Retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down, especially if you’re looking for ways to stay active, engaged, and earn extra income. Starting a small business can be the perfect way to turn your passion, skills, or free time into something meaningful and profitable. Whether you're dreaming of travel, working from home, or spending time with pets or people, there's a small business idea that can fit your lifestyle.
Here are some of the best business ideas for retirees that offer flexibility, fulfillment, and serious earning potential.
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Consulting Services
Retirement doesn’t mean your professional knowledge has to go unused. Starting a consulting business allows you to share your decades of experience with companies that need expert guidance. Whether you worked in finance, marketing, education, engineering, or HR, there’s likely a demand for your insight.
Consulting can be done remotely or in person, offers flexible hours, and often commands high fees. You choose your clients and set your schedule, making it a low-stress, high-reward option for retirees who want to stay engaged and earn a solid income without the demands of a traditional job.
Online Course Creator
If you’ve mastered a skill or topic, consider turning that knowledge into an online course. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare make it easy to reach a global audience. From woodworking and watercolor to business strategy or investing, there’s demand for all kinds of educational content.
Creating a course can be a one-time effort that continues generating passive income over time. It’s perfect for retirees who enjoy teaching and want to build something scalable. With video lessons, downloadable materials, and interactive elements, you can design a flexible business that grows while you enjoy your free time.
Check out these 10 online income streams that actually pay.
Handmade Crafts or Art Sales
Turn your creative hobbies into a profitable business by selling handmade items or artwork. Whether you knit, paint, make pottery, or build birdhouses, platforms like Etsy, craft fairs, and local galleries offer easy ways to sell your creations. This small business idea combines enjoyment and income, especially for retirees who already enjoy crafting.
You can start small, set your own pace, and reinvest profits into supplies or marketing. Many retirees find joy in the creative process and pride in seeing their work appreciated. Plus, crafting can be therapeutic and a great way to stay mentally and physically active.
You don't even need to sell physical items. Here's how to make money on Etsy selling printables.
Bed and Breakfast Host
If you have a spacious home or a guesthouse, turning it into a bed and breakfast can be a rewarding way to earn income. Retirees who enjoy hospitality, cooking, and meeting new people often thrive in this business. You’ll need to comply with local regulations and possibly make some upgrades, but the startup costs can be modest if you already own the property.
Hosting travelers through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo can also offer flexibility if you’re not ready for a full-time operation. It’s a great way to share your home, local knowledge, and hospitality while supplementing your retirement income.
Considering Airbnb? Here's how to maximize your earnings as an Airbnb Superhost.
Bookkeeping or Tax Prep Services
If you're detail-oriented and have a background in finance, starting a bookkeeping or tax preparation business could be a great fit. Many small businesses and individuals need reliable help with financial recordkeeping, especially around tax season. Software like QuickBooks makes it easy to manage client accounts, even from home.
Certification or refresher courses are available if you need to refresh your skills. You can work part-time, set your own hours, and take on as many or as few clients as you want. It’s a low-overhead business with steady demand and the potential for high trust and recurring income.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Animal lovers can turn their affection into a fun and profitable business. Pet sitting and dog walking services are in high demand, especially in busy urban or suburban areas. Retirees can offer daytime care, overnight stays, or regular walks for clients' pets.
This business requires minimal investment and can be started with just a few local clients. Apps like Rover and Wag! can help you find customers, or you can build a client base through word-of-mouth. It’s a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow pet enthusiasts while earning extra income on your terms.
Check out these 15 ways to make an extra $500 per month.
Tour Guide Service
If you live in a popular tourist destination or know your hometown’s history and culture inside and out, becoming a tour guide can be a rewarding retirement business. You can design and lead walking tours, food tours, ghost tours, or themed experiences that highlight local attractions.
Retirees with a passion for storytelling and hospitality thrive in this role. It’s flexible, social, and often seasonal, making it a good fit for those who want to work part-time. You can partner with local hotels, visitor centers, or list your services on platforms like Airbnb Experiences to get started and grow your customer base.
Mobile Notary Service
A mobile notary service allows you to travel to clients who need official documents signed and notarized. Real estate closings, legal forms, and medical documents often require a notary’s stamp. This business is ideal for retirees who enjoy flexible, on-the-go work and interacting with people.
You’ll need to become a certified notary in your state, which typically involves a simple application and a small fee. Many mobile notaries charge premium rates for travel and convenience. This low-cost, high-trust business has consistent demand and can be operated part-time, making it a practical way to earn a steady income in retirement.
Here are 10 more jobs to do in retirement.
Antique Flipping or Reselling
Love garage sales, flea markets, or antique shops? Turn that hobby into a business by buying undervalued treasures and reselling them for a profit. With a good eye for quality and a little research, you can find vintage furniture, collectibles, or decor that others are eager to buy. Online platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local antique fairs offer easy ways to reach customers. This business can be as casual or committed as you want, and it’s a great way to stay active, socialize, and make money doing something enjoyable. Plus, hunting for hidden gems is half the fun!
Check out these other ways for retirees to earn an extra $1,000 per month.
Tutoring or Test Prep Services
If you have a background in education or a strong grasp of academic subjects, tutoring is a great way to earn money while helping students succeed. You can offer services for elementary school basics, high school test prep (like the SAT or ACT), or even college-level support.
Tutoring can be conducted in person or online, allowing for a flexible schedule. Retirees often enjoy the rewarding nature of this work and the ability to form meaningful connections with students. The demand for tutoring is steady, and your years of experience can be a valuable asset to young learners.
Here are 12 side hustles perfect for teachers.
Travel Planning Services
Retirees with a passion for travel and a knack for organization can build a business helping others plan their perfect trip. Whether it’s booking cruises, customizing vacation itineraries, or specializing in senior travel, your experience and insights are valuable. You can earn commissions as an independent travel agent or charge planning fees for personalized services.
Many clients appreciate help navigating the logistics of travel, especially for group trips, international travel, or off-the-beaten-path adventures. With tools and training available online, you can get started from home and scale up as much, or as little, as you want.
Local Errand or Concierge Services
As people become busier or older, they often need assistance with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, pet care, or waiting for home repairs. Retirees can fill this need by offering personalized, reliable concierge services in their community.
This type of business requires minimal startup capital and offers flexible hours, making it ideal for individuals who want to work part-time and remain active. You can target seniors, busy professionals, or new parents, depending on your interests. With good customer service and word-of-mouth referrals, this business can grow quickly and provide steady supplemental income while keeping you connected locally.
Check out the 13 best delivery job apps for making extra money.
