Part-Time Business Ideas That Need Under 20 Hours a Week

253 business ideas from 5 startup podcasts meet this rule today. Each one names the show and the episode it came from, so you can hear how it was described before you decide.

Where these ideas came from
PodcastIdeas
The Side Hustle Show92
Koerner Office71
Startup Ideas Podcast46
My First Million41
In The Pit with Cody Schneider3
Estimated start-up cost of these ideas
Start-up costIdeas
Under $250 (effectively free to start)27
$250 to $1K150
$1K to $10K59
$10K to $20K14
$20K to $50K1
$50K to $100K2

The list: ideas 1 to 40 of 253

Newest episodes first.

  1. Niche Facebook Group Creation

    Creating niche-specific Facebook groups to capitalize on the growing trend of community-driven marketplaces where members can share services and needs, such as childcare or home services.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, Making $$$ with Meta Muse AI, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  2. Job Lead Generation via Angie's List

    Utilizing platforms like Angie's List to generate leads for cleaning services, allowing new businesses to connect with potential clients who are actively seeking cleaning solutions.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, How to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business on the Side: $100k in 9 Months (Greatest Hits), aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  3. Personality-Based Career Coaching

    A coaching service that uses personality assessments to guide individuals in choosing career paths and work styles that align with their natural strengths and inclinations.

    Source: My First Million, the 6 traits of people who can’t stop making money, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: under $250 · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  4. AI Content Writing Service

    An AI-powered writing service that trains Argon to produce high-quality written content tailored to individual brand voices for newsletters, blogs, and social media.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, Gemini 4 Argon: AI Marketing, 3D Printing and SaaS, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  5. Podcasting Skills Improvement Service

    A consulting service aimed at podcasters to improve their content delivery, such as reducing filler words and enhancing overall presentation skills.

    Source: My First Million, 3 embarrassing moments that changed my life, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  6. Weekend Event Venue

    A part-time event venue business that operates primarily on weekends, catering to various celebrations such as birthday parties, anniversaries, and baby showers. The venue capitalizes on low overhead costs and high demand in local commun...

    Source: Koerner Office, The $16K/Month Business He Runs Without Quitting His Job - Ep. #342, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $10K to $20K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Local

  7. PPT Master

    PPT Master transforms documents and notes into editable PowerPoint presentations, streamlining the process of creating professional proposals and presentations.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, 8 GitHub Repos To Go Viral and Make Money, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  8. The $1 Million Attention Guide

    A comprehensive guide designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses attract attention to their products through effective marketing strategies and techniques.

    Source: My First Million, The creative genius behind Squatty Potty & Poo-Pourri reveals his marketing playbook, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  9. Automated Customer Insights Reporting

    This service automates the process of generating customer insights reports using AI, providing businesses with valuable analytics on their support interactions without manual effort.

    Source: Koerner Office, The $1M/Year AI Business Anyone Can Start - Ep. #341, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  10. Teacher Finance Training

    A platform that provides comprehensive training and resources for teachers who are required to teach personal finance but lack the necessary expertise. This service would offer step-by-step guides, lesson plans, and interactive materials...

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 762: Buy Buttons, 10 Years Later, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  11. Lead Generation Management

    A service that manages the relationship between contractors and their referral partners, ensuring that leads are nurtured and follow-ups are conducted to maximize conversion rates.

    Source: Koerner Office, He Made $27K Last Month Connecting Contractors - Ep. #338, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  12. Vehicle Financing Consultation

    A consulting service that helps business owners navigate the vehicle financing process, optimizing their chances of securing loans with favorable terms for business vehicles.

    Source: Koerner Office, How Anyone Can Borrow $500K at 0% Interest - Ep. #337, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  13. Homeschool Co-op Workshops

    This idea involves creating workshops specifically for homeschool families, providing structured learning experiences in woodworking and other practical skills. The workshops can be organized as co-op events, where parents contribute and...

    Source: Koerner Office, The Most Overlooked $10K/month Business You Can Start This Weekend - Ep. #336, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Local

  14. Morning Lock

    A productivity app that restricts access to email and other specified applications during set hours, forcing users to manage their inboxes within a limited timeframe.

    Source: Koerner Office, Make Money With This New AI Agent That Works 24/7 - Ep. #331, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  15. GROKBOT Agency

    A service that utilizes GROKBOT to automate tasks for small businesses, such as managing social media, generating leads, and handling customer inquiries.

    Source: Koerner Office, Make Money With This New AI Agent That Works 24/7 - Ep. #331, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  16. Community Trailer Rental Workshops

    Workshops aimed at educating local communities about the benefits and logistics of trailer rentals, including how to start a rental business or utilize trailer rentals for personal or business needs.

    Source: Koerner Office, The Most Hands-Off $6K/Month Side Hustle to Start - Ep. #330, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Local

  17. SERP Jingle Marketing

    This service creates catchy jingles tailored for local businesses that incorporate specific search terms (SERP terms) to boost recognition and memorability in digital advertising, particularly on platforms like YouTube.

    Source: Koerner Office, The Most Overlooked AI Side Hustle Of 2026 - Ep. #328, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  18. Customized Directory Creation

    A service that utilizes Grockbot to create niche directories, aggregating and curating information on specific topics to enhance SEO and user engagement.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, Grok Bot: make a 1 person company with agents, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  19. Referral Program for Local Advertisers

    Creating a referral program that incentivizes current advertisers to refer other local businesses, expanding the network of advertisers and increasing revenue.

    Source: Koerner Office, The Simplest $10K/Month Business Most People Miss ($0 to Start) - Ep. #327, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: under $250 · 10 to 20 hours a week · Local

  20. Social Media Engagement Consultancy

    A consultancy service that helps businesses improve their social media engagement strategies to foster better communication and connection with their audience.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 754: He Sold $3M in Coffee From a Bike, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: under $250 · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  21. Social Media Marketing for Mobile Businesses

    A service that helps mobile businesses like coffee bikes effectively use social media platforms to attract and retain customers by posting schedules and locations.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 754: He Sold $3M in Coffee From a Bike, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  22. Demand Validation through Online Presence

    A strategy that involves creating a professional website to gauge interest in a service before investing in inventory, allowing entrepreneurs to validate business ideas without significant upfront costs.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, $3k a Month Renting Out Mobility Scooters Part-Time (Greatest Hits), aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  23. AI-Enhanced Couch Search

    Utilizing AI technology to automate the searching and listing process for couches across various platforms, increasing efficiency and potentially leading to higher profit margins.

    Source: Koerner Office, He's 17 and Makes $300/Hour Flipping Couches - Ep. #323, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  24. Greatness Podcast Series

    A podcast series that explores the concept of 'being great' versus 'achieving greatness', featuring interviews with individuals who demonstrate extraordinary character in challenging situations.

    Source: My First Million, The surprising product that built Italy's richest family, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  25. AI-Powered Freelance Consultancy

    This business involves using AI tools like ChatGPT to provide consultancy services on platforms such as Upwork. Freelancers can pitch ideas and solutions to clients using AI-generated insights without needing extensive prior knowledge in...

    Source: Koerner Office, How a Mom of 3 Makes $50K a Month With AI (No Experience) - Ep. #322, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: under $250 · 5 to 10 hours a week · Online

  26. Documenting Greatness Journal

    A guided journal designed for individuals facing significant life challenges, encouraging them to document their thoughts, experiences, and growth over time. This could serve as a therapeutic tool to reflect on life's journey.

    Source: My First Million, The surprising product that built Italy's richest family, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  27. Empathy Workshops

    Workshops designed to teach participants the importance of empathy in personal and professional settings, using curiosity as a core principle to foster deeper understanding and connection.

    Source: My First Million, The surprising product that built Italy's richest family, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online and local

  28. Mystery Shopping Support Network

    A support network for mystery shoppers that provides resources, community support, and networking opportunities to help individuals succeed in their mystery shopping endeavors.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 752: $500/week as a Mystery Shopper, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online and local

  29. Family-Based Content Creation Network

    A collaborative network for families to create and promote video content together, leveraging their collective resources and audience to enhance reach and engagement.

    Source: Koerner Office, He Makes $25K a Month With Just His Phone - Ep. #321, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  30. Deep Link Optimization Service

    A service that helps content creators implement deep linking strategies to enhance traffic directing from social media platforms to their content on other platforms like YouTube or Amazon.

    Source: Koerner Office, He Makes $25K a Month With Just His Phone - Ep. #321, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: under $250 · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  31. Amazon Video Review Platform

    A service that helps users create and upload video reviews of products on Amazon to earn commissions. By simplifying the video creation process, users can leverage existing Amazon traffic to generate income without the need for high prod...

    Source: Koerner Office, He Makes $25K a Month With Just His Phone - Ep. #321, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 5 to 10 hours a week · Online

  32. Digital Marketing Resource Reseller

    A business model where individuals recommend and resell digital marketing products and resources to others looking to improve their online presence.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 751: The Most Random Ways You’ve Made Extra Money, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 5 to 10 hours a week · Online

  33. Reputation Building Platform

    A platform that helps individuals build their professional reputation by sharing knowledge and experiences through various content formats, especially optimized for social media.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, How I run a team of AI Agents 24/7, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  34. Personalized Cold Pitch Consultation

    Offer a consulting service that helps entrepreneurs and salespeople craft personalized cold pitches that stand out. This service would include workshops or one-on-one coaching to improve communication techniques.

    Source: Koerner Office, Speak Like a CEO With These 7 Simple Rules - Ep. #319, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  35. AI Agent Pitching Workshops

    Workshops aimed at teaching individuals how to effectively pitch AI solutions to businesses, focusing on articulating value and addressing potential concerns.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, FDE: The $1M/Year AI Job Explained, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online and local

  36. Reflection Journals

    A guided journaling service that helps individuals reflect on their personal experiences and learn from them, using structured prompts based on the principle of 'pain plus reflection equals progress.'

    Source: My First Million, Ray Dalio: The principles that made me a billionaire, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  37. RV Business Education Courses

    Online courses designed to educate aspiring RV rental business owners on how to effectively start and manage their own rental businesses.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, GH: Renting Out Other People’s RVs: How to Build a Six-Figure Business, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  38. AI Assessment Playbook

    A comprehensive guide that outlines the process of conducting AI assessments for small businesses. This playbook includes templates, workflows, and strategies to help new entrepreneurs launch a similar consultancy.

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, The $1,000/hour Solo AI business (Full Course), aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  39. SEO Automation Loop

    This business idea focuses on creating an automated system that utilizes AI to run continuous SEO improvement loops for websites. The AI can analyze Google Search Console data, experiment with different SEO strategies, and optimize websi...

    Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, Making $$$ with Loop Engineering, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $1K to $10K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

  40. Quick Start Business Playbook

    An online resource or consultancy that provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their businesses, particularly in leveraging global talent.

    Source: Koerner Office, Simple $30K/Month Online Business You Can Start for $200 - Ep. #313, aired

    Estimated: Start-up cost: $250 to $1K · 10 to 20 hours a week · Online

Real companies that fit this topic

Businesses guests described on the shows, matched by the same estimated tags. Figures are as stated in the episode summary.

  • Mike Hoffman's Vending Machine Business

    A business that involves purchasing vending machines to generate profit from sales at various locations.

    As stated: He finances vending machines with zero money down and has machines that can generate over $1,500 in revenue per month.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 672: 4 Types of Passive Income to Stop Trading Time for Money

  • Share Town

    A platform that facilitates the resale of returned items, primarily mattresses, furniture, and exercise equipment, by connecting individual resellers with customers.

    As stated: Resellers earn a profit from selling items and share a portion of the revenue with Share Town. The average expected profit per item is around $200-$250, with the revenue model involving multiple parties receiving cuts...

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 687: $200/Flip: Inside the Return Reselling Side Hustle

  • Rezeme

    A service that transforms resumes into infographics, enhancing their visual appeal while maintaining the same information.

    As stated: Charges $5 for creating infographics from resumes with unlimited revisions.

    Source: Koerner Office, What Types of Ideas are Worth Chasing Today?⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #155

  • Hampton

    A membership organization that connects entrepreneurs to provide accountability and support for business growth.

    As stated: The organization has over a thousand members and focuses on businesses with at least $3 million in annual revenue.

    Source: My First Million, Weird ways Ben Horowitz makes Founders more confident

  • Suno

    An AI music generation tool that allows users to create unique music tracks inexpensively.

    As stated: Costs approximately $10 to $20 per month to use, making it accessible for a wide range of users.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 742: $60k/mo Selling Baby Sleep Masks, the $72k “Secret” Detailing Business, $500k in Print on Demand Candles, and more

  • Zanya Monet

    An AI-generated music artist with significant streaming success on platforms like Spotify.

    As stated: $3 million record deal; potential earnings from Spotify streams, noting that 87% of tracks don't reach the minimum threshold for royalties.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, 742: $60k/mo Selling Baby Sleep Masks, the $72k “Secret” Detailing Business, $500k in Print on Demand Candles, and more

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