Starting a business from scratch can be a daunting task for aspiring entrepreneurs. It requires a great idea, a solid business plan, a good financial model, a pitch deck, and most importantly, enough money to fund your startup. However, raising capital from investors can be a long and challenging process, and bootstrapping your startup can be risky and stressful. Fortunately, there is another option: starting a side gig.

A side gig is a part-time job or project that you do in addition to your regular work. It can help you earn extra income, build your skills, expand your network, and test your ideas. A side gig can also be a great way to fund your startup dreams. You can use the money you make from your side gig to cover your living expenses, invest in your business, or save for the future.

However, not all side gigs are suitable for startup founders. You need a side gig that is flexible, profitable, and compatible with your goals. To help you find the right side gig for you, we have compiled a list of 10 side gigs that can help you fund your startup dreams:

1. Online course creator
2. Handmade goods seller
3. Neighborhood service provider
4. Online writer or editor
5. Tutor
6. Consultant or coach
7. Blogger
8. Social media manager
9. Survey taker
10. App or platform tester

Each of these side gigs has its own unique benefits that can help you as a startup founder, so let’s take a look at them.

1. Online Course Creator

If you have a skill or knowledge that you can teach others, you can create an online course and sell it on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. You can choose any topic that you are passionate about, such as business, marketing, design, coding, photography, or anything else.

Creating an online course can be a great side hustle for startup founders because:

• It can generate passive income. Once you create and upload your course, you can earn money every time someone enrolls in it.
• It can boost your credibility. By teaching others what you know, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and attract more customers or investors for your startup.
• It can help you validate your idea. By creating a course on a topic related to your startup, you can test the market demand and get feedback from potential users.

2. Handmade Goods Seller

If you have a gift for creating amazing, handmade items such as jewelry, clothing, accessories, art, or crafts, you can sell them locally or online. You can use platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon Handmade to showcase and sell your products.

Selling handmade goods can be a great side hustle for startup founders because:

• It can unleash your creativity. Making handmade goods can be a fun and relaxing way to express yourself and explore new ideas.
• It can build your brand. By selling unique and high-quality products, you can create a loyal fan base and spread the word about your startup.
• It can help you learn new skills. By selling handmade goods, you can learn how to market, price, package, and ship your products.

3. Neighborhood Service Provider

If you are good at doing certain tasks around the house or in the neighborhood, such as cleaning, gardening, handyman work, pet sitting, dog walking, or babysitting, you can offer your services to people who need them. You can use platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Rover to find and book clients.

Providing neighborhood services can be a great side gig for startup founders because:

• It can generate quick cash. You can get paid immediately after completing a task and set your own rates and schedule.
• It can expand your network. By providing neighborhood services, you can meet new people and potentially find new customers or partners for your startup.
• It can improve your health. By doing physical tasks, you can stay fit and reduce stress.

4. Online Writer or Editor

If you have a knack for writing or editing content, such as articles, blog posts, ebooks, newsletters, resumes, or social media posts, you can offer your services online. You can use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.com to find and bid on projects.

Getting into online writing and editing can be a valuable side gig, especially for startup founders, for the following reasons:

• Improving Communication Skills: Engaging in writing and editing tasks helps you become better at conveying messages clearly and persuasively.
• Showcasing Expertise: By working on content related to your startup’s field, you can demonstrate your knowledge and authority, which can draw more attention to your business.
• Market Research Opportunity: Creating content about topics connected to your startup gives you insights into your target audience’s needs, challenges, and preferences.

5. Tutor

If you are proficient in a certain subject or skill, such as math, science, languages, music, or test preparation, you can tutor students online or in person. Platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, or Chegg Tutors can help you find and connect with potential learners. Tutoring can be a great side activity for startup founders because of the following benefits:

• Boosting Confidence: Tutoring students reinforces your own knowledge and skills, increasing your self-assurance in both your abilities and your startup.
• Making a Positive Impact: Helping students achieve their academic goals can be a rewarding experience, positively impacting their lives.
• Networking Opportunities: Tutoring provides a chance to meet new people, potentially leading to new customers or collaboration prospects for your startup.

6. Consultant or Coach

Do you possess extensive knowledge and expertise in a specific field or industry, like business, marketing, finance, health, or wellness? If so, consider offering consulting or coaching services to individuals or organizations seeking guidance and advice. You can connect with clients through platforms like Clarity.fm, Coach.me, or GrowthMentor.

Consulting or coaching can be a valuable side hustle for startup founders for several reasons:

• Increased Income: You can command higher rates for your consulting or coaching services, allowing you to earn more funds for your startup.
• Enhanced Reputation: Providing guidance to clients helps you showcase your skills and experience, building trust and credibility in your niche.
• Learning Opportunities: Through consulting or coaching, you can gain insights into the challenges and solutions faced by others, applying this knowledge to improve your own startup.

7. Blogger

If you have a passion for writing and sharing your thoughts, opinions, or experiences on a specific topic or niche, you can start a blog and monetize it with ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or digital products. Platforms like WordPress, Medium, or Substack can help you in creating and hosting your blog.

Blogging can be a fantastic side gig for startup founders because of the following benefits:

• Passive Income: Once your blog is set up and attracts a steady flow of traffic, you can earn money effortlessly from various sources.
• Audience Growth: Regular blogging and offering valuable content can attract and retain loyal readers, some of whom may become customers or supporters of your startup.
• Idea Refinement: Blogging about topics related to your startup allows you to clarify your vision, mission, values, and goals while receiving valuable feedback from your readers.

8. Social Media Manager

If you’re savvy in popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or TikTok, you have the skills to manage the social media accounts of businesses or individuals seeking assistance with content creation, engaging with followers, expanding their reach, or running ads. Platforms such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social can help you efficiently manage multiple social media accounts.

Being a social media manager is an ideal side gig for startup founders for several compelling reasons:

• Enhanced Marketing Skills: Managing social media accounts equips you with valuable marketing skills. You’ll learn how to create compelling content, tailor posts for different platforms, analyze your performance, and measure the results.
• Exposure to New Opportunities: Through managing social media accounts, you’ll stay updated on emerging trends, tools, resources, influencers, and potential customers relevant to your startup. This exposure can open doors to fresh opportunities.
• Building Your Own Brand: Social media management allows you to showcase your work and expertise. This not only benefits your clients but also helps you attract more followers to your personal social media accounts, enhancing your own brand presence.

9. Survey Taker

If you have some spare time and are looking to make some easy money online, consider taking paid online surveys where you share your opinions and experiences on various topics. Platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars can help you find and complete these surveys.

Taking online surveys is an excellent side gig for startup founders due to these advantages:

• Income Supplement: You can earn a few dollars or gift cards for each survey you complete, providing additional funding for your startup or helping cover expenses.
• Market Research Skills: By participating in online surveys, you can develop your skills in crafting effective questions, collecting data, and analyzing results, which can be beneficial for your startup’s market research.
• Understanding Customers: Engaging in online surveys can provide valuable insights into the preferences, behaviors, and needs of different consumer segments, enhancing your understanding of your target audience.

10. App or Platform Tester

If you enjoy experimenting with new apps or platforms and offering feedback on their usability, functionality, or design, consider becoming an app or platform tester. Platforms like UserTesting, Testbirds, or Userlytics can connect you with clients seeking testing services for their apps or platforms.

Testing apps and platforms can serve as a valuable side hustle for startup founders for the following reasons:

• Product Development Skills: App and platform testing can help you develop your skills in identifying and resolving bugs, improving user experience, and optimizing performance, knowledge that can be applied to your own startup.
• Idea Discovery: By testing various apps and platforms, you may come across innovative features, solutions, or opportunities that can benefit your startup.
• Feedback for Your Product: Participating in testing can provide access to other testers who can offer honest and constructive feedback on your own app or platform, aiding in its improvement.

Conclusion

These are some of the best side gigs that can help you fund your startup dreams. Naturally, the right fit for you will depend on your unique skills, passions, and time constraints.

However, before diving into any side gig, it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with your primary job and is both legal and ethical. The last thing you want is to find yourself in hot water with your boss, clients, or the law.

Keep in mind, a side gig is not a replacement for a startup but rather a stepping stone towards it. It’s essential not to let your side gig divert your attention from your ultimate objective – to launch and expand your business.

While a side gig can provide an additional income stream to support your startup journey, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Realizing your dreams requires more than just extra cash. You’ll need a brilliant idea, a robust business plan, a solid financial model, an engaging pitch deck, and above all, the passion and tenacity to navigate the inevitable hurdles of entrepreneurship.

If you are an early-stage founder ready to launch your own startup, we would love to help you with the business plan, financial model, or pitch deck you need for your business. Contact us today and book a free call to learn more about how we can help you!