How to Open a Convenience Store (in Just 10 Steps)

July 2, 2020

If you’re considering becoming a convenience store (“c-store”) owner, you’re in good company. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), the United States boasts over 154,000 convenience stores that generate $233 billion a year in sales. What’s more, sales at 75% of c-stores grew for the 17th consecutive year in 2019. That’s a lot of years of sales growth! We’ll show you how to open a convenience store and get in on that action.

What’s driving this growth?

Convenience stores have come a long way in recent years, benefiting from important changes in consumers’ need for convenience and speed and their willingness to pay for it. The need for small-scale convenience stores that provide basic consumer items has remained strong in recent years.

If those growth prospects are not enough to pique your interest in opening a convenience store, know this:

Amazon recently decided to enter the convenience store business – as a supplier. It is also piloting cashier-less convenience stores known as “Amazon Go” stores in Seattle.

We all know that where Amazon goes money follows!

You don’t have to be a big company like Amazon to run a successful c-store, however. 60% of the convenience stores in the USA are owned by individuals.

If the idea of starting your own store sounds intimidating, then you can consider buying an existing one.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Convenience Store

Woman holding a grocery bag in a convenience store

Before taking steps to learn more about how to open a convenience store, you’ll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of c-store ownership. We’ve summarized the main ones below.

Pros

Freedom to be your own boss – Join the ranks of 32 million small business owners.
Steady customers – Generally, convenience store customers are based on a neighborhood or location and become regular visitors. This reduces the need to constantly acquire new customers and provides consistent business and market data.
Financial stability – Although they sometimes have low margins, convenience stores typically don’t generally experience financial highs and lows associated with economic booms and busts.
Relative ease to startup – Compared to many businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores are fairly straightforward to set up once you’ve identified what you need.

Cons

High staff turnover – Staff issues can eat into profit margin in the form of training time and costs, mistakes, inventory theft, and illegal actions such as not carding for alcohol/tobacco sales, etc.
Security and safety issues – Historically convenience stores have been targets for theft and crime.
Inventory losses – Convenience stores are particularly prone to inventory losses both through theft and product spoilage. These challenges require constant management and result in lower margins.
Long hours – If you are an independent owner you may find yourself having to work long hours to keep margins intact, especially during your first 2-3 years in business. Many customers expect to be able to go into a store late at night or early in the morning 7 days a week.
Startup costs – It can cost typically between $50,000 and $100,000 to startup a convenience store. But this number can go as low as $10,000 (unlikely) and up to $ 1 million (if you have deep pockets). Much of this startup expense is invested in initial inventory, rent and deposits, and equipment.

You might consider starting a food truck if you’d like a business with lower upfront costs.

Still interested after that list of cons? Keep reading!

Is Owning a Convenience Store Profitable?

Man holding a tablet with the word profit

Ah, this is the million-dollar question!

Can you in fact make a million dollars owning and running a convenience store? Well, that depends on a lot of things.

Historically, average convenience store profit margins have been quite low, hovering around 2% for independently owned stores.

Convenience store owners must constantly manage high fixed costs including rent, inventory, and operating costs like utilities while optimizing product and pricing mix and attracting foot and car traffic.

C-stores of course mark up their products significantly over grocery stores or other retail outlets to account for the convenience factor and to take advantage of impulse buying.

Typically, markups are as much as 10%-20% more than what a regular grocery store would charge, and sometimes higher for a really in-demand product.

A key to maximizing your profit margin is knowing your product margins and getting the product mix and display correct in your store. Below is a chart that shows the average gross margins for different types of products.

Most people assume that cigarettes and alcohol have the biggest margins. In fact, health and beauty and good old fashioned candy are among better choices for maximizing profit margins.

How much do convenience store owners make?

There is so much that factors into what you could earn as a convenience store owner, it’s hard to gauge what a typical take home store owners’ salary would be. According to Indeed.com, the average convenience store owner takes home $66,000 a year.

Estimates provided by c-store owners on Quora and Reddit indicate that after a few years you can take home anywhere from $75,000 – $100,000.

Options for Opening a Convenience Store

There are three options for owning a convenience store:

Buy an existing store
Open a franchise
Start a convenience store

Option #1: Buy a convenience store

Family Mart convenience store

The advantages of buying an existing c-store are many. Depending on the existing business situation, they can include:

An existing customer base
Historical financial and other key information (i.e. foot traffic, rent history, product data)
Ability to learn from the existing owner how to run the business
Potential to purchase the business at a discount (i.e. if the owner wants to retire) and/or improve margins with better management
No need to negotiate a new lease, supplier contracts, and other contracts
Licenses and permits are in place
Existing employees who know what to do

Despite these potential advantages, you should recognize that often the reason a store is for sale is that it’s losing money or the financial payback is not worth it to the owner. You’ll need to do your due diligence to understand the true reason the small business is for sale.

If you are buying a convenience store, as with any small business, you’ll need to do some due diligence (for more about due diligence read our article). Some questions to investigate are:

Has all equipment been inspected recently and maintained? How old is it?
Is the point of sales (POS) system modern? Does it track inventory and produce a balance sheet? Is it secure?
What is the customer demographic? Do they have disposable income?
How many vendors are there to manage and what are the contract terms?
Is the store profitable and how can you be sure? Are the financials audited? Can you live off of these financials?
If there are gasoline pumps on the property have they passed inspection recently?
What are the best-selling products? If they are cigarettes and alcohol are you comfortable with those kinds of products being the bulk of your sales?

These are just a few examples of questions you’ll need to ask. After you’ve gathered this type of information you may find that you prefer to start a convenience store from scratch.

Option #2: Buy a franchise

Man holding a tablet with a franchise sign

37% of c-stores are part of a chain such as 7 Eleven or Circle K. There’s a good reason for this. A franchised convenience store has many benefits, not the least of which is an established brand name.

The parent company provides you with guidelines and procedures, inventory lists, and pays for national marketing and advertising.

When purchasing or opening your own store, you would of course pay for all of these services out of your (already thin) profits.

What other benefits do you get with a franchise c-store?

Franchises provide many benefits over starting a store from scratch such as:

Generally lower startup costs
Faster time to profitability (generally)
Guidance and support from the franchisor for both startup and ongoing operations
National marketing and increased visibility
Tradeoffs to consider with a franchise model are:
Ongoing fees that must be paid to the franchisor out of profits
Lack of total control over business policies and decisions
Lack of control over brand
Reliance on the financial strength of the parent company

Option #3: Start a convenience store

The advantages and disadvantages of opening your own convenience store from scratch are the opposite of purchasing a franchise or an existing store. You’ll have total control over:

Vendor and product selection
Choice of location
Lease negotiation
Store layout and equipment
Profit margins

Regardless of which choice you make, much of what it takes to startup and run a c-store is the same.

So, let’s start with the biggest question – how much does it cost to open a convenience store?

Convenience Store Startup Costs

The cost of opening a c-store varies tremendously and depends on a number of factors. These include:

Square footage
Location
Foot and car traffic
Equipment
Initial product mix and inventory level

One of the biggest startup costs for opening a convenience store will be inventory. According to the Small Business Chronicle typical startup inventory costs can reach around $20,000.

Inventory costs will be driven to a large extent by the number of SKUs (stock keeping units) that you choose to sell, which in turn is largely driven by the size of your store.

The moral of the story?

Be careful about choosing the size of your store, as it will ultimately drive a large part of your startup and operating costs. Unless you have very deep pockets, buying a truck stop-sized store is probably not a great idea. In this case, it really is better to start small.

Other startup costs to include in your budgeting are:

Equipment such as point of sale systems, refrigeration, and shelving
Licenses and permits
Remodeling and repairs
Security systems
Signage

You will want to price out beforehand what these costs will be. If you find any excessive costs such as rent and remodeling requirements, or you think that you will have trouble obtaining enough financing to fund these startup costs, then reconsider your decision.

Licenses You Need to Open a Convenience Store

A keyboard with licenses sign

Typical licenses and permits that you will need to run a convenience store include:

Sales tax permit
Employer identification number (EIN)
City or county business license
Occupancy permit
Alcohol and tobacco license
Health and safety permits
Lottery license
Gas permits (i.e. EPA inspection)

Obtaining these permits requires money and time. For example, to obtain a health permit, you and your employees will likely have to take a food safety course. Likewise, to obtain an occupancy permit, you will have to ensure that your building and facilities are up to code.

A good place to start to find out what permits you will need is the Small Business Administration. You should also ask the current owner if you are purchasing a small business or franchise.

How to Successfully Open and Run a Convenience Store

When you’re operating a small business on fairly thin margins, it is critical to use every trick you can to manage your operations for profit. Following are 10 tips for increasing your chances of successfully running your convenience store.

Step 1: Create a store business plan

Because running a convenience store successfully means that you must be very attentive to your margins, it’s a good idea to create a business plan before starting up. In fact, if you require bank financing to open or buy your store, you will need to put together a business plan. This is true even if you are buying a franchise.

Don’t fret at the idea of doing this! This pre-requisite to opening a convenience store will help you to be more successful.

When you put together your plan, you’ll have to gain an understanding of your market including competitors and customers.

You’ll have to investigate and understand business drivers such as foot traffic, pricing and product mix and how these interact to drive revenue.

Part of creating your plan will involve costing out your startup needs and operating costs. You’ll have to put it alltogether in the form of financial forecasts that can demonstrate to a bank (and to yourself) that you understand how to manage your margins and what the drivers of your business success will be.

Scared of business plans?

Don’t be! Check out Liveplan business plan creation software, an easy to use software that walks you through the steps of creating your plan and provides a lot of resources.

Even better, Liveplan provides an example of a convenience store business plan created using Liveplan. (Note: do not copy and paste!)

Step 2: Select a good location

Man checking for the right location on iPad

No matter how great your product mix, what your pricing is, or how much you advertise, if you choose a location that does not bring you a lot of customers looking for “convenience” then you won’t be successful. This is true whether you are opening a brand-new store or purchasing an existing convenience store.

How do you find foot traffic numbers? There are several ways that you can gauge traffic for a location:

Sit outside and count customers for several hours (or pay someone to do this)
Get this information from the existing store owner
Ask the landlord (although you will probably want to verify numbers)
Ask other businesses adjacent/nearby
Use a service like locationgenius that tracks foot traffic via mobile phone data

What else makes a good c-store location?

You don’t want your store to be surrounded by two or three alternative stores, such as a larger grocery or chain pharmacy store.

Your storefront should also be visible and not tucked away down an alley in an office building complex.

A good location is one where you can gain regular clients, such as a neighborhood corner, a large office complex or a school zone. Your location should also have ample and convenient parking and be easily accessible.

Another location factor specific to convenience stores is theft and robberies. Since convenience stores are subject to theft and criminal action, you’ll want to investigate if the building is secure and consider the surrounding neighborhood’s crime and income profile.

Remember, however, higher traffic always translates to higher rent. Do the math in your business planning to make sure the higher rent is worth it!

As an example, if you are scouting a store spot, look around for future construction projects or other factors such as seasonality that might inhibit traffic.

Step #3: Focus on financial management

Be proactive with your financials rather than waiting for problems to crop up. Study individual product sales and margins and tweak your purchasing and pricing accordingly.

Notice discrepancies and sales and inventory which may indicate theft. Experiment with pricing and new items and track results. Watch your cash flow like a hawk.

Constantly look for ways to lower costs, for example by negotiating new vendor contracts or cutting items that spoil quickly.

In a business based on high volumes and low margins you want to always be trying to optimize between sales volumes and price.

For a convenience store, sometimes a discount of just $.10 on a soda can result in a 300% increase in sales volumes.

Step #4: Reward your customers

Woman claiming her rewards online

It’s especially important to build customer loyalty if you don’t have a national brand backing your convenience store.

Keep customers coming back for impulse buys or favorite products and create a community out of your store by rewarding frequent purchases and providing interesting discounts.

The knock-on effect will be more frequent visits, impulse purchasing and higher inventory turnover.

Step #5: Maintain a clean store

One of the drawbacks of a convenience store is that it sees high volumes of people daily. This makes it hard to keep bathrooms, floors, food areas, trash cans, etc. clean.

For your store’s reputation, customer loyalty , and sales, you must maintain clean food spaces and bathrooms. Think about it, would you eat a hot dog from a place where employees use a dirty bathroom or leave spilled nacho cheese on the floor?

Step #6: Monitor your competition

If the store a block down sells coffee for $.99 and you are selling it for $1.19, you should consider that either you need to have much better coffee than your competitor and/or understand that some people and their impulses will go to your competitor.

In the convenience store business, customers do pay attention to prices because they know they are paying a premium every time they go into a store.

Step #7: Invest in good technology and systems

It is critical for security and financial management to have an up to date point of sale (POS) system.

A point of sales system helps you manage and keep track of sales, vendors, calculate store profit, and more. In addition, you’ll want to invest in state of the art anti-theft and security equipment like CCTV cameras, alarms, and cash register monitors to prevent losses, which you can use the point of sale system to keep track of.

Step #8: Understand your customers

Store owner talking to customers

It’s easy to just say that everybody’s your customer, given the common nature of convenience stores across the country. This is a big mistake.

Due to the huge variety of potential products you could sell, the more you understand your potential customer base, the easier and less expensive it will be to stock the shelves with products that sell at attractive margins and high volumes.

Some aspects to understand about your customers are:

Are the customers regulars who rely on the store for everyday goods? An example would be a businessperson stopping in for a coffee and donut every day.
Do the customers come in for the community? If so, you want your interior to be inviting and perhaps offer a standup eat-in counter and train employees to be extra friendly.
Are customers in a rush to get in and out? If so, you want the most popular last-minute products like milk and bread to be easily visible and accessible. You’ll want to staff up appropriately and have a quick payment system.

It’s also important to understand the demographic of your convenience store customers as well. Business people may want you to stock the New York Times and have cell phone chargers in a ready to grab location.

Construction workers may want good deals on beer and may want the cashier to know what type of cigarettes they smoke before they have to ask.

High school kids on a lunch break or after school will want a great candy and ice cream snack selection.

If there is in fact a school nearby you may want to stock products of interest to women/mothers as well, like good coffee, premium face cream brands, makeup, baby diapers, healthy snacks, etc.

Step #9: Understand product and consumer trends

Remember a couple of years ago when fidget spinners were flying off the checkout counter of every convenience store? New always sells.

Keep on top of what is selling and what isn’t and follow new trends such as CBD products, ready to eat meals and good coffee.

Not sure where to start following c-store trends? Some good industry resources for tracking trends in the c-store industry include:

Convenience Store Decisions Magazine

Convenience Store News Online

Convenience Store News for Small Operators

In addition, it’s a good idea to be a member of convenience store trade associations:

Step #10: Manage purchases well

Store owner managing purchases

A big part of running a convenience store is the management of inventory purchases. Inventory management drives your margins.

If you purchase a convenience store, you’ll inherit a set of vendor relationships and associated products, which may or may not be a good thing.

As part of your business planning, you’ll want to take a look at some of the biggest vendor contracts to determine if they are fair and if there is any room to negotiate to improve margins, working capital or product mix.

You’ll purchase most of your inventory through wholesalers and distributors. These may be wholesalers who carry nearly all the inventory you want, or vendors who specialize in different types of products.

You can expect to carry at least 2,000 inventory items at your convenience store.

Generally, your vendor choices should be driven by product choices that your customer demographic wants. It’s also a good idea to “spread the wealth” among a few vendors so as not to be reliant on one.

You may also save costs in doing so and find more inventory choices to suit your specific customer needs.

If you are opening up a convenience store from scratch, you’ll have to identify wholesalers and SKUs you want to sell yourself.

Vendors will also conduct a credit check. If you have poor credit, you’ll find yourself in a not so great negotiating position. At any rate, most vendors will require you to pay upfront for your first order.

Financing a Convenience Store

As we mentioned before, it is likely you’ll need to put together a business plan with financial forecasts to obtain either startup financing and/or working capital financing.

There are several common options for financing the startup and operating costs of a convenience store.

The types and availability of financing for your convenience store will depend in part upon the specific loan request you make. Financing options have traditionally been fairly broad.

There are various loan purposes to consider as a borrower depending on whether you are looking to purchase an existing convenience store business, obtain start-up financing for a new store, seek capital improvements, pursue construction, or request financing for machinery, equipment, and inventory.

There are several loan types that have been used to finance convenience stores, which can be structured as fixed, variable, or fixed to floating.

SBA loans

Business owner applying for small business loan

A good place to start looking for financing is by contacting your bank to see if they can arrange a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan.

The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 and 7(a) loan programs are both popular alternatives.

The SBA backs typically 75% of the full loan amount so that banks and lenders assume less balance sheet risk on the loan. Loan terms are structured based on the assets being financed.

Conventional loans

Conventional loans are typically made by traditional banks and some non-bank lenders. These loans are not guaranteed by any third party and the bank or lenders assume the full risk of the loan.

Therefore, credit standards are usually higher for conventional loans. Pricing and terms can be more flexible for conventional loans as lenders can price lower for stronger loan requests.

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Keep in mind that when you seek financing from a bank, you must have good credit and be willing to put up about 15%-20% of the startup costs.

Asset-backed loans

Convenience stores often use asset-based lines of credit for a variety of business needs. Asset-based financing can be either a revolving or term loan that is secured by assets such as accounts receivable, real estate, equipment, or inventory.

Seller Carry Financing

Keyboard with "let's do business" print

For buyers of an existing convenience store, it may be possible to negotiate financing with the seller. If you don’t have great credit and/or have some money to put down, this is a great option for opening your own convenience store.

With this kind of financing, instead of receiving the full purchase amount, the seller finances all or part of the purchase price.

You negotiate with the seller the interest rate and terms of the financing. One benefit of seller carry financing is that the seller will be supportive of the transition and should offer training to ensure that the buyer is successful in taking the business operations over.

Merchant Cash Advance

Merchant cash advance financing is based on credit card receivables where the merchant cash provider will advance funds based on historical performance or credit card sales.

This financing works well for businesses like convenience stores where there is a large volume of credit card sales. Merchant cash is considered short-term financing and can be funded quickly.

The Bottom Line

Starting a convenience store takes money, planning, time, and dedication.

With careful planning and research, the right location, the right products on the shelves at the right price, and a lot of hard work, you can eventually earn a good living after opening your convenience store.

So, which is it? Will you stick with your 9 to 5 – 5 days a week? Or go for the 7 to 11 – 7 days a week?

Author

Jen DuBois

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[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/B2B-growth-podcast-cover.webp" title="B2B Growth" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/b2bgrowthshow/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/b2bgrowthshow/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-growth-show" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZGVyLmZtLzgwOTIvcnNzLnhtbA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/2xoP8KMB1GYUXkSVTEojZ0" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b2b-growth-your-daily-b2b-marketing-podcast/id1073885415" bestfor="Digital marketing advice" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/day"]With more than four million downloads worldwide, B2B Growth is one of the most popular marketing podcasts out there and is the business podcast you should subscribe to for tips about social media and online marketing. Along with advice about content marketing and other online business tips, they interview start-up founders and other thought leaders for their insights.[/podcastbox]

7. How I Built This with Guy Raz

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-i-built-this-podcast-cover.webp" title="How I Built This" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/howibuiltthis/" instagram="" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDMxMy9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6E709HRH7XaiZrMfgtNCun" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297" bestfor="Entrepreneur stories" avglength="75 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episode/week"]Host Guy Raz tells the story of some of the best-known businesses and innovators in the world in this top business podcast, which is the number one podcast in the world for digging into the story behind successful businesses. Each episode hones in on a single company or industry leader, examining their history to find the roots of their success. Guy profiles a wide range of businesses and people, from entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuk to world class performers like Logic the rapper.[/podcastbox]

8. This Week in Startups with Jason Calacanis

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/this-week-in-startups-podcast-cover.webp" title="This Week in Startups" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/twistartups/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-startups" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/This%20Week%20in%20Startups" podcastspotify="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-startups/id315114957" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-startups/id315114957" bestfor="Startup owners, founder interviews and insights" avglength="60 mins" uploadfrequency="4 episodes/week"]This Week in Startups aims to bring listeners the most inspiring and interesting startup stories. Host Jason Calacanis is the angel investor behind apps like Uber and Robinhood. His guests run the gamut from inventors to fellow investors, so you'll hear a wide range of startup industry perspectives by tuning in.[/podcastbox]

9. The $100 MBA Show with Omar Zenhom

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-100-mba-show-podcast-cover.webp" title="The $100 MBA Show" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/the100mba/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/the100mba/" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly8xMDBtYmEubmV0L2NhdGVnb3J5L3Nob3cvZmVlZC8" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6J5A3P56iEea67CcY2Egjn" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-%24100-mba-show/id906218859" bestfor="Practical advice" avglength="15 mins" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]The practical, no-fluff advice doled out by host Omar Zenhom is why The $100 MBA Show is a Best of iTunes winner. The show shares lessons and examples from the $100 MBA community and features interviews with thought leaders to expand on those insights.[/podcastbox]

10. Acquired with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/acquired-podcast-cover.webp" title="Acquired" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/acquiredfm/" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/acquired-fm" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hY3F1aXJlZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fj0XEuUQLUqoMZQdsLXqp" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acquired/id1050462261" bestfor="Real-world business models and strategies" avglength="2 hrs" uploadfrequency="2-3 episodes/mo."]Acquired takes a behind-the-scenes look at the most significant tech acquisitions and IPOs, analyzing the key factors in their success so those listening can apply the same strategies. This makes it the best business podcast for software company owners and entrepreneurs in the tech industry, though these insights can be helpful for business owners in any sector.[/podcastbox]

11. Brown Ambition with Mandi Woodruff and Tiffany Aliche

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Brown-ambition-podcast-cover.webp" title="Brown Ambition" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/brownambition" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast/" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vQURMODAxMjg2Mjc4Nw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6MTqso0atoyXPMjyiDgWFT" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-ambition/id1039708229" bestfor="Financial knowledge and tips" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Brown Ambition is one of the best podcasts for business leaders of color and female founders, as it tackles the unique issues these entrepreneurs face along with more general discussions of personal finance and the business world. It's hosted by best-selling author Tiffany Aliche and finance reporter Mandi Woodruff.[/podcastbox]

12. Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/masters-of-scale-podcast-cover.webp" title="Masters of Scale" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/mastersofscale/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/mastersofscale/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/masters-of-scale" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL21hc3RlcnMtb2Ytc2NhbGU" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1bJRgaFZHuzifad4IAApFR" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masters-of-scale-with-reid-hoffman/id1227971746" bestfor="Growth strategies" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1-2 episodes/week"]Masters of Scale is hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and it has a tight focus: showing how successful companies grow from small startups to multi-million dollar global brands. It's also one of the first business podcasts to commit to gender balance for guests, so you can count on hearing a diverse mix of perspectives when you're listening.[/podcastbox]

13. BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast with David Greene and Rob Abasolo

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast-cover.webp" title="BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/BiggerPockets/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/biggerpockets/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggerpockets" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL2JpZ2dlcnBvY2tldHMtcmVhbC1lc3RhdGUtcG9kY2FzdA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/23JyccHPmQ8fzmpmnvQ6hR" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast/id594419649" bestfor="Real estate investors and professionals" avglength="60 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]BiggerPockets is the best business podcast for investors and entrepreneurs in the real estate industry. The wider BiggerPockets brand is an online community of more than 1.3 million investors, and the podcast shares insights and resources from this site along with interviews of real estate professionals whose tips have been road tested in the real world.[/podcastbox]

14. Jocko Podcast

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jocko-podcast-cover.webp" title="Jocko Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/JockoPodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/jockowillink/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/jocko-podcast-62-up-jocko-willink" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tLzY0YTg5Zjg4LWEyNDUtNDA5OC04ZDhkLTQ5NjMyNWVjNGY3NA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7irxBvxNqGYnUdFo1c2gMc" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jocko-podcast/id1070322219" bestfor="Leadership insights" avglength="3 hrs" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]Jocko Podcast is one of the best business podcasts on YouTube, with over 1.2 million subscribers. It's hosted by retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, who applies what he learned during his 20-year military career to leadership in businesses in the civilian sector. Each episode is packed with actionable advice about business management, leadership, and discipline, putting it among the best podcasts for managers and business leaders. [/podcastbox]

15. The Tim Ferriss Show

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-tim-ferriss-show-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Tim Ferriss Show" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/TimFerriss?" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/timferriss/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timferriss" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL3RpbS1mZXJyaXNzLXNob3c" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/5qSUyCrk9KR69lEiXbjwXM" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795" bestfor="In-depth entrepreneur interviews" avglength="2 hrs" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Tim Ferriss is the best selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, a revolutionary reimagining of the balance between work and life. The award winning Tim Ferriss Show is the #1 business podcast on Apple, renowned for its friendly, open, and raw conversations with successful entrepreneurs, with a long-form style that brings out more insights from the experts he interviews.[/podcastbox]

16. Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Marketplace-podcast-cover.webp" title="Marketplace" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/marketplaceapm/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/marketplaceapm/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketplace/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFya2V0cGxhY2Uub3JnL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC9tYXJrZXRwbGFjZQ" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6zYlX5UGEPmNCWacYUJQGD" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketplace/id201853034" bestfor="Daily financial news" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]Started as a radio program, Marketplace has been a trustworthy source of business and financial news since 1989. The weekday podcast puts the day's top stories in context, helping listeners make sense of how these developments will affect their life and business.[/podcastbox]

17. WorkLife with Adam Grant

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Work-life-podcast-cover.webp" title="WorkLife" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/AdamMGrant" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/adamgrant/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammgrant/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5mZWVkYnVybmVyLmNvbS9Xb3JrbGlmZVdpdGhBZGFtR3JhbnQ" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4eylg9GZJOVvUhTynt4jjA" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worklife-with-adam-grant/id1346314086" bestfor="Workplace psychology, motivation and inspiration" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Hosted by organizational psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant, WorkLife takes a scientific approach to improving workplace satisfaction—or, as he puts it, “how to make work not suck.” The show's guests range from celebrities and athletes to billionaires, all of whom share their unique insights into leadership, emotional intelligence, avoiding burnout, and other key ingredients of a healthy workplace.[/podcastbox]

18. TED Business with Modupe Akinola

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ted-business-podcast-cover.webp" title="TED Business" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/TED/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/ted/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferences/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/ted%20talks%20business" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1hAE2QpiA1yOBJ6QyVFqpI" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ted-business/id470622782" bestfor="Insightful interviews" avglength="20 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]TED Talks have become synonymous with expert insights from the world's brightest minds. The TED Business podcast showcases a different talk every Monday, with a mini-lesson at the end from host Modupe Akinola that breaks down the key insights and how to apply them in your own life.[/podcastbox]

19. Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Business-unusual-podcast-cover.webp" title="Business Unusual" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaracorcoran/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vYnVzaW5lc3MtdW51c3VhbC13aXRoLWJhcmJhcmEtY29yY29yYW4" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1bElk5alSOMk6sya929A6r" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-unusual-with-barbara-corcoran/id1378685290" bestfor="Entrepreneur tips and motivation" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/month"]Hosted by Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank fame, Business Unusual mixes short insights from Barbara's entrepreneur journey and longer conversations with other top entrepreneurial minds. All episodes aim not just to impart wisdom but also to build confidence in listeners, putting it among the best business podcasts for those seeking inspiration along with practical advice.[/podcastbox]

20. Business Bootcamp with Mike Andes

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Business-bootcamp-podcast-cover.webp" title="Business Bootcamp" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc2Jvb3RjYW1wcG9kY2FzdC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/5GFO1Jqug9K82kmztRas4s" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-bootcamp/id959074349" bestfor="New and aspiring entrepreneurs" avglength="20 mins" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/month"]Founder and host Mike Andes started his first business as a teenager and had launched five companies by the age of 25. He shares his successes and mistakes in Business Bootcamp, along with giving actionable advice to listeners who call in or write with business-related questions.[/podcastbox]

21. Startup Stories – Mixergy with Andrew Warner

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Andrew-warner-podcast-cover.webp" title="Startup Stories – Mixergy" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/AndrewWarner?" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/andrewwarner/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwarner/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9taXhlcmd5LmNvbS8_ZmVlZD1taXhlcmd5X2ZlZWQmcnNzX3NvdXJjZT1pdHVuZXMm" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/0XAP6LCThtyRWblrsA4Ihj" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startup-stories-mixergy/id348690336" bestfor="Startup founders" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="3 episodes/week"]Mixergy is an online community for startup founders, with skill-building courses and expert interviews for members. In Startup Stories, Mixergy founder Andrew Warner chats with successful entrepreneurs about how they launched their companies, focusing on unique concepts and innovative approaches that today's startup founders can build on.[/podcastbox]

22. The Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Michael-stelzner-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Social Media Marketing Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/stelzner?" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/stelzner/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelzner/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL3NvY2lhbC1tZWRpYS1tYXJrZXRpbmctcG9kY2FzdA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/39jI0ihm8h0RVvNhxa8jgM" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-media-marketing-podcast/id549899114" bestfor="Social media marketing strategy and tips" avglength="50 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Host Michael Stelzner is the founder of Social Media Examiner, and has been doling out advice on his podcast since 2012. It's the top small business podcast for those looking to gain better online marketing skills and knowledge, taking a deep dive each week into a specific social media marketing concept.[/podcastbox]

23. After Hours with Harvard Professors Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, and Felix Oberholzer-Gee

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/After-hours-podcast-cover.webp" title="After Hours" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmhhcnZhcmRidXNpbmVzcy5vcmcvaGFydmFyZGJ1c2luZXNzL2FmdGVyLWhvdXJz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7iDU9kvXNUWKXSJIghgqc1" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-hours/id1363110130" bestfor="Business news and insights" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]After Hours is a weekly podcast hosted by professors at Harvard Business School. Their discussions focus on the intersection of business and culture, bringing a unique perspective to world events and how they impact the economy. It's the top business podcast for big-picture insights into the economy—helpful information whether you own a startup or work for a multinational corporation.[/podcastbox]

24. Cold Call with Brian Kenny

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cold-call-podcast-cover.webp" title="Cold Call" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/HarvardBusinessSchool/posts/cold-call-the-official-podcast-of-hbs-distills-our-legendary-case-studies-into-p/10154084603108172/?_rdc=1&_rdr" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMhh-ZdA7P2/" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmhhcnZhcmRidXNpbmVzcy5vcmcvaGFydmFyZGJ1c2luZXNzL2NvbGQtY2FsbA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/46CKPLdsBl6MhPqF1gcswv" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cold-call/id1156646189" bestfor="Case studies of successful companies" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/month"]You don't need to attend Harvard Business School to gain insights from their famous case studies. Every two weeks, Harvard professors discuss a new case study on Cold Call, guided by Harvard Business School Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Brian Kenny.[/podcastbox]

25. The Side Hustle Show with Nick Loper

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-side-hustle-show-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Side Hustle Show" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/SideHustleNation/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/nloper/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickloper/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3NpZGVodXN0bGVuYXRpb24ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eRgjm2Wo07RSe0UHqb4dL" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-side-hustle-show/id655135292" bestfor="Part-time and aspiring entrepreneurs" avglength="45 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]The official podcast of Side Hustle Nation, the Side Hustle Show aims to give freelancers and side-hustlers the skills and confidence they need to build their dreams into a career. Guests like John Lee Dumas and Pat Flynn discuss topics ranging from passive income ideas to marketing and sales strategies for growing a business from scratch.[/podcastbox]

26. Don't Keep Your Day Job with Cathy Heller

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cathy-heller-podcast-cover.webp" title="Don't Keep Your Day Job" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/cathyhellerspodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/cathy.heller/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/don-t-keep-your-day-job/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2R0cmFjLmNvbS9kb250a2VlcHlvdXJkYXlqb2I" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7DFQyVP0hc3d1xnht1U3UI" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-keep-your-day-job/id1191831035" bestfor="Creative freelancers and entrepreneurs" avglength="10 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Another top podcast for folks with a side hustle, Don't Keep Your Day Job helps listeners turn their passion into a career. While it's mostly aimed at creative entrepreneurs, anyone who dreams of being their own boss can get a lot of value from the hands-on advice and inspiration doled out by host Cathy Heller and her slew of expert guests.[/podcastbox]

27. The Maxwell Leadership Podcast

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/John-maxwell-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Maxwell Leadership Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/MaxwellLeadership/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/johncmaxwell/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/officialjohnmaxwell/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hubWF4d2VsbGxlYWRlcnNoaXBwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/5Tx9Zr4AImvrdHuJ1lswUw" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast/id1416206538" bestfor="Leadership skills and tools" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]If you're looking for leadership advice, this is one of the best business podcasts you'll find. It examines what it means to be a transformational leader, along with presenting best practices and free tools that can help you become a force for positive change in your business ventures.[/podcastbox]

28. The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Patrick-lencioni-podcast-cover-1.webp" title="The Working Genius Podcast" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93b3JraW5nZ2VuaXVzcG9kY2FzdC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-working-genius-podcast-with-patrick-lencioni/id1553105854" bestfor="Personal insights and inspiration" avglength="20 mins" uploadfrequency="2-4 episodes/mo."]The Working Genius model is a method for identifying your individual passions and gifts so you can find an industry and workplace where you thrive. The Working Genius Podcast applies this framework practically to real-world situations, with the goal of guiding listeners to a more fulfilled future. If you'd love to live your passions but aren't quite sure what those are, this is the podcast for you.[/podcastbox]

29. Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hello-monday-podcast-cover.webp" title="Hello Monday" facebook="" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuoG_CBHYDq/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessihempel/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTEkyMzQ2Mzk5OTQ5" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1UpjOrXiDCANThT21viw4E" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-monday-with-jessi-hempel/id1453893304" bestfor="Big-picture workplace ideas and lessons" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Jessi Hempel is the Senior Editor at Large with LinkedIn, and she examines work as a concept in her Hello Monday podcast. Guests like Roxane Gay and Reid Hoffman join her to discuss how our relationship to work is changing and what that means for leaders and employees. Jessi’s straightforward approach to sometimes difficult concepts makes it easy for listeners to apply what they learn.[/podcastbox]

30. The Influencer Podcast with Julie Solomon

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-influencer-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Influencer Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-solomon-375127133/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVpbmZsdWVuY2VycG9kY2FzdC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/55czkyRMTVEjinuoBTxulE?si=gLEkMI3FQU2Mu0ukLVwRGA&nd=1" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influencer-podcast/id1229401800" bestfor="Branding and marketing tips and tricks" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Julie Solomon is a thought leader in branding and publicity, so it's no surprise she hosts one of the top entrepreneur podcasts for advice about building brand reputation. She also answers common questions, like how to make a business scalable and how to know when it's the right time to pivot, with expert insight from guests who have done it.[/podcastbox]

31. The How of Business with Henry Lopez

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-how-of-business-podcast-cover.webp" title="The How of Business" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/TheHOBPodcast/" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-lopez-9758524/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob3dvZmJ1c2luZXNzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahgKEwjw8aipwbvyAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQiRA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/77uMJga7nwiKgEKLBMxtUo" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-a-small-business/id1105145426" bestfor="Small business owners" avglength="45 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]The How of Business is among the best business podcasts for practical, actionable techniques to start and run a business. Each week, they pick a key aspect of starting, growing, or running a company and discuss best practices and common mistakes to avoid in a clear and approachable way.[/podcastbox]

32. 9 to 5ish with Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/9-to-5ish-podcast-cover.webp" title="9 to 5ish" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/TheSkimm?" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/theskimm/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/theskimm/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL3NraW1tZA" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4enIO7fwakdsLYh7q9YMDz" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-to-5ish-with-theskimm/id1345547675" bestfor="Female founder and leader interviews" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]theSkimm co-founders Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg started 9 to 5ish to help working women get the most out of their careers. They interview women across a diverse array of industries about the subjects they know best, whether it's Paris Hilton's tips on building a personal brand or Nastia Liukin's thoughts on winning and losing.[/podcastbox]

33. Real Vision Daily Briefing: Finance & Investing with Ash Bennington, Maggie Lake, and Raoul Pal

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Real-vision-podcast-cover.webp" title="Real Vision Daily Briefing: Finance & Investing" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/realvisionvideo/" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-vision/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vcmVhbHZpc2lvbg" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6MBIvV6HfGP4oIbYjo0atX" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-vision-finance-business-the-global-economy/id1210383304" bestfor="Global finance news" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]For those who do business on an international scale, keeping up with financial news can be a challenge. Real Vision gives an unbiased and in-depth analysis of the global economy every weekday, with expert guests to help you make sense of complex issues and their implications for your company and industry.[/podcastbox]

34. The Anxious Achiever with Morra Aarons-Mele

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-anxious-achiever-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Anxious Achiever" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=744321536201045" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/morraam/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-anxious-achiever-6898999572757041155/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmhhcnZhcmRidXNpbmVzcy5vcmcvaGFydmFyZGJ1c2luZXNzL3RoZS1hbnhpb3VzLWFjaGlldmVy" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6X2TvkKZl6VjMyOT5tKx8Q" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anxious-achiever/id1480904163" bestfor="Workplace mental health tips and insights" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Workplace issues like burnout, imposter syndrome, and anxiety have always existed, but for a long time they were swept under the rug. The Anxious Achiever podcast aims to shine a light on workplace mental health and is among the top business podcasts for both leaders and workers seeking better approaches for a healthy, happy workplace.[/podcastbox]

35. Earn Your Leisure with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Earn-your-leisure-podcast-cover.webp" title="Earn Your Leisure" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/earnyourleisure/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/earnyourleisure/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-millings-6b3a328a/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy84NDNhYjU0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/2S4tSSlT71Z5i8Dt1vlDJc" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/earn-your-leisure/id1450211392" bestfor="Independent entrepreneurs" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="4 episodes/week"]Earn Your Leisure looks at the financial side of the sports and entertainment industries. With its blend of pop culture and business, this podcast can be an entertaining listen for anyone, but it'll especially interest freelancers, inventors, and creators looking for tips to build their skills and ideas into a profitable enterprise.[/podcastbox]

36. Digital Marketing Daily

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Digital-marketing-daily-podcast-cover.webp" title="Digital Marketing Daily" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mOTJlNmUwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/0XB1WAKa2zo7oksM697eRr" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-marketing-daily/id1484673743" bestfor="Online marketing tips and tricks" avglength="8 mins" uploadfrequency="7 episodes/week"]Run by Google, the Digital Marketing Daily podcast sends out a quick business tip every day. Most focus on online advertising, including content marketing and social media strategies, though the podcast also shares more general tips for engaging customers and growing revenue.[/podcastbox]

37. Odd Lots with Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Odd-lots-bloomberg-podcast-cover.webp" title="Odd Lots – Bloomberg" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/bloombergbusiness" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/tracy.alloway/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-weisenthal-3a04a23/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmJsb29tYmVyZy5mbS9CTE0yMDA5ODM3NDc3" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1te7oSFyRVekxMBJUSethH" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/odd-lots/id1056200096" bestfor="In-depth market analysis" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]On Odd Lots, Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway talk to top minds in finance and economics to dissect market trends and break down complex issues. This Bloomberg podcast is mostly focused on markets and investors, though with a broader focus than many stock-oriented programs as they also discuss issues like supply chain management, inflation, and economic policy.[/podcastbox]

38. The McKinsey Podcast with Francis Rose and Tucker Bailey

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Mckinsey-podcast-cover.webp" title="The McKinsey Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/McKinsey" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/mckinseyco/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinsey/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5tY2tpbnNleS5jb20vZnAvZ29vZ2xlcGxheQ" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4dyjRTP9xzEUPgleo6XjXI" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mckinsey-podcast/id285260960" bestfor="Leadership insights, operation strategy" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/month"]The McKinsey Podcast is operated by the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. It takes listeners behind the scenes into the firm, with expert insights into how they help organizations reach their goals.[/podcastbox]

39. The Goal Digger with Jenna Kutcher

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-goal-digger-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Goal Digger" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggerpodcast" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggerpodcast/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/jenna-kutcher/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9nb2FsZGlnZ2VycG9kY2FzdC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/0U11V31OMwksj3mg8gS0jX" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-goal-digger-podcast/id1178704872" bestfor="Business and life hacks for entrepreneurs" avglength="45 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]The Goal Digger podcast uses a live workshop style. Host Jenna Kutcher gives listeners tangible tips for growing passive income streams and passion-based businesses, along with sharing hacks she's used to boost her social media following and grow her blog into a marketing empire. If you’re looking for advice on content marketing or digital marketing in general, this is the best podcast series for you to check out. [/podcastbox]

40. The Cardone Zone

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cardone-zone-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Cardone Zone" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/grantcardonefan" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/grantcardone/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXJkb25lem9uZS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/5zCfNEXGiGgRzG6SPq210k" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cardone-zone/id825614458" bestfor="Real estate investors, marketing tips" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="2-3 episodes/mo."]Named the #1 Marketer to watch by Forbes, Grant Cardone owns seven companies of his own and has helped dozens more improve their sales process, including global names like Toyota and Google. He shares insights from his career and life on the Cardone Zone podcast, which covers wide-ranging topics like real estate investing, marketing, and marriage.[/podcastbox]

41. Built on Passion by RY Outfitters

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Reddy-yetti-podcast-cover.webp" title="Built on Passion by RY Outfitters" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/ReddyYeti/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/reddyyeti/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dello-buono-00895662/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVyZWRkeXlldGlwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8JdDVNx7Ml4F3SmkTE9K" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reddyyeti-built-on-passion/id1141451862" bestfor="Outdoor industry entrepreneurs" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Built on Passion, formerly ReddyYeti, focuses on founders and CEOs in the outdoor industry. When it started up as the ReddyYeti podcast, its motto was “Built on Passion,” and that's an enduring theme across the podcast. Each week, they interview a different entrepreneur or founder, sharing both their successes and their failures as they talk about the journey that led them to where they are today.[/podcastbox]

42. The Wolf's Den with Jordan Belfort

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-wolfs-den-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Wolf’s Den" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/jordanbelfort" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/wolfofwallst/?hl=en" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/jordanbelfort/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL3RoZS13b2xmcy1kZW4" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XBME5GtwkmdtSu8G1YKEm" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wolfs-den/id1464461126" bestfor="Diverse guest interviews" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Jordan Belfort is the real-life Wolf of Wall Street, who built a fortune as a trader in the ’90s then watched that fortune crumble when he was convicted of stock market manipulation and fraud. On The Wolf's Den, he shares anecdotes and lessons from his life, along with interviewing thinkers and entrepreneurs whose lives are as interesting as his.[/podcastbox]

43. The Tony Robbins Podcast

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-tony-robbins-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Tony Robbins Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/TonyRobbins" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/tonyrobbins/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrobbins/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90b255cm9iYmlucy5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6fZXOzehJ9JtOyFjirF3qt" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tony-robbins-podcast/id1098413063" bestfor="Insightful business strategies" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/month"]Tony Robbins is one of the most popular speakers in the world. He’s inspired millions of people to improve their lives and achieve their business goals. His podcast shares these insights and those of his guests, who include CEOs and entrepreneurs from some of the world's top companies.[/podcastbox]

44. Akimbo with Seth Godin

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Akimbo-podcast-cover.webp" title="Akimbo" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/akimboworkshops/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/sethgodin/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/school/akimboworkshops/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL2FraW1ibw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6rKyXhL2splRZAdVg9yo13" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/akimbo-a-podcast-from-seth-godin/id1345042626" bestfor="Global perspective, workplace culture" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Akimbo is the weekly podcast of bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin. It aims to be an engine of cultural change, examining global problems and what can be done to address them. Seth brings a lifetime of experience as an entrepreneur to these conversations, framing these big concepts in accessible language that makes them easy to apply to your life and work.[/podcastbox]

45. Sales Success Stories with Scott Ingram

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sales-success-stories-podcast-cover.webp" title="Sales Success Stories " facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottingram" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90b3Axc2FsZXMubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6ohLnz1DShxsZreQiB4dQq" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-success-stories/id1168307590" bestfor="B2B marketing and sales strategies" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]The title of this podcast pretty much gives you the gist. Sales Success Stories explores how and why top sales professionals are so consistently successful and shares the strategies they use, the routines they follow, and the steps they took to reach this point in their career.[/podcastbox]

46. Millionaire Mindsets with Xavier Miller and Deanna Kent

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sales-success-stories-podcast-cover.webp" title="Millionaire Mindsets" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/mmindsetspod/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/millionaire.mindsetspod/" linkedin="" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy84NGI5ZTdjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1NXUZYiTH4T38CBDv31uhL" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millionaire-mindsets/id1447814331" bestfor="Millennial entrepreneurs" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]If you want to get rich, you have to think rich. That's the concept behind Millionaire Mindsets, which promotes financial literacy as the best path to achieving your personal and business goals. It's targeted at younger millennials and Gen Zers, though the advice will be equally helpful to anyone who's just getting started with investing.[/podcastbox]

47. The BizChix Podcast with Natalie Eckdahl

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bizchix-podcast-cover.webp" title="The BizChix Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/bizchixpodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/bizchixpodcast/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizchix/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaXpjaGl4LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/25zQC9C7O1j1PbIoYDfzpq" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bizchix-podcast-female-entrepreneurs-women-small/id811105481" bestfor="Female entrepreneurs and business leaders" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]The award-winning BizChix podcast was started by Natalie Eckdahl to share advice and tips that address the unique pain points of female entrepreneurs and founders. In addition to the standard expert interviews, BizChix features on-air coaching calls, letting you listen in as Natalie works with businesses and entrepreneurs to help them solve their business problems.[/podcastbox]

48. The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast with Pat Flynn

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Smart-passive-income-podcast-cover.webp" title="The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast" facebook="https://web.facebook.com/smartpassiveincome" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/patflynn/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patflynn3/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc21hcnRwYXNzaXZlaW5jb21lLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0LXJzcw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7wjv5MRCXWXImqTFhcufLy" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-passive-income-online-business-and/id383084001" bestfor="Online business and marketing strategies" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Hosted by Pat Flynn, successful entrepreneur and author of the Smart Passive Income blog, the SPI podcast is a great source of tips and tricks for online entrepreneurs. The main focus is on digital marketing, including content marketing, SEO, and social media strategies, along with advice for developing passive income streams.[/podcastbox]

49. Business Breakdowns

[podcastbox image="https://www.upflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Business-breakdowns-podcast-cover.webp" title="Business Breakdowns" facebook="" instagram="" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/joincolossus/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9icmVha2Rvd25zLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/417NPBWqtMbDU0FlWZTRDC" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-breakdowns/id1559120677" bestfor="In-depth business analysis" avglength="1 hr" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Each episode of this weekly podcast takes a deep dive into the history, operations, and business model of a single successful company. This makes it one of the top business podcasts for getting the nitty-gritty details behind real-world success stories. While many of their interviews focus on the tech sector, they cover a wide range of industries.[/podcastbox]

50. Morning Brew Daily

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/c9/ee/a0/c9eea002-a928-709c-105d-1f6812f8ea56/mza_7997003655589684008.png/313x0w.webp" title="Morning Brew Daily" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/mbdailyshow/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/mbdailyshow/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-morning-brew/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTU9CSTg3Nzc5OTQxODg" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7nc7OQdPTekErtFSRxOBKh" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/morning-brew-daily/id1480059697" bestfor="Insightful interviews" avglength="40 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]Morning Brew Daily ensures you’ll get your daily dose of business and econ coverage. Hosts Neal Freyman and Toby Howell promise you’ll start your day well-informed in under 30 minutes. Expect to hear about the big names in business and tech. Regular listeners will also catch guests like James Clear of Atomic Habits fame.[/podcastbox]

51. Planet Money

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/4a/70/18/4a7018be-cad8-6440-e1ac-04f6355844a7/mza_17773332374488416462.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="Planet Money" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/?hl=en" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/planetmoneynpr/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMjg5" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4FYpq3lSeQMAhqNI81O0Cn" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428" bestfor="Business news and insights" avglength="30 mins" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]This podcast from NPR is among the best podcasts for people who want to learn more about the global economy and take a deep dive into a variety of business topics. The episodes cover tech and culture trends as well as other concepts of interest to small businesses and industry leaders. This variety makes it one of the top podcasts to listen to for those with a general interest in the economy, as well as for business owners who want to gain insights into the business world.[/podcastbox]

52. The Chillpreneur Podcast with Erin May Henry

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/a4/fc/2d/a4fc2dcc-2a5b-df9e-b09e-eba6ef2eb295/mza_11069321500841904999.jpeg/313x0w.webp" title="The Chillpreneur Podcast" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1170885786348545/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/chillpreneurcreative/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-may-henry-00331671/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5hY2FzdC5jb20vcHVibGljL3Nob3dzLzU1NzMzNjg4LTIxZWYtNDUwYy1iMjA5LTA5ODJjY2ZjOTU4Mw" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/2H78XF255YoDzdqzp9dl7y" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-chillpreneur-podcast/id1357812560" bestfor="Branding advice for business owners" avglength="45-60 minutes" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/month"]Started by business coach Erin May Henry, the Chillpreneur Podcast is among the best new podcasts for those who want advice on how to build a personal brand. Along with actionable advice related to online marketing ideas and branding, this entrepreneurial podcast aims to show small business owners how to grow their brands without sacrificing their personal life. Along the way, Erin talks to small business owners who share their entrepreneurial success stories and the business strategies they used to grow their own companies. [/podcastbox]

53. We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/d1/a3/95/d1a395cb-cb2e-546d-7764-50e7fb148882/mza_15239174804603099515.jpeg/313x0w.webp" title="We Study Billionaires" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/TheInvestorsPodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/westudybillionaires/?hl=en" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-investor's-podcast/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/We%20Study%20Billionaires%20-%20The%20Investor%E2%80%99" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/28RHOkXkuHuotUrkCdvlOP" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-study-billionaires-the-investors-podcast-network/id928933489" bestfor="Financial management and investing advice" avglength="1 hour" uploadfrequency="2-3 episodes/week"]With more than 100 million downloads, We Study Billionaires is one of the most listened to podcasts of 2023 and among the best business podcasts for those who want to learn more about personal finance and how to build wealth. They interview and discuss the entrepreneurial journey of famous billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, studying their investment strategies and providing actionable tips for listeners to emulate their success.[/podcastbox]

54. Youpreneur with Chris Ducker

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts115/v4/00/63/a7/0063a76c-58e2-0fc4-9f53-89bf581a755c/mza_15145712681569294113.jpeg/313x0w.webp" title="Youpreneur" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/youpreneur/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/youpreneur/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/youpreneur/about/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Youpreneur" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/13sLLqtuX28piapxZILUUi" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/youpreneur-the-profitable-personal-brand-expert-business/id590043753" bestfor="Insights into personal branding and growing a business" avglength="20-45 minutes" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Started by business coach Erin May Henry, the Chillpreneur Podcast is among the best new podcasts for those who want advice on how to build a personal brand. Along with actionable advice related to online marketing ideas and branding, this entrepreneurial podcast aims to show small business owners how to grow their brands without sacrificing their personal life. Along the way, Erin talks to small business owners who share their entrepreneurial success stories and the business strategies they used to grow their own companies.[/podcastbox]

55. Millennial Investing - The Investor’s Podcast Network

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/0c/53/ba/0c53ba77-a233-f27f-a877-6722012a7e72/mza_17362546063531230461.jpeg/313x0w.webp" title="Millennial Investing" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/TheInvestorsPodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/theinvestorspodcastnetwork/?hl=en" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-investor's-podcast/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vUFBMTEM5MDYyMTY1OTky?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwios_6s19CDAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/7dnn22EWyo6MLsPaR492BM" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-investing-the-investors-podcast-network/id1477323816" bestfor="Learning about investing and financial management strategies" avglength="45-60 minutes" uploadfrequency="3 episodes/week"]Another hit from the Investor’s Podcast Network, Millennial Investing is hosted by financial planning expert Robert Leonard. It’s among the most popular business podcasts for growing wealth, downloaded more than eight million times. While they do go into some depth on topics like saving money, cryptocurrency, the stock market, and other investment strategies, you don’t need a finance background to understand and learn from the knowledge they share. Each episode features a different guest who’s an expert in personal finance and passes along actionable advice on the topic of the day. [/podcastbox]

56. The Indicator from Planet Money

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/e4/f2/14/e4f21474-cc93-caf4-a0e3-77aa63d80519/mza_2000662002481794209.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="The Indicator" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney/" instagram="http://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/?hl=en" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/planetmoneynpr" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDMyNS9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahgKEwiwkL-F99CDAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ9gI" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4X3yDKgVTWRjSd6r0vhgo4" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593" bestfor="Business news and insights into the economy" avglength="10 minutes" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]If you’re looking for a podcast that will help you stay up to date with the latest business news, The Indicator should be on your list of good podcasts to listen to. These brief episodes are released every weekday afternoon and give listeners an overview of the day’s top stories related to business, work, and the economy.[/podcastbox]

57. My First Million with Sam Parr and Shaan Puri

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/78/16/45/78164528-a313-ab7a-e733-3b55b90daf27/mza_14367907482385458385.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="My First Million" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourfirstmillion/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/myfirstmilpod/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-first-million-podcast/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFMyMzAwMTg0NjQ1" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/3mliji9352UAk3XnWElnDV" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-million/id1469759170" bestfor="Finding new business ideas and scaling them to 7-figures" avglength="1 hour" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]This biweekly podcast is among the best business podcasts for those who are looking for new business ideas. Each episode highlights a business opportunity and takes a deep dive, explaining how entrepreneurs can take advantage of it to start a successful business. They also share insights on business strategy and how to scale revenue quickly as a business owner. If you want advice on current business trends and opportunities, and how to create your own business ideas based on them, this is a podcast you should listen to.[/podcastbox]

58. Marketing School with Neil Patel and Eric Siu

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/25/6e/18/256e1815-9f6e-c733-1150-e02aaf47ff87/mza_9712611426753477076.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="Marketing School" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/marketingschoolpodcast/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/ericosiu/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericosiu/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Marketing%20School" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1NulSGKhstJuty8iYPBMo5" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-school-digital-marketing-and-online/id1138869817" bestfor="Actionable online marketing tips" avglength="5-10 minutes" uploadfrequency="Daily"]For business owners who want to develop their online marketing skills, the Marketing School podcast is a top business podcast worth listening to. Every day, hosts Neil Patel and Eric Siu bring listeners a quick tip on topics like social media marketing, email marketing, SEO, and other concepts that can help online businesses or entrepreneurs grow their brands and audiences.[/podcastbox]

59. Marketing over Coffee with John J. Wall

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts113/v4/09/53/d3/0953d3e2-c1fb-1741-02eb-c5ac576d2cd2/mza_7059938016176568118.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="Marketing over Coffee" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/marketingovercoffee/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/johnjwall/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-over-coffee/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Marketing%20over%20coffee" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/78warKsnB1bSGJQN886y21" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-over-coffee-marketing-podcast/id251299460" bestfor="Marketing advice and insights" avglength="30-45 minutes" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]This is another podcast that’s among the best business podcasts for business owners who want to improve their small business marketing strategies. John Wall is an expert at both marketing and business technology and brings both areas of expertise to these weekly episodes. Listeners get practical advice that can help them develop a personal brand, improve their email marketing or content marketing, and develop a better overall business strategy.[/podcastbox]

60. Money Guy Show

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/ff/5b/2a/ff5b2a92-3786-06db-9aad-b5316a773504/mza_2790824727138355950.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="Money Guy Show" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/themoneyguyshow/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/moneyguyshow/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-guy-show/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/money%20guy%20show" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/0W7lo4UBMghDAdrTBCTXXW" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-guy-show/id121362031" bestfor="Investing and wealth-building strategies" avglength="30 minutes" uploadfrequency="3 episodes/week"]This award-winning show is among the best business podcasts for people who want to learn more about investing and growing wealth the right way. It’s hosted by certified financial experts Bo Hanson and Brian Preston, who share their business acumen with listeners on a wide range of financial topics. While the show is targeted more at personal finance, their practical advice is just as useful for people with their own companies who want to manage their wealth more effectively.[/podcastbox]

61. Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/bc/bc/c0/bcbcc0e3-6051-6e2a-8c1b-f617cf1348fc/mza_5143250073911768605.png/313x0w.webp" title="Coaching for Leaders" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestachowiak/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Coaching%20for%20Leaders" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ChDtTY9JyupfNGxcV39b3" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-for-leaders/id458827716" bestfor="Leadership and management insights" avglength="30-45 minutes" uploadfrequency="2 episodes/week"]Coaching for Leaders is one of the biggest podcasts for management and leadership insights, with more than 30 million downloads to date. Popularity isn’t the only reason it’s among the best business podcasts for those who own their own business. Each episode brings you advice from industry leaders that can help you achieve business success by improving your mindset and leadership strategy. These insightful conversations are guided by business coach Dave Stachowiak, a leadership expert in his own right after more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie. [/podcastbox]

62. The Upside with Callie and Jeff Dauler

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/93/7d/b3/937db395-1bca-c957-b653-5a868d0df891/mza_749732239299797815.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="The Upside" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/groups/callieandjeff/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/calliedauler/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/company/tentwentytwo/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhldXBzaWRlY2o" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/4nb7Bdt02fLCGHJZDuPSMv" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upside-with-callie-and-jeff-dauler/id1472460862" bestfor="Tips and inspiration for startup and online business owners" avglength="30 minutes" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]Named one of the best small business podcasts by Fortune Magazine, The Upside is a fun way to learn about the entrepreneurial journey of startups founded outside of Silicon Valley. Along with the episodes themselves, the listener community around The Upside is a great resource for any entrepreneur who want to start their own business. The episodes are fun to listen to, too, and each one is packed with advice that’s accessible, easy to apply, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you want an entertaining way to learn more about business strategy and hear inspirational stories, this is the best business podcast for you.[/podcastbox]

63. School of Greatness with Lewis Howes

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts122/v4/22/e3/8d/22e38df9-a2ae-8948-d2b7-aea5b567a593/mza_17206370974147580096.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="School of Greatness" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/lewishowes/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/greatness/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewishowes/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/School%20of%20Greatness%20with%20Lewis%20Howes" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/07GQhOZboEZOE1ysnFLipT" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-school-of-greatness/id596047499" bestfor="Inspiring entrepreneurial journeys and actionable advice" avglength="45-60 minutes" uploadfrequency="5 episodes/week"]Lewis Howes played in the NFL until an injury ended his football career. Now, he brings the dedication of a professional athlete to the business world. The School of Greatness podcast was launched in 2013 and has become one of the best podcasts of all time. His guests include today’s top business minds along with world class performers like Alanis Morissette. The episodes cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and business hacks to actionable tips on how to improve your health and relationships as an entrepreneur.[/podcastbox]

64. Money for the Rest of Us

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts122/v4/0a/eb/05/0aeb05c1-f4dc-6a27-a291-2df0fda19811/mza_13095025908276246064.jpeg/313x0w.webp" title="Money for the Rest of Us" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/moneyfortherestofus/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/moneyfortherestofus/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdstein/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Money%20for%20the%20Rest%20of%20Us" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/6OkOdWqyvKXFjZ1eFHeJxb" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-for-the-rest-of-us/id883011006" bestfor="Investing and personal finance advice" avglength="30-60 minutes" uploadfrequency="1 episode/week"]Here’s another podcast that’s great for getting business advice for financial management and investing strategies. Host J. David Stein is a former Chief Investment Strategist and expert at money management. He’s built a career teaching people and organizations how to better manage their finances and shares that wealth of experience with listeners in a way that’s easy to understand and apply to your life.[/podcastbox]

65. Frugalpreneur with Sarah St. John

[podcastbox image="https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts115/v4/fb/bd/8b/fbbd8b98-09fb-3a07-51f3-343d6cecd701/mza_1590762941789677646.jpg/313x0w.webp" title="Frugalpreneur" facebook="https://www.facebook.com/thefrugalpreneur/" instagram="https://www.instagram.com/thesarahstjohn/" linkedin="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stjohn/" podcastgoogle="https://podcasts.google.com/search/Frugalpreneur%20with%20Sarah%20St.%20John" podcastspotify="https://open.spotify.com/show/1c8mTkKz4ZaalS2ZybMIU5" podcastapple="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frugalpreneur-building-a-business-on-a/id1467032365" bestfor="Money-making and cost-cutting tips" avglength="30-60 minutes" uploadfrequency="1-2 episodes/month"]For anyone who’s trying to start the best business they can with a shoestring budget, the Frugalpreneur will help you achieve that goal. It’s one of the best podcasts for small business owners looking for ways to stretch a bootstrapped budget as far as it will go. In the episodes, you’ll hear interviews with successful entrepreneurs and learn about tools, resources, and actionable ideas to do more while spending less.[/podcastbox]

So what podcasts do business owners listen to?

Honestly, that depends on the business owner. These 65 podcasts are the most popular across the top podcast services and are our top choices for their content and entertainment value, too. There are tons of great business podcasts out there, though.

If this blog has inspired you to start a business, check out our blog on how to get started —even without any money. You can also find information on the 40+ most profitable types of business.

What is your favorite podcast? Let us know below!

Business ideas

How to Start a $250K/Year Handyman Business

Are you skilled at in-home and business repairs? If so, you might want to provide handyman services. Caleb started North Seattle Handyman in 2017 and is making $250k/year with only one employee. He started his handyman business with $5,000 and has never had a month where he didn't break even. He shared how he started his business, and we're going to share his tips with you. We'll walk you through how you can start your own handyman business step-by-step.

What is a handyman?

A handyman is a person who does odd jobs like small repairs, home maintenance, hanging TVs, and other tasks that homeowners and rental property companies require to ensure that their properties stay in good repair. That means most handymen will be working in the client's home or business. Working on someone else's property has special legal requirements that you need to pay attention to during the beginning stages of starting a handyman business. We'll cover them in general terms as each state will have different requirements.

What type of work can a handyman do legally?

Each state has different requirements, but in general, a handyman can typically do jobs under $1,000 without a handyman license. If you plan on taking larger jobs, small business owners should check what their state's requirements are on Next's Handyman License Requirements. Local contracting laws may also impact whether you need handyman licenses for smaller jobs. Go to your city or county's website to establish whether you have local licensing requirements. If you wish to do larger repairs, like home remodeling, or other services like plumbing, HVAC, or major electrical repairs, you may need a contractor's license. As previously mentioned, your city or county will give you the best information about which license is better for you. Caleb told us: [su_quote]I have a general contractors license so that I can manage larger projects than most handyman businesses, but I make more profit on my smaller projects.[/su_quote] Do handymen need to be licensed? I wish I could give you a better answer to this and on how to get a handyman license. Unfortunately, the spectrum of requirements is so dramatic that the best I can tell you is to use Money Lion's links to the proper governing authorities for each state.

Skills required to become a handyman

When starting a handyman business, you should have a variety of skills because your potential customers will want to be able to contact you for any of the tasks they don't have the time or desire to do. Some of the most common client expectations of handyman business owners include:

Know how to find a stud
Anchoring bookcases, TVs, and other objects on a stud
Filling holes in drywall with spackle
Fixing loose tiles
Caulking tubs, sinks, and bathtubs
Fixing leaking faucets
Unclogging drains (with or without a snake)
Seal cracks in pavement
Change showerheads and toilet seats
Clean gutters
Change doorknobs, tighten hinges and replace door locks
Change filters
Building and replacing window screens
Painting
Basic electrical like changing light switches and electrical outlets

If you want to learn about how to do many of the projects a handyman works on, check out The Handyman Youtube Channel. He has a ton of videos on repairs and other work he has done. I found him entertaining too.

Tools required to become a handyman

According to Smart Service, every handyman should have:

Claw Hammer
Tape Measure
Level
Utility Knife
Impact Driver
Drill Driver - Included in the suggestion for Impact Driver
Drill Bits - This includes drills bits and screwdriver attachments
Circular Saw
Recipro Saw
Flashlight - I'd suggest both a handheld and headlamp
Charging Kit - Included in other power tools
Shop-Vac
Screwdrivers
Wire Stripper
Pliers
Gloves
A vehicle that can transport everything. Look at work vans and trucks if you don't already have one.

Now that you have a great list of tools you need to provide handyman services, let's look at how much it costs to start a profitable handyman business.

How much does it cost to start a handyman business?

If you have the tools and vehicle to start providing handyman services, the startup costs can be fairly low. Caleb told us: [su_quote]I started my business with $5,000, which was primarily the general contractor's license, a surety bond, and general liability insurance.[/su_quote] If you have to purchase the tools and equipment needed, starting a new business as a handyman may cost as much as $60,000 if you buy a new truck. Depending on the payment terms of a car loan, most of the extra cost could be spread out over 5-7 years. Handyman startup pricing will obviously depend on your area of the country and local regulations. Many handymen will be able to start a business with no special requirements, but places with higher-cost handyman business license requirements may be more expensive places to start small businesses.

How much do handymen charge?

When I researched "How much do handymen charge?", this is what I found:

Self-employed handyman hourly rate: $50-$125/hour
Most jobs are between $65-$1200 with an average of $390
Common jobs may have a flat fee
Materials are typically in addition to the hourly rate

We asked how much Caleb charges per hour and he told us: [su_quote]I charge $100/hr plus material costs. I found that was the rate that attracted clients that appreciate the work and can afford the service.[/su_quote] You can watch the entire interview here: [su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leUta_q_MPQ"]

How much does a handyman business make?

This is the part of every business that really matters: how much do handymen make a year? Caleb told us: [su_quote]I pay my handymen between $30-35/hr ($62,400-72,800/yr.)[/su_quote] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Repair Workers tend to average around $40k/year. Because business best practices suggest keeping employee compensation (including benefits) at less than 1/3 of revenue, a handyman business should plan to make at least $120k revenue per handyman. That's consistent with what Caleb told us: [su_quote]I'm making about $250k/year with me and one other handyman. We're about at the limit we can handle without hiring another local handyman.[/su_quote] To further give you an idea of how much money many handyman businesses make, we asked Caleb how many clients he takes a day. He told us "Each handyman can normally handle about 5 calls a day." Now that you know the basics of what you need to become a handyman, let's dig into the process of how to start your own handyman business.

Identify the target market for your handyman business

A white notepad and cup of coffee on a desk

Every new business will need to establish who its ideal customers are. Caleb was the most informative small business owner we've talked to about who the potential customers are. He gave us a list of potential target markets you may want to pursue when starting a handyman business.

Property management companies because they create business growth quickly due to the number of properties they manage.
Real estate agents because the buyers will frequently ask for small repairs that were noted on the pre-sale home inspection.
Homeowners in wealthy areas who are able to afford service calls that are $500+

He also told us: [su_quote]I talked to a business consultant who recommended including Northern Seattle in my business name. That had 2 benefits, made it easier for my small business to rank on the first page of Google and narrowed down the area I service to between North Seattle and Mukilteo.[/su_quote] For those who don't know the Greater Seattle Metropolitan area, it is approximately a 1.5-hour drive to drive from Olympia to Mukilteo, but only 22 minutes from North Seattle to Mukilteo, reducing the time sitting in traffic by 67% percent. That makes it where each vehicle can take an extra service call or two per day. I'd recommend doing the same if you live in a metropolitan area and constrain your target audience to a much smaller geographic location. Keep reading to learn about writing a business plan.

What to include in your handyman business plan

A business plan will help guide your decisions and strategy if you want to start a profitable handyman business. Exactly what you should include in it depends on whether it is just to guide your decisions, to help employees understand their roles in the business, and whether you are trying to get small business loans. At a minimum, I would recommend including:

The business’ services
The business’ goals. Do you just want to make as much money as you can make on your own, or do you want to hire employees?
Who the ideal clients are. If there is more than one, you should break down each segment separately.
What you need to achieve before you can begin business operations.
Budget and funding-startup costs and how you will get the funding. If you need to take out loans, how will you accomplish that?
Naming the business - This is how companies will know your business.
Forming a business - All the legal requirements that you will have to meet to start a small business and maintain your handyman licensing.
Hiring employees (if you plan to) - What roles you will need to fill and how you will fill them.
Marketing Plan - Guides what marketing strategy you will use, including marketing materials, social media platforms, and a brand style guide
Operations Plan - Guides how the business will and will not operate, including customer relations, processes, vendor management, and employee management. If you are seeking funding or need the business plan to guide employee decisions, you'll want a more in-depth plan. Here’s some free and low-cost education on business plans:
UpFlip’s blog on How to Write a Business Plan
SCORE’s free business plans and startup assistance resources
The Complete Business Plan Course (Includes 50 Templates)

I'd also suggest checking out our interview with Mike Andes on how to write a business plan. [su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seac5PbUZXk"]

Create a budget and obtain funding for your Handyman Business

Creating a budget requires financial discipline. You'll want to estimate the costs that you will incur before starting your business and during operation, and you’ll want to include a miscellaneous expense amount. Let's look at each of these.

Startup costs for your business

While I have already given you an idea of how much startup costs can run, I feel like we should break it down into more detail. Here are the line items you should probably consider:

Cost of tools (if you don't already have them): _______
Cost of work vehicle (if buying): _______
Cost of DBA in your location: _______
Small Business Insurance/Handyman Insurance (talk to your insurance company to see if they offer this): _______ How often is the renewal period?
Local Licensing: _______ Is there a renewal period?
State Licensing:_______ How often is the renewal period?
Cost of Commercial drivers insurance: _______ How often is the renewal period? Are you using your personal vehicle? If so, what is the difference between personal insurance and commercial insurance?
Cost of website and other software: _______ How often is the renewal period?
At least 1 month of marketing expenses:_______. If Caleb uses paid marketing, it's $600/mo (read marketing section for more details.)

Operational Costs

Operational costs should be broken down monthly. Remember, you should assume best-case revenue is $120k/handyman. If you are just doing this for yourself, I would probably do a one-year analysis and return to it each year. If you are trying to get financing, I would use a 5-year budget.

Any renewals mentioned above (add 3% each renewal period to protect against inflation):_______
Vehicle costs:_______ assume $.58/mile
Loan Payments (if applicable):_______
Employees: _______ Assume $40k per employee or 30% of revenue attributable to that employee (or more if you are paying higher than average wages.)
Sales tax: _______ Base it on your location and revenue estimates
Income Tax: _______ Assume 20% of revenue
Materials: _______ Assume 10% of revenue according to BPlans.
Miscellaneous expenses: _______

I created a mock income statement using:

Data Caleb gave us about his revenue and other expenses.
Assumptions from the BPlan link above.
Breaking it down for 1 and 2 trucks.

These were the results: Operational costs breakdown of handyman business

If you can achieve these results (or better), your business bank account should be in good standing. During the first year, meeting the $125k mark may be a challenge. Fortunately, you only have to make around $30k to break even, which should be completely achievable.

Funding your business

In the previous section, the interest expense was based on 10% of the total operating expenses. If you seek funding, you'd want to use either total operating expenses or (Total operating expenses + Direct cost of sales = Funding needed). Common funding paths include:

Personal funds/personal assets
A loan from family or friends
Funds from a business partner
Government programs

The SBA offers free courses on financing options and funding programs. For info on using personal funds to start a business, check out this article from The Hartford. Alternative sources of funding include:

Crowdfunding
Credit cards
Home equity loan
Business loan - check out our partners
Rollover for business startups (ROBS)

Keep reading for tips on naming your business.

Select a Business Name for your Handyman Company

Next, you need to name your handyman company. Consider these questions while naming your company:

Does it describe what you do?
Is it easy to remember?
Does it prevent weird acronyms?
Is it available as a domain name? Check that the domain name and social media accounts are available with namechk.
Include your location/area you serve, as Caleb suggested.

Try the business name generator from Shopify and make sure it is available with the Business Name Search from Better Legal.

Get a domain name

You can buy domain names from the platform you set up your online store on, but if you want to spend money on it elsewhere, you can find domain names for as low as $0.88 at NameCheap. Other providers include:

You can't learn how to become a handyman without learning about the legal requirements. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a legal entity.

Become a Legal Handyman Business

Before you can legally work as a handyman, you’ll need to meet the legal obligations of your area. Depending on your location, you may require all of these, but the insurance and bonds are most commonly associated with major cities that have special contractors licensing requirements.

Business License/Contractors License
Business Insurance
Bonds
Business Formation
Apply for an EIN
Sales Tax Permits
Tax Filing and Withholding
Federal employment and labor law posters
Unemployment Insurance

I'd like to remind you that earlier in the blog, Caleb told us that his startup costs were $5,000, most of which involved this process. Keep reading to learn more about each of these requirements.

Business License/Contractors License

A black binder and a calculator on a desk

The business license may be required on a state, city, or county level. The requirements will be different for each location. I provided information on the state level earlier in the blog. Unfortunately, there's not a definitive source for local levels. Just to give you an idea though, for jobs over $1,000 in Nevada (and jobs less than $1,000 that are part of a larger project, or involve HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work), the state Contractors Board requires:

Submittal of resume and references
Disclosure of financial records
Disclosure of criminal background (if any)
A commercial bond of up to $500k
Passing an exam on business law AND trade practices
$300 application fee
$600 license
Up to $1,000 annual payments to the consumer recovery fund

That means most of the jobs a handyman will do would need a contractor's license in Nevada. In NV, you'd want to go for a general contractor license so you can handle any projects you want. It might be tempting to run the business without a license, but that risks criminal penalties of up to 4 years in prison for operating as a contractor without a license. Make sure to do online research on the following topics to make sure you follow the proper procedures:

Do I need a contractor license in (Insert your state)?
Do I need a contractor license in (insert your city)?
Do I need a contractor license in (insert your county)?

Business Insurance

Business insurance can be purchased from most insurance companies. I'd reach out to your current car and home insurance first as you may be able to get the insurance through them. You'll want a commercial liability policy, which will typically be $1 million occurence/$2m lifetime coverage, but some areas or clients may require more. For instance, in my hometown of Las Vegas, MGM casino properties require $3m per occurrence. They also require $1m automobile coverage for contracts. If you have a client that needs work done very occasionally that has these requirements, you can often change it for the length of the time it takes to do the job and reduce it again upon completion.

Bonds

If you need a bond for a handyman business, you will need to get the details from the governing agency that approves the contractor licenses. In NV, they require a bond agency with long-term debts that are A grade or a cash bond of up to $500k. I strongly suggest going with the bond agency.

Business Formation

Now is the time to establish the legal structure. For best results, hire legal representation that has experience starting a business, like an attorney, accountant, or tax specialist. Each location has different licenses, permits, or tax forms required. Use the SBA License and Permits page to identify what your handyman company needs. We have partnered with Better Legal to help you with the business formation process. Better Legal will set up an LLC or Corporation for you. Their services include:

LLC or Corporation Filing
Employee Identification Number
Operating Agreement
Banking Resolution Document
Free Website with Inventory Management
Free Business Checking Account
Free Tax Analysis
Business Specific Insurance Suggestions
Suggested Payroll, Benefits, and HR Platforms

They’ll help you get your business started quickly so you can focus on how to start getting clients for your handyman business. Keep reading for information on different legal structures.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

An LLC is the most common business structure used in the United States because the company protects the owner’s assets. It’s similar to partnerships and corporations but can be a single-member LLC in most states. An LLC requires a document called an operating agreement. Each state has different requirements. Here’s a link to find your state’s requirements. People may register in specific states due to the cost of doing business. Delaware and Nevada are common states to file an LLC because of their business-friendly laws. Here’s a post on the top 10 states to get an LLC.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the easiest way to become a handyman, but the structure doesn’t protect the owner’s assets from legal issues. This structure should not be used because the handyman work includes work and materials that can cause injuries to employees, customers, or physical property. To start a sole proprietorship, fill out a special tax form called a Schedule C. Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance.

Partnerships and corporations

Partnerships and corporations are typically for massive organizations or legal firms. Unless there is a specific reason you need a partnership, it is better to do a multi-person LLC. Investopedia has good information about partnerships and corporations.

Apply for an EIN

Every business operating in the United States needs an employer identification number. It’s like a social security number for your business. Apply for it on the IRS website. It’s used on tax forms when filing taxes and to tie employees’ pay to the proper employer.

Sales Tax Permit

Most states have a sales tax, and you need to adhere to their requirements. This blog isn't the place to discuss the permits for all 50 states, but Avalara has a guide on Sales Taxes. Check it out. While you are learning about sales taxes, consider using AvaTax with Shopify Plus to make your tax compliance super easy.

Tax filing and withholding

Federal and state tax filing requirements apply to new employers. You must keep records of employment taxes for at least four years, including special forms and accounting for state taxes. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! Check out the IRS guide for employers here.

Federal employment and labor law posters

All employers must display Workplace Posters, which you can download from the website. Other requirements include:

Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
State’s New Hire - This is required so that people who owe child support remain in compliance
Worker’s Compensation Insurance- Insurance for when employees get hurt on the job. Check out this guide to state laws
Disability insurance - California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico have requirements. Learn more about disability insurance
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Federal and state laws govern what are safe working conditions. Fines can be up to $136,532/violation or up to $13,653/day. Make sure you understand your area’s laws at OSHA.gov.

Unemployment Insurance

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a ton of information on unemployment and also offers links to each state agency that handles state unemployment. You’ll have to pay $420 per employee on a federal level plus any state UI. Let's look at some tips on hiring employees to run a more profitable handyman business (measured in total dollars).

Hiring Employees

Hiring employees is primarily focused on hiring people who are skilled at the type of services you provide. Caleb told us: [su_quote]If your employees aren’t making you money, then it’s not worth having them. In the Seattle area, you are going to pay each employee around 6k a month in wages and also have LNI and insurance for them.[/su_quote] When hiring a handyman, you’ll need to:

Post Open Jobs
Conduct Interviews
Establish Compensation
Manage Tax Filings and withholdings
Comply with federal and local labor laws

Keep reading for more info on each step.

Job Posting

Hiring people requires posting “now hiring” signs and posting on prominent job boards. Some places you can start posting job requirements are:

Facebook
Indeed
Zip Recruiter
LinkedIn
Craigslist

Make sure to include the tools you expect them to have as well as the most common jobs they need to be able to do without guidance. If you have to train them, you'll be spending more time on each job as opposed to taking on more jobs.

Interviews

Having a prepared list of questions for interviews can make hiring the right people easier. Indeed offers a variety of resources to help you make better hiring decisions. Read their guide on how to hire your first employee. Some questions you should ask during the interview process include:

What handyman work are you most comfortable with? Least comfortable with?
If you have to use a tool you have not used before, what would you do to make sure you handle it safely?
How do you respond to a customer when you don’t know the answer to your question?
I intentionally left (something in the shop that needs to be repaired) needing repairs for this interview, can you walk me through how to repair it?
What are your compensation expectations?
Do you have any ongoing commitments that impact your availability? If so, what dates and times will it impact?
Do you have any points or DUIs on your driver's license?

Check out Indeed's list of questions to ask for more interview questions.

Compensation

Employees are typically a company’s biggest expense. There are three common pay structures in business. Each fits different scenarios. Let’s take a closer look.

Salary

Flat weekly/monthly rate based on a person working a specific number of hours. This is typically reserved for owners, managers, and some admin roles. You might want to assign this to yourself for budgeting purposes.

Hourly

This pay structure just tracks the hours an employee works and pays them a set hourly rate. This pay structure is solely based on time, not performance.

Commission

A laptop, iPad and a cup of coffee on a desk

Typically used in sales to give employees a percentage of revenue. It is a strictly performance-based compensation model.

Hybrid Models

Hybrid models combine two pay structures: for instance, hourly and commission to compensate for time and performance. The hourly rate will typically be lower than an hourly rate without commission, but the commission should make it where good performing employees make more than they would without commission. These structures also help reduce the variability of pay from week to week. Paying employees an hourly wage works for most positions for clothing lines, but depending on your business structure, a commission or hybrid payment model might make sense. The article, “How to Create a Pay Structure That Promotes Team and Company Growth” offers some insights into thinking about pay structure.

Outsourcing

If you don't need a full-time employee, you can consider outsourcing or hiring a freelancer on sites like Upwork.com. You may pay more per unit hour, but it saves you time in hiring, training, and other time-consuming activities. Accounting and payroll are often prime targets for outsourcing because they can be done remotely on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Marketing a Successful Handyman Business

Caleb gave us a lot of great advice when it comes to marketing the fact that you provide handyman work. He emphasized: [su_quote]If you start a handyman business right now, you will immediately get real estate agents or people managing condominiums. I do direct-to-customer, that way, I can charge $100 an hour. I’m not using a 3rd party customer.[/su_quote] In other words, avoid using companies like Homeadvisor, Thumbtack, and other services that take a large cut for marketing. [su_quote]You have to market your skills, define your skills. Anything from hanging TVs, installing faucets, to lifelong carpentry.[/su_quote] Share pictures of projects on social media and Google My Business. [su_quote]Having a website is what has made the difference in my business. Having somewhere people can see me virtually increases my customer base about 1000 fold. We use branding on the side of the van, the website, and by doing a good job for the customers. I use Squarespace for my website. We have an online portal where the customer puts a bunch of information in for us. Our system is created to accurately quote based on emails and pictures.[/su_quote] In other words, create an awesome site using Squarespace or other platforms and integrate it with other software to make life easy. If you are going to build your own website, check out our blog on how to create a website. [su_quote]We do a lot of things to stay relevant on Google. First, the website name. Our Yelp ads help keep it ranked. Second, we ask people to include the name North Seattle Handyman if they leave reviews on Google or other places.[/su_quote]

Useful Software for Handyman Businesses

[su_quote]When a client is gets directed to my website, they fill out the info that gets put into a Google Form, and then we have a 3rd party software called Zapier that connects other parts of the business. It sends me an email, and then it also sends it to my customer management system, and that keeps everything in one place. So I can invoice, I can talk to the customers, I can schedule through that system which is Field Pulse. Those systems run around $100 a month. We use HomeWyse, it’s like having an estimating book in your car.[/su_quote] If Field Pulse doesn't seem like the best CRM for you, there are a ton of Customer Relationship Management tools for handyman businesses. Jobber and Housecall Pro seem to be two that have high usage and good ratings.

Operating Your Own Handyman Business

Caleb gave so much advice on operating your own handyman business that I think it is best to let his words do the talking. Caleb on learning business skills: [su_quote]Online tutorials are great, but I found having a business coach beneficial. You do have to spend some money on them, but they will help you make decisions you avoid making. (He uses Rebecca Ellison.)[/su_quote] Caleb on the early stages of business: [su_quote]Freedom is the best part of being a business owner. You can make being a handyman into whatever you want it to be, I made it into a professional service. When you first start out, you can definitely do this with a pickup truck and a set of tools. Eventually, I think it’s a good idea to buy a sweet van. When I first started, I was going to charge $60-70 an hour, but friends in the business said I needed to charge more, so I did. I charge around $100 an hour. $100 an hour is perfect for middle to upper-middle-class clientele. When you first start, you are going to overbook yourself. You have to pay attention and revise your decision-making.[/su_quote] I hope you have found this information about starting a handyman service company as informative as I have. If you found this walkthrough useful, subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date on how to start different types of businesses. I want to leave you with the best three pieces of advice that Caleb can give you: [su_quote]Get started, treat your customers like people, and systemize, systemize, systemize.[/su_quote]

Business ideas

23 eCommerce Business Ideas You Can Start Today

Did you know that eCommerce businesses are among the most reliable businesses to start?

Unless you want to become a farmer, there’s no better industry to get into. Over 70% of eCommerce stores that opened in the last five years have stayed in business.

Advancements like dropshipping, print-on-demand, and crowdfunding have made it easier to start a successful online store, but what kind of eCommerce should you get into?

Below, you’ll find 23 eCommerce business ideas to consider. We’ll provide their income potential, startup costs, and a little bit of background to help you decide on the best option for you. Then we’ll give you tips for getting your eCommerce business started.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]
Read on, or click on any of the links below to jump to the business idea.

What Are the Best eCommerce Business Ideas?
23 eCommerce Business Ideas You Can Start Today
How to Create Your Own Online Store
Is eCommerce Worth It?
Which eCommerce Business Idea Do You Like?[/su_note]

What Are the Best eCommerce Business Ideas?

Young woman researching different eCommerce business models on her laptop

The best eCommerce business ideas cater to current market demands, offer unique value propositions, and have the potential for scalability and growth. Keep reading for some of the best ideas for starting a successful eCommerce brand.

23 eCommerce Business Ideas You Can Start Today

Many businesses on this list have a wide range of startup costs because there are so many different ways to implement the ideas.

For instance, several can use dropshipping or print-on-demand (POD) fulfillment methods, which make startup costs of less than $1K completely achievable.

Meanwhile, if you’re creating a product (or stock of products) before selling, the costs can be much higher. Designing a product and producing the first batch can cost anywhere from a few thousand to the nearly $30 billion spent on R&D annually by Apple.

We hope this helps explain why some of the ranges in startup costs for these ideas seem so vast.

1. Niche Subscription Boxes

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K to $120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Costs: $100-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 16.5%
• Best For: Organized, process-driven entrepreneurs with expertise in a particular product area and strong marketing skills

With this eCommerce business idea, you curate and sell subscription boxes catering to specific interests, delivering a selection of niche products regularly to customers' doorsteps.

Popular niches for subscription boxes include:

Book boxes
Specialty foods, like coffee and chocolate
Jewelry-making and craft supplies
Gift boxes of unique or healthy snacks
Natural cosmetics or hair care products

The best products for a subscription startup business are evergreen items that customers will need on a recurring basis. You can also target niches with passionate, learning-oriented audiences, like readers, makers, crafters, and fitness enthusiasts.

2. Personalized Products

• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0%
• Best For: Sales- and marketing-savvy fashionistas tuned into fashion trends, designers, and artists

An eCommerce website that offers customizable and personalized products, such as engraved jewelry or custom apparel, can be an excellent online business idea.

The cheapest way to start your own eCommerce business is to use a print-on-demand service. This saves you the need to worry about shipping costs or inventory management.

If you have the budget, though, you can start a more profitable eCommerce business by investing in equipment to do the customization yourself. That’s how Logo Unlimited grew into a seven-figure screen printing business. Hear their story here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJRWc1ZPCpQ

3. Health and Wellness Products

• Average Annual Revenue: $130K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Costs: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.4%
• Best For: Wellness and nutrition professionals, fitness experts, and athletes who excel at organization, sales, and customer service

A 2022 report from McKinsey & Company estimates the global market value of wellness products to be $1.5 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 5-10%.

Online stores selling health and wellness products can be highly lucrative eCommerce businesses because of this high demand. Popular product categories include:

Supplements
Meal replacement bars and shakes
Fitness equipment
Organic skin care products
Natural and herbal health remedies

This can be an excellent eCommerce business idea on its own, or you can sell related products as an extra revenue stream for an online fitness coaching service, wellness blog, or similar online business.

4. Home and Living Accessories

Work-from-home entrepreneur sitting in her stylish living room next to a stack of boxes

• Average Annual Revenue: $3.9M+
• Average Profit Margins: 8.53%
• Startup Costs: $2,500-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
• Best For: Designers, artists, makers, and crafty entrepreneurs with strong digital marketing skills

A store selling stylish home and living products—think decor, organization solutions, and smart home gadgets—is one of the top eCommerce business ideas for interior designers and other home furnishings experts.

Depending on your skills, you can build your online business from items you make yourself, or you can set up a business online with curated high-quality products made by other online or local businesses.

Like with other store ideas, the best way to build a successful brand in home accessories is to focus on a niche. This spares you the need to compete with every other eCommerce store in the home goods niche.

For example, selling kitchen and dining mats or natural, sustainably sourced products can be a profitable eCommerce business idea.

5. Eco-Friendly Products

• Average Annual Revenue: $11.5M+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Inventors and makers passionate about sustainability

Customers today are eager for eCommerce businesses focused on eco-friendly and sustainable products.

You can start your own eCommerce website catering to environmentally conscious consumers in a range of niches, from natural cosmetics to upcycled or natural products for the home or office.

6. Print-on-Demand Merchandise

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.6M
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -5.6%
• Best For: Visual artists and graphic designers with strong digital marketing skills

POD business models are trending for good reason. This is the easiest way to start an eCommerce business because you don’t need to worry about inventory or shipping—just upload your designs and let the eCommerce website take care of the rest.

Ryan Hogue was working two jobs before he started his own website selling print-on-demand products. Now he’s a multi-million dollar Amazon seller with a profitable eCommerce business that brings in more than $50,000 a month. Learn more in this interview:

7. Dropshipping Store

• Average Annual Revenue: $36K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 5%
• Startup Costs: $150-$500
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 25%
• Best For: Those with marketing and eCommerce skills

Dropshipping is similar to POD. With this type of eCommerce site, you partner with other eCommerce entrepreneurs to sell their products in your shop online.

Like POD, dropshipping eCommerce stores don’t need to worry about inventory or shipping. They require even less effort because you don’t need to do any designing—you literally just sell products made and shipped by others. That makes dropshipping one of the easiest and most profitable eCommerce business ideas.

Dropshipping helped Heather Johnson build her eCommerce website from a side hustle into $15,000 in monthly revenue. Hear her advice in this interview:

8. Online Craft and Handmade Goods

• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0%
• Best For: Crafters, makers, designers, and artists with strong sales and marketing skills

Even when they do their shopping online, people love high-quality products that feel personal and artfully made. An eCommerce site selling handmade goods delivers this and is the best eCommerce business for crafty and creative entrepreneurs.

You can sell just about any kind of product in eCommerce. Popular niches include jewelry, fabric crafts such as knitted or crocheted goods, woodworking items, or wedding products such as favors and gift boxes for the wedding party.

Candles are another handmade product ideal for selling online. Watch the interview below to learn how Blk Sunflower grew to six-figure sales in less than two years:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzZ5aTbiLh0

9. Pet Products and Accessories

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.6M+
• Average Profit Margins: 1.9%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Veterinarians, pet owners, animal lovers, inventors, and designers

From pet food to animal health care products and accessories like collars, clothing, and costumes, there are lots of potentially profitable eCommerce business ideas in the pet care niche.

Considering that the pet food industry alone was valued at $99 billion in 2022, there is a lot of money to go around in this niche, and eCommerce businesses related to pet products have a lot of growth potential.

Marshall Morris has built a very successful business in the pet care niche with I Heart Dogs, with more than 50 million followers and an average revenue of $22 million a year. Hear his story in this interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqqhVT84pnc

10. Smartphone Accessories

• Average Annual Revenue: $2.7M+
• Average Profit Margins: 11.11%
• Startup Costs: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.2%
• Best For: Tech and trend experts skilled at marketing and organization

Just about everyone has a smartphone. You don’t need to sell the smartphones themselves to turn this into a great eCommerce business idea.

Another great eCommerce product idea is to sell related products, like phone cases, chargers, screen protectors, and earbuds.

This is one of those eCommerce ideas that offers a lot of flexibility and variety. If you’re a maker or artist, you can create your own designs and products. Those whose skills are more in digital marketing and sales can focus their eCommerce website on reselling products made by other people.

11. Online Grocery Store

• Average Annual Revenue: $9.3M+
• Average Profit Margins: 1.8%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Effective team builders, managers, and supply chain pros, as well as organized entrepreneurs with excellent customer service skills

An online grocery store is a unique business plan that can offer a lot of growth potential. In the past, the majority of people bought groceries from local stores, but the rise of food delivery has started to shift that. eCommerce platforms offer shoppers more convenience and choice and are rising in popularity.

One great thing about the grocery niche is that there’s a huge number of existing customers. After all, everybody needs food—you just need to convince them to buy it from your eCommerce website to grow a successful business.

12. Vintage and Antique Goods

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best For: Shoppers, collectors, and thrifters

Not every great eCommerce product idea is one you make from scratch or sell new. Vintage items and collectibles have long been among the most popular eCommerce industries.

Getting your inventory for this kind of store can be very affordable, too. You can buy items from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, or storage unit auctions at a great price, then resell them for what they’re really worth to make a profit.

That’s how Mike Wilson got started with Golden State Pickers, and today he makes upwards of $30,000 a month as an eBay reseller. Learn how he grew his business here:

13. Tech Gadgets and Accessories

Tech gadgets including smart watches, drones, smart phones, and tablets photographed on a white table for listing on an e-commerce-site

• Average Annual Revenue: $2.3M
• Average Profit Margins: 5.5%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.6%
• Best For: Electronics, technology, and repair pros; detail-oriented and mechanically-minded entrepreneurs

For tech-minded entrepreneurs, selling gadgets and accessories, like headphones, smartwatches, and tech-related gifts, is among the top eCommerce ideas.

The top trending eCommerce product idea categories related to tech include:

Screen protectors
Bluetooth headphones
Computer and phone cases
Wireless charging stations
Drones
Wearable devices

Using an online store builder platform, you can quickly get up and running and start a profitable eCommerce business in any of the above categories.

14. Digital Products and Courses

• Average Annual Revenue: $234K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
• Startup Costs: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best For: People with niche or in-demand skills and expertise

Lots of people turn to the internet when they want to learn a new skill. This puts online courses among the top eCommerce business ideas—and you don’t actually need to be an expert in the niche to get started with an online education business.

Jacques Hopkins played piano as a hobby before starting Piano in 21 Days. Now, he makes $40,000 a month selling his online courses, giving him the flexibility and freedom he lacked as an engineer. Hear his story in this podcast:

One great thing about starting an online education business: It doesn’t cost much to start. Jacques's initial budget was around $150 a month. While it can take a lot of time and effort to create an online course or digital product, once it’s ready to sell, the time investment is minimal.

As far as how to reach customers, you can sell courses through your own website or go through one of the online learning platforms that already exist, like Kajabi, Skillshare, or Teachable.

15. Online Plant Nursery

• Average Annual Revenue: $2.8M+
• Average Profit Margins: 3.4%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Gardeners and plant experts with strong networking and marketing skills

Not all eCommerce business ideas are techy. For those who love the outdoors and have a green thumb, you can start an online store selling seeds, tools, and other gardening accessories.

Another option is to sell the things you grow. Rane Roatta started a tropical fruit farm from scratch and grew it to a seven-figure revenue, selling mostly online. Hear how he did it in this interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws08subGdg0

16. Athleisure and Activewear

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.6M+
• Average Profit Margins: 2.9%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Creative athletes, fitness experts, fashion designers, and sports and fitness enthusiasts

The global apparel market for activewear was valued at over $319 billion in 2022, and that’s expected to soar to over $450 billion by 2028.

A clothing business selling this niche apparel product is among the top eCommerce business ideas for entrepreneurs who like both fashion and fitness. This kind of eCommerce store can also make a nice supplement to an online fitness coaching business or YouTube fitness influencer.

17. Online Beauty Store

eCommerce business examples concept showing Blk Sunflower owner holding a tray of candles in the foreground and Statista’s Beauty & Personal Care stat page in the background

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.4M+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Makeup artists, beauty influencers, cosmetic chemists, and hair and skin care experts

If you’re looking for niche examples with high profit potential, the beauty industry is a great choice. Revenue for beauty and personal care products exceeded $625 billion in 2023, and there are a variety of eCommerce business ideas within the niche to choose from.

Charmaine Nicole founded her skin and hair care product lines based on her personal challenges finding products designed for people of color. Today, it makes more than $75,000 a month. Hear her story in this interview:

18. Smart Home Devices

If you’re wondering where to find eCommerce business ideas, one place to start is right at home. Smart home devices have surged in popularity, and you can start a profitable eCommerce business selling these niche products to eager consumers.

You don’t need to be a programmer or inventor to start this business, either. You can build off of existing control systems, like Alexa and Google Home, to bring customers new ways to make their day-to-day life more convenient.

19. Online Toy Store

Pet ecom business owner holding an armful of pet toys and treats in his warehouse

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.1M+
• Average Profit Margins: 11.79%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Parents, educators, collectors, gamers, and other fun-loving entrepreneurs

Entertainment is one of the best eCommerce business ideas, but it’s often overlooked—and that makes it an excellent niche for people looking to open unique online stores.

There are a lot of ways you can go with this kind of online store. Some ideas of things to sell include:

Educational toys for kids
Collectible or antique toys
Eco-friendly toys made from sustainable materials
Unique board games
Pet toys
Supplies for tabletop gamers (dice, figurines, etc.)

20. Remote Work Accessories

In 2023, 12.7% of employees work from home, and another 28.2% work a hybrid schedule.

That’s a lot of potential customers for an eCommerce site selling products tailored to remote workers, such as ergonomic office furniture, noise-canceling headphones, and home office gadgets.

21. Personal Safety Equipment

Top-down shot of PPE ideas for ecommerce business including hard hat, gloves, masks, goggles, and reflective vest arranged on a wood grain table

• Average Annual Revenue: $15.9M+
• Average Profit Margins: 4.7%
• Startup Costs: $500-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 5.90%
• Best For: Entrepreneurs in healthcare, manufacturing, and similar industries that use protective gear

During the pandemic, there was a sharp increase in the need for personal safety equipment like face masks and gloves.

The fact is, though, that lots of people need these items on a daily basis, and not just in the medical field. Gloves, goggles, face shields, head protection, and ear protection are necessary tools in a range of trades, from house cleaners and waste management pros to construction workers, welders, and athletes.

If you’re an inventor, you can launch a startup business idea to fill a gap in the current personal safety equipment market. Selling existing products targeted to a specific niche can also be an excellent eCommerce business, especially if you have expertise in what that target customer needs from their gear.

22. Wedding Supplies and Attire

• Average Annual Revenue: $670K+
• Average Profit Margins: 11.79%
• Startup Costs: $1,000-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best For: Designers, event planners, and fashion and trend experts

The global market for the wedding industry is huge, generating over $160 billion in revenue in 2020.

People want their big day to be perfect, and you can help people create that dream wedding experience by starting a wedding supplies business online.

Like with other options on this list, there are multiple niches to explore. Just to give some niche examples: Fashion designers can make handmade wedding gowns, or a graphic designer could create personalized wedding favors.

23. Books and Journals

Best ideas for eCommerce business booksellers include custom ebooks, curated book lists, and even journals, all shown on a table in a bookstore

• Average Annual Revenue: $960K+
• Average Profit Margins: 12.03%
• Startup Costs: $1,000-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2%
• Best For: Writers, editors, educators, and creative entrepreneurs with strong communication skills

An online bookstore can be an excellent eCommerce business idea for someone who loves reading, writing, and learning.

You can create the books yourself and sell them as physical copies or digital products, or you can curate a list of books written by others that all center on a specific niche.

There are other unique business ideas in this niche, too. For example, Case Kenny turned his expertise and passion for mental health into a guided mindfulness journal business, and he has made more than $5.3 million in revenue since he launched in 2020. Hear his story in this interview:

How to Create Your Own Online Store

Choose a platform. There are many platforms to choose from, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Each platform has its pros and cons, so do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Choose a domain name and web hosting. Your domain name is your website's address, and web hosting determines where your online files will be stored. You can find affordable domain names and web hosting plans from many different providers.
Design your store. Once you have a platform and web hosting, you can start designing your store. Choose a theme or template, then add your categories and pages.
Add products. Add your products to your store. Include images, descriptions, and prices. You’ll also have the option to set up shipping and payment options.
Promote your store. Once your store is up and running, you need to promote it so people can find it. You can do this through social media, search engine optimization, and paid advertising.

Creating your own online store requires significant effort, but it can also be very rewarding. By following these steps, you can create a successful online store that sells your products to customers all over the world.

Is eCommerce Worth It?

Young man wondering "Is eCommerce profitable" and searching for answers about e-commerce on his laptop

It absolutely can be!

As you’ll see from the many eCommerce entrepreneurs interviewed by UpFlip, starting your own eCommerce business can help you achieve a range of personal or professional goals, whether you want to supplement brick-and-mortar sales or find a more flexible way to make a living so you can ditch your day job.

Which eCommerce Business Idea Do You Like?

Now that you’ve seen bunches of online store ideas, which one strikes your fancy? Do you have ideas for eCommerce businesses that weren’t on the list? We’d love to hear about your eCommerce entrepreneurial journey!

Business ideas

Comments

Michelle@ 2022-03-24 13:11:21

I'm looking to find standard operating procedures for a c-store/gas station (independently owned), what do others in this industry use, are there automated ones that employees can look to online or maybe even via an App. Not sure who else I can ask, thank you!

Brandon Boushy@ 2022-03-30 16:08:18

That's a great question. I used Clickminded for my marketing SOPs. I'm looking for convenience store ones, but there don't appear to be any that are readily accessible to download. I would suggest asking your local health district for food handling ones, the agency that governs standards and weights in your state for gas pump SOPs, and business groups on Facebook or LinkedIn are great places to network with other business owners that might be willing to share theirs. If you have branded pumps ask your partner as well.

Hope@ 2022-03-21 14:40:50

Hello, I am interested in opening a Generial Store that is located in a tourist area that is located in the middle of a western USA natural area and the closest town with grocery stores are 46 to 36 miles. It would be like a historic Generial Store. I would sell camping equipment food items and beverages a limited amount of clothing items, firer wood, pre filled propane tanks. I would also want to have a electrical power station to recharge electric vehicles and for van campers to charge when needed to recharge there solar battery bank. And also offer postal and shipping services to campers. I would also like to offer parking lot camping spots when the weather is bad with heavy snow and/or rain at the present time I do not know if I want to offer shore power. But, we are not going to offer wast water dumping service. We do not want to sell 2,000 items. We have a list of what we want to sell. We only want to be open six days a week.

Brandon Boushy@ 2022-03-22 09:07:09

That is an interesting concept. It sounds like a cross between a company like Pilot Flying J truck stops and KOA. I'd suggest researching them to see how they do business. You can also read our blog How to Open a Convenience Store (in Just 10 Steps). Hope this helps. :)

Terencio Moore@ 2022-03-09 21:39:22

learn how to start up a business convenience store or something

Brandon Boushy@ 2022-03-10 08:32:35

You can read about how to start a gas station here.

Terencio Moore@ 2022-03-09 21:38:54

Online learn how to start up a business convenience store or something

Brandon Boushy@ 2022-03-10 08:32:52

You can read about how to start a gas station here. Or watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/PZhL6_U9pWI

Xavier Pierre Rodriguez@ 2021-02-07 16:14:12

this article is interesting some convenience stores make money but not all of them because you have to be in an area with high traffic. Convenience stores don't make money on gas because they get like 5 cents to 10 cents on the gallons of gas so how does it make its money by going in there and buying drinks, food, lottery tickets, cigarettes, candy bar sells, ice cream bars , Ice cream or a partnership with a restaurant .

Jennifer@ 2020-08-06 23:24:04

Which do you think is better, Franchising a convenient store or opening a new one to make your own name? Which is more profitable?

romaniamiam@ 2020-07-07 20:52:57

This is very interesting, I have always wanted to own a convenience store. Hopefully I have it in me in the future to do it myself.

Aleksandrovich@ 2020-07-02 15:51:29

Convenience stores predominately owned and ran by people from India. Not sure what attracts them to it, but it seems like a pretty solid business model if you have the right location. As mentioned in this post, its all about location and finding a solid location with food traffic, which I assume isn't that easy to do.

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How to Open a Convenience Store (in Just 10 Steps)

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Convenience Store

Pros

Cons

Is Owning a Convenience Store Profitable?

Options for Opening a Convenience Store

Option #1: Buy a convenience store

Option #2: Buy a franchise

Option #3: Start a convenience store

Convenience Store Startup Costs

Licenses You Need to Open a Convenience Store

How to Successfully Open and Run a Convenience Store

Step 1: Create a store business plan

Step 2: Select a good location

Step #3: Focus on financial management

Step #4: Reward your customers

Step #5: Maintain a clean store

Step #6: Monitor your competition

Step #7: Invest in good technology and systems

Step #8: Understand your customers

Step #9: Understand product and consumer trends

Step #10: Manage purchases well

Financing a Convenience Store

SBA loans

Conventional loans

Asset-backed loans

Seller Carry Financing

Merchant Cash Advance

The Bottom Line

Author

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