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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Starting a profitable enterprise isn’t an easy feat, especially for struggling students whose streams of income are strained. There are many things to consider before establishing a business including budget outlooks, target markets, and the overall business outlines.
On the bright side, today’s technological advancement allows people to earn extra money without hefty prior investments. In this article, we’ll reveal some valuable business ideas for students that can give you endless financial opportunities.
10 Business Ideas for Students
A renowned commerce platform, Shopify, recommended interesting business ideas for students to try, such as dropshipping, selling digital products, and many more below:
1. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an online business model where sellers offer products without stocking them. Instead, orders go straight to suppliers, who ship items directly to customers. This streamlined approach reduces overhead costs and simplifies logistics.
Although dropshipping isn’t a new business adoption, it became more trendy around the end of the COVID-19 pandemic era. Drawing younger generations, this business has the potential to make more than enough money. In fact, Shopify noted that there was an estimated US$300 billion in dropshipping e-commerce sales annually.
2. Selling Digital Products
In the wake of online retail, you can turn goods or pieces of media in digital format into a lucrative side hustle. These items usually consist of software, online courses, virtual goods, music, digital arts, and many more.
Selling digital products is a favorable business idea for students with low investment and maintenance due to the absence of physical inventory. Instead of using shipping services, sellers can deliver the products through email attachments or download features.
3. Trying Print-on Business
For creative minds alike, print-on business is the perfect outlet to make a penny from their hobbies. You can always manifest art into something more tangible, like T-shirts, tote bags, and even mugs. As a starter, consider creating a design for specific communities, such as pet owners or book lovers.
4. Becoming Affiliate Marketer
With the rise of online marketing, affiliate marketing has become a top small business idea for students interested in trendy goods. This commission-based model rewards marketers for every customer they bring in, making it a lucrative opportunity. Brands are willing to invest in affiliates who drive sales by promoting their products.
Affiliates leverage platforms like social media, websites, communities, and blogs to maximize reach. Depending on the program, commissions can range anywhere from 5% to 50% per sale, offering flexible earning potential.
5. Starting a Pet Care Service
If you have a knack for handling pets or are a pet owner yourself, why not turn your love for animals into a rewarding side hustle? With the trend of pet ownership becoming even more booming post-pandemic, pet care services are in high demand. Multiple platforms such as Rover, HouseSitter.com, Care.com, and TrustedHousesitters can help you connect with pet parents in need of care.
6. Offering Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistant service is set to be one of the top small business opportunities in recent years, as more professionals and entrepreneurs increasingly seek help with tasks like email management, social media, and scheduling. A virtual assistant can earn more than US$5,000 per month, with solid organizational and communication skills.
7. Tutoring
Online tutoring is growing rapidly, with students constantly seeking support in different subjects. While certification isn’t always needed, tutors with expertise and relevant degrees have a higher chance of attracting clients. So, try to start your journey within a smaller market scale like fellow students from the same field of study.
8. Home Cleaning Service
For those keen on keeping things neat and tidy, starting a home cleaning business could be a great fit. For first-timers, create flyers and promote your services both on online platforms and around the neighborhood. Cleaning rates vary based on location and home size, but you can typically charge anywhere from US$25 to US$50 per hour.
9. Selling Transcription Services
A transcription business is a great work-from-home opportunity with flexible hours. It’s ideal for those with sharp listening skills and fast typing abilities. Earning certifications can help attract more clients, especially in fields like medical transcription, where demand is high.
10. Try Bookkeeping Services
For students with strong organization and math skills, bookkeeping is a great side hustle to help small business owners with payroll, financial tracking, and tax prep. Being detail-oriented and financially savvy is essential for this enterprise. Earning a certification can also boost your credibility and open more opportunities in this field.
There are countless business ideas for students to earn extra income. Thanks to technology, many of these ventures require minimal investment and can be managed alongside your studies.
SHOPIFY
Editor’s Choice: 8 Great Business Ideas for Introverts in 2025: A Few Steps to Financial Freedom
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