In today’s dynamic business landscape, many Australians are seeking opportunities to generate extra income outside their primary jobs. The rise of side businesses has become a significant trend, driven by advancements in technology, changes in consumer behaviour, and the growing desire for more flexible, independent ways of earning. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or create a full-time business, there are a variety of side business opportunities that cater to the modern workforce. Here, we explore several innovative side business ideas that align with both current trends and niche industries, while also providing an honest overview of their complexity, investment requirements, and time commitments.
1. Becoming a Usability Tester
Usability testing involves providing feedback on websites, apps, or products to ensure they are user-friendly before being released to the public. For businesses, user experience is critical, and as a tester, you help improve the usability of their platforms.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Investment: Minimal—mainly requires a reliable internet connection, a computer, and time.
Hours per week: 5-10 hours (can vary depending on the number of tests available).
Estimated earnings: $15–$100 per test, depending on the complexity and platform.
This is a great entry-level side business, with no specific skills required beyond attention to detail. It’s particularly appealing for younger generations who are tech-savvy and spend a lot of time interacting with digital platforms.
2. Starting a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping allows you to run an online store without holding any inventory. Instead, when someone buys a product from your store, a third-party supplier ships it directly to the customer. It’s a low-risk way to enter the world of e-commerce.
Difficulty: Moderate
Investment: Low—usually requires an investment in a website (Shopify or similar), marketing (Facebook ads, SEO), and product sourcing.
Hours per week: 10-20 hours (initial setup is time-consuming, but it becomes more hands-off over time).
Estimated earnings: Can vary significantly—typically $200–$1,000+ per month depending on sales volume and niche.
While it has minimal startup costs, success in dropshipping requires selecting the right products and a solid marketing strategy. It’s well-suited for younger, entrepreneurial types who are familiar with online sales and digital marketing.
3. Renting Out Your Space
If your home has extra space—whether it’s a spare room, an unused garage, or a backyard—consider renting it out to others. This could be through Airbnb, or you could rent it to people looking for event space or even for storage purposes.
Difficulty: Easy
Investment: Minimal—ensure the space is presentable and clean.
Hours per week: 2-5 hours (mainly time spent cleaning, managing bookings, or responding to inquiries).
Estimated earnings: $200–$2,000 per month, depending on the location and type of space rented.
This is a particularly great option for those with limited time but ample space. It’s also an ideal side business for younger generations who live in urban areas and have spare space they’re not using to its full potential.
4. Language Teaching
With the globalisation of the workforce and the increasing number of people looking to learn languages, teaching languages online is booming. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can monetise your skills by offering classes to students across the globe.
Difficulty: Moderate
Investment: Low—mainly requires a good internet connection, teaching tools (whiteboard software, etc.), and marketing.
Hours per week: 5-15 hours, depending on the number of students.
Estimated earnings: $20–$50 per hour.
With the online language learning market predicted to reach $41.6 billion by 2030, this side business has a lot of growth potential. It is ideal for those with multilingual skills, especially younger people who might have a background in language studies or a love for cultural exchange.
5. Selling Coffee or Other Food Items to Local Businesses
If you have a passion for food and beverages, selling coffee or other speciality items to local businesses could be a lucrative side business. Offering fresh coffee or unique snacks to cafés, restaurants, or offices gives local businesses something they don’t have to source themselves.
Difficulty: Moderate to High
Investment: Medium—requires equipment (coffee machines, supplies) and transportation.
Hours per week: 10-20 hours (brewing, delivering, customer service).
Estimated earnings: $500–$5,000 per month, depending on demand and product quality.
This niche business is particularly attractive for individuals with a passion for food and beverage production, and it’s a great opportunity to build strong local connections while tapping into the growing demand for quality, locally-sourced products.
6. Growing and Selling Microgreens
Microgreens are tiny edible plants packed with nutrients and flavour, and they’re becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers, restaurants, and chefs. Growing microgreens at home or in a small greenhouse can provide you with a steady stream of income.
Difficulty: Moderate
Investment: Medium—requires equipment, seeds, and growing space.
Hours per week: 10-15 hours (depending on scale).
Estimated earnings: $500–$2,000+ per month, depending on production and market demand.
With a growing focus on health and sustainability, microgreens are in demand in many urban areas. This side business is perfect for those who enjoy gardening and want to enter the health food industry.
7. Selling Online Courses
Online learning is one of the fastest-growing industries, with millions of people seeking new skills. Whether you’re teaching people how to play an instrument, cook a specific cuisine, or learn digital marketing, there’s always demand for quality online education.
Difficulty: High
Investment: Medium to High—requires time for course creation, marketing, and platform fees (e.g., Teachable, Udemy).
Hours per week: 5-10 hours (more during course creation).
Estimated earnings: $100–$10,000+ per month (depending on course popularity).
For the entrepreneurial younger generation who enjoys teaching or has a specialised skill set, online courses can be a highly profitable side business. The key to success is developing high-quality content that resonates with learners.
8. Organising People’s Homes
As people seek to simplify their lives, the demand for home organisers is on the rise. Whether it’s tidying up a closet, revamping a pantry, or redesigning a whole living space, professional organisers help individuals transform their homes into functional, clutter-free spaces.
Difficulty: Moderate
Investment: Low—minimal tools are required, though a small investment in marketing or professional certifications could help.
Hours per week: 5-10 hours per client.
Estimated earnings: $50–$150 per hour.
This is an excellent side business for individuals with an eye for detail and a love of organisation. It’s especially appealing for younger generations who enjoy aesthetics and home design trends.
