55 Trending Business Ideas for 2025 and Beyond | CO

With numerous emerging technologies and shifting consumer needs, 2025 is an ideal year to launch a business. New business applications have skyrocketed from 2.8 million to over 5.5 million in the last 10 years, according to Commerce Institute data, and that number is only growing.

If you’re ready to join the ranks of the 33.2 million American small businesses, there are plenty of opportunities to capitalize on current trends. Here, we’ll share 55 promising business ideas across 11 categories to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

What makes a good business idea?

Not every business idea is built for long-term success. The strongest ones share key traits that help them thrive in competitive markets:

Market demand. There’s a real and growing need for it.Scalability. It can grow without dramatically raising costs.Profit potential. There’s room for strong, sustainable margins.Low barriers to entry. It’s relatively easy to start and run.Sustainability. It aligns with long-term social or environmental trends.Flexibility. It can adapt to changing technology or customer needs.Competitive edge. It offers something unique or better than what is already available.
Business ideas poised for success in 2025 and beyond

These 55 business ideas are great ones to start right now because they’re in demand and aligned with current consumer needs.

Sustainable living and climate solutions
Carbon accounting services for SMBs. Carbon reporting is quickly expanding beyond the Fortune 500. While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to end its defense
of rules requiring all public companies to track and disclose their
climate-related risks and greenhouse gas emissions in March 2025, it’s
likely companies of all sizes will still need to comply with state-level
and international disclosure laws. However, most small and mid-sized
businesses don’t have access to the tools to do so affordably.
Affordable carbon accounting options for these companies fill a gap in
the services available.Reusable packaging company. The battle against
single-use packaging is intensifying, and businesses are seeking
eco-friendly alternatives for shipping and logistics. With the global
reusable packaging market expected to reach over $190 billion by 2030,
according to a new report issued by Grand View Research, Inc., small
and mid-sized businesses will need scalable solutions to comply with
regulatory demands, reduce waste, and boost their sustainability
credentials with customers and clients. For those willing to take on the
challenge, entrepreneurs can offer solutions like digital-smart
packaging with minimalist design and recycling guidelines.Sustainable landscaping and lawn care. Climate-conscious consumers and municipalities are moving away from traditional gas-powered lawn care, which produces pollution
equivalent to that of approximately 135,000 gas-powered cars each year.
With this shift comes a greater demand for eco-friendly landscaping
services. A sustainable lawn care business can stand out by using
electric or battery-powered equipment, drought-resistant plants, organic
fertilizers, and native landscaping techniques that reduce water use
and chemical runoff. Eco-friendly curb appeal can be a huge selling
point in drought-prone states with strict water conservation rules.Home energy audit and retrofitting service. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim up to $3,200 in energy-efficient tax credits
for home improvement upgrades made to their homes through 2032.
However, most homeowners are unsure of how to take advantage of these
tax incentives. While some HVAC installation and repair companies have
begun offering home energy audit services, more will need to develop
similar programs and provide retrofitting options as people strive to
make their homes as energy-efficient as possible.Green building consulting for commercial properties. As
homeowners seek to make their homes more energy-efficient, commercial
real estate owners are looking to do the same. ESG mandates and
climate-conscious tenants are driving a surge in demand for eco-friendly
buildings, and businesses would do well to answer the call. According
to a 2022 report from the U.S. Green Building Council,
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Class A
and B office buildings achieved price-per-square-foot sale premiums of
25 to 77% higher than noncertified locations.

[Read more: 10 Green Small Business Ideas]

Health, wellness, and aging
At-home diagnostics and lab-testing services. With
increasing fluctuations in health care costs and accessibility, more
consumers are looking for privacy-friendly ways to monitor their health
at home. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for convenient,
at-home self-diagnostic tools has continued to increase as more people
seek accessible diagnostic options outside traditional health care
settings. This market is projected to grow
at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% by 2030, reaching over
$22 billion. From food sensitivity kits to hormone panels, home testing
services allow users to collect samples at home and send them to
independent labs for fast results without a doctor’s visit.
Entrepreneurs can partner with certified labs and focus on niche markets
like fertility, chronic conditions, or wellness tracking.Women-focused wellness products or clinics. As global
life expectancy continues to rise, aging women, particularly those in
Gen X, are seeking more effective midlife health solutions. The
“femtech” industry has experienced significant growth, increasing from
$40.2 billion in 2020 to an expected $75 billion by the end of 2025.
Much of this growth will come from the increasing demand for
women-focused products and specialized services addressing fertility,
menopause, and women’s overall health.Mobile physical therapy or rehab services. Telemedicine
and remote therapy management programs have paved the way for other
home-based medical care solutions. The rising costs of health care and
an aging population have driven increased demand for mobile physical
therapy services. The global outpatient home therapy industry is
expected to grow at a 7.3% CAGR
from 2025 to 2031. Businesses that offer personalized, convenient
rehabilitation options give people flexible and accessible choices to
receive post-acute care from the comfort of their own homes.Sleep optimization solutions. Poor sleep is a growing public health issue—and a massive business opportunity. Sleep disorders have increased
over the last decade, thanks to growing stress and screen time, and
consumers are seeking lasting solutions that don’t involve supplements
or drugs. A sleep optimization business could offer personalized
coaching, AI-powered apps that track sleep quality, digital programs, or
products like weighted blankets and blue light–blocking tools.Workplace mental health consulting for small businesses. Today’s
tumultuous economic, political, and emotional landscapes make it
difficult for workers to navigate their mental health needs, especially
while at the office. According to a recent National Alliance on Mental Illness poll,
one in four employees surveyed said they considered quitting their jobs
due to concerns about their mental health. Small and mid-sized
employers are under more pressure than ever to offer mental health
resources comparable to those of their corporate counterparts. However,
they often lack the in-house infrastructure to do so. Developing
tailored mental health consulting services can help businesses of all
sizes address this critical workplace challenge.

AI and automation-powered services
AI-powered customer support outsourcing. As customer
expectations for instant responses continue to increase, AI-powered
support is proving to be a valuable asset for small businesses.
Generative AI’s chat and voice capabilities allow startups and SMBs to
provide real-time assistance with accuracy and efficiency. In fact, according to Salesforce,
68% of IT, marketing, sales, and service professionals believe that
generative AI will benefit customer service. Service providers that can
help manage and operate tools such as Zendesk AI can help their clients automate customer service, personalize agent responses, and collect valuable data.Video or podcast editing with AI enhancements. The creator economy is expected to reach $480 billion by 2027, and content creators are going to need help keeping up with the demand and competition. AI-powered editing tools such as Descript and Adobe Podcast
can improve workflow with capabilities such as audio and video editing,
enhancing, and transcribing. Launching a service that combines
intelligent automation with the creative eye for editing and repurposing
content, like short-form clips, can help creators meet the increasing
demands in 2025. These AI-enhanced editing tools can help creators serve
the fast-growing market while focusing on what they love most: creating
content.Custom GPT agents for internal business tasks. Today’s
businesses are looking for ways to become more efficient and reduce
unnecessary steps in their workflow. AI agents can automate these
processes and complete tasks such as generating reports, summarizing
documents, and taking meeting notes at record speeds, which can
significantly boost overall workforce productivity. There will be
greater demand for consultants who have the ability to build, teach, and
deploy AI agents for the specific needs of the companies that hire
them.AI prompt engineering consultancy or training. Generative
AI is only as effective as the prompts it’s given. Millions of
employees are being introduced to AI, but very few know how to use it to
get the results they seek. In 2025, there is a growing need for
consultants who can teach employees how to write strong, effective
prompts. Creating an AI engineering training business can empower teams
to innovate faster, boost ROI, and cut costs. Rather than wasting hours
wrestling with AI prompts that lead to errors or unwanted behaviors,
experts can provide clarity that leads, ideally, to profit.HR automation consulting. When small business HR reps
are consumed with onboarding, payroll, and compliance tasks, it can be
difficult to focus on other aspects of the job, such as employee
training, performance reviews, and workplace support. Right now, there’s
a need for consultants who can help companies automate routine tasks to
free up time and energy for more important matters. You can work with
clients to set up and implement HR tools that can handle initial hiring
processes, employee scheduling, record management, and even predictive
analytics.

Education and upskilling
Microlearning courses. Today’s professionals tend to prefer “microlearning”
over formal courses to broaden their skill set, since bite-sized
video-based learning formats can easily fit into their daily routines.
Creating and selling courses on popular platforms like Coursera,
Skillshare, and Udemy, especially in high-demand areas such as health
care or technology, can meet the needs of the current workforce. With
minimal startup costs and just a smartphone or webcam, you can turn your
expertise (or that of a hired instructor) into a passive income stream
while helping others level up their careers on their own time.AI literacy workshops for non-technical teams. According to Hostinger, 78% of companies are using AI-based technologies
in 2025, making it crucial to invest in training for non-technical
staff. When employees are tasked with utilizing a new technology but
don’t understand it, a lot can go wrong. Misuse can result in
significant setbacks, costing the company both time and money. Offering
AI literacy workshops, in-person or virtual, can help companies avoid
tech errors and ensure all employees feel confident in their
understanding and use of AI. This type of business, one that can offer
real applications and best practices, is well-suited for success and
growth.Trade skill boot camps for high-demand jobs. Whether
it’s due to affordability, accessibility, or life goals, a traditional
college education is not in everyone’s plans. In fact, Pew Research Center
reports that 49% of U.S. adults believe having a college degree is less
important today than it was 20 years ago. At the same time, Skilled Trades Partners
expects growth within the skilled trades industry this year due to
increased infrastructure projects, an aging workforce, and technological
advancements. Creating a boot camp for trades like HVAC, plumbing, or
electrical work that offers stable, well-paying jobs can meet workforce
needs and has great potential in 2025.Kids’ enrichment programs focused on soft skills or entrepreneurship. Parents
want their children to have access to extracurriculars that teach them
real-life skills, such as communication, leadership, financial literacy,
and problem-solving. The more long-term value a program offers, the
more parents will want their children to be involved. In 2025,
enrichment programs that focus on soft skills and entrepreneurial
thinking are in high demand, as schools struggle to meet those marks.
Programs like Junior Achievement and Bizworld
are transforming youth education by connecting lessons from school to
real-life applications. Launching a kids’ enrichment program that
focuses on these types of skills can make a lasting impact.Digital coaching for neurodiverse learners. Students on
the autism spectrum, as well as those with ADHD and other
neurodivergent conditions, often require more personalized educational
solutions. With research indicating that approximately 15 to 20% of the population is neurodivergent
in some way, digital coaching platforms and apps that offer resources
and education tailored to these individuals have great potential in
2025. Digital coaching apps can utilize gamification and AI-driven
progress tracking to help neurodivergent students learn in ways that are
more accessible to them. Remote and tech-enabled coaching is a
compelling business idea to those with experience in education, special
needs, and digital learning.
Home and local services
Senior move management and downsizing services. As millions of baby boomers retire, many are opting to downsize their homes
and divest themselves of extra belongings. However, this can feel like a
monumental undertaking, and moving later in life presents both physical
and emotional challenges. A business specializing in senior move
management—helping older adults sort, pack, donate, and settle into a
new space—can offer valuable support to families during significant life
transitions.EV charger installation business. This year, the electric vehicle market is expected to grow by 27.3%
from 2024. And with electric vehicle sales projected to account for
over 50% of all new cars sold by 2030, residential EV charger
installations are becoming increasingly essential. Homeowners want the
convenience of overnight charging, especially as new government
incentives lower installation costs. This service-based business has
strong growth potential, especially for electricians and contractors.Pet waste removal or mobile grooming services. In 2024, 66% of households
in the United States reported owning a pet, and busy “pet parents” are
happy to outsource care activities like picking up waste and grooming
their four-legged friends. Mobile pet grooming (which is projected to grow at a 6.7% annual rate
over the next five years) and pet waste removal services are affordable
to launch, easy to scale locally, and offer steady business, especially
in suburban neighborhoods where convenience is a top priority.

Luxury appliance maintenance and repair. As high-end
kitchens become more common, so do pricey appliances that require
specialized care. From built-in espresso machines to smart
refrigerators, today’s luxury devices aren’t built for traditional DIY
repair. Technicians specializing in this niche market can charge premium
rates for ongoing maintenance and emergency repairs.Home office design and ergonomic consulting. The rise
of remote and hybrid work environments means more people are investing
in dedicated home offices. However, comfort, posture, and productivity
are crucial, especially for professionals working from home full-time. A
service that combines ergonomic assessments with home office design can
attract clients looking to create functional, health-conscious
workspaces.

Off-grid getaways and tiny homes are gaining popularity as travelers seek to unplug and reconnect with nature.

Digital products and content creation
Productivity template marketplace. As remote work and
digital planning tools grow, so does the demand for ways to customize
those tools. The global productivity management software market is
projected to grow 14% through 2030.
From Notion dashboards to Excel trackers and Airtable workflows,
knowledge workers are investing in well-designed tools that streamline
their productivity. Selling niche plug-and-play templates for these
platforms offers a scalable way to earn passive income online.AI-assisted ghostwriting or content strategy services. Content
creation is more in-demand than ever, and AI is reshaping how it’s
produced. Brands want skilled writers and editors who can use generative
AI tools to deliver high-quality, on-brand writing affordably and
efficiently. Offering AI-powered blog writing, content calendars, and
optimization strategies fills a valuable need in the digital marketing
world.Niche paid newsletters or communities. On platforms
like Substack, Patreon, and Discord, creators can monetize their
expertise through niche communities, allowing them to build a loyal
following and earn a steady income. Whether it’s finance tips for
business owners or book clubs for parents, people are willing to pay for
curated content and meaningful connections. These low-overhead models
are perfect for creators with the drive and dedication to build a loyal
audience. Substack alone has seen 139% year-on-year growth in its monthly active app usage, showcasing the monetization potential of niche communities.Online course creation services for experts. Professionals
in every field—from therapists to tax consultants—want to turn their
knowledge into online courses. But many lack the skills to plan, film,
and launch digital products. Offering a done-for-you service that
handles content strategy, tech setup, and marketing support is a
lucrative business opportunity in the growing e-learning space.Children’s digital storybooks or interactive learning apps. The global interactive learning market is expected to grow to $23 billion in 2025.
Educational digital products, such as interactive STEM games and
read-aloud storybooks, are gaining popularity among parents who are
seeking more than passive entertainment from their children’s screen
time. Entrepreneurs who can blend engaging design with age-appropriate
learning can find a home in the ed tech space, especially with
mobile-first offerings.
Food and beverage

Private chef services for events or busy professionals. Affluent
consumers and many young professionals are seeking time-saving services
that align with their health goals and social lifestyles. That’s where
private chef services can shine—whether they’re cooking for intimate
dinner parties, weekly meal prep, or branded wellness events. This small
business model can grow through word-of-mouth, partnerships with event
planners, or niche offerings like plant-based cuisine.Hyperlocal food product business. From chili crisp to
custom spice rubs, small-batch food products with local flair are
popular. Farmers markets, independent grocers, and social media
platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made it easier than ever to
build a following around a single standout product that reflects its
city or region of origin. With low overhead and strong community
support, these businesses can scale from pop-up food trailers to shelves
across chain retailers.

[Read more: 10 Food-Based Business Ideas]

E-commerce and retail

AR/VR virtual storefront design for indie brands. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) shopping experiences are starting to catch on, especially with Gen Z.
Younger consumers crave more than just a purchase; they want engaging,
digital-first experiences. Capitalize on this by offering AR/VR virtual
storefront design services for independent brands. These immersive
showrooms enable consumers to “try on” clothes virtually and interact
with products in 3D, such as previewing how a ring or necklace would
look when worn.
Finance and legal services
Fractional CFO or bookkeeping for solopreneurs. Sole
proprietors wear a lot of hats, and they often lack the time or
expertise to properly manage their business books. This, combined with
the growing number of new businesses being formed, means there’s a huge
demand for outsourced finance help in the form of fractional CFO
or bookkeeping services. These part-time (typically contract-based)
providers step in as needed to provide financial guidance, from managing
daily transactions and payroll to offering strategic financial
planning. This service helps business owners stay organized, understand
their cash flow, and make smarter business decisions, all at a fraction of the cost of a full-time bookkeeper.Tax planning services for creator economy workers. The creator economy is flourishing, with a market value of $50.9 billion in the United States
alone as of 2024. With influencers, freelancers, and streamers earning
income through diverse and often unpredictable channels, there’s also a
significant need for specialized tax planning services. These workers
face unique challenges like fluctuating income, complex deduction rules,
and managing self-employment taxes. As an expert, you can guide clients
through optimizing their tax strategy, ensuring compliance with various
regulations, and maximizing legitimate write-offs.Small business compliance consulting. Navigating labor
laws and reporting requirements can be a major headache for small
business owners, making regulatory compliance consulting a significant
and growing opportunity. With your expertise and the right tech tools,
you can help businesses automatically track changes, generate necessary
reports, and ensure they meet state and federal regulations. These
services reduce the risk of costly fines and free up valuable time for
business owners.Digital estate planning for millennials. As millennials
continue to build wealth and start families, they are increasingly
looking to plan for their futures, including managing their digital
assets. Beyond traditional property, this generation is more likely to hold significant value in cryptocurrencies,
NFTs, online intellectual property, and social media accounts. Offering
specialized estate planning services tailored for millennials with
digital assets allows you to address this unique need. You can guide
them through the complexities of securing and transferring these digital
holdings, ensuring their wishes are honored and that their digital
footprints are managed according to their plans.Credit repair or financial coaching for Gen Z. According to a 2024 TransUnion report,
Gen Z consumers are using credit more extensively—and have higher debt
and delinquency rates—compared to millennials in their early adulthood.
There is a clear demand for financial coaching services specifically
designed for this younger demographic, especially amid an uncertain
economic climate. Many Gen Zers are looking to establish or improve
their credit scores to access loans, housing, or better financial
opportunities. Others simply want to enhance their financial literacy,
learn budgeting skills, and understand investing. You can start growing
your business and audience through social media (think Instagram and
TikTok), offering free advice tips to gain interest in further services.

Experiences and travel
Regenerative travel planning services. In 2025,
travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that not only minimize
environmental impact but actively contribute to the restoration of local
ecosystems and communities. This shift towards regenerative tourism
presents a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs to differentiate
themselves and appeal to the growing segment of environmentally
conscious travelers. You can offer specialized travel planning services
that curate eco-conscious itineraries, partner with community-led
accommodations, and facilitate participation in conservation projects.Solo travel safety tools or gear. According to Grand View Research, the global solo travel market was valued at over $482 billion in 2024
and is projected to grow 14.3% by 2030. This growth includes a
significant surge among female travelers seeking independence and
self-discovery, which in turn amplifies demand for safety-oriented
products and services. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on this opportunity
by developing innovative safety solutions specifically designed for
solo travelers, including personal alarms, GPS-enabled devices, and
secure accommodation options.Off-grid or tiny home vacation rentals. Off-grid
getaways and tiny homes are gaining popularity as travelers seek to
unplug and reconnect with nature. In 2025, the appeal of minimalist, sustainable travel
is stronger than ever, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. And
with remote and hybrid work becoming increasingly commonplace, a unique,
tiny home rental might catch the eye of someone seeking a cozy home
base for a “workation.” Tiny homes can yield high occupancy and low maintenance costs, making them an attractive model for solo operators or boutique property managers.Local experience platforms for rural areas. Slow travel
is booming in 2025, and rural areas are becoming prime destinations.
Travelers are increasingly drawn to immersive, hands-on experiences,
with nearly 65% of seasoned travelers
saying interactive activities influence their travel choices.
Entrepreneurs can tap into the growing appeal of interest-based and
cultural experiences by launching local experience platforms—such as
cooking classes, craft workshops, and local tours—in less-traveled
areas. This model offers travelers unique adventures while supporting
often underrepresented communities and small businesses eager to share
their stories and skills.Pet-friendly travel services or planning tools. Today’s travelers aren’t leaving their pets behind; they’re planning trips around them. With pet travel services projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2033,
the demand for pet-friendly trip-planning tools, guides, and concierge
services is skyrocketing. A well-designed app or planning platform that
helps users find pet-welcoming stays, parks, and eateries could corner a
loyal market. Add-ons, such as gear recommendations or pet travel kits,
can further boost revenue.

Logistics and rentals
Self-serve vending machine business. Touchless, 24/7
retail is on the rise, and modern vending machines can now sell
everything from snacks to electronics with minimal overhead. It’s no
surprise, then, that the global vending machine market is anticipated to
reach $41.4 billion by 2033.
From beverages and snacks to health-conscious products, vending offers
diverse options that cater to the needs and wants of your consumers. Set
up in a high-traffic area and watch your sales soar.Baby gear rental service for travelers. Families who
travel with young children often prefer to rent cribs, car seats, and
strollers at their destination rather than lug them through airports.
That’s where baby gear rental services come in. As of 2025, this
industry’s market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion,
with an anticipated CAGR of roughly 15% through 2028. With millennials
and Gen Zers continuing to start and grow their families, there are
numerous opportunities to meet their expectations by incorporating
technology and self-service into the experience.Storage unit business with tech-enabled access. Demand for self-storage continues to climb: The storage unit industry is expected to grow to over $72 billion by 2029,
especially in North America. Technology goes hand-in-hand with this
industry as mobile access and security technology transform the
self-storage experience. These tools allow businesses to optimize operations through payment tracking, establish video surveillance to monitor essential property, and enhance mobile communications.Event or DIY equipment rental service. From wedding
arches to power washers, consumers and businesses are opting to rent
rather than buy one-time-use gear. By 2033, the party and event rental
market is expected to reach more than $8.15 billion,
while the tool rental market is projected to cross $82.5 billion by the
same year. This growing industry presents plenty of opportunities to
carve out a niche and target specific consumer or commercial needs.Peer-to-peer car sharing or local rental fleet. As car
ownership costs rise, consumers are looking for affordable and
sustainable short-term alternatives, such as local car rental models and
platforms. The peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing is projected to grow nearly 16% by 2030. Most car-sharing rentals are facilitated by platforms like Turo or Getaround; before listing your vehicle(s), review any legal requirements or restrictions per the platform itself, your auto insurance, or the state in which you operate.

No matter what type of business you choose to pursue, it’s important to stay focused on solving real problems and adapting quickly to what your customers actually need. Understand the market, have a solid business plan, and build a brand that truly speaks to your target audience.

Looking for even more business ideas? Check out our collection of 250+ business ideas to spark inspiration and kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts.
However, before making any business decision, you should consult a
professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

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Published July 29, 2025

55 Trending Business Ideas for 2025 and Beyond | CO

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