Being a single mom is tough, especially when you are exploring any potential ideas of starting a side business to supplement your regular paycheck. You likely feel a lack of time and money to invest in a new business venture, or you are simply struggling with coming up with one that will work for you.
We recognize the challenges of being a single mom while starting your own business, needing to juggle family obligations, and personal needs, and balancing the budget. It is little wonder that having the funds to start a new business venture is not generally available. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done.
We will talk about some business ideas that these mompreneurs can take up that do not require taking an investment risk against their family’s future. Many of these can actually be quite profitable.
Business Ideas For Single Moms
1. Blogging
While the option of freelance writing is always out there, some single moms would rather pursue mommy blogging, a trend that has picked up quite a bit of steam recently, making it a great time to jump right into it. After all, who can relate more to mothers than fellow mothers, right? Mommy blogging is a blend of writing prowess, curating child-care experience, innovation of approaches, and the relatability of a fellow mother.
Motherhood faces tons of challenges, never mind when one is going at it solo, meaning that there are going to be plenty of mothers dealing with things that they could turn to a parenting blog for as a helpful resource. It is also a fantastic place to visit for young first-time moms or soon-to-be moms who may have questions about their recent motherhood. Ultimately, it is this audience that begins to form a big network of support moms.
The blog also serves as a creative outlet where single moms can “escape” their motherly thoughts for a moment, and talk about other things that interest them. But what about making money? Well, a blog is a great place to make money if it is utilized in terms of marketing, advertising, and monetization strategies. Doing so could prove to be quite lucrative.
To start a blog you simply need a domain name that you can get from Namecheap, a hosting provider for which Hostgator is a great choice, a theme from Elegantthemes, and an AWeber tool for email collections.
2. Nutritional Consulting
Moms who are well-versed in nutrition and healthy eating habits could try their hand at being nutrition consultants. With the right setup of their homes, they can even bring clients into their houses to consult on nutritional topics. Dieticians who practice their business from their homes require waivers, business licenses, and various degrees. As long as all of the paperwork is in order, using one’s nutrition expertise to run a flexible, easy-to-operate business is a great way to make money as a single mom.
3. Advisory Services
If you have ample experience as a career woman, you can try your hand at starting a consulting firm. These can operate on a part-time basis, with the hours being flexible around the care of the children in your home. The one catch is that to succeed in his field, consulting should be related to the consultant’s academic background. If you have a psychology degree, once you obtain a license to practice, you can start operating your advisory business that way.
Media relations, event management, and public relations are all also great alternative advisory career choices, since practicing these allow you to pursue an entrepreneurial venture while still dedicating the necessary time you need to spend with your children. There are many other consulting fields out there to choose from as well including those in career and marriage counseling, as well as the financial realm.
4. Content Creator
There is a high demand out there for ladies with an aptitude for writing, so it is important not to overlook content writing as a great profession for single mothers with a knack for writing to get into. This can be done in many forms, whether it is in the form of writing for your own blog, a freelance platform, or as a contributor to an existing blog.
As a content creator, you do not need to have been a journalist. All you need is sometimes set aside when the kids go to school to dedicate themselves to writing from home. The key is to manage assignments and stick to deadlines, then control your own work pace and your workload. If the content creator has a specialty in a particular area, that might be a niche worth dedicating themselves to. As the writing contributions get better in quality, the writer’s charges can also increase.
Another advantageous move is to become a blogger in the realm of travel and/or food. These are not only massively popular topics but they also allow for greater chances of being endorsed by major brands. The more writing you do, the more you will improve, and the reviews left on your projects will reflect your advancement.
The more quality work that is included in your portfolio, the more sought after you will be with more prominent clients who are willing to pay more for great work. Many freelance content creators working on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are earning better money than many white-collar full-time employees, so it is important to not discount this avenue of monetization.
5. Baby-Sitting Business
Single mothers who live alone with their children can start a babysitting business in their homes. As long as the government approves the business, the home has adequate space, a proper staff, administration, and sufficient resources for the children are provided, having a home host a babysitting center is a great idea for moms who are great with kids. You may even get a lot of business from neighbors in your area.
Of course, not everyone can do this job. It takes a lot of patients, quick thinking, caution, and most importantly, interacting with children has to be work that one enjoys. You will need to have first aid equipment, age-appropriate toys, water, juices, milk, and various snacks. You will also need to be aware of how to deal with allergies and be organized in keeping the contact information of the parents.
6. Beauty Parlors And Salons
Many women like to go to salons for touchups and makeup sessions, but not everyone can afford to go to branded parlors. Many want to go to reasonably priced locations. With just one employee besides yourself, you can open a salon or beauty shop and operate it from the comfort of your own home. You can also rent a small store space to provide your service to clients. The salon can be either only for a specific gender or serves either sex.
Customers should be able to get the basic services they need from your business. To provide the services you will need to complete a course for certification or hire a professional to help complete certain tasks. Don’t forget to set a benchmark, compare your services to the costs, and set reasonable rates based on the pricing of the competition in the same sphere.
7. Dog Walking Service For The Community
While it isn’t a groundbreaking business idea, those moms who enjoy the company of dogs can make extra money by walking dogs for clients. This can be done either while the kids are at school or after they get home if they would also like the company. That way, mothers can spend the day with their children while enjoying the company of some dogs who are happy to expand their energy on walks.
To start, it helps to check in with neighbors who have dogs and might be interested in outsourcing walking duties. You can charge either by the hour or set a weekly charge for repeat clients.
8. Perform A Pick-Up Services For School Children
Since most jobs go from 8 AM to 5 PM, picking up kids from schools ranging from elementary to high school can be tough for working mothers. Since schools end anywhere between 2 PM and 3 PM, working hours make it harder for parents to get their children on time, resulting in extra expenditures of keeping them in aftercare.
For single moms who may already be picking up their children from school, it might be advantageous to wait around, pick up, and drive home several other children for a little extra cash. It will cost their parents far less than after-school services, and they will appreciate you for the effort, and be happy to pay.
Importantly, some states will require a specific type of driver’s license, as well as supplemental insurance to perform this type of service. With careful initial budget planning in that regard, the first few years can be an excellent business to pursue some income supplementing funds.
9. Online Influencer For Parents
Thanks to social media, parents can now connect with other parents more easily. Some choose to communicate their messages to other parents through writing, others through blogging. But some parents aren’t comfortable with either of those, but they are happy to reach other parents through YouTube videos or Instagram microcontent. Even Facebook has groups where people who have common interests can connect and converse.
You can earn extra money in a variety of ways as an online influencer. Once you have a following that is loyal and trusts your opinions and judgment, you can market products to them. Businesses that sell these products will compensate you for the effort. You can also become an affiliate marketer where you offer a link to a particular product, and when it is purchased, you collect a commission for the sale.
10. Host An Airbnb
Single mothers who are available at odd hours when many property owners cannot be can better serve the needs of their guests. This allows the opening of setting up a career as an Airbnb host. With additional flexibility during normal office hours, you can be available to assist your guests.
You can perform a variety of services for guests or homeowners. These can include key management, laundry and cleaning services, amenity restocking, and various other chores. The clients could be charged a fee per unit or per visit. This is a good strategy to use especially in big cities with Airbnb rentals are plentiful.
11. Event Coordinator
Single mothers who are very organized and have a knack for arranging events and managing people, as well as have the creative ability to offer unique ideas for special occasions, can try their hand at event planning. Anyone who is even remotely good at this line of work can start making good money quickly, charging clients either per project or per hour for the distinguished service.
When creative juices are allowed to freely flow, it is not hard to impress clients who hire you for the effort of organizing their special occasions or events. Perhaps they need to have a vacation booked or a birthday party planned. While the kids are at school, single, creative moms can get to work, planning out events and making the necessary arrangements.
12. Selling Gift Baskets
Most of us know the perils of finding that perfect present for a loved one or a friend. Luckily, some people are fantastic at coming up with great gift ideas. Some even make a business venture out of it by putting together custom gift baskets for various significant occasions. The key is to know how to put together high-quality packages while keeping costs down.
It is important to have gift basket supplies, as well as wholesale choices in case multiple orders are placed in proximity of each other. Established relationships with other suppliers for various products, including boxes, should also be set up. A great idea here is to partner with businesses for voucher deals or gather samples of products to help elevate sales.
To advertise your gift basket business you can promote them at local events and even sell them at local retailers, advertising them through your own website and various social media platforms. Another great place for creative gift basket sales is Etsy(Open an Etsy shop and list your first 40 items free).
13. Virtual bookkeeping/tax preparation:
Virtual bookkeeping and tax preparation services are growing in demand as many businesses and individuals prefer the convenience and flexibility of working with professionals online. A single mom with a background in accounting or finance could start a virtual bookkeeping business, offering services such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting to clients from the comfort of their home.
This type of business offers the ability to have a flexible schedule and reach a wide range of clients from anywhere, which can be particularly appealing to single mothers trying to balance work and family responsibilities. However, it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest tax laws and regulations and to have a solid understanding of accounting principles to succeed in this field.
14. Home cleaning/organization services:
Home cleaning and organization services can be a rewarding business for single mothers who enjoy helping others and have an eye for detail. This type of business allows for flexible scheduling, as services can be provided in the evenings or on weekends. Additionally, there is a high demand for these services, as many individuals and families need help finding the time to keep their homes clean and organized.
To start a home cleaning and organization business, it is essential to have strong time management skills and the ability to work efficiently. Marketing the business through word-of-mouth, social media, and online directories can attract new clients and grow the business. Offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service can also help differentiate the business and establish a positive reputation in the community.
15. Personal chef/meal prep services:
Personal chef and meal prep services can be a lucrative business for single mothers with a passion for cooking and a desire to help others. This type of business offers the opportunity to work flexible hours and bring healthy, home-cooked meals to individuals and families who don’t have the time or desire to cook for themselves. To start a personal chef and meal prep business, it’s important to have strong culinary skills, as well as knowledge of food safety and hygiene.
Marketing the business through social media, online directories, and local advertisements can help reach potential clients, and offering menu customization, affordable prices, and exceptional customer service can help establish a positive reputation in the community.
16. Online tutoring/teaching:
Online tutoring and teaching can be a fulfilling business for single mothers who have a passion for education and a desire to help others. This type of business offers the flexibility to work from home and to set your own hours, making it ideal for single mothers who are trying to balance work and family responsibilities.
To start an online tutoring or teaching business, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the subject matter you want to teach, as well as strong communication and organization skills. Marketing the business through social media, online directories, and local advertisements can help reach potential clients, and offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service can help establish a positive reputation in the community. Skillshare is what you need to start your online tutoring business.
17. Social media management:
Social media management is a growing business that can be lucrative for single mothers who have strong social media skills and a desire to help others. This type of business offers the flexibility to work from home and to set your own hours, making it ideal for single mothers who are trying to balance work and family responsibilities. To be successful in social media management, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and best practices.
One popular platform for social media management is Pinterest, where tools such as Tailwind can help automate and optimize the process of scheduling and publishing pins. By offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service, a single mother can establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful social media management business.
18. Graphic design services:
Graphic design services are in high demand as businesses and individuals seek visually appealing designs for websites, logos, and other marketing materials. This can be a fulfilling business opportunity for single mothers with a creative eye and a passion for design.
To start a graphic design business, it’s important to have a solid understanding of design software such as Canva and to be able to create visually appealing designs that meet clients’ needs. Platforms such as Fiverr can help reach a wider audience and find new clients for the business. Offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service can help establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful graphic design business.
19. Virtual event planning:
Virtual event planning is a growing business that can be lucrative for single mothers with a passion for organization and a desire to help others. With the rise of remote work and virtual events, there is a high demand for individuals who can help plan, coordinate, and execute successful virtual events.
To start a virtual event planning business, it’s important to have strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the various virtual event platforms and tools available. Offering competitive prices, exceptional customer service, and a strong portfolio of successful virtual events can help establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful virtual event planning business.
20. Home renovation/interior design services:
Home renovation and interior design services can be a lucrative business for single mothers with a passion for design and a desire to help others. This type of business offers the opportunity to work flexible hours and to bring new life to homes and spaces through creative renovations and design solutions.
To start a home renovation and interior design business, it’s important to have strong design skills, as well as knowledge of construction and safety codes. Marketing the business through social media, online directories, and local advertisements can help reach potential clients, and offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service can help establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful home renovation and interior design business.
21. Online courses or coaching program:
Online courses or coaching programs can be a fulfilling business for single mothers who have a passion for teaching and a desire to help others. With the rise of online learning, there is a high demand for individuals who can offer their expertise and guidance through comprehensive courses or coaching programs. To start an online course or coaching program, it’s important to have strong subject matter expertise and a desire to share your knowledge with others.
Platforms such as Skillshare can help reach a wider audience and find new clients for the business. Offering competitive prices, exceptional customer service, and a well-structured course or coaching program can help establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful online course or coaching program business.
22. Voiceover work:
Voiceover work can be a lucrative business for single mothers who have a clear and engaging speaking voice and a desire to use their voice to bring stories and messages to life. To start a voiceover business, it’s important to invest in quality equipment and to practice regularly to develop and refine your voiceover skills.
Platforms such as Fiverr can help reach a wider audience and find new clients for the business. By offering competitive prices and delivering high-quality voiceover work, a single mother can establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful voiceover business.
23. Online store for vintage/secondhand items:
An online store for vintage or secondhand items can be a fulfilling business for single mothers with a passion for unique, vintage items and a desire to help others find special pieces for their own collections. Platforms such as Etsy offer a marketplace for individuals to set up their own online store and reach a wide audience of potential customers.
To start an online store for vintage or secondhand items, it’s important to have a good understanding of the market for vintage items and to be able to source and curate a selection of high-quality, unique pieces. By offering competitive prices, exceptional customer service, and a well-curated selection of vintage or secondhand items, a single mother can establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful online store.
24. Social media influencer:
Being a social media influencer can be a lucrative business for single mothers with a strong presence on social media platforms and a desire to share their experiences and perspectives with a large audience. To become a social media influencer, it’s essential to identify a niche area of interest and to develop a consistent, engaging content strategy across multiple platforms. Building a large and engaged following can be a slow process.
Still, by consistently producing high-quality content and engaging with her followers, a single mother can establish a positive reputation and grow a successful social media influencer business.
25. Personal finance/budgeting services:
Personal finance and budgeting services can be a fulfilling business for single mothers with a passion for finance and a desire to help others make the most of their money. With the increasing importance of managing personal finances in today’s economy, there is a high demand for individuals who can provide expert advice and guidance in budgeting and financial management.
To start a personal finance and budgeting services business, it’s important to have strong knowledge of personal finance principles and a desire to help others make informed decisions about their money. Offering competitive prices and exceptional customer service can help establish a positive reputation in the community and grow a successful personal finance and budgeting services business.
26. Personal stylist services for kids:
Personal stylist services for kids can be a fulfilling business for single mothers with a passion for fashion and a desire to help children look and feel their best. With the increasing importance of personal style and appearance, there is a high demand for individuals who can provide expert advice and guidance in children’s fashion and wardrobe management.
To start a personal stylist services business for kids, it’s important to have a strong understanding of kids’ fashion trends and to be able to help children select clothing that is both stylish and appropriate for their age and lifestyle.
27. Personal nutrition planning/meal prep:
Personal nutrition planning and meal prep services can be a fulfilling business for single mothers with a passion for healthy living and a desire to help others achieve their nutrition and fitness goals. With the increasing emphasis on healthy eating and the rise of meal prep services, there is a high demand for individuals who can provide expert advice and guidance in nutrition planning and meal preparation.
To start a personal nutrition planning and meal prep services business, it’s important to have a strong understanding of nutrition science and to be able to create healthy and delicious meal plans for clients.
28. Rent-a-garden services:
Rent-a-garden services can be a profitable business opportunity for single mothers with a green thumb and an entrepreneurial spirit. By offering individuals and families the chance to rent their own personal garden space, rent-a-garden services can tap into the growing trend of urban gardening and generate significant revenue through rental fees.
To start a rent-a-garden services business, it’s important to have a solid business plan, a strong understanding of market demand, and the ability to manage costs effectively in order to maximize profitability.
29. Home-based pet grooming services:
Home-based pet grooming services can be a rewarding business for single mothers who love animals and have a desire to provide quality pet care. With the increasing popularity of pet ownership and the growing demand for at-home pet grooming services, there is a growing market for individuals who can offer personalized and convenient grooming options for pet owners.
To start a home-based pet grooming services business, it’s important to have a strong understanding of pet grooming techniques and to be able to provide a clean and safe environment for pets.
30. Personalized gift wrapping services:
Personalized gift wrapping services offer custom packaging for gifts. Customers can choose the type of wrapping paper, ribbon, and other embellishments to create a unique and personalized look. These services are often offered by gift shops or online retailers and can add a special touch to any gift.
The service is convenient as the store will wrap the gift for you, saving time and effort. Personalized gift wrapping is a great way to show someone you care and add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to a gift.
Business Ideas For Single Moms: Final Thoughts
As a single mother, you may feel restricted from engaging in a small business, but you have no reason to limit yourself. We have presented some great starting ideas in this post, but learning new skills and developing new abilities keeps you adaptable, and that makes you invaluable. If you can work remotely while the kids are at school, the world of opportunities opens even wider.
Mainly, keep in mind that the idea is to enter a business that allows you to leverage what you already have while spending and investing little for the start-up. If you have the desire, willingness, and energy to dedicate the necessary time and effort to your business venture, you can make it work wonders for you.
Don’t miss out on your chance to discover the best business ideas for women! Explore 30 profitable ideas that will empower you to take control of your career and financial future. Click now to read the next article and take the first step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams!
Frequently asked questions:
Do I need to hire an attorney to start a small business?
You do not need to hire a dedicated attorney to start a small business. You can start a small business as a solopreneur with online services such as RocketLawyer and LegalZoom. But, that isn’t to say that hiring a lawyer is a bad idea if you can budget for and afford one.
I’m Thomas, founder of Genie Dollars, a platform sharing proven strategies for making money online. With experience in affiliate marketing, print-on-demand, and freelance writing, I aim to inspire and guide others toward financial freedom through online entrepreneurship.
