Are you thinking of starting a business fit for the summer season? If YES, you have landed at the right place. The summer season is one of the most favorable times for people who want to do something of their own. In addition to that, longer days allow you to do a lot of work in a day. Generally, people take advantage of the high temperatures by spending more time outdoors during the summer. Segments like summer foods, sports activities, music, sports, tourism, and entertainment account for steady growth in the summer season. Find below a selected list of the best business ideas for the summer season with low investment:
What Is a Summer Business?
A summer business is basically a seasonal business that is open primarily during the summer months. The business focuses on products or services mostly sought by people during the summer due to the heat, holidays, and outdoor activities. Such businesses reap the benefits due to high tourist visitation, school vacations, or an individual’s desire to enjoy outdoor leisure.
Some Examples of Summer Businesses Include:
- Lawn care.
- Jet ski rentals.
- Ice cream trucks.
- Event planning for summer weddings.
23 Summer Business Ideas
1. Pool Cleaning Business
Pools are often utilized heavily during summer. Thus, it requires regular cleaning and proper maintenance. You can operate this service to house-holders, hotels, as well as apartment complexes, assuming you have basic tools and a little know-how.
2. Lemonade Stand
As a quintessential entrepreneurial venture during the summer season, a lemonade stand is relatively simple to establish and entails minimal financial outlay. One can develop distinctive flavors such as mint lemonade or strawberry lemonade to enhance customer appeal.
3. Outdoor Fitness Classes
People adore exercising outdoors during the summer. In case you are a fitness enthusiast, you can offer yoga, Zumba, or aerobics classes in parks or open spaces. Charging per session or offering monthly memberships can help you earn a profit.
4. Selling Handmade Jewelry
Summer is the peak festival, fairs, and beach exposure season. Handcrafted jewelries such as bracelets, anklets, or earrings via colorful beads and shells are generally in high demand during these periods. Sell these online or at local markets.
5. Car Wash Service
Cars get dirty fast when there are summer road trips and outdoor fun. This means offering to clean at a customer’s home on your mobile car wash vehicle could be super convenient for the customer but very lucrative for you.
6. Surfboard or Kayak Rentals
If you have a beach nearby, offer to rent surfboards, paddleboards, or kayaks. Tourists and residents like these activities during the summer. Invest in quality and advertise your business near the beach or resorts.
Read: How to Start a Jet Ski Rental Business
7. Photography Services
Summer time is a season for marriage ceremonies, outdoor parties and vacationing. If photography is your hobby, start your business by offering to shoot events or photograph families and travelers.
8. Fresh Fruits and Smoothies Sales
Summer is the fruit season; mangoes, watermelons, and berries are enjoyed. You could have a fruit stall for selling fruits or smoothies targeting healthy-conscious customers.
9. Travel Planning Services
Many people are traveling around in the summer. This time, however, planning a trip is usually stressful. For someone familiar with the different popular destinations, you can start a travel agency to provide the clients with a whole travel plan, including ordering tickets and booking accommodations
10. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Summer is when families take their vacations and need someone to take care of their pets. Providing pet sitting or dog walking services is a fulfilling and profitable business.
11. Camping Gear Rental
Camping is a popular summer activity, but not everyone owns the equipment necessary to camp. You can rent tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment to campers. Promote your business online or near popular hiking trails.
12. Air Conditioner Repair Services
With increasing temperatures, air conditioners run continuously, which often leads to failure. If you are skilled in the repair work, you can offer maintenance and repair services for air conditioners.
13. Ice Cream Booth
Who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer? Creating an ice cream vending stand business in a high-traffic location could generate a good deal of money. One could use standard flavors or come up with creative flavors such as vegan or sugar-free ice cream. It is always a good idea to find parks, beaches, or bustling markets as good locations for these businesses.
14. Lawn Care Services
Grass grows faster in summer and people get too busy taking care of their lawns. This way you can offer services such as lawn mowing, trimming, and garden maintenance for a steady income. You can further expand into landscaping for more profits.
15. Summer Camp for Kids
Caregivers usually look for engaging activities to entertain their children during the summer holidays. Organizing a summer camp that has fun-filled events like arts and crafts, games, or skill-building is an excellent activity. The local community can be a hub for day camps or organize online classes.
16. Summer Party Planning
Summer is the time for outdoor parties such as barbecues and weddings. If you like planning events, offer party planning services and help clients make their parties memorable.
17. Food Truck Business
Food trucks are in high demand at summer festivals, fairs, and busy streets. Serve popular summer snacks such as tacos, burgers, or cold drinks.
18. Gardening Services
Gardening is a favorite summer activity for many, but not everyone has the time or expertise. Offer planting, weeding, and garden design services to clients.
19. Stand-Up Paddleboard Lessons
If you live near water and know how to paddleboard, teach others this fun activity. Offer hourly lessons or group sessions for beginners.
20. Outdoor Movie Nights
Set up a projector and screen in a park or a residential yard, so movie nights can occur. Provide tickets, popcorn, and drinks to be enjoyed over the summer season.
21. Portable Grills Rentals
Many people grill outside during the warm summer months. Rent out portable grills for a day or a weekend and include an option for delivery.
22. Mobile Bike Repair
Cycling is a popular activity during summer, and bikes usually need repair. Provide mobile bike repair services, visiting clients at their homes or local parks.
23. Beach Umbrella and Chair Rentals
Beaches are packed during summer, and people need shade. Rent out umbrellas, chairs, and beach mats to visitors. This business is low-cost and highly in demand.
How Much Do You Need to Start a Business in Summer?
The amount of money you need to start a summer business depends on the type of business you choose. Here’s a breakdown of approximate startup costs in U.S. dollars for different categories of summer businesses:
Low-Cost Businesses (Under $500)
These businesses require minimal investment and are easy to start:
- Lemonade Stand: $50–$200 (for supplies like lemons, sugar, cups, and a basic setup).
- Handmade Jewelry: $100–$300 (for beads, tools, and packaging).
- Lawn Care Services: $200–$500 (if you already own basic equipment like a lawn mower).
- Car Wash Service: $100–$300 (for cleaning supplies, buckets, and sponges).
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: $0–$100 (may require marketing materials or a basic website).
Medium-Cost Businesses ($500–$5,000)
These businesses need more investment but can generate higher returns:
- Ice Cream Stand: $1,000–$3,000 (for a small freezer, supplies, and permits).
- Outdoor Fitness Classes: $500–$1,500 (for fitness equipment and promotional materials).
- Photography Services: $1,000–$3,000 (for a good camera, editing software, and website).
- Camping Gear Rentals: $2,000–$5,000 (for tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor equipment).
- Portable Barbecue Rentals: $1,000–$3,000 (for barbecue grills and transportation).
High-Cost Businesses ($5,000 and Above)
These businesses involve more complex setups and higher investments:
- Food Truck Business: $10,000–$50,000 (for the truck, cooking equipment, and permits).
- Jet Ski Rentals: $10,000–$30,000 (for jet skis, maintenance, and insurance).
- Event Planning: $5,000–$15,000 (for supplies, decor, and marketing).
- Beach Umbrella and Chair Rentals: $5,000–$10,000 (for umbrellas, chairs, and storage).
Other Factors to Consider
- Permits and Licenses: Depending on the business, you might need to spend $50–$500 on permits and licenses.
- Insurance: Liability insurance costs can range from $300–$2,000 annually, depending on the business.
- Marketing: Budget $50–$1,000 for advertising, such as flyers, social media ads, or a simple website.
- Equipment Rentals: To save costs, consider renting equipment instead of purchasing it outright.
What Should One Do to Select a Summer Business Idea
Choosing the right summer business idea can set you up for success during the season. Here are some practical steps to help you select the best idea that matches your skills, interests, and market demand.
Identify Your Interests and Skills
The first step is to consider your hobbies, skills, and passions. If you enjoy outdoor activities, a business like paddleboard rentals or gardening services could be a good fit. If you enjoy working with kids, organizing a summer camp might be ideal. When you choose a business you are passionate about, it is easier to stay motivated and provide great service.
Analyze the Local Market
Research your area to find out what people need during summer. For example:
- Are there parks or beaches where ice cream, umbrellas, or jet skis might be popular?
- Are there many homeowners who need lawn care or pool cleaning services?
- Do families often travel, creating a demand for pet sitting or travel planning?
Understanding local demand can help you offer products or services that people are looking for.
Consider Your Budget
Some summer businesses require more investment than others. For example:
- A lemonade stand or handmade jewelry business needs minimal upfront costs.
- Jet ski rentals or food trucks require more capital for equipment and permits.
Choose an idea that fits your budget. If needed, look for ways to minimize costs, like renting equipment or starting small.
Assess Seasonal Trends
Summer brings specific trends and needs. Businesses like selling fresh fruits, smoothies, or running outdoor fitness classes thrive because they align with the season. Look at what is trending in your area and focus on businesses that capitalize on these trends.
Evaluate Time Commitment
How much time can you dedicate to the business?
- If you want something flexible, a part-time gig like a car wash service or photography might work.
- If you’re ready for a full-time commitment, a food truck or event planning business could be more rewarding.
You must think about how much effort and time you can realistically invest.
Look at Competition
Research competitors in your area.
- If a particular market, such as ice cream stands, is crowded, try offering unique flavors or targeting a less-served location.
- If no one is renting camping gear nearby, you could fill that gap.
Do understand, that differentiating your business from others will help you attract more customers.
Think About Scalability
Consider whether the business can grow over time.
- A seasonal business like an umbrella rental might be limited to summer. But you can expand by selling beach accessories online during the off-season.
- A photography business can evolve into year-round event photography.
Choose an idea with potential for future growth if you are looking for long-term benefits.
Test the Idea
Before fully committing, test your idea on a small scale.
- Sell your handmade jewelry at a local market to see if people are interested.
- You can offer a few yoga classes outdoors and get feedback from participants.
Testing helps you to find potential challenges and fine-tune your offerings before scaling up.
Check Legal Requirements
Some businesses, like food trucks or jet ski rentals, require permits, insurance, or licenses. You need to research the legal requirements in your area to ensure compliance.
Get Feedback
Ask friends, family, or potential customers for their opinions on your idea. Their insights can help you refine your plan and make it more attractive.
FAQs on Summer Business Ideas
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you understand and succeed in starting a summer business.
What are the best summer businesses for beginners?
If you are just starting, look for simple and low-cost ideas. Some good options include:
- Lemonade stands
- Handmade jewelry
- Lawn care services
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Car wash services
These businesses are easy to set up and require minimal investment.
Can I run a summer business part-time?
Yes, many summer businesses are flexible and can be run part-time. Examples include:
- Car washing services
- Photography
- Outdoor fitness classes
- Selling handmade jewelry
You can set your schedule and operate on weekends or evenings.
How do I promote my summer business?
To attract customers, use these promotion methods:
- Social Media: Create posts and ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Flyers and Posters: Distribute them in local parks, beaches, or community centers.
- Word of Mouth: Ask friends and family to spread the word.
- Online Directories: List your business on Google My Business or local directories.
What are some unique summer business ideas?
If you want to stand out, try these creative ideas:
- Renting paddleboards, umbrellas, or camping gear
- Organizing water balloon or foam parties
- Hosting outdoor movie nights
- Selling fresh fruit smoothies with unique combinations
Can I start a summer business as a student?
Yes, summer businesses are great for students. They are seasonal and don’t require long-term commitment. Good options for students include:
- Ice cream stands
- Lemonade stands
- Lawn mowing
- Selling handmade crafts or jewelry
Are summer businesses profitable?
Summer businesses can be highly profitable if they align with seasonal demand. For example:
- Ice cream stands and lemonade stalls thrive in hot weather.
- Lawn care and pool cleaning are in demand as homeowners need help maintaining their properties.
Focus on providing great service to maximize your earnings.
Do I need special permits or licenses?
Some summer businesses require permits or licenses. For example:
- Food trucks may need health and safety permits.
- Jet ski rentals and similar businesses often require liability insurance.
Check local regulations to ensure your business complies with the law.
How do I handle competition?
Here are tips to handle competition:
- Offer unique products or services (e.g., flavored lemonades or vegan ice creams).
- Focus on excellent customer service.
- Promote your business online to reach more customers.
- Target less crowded locations or markets.
Can I scale my summer business for year-round operation?
Yes, many summer businesses can expand into year-round operations. For example:
- A smoothie stand can turn into a juice bar.
- A lawn care business can offer snow removal in winter.
- A photography service can handle events like weddings and birthdays throughout the year.
Conclusion: Summer offers endless income opportunities. Whether you start small or dream big, there is a business idea here for everyone. Pick one that suits your interests and skills, and get started today.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.