If you’re looking to start a side business that doesn’t consume a lot of time, you’re not alone. Many people want to supplement their income but have limited hours to dedicate to a new venture. Whether you have a few skills up your sleeve or just want something that fits into a busy schedule, here are some business ideas that could earn you a few hundred dollars a month with as little as 10 hours a week.
1. Presentation Design Services
Do you have a knack for creating visually appealing presentations? Many professionals, students, and businesses need polished slides but lack the time or design skills to make them shine. Offering presentation design or editing services could be your perfect fit. You can work from home, set your hours, and charge per project. Quick turnarounds are often needed, which means you can complete tasks within your 10-hour weekly limit while still earning a decent income.
2. Virtual Assistant for Organizational Tasks
If organizing is your thing, becoming a virtual assistant could be a great side business. Small business owners and busy professionals often need help managing their schedules, emails, and other administrative tasks. You can offer services like calendar management, appointment booking, and email organization—all of which can be done online. This role allows for flexibility, letting you set your hours and work within your 10-hour weekly availability.
3. Content Editing and Proofreading
Are you skilled in spotting typos and refining content? Content editing and proofreading services are in demand for blogs, websites, and academic papers. This business idea is perfect for someone looking for low-time commitment work that can be done entirely from home. You can charge by the word or page, allowing you to control your workload and income based on how much time you have each week.
4. Etsy Shop for Handcrafted Items
If you’re handy with building things, why not turn that skill into a small business? Creating and selling handcrafted items, like organizers, custom-built decor, or DIY kits, on Etsy could be a rewarding and creative outlet. You can produce items in bulk during your free time and list them on Etsy, where a built-in audience of buyers is already searching for unique, handmade goods. This approach allows you to work on your projects at your own pace, fitting them into your 10-hour weekly limit.
5. Online Course or Workshop
If you have expertise in a particular area, such as organization, presentation design, or basic woodworking, consider creating an online course or workshop. This idea is ideal for those looking to create a product once and earn passive income over time. Once you’ve developed the course material, you can sell it repeatedly with little ongoing effort. It’s a scalable way to monetize your knowledge and skills.
6. Digital Downloadables
Another low-effort business model is creating digital products, such as templates, planners, or organizational tools, that people can download and print. Digital products are easy to create, and once they’re available for sale, they require little maintenance. This allows you to generate passive income while focusing on other tasks or commitments.
7. Social Media Content Management
For those with a flair for social media, offering content management services to small businesses can be a lucrative side business. You can help businesses create and schedule posts, manage their online presence, and engage with their audience—all remotely and within flexible hours. Whether you focus on content creation, scheduling, or both, this business idea can easily fit into your 10-hour weekly schedule.
8. Handyman Consultation or Tutorials
If you’re handy with tools and enjoy DIY projects, consider offering virtual consultations or creating video tutorials. You can provide guidance on basic home projects without needing to do the physical labor yourself. This approach allows you to share your skills and knowledge with others while working from home, making it an ideal side business with minimal time commitment.
READ: African Business Ideas: Transforming Education and Skill Development
Conclusion
Starting a side business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing all your free time. With the right idea, you can leverage your skills, work from home, and keep your time investment low while still earning a few hundred dollars a month. Whether you’re organizing schedules, crafting presentations, or sharing your DIY knowledge, there’s a business idea that can fit into your life. The key is to choose something that aligns with your strengths and interests, making it both enjoyable and profitable.
By exploring these options, you can find a business that suits your needs, helps you achieve your financial goals, and fits seamlessly into your schedule.