What Business Should I Start? Find Ideas Real Founders Started (Filter by Budget and Skills)
Pick your budget, your hours and your skills. You get ten ideas that founders described on startup podcasts, ranked for you, each with the show, the episode and the date so you can hear it from the founder.
By Startup Seeds Editorial Team. Tags updated 2026-10-20.
Matched using AI-estimated tags; open the source episode to verify. Budget, time, skills and online/local are estimated by claude-haiku-4-5 (2026-10-20) from each idea's stored summary, not stated by the founder. 1,724 ideas are tagged so far. How we tag.
Your top 10 matches
1.Mobile Swim Instruction for Neighborhood Pools
This service provides swim instructors who travel to neighborhood pools to offer personalized swim lessons, catering to families in residential areas.
Problem it solves: Many families lack access to convenient swim lessons due to location or scheduling conflicts with traditional swim schools. Current swim schools often require families to travel, which can be time-consuming and logist...
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 20 to 40 hours a week; local; service; skills: customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching
Source: Koerner Office, My Favorite 5 Business Ideas in the Swimming Industry. Ep. #046, aired (listen)
Founder example: Swim Academy (by Josh Scott) - A unique swim school model focusing on quality instruction and strategic partnerships. Stated on the episode: Currently, Swim Academy operates five locations and has achieved seven-figure revenue with profit margins of 30-35%. They can reach 200 students per location, making them profitable from day one.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Set up a landing page describing your version of Swim Academy (by Josh Scott) - A unique swim school model focusing on quality instruction and strategic partnerships to gauge interest.
- Run small-scale ads to drive traffic to your landing page and collect email signups.
- Reach out to people who signed up to understand their specific needs.
2.Virtual Chess Coaching for Global Audience
This business offers virtual chess coaching sessions to students around the world, connecting them with expert coaches via online platforms.
Problem it solves: Many aspiring chess players lack access to quality coaching due to geographical limitations. Current online coaching options often do not provide personalized attention or tailored learning paths, leading to suboptima...
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 10 to 20 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, teaching and coaching
Source: The Side Hustle Show, From $17/hr to 6-Figure Side Hustle (Greatest Hits), aired (listen)
Founder example: Elite Chess - A side hustle turned thriving business where teaching chess became a community staple. Stated on the episode: From a modest start of $17 an hour, Elite Chess has grown to serve over 200 students weekly, with online classes pricing set at around $17-$25 per hour.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Find 10 potential customers for Elite Chess - A side hustle turned thriving business where teaching chess became a community staple and interview them about their pain points.
- Create a simple prototype or mockup based on the feedback gathered.
- Test your prototype with 5 of the interviewed customers to validate your solution.
3.International English Tutoring
A service that connects English-speaking tutors with students in non-English speaking countries, allowing tutors to teach English online while experiencing cultural exchange.
Problem it solves: It addresses the need for English language education in countries where access to native speakers is limited, providing students with effective learning opportunities.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching
Source: My First Million, The High School Dropout Who Made $2B & Bought an NBA Team, aired (listen)
Founder example: Qualtrics. Stated on the episode: Qualtrics was cash flow positive and had the ability to distribute profits to its founders, indicating a sustainable revenue model. The company was valued at $8 billion upon going public.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Key strategies included focusing on a specific market (universities), leveraging personal networks for early customers, and maintaining a relentless work ethic.
- They emphasized building a strong culture and relied on feedback from their clients to refine their offerings.
4.Professional Pet Waste Removal Service
A service dedicated to cleaning up pet waste in residential yards and public spaces.
Problem it solves: Pet owners struggle with the time-consuming and unpleasant task of cleaning up after their pets. Current options often involve inconsistent services or reliance on family and friends, which are not reliable.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, marketing and seo; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 10 to 20 hours a week; local; service; skills: customer service, marketing and seo
Source: The Side Hustle Show, The Sweaty Startup: How to Start a Local Service Business (Greatest Hits), aired (listen)
5.Social Media Ad Optimization Service
A service that assists businesses in setting up and optimizing their social media advertising campaigns, focusing on maximizing ROI through strategic targeting and ad management.
Problem it solves: Many businesses waste money on poorly optimized ads that fail to convert. This service ensures that advertising dollars are spent effectively to generate meaningful customer engagement and sales.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: In The Pit with Cody Schneider, Why Memes Beat Rage Bait for Real Revenue Growth, aired (listen)
Founder example: Sora. Stated on the episode: The cost for generating videos is mentioned as approximately 10 cents per 10-second video.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- The key strategy is to create a large volume of engaging short videos that can be used for marketing across various platforms.
6.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.
Problem it solves: Podcasters often struggle with their delivery and may not be aware of areas needing improvement. This service helps them refine their skills to produce better content.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 10 to 20 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching
Source: My First Million, 3 embarrassing moments that changed my life, aired (listen)
7.Review Collection Service
A service that helps new businesses collect and manage customer reviews to build social proof and trust, focusing on local service providers.
Problem it solves: Many new businesses struggle to establish credibility and attract customers due to a lack of reviews; this service provides a structured approach to collecting feedback.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $1K to $10K); uses your skills in customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $1K to $10K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: The Side Hustle Show, Zero to $6k a Month With a Mobile Detailing Business (Greatest Hits), aired (listen)
Founder example: Belk Mobile Detailing. Stated on the episode: Initially started with pricing at $30 for a full detail, and they have since raised their prices to around $90 for interior details and $140 for full details, with aims to charge $40-$50 per hour.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- They utilize social media for marketing, prioritize customer reviews, and focus on building a strong relationship with clients through excellent service.
- They also employ Facebook ads and targeted promotions for special occasions.
8.Mindset Coaching for Athletes
A coaching service that provides mental training and mindset strategies specifically for athletes, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and performance under pressure.
Problem it solves: This service addresses the mental barriers and performance anxiety that athletes face, helping them to maintain focus and adaptability during competitions.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in customer service, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; service; skills: customer service, teaching and coaching
Source: My First Million, The man who made a billion off blueberries, aired (listen)
Founder example: Bubble
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Focuses on empowering users to create applications through a drag-and-drop interface, significantly reducing development time and costs.
Founder example: The Ringer. Stated on the episode: The Ringer was sold to Spotify for $200 million.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Simmons emphasizes authenticity in writing and content creation, allowing for a personal touch that connects with the audience.
9.Concierge Health Optimization
A personalized health service that combines advanced blood testing with concierge medical support to help clients proactively improve their health and wellness. Clients receive a comprehensive analysis of their bloodwork and a tailored action plan to enhanc...
Problem it solves: Many people rely on traditional healthcare, which is typically reactive rather than proactive. This service addresses the need for individuals to take charge of their health by providing actionable insights based on t...
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $50K to $100K); uses your skills in customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $50K to $100K; full-time (40+ hours); hybrid; service; skills: customer service, data and analytics, marketing and seo, teaching and coaching
Source: My First Million, How to retire with millions (and pay $0 taxes), aired (listen)
Founder example: Function Health. Stated on the episode: Achieved $100 million in revenue in a short period; initial tests offered at around $500.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Combines advanced lab testing with personalized health coaching, providing a comprehensive suite of services.
Founder example: Chennai Super Kings
How they started, per the episode summary:
- The team benefits from the popularity of cricket in India, a country where cricket is the dominant sport, leading to a massive fan base and revenue potential.
10.Email and SMS Marketing Automation
Implementing an automated marketing system using tools like Klaviyo to manage email and SMS campaigns that engage customers, provide discounts, and remind them of subscription renewals.
Problem it solves: This business idea addresses the need for effective customer communication to enhance engagement and encourage repeat purchases, reducing churn in subscription services.
Why it fits you: fits your budget of $100K (estimated start-up cost: $250 to $1K); uses your skills in data and analytics, marketing and seo; is a service business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 10 to 20 hours a week; online; service; skills: data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 744: $11k MRR from our 1-Year-Old Side Hustle, aired (listen)
Founder example: Shopify
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Utilizes proven templates for storefront design and built-in AI for product photography, making it easier for businesses to focus on sales and marketing.
Founder example: Loop Subscription
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Enables businesses to easily set up and manage subscription options for their products.
Founders who built something like this
Real businesses from the same podcasts whose estimated tags also match your filters. Revenue is only shown when the episode summary states it.
Google Maps Optimization Business
A service aimed at helping local businesses manage their online reviews and improve their visibility on Google Maps.
Stated on the episode: The individual started by running Facebook ads at $30 a day, booking calls for $18 each, and aimed to close clients at prices between $400-$600 per month.
- The key strategy involved getting on sales calls with potential customers, asking probing questions to understand their struggles, and adjusting the service offerings based on feedback.
Source: Koerner Office, You’re Doing Everything Except the One Thing That Works w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #187
A mobile car detailing service started by college students Josh and his brother, offering cleaning and detailing services for vehicles at customers' locations.
Stated on the episode: Initially started with pricing at $30 for a full detail, and they have since raised their prices to around $90 for interior details and $140 for full details, with aims to charge $40-$50 per hour.
- They utilize social media for marketing, prioritize customer reviews, and focus on building a strong relationship with clients through excellent service.
- They also employ Facebook ads and targeted promotions for special occasions.
Source: The Side Hustle Show, Zero to $6k a Month With a Mobile Detailing Business (Greatest Hits)
Heritage Business Services - A virtual bookkeeping service founded by Kate Johnson
Heritage Business Services is a virtual bookkeeping service that helps small businesses manage their financial records and accounting needs. Founded by Kate Johnson, who initially had no formal bookkeeping experience,...
Stated on the episode: Kate's bookkeeping service is projected to generate between $80,000 to $90,000 in client services this year, with an additional income stream from her influencer activities that matches that amount, totaling over $150...
- Identify Your Niche: Determine the specific service you want to provide (e.g., bookkeeping, virtual assistance) and choose a software that complements that service (e.g., QuickBooks, FreshBooks).
- Educate Yourself: Take relevant courses or utilize free resources online to gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of bookkeeping and the software you’ll be using.
- Network and Market: Attend local networking events and leverage social media to introduce yourself as a service provider.
Source: The Side Hustle Show, $70 an Hour from Home? How to Start a Bookkeeping Side Hustle (Greatest Hits)
A YouTube channel and recording studio that offers space for musicians to record and produce videos.
Stated on the episode: $200 to $2000 per month in revenue, depending on the month.
- Focus on both audio and video production to attract a wider range of clients, including bands and video production companies.
Source: Koerner Office, Stop Buying Things. Start Buying Assets that Pay for Themselves⏐Ep. #281
Indexey, founded by Jackie Choo, is an agency that specializes in helping companies enhance their online presence and revenue through effective SEO tactics. They focus on creating affiliate programs and monetizing exi...
Stated on the episode: Jackie mentions that he generates around $200,000 a month through various internet businesses, primarily driven by SEO. He has helped clients scale from $10K to over $400K in monthly revenue in just a few months.
- Identify companies with high web traffic but low monetization (look for legacy media or VC-backed startups).
- Develop a proposal that outlines how you can monetize their traffic through affiliate programs or content marketing.
- Create a partnership agreement that includes revenue sharing (e.g., a 50/50 split on affiliate revenue generated).
Source: In The Pit with Cody Schneider, the truth about ai content: what's working and what's not
How to choose a business to start
Start with the constraint you cannot change
For most people it is money or time, not imagination. If you have a job and ten hours a week, a business that needs forty hours and a warehouse is not a real option, however good it sounds. Set budget and hours first and let the list shrink.
Use skills you already have
An idea that needs sales when you have only ever written code will cost you months. The skills filter keeps ideas where most of the needed skills are ones you picked, and shows you which ones matched.
Check the source before you commit
A summary of a podcast episode is not a business plan. Open the episode, hear how the founder described the costs and the first customers, and treat our tags as a way to shortlist, not as a verdict.
How we tag the ideas
- We read each idea and founder example from our database that is released and has enough text to judge.
- An AI model (see the tag date above) assigns fixed-vocabulary tags: estimated start-up cost band, weekly hours band, up to four skills, business model, online or local, whether it can be run from home, and whether it fits a side income or needs full-time focus. It also reports a confidence score and may answer "unknown".
- Only ideas with a confidence of at least 70% can appear in results. Unknown answers never satisfy a filter.
- Ranking uses the number of filters an idea meets, how many of its skills you have, and the confidence score. If fewer than ten ideas meet every filter we relax one filter at a time and tell you which.
- We spot-check a random sample by hand and fix the prompt when a pattern of errors shows up.
Frequently asked questions
- What business should I start if I have no experience?
- Start from your constraints, not from a trend. Pick the most money you can spend and the hours you can give, then keep only the ideas whose required skills you already have or can learn quickly. The finder does that filtering across ideas that founders described on startup podcasts, and every result links to the episode so you can hear the details before you decide.
- What business can I start with $10,000?
- Ideas with an estimated start-up cost of $10,000 or less are mostly service businesses, content and media businesses, and small software or ecommerce projects. Set the budget filter to "Up to $10,000" to see them, then open the source episode for each one to check the real costs.
- Can I start a business while keeping my job?
- Yes, many of the ideas can run alongside a job. Choose "Side income" as your goal and set the hours you can give each week. The finder hides ideas that look like they need full-time focus and shows what each match was estimated to need.
- Where do these business ideas come from?
- Every idea was pulled from a real episode of a startup podcast we cover, such as My First Million, The Side Hustle Show, The Startup Ideas Podcast, Koerner Office and In The Pit with Cody Schneider. Each result names the show, the episode and the air date and links to it. Nothing on this page is invented.
- How are the budget, hours and skills determined?
- They are estimates. An AI model read the stored summary of each idea and assigned a start-up cost band, weekly hours, skills, and whether the business is online or local, with a confidence score. Only ideas above a confidence threshold appear in results. The estimates can be wrong, so open the source episode to verify before you commit money or time.
- Is the idea finder free?
- Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up. Results and the URL you share are generated from the filters you pick.