Individuals looking to kick off their weekend business ideas understand that starting a business will be very time-consuming, especially for those with a lot of commitment during the weekdays. However, this won’t stop someone passionate about being an entrepreneur as they might not like the idea of working regular jobs for most of their lives.
Or they just love the idea of being able to earn some supplementary income for their careers. Whichever one is it, the most perfect situation is to be able to start and manage your ventures during the weekends where you won’t have to worry about your job or school.
So, this article listed 35 weekend business ideas that are categorized based on the industry they are most aligned with, along with comparison tables for the readers to easily differentiate and identify the right business idea for them.
Key Characteristics of Effective Weekend Business Ideas: A Criteria Table
Selecting the right business idea for the weekend should align with your passion and interest, but those apply to all types of businesses. So, we crafted a criterion that will be specific to a business that can be managed during the weekends.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Flexible Time | The business has to be able to give you the ability to choose when to work, especially on weekends, and should not have fixed hours like a 9-5 job. |
| 2. Low Weekday Commitment | It should not require working during the weekdays when some individuals will have their day jobs or school. |
| 3. Adjustable Workload | Some weekends will be just as busy, the business needs to be scalable according to your needs. |
| 4. Low to Moderate Startup Cost | Most people will not have the capacity to start a costly business, so it has to be low to moderate and does not require you to take loans from the bank. |
| 5. Potential for Remote Work | Weekends are the time for a family getaway or a mini vacation, some of these business ideas will still allow you to do that because of their potential for remote work. |
Weekend Business Ideas
Here are the 35 business ideas we have listed according to the criteria above. It will include different industries such as technology, education, entertainment, and more.
Technology
1. Web Development Business
If you have great coding skills or are willing to spend some time learning them, a web development business can be profitable as it will always be in demand despite the number of platforms that can generate fully-made websites. Web developers who have the ability to customize and develop the site according to the client’s needs are still the preferred choice for business owners.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic designing is perfect for a weekend business startup as it can be done remotely at any place you want. As long as you have the artistic skills and the time management to create the designs before the given deadline, you can succeed in the industry.
3. Start a Blogging Business
One of the best things about starting a blog is you can choose whichever niche you want that you are passionate about and interested in. It has to be a topic you can write about for hundreds of hours as that is most likely what you need to do for the blog to be profitable.
4. Dropshipping
Dropshipping does not require you to manage and store your own inventory of products. You just need to find the leads and customers that will resonate with your brand. It has been around for some time now so the amount of competition has caught up, however with the right strategy and approach it can still be a great business.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Web Development Business | Coding and Programming skills, ability to attract clients | $500 – $5,000+ per month |
| 2. Graphic Design | Creativity, and proficiency in designing software such as Photoshop or Canva. | $300 – $3,000+ per month |
| 3. Start a Blogging Business | Writing skills, expertise, or willingness to study a niche or industry. | $0 – $10,000+ per month |
| 4. Dropshipping | Marketing strategies and right product selection. | $200 – $10,000+ per month |
Entertainment and Event Services
5. Mobile DJ Business
A mobile DJ business can be a good side gig during the weekends if you have some skills in entertaining people with music. Its profitability will vary depending on how large the event is, but the more experience you get the higher rate you can charge your clients.
6. Podcast
Podcast is now one of the most popular medium for consuming content in the modern era. With so many popular personalities and internet celebrities starting their own podcast, it will be hard to stand out. You have to select a specific group of people and try to resonate with them before moving on to a large audience.
7. Musician
As a musician, you have to be able to perform in front of a crowd. The frequency of your performances will dictate the earnings you can get from this weekend business idea, but the more popular you get the better your potential income will be.
8. Wedding Photography
A very niche business idea that can help you earn during the weekends. Since most of the job will be done during the wedding and then some editing afterward, it is a perfect fit for entrepreneurs who do not want to extend their business responsibilities on the weekdays.
9. Event Coordinator Business
An event coordinator must be able to organize people and pay good attention to every detail of the event. The larger the event is the higher the earnings, and most can be done on the weekends when people arrange their gatherings, meetings, and conferences.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 5. Mobile DJ Business | Musical skills and knowledge of sound equipment. Be a part person. | $300 – $2,000+ per event |
| 6. Podcast | Script and content writing skills, speaking and listening abilities. | $0 – $3,000+ per month |
| 7. Musician | Ability to perform in front of a crowd. | $100 – $1,000+ per gig |
| 8. Wedding Photography | Photography skills and a high-quality camera. | $1,000 – $5,000+ per wedding |
| 9. Event Coordinator Business | Attention to small details and ability to organize events and people. | $500 – $4,000+ per event |
Educational Services
10. Tutoring Business
The tutoring business does not only involve teaching students the subjects they find difficult to learn. It also includes any individuals of different age groups and academic levels who are interested in learning your expertise on a topic.
11. Online Course Creation
Similar to a tutoring business this idea revolves around teaching your expertise to a set of people who find it valuable. Some of the differences are you won’t be physically in there, you only have to teach it once in front of a camera, and you can sell it an infinite number of times.
It is easy to realize that it is much more lucrative than other ideas on this list, but it will require you to have actual expertise in a specific subject area that is valuable to a lot of people in modern times.
12. Sports Coaching Business
If you are knowledgeable in a certain sport, you can start a weekend business where you train individuals and teams. For example, you don’t have to be an NBA-level coach to train someone in basketball, you just have to know more about the person you are coaching, and they must trust that you know the sport on a deep level.
13. Launch Your Own Book or eBook
Launching a book or eBook successfully will be one of the most time-consuming businesses on this list, as writing that much text and valuable content will require extensive knowledge and research. However, after finishing it you can also sell it for an infinite number of times. You can be 60 years old and still sell that book you wrote back when you were 25. It can be a great weekend business idea as it will not require you to work on a strict timeframe.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 10. Tutoring Business | Expertise in a specific subject and a lot of patience to teach. | $15 – $50 per hour |
| 11. Online Course Creation | Valuable knowledge about a certain niche or field. | $100 – $5,000+ per course |
| 12. Sports Coaching Business | Coaching skills and knowledge of that particular sport. | $20 – $100 per hour |
| 13. Launch Your Own Book or eBook | Writing and storytelling skills. | $0 – $100,000+ |
Retail and E-commerce
14. Antique Business
An antique business will require you to have some knowledge on understanding of which items are valuable such as collectibles, vintage objects, and historical artifacts. It is also important to stay updated with the market trends as they are the ones that will dictate the value of these antique items.
15. Flea Market Vendor
Similar to an antique business, a flea market vendor requires you to have a keen eye for valuable items. You can buy them from garage sales, flea markets, and other stores. It is a fun business idea that you can do on the weekends to earn a supplementary income.
16. E-Commerce Reselling
E-commerce reselling also involves buying and selling items, but this time most of the operation will happen online. You can leverage platforms such as eBay and Etsy. The profitability of the idea will also depend on your ability to find the undervalued items and sell them for a higher price online.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 14. Antique Business | Knowledge about antique items and traditions. | $100 – $5,000+ per month |
| 15. Flea Market Vendor | Ability to find undervalued items or objects. | $50 – $1,000+ per day/event |
| 16. E-Commerce Reselling | Salesmanship and marketing skills. | $200 – $10,000+ per month |
Home and Personal Services
17. Dog Training Business
Dog training business is incredibly rewarding for individuals who love animals however some breed of dogs can be aggressive. You have to really know what you are doing to avoid getting bitten but don’t be too scared about that as most of those furry animals are lovely, sweet, and actually want to be trained.
18. Furniture Refurbishing
This business requires knowing how to repair and refurbish old furniture to make it usable and safe. It will require creativity and carpentry skills, also the good thing about it is most of the work can be done during the weekends so it fits the criteria of the list.
19. Auto Detailing Business
It can be a lucrative weekend business idea as most car owners want their automobiles as clean as they can be. So the services that you need to offer should include car washing and interior cleaning. You can also set your own schedule to only work on the weekends making it a great business idea.
20. House Painting Business
If you are in a city with four seasons, this business idea can be heavily seasonal as it will not be ideal to paint the exterior of a house or building during winter. However, some clients will only need their interior walls or households to be painted making the business still profitable year-round.
21. Bicycle Mechanic Business
Bicycles are becoming more popular as different cities in the world progress. If your favorite grocery place is just a few blocks away, it might be better to use a bicycle instead of your car wasting some gas. This connectivity of our city will make the bicycle mechanic business even more in demand, so you just have to be knowledgeable in repairing them and you can start a weekend business with it.
22. Handyman Services
Being a handyman will require a lot of expertise in repairing different things inside a household. However, you can fit most of the work during the weekend making it ideal for individuals who already possess the skills necessary.
23. Gardening Business
A gardening business is different than a landscape designing business although they both operate in the same space, the difference is their work and purpose. Gardening refers to taking care of the plants and the surrounding areas. This is ideal for individuals who love working outdoors.
24. House Sitting Business
House sitting is a good weekend business idea as you can schedule what time you will only be available. It will also not require that much work, as it mainly involves making sure that the house is not on fire, or being robbed. This business idea is based on the client’s trust in you.
25. Pet Sitting Business
Unlike a dog training business, pet sitting will be a lot less work however different dogs have different personalities. Some will play with you and some will hate you. The key is to be patient and have passion for taking care of these pets.
26. Interior Design
Interior designers must be able to cater their designs to the client’s budget. No matter how small their apartments and inside spaces are, you also should be able to craft a design that will fit their standards and demands. It can be rewarding for those who love organizing stuff and those who have a keen eye for aesthetic features.
27. Pool Cleaning Business
Cleaning a pool is not only about getting all the floating dirt on the water. It also involves checking the water’s pH levels, replacing the filter, and making sure that the pool is circulating properly to avoid the growth of bacteria. This is also a very seasonal business and is most suitable for individuals living in a neighborhood with lots of pool owners.
28. Mobile Pet Grooming
If you are someone who knows how to groom a pet, no matter how stubborn they are, this can be a great weekend business idea. It will not involve complex specialized skills, but rather, proper communication, grooming skills, and love for pets.
29. Babysitting Service
This is ideal for those individuals who already have some experience in handling kids. You must be able to exercise patience, be observative, and be attentive to even small details. It can be in high demand in cities with lots of professionals and working parents needing a trustworthy individual for childcare services.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 17. Dog Training Business | dog training skills, patience, and love for animals. | $30 – $100 per hour |
| 18. Furniture Refurbishing | Carpentry and craftsmanship. | $100 – $2,000+ per piece |
| 19. Auto Detailing Business | Knowledge about automobiles and how to clean them properly. | $50 – $300 per vehicle |
| 20. House Painting Business | Artistic and painting skills. | $500 – $4,000+ per project |
| 21. Bicycle Mechanic Business | Expertise in fixing and maintaining the health of bicycles. | $15 – $50 per hour |
| 22. Handyman Services | Repair and maintenance skills. | $30 – $100 per hour |
| 23. Gardening Business | Fitness and knowledge of plants and crops. | $15 – $50 per hour |
| 24. House Sitting Business | Being responsible, attentive to small details, and trustworthy. | $25 – $100 per day |
| 25. Pet Sitting Business | Love for animals and the ability to make them follow your command. | $15 – $50 per day/pet |
| 26. Interior Design | Creativity and designing skills. | $500 – $5,000+ per project |
| 27. Pool Cleaning Business | Expertise in managing pools. | $50 – $200 per pool |
| 28. Mobile Pet Grooming | Pet grooming skills and the right equipment. | $40 – $100 per pet |
| 29. Babysitting Service | Childcare skills and experience. | $10 – $25 per hour |
Property and Rental Services
30. Vacation Rentals Business
This business idea can be similar to an Airbnb business as it will require you to rent properties to travelers. If you own a house, an apartment, or spaces where tourists are willing to stay, then it can be a great weekend business idea. Most of the work is just preparing and making sure that the place is clean and safe, and screening the the renters properly.
31. Estate Sale Service
An estate sale service helps homeowners and families sell their items when moving out of place or for other reasons. It requires some organizational skills and knowing the right value of these items as overpriced objects will most likely not be going to be bought and underpriced ones will take out most of your commission.
32. Vending Machine Business
Running multiple vending machines can be a lot of hard work, but most of the job can be done during the weekend. It will involve choosing the right spots to put the machine in and just visiting it once a week to restock and make sure that the machine works.
33. Property Management
Property management is about handling the commercial or residential properties of your clients. It can be a lot of work, some can’t be done during the weekends. However, if you have good organizational and communication skills it is possible. Just keep in mind, that the bigger the property the more work it will require so find one that aligns with your schedule.
34. Landscape Designing Business
Designing a landscape can be a rewarding business idea as it involves making cool and aesthetic designs come true. It can also just be about maintaining the outdoor space of your client, but some will want to redesign their yard completely like adding a swimming pool, a fireplace, a jacuzzi, and more.
35. Transportation Service
Transportation service is very broad as it can encompass different work such as signing up for an Uber or taxi service to handling large trucks to deliver items and goods. But, all of them will require you to have some form of vehicle for transportation and a good knowledge of the roads and local area.
Weekend Business Ideas Comparison
| Weekend Business Ideas | Key Requirements | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 30. Vacation Rentals Business | Hospitality and property management skills. | $500 – $10,000+ per month |
| 31. Estate Sale Service | Knowledge of what is valuable or not. | $1,000 – $10,000+ per sale |
| 32. Vending Machine Business | Vending machine maintenance and skills to locate the best spots. | $100 – $1,000+ per machine/month |
| 33. Property Management | Skills to manage a real estate property. | $200 – $2,000+ per property/month |
| 34. Landscape Designing Business | Creativity and expertise in making landscape design a reality. | $300 – $30,000+ per project |
| 35. Transportation Service | Driving skills, large or small vehicles, and knowledge of the road and area. | $100 – $1,000+ per weekend |
Final Thoughts
These 35 weekend business ideas take into account that you might be someone who is strictly only available to manage the business during the weekends. However, starting any venture will not be as easy as that.
You won’t be able to see much success during the early stages as most of them will take some time, experience, and expertise to be profitable. But, if you stay disciplined and push forward, these businesses will be worth it as they can surpass your regular job income and give you the financial freedom you are seeking.
As a professional web and software developer, the author possesses a strong foundational background in Computer Science. This equips him with both academic rigor and practical insights into the world of web-based entrepreneurship. As the founder of this platform, webpreneurships.com, he stands at the intersection of technology and business.