Business idea · SaaS
Gusto Payroll Services for Small Businesses
Gusto Payroll Services for Small Businesses is an online payroll and benefits software that simplifies the management of payroll, tax filing, and employee benefits for small businesses. It was pitched on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (Greatest Hits)" (aired February 19, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (Greatest Hits) |
| Aired | February 19, 2026 |
| Category | SaaS |
| Real companies on the episode | Signs of Good, Land Glide, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Billboard Advertising Ventures, Gusto, Lamar Advertising |
The problem it solves
Small business owners often struggle with the complexity of payroll management and compliance with tax regulations, consuming time that could be better spent on their core business activities.
How it makes money
Subscription-based pricing model with different tiers based on the number of employees and services used.
Skills you need
Understanding of payroll processing, tax regulations, and customer service skills.
The market, and why this works now
Gusto Payroll Services leverages the rise in remote work and the increasing need for streamlined payroll solutions among small businesses. A solid first-revenue move could involve listing the service in local chambers of commerce directories, where small business owners actively seek resources. A potential risk includes the initial capital required for software development and customer support, which can strain cash flow before achieving profitability.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Signs of Good
Signs of Good incorporates a charity component by contributing a portion of revenue from advertisements sold.
- Land Glide
Land Glide is an app that provides county data while users are driving, showing property ownership information.
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a junk removal service that operates on a franchise model.
- Billboard Advertising Ventures
A company that acquires and operates billboard advertising spaces, generating passive income through long-term contracts with advertisers.
- Gusto
Gusto is an online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses, offering services like automatic payroll tax filing and health benefits.
- Lamar Advertising
A large billboard advertising company that operates across the United States, known for its extensive inventory of outdoor advertising spaces.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper
Episode: How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (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.