The future of business lies in solving tomorrow’s problems with today’s creativity. Whether it’s low-tech trash collection or stress-relieving landscaping services, many of these ventures demand little startup capital yet deliver impressive returns.
But how do you spot them? That’s exactly what we’ve tackled. In this blog, we’ll reveal 12 under-the-radar industries ripe for success. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer eager to escape the 9-to-5 grind, these ideas will point you toward launching your own business.
Are you ready to transform your garage into a goldmine?
1. Asphalt maintenance
As infrastructure ages, construction projects boom, and extreme weather damages roads, parking lots, and driveways, demand for asphalt repair and maintenance is surging.
Over 94% of paved roads in the U.S. use asphalt, which requires regular repairs or resurfacing. The U.S. asphalt market is projected to hit $70.72 million by 2027, driven by rising road construction and infrastructure development, particularly in growing regions.
This business can also expand to serve shopping malls, warehouses, and even hospitals. With low material costs, it can achieve profit margins of 20% to 50%.
2. E-commerce
Think e-commerce is outdated? Think again. In 2024, global e-commerce sales surpassed $7 trillion and are projected to exceed $10.4 trillion by 2028.
Even small startups can compete by leveraging direct sales, micro-influencers, and AI chatbots that process orders 24/7—giving them the potential to outpace industry giants.With e-commerce operating costs dropping and price wars intensifying due to product similarities, choosing a niche market is essential before launching your online business.
Related article: Is E-Commerce Worth It?
3. Energy storage system
The global transition to renewable energy and grid modernization has created a trillion-dollar opportunity in energy storage systems. The global energy storage market is projected to hit $204.8 billion by 2033, growing at a 14.8% annual rate.
You can generate electricity through solar or wind farms, store the energy, or produce batteries for homes to sell to consumers.
Additionally, power grids urgently need energy storage to prevent blackouts and balance supply—creating another revenue stream by selling stored electricity back to the grid.
4. Elderly care
Elderly care is increasingly viewed as a profitable industry as the elderly population continues to grow.
With over 65% of American households having all adults employed, families have less capacity to provide care. Research shows that the elderly care market is projected to reach $2.88 trillion by 2030.
Traditionally, elderly care might have meant nursing homes. Today, thanks to technological advances and rising expectations, it extends far beyond medical services. From in-home health aides to luxury retirement communities, all fall under the umbrella of elder care.
5. Landscaping
Unlike one-time jobs, landscaping thrives on repeat customers. The landscaping service market is projected to reach $484.79 billion by 2030, with the U.S. accounting for 83.92% of North America’s market share in 2024.
But is landscaping just about mowing lawns and planting flowers? Not at all—it’s a resilient, recession-proof industry where creativity meets profitability. Unique garden designs give you a competitive edge, allowing you to craft custom outdoor spaces tailored to each client’s vision.
6. Car cleaning and beauty
Customers are happy to spend generously on their vehicles. The global car detailing market is valued at $10.18billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $16.35 billion by 2033.
By offering mobile services, you can cut costs by eliminating brick-and-mortar locations. Implementing a monthly membership model creates reliable recurring revenue. This business requires minimal staff, keeping operational expenses low.
Adding car wrapping services can boost profits even further – wrapping generates higher margins than basic car washing services.
7. Technical services
Unlike physical businesses, technology services thrive on digital delivery. A single software tool or cloud-based platform can serve thousands of customers worldwide. The global technology services market is projected to hit $1.88 trillion by 2029.
You can launch a startup to bring your company’s products to market or offer technical support services to other businesses.
The primary cost for a technology service company is skilled labor, but once you have the expertise, scaling up requires minimal additional expenses. Thereafter, the focus shifts to maintaining smooth software operations.
8. AI services
AI services resemble the technical services mentioned earlier, but they lean more toward replacing manual labor.
The concept of AI was introduced long ago, but it wasn’t until ChatGPT emerged that AI services truly exploded in popularity, bringing the technology into the mainstream. According to industry reports, the AI services market is expected to reach $1.01 trillion by 2031.
You could explore entering AI for applications like agricultural crop yield prediction or logistics route optimization. However, the AI you develop must continuously learn within these fields to maintain accurate results.
9. Waste collection
Some might be surprised that waste collection—not typically seen as a glamorous industry—can actually be highly profitable. While often overlooked, this sector addresses massive societal demand.
The waste collection and management market is projected to generate $1.97 trillion in revenue by 2030. In Los Angeles, garbage collection fees average $36.32 per month for single-family homes and $24.33 for multi-family residences.
Recyclable materials within collected waste can create additional revenue streams. To ensure stable income, companies often secure multi-year contracts with municipal governments.
10. Pet subscription box
The pet industry is thriving, with owners increasingly spending on their pets and treating them like family. This has cultivated a large, loyal customer base willing to invest in high-quality products.
The global pet subscription box market was valued at $823.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1,674.3 million by 2030. Leading brands like BarkBox and PupBox typically charge between $22 and $49 per month.
Since dog and cat subscription boxes already face strong competition, you could stand out by niching down—focusing on reptiles or premium products instead.
11. Personalized nutrition and health
Your diet no longer relies on generic calorie counts or trendy superfoods but is instead customized to your unique physiological needs, creating a demand for personalized solutions.
The global personalized retail nutrition and health market is valued at $3.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to approximately $16.25 billion by 2034.
If you’re looking to break into this industry, consider developing niche products and targeting underserved segments, such as children or the elderly.
12. Online tutoring
Online tutoring is thriving because of its low overhead, scalability, and alignment with worldwide education trends. The market is expected to generate $23.73 billion in revenue by 2030.
You can monetize your expertise by pre-recording group lessons and hosting live Q&A sessions—much of the course content can be resold without extra costs.
If you can’t meet student demand yourself, you can hire qualified tutors from regions with lower salary expectations to handle the workload.
How to start a profitable business?
There’s no magic formula for launching a profitable business, but here are key steps to consider:
Find a problem worth solving
This is similar to market research—identify pain points in daily life, gaps in your industry, or underserved markets. Focus on a real need people have and create a solution for it.
Validate your idea before investing
Avoid wasting time and money on assumptions. Test your concept first using surveys, social media polls, or a minimum viable product (MVP). For instance, if you’re launching an eco-friendly subscription box, offer a limited trial to early adopters.
Build a brand, not just a business
Profitability isn’t just about transactions—it’s about emotional connections. Craft a compelling brand story and a distinctive visual identity so customers can connect with and trust you.
Be customer-centric
Long-term success comes from putting your audience first. Use data analytics to personalize experiences, actively gather feedback, and refine quickly. Retaining customers is cheaper than acquiring new ones, and happy buyers become repeat clients and brand advocates.
FAQ
Are there any low-cost, high-profit businesses?
We’ve covered this in another article: 15 Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit. Check it out for more details.
What is the easiest business to start for profit?
Creating online courses is one of the simplest ways to start a business, with minimal investment and risk.
Which industries have the highest profit margins?
Tech services and AI companies rank among the most profitable industries.
Do these businesses require a lot of upfront investment?
It depends. Some, like online tutoring, can launch cheaply using existing tools, while others, like pet subscription boxes, may need more upfront capital.
Are these businesses sustainable long-term, or are they just short-term trends?
Most are based on lasting trends (e.g., landscaping, car detailing, personalized health), but they must adapt to shifting consumer demands and regulations.
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