If you are looking to make some extra cash, then starting your own business, even part-time, is a great way to do so. If you aren’t exactly a natural entrepreneur and if you do not have a huge amount of time and resources to do so, then considering local business ideas are often the best way to go about doing so. Just because you will know the community and what will fly there well, and of course, your friends and neighbours will be looking to support local companies like yours. Therefore, you will have a much easier time of getting those all-important first sales.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best local business ideas you can actually make money with, that aren’t the same old tired dog walking or car washing companies that everyone else is doing, because, let’s face it, you don’t want to waste your time on a business that will not pay off.

1. The Night Owl’s Crèche

For the parents who love a good night out but are tethered by the small, sleeping dictators at home, enter the Night Owl’s Crèche. This is a space where parents can bring their kids in the evenings when they need a break. Somewhere they know they will be safe, and where they can have lots of fun playing board games, watching movies and having a cheeky snack or two. Yes, you will need to get all the proper accreditations for this idea. However, if you are willing to put the work in, you could be on to a winner.

2. Puzzle Room Café

Escape rooms are really popular right now, so why not capitalise on that fact by opening a puzzle room and cafe combined? Each table can have their own puzzles that they must solve while they eat cake and drink coffee. Make it competitive with leaderboards and monthly prizes. Then you have got a café that challenges the mind and delights the palate, while also making some serious money.

3. DIY Upcycling Studio

In a world crying out for sustainability, a DIY Upcycling Studio is the eco-warrior’s dream. Provide the space, tools, and guidance for people to turn their old tat into treasures. Do a spot of flyer printing to advertise it all, and voila! From furniture flipping workshops to fashion revamps, it’s all about creating something new out of something old. It’s green, it’s creative, and it gives that old chest of drawers a story more interesting than “I bought it at IKEA”.

4. The Pet Pub

No, not a pub for pets (though, that’s an idea for another day), but a pet-friendly pub where humans and their furry friends can socialise together.  Unlike most other pubs, you could have a dedicated pet menu pet play area. Then maybe even the facility for owners to leave their pets with you for an hour or two while they run errands. It’s like doggy daycare but much more fun.

5. Mobile Library Café

Books and coffee—a match made in heaven. But why stop there? Let’s put it on wheels. A Mobile Library Café that brings literature and lattes to your doorstep. Whether it’s parked up at local markets or cruising the suburbs, it’s a haven for bookworms and caffeine addicts alike. Plus, you can run book clubs on the go, author meet-and-greets, and storytelling sessions for kids. It’s like a literary festival on wheels.

6. Secret Supper Club

Shh, it’s a secret. A dining experience shrouded in mystery. Where the location changes, the menu is never the same, and you might just end up eating in an abandoned lighthouse or a fairy-tale forest. It’s about creating unforgettable dining experiences that are as much about the adventure as they are about the food. Market it through whispers and enigmatic clues. Soon enough, everyone will be talking about the secret supper club they’re dying to find.

7. Gourmet Pet Treat Bakery

Pets are family, and what better way to treat them than with gourmet, homemade treats? Start a bakery specializing in nutritious, delicious pet snacks. From gluten-free dog biscuits to catnip delights, your pet bakery can cater to all dietary needs. Host pet nutrition workshops, treat-tasting events, and even a pet treat subscription service. It’s practical, it’s unique, and let’s face it, utterly adorable.

8. Local History Mystery Tours

Every town has its secrets, legends, and untold stories. Create a business that offers tours diving into the local lore, but with a twist—make it a mystery adventure. Participants can solve clues, meet characters from the past, and discover hidden corners of their town. It’s educational, engaging, and a fresh take on the typical walking tour.

9. Sustainable Gardening Squad

Gardening services are always in demand, but let’s plant the seed of sustainability in this field. Offer gardening services that specialize in creating eco-friendly, biodiverse spaces in clients’ yards. Include rain gardens, vegetable patches, and pollinator-friendly plants. It’s practical for homeowners looking to beautify their spaces. Plus, has the added benefit of supporting the local ecosystem.

10. The Grown-Up Arcade

Video arcades are not just for kids in 2024.  People of all ages love a good gaming session and this could be good news for you! Picture an arcade that caters to the grown-ups. Classic games and modern VR experiences. Then maybe even some arcade-themed cocktails to loosen up those joystick fingers. Host tournaments, game release parties, and even coding camps for adults who want to create their own games. It’s a place to relive your youth but with the added bonus of adult privileges. Such as not having to ask your parents for more tokens!

11. Pop-Up Adventure Playgrounds

For parents craving creative ways to entertain their kids, introduce the concept of pop-up adventure playgrounds. These temporary setups offer children the chance to play in imaginative, safely constructed environments made from upcycled materials. It’s a fun, practical solution for weekend family activities, birthday parties, or community events.

12. The Travelling Tea Room

Tea rooms are a staple of local culture. But let’s brew a twist into this idea—a travelling tea room. Deck out a vintage bus or van as a mobile tea room, complete with cosy decor and a selection of fine teas and cakes. Park at local events, markets, or scenic spots, offering a quaint, mobile spot for a cuppa and a chat. It’s the charm of a traditional tea room with the added novelty of being on the move.

13. Custom Storage Solutions

In the age of Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, everyone wants to declutter. Launch a business that offers custom storage solutions, from designing bespoke shelving units to organizing workshops teaching the art of tidying. By merging practical storage solutions with the personal touch of customization, you’re bound to spark joy in every client’s home.

14. Elderly Tech Support Squad

In a world that’s increasingly digital, offer a tech support service specifically designed for the elderly. From teaching how to use smartphones and tablets to setting up video calls with family, it’s a practical service that also addresses the important issue of tech literacy among seniors. Host workshops at local community centres or offer home visits to make technology accessible and less intimidating.

15. Artisan Bread-Making Van

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the neighbourhood from a mobile bakery van. Offer a variety of artisan breads, made on the spot, and perhaps even baking classes for small groups. It’s a way to bring gourmet experiences right to people’s doorsteps and share the joy of bread making.

As you can see, no matter what you’re into and no matter where your skillset may lie, there are tons of hyper-local ideas that you can capitalise on to start your own business or side-hustle that will actually make money for you and your family. What’s not to love about that And what’s stopping you from getting started?