Event planning
23. Home organization
24. Meal prep services

Check out the following 24 part-time business and side hustle ideas for 2026—including options to start from home, on weekends, or with low upfront investment.

Online and digital businesses (low startup cost)

Digital business models require minimal physical space and allow owners to manage operations from a laptop. These online business ideas focus on low overhead and remote management.

1. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where you don’t stock any of the products you sell. Instead, you purchase the items from a supplier after the order is placed and the supplier ships them to your customer.

The global dropshipping market is anticipated to reach almost $1.3 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% from 2025 to 2030.

Because you’re not purchasing and storing inventory, the cost to start dropshipping is less than most product-based retail businesses.

2. Print on demand

Print on demand involves working with a supplier to customize print-on-demand products like phone cases, tote bags, or t-shirts with your own designs. You don’t pay for any products upfront—the supplier prints and ships each item on demand under your brand.

Print on demand is one option for a profitable part-time business idea because upfront costs can be lower than inventory-based retail models. You don’t hold any inventory. You don’t have to spend money on materials or equipment. Just choose a print-on-demand company to work with, create your designs, and then upload them to a Shopify store.

3. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing refers to earning a commission by promoting a product or service made by another company. It’s a business model where you, the affiliate partner, earn money for providing a specific result to the company or advertiser. Most of the time, it’s a sale, but other programs give payouts for leads, clicks, downloads, and other business outcomes.

Your investment is your time and if relevant, the resources to create content to host your affiliate links. This makes it possible to start affiliate marketing with no money.

Affiliate programs are typically free to join. Because it’s a performance-based opportunity, you can turn this from a part-time business idea into a venture that provides residual income.

The list of affiliate marketing niches is long. Find products to sell in any category, including:

• Hobby: photography, travel, crafts
• Money: investing, banking, credit cards
• Health and wellness: fitness, yoga, nutrition
• Lifestyle: fashion, jewelry, online dating
• Home: coffee, baby products, dogs, plants
• Tech: web hosting, WordPress, gaming, VPN

Affiliate programs work by mentioning a product through sharing links to it on your social media, blog, YouTube channel, podcast, etc. Then you earn a commission each time someone purchases through your unique link.

Affiliate marketing is promoting an existing product rather than creating one.

4. AI meme merchandise stores

Those who want to make money from AI business ideas, like AI meme merchandise stores, could earn up to several thousand dollars per month.

When starting, you will need to set up your store, create designs, write product descriptions, and promote on social media or marketplaces. 

Use AI tools like Canva, Midjourney, or DALL-E to generate designs, and platforms like Printful or Printify for fulfillment.

5. TikTok Shop affiliate marketing

If you’re searching for unique business ideas with a low time commitment and little necessary experience, try TikTok affiliate marketing.

TikTok affiliate marketing is a type of affiliate marketing specific to the platform. TikTok’s affiliate program has three different types of eligible creators, all with different follower count requirements. 

• Affiliate creators self-apply for the program and need at least 1,000 followers. 
• Marketing creators are bound to seller accounts and must be invited and accept a TikTok marketing “Creator Bind” to be eligible. The minimum follower requirement is 5,000 to access the TikTok Shop Product Marketplace. 
• Official shop creators have no follower requirements, must be officially bound to a seller account, and have the same TikTok handle as that account. You can only promote that shop’s products. 

According to TikTok, affiliate commissions are calculated based on this formula: Commission = (Revenue - Refunds) x Commission rate. 

6. Digital product creation

One automated business idea is to create and sell digital products. That could include downloadable ebooks, online courses, design templates, or digital art that shoppers can print at home.

While it takes upfront skill and work to get off the ground, digital product businesses are low-lift to maintain. On average, businesses that sell digital products can expect to earn $76,639 per year, or $6,386 per month.

Service-based businesses

Service business ideas use existing professional skills to generate income without inventory costs. Owners sell their time and expertise to clients through specialized packages or hourly rates.

7. Virtual assistant (VA)

A virtual assistant (VA) provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, usually from their home.

Virtual assistants can work from anywhere, choose their clients, and set their own hours. Offer a wide range of services based on your skills and interests, such as email management, social media management, content creation, data entry, or customer service.

On average, virtual assistants make $24 per hour, with specialized or more experienced VAs able to earn closer to $75 per hour.

8. Freelancing

Freelancers work with multiple companies at different times rather than being employed by just one, and all you need is a skill to sell. 

It’s possible to freelance or start a consulting business from anywhere. For example, Kaitlin Cremmins, marketing director of Long Island Screen Printing, turns her photography skills into a part-time income stream.

“I’ve always loved photography, but I could never define an exact niche,” Kaitlin says. “I love to shoot many different things, like maternity shoots, real estate tours, concerts, and product shoots for local businesses. Because I work a full-time job, I can shoot photos on the weekends and during holiday breaks. It’s where my creativity shines and is something I am really passionate about. Plus, I can make a little bit of extra money.”

Freelancing comes in many forms:

• Virtual assistant
• Freelance writing
• Photographer
• Graphic designer
• Real estate agent
• SEO consultant
• Copywriter
• Blogger

By 2027, an estimated 86.5 million people in the United States will freelance, roughly 50% of the total workforce.

While freelance websites like Fiverr or service marketplaces and Fiverr alternatives like Upwork can help you get started, they also charge commission fees. Instead, get a custom domain name and build a simple portfolio website. Scan job boards and pitch to different companies, or market yourself on social media sites like LinkedIn.

If you’re comfortable using AI to provide services for hire, you may assist organizations or individuals with a variety of tasks. ChatGPT business ideas integrate generative AI with writing, editing, strategy, translation, and more.

Read: Consulting Business Ideas: 27 Ways to Start This Year

9. Personal training or fitness coaching

McKinsey & Company’s 2025 Future of Wellness trends survey found that the wellness industry accounts for $500 billion in annual spending. There are many fitness business ideas if you’re passionate about helping others improve their health. 

Personal trainers and fitness coaches can set their own hours, making this a strong option for full-time workers. Schedule sessions based on your availability (early mornings, evenings, or weekends) and market your fitness business on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Different types of personal training businesses include: 

• Online fitness coaching. Create personalized workout and nutrition plans through social media or coaching apps.
• Specialized training. Create training plans for seniors, youth athletes, or injured folks (depending on your expertise and qualification level).
• Group classes. Teach yoga, Zumba, or boot camps locally or online.

Read: How To Start a Fitness Business in 9 Practical Steps

10. Tutoring

Grand View Research anticipates that the online tutoring services market will grow at a rate of 14.5% from 2025 to 2030. It’s possible to start a tutoring business to help students in subjects like math, science, and languages, and standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.). 

All you need for online tutoring is a stable internet connection, a computer, and a webcam. In-person tutoring is still an option, too, and can take place in a student’s home or a public area like the library.

11. Social media management

If you have content creation skills, an understanding of social platforms, or prior experience managing accounts, a part-time social media gig is another business idea with low investment.

Social media managers make $31 per hour, on average.

Aside from posting and engaging with comments, social media managers also research trends, develop content calendars, plan photo and video shoots, and collaborate with other brands or influencers. 

12. Bookkeeping services

According to ZipRecruiter, part-time bookkeepers earn an average of $24 per hour, with rates ranging from $12.81 to $35.11 per hour, depending on skills and location.

If you have financial or accounting experience, starting a bookkeeping business part-time could be a great way to earn some extra cash. 

Creative and craft businesses

Creative businesses focus on unique, handmade goods and artistic products. These ideas allow for custom branding and control over the production process.

13. Selling crafts

Studies show that using your hands on creative tasks gives your brain a chance to relax and rest. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce stress and anxiety. Selling crafts can combine creative work with potential product sales.

“I started this business while I was in grad school,” says Ali Osterholtz, founder of Explorer Knits + Fibers. “There’s not always a lot of money to be had during that time of life, and so I started the business as a creative outlet and something just for fun.” 

A few craft business ideas include:

• Starting a jewelry line
• Upcycling vintage clothing
• Launching a candle business
• Creating ceramic pots for plants

Need help finding your creative calling? Read Easy and Profitable Crafts to Make and Sell.

14. Selling new or refurbished furniture

If you have a knack for working with your hands, but crafts don’t spark your creativity, try selling new or flipping furniture online.

Woodworker Chris Hughes, founder of Timberware, worked as a welder’s apprentice and general contractor before starting his furniture business. Being a handyman and building homes inspired a love of working with wood and creating custom furniture for clients. 

“My best advice would be to start with what you can afford and slowly grow your tool arsenal”" Chris says. “Be patient, and don’t overextend yourself.”

There are different ways to start a furniture store business on the side:

• Maker. Build furniture by hand.
• Refurbisher or restorer. Repair, clean, and restore furniture.
• Designer. Create furniture designs and have them manufactured.
• Reseller. Curate and sell items from different brands.
• Dropshipper. Partner with a supplier for fulfillment and shipping.

Convinced that selling furniture is your future side business? Learn the ins and outs of starting by reading how to sell furniture online.

15. Custom gift baskets

A custom gift baskets business is a creative side business idea. Include items like craft coffee, local snacks, stickers, and candles.

Profit margins often range between 30% and 50%, depending on the cost of goods and your pricing strategy.

To make shopping easier for customers—and sourcing easier for you—Ty Hiss of Fresh Sends recommends keeping things simple. “We strategically keep our offering really limited from a user experience perspective,” Ty says.

Read: How To Start a Gift Basket Business in 8 Steps

16. Personalized products

Selling personalized products for your side business is another option. If you go the dropshipping route, you won’t have to handle the personalization or store inventory yourself.

Louise Verity, owner of Bookishly, used cues from shoppers to determine the most profitable niche market. 

“Every time I did something that was bookish, that was more popular than the very general stuff,” says Louise. “I was learning about the concept of a niche, and I realized that it gives you something to talk about on social media, it gives you endless material to work from in terms of ideas.”

Average profit margins for personalized products range from 20% to 50%, depending on product and customization type.

Content creation and entertainment

Content-focused businesses generate revenue through audience engagement and digital media. Creators use platforms like YouTube or TikTok to build a brand following and monetize through sponsorships, ads, or merchandise.

17. Become a livestreamer

A professional livestreamer makes money from broadcasting games, music, art, and casual “just chatting” streams. 

Streamers make money online through donations, advertisements, subscriptions, and sponsorships. On a streaming service like Twitch, for example, viewers donate money in the form of “bits,” which are worth 1¢ each.

Popular livestreaming categories include:

• Chatting
• Music and performing arts
• Talk shows and podcasts
• Travel and outdoors
• Food and drink
• Makers and crafting
• Sports and fitness

Starting requires an investment of around $650 for essential beginner equipment like a camera, microphone, mixing equipment, lighting, and a video switcher. Once you choose your niche, sign up for a platform like Twitch and start building your audience.

18. Launch a YouTube channel

Starting your own YouTube channel is an option if you’re looking for part-time business ideas from home. Startup costs can be low, although audience growth may take substantial time.

Making money on YouTube varies depending on factors like niche, type and quality of content, posting frequency, subscribers, views, and monetization strategy (ad revenue, affiliate setup, sponsorships, or merchandise).

“The beauty of having that audience is they’ll tell you things they are and aren’t interested in,” says Kevin Espiritu, founder and CEO of Epic Gardening. “So you don’t need to be a genius to offer them the thing that they’re asking for, or maybe sometimes even begging for.” 

Influencer Marketing Hub’s YouTube earnings calculator estimates that a creator with 20,000 daily views and a 50% engagement rate could earn $28.50 to $47.50 per day.

19. Podcast production

Riverside estimates that beginners can start a podcast with equipment costs ranging from $100 to more than $1,000. 

A quality microphone is ideal, but if you have a newer smartphone, that’s enough to get by when you’re starting. You’ll also need transcription and editing software, podcast hosting, and a good spot to record (even a full closet could work).

In terms of making money podcasting, Backstage estimates earnings based on listener count. For example, podcasts with: 

• 1,000 to 5,000 listeners per episode potentially make $100 to $1,000 per month
• 5,000 to 10,000 listeners per episode potentially make $1,000 to $5,000 per month
• 10,000 to 50,000 listeners per episode potentially make $5,000 to $20,000 per month

20. UGC creation for brands

One weekend business idea for full-time workers is to create UGC, or user-generated content, for brands. This can be a lucrative part-time business because UGC consistently drives results. According to Bazaarvoice’s Shopper Experience Index, shoppers who interact with UGC-driven reviews convert 144% more often and generate 162% higher revenue per visitor.

Part-time UGC creators can make $1,000 to $3,000 per month, with some beginners bringing in a few hundred as they build their portfolios.

To make money creating UGC, you might not even need an online following. Make sure you have great lighting and a smartphone. Then, start filming content to pitch to the brands you already love.

Local and specialty services

Local services meet specific needs within a community through in-person appointments and regional marketing. They rely on client interaction and local networking to build a customer base.

21. Pet care services

The pet industry is another business opportunity for part-time entrepreneurs. According to Rover’s 2026 report on Generational Pet Parenthood, 66% of Gen Z think of their pets as their kids. 

The global pet care market is projected to reach $283.67 billion by 2033. Pet food and treats make up the majority of ecommerce sales.

Even if you’re not into cooking up dog treats, consider:

• Pet care services like dog walking and grooming
• Pet supplies like food dispensers
• Pet products like personalized mugs or shirts

For example, Let the Dog Out—a dog-walking service based in Guelph, Ontario—offers free meet-and-greet sessions so dogs and sitters can get comfortable with each other.

If you enjoy working with animals (and their owners), start a pet business with a simple website design.

22. Event planning

Event planners arrange, facilitate, and manage aspects of corporate or personal gatherings. 

By 2033, the Global Events Industry Market is expected to reach nearly $3.3 trillion in valuation.

On average, part-time event planners make $63,335 yearly, or $30 per hour. This is a more time-intensive part-time business, with many event planners working up to 30 hours per week.

If you love organizing parties and other occasions, begin with an event planning business plan. You’ll also want to explore professional liability insurance options. Expectations for major personal events, like weddings, can be extremely high and emotionally-charged. Understand how to protect your business from a “he said, she said,” scenario, e.g., “the food was cold,” after the event ends.

23. Home organization

Home organizers earn an average of $21 per hour. Your time commitment will vary based on how many clients you take on and the size of each project.

Resources like the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and Peace of Mind Organizing offer training, tips, and industry insights to help you get started.

Consider niches such as: 

• Setting up first apartments or college dorm rooms—some parents spend thousands on dorm room design
• Downsizing for older adults
• Customizing closets and dressing areas
• Creating efficiencies for busy families or people with disabilities
• Supporting families sorting household items following the death of a loved one

24. Meal prep services

Consider starting a meal prep business. Bottle, which supports owners with software and tools, estimates net profit margins for lean meal prep operations ranging from 10% to 20%, or around $1,500 to $5,000 per month, after acquiring customers.

Spencer Donaldson, founder of meal service Eat Well Nashville, recommends, “Read as much information as you can about what’s happening in any given industry.”

He adds, “Networking is the biggest part. I’ve been in Nashville now for 10 years, and I’ve been able to develop a network that’s very open, and I think the market you’re in has to be an open market.”

Financial planning for your part-time business

In a 2025 Shopify survey,* 34% of store owners cited ensuring stable cash flow as their second most important business goal. The same survey found that 79% of store owners use profits to self-fund growth, making early profitability and cash flow management critical from the start.

Learn about your startup costs, income potential, and tax considerations to make informed decisions about your part-time business.

Understanding startup costs

Startup costs for part-time businesses vary based on the business you choose. Typically, the cost to start a business includes things like:

• Incorporating your business (into an LLC or S corp). Ranges from $480 to $1,180 for LLCs and $480 to $1,150 for S corps.
• Paying for general liability insurance. Approximately $42 per month and $500 per year.
• Personal and business taxes. Corporation and sales taxes for businesses; 10% to 37% for personal taxes, depending on taxable income.
• Ecommerce platform and domain cost. Shopify has a Starter plan that costs $5 per month for sellers just starting; domain prices average $10 to $20 per year.
• Packaging and shipping costs. Packaging ranges from 10¢ to $2 for simple, unbranded boxes. Shipping varies based on distance, provider, and speed.
• Inventory costs: Depends on the type of goods or services you sell.
• Marketing and advertising: Varies depending on the type of advertising you do (i.e., using paid or organic methods, time spent, etc.).

Minimize your startup costs by using free tools, opting for simple and affordable packaging you buy in bulk, and leveraging organic channels for marketing. Also, consider choosing an idea with a low initial investment.

Note: LLCs or S corps create a legal boundary between personal and business assets, which is why they’re beneficial for many business owners. Requirements for business structures vary by region, so research them before making a decision. Insogna CPA recommends that LLCs wait to elect S corp status until net income exceeds $60,000 annually.

Setting realistic income goals

A profit margin calculator estimates earnings per item when setting realistic goals. If you’re going with a digital offering, here are a few helpful resources:

• Calculate possible earnings from affiliate marketing
• YouTube income calculator
• Creating an online course and setting pricing

Tax considerations for side businesses

As mentioned above, you’ll have to report income and potentially paysmall business taxes on your part-time business idea. This requires keeping accurate records of your earnings (and expenses), understanding sales tax requirements, completing the correct tax forms, and filing on time.

If you bring on anyone to help you, even seasonally, and you pay them $600 or more, the IRS requires you to file a 1099, among other payroll management obligations. 

According to a 2025 Shopify survey,* 41% of store owners review their finances daily, which is a habit worth building early on, especially when juggling a full-time job.

If you decide that you’d rather focus all of your energy on your business, consider hiring an accountant who can help calculate taxes for you.

Read: Business Tax Planning 101: Essential Strategies to Know

How to start a part-time business: 30-day launch plan

Week 1: Choose and validate your idea

Spend the first few days selecting the right part-time business idea for you. Then, it’s time to validate your product idea. Research demand, run a competitive analysis, gauge interest on social media, create a pre-launch interest web page, or use an AI tool like Shopify Sidekick for market insights.

“You have to figure out what’s not being fulfilled in the market,” says Kristen Pumphrey, founder of P.F. Candle Co. “For us, that was creating a unisex candle.”

Weeks 2–3: Set up your business foundation

Now that you’ve vetted your business idea, use a tool like Trello or Google Calendar to set your schedule for the next few weeks. Tackle the most difficult or time-consuming tasks first.

Essential steps for how to start a business include:

• Create a business plan. This is a road map to guide you and help you achieve your goals.
• Decide on a business format. Will you store and ship inventory yourself, operate on a dropshipping model, or do print-on-demand?
• Source products. Work with a manufacturer or find a supplier.
• Build a brand. Choose your business name, design your logos, choose colors and fonts, and decide your tone of voice.
• Set up your online store. Choose a website theme, take product photos, write product descriptions (tools like Shopify Magic will do this for you), and write copy.
• Register your business. Ensure you follow local regulations and ecommerce laws.
• Decide on a marketing plan. Determine the different marketing channels you’ll use, set up accounts, and create and schedule launch content.

Tips for getting started

Start by setting SMART goals and marketing objectives. Write down and track weekly business goals to help you stay on task. Some goal-setting examples are:

• Launch a new ecommerce website by Saturday
• Get 10 sales by Wednesday
• Double weekly traffic from 100 to 200 visitors

Focus-maximizing Chrome extensions include:

• StayFocusd: Block distracting sites to focus on what matters.
• RescueTime: Track all your time on the web to identify where you waste the most time.
• Pomodoro Timer: The Pomodoro Technique helps you work in small intervals of 25 minutes with a short five- or 10-minute break.

Whenever you think up a task or project but can’t make time for it during your full-time or day job, David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, suggests you add it to a “next actions” list instead of a “to-do” list. If you set an ordered list of the next things you need to do for your business, it will require and encourage you to make quick decisions.

At the end of the week, organize these ideas, tasks, and projects into time slots throughout your weekends, then pull each task from your next actions list and move it into your calendar.

Feeling stuck? Listen to a few motivational podcasts or an inspiring TED Talk, read a Shopify success story, or learn something new.

Week 4: Launch and get your first customer

Now it’s time to go live and make your first sale. Publish your online store, launch your marketing campaign, and reach out to your target audience.

Learn more: Ecommerce Checklist: Launch Your Store in 20 Steps

How to scale from part-time to full-time

Nancy Twine, founder of hair brand Briogeo, chose to stay employed full-time before scaling. 

“Hanging on to my full-time job was another way to give me leverage as I was proving out my business concept,” says Nancy. 

“I didn’t have the stress of trying to figure out how I was going to pay my bills or make ends meet because I had income from a career coming in. It helped me take my time, go slow, and be thoughtful about every step as opposed to trying to rush things.”

If you feel that it’s time to expand your business from part-time to full-time:

• Analyze your current financial picture. Determine cash flow, and note how much money you have in the bank and how much you need to bring in to cover a full-time salary and necessary benefits, like health insurance. 
• Secure the funding you need. Setting up your business to get more funding includes creating a business plan to show the growth you expect and the funds needed to expand, as well as preparing financial statements. Consider applying for small business (SBA) loans or programs like Shopify Capital. 
• Look into your operational processes. Consider whether your processes are scalable, product quality is consistent, and if you currently work with suppliers you trust.
• Check market signals. Look forproven product demand, favorable market conditions, and a clear competitive position.

Transition strategy

Once your cash flow is positive, you can afford to pay yourself a salary, you have any funding you need to scale, and you feel ready, build a transition plan.

“We didn’t pay ourselves the first four years,” says Casey Wojtalewicz, cofounder at Canyon Coffee. “Ally was still modeling, and I was side hustling in search engine optimization. It was really just a full-time labor of love and learning a lot.”

A transition plan includes when you’ll quit your full-time job, how much notice you plan to give your employer, and even the way you’ll spend the extra hours on your growing business. 

*Based on a 2025 survey of 500 Shopify merchants conducted in English across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States. Respondents were established merchants with two or more years on the platform. Results reflect the experiences of this specific sample and may not be representative of all merchants.