Top 19 cybersecurity business ideas

Automotive cybersecurity

An automotive cybersecurity business provides ongoing connected vehicle data protections and threat intelligence preventing unauthorized vehicle system access or safety component manipulations. As vehicles increasingly integrate complex connected information and entertainment features vulnerable to interference, preventative infosec consulting and penetration testing identify risks within manufacturers’ expansive supply chains and post-market emerging attack tactics affecting operations.

Specializing first around over-the-air software update best practices or anomaly detection, independent cybersecurity researchers work collaboratively to enhance layered vehicular controls and safeguard driver experiences before incidents propagate. Over time, advising on evolving regulatory policies and validating real-time response capabilities ensures automakers uphold duty-of-care promises made around safety-critical system resiliency against bad actors.

How much you can make: $100,000 – $5 million+ annually
How much does it cost to start: $50,000 – $500,000
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Cyber security consulting

Cyber security consulting provides expertise that helps individuals and organizations identify, prevent, and respond to digital threats like hacking, data theft, or technology exploit vulnerabilities. Offering outsourced guidance tailored to client-specific needs, cybersecurity consultants conduct risk assessments before advising optimal software, policies, and employee training that uphold reliable protections. For leaders struggling with limited IT resources internally, specialized direction grants essential cyber safety knowledge that avoids overpaying for unused off-shelf products alone.

Consultants also stay abreast of the latest attack developments to best future-proof client capabilities amid constantly evolving digital threat landscapes requiring vigil adaptability. As life and business data move increasingly online, proactive readiness uplifts preparedness helping enterprises concentrate on growth plans rather than risk disruptions through overlooked gaps targeted by malicious actors.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Incident response services

Incident response services provide immediate expert assistance to organizations affected by cyberattacks, data breaches or technology failures to minimize business disruption damages through urgent triage containment. After formally assessing compromised assets like hacked servers while tracing perpetrator actions, responders advise tactical next steps neutralizing further customer or financial loss threats. Immediate crisis management & communication guidance prove invaluable for leaders navigating chaotic stakeholder anxieties after the alarms trigger too.

With privacy penalties rising, outsourced response specialists supply independent accountability given internal IT staff are often overwhelmed once sophisticated attacks succeed initial defenses even when closely monitored. As contingency readiness becomes inexcusable amid nonstop connectivity, response teams grant essential speed, scale, and objectivity so enterprises can course-correct focused on recovery versus attribution.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Cryptography as a service

Cryptography as a service offering encryption-based security solutions as a cloud service customizable to organizations lacking in-house technical capabilities safeguarding proprietary data and communications. Providing user-friendly applications or developer APIs, cryptography-as-service enables even small teams to uphold robust protection of sensitive information like medical records, financial transactions, or confidential product plans transmitted digitally.

By handling complex key and certificate management tailored to nuanced privacy regulations, specialized providers resolve burdens that otherwise divert focus from core goals if tackling security single-handedly. The outsourcing also sustains regular software patching critical for threat readiness as attacks grow more sophisticated and frequent. Compliant encryption uplifts reputations among cautious customer and partner audiences beyond competitive pressures too.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Security operations center (SOC) consulting

Security operations center (SOC) consulting involves providing specialized guidance to organizations looking to establish or optimize Security Operations Centers for detecting and responding to digital security threats across internal networks and systems. SOC consultants first assess existing vulnerabilities and infrastructure based on client size and needs before advising on integrating the optimal technologies, policy protocols, and skilled in-house teams required for effective 24/7 incident monitoring.

For companies lacking expertise in managing escalating cybercrime risks in-house, SOC consultancy tailors comprehensive solutions suited to managing unique threats at efficient budgets too. Consultants also support ongoing tuning, emergency breach containment, and required compliance processes as programs mature.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Cyber risk quantification

Cyber risk quantification analyzes organizations’ digital vulnerabilities, past breach histories, and darkened web exposure levels before assigning measurable cyber risk scores influencing insurance policy pricing. By introducing researched visibility into likely threats based on company traits, securable attack vectors, and asset exposures, quantitative evaluations better match premiums to true probability costs versus relying on incident history alone. The consultative assessments inject targeted insights from white hat research otherwise unavailable guiding IT infrastructure and employee training improvements too.

For insurers lacking internal cyber expertise as demand grows to protect enterprises managing invaluable data now ubiquitous online, precise risk metrics enable expanded market scope. They welcome more entities at actuarially fair rates. On societal levels beyond the business efficiency alone, mathematical cyber risk models spearhead historically absent transparency measures uplifting prevention priority.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Endpoint security software

Endpoint security software involves developing technology that defends devices like employee laptops, company servers, and cloud data from cyberattacks to block threats from impacting entire network infrastructures once compromised. Going beyond antivirus alone, modern solutions use methods like AI behavior analysis to identify advanced malware and ransomware more proactively than traditional signature-matching models relying solely on previously seen threats.

Segmented access controls also empower granting least-privilege system permissions minimizing vulnerability points. For IT teams struggling to monitor vast device fleets remotely amid mobility trends, specialized security upholds responsible oversight at enterprise scales otherwise impossible manually.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $500K – $2M
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Network security software

Network security software involves creating technology products that safeguard an organization’s connectivity points, data access, and computer systems against hacking, malware, and breach risks threatening operations or reputations. Going beyond basic firewalls, innovative cybersecurity software provides multilayered monitoring, access controls, and protective measures tailored to diverse industry assets and regulation standards. For managers lacking robust internal IT teams to audit defenses continually, purpose-built packages deliver reliable monitoring with intuitive dashboards simplifying threat insights for rapid response activation limiting harms.

Compliance administration also improves implementation policies and technology in unison. As enterprises adopt more wireless connected devices from phones to operational tech, network security software sustains order by applying principles automated at the necessary scale.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $500K – $2M
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Email security software

A construction supply company sells fundamental building materials to contractors and construction firms completing projects in the area. Developing strong wholesale trade relationships economically stocks adequate product inventory meeting full-scale demands from lumber to concrete to tools across all usual regional builds. Familiarity with sourcing quality supplies suiting common area weather conditions and regulations makes efficiently aligning essentials second nature.

Sales or leasing options are flexible accommodating large orders under tight project timelines and maintaining critical job site availability. With customer service focused solely on supporting construction means and methods applied locally, tailoring delivery trucks, stock, terms, and accessories gives builders simpler paths respecting uncompromising schedules.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $500K – $2M
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Managed detection and response (MDR)

A managed detection and response (MDR) business delivers 24/7 monitoring, analysis, and defense for identifying and neutralizing cyber threats across customer endpoints and networks. Providing experienced in-house security analysts and the latest AI detection technology as an outsourced service allows businesses to benefit from enterprise-grade capabilities without needing to develop expansive internal cybersecurity teams.

Continuous cloud-delivered monitoring against known and emerging threats gives peace of mind that critical business systems and data remain resilient even against stealthy attacks evading traditional anti-virus solutions. With MDR protection alerting IT staff immediately during substantiated threats paired with recommendations for mitigation and eradication, companies can satisfy growing governance demands for responsible security precautions safeguarding vital infrastructure, finances, and customer data from preventable compromise based on resource limitations alone.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

DDoS protection

A DDoS protection service shields websites and applications from malicious denial-of-service cyber attacks attempting to disrupt legitimate online traffic. By proactively identifying and filtering excess volumes of bogus requests, the protective network preserves uptime and performance of clients’ internet-connected assets when under automated sieve. Specialized scrubbing mitigates threats before reaching endpoints while tracking attack origin insights and improving future immunity. Compared to in-house security recruits reactively scrambling upon discovering slowdowns mid-incident, an always-on monitoring partner concentrates expertise on staying ahead of the evolving actor strategies and botnet innovations manipulated to stealthily overwhelm servers daily.

With networked hardware exceeding necessary capacity thresholds to absorb even extreme attacks combined with smart software spotting subtle signal anomalies indicative of a brewing surge, retailers never forfeit sales, and publishers keep informing 24/7 by letting managed experts avert danger seen and unseen.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Managed firewall service

A managed firewall service installs, configures, and monitors customized network firewall solutions shielding business infrastructures from cyber intrusions. Ongoing remote administration lifts firewall management burdens from clients lacking specialized security staff. Proprietary threat detection couples leading vendor firewalls with 24/7 network monitoring, daily log audits, and device health checks managed externally. Configuring rules blocking unauthorized traffic or data patterns protects systems without hampering productivity.

Support options range from routine device maintenance to emergency incident intervention depending on coverage tiers. As digital threats grow in complexity, outsourcing ever-evolving security nuances to accredited partners yields peace of mind. Ongoing topology assessments further adapt defenses ensuring assets stay protected as companies evolve.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Identity-as-a-service

An Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) business manages user identity verification and access controls for other companies through cloud-based solutions. Offering IDaaS centralizes complex user authentication, authorization, and auditing across Web/API ecosystems so clients focus on core competencies instead of diversionary security overhead.

Pre-vetted identity proofing, progressive profiling, single sign-on and other modules simplify compliance obligations involving data access. Whether legacy systems or modern microservices, the unified identity platform secures everything from payment transactions to content management. As B2B/B2C digital systems and users multiply, IDaaS allows partners to outsource user trust and access efforts to approve new functionality faster. Embedded everywhere internally, IDaaS user intelligence also informs usage analytics and threat detection before incidents strike.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Privileged access management

A Privileged Access Management (PAM) company provides cybersecurity and governance solutions enabling organizations to securely monitor and control access to critical IT assets and sensitive data. As infrastructure and devices multiply across enterprises, limiting which users can access confidential systems requires scalable identity and access oversight. PAM software specifically protects valuable administrator, service accounts, secrets, and access rights from compromise while also logging activity for audits.

With the ability to grant temporary access credentials, enforce policies, plus detect suspicious user behavior, PAM gives companies enhanced data and IP protection from insider and external threats. Whether assisting compliance drives or proactively hardening environments from breach risks, PAM businesses develop advanced permissions guardrails helping CISOs restrain access strictly to those requiring it without productivity impediments.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Application security testing

An application security testing business evaluates software vulnerabilities for other companies developing programs handling sensitive user data or transactions. By proactively identifying system gaps before launch, the information guards customer trust and prevents costly post-release incident response. Services may test authentication controls, exploit injection flaws, and assess cryptography implementations among security best practices verified through ethical hacking simulations modeling real attacker behavior.

Comprehensive evaluations tailored to application types and risk levels arm clients with actionable next steps for code and infrastructure adjustments necessary to fulfill cybersecurity commitments in an unforgiving digital economy where few second chances to rebuilding broken faith exist post-public exposure era.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Malware analyst

A malware analyst offers services to detect, analyze, and protect against malicious software and computer viruses. As cybercrime escalates globally, there remains a vast unmet demand for cybersecurity expertise defending vulnerable networks and systems. Specialized technical skills in reversing malware tactics, assessing protection gaps, restoring infected assets, and reporting emerging threats provide continual value for organizations struggling with limited internal security staff.

Core offerings may span incident response assessments, network scanning, penetration tests, forensic analysis of infected hardware, and tailored employee education aligning security needs to daily technology use habits. For supported teams lacking specialized insight against exponentially advancing hacking tools, trusted independent analysts provide customizable layers fortifying infrastructure weaknesses otherwise silently compromising operations.

How much you can make: $70,000 to $120,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 to $5,000
How long does it take to build: 6 months to 2 years

Information assurance engineer

An information assurance engineer consultants with organizations to identify risks and implement security controls for protecting sensitive data systems against cyber threats. As digital transformation exposes more vulnerabilities, having an expert audit existing IT infrastructure gaps while recommending customized improvements suits compliance needs cost-effectively.

An independent perspective spotting overlooked issues that could lead to future data breaches or system outages also reduces the chances companies place excessive trust solely on internal assessments potentially downplaying concerns. The engineer ensures baseline controls adequately defend critical company/customer data and essential uptime requirements continually meet true operational usage.

How much you can make: $80,000 to $130,000 per year
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 to $7,000
How long does it take to build: 1 to 3 years to become well-established

Chief information security officer (CISO)

A CISO-as-a-service business provides dedicated expertise that secures sensitive company data and operations against cyber threats. Offering virtual or fractional CISO (vCISO) support cost-effectively empowers organizations lacking resources for large internal IT teams to externalize mission-critical capabilities shielding daily functions. Compliance guidance, security audits, incident response, and staff education put fortified measures in action without prohibitive lead technical hires.

Customizable vCISO partnerships enable businesses to implement top-tier safeguards defending profit-driving assets and customer trust. By concentrating sole focus as a force multiplier fulfilling a clearly defined yet easily neglected service niche unable to be halfway implemented, client companies receive an invaluable insurance policy against digital age risks many underestimate until breaches happen.

How much you can make: $150,000 to $300,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 to $10,000
How long does it take to build: 3 to 5 years to reach a CISO position

Conclusion

As more and more organizations become reliant on digital technologies, the need to secure systems and data from cyber threats will only continue to grow, and if you are one of those who can provide effective solutions to help them meet the challenge of defending against cyber threats, we can assure you that you will find an incredibly rewarding career path. 

Best 16 metal business ideas

Armored electric cables production

Manufacturing armored electrical cables could serve an important industry niche since armored cables provide extra protection for wire insulation and conductors. The exterior armor sheathing shields against physical damage from impact, compression or abrasion. This durable covering allows cables to withstand tough conditions found in industrial, commercial, or utility site installations while meeting electrical safety codes.

As infrastructure ages and power demands grow from technology proliferation, replacing outdated or inadequate electrical systems offers potential opportunity. Focusing on highly protected cables needed for large-scale or high-risk electrical projects allows specialization versus standard building wire. Pursuing specialty safety-focused market segments like fireproof cables could also establish a competitive edge.

How much you can make: $1,000,000 – $20,000,000+ annually
How much does it cost to start: $500,000 – $5,000,000+
How long does it take to build: 12-24 months

Scrap metal recycling

A scrap metal recycling business purchases and processes scrap metals extracted from industrial, construction, and public waste streams to resell for remanufacturing end uses. Collecting and sorting leftover metals like aluminum, copper, steel, and iron eliminates landfill waste otherwise discarded while generating raw commodities supporting the foundry and fabrication industries’ continuous demand. Vehicle dismantling operations also supply heavily recycled components like catalytic converters.

Where viable, utilizing cheap transportation options like barges and rail boosts profit margins capturing the spread between inbound scrap collection and sold bulk metal commodity valuations cyclic with broader market pricing indices. With public sensitivity to sustainability growing, metal recycling channels unwanted excess towards positive production purposes.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Production of metal detectors

Production of metal detectors involves producing metal detectors that leverage electromagnetic sensor technologies enabling the discovery of buried metal objects. Applications span security screening, archaeological surveys, food contamination detection, industrial material sorting, and hobbyist treasure hunting. Configuring unique combinations of sensor signal frequencies, digital processing, and mechanical enclosure engineering allows customizable products to meet cost, sensitivity and portability demands across consumer, commercial, and government segments.

Even baseline models require expert electrical and software competency, distinguishing offerings against most imported commodity equivalents. Understanding known user workflows also permits responsive incremental innovation keeping company solutions exemplary fitting industry-advancing niche needs.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Construction nails manufacturing

Construction nail manufacturing produces nails supplying local trades like framing crews, roofers, exterior finishers, and flooring installers constantly requiring proper fasteners to progress daily job site goals. Focusing solely on quality manufacturing processes vital to trades instead of retail outlets builds loyal B2B ties less sensitive to price given contractor success hinges on dependable, in-spec deliveries protecting crew pace, safety, and end customer happiness.

Recognizing job realities beyond theoretical product pitches also fosters problem-solving nail innovations better suit diverse applications across the evolving build landscape. Through purposeful improvements better-aligning hardware with the human skill driving each hammer strike, production scales by word-of-mouth as crews acknowledge behind-the-scenes commitment ensuring they excel.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Production of nuts, bolts and screws

Manufacturing nuts, bolts, screws, and other industrial fastener hardware supplies components securing products and infrastructure across countless industries. Focusing exclusively on efficiently fabricating high volumes of essential fasteners leverages precision automated processes and specialty metals expertise difficult to match. This establishes crucial supply relationships as original equipment and maintenance contractors source the vast majority of construction inputs externally.

Testing and guaranteeing structural integrity specifications also ensure customs meet application durability demands, instilling trust in engineers selecting hardware securing public facilities and systems. With expansive vertical integration mastering each production step from raw materials to finished offerings, fastener specialization builds strategic authority within a fundamental niche underpinning global construction intrinsics less visible when simply appreciating final achievements positively impacting communities.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Welding and fabrication shop

Welding and fabrication shop A welding and fabrication shop offers metal welding services combined with building metal structures and parts. This business idea meets the demand from construction firms, manufacturers, artists, and hobbyists needing specialty metalwork. Offering versatile weldings like MIG, TIG, and arc, along with plasma cutting, forming, bending, and assembly under one shop suits various custom metal product orders. For example, the shop can take projects welding sculpture pieces for artists, fabricating steel beams for buildings, and custom automotive exhausts for car enthusiasts.

Having skilled welding technicians expertly handling pieces from small repairs up to engineering large components also provides quality assurance. Finally, with both on-site and mobile capabilities, the welding/fabrication shop can conveniently construct niche metal products on-place or offsite efficiently. By flexibly serving diverse welding and fabrication needs from any industry, this shop builds a stable customer base.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Production of auto spare parts

Production of auto spare parts manufactures replacement automotive parts and components can serve the continual needs for repairing and maintaining vehicles over their lifetime. As existing cars and trucks age and remain on roads longer, demand grows for affordable spare parts enabling owners to keep them operable. Additionally, collisions and general wear-and-tear also sustain strong demand for aftermarket parts availability.

Producing a high-turnover mix of common wear items for older models along with improved parts for newer makes and models provides stable sales channels. Precision manufacturing and inventory management allowing rapid fulfillment of distributor orders is key. Overall, an automotive spare parts producer delivering comprehensive, quality components at mass-production economies of scale using advanced technologies can supply this perpetual global consumption reliably.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Production of padlocks

Padlocks secure everything from sheds and lockers to luggage and diaries via a simple, mechanical design unchanged for over 4,000 years. Offering well-engineered models resistant to common break-in techniques at affordable price points facilitates mass distribution through hardware stores, security dealers, shipping providers, and major retailers carrying related categories. Focusing production economics and custom branding toward proliferating end markets creates specialty niches as well.

Promoting smooth locking mechanisms, anti-corrosive finishes and tamper-proof bodies assures commercial and residential owners ongoing value in securing their castle, no matter how small.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Construction of railway tracks

Construction of railway tracks builds train track infrastructure crucial for supporting freight and passenger train operations. As governments invest in rail transport expansion and high-speed networks, there is growing demand for contractors capable of reliably developing safe new railway routes across terrains.

The complex work spans accurate ground surveying, extensive earthworks, and structure preparations, securing supply/installation of prefab ties/ tracks plus connections enabling smooth running at designated train speeds or weight loads per railway technical specifications. Additionally, signaling and electrification integration as well as returning the right-of-way back to operational condition often falls under a rail construction company’s project scope.

How much you can make: $1M – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $1M – $10M
How long does it take to build: 2-5 years

Manufacturing of metal safes

Manufacturing of metal safes produces heavy-duty safes for securing valuables using steel and alloy materials. This product appeals to both residential and commercial security needs for protecting items from theft, fire, or natural disasters. Custom manufacturing specialized safes tailored to hold firearms, jewelry, deeds, precious metals, and sensitive documents beyond just cash provide a niche.

Combining layers of thick reinforced steel alloys helps ensure safes resist break-ins, high temperatures, or water submersion when disasters strike. A local made-to-order operation addressing specific use case requirements also justifies pricing over imported mass-produced alternatives. Staying on the cutting edge of locking mechanisms, user interface designs and durable materials to continually enhance protective performance for contents provides an edge.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Production of armored electric cables

Production of armored electric cables produces armored electrical cables and provides heavy-duty wiring solutions protecting cables used in harsh conditions or safety-critical systems against damage. This business opportunity meets rising demand to secure electrical infrastructure against failures leading to costly outages or risks. Armored cables safeguard interior conductors by embedding within protective layers like flexible steel tape, wire braiding or rubber jacketing tailored for exposures cables experience across applications.

The durability ensures power continuity preventing disruptions in settings lacking redundancy. Producing specialty armored cables also requires less competitive differentiation beyond price, facilitating higher profit margins. With vital systems increasingly utilizing resilient power cables rather than standard wiring vulnerable to leaks or shorts, a dedicated armored cable producer equipped for custom requirements establishes a focused niche.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Production of gym equipment

As more individuals and gyms invest in building homes and professional facilities, quality yet affordable strength and cardio machines are in demand. By focusing manufacturing on best-selling essentials like weights, ellipticals, and resistance bands using cost-efficient materials and techniques, the equipment can suit most basic training needs. Streamlining the production of classic equipment models that maintain safety and durability without unnecessary bells and whistles also keeps prices accessible to wider markets.

Companies specializing in fitness gear can then wholesale bulk orders to gyms or sell consumer-grade fitness products through big-box stores, tapping the $96 billion market. Overall, the rising prioritization of health and wellbeing continues fueling equipment sales, making fitness manufacturing a stable growth sector.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Production of work tools

Production of work tools involves manufacturing essential equipment that professionals across various industries rely on to accomplish tasks. This is an appealing opportunity because quality tools optimized for specific jobs have steady demand across trades like construction, landscaping, auto repairs, plumbing, electrical work, and more.

By concentrating design and fabrication expertise around enabling professional workflows, the business can identify pain points with existing mass-market tools and introduce durable specialty alternatives with patented innovations improving functionality, safety, or efficiency at work. Establishing manufacturing protocols ensuring precision production and quality assurance further differentiates branded tools trusted by both individual technicians and institutional fleet buyers as meeting commercial-grade standards week in, and week out.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Construction and installation of billboards

Construction and installation of billboards specializing in building and mounting large outdoor advertising displays for client companies and ad agencies. This business idea has demand as billboards remain a highly visible medium capturing commuter eyeballs even with digital media growth. Being an advertising installation intermediary between billboard owners leasing sign space and brands running regional or highway promotions provides steady business servicing both sides.

The construction aspect also enables custom sign capabilities beyond basic templates via carpentry, welding, wiring, painting, and lighting capabilities tailored to unique campaign needs. Staying atop advancements like digital displays and modular construction techniques keeps services relevant as well.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Bicycle manufacturer

A bicycle manufacturing business designs and produces bicycles to meet consumer riding needs. This industry enjoys ongoing demand for recreational and transportation riding purposes. Focusing on key bicycle styles preferred for road cycling, mountain trails, or urban commuting and tailoring components and frames toward those applications is promising.

A manufacturer can also innovate new designs improving upon classic features for better speed, handling, or comfort. Identifying popular biking accessories to bundle further attracts niche buyers. For growth, collaborating with sports retailers to enhance distribution and developing consumer-direct e-commerce channels is advisable. Competitively pricing quality bicycles while protecting product margins sustains market position.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Construction of metal staircase railings

Metal railings assure stability alongside steps compared to alternatives while allowing customized ornamental designs matching décor preferences. This idea meets increasing regulatory safety codes mandating graspable railings plus the market desire for distinctive wrought-iron style statements.

With advanced welding equipment and techniques for efficiently bending and shaping aluminum and steel onsite or in dedicated workshop spaces, skilled metalworkers can offer quality railings affordably. They can also rapidly deploy modular interlocking components for fast professional installations. Aside from ensuring regulatory compliance for new staircases, businesses specializing in metal railings stand out for providing modernization services reinforcing integrity and visual appeal in existing homes and offices.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Conclusion

Remember that success often comes from a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Stay adaptable, continue learning, and be ready to shape your business as skillfully as you would shape metal itself. Take a look at these metal sheet startups for an extra motivational boost.

Top 15 cannabis business ideas

Canna-floral arrangements

A canna-floral arrangement business would design and sell bouquets, vases, and custom displays featuring vibrant canna hybrid flowers, buds or leaves beloved for decorative floral work, with compliance around applicable local regulations. As a distinctive tropical option, vibrant large canna blooms make bold statements within lush flower displays for luxury hospitality events, wedding centerpieces, and gift baskets. An independent artist first develops signature arrangements tailoring garden varieties, ribbon accents, and elegant containers evoking stunning exotic rainforests as tabletop art.

Over time, dried canna products enable expanding home or commercial decor lines while minimizing fresh material waste sustainably. For managing regulatory shifts affecting legal retail channels, multiple small business revenue extends through instructional field growing clinics, canna-adjacent botanical blends crafting or bouquet subscription clubs rewarding loyal customer referrals.

How much you can make: $30,000 – $150,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 – $20,000
How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Cannabis cosmetics

A cannabis cosmetics company develops beauty and personal care products incorporating non-impairing cannabinoids suited for skincare benefits versus recreational uses. As cannabis acceptance expands and CBD infusion penetrates beauty regimes, specialty topical lines touting clean, plant-powered ingredients with targeted skin-nourishing properties emerge for mass appeal. Tapping growing apprehension around long-term pharmaceutical use also propels interest in seeking natural wellness solutions.

Compounded with shifting perceptions, the increasing medical cannabis market size further removes the stigma that may have previously discounted exploring potential symptom-alleviating applications benefiting appearance, complexion, or skin conditions unrelated to getting high. Concentrating innovation exclusively on unlocking cannabis’ antioxidative and anti-inflammatory promise through bespoke, spa-grade blends traces of emerging green beauty advancements poised to potentially displace established synthetic offerings.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Hemp food

A hemp food company produces various edible consumer goods containing hemp seeds or hempseed oil, taking advantage of hemp’s dense balanced nutrition. Compared to many common grains, hemp foods provide more protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. Key offerings might include hemp seed snacks, granola, milk, tofu, and baked items, which appeal to multiple diets from vegetarians to Paleo eaters.

As more consumers actively seek out healthier, more sustainable food sources, hemp provides an intriguing new ingredient option for recipes and packaged goods. When hemp cultivation also supports local agriculture, integrating it into more consumer food products aligns economic incentives for smaller community farmers and eco-conscious eaters alike. With versatile nutritional density combined with ethical sourcing, hemp foods present more producers and consumers with ways to “do good” through nourishing daily meal staples and guilt-free snacking.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Cannabis supplements and medication

Cannabis supplements and medication involve developing and selling legal hemp-derived CBD oils, edibles, and topicals or research-backed THC products aimed at supporting verified wellness needs like pain relief, reduced inflammation, anxiety treatment, sleep assistance, and more. As cannabis acceptance gains momentum and regulations ease around compounds scientifically proven to offer therapeutic health properties without risky dependencies seen from opioids, responsible specialty nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies uplift access meeting supplier shortages.

Rigorously optimizing potency purity and dosages transforms cannabis from recreational novelty to targeted medical-grade formulations unavailable on street corners. Stringent production oversight also upholds rigorous labeling so people can trust ingredients supporting self-directed treatment safely. In states like Virginia, patients seeking legal access to such regulated medical products must apply through a certified Medical Card Service VA, ensuring compliance with local cannabis laws and access to doctor-approved medical cannabis options.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

CBD-infused snacks

CBD-infused snacks involve creating prepackaged food items like gummies, chips, nuts and dried fruits infused with supplemental cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp for retail sale. Promoting potential wellness benefits linked to CBD consumption like pain relief or relaxation without psychoactive components, specialty-infused edibles introduce everyday self-care habits conveniently as regulations ease. Diverging from pharmaceutical formats, familiar snack staples appeal to mainstream audiences curious yet hesitant to try wellness innovations typically alienating.

As demand for functional foods escalates amid chronic stress nearly universally yet dietary changes pose adoption hurdles alone initially, subtly incorporated CBD constitutes an amenable first step many attempt versus intimidating total lifestyle overhauls right away. For creators, the value-added formulations also allow premium pricing while requiring nominal additional processing of existing equipment at scale versus traditional counterparts both purchasers and producers welcome mutually.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Open a CBD restaurant

CBD restaurant involves opening an eatery selling food and drinks containing CBD, a non-psychoactive compound extracted from hemp. By uniquely integrating relaxative ingredients, the modern cafe appeals to health-focused diners seeking botanical self-care alternatives to unwind. More than just dispensaries, culinary creations feature trending superfoods, soothing atmospheres and transparent sourcing meeting contemporary wellness priorities. As cannabis derivatives transition slowly into mainstream retail following recent legalizations, CBD cafes lead reduced-stigma exploration benefiting patrons and visionary founders alike during gradual adoption curves.

From soothing teas to infused tapas examining unconventional pairings, establishments focused on holistic harm-reduction over indulgence alone foster moderation through innovative fare-optimizing lifestyles.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

CBD pet treats

CBD pet treats involve creating hemp-derived cannabidiol wellness products for cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals to promote calmness, joint health, appetite, and comfort naturally without sedative side effects. Infusing dog biscuits, feline chews, and equine pelletry formulations with therapeutic non-psychoactive CBD matches rising owner preferences for functional supplements over solely synthetic compounds in raising holistic care standards for beloved family pets. Custom combinations also aid common issues better than general retail selection.

As research surrounding veterinary marijuana applications expands for creatures also experiencing pain or anxiety meeting unique species-specific demands standard medicine undertakes presently, the CBD pet care niche responsively rescues underserved needs. Beyond palliative perks, specialty products tapping ethical grower supply chains also build consumer trust that mass-market newcomers struggle to convey through just bandwagon profiteering alone in the evolving category.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Cannabis cookbook

Cannabis cookbook involves creating a book containing recipes utilizing cannabis as an ingredient to simplify home culinary preparations and empower readers to embrace plant-based self-care alternatives. Guiding cooks through dosing, extracting, and infusing techniques, tailored recipes help properly incorporate wheat, oils, or kinds of butter into sweet and savory dishes as more consumers accept cannabis medicinally, recreationally, or for wellness.

Beyond step-by-step cooking instructions alone, responsible safety and portioning guidelines protect enthusiastic yet inexperienced newcomers too. As research spotlights promising mental and physical health benefits from non-smoking ingestion methods, stigmas gradually subside enabling open education around mindful usage free of stereotypes steering public impressions historically.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Become a CBD distributor

Becoming an authorized wholesale distributor of consumer products containing CBD derived from hemp. Ranging from oils to topicals and edibles, CBD offers therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana thanks to negligible THC traces. As cannabis health properties gain clinical backing after longstanding legal prohibitions, demand increases for over-the-counter relief supplements sourced responsibly.

Distributors provide essential getting vetted products into mainstream retail outlets like pharmacies, convenience stores, and health food markets where many shoppers feel comfortable first trying trending plant-based regimens. For operators themselves, distribution diversification stabilizes cash flows less vulnerable to legislation unknowns still shaking out state to state.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

CBD podcast

CBD podcast is an audio show providing information and discussing topics related to CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid chemical found in hemp and cannabis plants. As CBD usage for health benefits expands globally, the recurring educational episodes help listeners understand functional distinctions between THC and CBD while covering wellness applications, product overviews, health regulations, dosage guidance, and industry news. Casual solo chats build relatable rapport matching modern preferences for authenticity over institutionality driving higher engagement for still widely unfamiliar plant extracts with therapeutic promise.

For the solo hosts themselves, online publishing and membership monetization models sustain income aligned to personal interests and expertise around the nascent yet soaring plant compound. Specialization also builds audience authority faster to inform and connect an interested community around the shared learning journey.

How much you can make: $30K – $100K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Cannabis processor

Cannabis processor involves turning harvested cannabis plants into refined products like oils, edibles, topicals, or concentrates to supply recreational and medical marijuana markets. By leveraging commercialized equipment for extraction, purification, testing, and quality assurance compliant with tight regulations, processors develop premium ingredients that meet consumer demand preferences for potency, consistency, and purity.

Whether creating infused chocolate for regulated dispensaries or formulating controlled-dose medications for pharmaceutical partners, cannabis processors uplift therapeutic applications benefiting patients through credibility only possible by operating transparently at larger capacities today. For growers lacking legal permissions or capabilities to advance harvest output further, partnerships sustain a focus on sustainable plant yields as specialists handle the precise manufacturing responsibilities next door.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Cannabis accessories

Cannabis accessories involve an online and/or retail store offering various non-cannabis products used for storing, preparing, or consuming cannabis including storage containers, rolling papers, pipes, vapes, aroma therapy devices, and lifestyle merchandise. As social perceptions and legalizations continue evolving worldwide, cannabis accessories sustain initial explorations safely without imposing the full plant itself upon hesitant yet curious newcomers. For existing consumers too, the curated selection of verified quality gear suits personal preferences better than general markets.

The retail experience itself also fosters community connections celebrating responsible enhancements and destigmatizing the plant through credible guidance versus taboos alone. As accessory innovations accelerate along with public embrace, once uncertain users gain support integrating holistic wellness habits meeting unique needs.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Cannabis glass gallery

As mentioned when discussing cannabis accessories, the increased public acceptance of the cannabis industry has led to an increase in popularity in all corners of the cannabis space. This includes smoking devices such as custom glass bongs and rigs that have become more popular across the country as legalization has swept the nation. The “heady” glass industry has become a staple in the cannabis industry and these glass pieces are seen as collectibles, works of art, and even status symbols.

There are a few different ways you can start a glass gallery. The first option would be to have a physical, brick-and-mortar location where you would display and sell your bongs and rigs. This model relies more on foot traffic and physical shoppers. The other option, which can be done in tandem with a physical shop, is an online bong gallery where you list your artist’s pieces and shoppers can order them directly to their doorstep.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $150K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Cannabis educational platforms

Cannabis educational platforms involve creating informative resources surrounding cannabis-derived products like CBD and hemp for audiences seeking authoritative guidance on medical usages, wellness benefits, lifestyle incorporation, legal status, and more. As cannabis acceptance gains momentum yet reliable insights remain elusive beyond taboo assumptions alone, trusted educational sources fulfill the strong demand for easily digestible updates catering to beginners and experienced consumers alike. Platforms may specialize across formats like online courses, podcast shows, consultation services, retail tech, and event staging that demystify versatile applications responsibly.

They spotlight emerging science and vetted practitioners uplifting safe prosperity in this once notorious but increasingly validated domain now expanding economic opportunities. As activists continue ushering righteous reforms, prominent education sustains promising progress in rebalancing stigmatized narratives that are shamed without proper understanding.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Cannabis delivery

Cannabis delivery involves legally transporting marijuana products from licensed dispensaries and delivering them directly to local customers’ homes or offices in authorized regions. Acting as a secure courier, drivers verify legal proof of age documentation upon arrival to uphold regulations much like food delivery personnel. Core offerings feature popular items like cannabis flowers, vape cartridges, infused edibles, and more, expanding access beyond dispensary retail hours and locations. As the cannabis industry continues to embrace digital transformation, dispensaries and delivery startups are relying on technology to streamline operations. Tools like the best cannabis delivery software help businesses manage orders, stay compliant, and ensure fast, secure delivery to customers.

Especially for medical patients facing mobility challenges, quick neighborhood delivery sustains safe, consistent relief pathways relying on certain strains or dosing unavailable through traditional pharmacies. For shops themselves, outsourced drivers minimize liability concentrating inventory within one insured location instead.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Conclusion

The cannabis sector, while risky, offers significant growth and innovation opportunities. As the market matures, businesses prioritizing quality, safety, and niche markets are poised to succeed.

Best 13 DeFi business ideas

It can be hard to decide which business idea is worth your time and money, So we took our time to help you and gathered 13 DeFi business ideas that will be profitable in 2025.  

Cross-chain solutions

Offering cross-chain solutions presents an emerging opportunity in blockchain technology. As decentralized networks and ledgers multiply, the ability to interface between different chains grows in importance. Cross-chain bridges can enable communication and interoperability between chains like transferring tokens or executing smart contracts across networks. This connectivity powers composability, combining the capabilities of multiple chains.

Cross-chain solutions may also offer benefits like faster transactions, enhanced security, and higher scalability compared to single networks. As blockchain adoption spreads across enterprises and consumers, cross-chain functionality will become pivotal in enabling widespread usage and unified ecosystems. With infrastructure integrations and custom deployments, this specialization supports decentralized systems behind mainstream adoption.

How much you can make: $100,000 – $10,000,000+ annually
How much does it cost to start: $50,000 – $1,000,000
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Decentralized lending platforms

Decentralized lending platforms is a peer-to-peer lending network that connects borrowers and investors without traditional financial institutions as intermediaries. Using blockchain technology, these platforms facilitate loans and payments between individuals in a transparent, secure way without centralized control. It opens investing and credit access to more people at lower fees compared to banks.

Expanding participation spreads risks and returns wider rather than the current system excluding many demographics. Without the brick-and-mortar overhead of major banks, decentralized networks optimize cheaper rates for both lenders and borrowers. By tracing all interactions on a tamper-proof public ledger, promotes mutual accountability from loan requests to paybacks. As public trust in traditional institutions declines but peer endorsement rises, decentralized finance solves old problems with technological innovation that serves inclusivity.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized insurance

Decentralized insurance is an insurance concept powered by blockchain technology to create more transparent, affordable coverage by connecting members to collectively pool risk. Unlike traditional insurers, governance and processes rely on computer code, not centralized management. Member premiums get pooled into funds to automate payouts if pre-set conditions occur like accidents or flight delays. The capabilities aim to reduce overhead costs like sales commissions and corporate administration through streamlined tech systems. This allows lower pricing relative to large insurers for members.

At the same time, blockchain integrity via digital ledgers brings full transparency on where monies flow. As younger generations trust institutions less but understand collaborative ecosystems, decentralized insurance taps social capital ethically beyond profit motives alone. Still an emerging model, success ultimately depends on simplified language communities that can rally around with tools to educate on the tangible member benefits.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are a cryptocurrency exchange platform that enables direct peer-to-peer transactions between participants without an intermediary organization controlling funds or access. This differs from traditional centralized exchanges that hold users’ assets on company-owned wallets. By instead connecting crypto traders via blockchain networks, DEXs allow buying and selling coins straight from personal wallets.

This grants users full autonomy, privacy, and control over holdings while transacting securely. As crypto adoption grows despite volatility, consumers want more choice and authority in managing assets versus relying on external hosts. DEXs fulfill self-custody ideals that attract many to cryptocurrency initially. And without an intermediary taking a cut of transactions, optimized swapping fees benefit trader earnings over time.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized insurance

Decentralized insurance is a peer-to-peer insurance model that uses blockchain technology to connect policyholders globally without relying on traditional insurance companies as intermediaries. This removes the overhead costs of legacy providers, allowing lower premiums, faster claims, and frictionless experiences for members. By decentralizing the process to automated protocols, transparency, and accessibility empowers individuals to protect each other through shared risk pools internationally.

Without centralized intermediaries extracting value, it redirects power to people united directly through purpose-driven networks. Premium funds get invested in member yield opportunities like lending pools. Token models also guarantee coverage through volatile times unlike isolated company reserves vulnerable in crises.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized prediction markets

Decentralized prediction markets are forecasting platforms built on blockchain technology that allow users to trade virtual shares tied to the outcome of future events. Unlike traditional markets, it operates without a central authority through smart contracts. Participants can purchase and sell shares that represent the probability of something occurring such as an election result or product launch.

As predictions change, the share prices move encouraging activity. People who predict accurately gain monetary rewards adding incentive beyond being right. By connecting the wisdom of crowds, prediction markets can forecast events more accurately than individual experts. A decentralized approach brings open access and transparency lacking in centralized platforms. By spreading control among users, no single entity dictates terms or revenue. With cryptocurrency gaining mainstream traction and demand for forecasting tools growing among businesses, decentralized prediction markets propose an appealing evolution of predictive intelligence that rewards participation at scale.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized asset management

Decentralized asset management allows people to invest in various assets using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for transparency and security. Assets like real estate or contracts get tokenized on the blockchain so that ownership and value can be traced. Users can then securely buy and sell fractional portions of assets using cryptocurrency from anywhere without intermediaries. This opens alternative investments to the masses in a trusted, direct way not possible before.

Traditionally only institutions and the wealthy invested in assets like private equity, fine art, etc. By cryptographically registering assets on a tamper-proof decentralized ledger, asset tokens make ownership programmable, tradeable, and inclusive to anyone. Investing and managing becomes automated based on choices. As cryptocurrency adoption grows globally across generations and classes, blockchain-based fractional asset ownership can responsibly expand capital access and participation.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized payment systems

Decentralized payment systems refer to developing digital payment infrastructure that operates without central control. Rather than transactions relying on banks and credit cards, peer-to-peer networks would facilitate value transfers from one user account directly to another without intermediary clearance or fees. This aims to streamline cross-border commerce and optimize speed, security, and affordability. As financial services digitize globally, decentralized mechanisms can integrate layered encryption, transparency features, and community-run governance to sustain access without vulnerable points of failure.

Developers in this space focus on user-owned wallets, privacy protections, and protocols for exchanging currency, assets and programmable cash flows trustlessly. By spreading components across technology and participants, the model aligns incentives around direct exchange utility rather than centralized profit. If adopted at scale, decentralized payments could shift power to people and communities while supporting innovation ecosystems without restriction.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized identity

Decentralized identity is a digital identity verification system built on blockchain technology instead of centralized databases. It gives users ownership over their personal identity and transaction data instead of institutions owning silos of user data. This empowers individuals with control while still enabling identity confirmation capabilities needed by governments and businesses. Verifiable credentials can prove credentials, affiliations, and identity attributes for any use case ranging from age verification to professional licensing globally. It brings consent, data transparency, and validation utility to identity transactions without paperwork or long processing lag.

As digital processes expand across sectors like travel, finance, and healthcare, decentralized models answer calls for user empowerment and data dignity without sacrificing integrity. The blockchain approach helps parties securely validate credentials in a unified way, bridging today’s fragmented landscape of private repositories requiring endless updates. Whether residents or refugees, the decentralized architecture gives people an immutable yet portable personal data layer to walk through the world on their own terms.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized governance

Decentralized governance focuses on creating a platform for decentralized decision-making. It aims to help groups make choices without relying on a central authority. The platform would let members vote on issues and share ideas freely. This system could work for various groups, from small clubs to large companies. It might even be useful for some government processes.

The platform would make decision-making fairer and more open. It could lead to better choices that reflect what most people want. Also, it might help people feel more connected to their communities or organizations. By using technology, this idea could make group decisions easier and faster. It could save time and reduce conflicts. The system might also help include people who often get left out of important talks.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Decentralized gaming

Decentralized gaming refers to building online games that use blockchain technology for handling virtual transactions. In decentralization, no single entity controls the game platform or sets restrictive policies. Instead, governance and development decisions are steered by collaborative community members without gatekeeping. Players can truly own game assets like characters or currency tokens because purchases get recorded on public, tamper-proof blockchains.

A player-owned economy affords them the freedom to trade or cash out holdings. Game worlds also gain the flexibility to create new experiences like metaverse events together with players and third-party contributors from anywhere. While early traction exists in crypto-collectibles like digital art and sports cards, expanded multiplayer game creation on web3 is an emerging trend.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Creating a DeFi token

Creating a DeFi token involves developing a decentralized finance (DeFi) cryptocurrency token on the blockchain that enables various financial functions. As an alternative to traditional financial systems, DeFi tokens allow people to lend, borrow, earn interest, and make payments peer-to-peer without centralized intermediaries.

Creating an original token that offers utility and value appreciation potential within the DeFi ecosystem is lucrative as interest surges in crypto adoption. It also allows customizable parameters around supply amount, governance, incentives, and user access controls to serve specific purposes. With the right technical and economical token model, creative “tokenomics” supporting a novel DeFi use case can attract significant user activity while rewarding visionary developers and community members.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

DeFi yield farming

DeFi yield farming is a way to generate rewards with cryptocurrency holdings by lending them out to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. By providing liquidity to DeFi protocols, users can allow others to trade, lend, or borrow while earning interest, transaction fees, and governance tokens in return.

This creates a positive flywheel, the value locked in DeFi apps creates revenue streams for users while bringing more activity to the ecosystem. For crypto holders, yield farming offers much higher returns versus keeping assets idle in wallets. It puts savings to work. As the crypto economy matures, DeFi farming lets owners benefit from participating. Unlike locked savings accounts at traditional banks, the owner maintains control of assets while fluidly earning across a spectrum of rates as lending conditions change.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $100K – $1M
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Conclusion 

As we’ve mentioned above, the DeFi industry can offer you many advantages but you have to take into consideration that it is still a relatively new field that is yet to develop and that’s why it is important to be aware of the risks involved like security concerns and regulatory uncertainty. If you do your thorough research and don’t make any rushed decisions, we can assure you that you’ll have an amazing business success story like all those successful DeFi startups that are booming on the market.

Top 15 street food business ideas

To help you out, we’ve made a list with some trending street food business ideas that are worth your attention.

Quesadilla stand

A quesadilla stand offers quick-service grilled and customized quesadillas as an easy portable meal from a small food truck, farmers market booth or event concession stand. As a versatile carrier for myriad fillings, traditional quesadilla wedges become handheld comfort foods ideal for outdoor weekends or mealtime adventuring. Featured bases first focus on signature regional ingredients with fixings like blackened shrimp, barbecue pork, buffalo chicken or classic cheese pairings grilled fresh per order.

Over time, menu specialties, gluten-free options or promotional combinations sustain customer interest for loyal return visits. Portable cooking equipment streamlines high-volume operations while quality ingredients and signature salsa selections differentiate the stand among food vendor variety through consistent execution.

How much you can make: $30,000 – $150,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 – $50,000
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Artisanal pizzas stand

Artisanal pizzas stand is a small pizza business that handmakes quality whole pies to order using local ingredients for take-away or on-site enjoyment. Located in busy areas like markets or event plazas, it serves up fresh convenience minus restaurant formality. The stand appeals to the surge in consumers seeking authentic tastes from cooking methods to flavor combinations that mass chains have yet to perfect. Whether classic or novel ingredient twists, customers watch staff skillfully knead dough, caring to craft regional or unconventional pizzas conveying culinary passion versus level assembly procedure.

Along with budget-friendly prices from minimal eat-in costs, the open assembling and cooking display the ethos of quality over convenience associated with artisanal waves surging across food and beverage niches. For tourists exploring downtowns or neighborhood residents enjoying weekends out, an indie pizza stand delivers comfort food with an experience melding convenience expectations with craft appreciation.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Gourmet hot dog stand

The gourmet hot dog stand serves high-quality hot dogs with gourmet toppings and rotating daily specials. Drawing hungry visitors at busy parks, plazas, and neighborhood centers, it elevates grab-and-go options beyond the usual food cart hot dogs dressed merely in ketchup and mustard. Tailoring flavors to regional tastes, customers enjoy exploring beloved classics reinvented with new textures. The approachable American base also invites experimenting across ages and diets with reliably satisfying options from vegan to eclectic global fusions.

For affordable bites, gourmet hot dog stands to bring a reliable quick meal to tables outdoors. Premium locally sourced sausages also support small suppliers versus big distributors. Based on an eye-catching cart, the operational costs stay reasonable for entrepreneurs to sustain versus major restaurant investments. As a centerpiece of childhood summers, hot dogs sustain universal, cross-generational appeal across lunch breaks and weekends.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Loaded nachos stand

Loaded nachos stand is a food cart or kiosk selling freshly made nachos piled high with customers’ choice of ingredients and toppings. Rather than just chips and cheese, creative customizable combinations like pulled pork, mango salsa, guacamole, beans, and more fuel-indulgent snacking. The versatility spans preferences – vegetarian, spicy, or protein-packed flavors to satisfy personal cravings. By focusing solely on executing one item extraordinarily well, the loaded nacho specialist fills a niche between restaurants and street food for specialty campfire-style treats on the go.

Whether part of markets, fairs, or city squares, a dedicated nacho cart draws eyes through visible prep theatrics of heaping chips, ladling abundant cheese and salsa, and playfully topping customer instructions for Instagrammable snacktime. The aroma marketing builds its own demand besides foot traffic. While savory indulgence crosses cultures, the novelty presentation in to-go cones makes it perfect for spontaneous enjoyment without lengthy meals.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Crepes and waffles stand

The crepes and waffles stand prepares sweet and savory crepes along with classic waffles on-site at community events and high-traffic areas. It brings the warmth of a European-style cafe conveniently to where people naturally congregate, accelerating sales versus waiting for casual foot traffic alone. The scent of fresh batter sizzling on griddles acts like a flavor magnet for those craving an accessible yet comforting break from routine. Whether visiting a neighborhood fair or downtown business district, the aroma lures people seeking a sweet treat, casual lunch, or wholesome snack between activities.

The customizable, made-to-order preparation provides flexibility accommodating preferences across ages. As consumer palates expand for global flavors, this stand enables economically testing niche concepts before investing in larger brick-and-mortar spaces. Compact equipment setup keeps overheads low for an optimized margin food retail model.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Customizable ice cream sandwiches stand

Customizable ice cream sandwiches stand lets customers craft their own ice cream sandwiches from scratch. Patrons first select their preferred cookies or brownies from fresh-baked options. Next, they choose ice cream flavors for each side ranging from classics to inventive seasonal varieties. Toppings like sprinkles and drizzles cap off the icy, grab-and-go creations. The engaged experience taps into enduring preferences for customized orders suiting individual tastes.

By focusing exclusively on ice cream sandwiches, the shop builds expertise around novel flavor and texture pairings customers won’t find anywhere else locally. The location mobility also concentrates foot traffic by popping up at popular parks, beaches, mall kiosks, and events. For children’s parties or office treats, custom batches travel conveniently.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Bubble tea drinks stand

Bubble tea drinks stand is a mobile drink stand selling popular Taiwanese-style tea and fruit beverages blended with chewy tapioca balls that customers can enjoy on the go. Handmade fresh per order, the customizable drinks provide a refreshing appeal versus common sodas and coffee. Bubble tea fills rising demand for distinct snack beverages fitting urban commuting lifestyles.

Strategic locations in areas with high foot traffic and longing for grab-and-go midday fuel, such as transportation centers and university areas, optimize capturing impulse drink purchases as daily downtime rituals. The visual delight and variety sustain repeat business more reliably than offering drinks alone. For fans increasingly expecting exotic blends at their fingertips wherever their adventures unfold, bubble tea mobility slots reliably into niche cravings for treats that elevate moods between destinations.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Handheld mini pies stand

A handheld mini pies stand is a food stand selling individual savory meat or fruit-filled pastries that customers can eat on the go. Unlike a full-service bakery or café, the lightweight kiosk model brings bite-sized hand pies and turnovers conveniently to high foot traffic spots like parks, fairs, and busy sidewalks versus requiring fixed indoor seating. Offering unique portable flavors that stay warm and neat to eat, it captures impulsive cravings from passersby in a fun, minimally committing way versus full meals.

Customers experience global flavors from empanadas to calzones at farmers’ market stands the way Coffee, popsicles, and hot dogs have kept people spontaneously fueled at events for decades. For operators, compact equipment and inventory needs versus complex restaurant kitchens enhance profitability and placement flexibility where customer flows naturally congregate.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Ethnic fusion tacos stand

Ethnic fusion tacos stand sells a fusion of international ingredients wrapped in taco shells for quick handheld meals on the go. It allows tastebuds to explore new flavor mashups from Korean barbecue meets Mexican tortillas to Mediterranean spiced lamb rolled in flatbreads. The variety appeals to fun comfort foods with a twist to appeal to diners tiring of mainstream fast food chain options yet craving reliable satisfaction.

Tacos tenderly envelope bold ethnic ingredients for diners to experience global cuisine without compromising speed, cost, or mess. Whether at a bustling park, downtown sidewalk, or office tower Food Court, the fusion taco stand invites busy passersby to elevate their lunches and snacks through crafted multicultural satisfaction. For operators, taco simplicity speeds production flow amid lower overhead needs than full-scale restaurants. Customer curiosity around inventive fillings and international flavors builds loyalty that sustains revenue stability.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Cupcakes shop

The cupcake shop specializes in decorated bite-sized cupcakes sold individually or by the half or full dozen for custom occasions. Unlike cakes that serve large gatherings, the petite and portable cupcake brings a fun, creative sweet experience to individuals and smaller groups craving specialty flavors beyond grocery variety. Customers can mix and match preferences without the pressure of leftover waste from overestimating needs.

For birthday parties, office meetings, and intimate celebrations, it brings tailored, single-serve joy. A welcoming cupcake café also fosters community as friends gather for a quick catch-up, parents reward children after school errands, and coworkers bond on breaks. Compared to expansive cakes, cupcakes pose fewer equipment hurdles for baking entrepreneurs to launch from home kitchens or modest retail spaces and grow volumes over time.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Smoothie stand

Smoothie stand sells fresh blended fruit and vegetable smoothies to customers on the go. Stationed in high-traffic areas like office plazas, gyms, and commuter stations, it provides a convenient nutrient-dense drinks option versus sugary soda from vending machines. Blending farm-sourced produce on demand, customers can quickly grab smoothies packed with vitamins and minerals to energize their day.

The stand model lets operators test local store popularity at low cost before committing to permanent café spaces. Bringing the product directly to existing community hubs maximizes customer convenience and visibility more than lone retail slots. Fruit smoothies also carry natural health halo associations that increasingly drive consumer choices away from syrupy drinks towards refreshing blended juices.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Sushi stand

The sushi stand sells fresh sushi to customers on the go. Positioned in areas with strong pedestrian traffic like city centers and office plazas, the stands offer an accessible way to sample high-quality sushi without restaurant formality. Hungry passersby can conveniently grab tasty California rolls, nigiri pieces, and sashimi served to order from world-class fish supply chains. For hungry urban workers or shoppers, it provides a lighter yet satisfying dining option in mere minutes.

As sushi has grown immensely popular for global flavors and nutritional balance, the stand concept answers customer cravings faster than traditional cart or restaurant formats allow. In terms of operations, compact real estate needs coupled with a steady customer draw make the model economically appealing and scalable for owners. Whether part of a single-unit boutique outfit or a franchise system, the grab-and-go approach fits the evolving lifestyle pace in many cities.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Seafood grilling stand

Seafood grilling stand grills and sells fresh marinated seafood offerings for customers to enjoy on-location or order for takeaway. It brings the coastal cookout experience into metropolitan parks and high foot traffic areas through menu favorites like grilled shrimp skewers, salmon fillets, and more. Locals, families, and city tourists alike brighten with the aroma of citrus and sizzling seafood, a welcome sensory reprieve from city commotion.

The stand fosters quick, convenient access to well-cooked, gourmet proteins like scallops that customers often hesitate to order in restaurants due to high prices and mixed results. Its clean aesthetic and quality, transparently sourced ingredients also stand counter to the high-fat grease trap staples of fairs and events.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Barbecue stand

The barbecue stand sells grilled meats, vegetables, and side dishes that effectively bring smoky, savory flavors to customers in a portable format. From public parks to downtown curbside spots capturing office worker lunch breaks, barbecue kiosks fulfill public cravings for beloved regional Americana cuisine traditions. Offering classic smoked brisket, pulled chicken, or hot sausage links bundled as plates or sandwiches, the aromas draw loyal followings.

Dining does not require prolonged sit-down meals, the stand model sustains accessible opportunities for grazing for hungry passersby in a tangibly nostalgic way beyond everyday fast food. As seasonal gatherings migrate outdoors, barbecue stands shift the center of gravity back towards reliable comfort foods in recreational community spaces.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

French fry stand

A French fry stand is a food cart or kiosk that sells fresh hot French fries and potato-based snacks in busy areas. Locating where pedestrian traffic naturally passes during daytime and nightlife hours, provides hungry people with a convenient, comforting snack they can eat while on the move. Premium preparing techniques like double frying and options beyond simply salted fries satisfy discerning customer cravings when hunger strikes between traditional meals.

For operators, low overhead from not needing wait staff or plated seating versus a full-scale restaurant allows profitable margins even at affordable price points. Customers also appreciate quick, no-fuss bites that feel more crave-worthy than fast food chains. While versatile and ubiquitous, hot crispy fries specially prepared on-demand seem to ignite that perfect balance between guilty pleasure and sensible snacks.

How much you can make: $50K – $200K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Conclusion

As we’ve come to the end of this post, the only advice that we can give you if you want to succeed in the street food business is to remember that offering high-quality, unique food options, providing excellent customer service, and understanding the local market is essential. As a bonus take a look at these food startups that will serve you as an inspiration for your own venture.