Business idea · Education
Virtual College Counseling Platform
Virtual College Counseling Platform: Develop a platform that provides virtual college counseling services, helping students navigate the college application process efficiently. It was pitched on The Side Hustle Show in the episode "$1000 a Week Tutoring on the Side (Greatest Hits)" (aired September 24, 2026). How it makes money: Subscription or one-time fee for counseling sessions and resources.
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | $1000 a Week Tutoring on the Side (Greatest Hits) |
| Aired | September 24, 2026 |
| Category | Education |
| Real companies on the episode | Take Aim Tutoring, Shopify, Gusto |
The problem it solves
The college counseling service can be expensive and inaccessible for many students. A virtual platform can provide more affordable options and wider access.
How it makes money
Subscription or one-time fee for counseling sessions and resources.
Skills you need
Knowledge of college admissions, technology proficiency, marketing, and customer service.
The market, and why this works now
High school seniors in suburban areas with limited access to college counseling services are ideal customers for a virtual college counseling platform. The rise of telehealth regulations allows professionals to provide counseling services remotely, making it easier to reach a wider audience. A practical first-revenue move could involve partnering with local high schools to offer workshops through Eventbrite, charging a fee for attendance. Founders will face a constraint with customer acquisition costs, as marketing to students and parents through targeted social media ads may require significant upfront investment before seeing a return.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Take Aim Tutoring
A tutoring service specializing in SAT and ACT test preparation, run by Matt Fuentes.
- Shopify
A comprehensive e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create online stores and manage sales, inventory, and payments.
- Gusto
An online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses, providing automation for payroll processing and employee management.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper
Episode: $1000 a Week Tutoring on the Side (Greatest Hits)
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.