Freelance writing, proofreading, and community monetization are some of the best women-owned businesses - are you ready to join them?

Women are building businesses faster than ever, and there are now dozens of profitable ways to start — from freelance writing and proofreading to community monetization, coaching, and digital products.

Women now own 42% of all U.S. businesses, proving entrepreneurship isn’t just for men.

Here on Whop, we've interviewed women like Alexis Seleste and Shelby Haas, who opened up about how they got started and what actually works in the real world, and we know it's possible for you, too.

If you're a woman looking for business ideas, no more scrolling.

These ways to make money actually work. Let's get into it.

Female-founded businesses are on the rise: here's why

Women are starting businesses at record speed because entrepreneurship offers something traditional jobs often don’t: flexibility, financial control, and the ability to design a life that actually works.

Women-owned businesses now generate $3.3 trillion a year and employ more than 12 million people, according to Wells Fargo.

Some women launch businesses for freedom: choosing their own hours, spending more time with family, or building income on their terms.

Others do it out of necessity: 73% of self-employed women cite job scarcity as a main driver, compared to 67% of men.

Whatever your reason, the opportunity is real.

Here are 50+ side hustles, small businesses, and scalable ideas that women can start today.

70+ of the best business ideas for women

A decade ago, women-owned businesses were only in a few industries. Today, they span every sector (though these four still make up about half of all female-founded enterprises):

Sector % of women-owned businesses Examples
Other services 16% Hair & nail salons, pet care, laundries, dry cleaners
Professional, scientific & technical services 14% Legal services, bookkeeping, consulting
Administrative, support & waste management services 12% Staffing agencies, office admin, security services
Healthcare & Social assistance 11% Child daycare, home care, mental health practitioners

Not inspired by these examples? Totally fine — they’re just the starting point.

Let's go deeper.

Online business ideas for women

Online businesses give women flexibility, location freedom, and more time with family.

I launched an online business freelancing while working full-time in public relations. Over time, I built enough experience and income to make the switch completely.

The other beauty of online businesses? You can start part-time, sell products or services online, and scale without a storefront or overhead. 

I turned my blog posts and newsletters into an ebook, Write Better Right Now, packed with practical writing exercises. You can easily sell online offers on Whop with minimal fees and a huge marketplace of buyers.

And ladies, you can have fun with this – Krista Doyle created a media site called Taypedia, monetizing her newsletter through affiliate links, sponsorships, and brand partnerships. 

taypedia

As a fangirl myself, respect.

Online business ideas popular with women:

1. Freelance writing

Write articles, blog posts, or copy for businesses and individuals. Writers typically earn $20-$100+ per article, with full-time freelancers making $30k-$80k+ annually.

As Keisha says, it's important to choose a niche upfront:

In order to set yourself for the long run, it's really important to establish a niche.

The best way to do that is to start as you mean to go on – whatever your interest is, there is a space for you as a writer.

- Keisha Singleton, freelance writer of 8+ years
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Start with a niche, create writing samples, and pitch on platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, or directly to brands. You can also build your portfolio on Whop and house client contracts.

2. Proofreading

Polish documents for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Proofreaders often earn $15-$50 per hour. To start, sharpen editing skills, build a portfolio, and find clients through freelancing platforms or LinkedIn.

3. Monetized communities

Build an engaged online community around a shared interest or niche. Earnings come from memberships, exclusive content, and sponsorships – you can manage all three on platforms like Whop.

Start by picking a niche, growing an audience on social, and offering value through exclusive content or perks.

Elite Creators of TikTok is run by Yanique, who generated over $450,000 in sales through TikTok Shop Affiliate.

4. Translation services

Offer language translation for documents, websites, or business communications.

Translators can earn $20-$60 per hour, with higher rates for technical or legal work. Start with fluency in two or more languages, create samples, and list services on freelance marketplaces.

Karina Egle has fluency in three languages and has leveraged this to earn money online through varying offerings, including translation. She says:

If I had to advertise my translation skills, I would be recording videos where I speak the requested language to be translated, and showcase my skills that way.

- Karina Egle, Whop
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5. Selling digital downloads

Create and sell downloadable items like templates, ebooks, or presets. Income ranges widely, from a few hundred to $10k+ per month. Start by designing products, hosting on Whop, Etsy, or Gumroad, and promoting through social media.

Fatimah makes money as a college student by selling study guides:

Create study guides for your hardest classes and offer resume writing services.

- Fatimah
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@fatimahs.guide on Instagram

6. Home tutoring

Teach students one-on-one in subjects like math, English, or music. Tutors earn $20-$80 per hour.

Start by choosing your subject area, advertising locally or online, and offering trial sessions to build word-of-mouth. You can even run your tutoring business on Whop.

7. Social media influencer

Grow a following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube and partner with brands.

Influencer earnings vary from free products to $1k-$10k+ per campaign. Begin by choosing a niche, creating consistent content, and engaging with your audience.

8. Course creator

Develop and sell online courses in your area of expertise. Creators can earn hundreds to (potentially tens of) thousands monthly. To start, pick a high-demand topic, record lessons, and host on platforms like Whop.

Women in Finance is a coaching community run by Roxy here on Whop.

9. Dropshipping or retail arbitrage

Run an eCommerce store without handling inventory by shipping directly from suppliers, or retail arbitrage your own finds and sell online for higher profit margins.

Amazon FBA is basically just reselling branded products that you would buy from retail, online stores, or wholesale. You resell it on Amazon.

- Jasmine Green, Amazon FBA seller making six figures at 21 years old.
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Profits vary from a few hundred to $10k+ monthly. Start with a niche product, set up a Shopify store, and market through ads or influencers.

10. Virtual assistant

Run your virtual assistance business on Whop and provide services like scheduling, emails, or social media for clients.

VAs earn $15-$50 per hour. Start by defining your services, creating a website, and finding clients on freelancing platforms or LinkedIn.

11. Affiliate marketing

Earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products online. Affiliates can make anywhere from $100 to $10k+ monthly, depending on audience size.

Begin by picking a niche, joining affiliate programs, and promoting links through content or social media.

12. Fitness coaching

Offer personalized workout plans and guidance in-person or online. Coaches can earn $30-$100 per session or $2k-$8k monthly online.

Start with certification, create programs on Whop, and promote through Instagram or YouTube.

13. Personalized family meal plans

Create custom meal plans for families based on dietary needs. Planners often charge $50-$200+ per plan. Start with nutrition knowledge, design templates, and market to busy parents through social media.

14. Web design

Design websites for businesses or personal brands. Web designers earn $500-$5k+ per project.

Start with a portfolio, learn platforms like WordPress or Webflow, and find clients through referrals, Whop, and freelance sites.

15. Social media management

Manage accounts, content, and growth for businesses.

Social media managers can charge $500-$3k+ monthly per client. Begin with one niche, create sample content, and pitch services to small businesses.

Reach out to your network – friends running small businesses, old bosses, your local cafe. That's the easiest way to find your first social media client.

– Olivia Carr, Whop Content Writer

16. Online coaching

Provide life, career, or mindset coaching through Whop. Coaches often earn $50-$200 per session. Start with a coaching certification (optional), define your niche, and promote through social media.

17. Transcription services

Convert audio or video into text for podcasts, meetings, or medical/legal clients. Transcribers usually earn $15-$40 per hour. Begin with transcription software, accuracy skills, and sign up for platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe.

18. Podcasting

Create and host a podcast on a niche topic you love. Podcasters earn through sponsorships, affiliate deals, or premium memberships. Income ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly.

Start by recording episodes consistently, publishing on Spotify or Apple, and monetizing through Whop by offering exclusive content or Q&As.

19. Resume & LinkedIn profile services

Help job seekers stand out with polished resumes and optimized LinkedIn profiles. Professionals often pay $100–$500 per project. To start, learn resume best practices, create sample transformations, and promote services on LinkedIn or Whop.

20. Voiceover work

Record ads, explainer videos, or audiobooks for clients. Voiceover artists typically earn $50–$500 per project, depending on length and complexity.

Start with a quality microphone, practice different tones, and list your services on platforms like Fiverr, Voices.com, or Whop.

21. Pinterest management

Run Pinterest accounts for businesses to drive traffic and sales. Managers often charge $300–$1,000+ per month per client. Begin by learning Pinterest SEO, creating a sample portfolio, and pitching your services to bloggers, creators, and online shop owners.

22. Virtual event hosting

Host webinars, online summits, or paid workshops. Hosts can earn $500–$10,000+ per event, depending on audience size. Start with a clear topic, set up ticketing and access on Whop, and promote through social media and email lists.

Small business ideas for women

Isn’t every woman’s dream to own a cozy bakery, boutique, or café? Mine certainly was.

I launched an Etsy shop at 19 to sell handmade jewelry.

A small project quickly became a valuable learning experience while I tested pricing strategies, marketing partnerships, sales techniques, and explored different marketplaces (lessons I still pull from today).

Here’s the takeaway: when starting a small business, you don’t need a perfect idea, you need something you enjoy, and that fits your skills. 

These principles apply whether you’re starting a small side hustle, a boutique business, or an online shop. 

Here are a few small business ideas to explore:

23. Jewelry business

Create and sell unique jewelry like rings, necklaces, and earrings, either handmade or sourced. Profits vary widely — anywhere from a few hundred to thousands monthly. To start, design a collection, set up an online shop (Etsy, Whop, Shopify), and market on social media.

24. Catering

Provide food services for events, from small parties to corporate functions. Caterers can earn $30k-$80k+ annually, depending on scale and clientele. Begin with licensing, a niche menu, and building local word-of-mouth or partnering with event venues.

25. Bakery business

Sell baked goods such as bread, pastries, and cakes, either online, at farmers’ markets, or from a storefront. Successful bakeries can earn $1k-$10k+ monthly. Start by perfecting recipes, getting required permits, and marketing through local food events or Instagram.

26. Makeup and hairstyling business

Offer beauty services for weddings, events, and everyday clients. Freelance makeup artists and stylists often earn $50-$150+ per session. To start, build a portfolio, invest in quality products, and promote yourself on social platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Carly Jo is a makeup artist based out of Columbus, Ohio

27. Event planning business

Coordinate parties, corporate events, and celebrations. Planners can charge $500-$5,000+ per event. Begin by niching down (weddings, birthdays, corporate), networking with local vendors, and creating an online presence to showcase past events.

28. Pet sitting business

Take care of pets while owners are away, either at your home or theirs. Pet sitters typically earn $20-$50 per visit or $1k-$3k per month part-time. Start by signing up on platforms like Rover, advertising locally, and building trust with repeat clients.

29. Pet grooming salon

Offer grooming services like washing, trimming, and nail care. Groomers can make $30k-$60k annually, more if you own a salon. Start with certifications, essential equipment, and either mobile grooming services or a small shop in a pet-friendly area.

30. Cleaning services

Provide home or office cleaning on a one-time or recurring basis. Cleaners can earn $25-$50 per hour, with small teams making $50k+ per year. Start with affordable supplies, advertise locally, and offer package rates for repeat clients.

31. Wedding planning services

Specialize in managing a couple’s big day, from vendors to décor. Planners often charge $1,500-$10,000+ per wedding. Start with event experience, build vendor relationships, and create an inspiring portfolio site to attract clients.

Fox & Fern is a wedding & event planning business based out of Michigan and run by Meaghan

32. Landscaping business

Offer outdoor design, gardening, and lawn care services. Landscapers can make $30k-$100k+ annually, depending on contracts. To start, invest in basic equipment, advertise locally, and build a client base with residential properties before scaling.

33. Real estate business

Help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Agents usually earn through commissions, averaging $50k-$100k annually, with top performers making much more. Begin by getting licensed, joining a brokerage, finding a mentor, and marketing yourself through networking and listings.

34. Bookkeeping services

Manage accounts, payroll, and records for small businesses. Bookkeepers earn $20-$60 per hour, with potential to scale into a firm. Start with accounting software skills, certifications, and find clients through LinkedIn or referrals.

35. Flower shop

Sell floral arrangements for events, weddings, and everyday occasions. Shops typically earn $20k-$50k annually, with spikes during holidays. Start by sourcing suppliers, setting up a local shop or online store, and building partnerships with event planners.

36. PR agency

Manage public relations, press, and brand image for clients. PR pros can charge $2k-$10k+ per month retainer. Start with experience in communications, build media contacts, and package services for startups or small businesses needing visibility.

37. Home health services

Provide in-home care like companionship, personal assistance, or nursing support. Earnings vary, with agencies bringing in $50k-$100k+ annually. To start, check state licensing, build a care team, and market through healthcare networks.

38. Bookstore café

salti reads bookstore cafe
Salti Reads is a bookstore cafe on the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Combine a bookshop with a cozy café for readers. Income can range from $50k-$150k+ annually, depending on foot traffic. Start with a strong location, curate book selections, and create a community vibe with events like readings or workshops.

39. Mobile coffee cart

Sell coffee and specialty drinks at farmers’ markets, offices, or events. Coffee carts can generate $30k–$100k+ annually. To start, invest in a cart setup, secure permits, and market to event organizers or busy commuter spots.

40. Custom stationery shop

Design and sell stationery like journals, planners, or greeting cards. Sellers earn anywhere from $500 to $10k+ monthly depending on scale. Begin by creating designs, sourcing materials or offering digital downloads, and selling on Whop, Etsy, or your own site.

41. Kids’ activity kits

kids stem kit

Curate DIY craft or STEM kits for children. Earnings can range from $1k to $5k+ per month. To start, design themed kits, test them with families, and sell through social media, subscription models, or Whop.

42. Bridal consulting services

Offer guidance to brides on budgeting, styling, and planning their wedding day without full event coordination. Consultants often earn $500–$3k+ per client. Begin by building a portfolio, networking with vendors, and creating packages on Whop.

43. Local tour guide business

Run niche tours in your city, such as food, shopping, or history. Guides typically earn $20–$100 per person, per tour. To start, design routes, partner with local businesses, and market through Airbnb Experiences or your own Whop storefront.

Home business ideas for women

Running a biz from home = no commute, no shoes, no employer (instead, you can be your own boss). Dream life, right?

Popular picks? Candle-making, beauty products, custom crafts. Low cost, fun to start, and super sellable (and scalable).

Here are more home business ideas to consider:

44. Candle-making

Handcraft and sell candles online, at markets, or in stores. Earnings range from $500 to $5k+ monthly. Start by perfecting recipes, sourcing materials, and marketing through Instagram or Etsy.

45. Homemade beauty products

Create natural skincare or cosmetics like soaps, scrubs, or balms. Sellers can make $1k-$10k+ monthly. Start with safe, tested recipes, branding, and selling through markets or online shops.

46. Refurbishing/reselling furniture

Upcycle old furniture for resale. Profits vary, with sellers making $200-$2k+ monthly. Start by sourcing second-hand pieces, refinishing them, and selling through Facebook Marketplace or Etsy.

47. Cloud kitchen or baked goods

Sell food from a delivery-only kitchen or home setup. Profits range from $1k-$10k+ monthly. Start with licensing, a focused menu, and delivery partnerships with Uber Eats or DoorDash.

48. Urban farming (vertical farming and microgreens)

Grow and sell produce like microgreens or herbs in small spaces. Earnings vary, but growers can make $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with minimal equipment, hydroponics or soil setups, and sell to local restaurants or markets.

49. Online fashion boutique

Sell curated clothing collections via an online shop. Boutique owners earn $1k-$10k+ monthly. Start by sourcing pieces, building a Shopify store, and marketing through Instagram or TikTok.

50. Print on demand or screen printing

Sell custom apparel, mugs, or posters without holding inventory. Profits depend on sales volume, but can range from a few hundred to $5k+ monthly. Start by designing graphics, using platforms like Printful or Teespring, and promoting online.

51. Data entry

Handle data processing tasks for businesses. Data entry clerks usually earn $12-$25 per hour. Start with basic computer skills, sign up for freelance platforms, and build reliability with clients.

52. Homemade pet treats

Bake and sell natural snacks for dogs and cats. Sellers can make $500–$5k+ monthly depending on volume. Start by perfecting recipes, getting pet-safe certifications, and selling through Etsy, farmers’ markets, or Whop.

Eco-friendly business ideas

Women don’t just build businesses, we create ones that care for people, and for the planet.

Research shows female CEOs are more likely to prioritise eco-friendly choices.

It checks out: sustainability isn’t just good vibes, it’s smart business. Customers love it, and investors are more likely to fund businesses when there’s social impact baked in.

Ideas? Think reusable everyday swaps (cups, bags, straws), sustainable fashion, or refillable beauty.

wooden toys

Women often run eco-friendly businesses in the following areas:

53. Ethical fashion

Create and sell clothing made with sustainable materials and fair labour. Brands can earn $20k-$100k+ annually. Start with eco-friendly sourcing, strong branding, and an online presence highlighting your values.

54. Clean beauty and cosmetics

Sell non-toxic, eco-friendly skincare or makeup. Profits vary from $1k to $20k+ monthly. Begin with safe formulations, branding, and partnerships with influencers or clean beauty marketplaces.

55. Organic and sustainable farming

Grow and sell organic produce locally. Small farms can make $20k-$100k+ annually. Start with land, certifications, and selling through farmers’ markets or local grocers.

56. Garment upcycling

Transform old clothes into new fashion pieces. Upcyclers earn $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with sewing skills, thrifted pieces, and sell via Etsy, Depop, or Instagram.

57. Zero-waste product store

Sell eco-friendly alternatives like reusable bags or bamboo cutlery. Stores can earn $10k-$50k+ annually. Start with curated suppliers, an online shop, and promote through sustainability communities.

58. Plastic-free packaging consultancy

Help businesses transition to eco packaging. Consultants can earn $50-$200 per hour. Start with packaging knowledge, eco-supplier contacts, and market to food and retail brands. Build your consulting business on Whop and manage everything in one central place.

59. Eco-friendly party planning

Organize sustainable events using reusable décor and zero-waste catering. Planners often charge $500-$5k per event. Start by niching down (birthdays, weddings) and building a green vendor network.

60. Recycled paper goods

Sell stationery, cards, or notebooks made from recycled materials. Sellers can earn $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with sourcing sustainable paper, designing products, and selling online or at markets.

61. Thrift reselling

Curate and resell thrifted or vintage clothing. Resellers can earn $500–$5k+ monthly. Start by sourcing unique finds, photographing them well, and listing on Depop, Poshmark, or Whop.

62. Reusable gift wrap brand

Create fabric wraps or recycled-paper options as sustainable alternatives to gift wrap. Sellers often earn $500–$3k+ per month. Start by designing patterns, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and selling through Whop or Etsy.

Creative business ideas for women

Imagine waking up excited to work. A life where your creativity isn’t just a hobby, but your business.

From art to ceramics to content, women are turning passions into brands.

Take Patrícia Pereira, founder of Coral Ceramics. Her handmade clay pieces take four weeks to create, but the time and care mean they sell at a premium—and become heirlooms.

coral ceramics

Or Aileen Xu, who launched Lavendaire in 2014. What started as a personal growth platform grew into journals and resources loved worldwide.

The lesson? Creative businesses might take longer, but the payoff (both financial and personal) is worth it.

Fun and creative business ideas for women include:

63. Wedding invitations design

Create custom wedding invites, digital or print. Designers can charge $200-$2k+ per project. Start by building a portfolio, setting up an Etsy or Shopify store, and networking with wedding planners.

64. Handmade items

Sell unique handmade crafts like decor, accessories, or gifts. Crafters typically earn $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with a craft niche, set up an online shopfront, and market via social media.

65. Photography services

Offer portraits, events, or product photography. Photographers earn $50-$300+ per session, with full-time pros making $30k-$100k annually. Start with equipment, build a portfolio, and market online and locally.

66. Interior design business

Provide home or office design services. Designers can earn $500-$5k+ per project. Start with design training or skills, create a portfolio, and market through social media or referrals.

67. Digital marketing business

Help businesses grow through digital marketing like SEO, social media, and ads. Agencies often charge $1k-$10k+ per month per client. Start with a niche, build case studies, and pitch to small businesses.

UGC Island is a digital marketing community run by Taylor Ives, a UGC creator with over 16k followers.

68. Gift box subscription service

Curate themed gift boxes (wellness, snacks, beauty) and sell via subscription. Income ranges from $1k-$10k+ monthly. Start by sourcing unique items, building a Shopify store, and marketing on Instagram and Facebook.

69. Design and sell planners

Create digital planners and templates for productivity or lifestyle. Sellers can make $500-$10k+ monthly. Start with design software, sell on Etsy or Whop, and promote through social media.

70. Hand-knitted toys

Create and sell knitted plushies or dolls. Sellers can earn $200-$2k+ monthly. Start with unique designs, market through Etsy or craft fairs, and build a loyal audience.

71. Pottery business

Handcraft and sell pottery pieces like mugs, bowls, or décor. Potters earn $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with basic equipment, practice designs, and sell through local markets or online shops.

72. Embroidery tutorials

Teach embroidery skills through online classes or kits. Earnings range from $500-$5k+ monthly. Start with free videos on YouTube, create kits, and sell exclusive tutorial content through Whop or Patreon.


As promised, more than 70 creative, fulfilling, and beginner-friendly business ideas to inspire you on your journey to becoming a female founder.

If you're ready to start your business, create your whop now.

Looking for more tips? Here's how to turn them from idea to reality.


How to start a business as a woman in 10 simple steps (with expert-backed tips to make it easier)

Speaking from experience, starting a business can feel overwhelming — but I can help you navigate some of the common pitfalls. These 10 steps will walk you through what to do and how to do it.

1. Identify your business idea

You’ve seen over 70+ ideas already — but the right one for you depends on your lifestyle, goals, and interests. Ask yourself:

  • How much time can I dedicate?
  • Do I want to work from home or outside?
  • What skills do I already have?
  • Do I prefer digital products or physical goods?

Pick something you’re excited to build — that excitement will carry you through the hard days.

Build a brand that resonates, not just a business that sells. Connection is the key to longevity.

- Jess Cervellon, Consultant at Open Late Collective

Highest Paid Nurse turned their more than 25K Instagram followers into a paid whop with over 235 active members, just by identifying a gap in the education and workplace market.

2. Validate your business idea before launching 

A great idea isn’t enough — it also needs to be viable. Before you invest time or money, test it:

  • Run a quick survey with your target audience
  • Ask your network for feedback
  • Try a small pre-sale or waitlist

This early feedback can save you from building something no one wants, and give you confidence to keep going.

3. Develop a business plan

This is your roadmap. Your business plan should include:

  • Your mission and goals
  • Your target market and their needs
  • A competitor analysis (What’s missing in the market?)
  • Your pricing strategy (don’t undervalue your work)
  • Your marketing plan

When it comes to marketing, create strategies that will actually resonate with your customers’ needs and interests, using the same channels they frequent and crafting messages that speak directly to them. 

Check out these business plan templates for more inspiration.

Charge what your business is worth. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be good. If you have to beg for eyeballs, you haven’t positioned it right.

Ask someone to use it in front of you (same with your website) and note how they perceive it and where they get stuck or confused.


- Katharine McKee, ecommerce consultant

Get the boring-but-essential stuff out of the way early:

  • Register your business (local/state/federal, depending on structure)
  • Apply for any necessary licenses and permits
  • Open a dedicated business bank account
  • Set up a simple accounting system (or hire help)

You can always ask for help with the things that overwhelm you – if you’re not an accounting whiz, hire someone who is. 

Focus on what you’re good at and hire others to help you with what you’re not (e.g., contracts, taxes, admin.) Don’t ignore those aspects of the business, because they don’t go away.

- Ashley Cummings, Travel Blogger

5. Secure funding (if needed)

You might not need much money to start — many digital or service-based businesses have low overhead. But if you do need funds, consider:

  • Personal savings or friends/family
  • Small business grants (especially those for women)
  • Crowdfunding or angel investors
  • Loans or microloans

Look into programs specifically for women entrepreneurs — a big bonus is that they often include mentorship or community support, too.

6. Build your brand

Obviously, you want to stand out from the crowd. But while everybody says that, how do you actually do it? Branding.

Check out this video from Whop seller Olivia Appleberry, who runs the community Habitual Honeys, helping other women grow and monetize their YouTube in 12 weeks:

As Olivia explains, a personal brand is more than a logo — it's how people experience you.

7. Set up operations

This is when things get real. Buckle in.

It varies a lot depending on your business type. But you're now at the point where you’ll likely need to:

  • Decide if you need physical space or can work remotely
  • Set up your tools and systems (software, shipping, scheduling, etc.)
  • Prep any inventory or assets you’ll sell

In some cases, starting a business is as simple as creating a digital product and using different strategies to boost sales

8. Launch your business

The lead-up is on, you're feeling nervous and excited (and everything in between). But for a launch to be successful, you need to lay the groundwork:

  • Tease your product or service in advance
  • Create a launch day offer or giveaway
  • Build a waitlist or early access club
  • Ask your network to share

Don’t forget that running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the good and the bad days and keep pushing forward. 

Building a business is a roller coaster ride. You accept you are getting on the ride and riding the ups and downs. Both are part of the process to get to the destination.

But if you start to feel sick, you need to get off the ride and rest for a bit.


- Amanda Goetz, writer and creator

9. Monitor and adjust

You don’t need to be a data analyst — but you do need to know what’s working.

  • Use basic tools like Google Analytics or social insights
  • Track your sales, traffic, and feedback
  • Listen to your customers on social, in reviews, and in conversations

Not everything will go as planned, but that’s part of the fun. Just be willing to go with the flow and adapt.

Be a results person, not a deliverables person — whoever you're working for or with. It's easy to trot out process and protocol and formality. Also, get 'fail' out of your vocab immediately.

Clean up how you talk to yourself. Fast.


- Grace Clarke, marketing consultant

10. Build, scale, and succeed 

Starting your business is one thing — growing it is another. Scaling your hustle means turning your small idea into a thriving, sustainable venture, and knowing where to invest your time, energy, and resources.

  • Streamline your operations so you can handle more clients or sales without burning out.
  • Automate repetitive tasks to free up time for the work you love.
  • Test new revenue streams — digital products, subscriptions, or services.
  • Use tools and platforms like Whop to reach more customers and connect with other women founders.

Kayla Parilla is a successful (to put it lightly) clothing entrepreneur running a 5-star coaching community here on Whop.

Here's what she has to say about scaling a side hustle to a fully fledged business:


Start your business today with Whop

Girl, if you’ve made it this far? Congratulations.

You’ve got the blueprint to start your own business, no matter which path you choose.

If you’re launching a business—whether that’s selling a service, running affiliate marketing, creating content, building a community, or coaching—Whop is the perfect place to start.

We’ll help you make your first dollar online and scale your business fast, turning your side hustle into something sustainable.

Join the growing community of women building businesses on Whop. Launch risk-free and bring your first whop to life in less than 10 minutes.


FAQs

What is the best business for a woman to start?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer (and that’s a good thing). The best business depends on where your passions, skills, and lifestyle goals intersect with real market demand.

If you’re creative and love branding, you might thrive with an online shop, a print-on-demand business, or selling your own digital downloads.

If you’re an expert in your field, consulting or coaching is a natural path.

If you’re passionate about health and wellness, the demand for fitness coaching, nutrition advice, and mental health support is booming.

The key: choose something that excites you and feels sustainable long term.

How can I start a business with limited funds?

Plenty of successful entrepreneurs started with little or no money. The trick is to choose a low-cost, high-potential business model.

Digital products (like templates, eBooks, or courses), freelance services, or affiliate marketing are great places to start.

Whop allows you to get started for free, and you can reinvest profits as you grow.

What are some low-risk business ideas for women new to entrepreneurship?

If you’re dipping your toes into entrepreneurship, here are a few low-risk options:

These ideas don’t require inventory, office space, or large upfront costs, making them ideal for beginners.

What factors should women consider when choosing a business idea?

Ask yourself:

  • Does this align with my passions and skills?
  • Is there real demand in the market?
  • Can I realistically manage it with my current lifestyle?
  • What are the startup costs and time commitment?
  • Is it scalable, or does it stay small?
  • Am I only choosing this because I've seen men doing it?

Also consider: are there competitors? If yes, figure out what they do well, and where there's a gap.

Can I start a business while working full-time?

Absolutely. In fact, many women launch their businesses as side hustles first—testing ideas, learning the ropes, and building confidence while still earning a steady income.

Freelance work, digital products, or online coaching are especially good fits for this phase.

How can I stay motivated if I’m juggling a business and family life?

Start by creating clear boundaries. Your time is valuable, and you’ll need to protect it.

Choose a business model that supports flexibility (like online services or digital products), and don’t be afraid to ask for help or outsource small tasks as you grow.
And most importantly: give yourself grace. Progress is progress, even if it’s slow.

What are the best business ideas for working moms?

Working moms need flexibility and efficiency. Great options include:

  • Freelance writing or design (flexible hours, remote work)
  • Virtual assistance or social media management
  • Selling digital downloads, printables, or templates
  • Online coaching or tutoring
  • Subscription-based offers or memberships hosted on Whop

These businesses let you scale at your own pace while keeping family first.

What are the best business ideas for single mothers?

Single moms often need businesses that provide both financial security and time flexibility. Strong options include:

  • Freelancing (writing, marketing, design, editing)
  • Virtual assistance or bookkeeping
  • Selling digital offers (courses, templates, guides)
  • Coaching (career, life, health, or business coaching)
  • Ecommerce with dropshipping or print-on-demand

These models allow you to build income without heavy upfront costs or strict schedules.

What are the best business ideas for women over 40 or 50?

If you're over 40 and 50 then congrats! You bring invaluable skills, wisdom, and networks to entrepreneurship. Ideal options include:

  • Consulting or coaching (leveraging career experience)
  • Online education (courses, workshops, or mentorship)
  • Health and wellness offers (fitness coaching, nutrition, holistic practices)
  • Ecommerce (boutique store, niche products, or handcrafted items)
  • Freelance services that capitalize on professional expertise

At this stage, it’s about building a business that fits your lifestyle, honors your expertise, and aligns with your financial and personal goals.