Did you know that summer makes up over 20% of all spending in the U.S.? This fact shows the big chance for entrepreneurs to make money from outdoor fun, travel, and relaxation in the warm season. This guide looks at 16 summer business ideas that use the season’s unique needs and chances.
These ideas range from lawn care and food trucks to personal training and event planning. They can help you make more money and enjoy the summer. By knowing what each business needs, how to finance it, and how to market it, you can start a successful summer business. This business will match the lively feel of the season.
Key Takeaways
- The summer months account for over 20% of annual consumer spending in the United States, highlighting the immense potential for seasonal businesses.
- This guide explores 16 profitable summer business ideas, ranging from outdoor services to food and entertainment ventures.
- Each opportunity is analyzed in terms of its specific requirements, financing options, and marketing strategies to help you launch a successful summer-focused enterprise.
- Leveraging the unique demands and opportunities of the warm-weather season can help you increase revenue and enjoyment during the summer months.
- By understanding the key considerations for each summer business idea, you’ll be equipped to choose the right venture for your skills, resources, and market.
Lawn Care and Landscaping Business
Starting a lawn care business or landscaping services is great for those who love the outdoors. It’s easy to start, and you might not need special licenses. You just need basic tools like mowers and trimmers to offer gardening entrepreneurship to your neighbors.
What You Need
When you start a lawn care business, think about making it an LLC. This protects your personal stuff if something goes wrong, like damaging a client’s lawn. Being an LLC also makes your business look more official.
Registering Your Business
You also need to register your lawn care LLC and open a business checking account. This is where you’ll put money from clients and pay for things. For big buys, like special equipment, a business credit card can be helpful. It lets you earn rewards that you can use to grow your business. Equipment financing loans are another way to get the tools you need.
Banking and Financing Options
- Establish a business checking account for payments and expenses
- Apply for a business credit card to earn rewards on purchases
- Explore equipment financing loans for specialized lawn care tools
By registering your lawn care business right, getting financing, and buying the right gear, you can do well in the landscaping services field. This is especially true during the summer when there’s a lot of demand for gardening entrepreneurship.
Food Truck Business
Starting a food truck startup needs a lot of planning. This includes getting the right food service permits and mobile vending licenses. Getting these permits takes time, so plan for it. It’s key to get your licenses and approvals early to make your food truck dream real.
Obtaining Permits and Licenses
Before you start your food truck business, make sure you have all the needed permits and licenses. You’ll go through many local, state, and federal rules. These include:
- Food service permits
- Mobile vending licenses
- Health department inspections
- Business licenses
- Vehicle registration
Equipment Financing
Getting your food truck ready costs a lot. Equipment financing loans can help. They’re easier to get since they’re based on the equipment itself. This way, you can buy the truck and kitchen equipment you need to start your food truck business.
Working Capital Needs
After starting your food truck startup, you’ll need enough working capital to keep going. A business line of credit can be very helpful for food truck owners. It lets you buy inventory financing and cover daily costs. This kind of financing is key for the food truck industry because of its changing cash flow.
“Starting a food truck business requires navigating a complex web of permits and regulations, but the rewards can be significant for those who are prepared and persistent.”
Personal Training and Sports Coaching
For those who love fitness and sports, summer is a great time to start a business. You’ll need the right personal training certification or sports coaching credentials to show you know your stuff. These certifications prove you’re an expert and help you draw in clients.
Certifications and Qualifications
You might need a personal training certification from groups like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). If you want to coach a sport, you’ll need the right coaching qualifications for that sport.
Equipment Loans
Starting your fitness entrepreneurship might mean buying equipment like kettlebells or resistance bands. You can get an equipment loan or sports gear loan to help pay for it. These loans let you borrow up to 100% of what you need, which you can pay back over time.
| Financing Option | Eligibility Criteria | Loan Amount | Repayment Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Equipment Financing | Good credit, established business | 80% – 100% of equipment cost | 12 – 60 months |
| Sports Gear Loans | New or existing business, good credit | Up to 100% of equipment cost | 12 – 60 months |
| Business Equipment Financing | Strong financial history, good credit | 80% – 100% of equipment cost | 12 – 60 months |
Using these financing options, you can get the gear you need for your business. This lets you offer top-notch services and draw in more clients during the summer.
Furniture Restoration Business
If you love design and enjoy bringing old furniture back to life, consider starting a furniture restoration business. You can find plenty of secondhand furniture at outdoor markets and garage sales. Then, turn these pieces into unique home decor items that people will love.
Workspace Requirements
Starting a furniture restoration business can be done from home. If you have a garage, backyard, or studio, you can set up a workshop. This way, you won’t have to pay for a commercial space. It’s a great way to run a business from home.
Financing Tools and Materials
To start, you’ll need to buy tools and materials like power sanders, paintbrushes, and upholstery supplies. Consider using a business credit card with a 0% intro APR to pay for these costs. This way, you won’t worry about high interest rates during the intro period. Just make sure to pay off the balance before the variable APR kicks in.
| Tool or Material | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Power Sander | $50 – $200 |
| Paint Brushes | $10 – $50 |
| Upholstery Supplies | $25 – $100 |
| Finishes and Stains | $20 – $100 |
With a home-based workshop and a business credit card with a 0% intro APR, you can start your furniture restoration business without spending a lot. This lets you focus on making beautiful pieces to sell at local markets and fairs.
House Painting Services
Summer is a great time for improving your home, and painting is a top choice. Starting a house painting business can be profitable, but it needs a big upfront cost for materials like paint. If you’re new to the business and don’t have good credit, consider using a business credit card for your material financing.
Building Credit for Material Expenses
Having strong business credit can really help house painters get ahead. Use a business credit card for your paint and supplies to build a credit history. This will make getting bigger loans or credit lines easier for your business later on.
- Use a business credit card for paint, brushes, rollers, and more.
- Pay on time to show you’re good with money and boost your credit score.
- Keep an eye on your business credit report and fix any mistakes.
By working on building business credit, you’re setting your painting business up for success. You’ll be ready for bigger projects or growing your business when the time comes.
Tutoring Services
As the school year ends, parents look for tutoring services to keep their kids learning over summer. Starting a tutoring business can be a great side job. But, you must think about the legal and financial parts for success.
Registering as an LLC
First, register your tutoring business as an LLC. This makes your business look professional and protects you from legal problems. It also helps you open a business checking account. This account is key for handling your tutoring expenses and keeping an eye on profit and loss.
Business Banking for Tutors
It’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate. A business checking account lets you track your tutoring expenses, like books and materials. This way, you can easily see how your tutoring business is doing financially.
| Key Considerations for Tutoring Services | Benefits |
|---|---|
| LLC Registration | Professionalism, legal protection |
| Business Checking Account | Expense tracking, profit monitoring |
“Establishing a professional tutoring business can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it’s essential to consider the legal and financial aspects to ensure long-term success.”
Outdoor Adventure Guide
If you love the outdoors, becoming an outdoor adventure guide could be a great summer job. You get to share your love for nature with others and make money. But, you need to think about a few things before starting your business.
Certifications and Insurance
First, make sure you have the right training and certifications. Getting outdoor guide certification in first aid and CPR is crucial. You’ll be in charge of keeping your clients safe. Also, getting adventure tourism insurance is important to protect your business from accidents.
Marketing and Equipment
Your main costs will be in marketing your services and buying the right gear. Make sure you have top-notch hiking and camping gear for you and your clients. You’ll also need adventure tourism supplies like cooking gear or water sports equipment. Good marketing is key to finding clients who love adventure.
Focus on getting your certifications, insurance, marketing, and equipment right. This way, you can make your outdoor adventure guide business successful. You’ll give your clients amazing experiences in nature.
“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
summer business ideas
Summer brings many chances for entrepreneurs to make money. You can offer lawn care and landscaping or run food trucks and ice cream trucks. There are lots of profitable summer business ideas that are fun and rewarding.
This guide looks at 16 warm-weather entrepreneurship opportunities. Each one has its own needs, costs, and ways to start. This helps you find the best summer business for your skills and interests.
Outdoor Adventure Guide
Leading tours and trips for outdoor lovers can be a great summer job. You could take people on hikes, kayaking, or fishing trips. Or, you could rent out equipment and help with transport.
Fireworks Retail
Fireworks are big in summer, especially around the 4th of July. Starting a fireworks business for the season could be a hit. You’ll need to plan for stock, permits, and safety.
| Business Idea | Key Requirements | Financing Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Sitting Services | Insurance, operating capital | Business credit card |
| Moving Services | Equipment and supplies, scheduling software | N/A |
| Beach Equipment Rental | Equipment, location, partnerships | N/A |
Looking into these profitable summer business ideas can help entrepreneurs make the most of the season. They can find the right fit for their skills and finances.
Fireworks Retail
If you live in a state where fireworks retail is legal, starting a seasonal fireworks shop can be profitable. First, make sure your business is registered and has the right permits and licenses. Also, find a good retail spot and open a business bank account to set up your fireworks retail business.
Managing inventory financing is a big challenge in a seasonal fireworks retail business. Demand goes up a lot around the 4th of July. You might need extra money to meet all your orders on time. A short-term business loan from an online lender can help. These loans are more expensive but are quick to get, making them good for one-time seasonal business funding needs.
Business Registration and Setup
- Register your fireworks retail business as a legal entity
- Secure a suitable retail location for your seasonal fireworks sales
- Open a dedicated business bank account to manage your legal fireworks sales
Financing Options for Inventory
- Use short-term business loans for the upfront costs of fireworks inventory financing
- Look into other seasonal business funding options, like merchant cash advances or business lines of credit
- Make sure you have enough working capital to meet all fireworks retail orders during busy times
“Launching a successful fireworks retail business needs good planning, managing your inventory well, and the right short-term business loans and seasonal business funding solutions.”
Pet Sitting Services
As summer comes, many families will look for trustworthy pet sitters. Starting a pet sitting business can be profitable, but remember to plan for insurance and startup costs.
Protecting Your Business with Liability Insurance
Getting the right liability insurance is crucial for pet sitting. It protects you if something happens to a pet in your care. Finding the right policy means you and your clients can relax, knowing you’re covered.
Financing Your Pet Care Operating Costs
You’ll also need some money for things like pet supplies and transport. This money helps your business run well and take good care of pets.
Leveraging a Business Credit Card for Pet Sitting
A business credit card can be a big help as your business grows. Choose one with cash-back rewards on gas, since you’ll be driving a lot. This card can help with expenses and help your business credit score.
“Starting a pet sitting business can be rewarding and profitable, especially in summer. With the right insurance, money, and financing tools, you can focus on giving great care to your furry clients.”
Moving Services
With warmer months here, more people are moving, making it a great time to start a moving business. To succeed, you’ll need the right moving business equipment, truck and van financing, and moving supplies.
Equipping for Success
Having the right vehicles and tools is key for a moving business. You’ll need moving trucks, vans, hand trucks, blankets, and packing materials. Getting equipment loans can help you buy what you need to start.
Coordinating the Chaos
Managing moving jobs well is crucial in the busy summer months. Tools like employee time tracking and mobile workforce management help. They keep teams on track, jobs on time, and customers happy.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Scheduling and Dispatching | Streamline job assignments and monitor team progress in real-time |
| Time Tracking | Accurately record employee hours and optimize payroll |
| Mobile Access | Enable your team to access job details and communicate on the go |
Investing in the right moving business equipment, getting financing, and using scheduling software can help you succeed. This way, you can do well during the summer and beyond.
Beach Equipment Rental
Living near the coast can lead to a profitable summer business with a beach equipment rental business. Start by gathering a wide range of beach gear, from simple chairs and umbrellas to water sports equipment. It’s key to pick a spot near popular beaches to draw in customers eager for a fun day at the beach.
Expanding Your Reach: Partnerships and Marketing
Team up with local hotels, resorts, or tourist spots to grow your business. This partnership can greatly increase your reach and make your rental service the top choice for beach gear. It’s a smart way to connect with more people and offer them quality equipment for their beach trips.
Also, use social media and local ads to promote your business. These tools help you draw in customers and make your rental service the go-to spot in your area.
“Starting a beach equipment rental business is a fantastic way to capitalize on the summer season and provide a valuable service to beachgoers.”
Ice Cream Truck Business
Running an ice cream truck business is a great way to make money during the summer. You get to make people happy with cool treats in parks, neighborhoods, and at events. To do well, you need a good truck for selling ice cream. Also, you should have a mix of popular and unique flavors and fun items for your customers.
Vehicle and Inventory
Choosing the right ice cream truck is key. Find a truck with freezers, serving windows, and all the necessary gear. This way, you can keep and serve your ice cream well. Also, pick a variety of ice cream flavors and treats that everyone will like.
Permits and Social Media Promotion
Before starting your ice cream truck business, get the right mobile vending permits and food service licenses. This keeps you legal and follows local rules. Also, use social media marketing to tell people where you are, what you’re offering, and make your business fun and memorable.
With a cool ice cream truck, a wide range of ice cream flavors, and smart social media promotion, you can run a successful mobile food service business. This way, you’ll make your community happy and refreshed all summer.
Outdoor Fitness Classes
The summer is a great time to move your workouts outside. Offering outdoor fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, or boot camps is a great way to enjoy the weather. You’ll need the right fitness certifications and public space permits to teach in parks, beaches, or other spots.
Certification and Permits
Getting the right fitness certification is key for leading safe outdoor classes. Make sure you have the credentials from trusted groups. This shows you know your stuff in areas like personal training or group exercise. Also, follow the rules for public space permits to use outdoor spots for your classes.
Marketing and Apps
Use many ways to tell people about your outdoor fitness class to reach those who care about health. Use local centers, social media, and fitness-focused apps to spread the word. Working with popular fitness apps makes it easy for people to find and join your classes.
With the right mix of outdoor fitness instruction, certifications, and marketing, you can make a successful summer business. This helps people stay fit and healthy all summer long.
Event Planning Services
As summer comes closer, more people need help planning events. This includes weddings, parties, and festivals. Starting a event planning business lets you use your skills and creativity to make events special.
Building a Vendor Network
It’s key to have a strong network of vendor partnerships for great summer event services. Gather a list of reliable caterers, decorators, and entertainers. Working well with these partners means you can make events unforgettable for your clients.
Marketing and Showcasing Your Work
Good event planning marketing and a strong portfolio help draw in clients. Use social media promotion to show off your work and what you can do. A professional website is also great for sharing your portfolio and showing off your skills.
With a solid vendor network and smart event planning marketing, you can make your event planning business a top choice for summer events.
“The true joy of event planning lies in transforming a client’s vision into a tangible reality that leaves a lasting impression on their guests.”
Conclusion
Summer is a great time for entrepreneurs to make the most of outdoor activities, tourism, and seasonal needs. This guide has shown 16 profitable summer business ideas. These range from outdoor services and food trucks to event planning and water sports rentals.
Looking to start or grow a business? These summer-focused ideas can help you make the most of the warm weather. You’ll find everything from lawn care and landscaping to personal training and fireworks retail. The guide covers the key steps, funding options, and market tips for each idea.
Starting a summer business can be both rewarding and profitable. By understanding the unique aspects of summer ventures, you can set your business up for success. With the right planning, funding, and action, the summer business ideas here can help you reach your goals.