Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by andrewtk
From the plain and simple, to the wild, the whacky and the damn right absurd…
…in this post we're going to take a look at some of the best future business ideas that you should start getting your head around, today.
So if you are interested in where business is heading over the next ten years or so, the best business ideas of the future…
…stick around and get your head totally spinning.
In no particular order, these are the business ideas that I reckon have the potential to go stratospheric…
Best Future Business Ideas
#1. Hi-Spec 3D Printing
The Financial Times, among other reputable media outlets, have said that this one is potentially larger than the internet.
Well, personally I think that is stretching it a little, but I do see this one as a massive future business opportunity.
3D Printing is very exciting technology and that is why it's the subject of some extraordinary hype.
Sure, every man and his dog are going to have a 3D Printer in their home within the next decade.
But these printers will be run-of-the-mill stuff, only really fit for printing basic stuff like forks, spoons, sink-plugs, with any degree of accuracy.
Where the big future business idea is with this one, is in having the equipment, and knowledge, to print super-complex components for industrial machinery and household appliances etc.
This one also has a great environmental story too.
3D Printing is an energy-efficient, and material-efficient technology.
So you will be both making a fortune, and saving the planet…what more could you want from a top future business idea?
#2. Vertical Farming
Not farming up hill…but producing food on multiple, vertically stacked surfaces.
And with the world’s population expected to hit over 9 billion by 2050, why wouldn't a business where the goal is to produce more food per square meter take-off.
But I won't BS you here, there are still a lot of feasibility studies being carried out on this one.
There are a lot of pros, but quite a few cons as well…such as how pollination takes place.
Personally, I reckon they'll crack it, because the potential benefits are so huge.
And when they do, there will be great business built by those quick enough and good enough.
#3. Robotics Mechanics
Robotics is already big, and it's only going to get bigger.
There are now over 2.7 million industrial robots operating in factories around the world, according to the IFR.
Industrial robots are growing in number by roughly 15% a year.
And sales of domestic robots is starting to really boom as well.
Every year, robotics takes a huge leap forward and robots become more and more impressive.
The potential uses for robots is almost endless.
Robots can be used in construction, car-manufacture, entertainment, warfare, tele-sales…the list goes on.
All of this means that getting into the business of robotics is going to be one of the best moves a budding entrepreneur could make.
Robot diagnostics, maintenance, repair are all areas that have explosive potential.
If you can fix someones expensive home robot, let alone a factories super-expensive assembly line robot, you are going to be in seriously high demand.
#4. Online Virtual Counselling / Therapy
Okay, I'm sure you realise that you are definitely going to have to get yourself properly trained before getting going with this one.
Do not start claiming you can sooth someones mind unless you actually can.
At the start of 2020 this industry was very much in it's infancy.
But, thanks to the Covid pandemic, it was thrust into a period of remarkably high growth.
Regrettably, peoples mental health really suffered during the Covid lockdowns, and to make matters worse they were unable to go and see a trained therapist.
And so seeking help from a mental health professional via video chat, apps, text messaging etc. became common place for many people.
According to a number of reports, it seems to have worked, with many people claiming significant improvements in their well-being.
Effective treatment, easily accessible, half the cost.
Get trained, get helping, get earning.
#5. Asteroid Mining
We've done pretty well don't you think?
We've got to number five before getting onto a fairly crazy one.
Not crazy in that it's not going to happen, it absolutely is.
Crazy in as much as it's going to take a fair amount of financial resources to get this one off the ground.
Many of the natural resources that are precious to us here on Earth, our hurtling about in space in close to infinite amounts.
It will cost a fortune, and it will make an even bigger fortune, and it will happen.
#6. Micromobility Services
If you often find yourself stuck in traffic, this one could be the future business opportunity for you.
You could become part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Micromobility refers to small, lightweight vehicles operating at speeds typically below 25 km/h (15 mph).
Globally, cities are offering greater support for micromobilty, meaning that it is getting both easier and safer to ditch the car.
People are becoming more willing to regularly use micromobility.
For these reasons the global micromobility market is estimated to top $500 billion by 2030.
The only problem would seem to be that many of these vehicles are pretty expensive, and so many people just won't go for it.
Also, a lot of people may only go into the city centre once in a while, so for them it doesn't make a lot of sense to buy,
This is why setting up as a micromobility rental service, or running a vehicle-sharing scheme could pay-off very nicely.
#7. Box Subscription Services
This has got to be one of the simplest business ideas ever.
That said, it's also quite hard to give an accurate definition of.
Maybe we can go with this as a definition: “A monthly delivery of physical products, individually curated in-line with the customers chosen theme and preferences”.
That's a pretty dry definition, because what it doesn't necessarily get across, is that it should be exciting.
The reason people keep their subscriptions running is because they look forward to receiving their monthly box.
And they look forward to receiving it because what's inside is a bunch of stuff that they are going to love.
They don't know exactly what they will get, but they know it will be great.
But don't go jumping into this one thinking you simply buy a whole bunch of stuff, mark it all up heavily and send it out for your massive profit.
No, no, no.
Subscribers are already very savvy, and want to see that they’re getting a good deal…that they are not over paying on the individual items.
This business lives or dies by your ability to procure the items at strongly discounted process so that you are able to re-sell at both a profit to you, as well as a saving to your customers.
#8. Business Coach
Now I know business coaching is not exactly a fresh new idea for the future.
Truth be told it's been going strong since the late sixties, but it's still going to boom into 2030, 2040 and for many years after that.
There will most likely always be a need for ‘high-quality' business coaches.
And that's the kicker.
The last twenty years or so has seen way to many people try to move into this area that just do not have the skills or experience to offer anything of real value.
The industry has seen contraction.
And it's no bad thing.
The path is now clearer for those who can offer genuine insight.
#9. Affiliate Marketing
I love it!
Of course I do, it's the business model that set me free from the 9 to 5.
Oh happy, happy day.
If you are not familiar with the concept:
Affiliate marketing is promoting someone else's products that you love and know to be great quality. If someone then purchases because of your marketing efforts, you get paid a pre-agreed commission.
Still not making much sense? Take a read of an article I wrote a while back that gives more info on what affiliate marketing is.
#10. Coworking Spaces
I use a coworking space and I absolutely love it.
Working from home just does not get me fired up enough.
And being around other people, especially other people working for themselves, just keeps me sharper, more motivated.
The basic definition of coworking is when a bunch of people work from the same space, on their own work projects.
Coworking spaces will have WiFi, printers, usually meeting and/or conference rooms… and some will have drinks and snacks available.
The number of coworking spaces worldwide is expected to more than double by 2024.
While coworking spaces currently make up less than 5% of the commercial real estate market, that figure is expected to climb to 30% by 2030.
Yes, you will need some chunky capital do get this one going but it could just be worth it.
This is a future business idea with everything going for it.
#11. Skincare Clinic / Spa
Do you think people are going to look after how they look more or less as we hurtle towards 2030?
Do you think people are going to pamper themselves more or less in the future?
If you can't figure out the answer to these two questions, maybe setting up your own business is not the thing for you.
The beauty/spa industry has been turning in impressive year-on-year growth figures for a long time now (ignoring 2020 for obvious reasons), and will continue to do so.
Turn up, relax, leave looking flawless and totally buff…that's the deal.
#12. Privacy Protection Services
All the gadgets we use, both personally and for work, all connected to different grids, throws up an endless world of privacy issues.
Our personal information is out there for those with the inclination and the skills to steal it.
The need for data protection is growing rapidly.
Businesses are now being required by law to protect the personal information of their customers.
It's a headache that will only get worse.
It's a business opportunity rich with potential well into the future.
#13. Mobile Marketing Consulting
Do you use a mobile device?
Do you sometimes buy stuff using your mobile device?
That's why mobile marketing is a thing.
And mobile marketing consulting is a thing too, because most business have very little idea how to go about effectively targeting prospects that use mobile devices.
It is likely that mobile devices will continue to dominate for quite some time.
Therefore the opportunity for skilled mobile marketing consultants should continue to grow with it.
#14. Space Tourism
Oh yeah baby, we're all going to be vacationing on Mars before you can say ‘space rocket'.
Well, okay, maybe not that soon, and maybe we won't exactly be checking in to a hotel on Mars for quite a while yet…
…but a trip through near-space in a shuttle like space voyager, that's not so far away.
Having said that, if you really do fancy travelling to Mars, you can apply with Mars One to start on their selection process. I should point out though, that they have no plans to bring you back again.
UBS reckon that by 2030, space tourism will be generating $3 billion.
Without any doubt at all, this is a huge business opportunity of the future.
#15. Fitness Tech
This one is already massive.
It's rate of growth over the last five years is staggering.
People have just totally adopted the use of and wearing of fitness tech across the board.
People who aren't remotely into fitness wear fitness tech…just to keep track of how much, or little, they actually do.
Undoubtedly it is promoting a healthier lifestyle for many people.
And there is still a long way to go for the technology.
Apps related to diet, fitness, exercise are some of the most popular there are.
If this one floats your boat, it will be well worth your while spending a little time figuring out your angle for getting in on this market.
#16. Solar Power Consulting
Solar power technology is improving all the time.
As an industry, solar is only going to move in one direction for the foreseeable future.
My wife and looked at getting our house set up with solar power a few years ago.
Solar power consultants weren't really a thing at the time.
And jeez, the amount of new information we needed to find out, if we could have paid a consultant to come in and advise us, given the amount of money we were looking at shelling out anyway, we would have bitten their arm off.
And would have been very happy to pay a decent consulting fee.
Absolutely a nailed on business of the future.
#17. Artificial Intelligence
I am absolutely fascinated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Well, fascinated and terrified in almost equal measure I guess.
Machines, robots, thinking and acting like humans.
Or even, thinking and acting better than humans.
Love it or hate it, the singularity is coming.
And the potential of the AI industry is as staggering as it is thought provoking.
The global AI market size is expected to reach USD 267 billion by 2027.
But make sure you don't confuse AI with robotics.
AI is all about the programming of human like intelligence into machines that can then function without human intervention.
Whereas robotics is about building physical, working machinery and devices that humans program for each specific task.
This future business idea is set for exponential growth over the next few decades…like it or not.
#18. Natural Health / Wellness
Knowledge gained through scientific research has been a game changer to the overall health and wellbeing of us humans.
Just lately though, there has been much greater acceptance by the mainstream medical profession, of some ancient wisdoms that too, can have profound impact on our health and wellbeing.
On top of this, there is an ongoing, albeit gradual sea-change against the tide of doctors dispensing drugs too easily.
If the medical profession continue to move in this direction, it can only mean a very bright future for the natural health industry.
The wellness and natural health industry could be heading into its golden age.
As much as i can see fortunes being made in this area…
…please don't go into this one driven only by money.
You need to love this whole field and want to work in it because you care about people.
#19. Social Media Consulting
Big commerce know they have to be active on social media.
Big commerce have absolutely no idea how to be active on social media.
And with a significant new addition to the social media arena once every year or so, the task is not getting any easier for them.
There's your angle.
#20. Lead Generation Services
Okay, let's tackle this one in the exactly same way as we did the previous future business idea…
Small businesses know they have to get more traffic and customers from organic Google search.
Small businesses have absolutely no idea how to get more traffic and customers from organic Google search.
Seriously though, generating more top quality leads is one of the most significant issues for small business owners to tackle.
It's not that they don't want to generate more leads.
And it's not like they couldn't learn how to do it…it's just they seldom have the time.
These people are running their business, doing whatever it is their business does.
On any given day, by the time they get round to looking at their online marketing and lead generation…
…it's probably about getting on for midnight!
Getting high-quality traffic from Google is actually a pretty rare skill.
It's a skill that business owners will pay you for.
And once you start delivering them new customers, they will be happy to pay you for.
#21. Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Auditor
Basically, this is the idea of independent auditors, auditing polluters.
It's a pretty serious business.
And carrying out a greenhouse gas and carbon audit is seriously detailed and complicated.
So don't go straying into this one if you don't have high levels of concentration in your locker.
If however, you are that way inclined, this one has got ‘great future business' written all over it.
This industry is in its absolute infancy, and it is going to grow and grow.
And there will be many more roles created in the carbon and greenhouse gas management industry over the coming years…
…you can be certain of that.
#22. Employee Monitoring Services
Oh this one sounds miserable doesn't it?
But it is absolutely going be a thing, and a big thing at that.
Following the 2020/21 pandemic, more and more people are working from home.
Not necessarily all of the time, but certainly some of the time.
Many more people now have a week that is maybe three days in the office and two days working from home.
But how does the employer know that there staff are all totally at it when working from home?
Well, they can look at using an employee monitoring service.
I have to say it all sounds pretty terrible to me, but there will be money to be made here.
So if you're of a rules-based mindset, maybe you should consider getting into this sector.
#23. eSports Platform
Live streaming, facilitated by continually improving worldwide broadband speeds…
…along with the use of social platforms, are the two big driving forces behind this industry's growth.
And of course the Covid pandemic didn't do the eSports industry any harm either!
Organised gaming tournaments, based around almost any sport that has an online gaming presence, now has both willing, skilled participants, as well as an audience.
eSports events are organised at either regional or international level.
If you want to get in on the action, the time is now.
In 2021, the global eSports market was valued at $1.08 billion.
And the eSports industry's global market revenue is forecast to grow to $1.62 billion in 2024 (Statista).
The idea of setting up a new, dedicated eSports platform…
…probably one of the very best future business ideas for 2020-2030.
#24. Mobile Application Testing Services
Apps are fast becoming must-haves for almost every type of business.
The problem is, business, large and small, seem to be absolutely terrible at ironing out issues with their apps prior to launch.
I don't know why…
…but for some reason hardly anyone seems to oput their newly built app through any kind of testing phase.
So the app gets launched in a frenzy of marketing activity…and promptly falls over as soon as more than ten people start using it.
Testing services are now in ever increasing demand.
And testing of this type of technical product, seems to work best when it's being carried out by someone completely independent of the firm launching the service.
If I were to get involved in this industry, I would niche down.
There are some big outfits offering app testing to the whole market, the growth will be where specialist app testers start popping up, who focus in on assisting a specific industry type.
#25. Food Trucking
Food trucks have enjoyed a massive reputation shift over the last few years.
No longer seen as just convenient places to get a quick and cheap bite…
…but now seen as exciting, enticing food stops where you can get totally authentic from all corners of the globe.
Yearly food truck revenue tends to range between $250,000 and $500,000.
And the food truck industry was enjoyed a very consistent average annual growth rate, before Covid, of 7.5%.
With the right truck, the right equipment and some ideas to go on your menu, you can have your food truck up and running in the blink of an eye.
If you love food, this one looks like great business idea.
#26. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is now a $325 billion industry.
That's chunky stuff in anyone's book.
More than half of businesses globally now depend on digital marketing channels to build their brand.
The 50% or so that aren't using digital to enhance their business, I can only imagine they will be getting board pretty soon.
Most businesses have very little internal knowledge about how to go about effective digital marketing.
The less enlightened ones might rtry and muddle through on their own, convinced they can figure it out.
The clever ones will probably outsource to skilled digital marketers.
This digital marketing industry is set to continue its impressive growth well into the next decade…
…making it a genuine future business idea for 2021 to 2030 and beyond.
#27. Data Gathering & Analysing Services
Big data, I mostly don't like the idea of it, but it is most definitely here to stay.
In fact, frighteningly, it's only really getting started.
Big corporates want to gather as much information as possible on their customers…and their competitors.
And of course gathering this data is just the first step.
Once they have it they need it analysed so that it makes some kind of sense.
With the required knowledge, some cutting edge software, you can likely get yourself in on this future business opportunity.
Best Future Business Ideas – Wrapping It Up
Hopefully this post has helped you figure out what you might want to do with all of your, as yet, untapped potential.
At the very least I hope it's made you aware of a few future business ideas that you were previously unaware of.
Multiple billions of dollars will be made in these industries over the coming decade or two.
Is there any reason why a sizeable amount of that shouldn't come your way?
If you feel I've missed any standout opportunities, hit the comment section directly below.
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