So you want to start a business with your friends? Brave… or crazy?
Starting a business with your friends is like deciding to take a road trip in a car with no air conditioning, a broken radio, and a GPS that’s stuck on “recalculating.” Bold, possibly misguided, but definitely an adventure.
The thing about doing business with friends is that it can go one of two ways: either you build an empire together and retire sipping piña coladas on some private island, or you end up passive-aggressively texting each other about who should pay for that $20 printer ink.
But hey, I’m not here to scare you. I’m just saying, if you’ve ever thought, “We should totally start a business,” it’s not as simple as setting up a lemonade stand on a summer day. You’ve got to have a solid plan, clear roles, and, most importantly, a friendship that’s tough enough to handle the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
Still interested? Great, because whether you’re plotting to escape the 9-to-5 grind together or looking for a way to turn that group chat full of memes into a money-making machine, I’ve got you covered with some brilliant business ideas for friends who want to get rich—together.
Why Starting a Business With Friends Might Be a Genius Move… or Not
Before we get into the actual business ideas, let’s take a moment to talk about why you would even want to start a business with your friends in the first place.
For one, you already trust each other (hopefully). You know each other’s strengths and weaknesses—whether it’s Karen’s top-tier Excel skills or John’s… um, ability to not break things. Plus, you’ve got a built-in support system. You’re not doing this alone, and that’s a big deal when the inevitable hard days come.
But be warned: running a business with friends isn’t all high-fives and coffee runs. It takes serious communication, the ability to set boundaries, and—let’s be real—the ability to call someone out when they’re slacking without ruining Taco Tuesday.
With that in mind, let’s get into what you came here for: business ideas that are actually worth pursuing with your crew. Keep in mind, these are ideas that can work if you’ve got the right mix of skills, ambition, and the ability to survive a little healthy conflict.
Business Ideas for a Group of Friends
Now you’ve got a tight-knit crew of friends, a whole lot of ambition, and the will to turn crazy ideas into cash flow. The question is: What kind of business should you start together? This should not be limited to making money since it’s building something meaningful while having a blast along the way.
Below are some epic business ideas for a group of friends that’ll make use of your squad’s unique talents and help you create a venture that’s both profitable and meaningful.
1. Launch a Digital Marketing Agency
Every business under the sun needs marketing. And not just any marketing—digital marketing. Whether it’s social media management, SEO, or running Google Ads, there’s no shortage of companies willing to pay good money for someone to get their online presence in order.
Here’s where the friend dynamic can really work in your favor. If one of you is a wizard with words (hello, content creator), another is a social media maven, and the third can crunch numbers like a Wall Street analyst, you’ve got the foundation for a solid digital marketing agency.
Plus, this business is scalable. You can start small—taking on a few clients here and there—and grow as you learn and build your portfolio. And the best part? You can do all of this from your couch, in your pajamas, as long as your clients never ask for a Zoom call. Win-win.
2. Start a Subscription Box Business
People love getting surprise goodies in the mail. Seriously, it’s like Christmas every month. That’s why subscription box businesses are booming, and there’s a subscription box for literally everything. Socks, snacks, books, self-care products—whatever niche you can think of, there’s a market for it.
Your group of friends can totally capitalize on this trend. One of you handles sourcing the products, another deals with customer service, and someone else runs the website and marketing. Plus, you get the added bonus of testing out all the products before they go in the box. You know, for “quality control.”
3. Create an Online Course
Are you sitting on a goldmine of knowledge and skills? Maybe between your group of friends, you have expertise in something super specific, like graphic design, yoga, coding, or even bread-making (thanks, pandemic!). Why not package that knowledge and sell it in the form of an online course?
With platforms like Teachable or Udemy, you don’t even need to have a massive following. If you’ve got a valuable skill to teach and you market it well, people will sign up. Plus, creating an online course is a lot less risky than some other business ventures—low overhead, no inventory, and if done right, passive income. Also, who doesn’t love the idea of getting paid while they sleep?
4. Launch an Event Planning Business
If your friends are the go-to group for organizing parties, weddings, or even corporate events, why not monetize that talent? Event planning is no joke—it requires creativity, logistics, people skills, and the ability to stay calm when things inevitably go sideways (like the time the DJ shows up late or the cake ends up smeared on the floor).
If your squad thrives under pressure and knows how to throw a memorable event, this could be the perfect business. Plus, it’s one of those businesses where you get to build your network and potentially grow through word of mouth—one event leads to the next, and before you know it, you’re coordinating weddings for high-profile clients or organizing corporate retreats in Bali.
5. Open a Coffee Shop or Food Truck
If your group has a shared love of culinary delights and the ambition to run a small business with real-world interaction, consider opening a coffee shop or food truck. Now, this one’s definitely not for the faint of heart—it requires serious capital, business licenses, and a lot of elbow grease—but if done right, it can be wildly rewarding.
You get to work with your friends every day, serving up delicious food or coffee to happy customers, and with the right concept (think niche: vegan doughnuts, gourmet grilled cheese, or artisanal coffee), you can carve out a loyal customer base.
Just be prepared to work insane hours and possibly argue about who’s taking the dreaded 5 a.m. shifts.
6. Start a Podcast or YouTube Channel
Got a group of friends who love to talk? Why not turn those endless conversations into a podcast or YouTube channel? Whether you want to discuss pop culture, business advice, or true crime, there’s an audience out there for just about anything.
The key here is consistency and chemistry—if your group is entertaining, relatable, and actually has something to say, people will tune in. Plus, it’s a business that can grow into something bigger, with opportunities for sponsorships, merchandise, and even live events down the road.
Of course, you’ll need some basic equipment (microphones, cameras, etc.), and you’ll need to figure out your niche and branding, but once you’re up and running, this can be a fun and creative way to monetize what you’re already doing: hanging out with your friends.
7. Open a Boutique or Online Store
Remember that one time you and your friends couldn’t find a decent outfit for that party and ended up settling for some generic, overpriced garbage? Yeah, me too. So, why not solve that problem and cash in while you’re at it and start a clothing store?
Starting a boutique or online store is perfect if your group is into fashion, has an eye for trends, and doesn’t mind late-night brainstorms about whether to stock skinny jeans or go all-in on the return of baggy pants. You can either open a brick-and-mortar shop (if you’re feeling brave) or start small with an online store using platforms like Shopify or Etsy.
Tip: Focus on a niche. Whether it’s eco-friendly products, vintage clothes, or handmade accessories, having a unique angle helps you stand out in the oversaturated world of online shopping. And remember, the more niche, the better—people love being part of something exclusive.
8. Start a Property Management Business
You know what’s fun? Getting into real estate—without actually buying real estate. Managing properties for others is a sneaky way to make money in the real estate world without forking over millions upfront.
If you and your friends are organized, responsible, and have a knack for managing projects (and people), this might be your ticket to steady, long-term income. Plus, you get the chance to pretend you’re on a reality show about landlords when you deal with tenants. Just imagine saying, “I’ll have to consult with my team” with a straight face.
To make this work, you need to split up tasks: One friend can handle tenant relations, another can deal with maintenance, and someone else (probably you, if you’re reading this) will be the mastermind behind marketing and expanding your portfolio.
9. Start a Cleaning Business
Okay, hear me out—cleaning isn’t glamorous, but the money is. People are busy, lazy, and generally bad at keeping their homes and offices spotless. That’s where you and your friends come in with your army of mops, vacuums, and non-toxic cleaning supplies.
Starting a cleaning business might not sound as fun as launching a TikTok empire, but it’s highly practical. The overhead is low, the demand is constant, and if you do a good job, clients will call you back forever. Plus, you can specialize: eco-friendly cleaning, move-in/move-out services, office cleaning—you name it.
10. Start a Fitness or Wellness Studio
The wellness industry is booming. Everyone and their mom is trying to get fit, de-stress, and “find their zen.” If your group is passionate about fitness or wellness, starting a yoga studio, personal training business, or even a meditation center could be your ticket to a thriving business.
You can specialize in a specific niche—hot yoga, Pilates, strength training, or even mindfulness workshops—and build a brand around creating a better life for your clients. The best part? You’ll get to hang out with your friends, share your passion, and maybe even get in a free workout now and then.
Bonus points if you all go full-on guru and start wearing flowy pants and talking about chakras at parties.
11. Create a Co-Working Space
As remote work becomes the norm, more and more people are looking for co-working spaces to get out of their house (because let’s face it, working from your couch gets old fast). If you’ve got some capital to invest, or you can find a sweet deal on commercial real estate, starting a co-working space can be a fantastic business idea for your group of friends.
You can make your space unique by offering amenities like high-speed internet, private meeting rooms, a coffee bar, or even hosting events for local entrepreneurs. And since you’re likely your own first clients (who doesn’t want to work in a cool office with friends?), you get to design a space that’s not only functional but reflects your crew’s vibe.
Just make sure you’re clear on who’s responsible for keeping the coffee machine running because that’s a dealbreaker otherwise.
12. Launch a Custom Apparel Business
You’ve got a group of friends with next-level design skills, an eye for fashion, and a dream of building something creative? How about starting a custom apparel business. Whether it’s T-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags, people love personalized, cool designs—especially when they can wear them.
With platforms like Printful and Teespring, you don’t even need to keep inventory. You can design your products, set up an online store, and they handle the rest (printing, shipping, etc.). Plus, it’s another business that scales—start with friends and family, then work your way up to influencers and Instagram ads.
Who knows, maybe one of your friends has a design that will go viral and make you all rich. Or, at the very least, you’ll have some cool new outfits to wear to the next group hangout.
13. Offer Social Media Management Services
Are you and your friends low-key addicted to Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok? You might as well monetize that screen time. Social media management is in huge demand right now, and brands are constantly looking for people who “get” the current trends.
This is where your group can shine. One friend is a master of TikTok transitions, another knows how to write clever captions, and you’re the analytics guru who can track engagement and ROI. Together, you can offer businesses a full package of social media services, from content creation to community management.
The only downside? You might start hating social media when it becomes your full-time job. But hey, at least you’ll be getting paid to scroll.
14. Start a Food Delivery Service (With a Twist)
No, I’m not suggesting you compete with UberEats or DoorDash. But what about a more niche food delivery service? Think meal prepping, organic farm-to-table boxes, or even something unique like “hangover cures” delivered to your door (seriously, this needs to exist).
Food delivery with a twist gives your group an opportunity to combine your cooking skills (or at least, one friend’s cooking skills) with a solid business plan. You don’t need a massive team to get started, and once you build a loyal customer base, word of mouth will help you grow.
Plus, it’s scalable. Start local, expand into neighboring towns, and maybe one day you’ll be the next food service empire—delivering smoothies and kale salads across the country.
15. Open a Creative Agency
If your friends are the artsy, creative types, why not bundle all your skills into a creative agency? Web design, branding, graphic design, photography—whatever your strengths are, there’s a business waiting to be built around them.
The best part? Every business out there needs creative services. From startups needing logo designs to big corporations looking for rebranding, the opportunities are endless. The key here is to define your niche and make your agency stand out—maybe you specialize in eco-friendly brands or offer unique digital experiences.
And remember, just because it’s a “creative” business doesn’t mean it can’t be a well-oiled machine. As long as you keep the team organized and aligned on vision (and avoid creative ego clashes), you can build a successful agency.
16. Build a Mobile App or Software as a Service (SaaS)
Got a tech-savvy squad? Why not create the next app that everyone will be obsessed with? Whether you want to solve a real problem (budgeting, project management, fitness tracking) or just make something fun (a meme generator, perhaps?), the sky’s the limit when it comes to app development.
Sure, it’s not the easiest or fastest business to get off the ground, but if you and your friends have the coding chops—or can hire someone who does—the potential payoff is huge. Plus, once the app is built, it can run on autopilot, generating passive income while you sit back and plan your next business move.
Just make sure you’re ready to spend a lot of late nights debugging… and probably arguing over whose brilliant feature idea is actually making the app crash.
17. Pet Hotel or Daycare (With a Side of Spoiling)
People. Love. Their. Pets. And they’ll throw money at anything that makes their fur babies happy. So, why not open a pet hotel or daycare? It’s like an Airbnb for animals, but with more chew toys and belly rubs.
You can offer luxury services like pet spa days (yes, that’s a thing), doggie yoga, or gourmet meals for cats who are tired of the same-old Fancy Feast. If your squad is a bunch of animal lovers, this is basically an excuse to hang out with pets all day while making bank.
Just remember, the trick to this business isn’t just pet care—it’s making owners feel like they would want to stay in your pet hotel. Throw in some live-streaming cameras so pet parents can check in on their furballs while they’re on vacation, and you’re golden.
18. Create a Mobile Bar Business
Have that one friend who always makes the best cocktails at parties? Time to put those bartending skills to use. A mobile bar business is the kind of thing that’s both fun and in demand—especially for weddings, festivals, and private events.
You could go all out with a custom-built bar on wheels (think vintage Airstream trailer vibes) or keep it simple with a pop-up bar setup. Either way, you’re providing a service that people love: booze on demand. Just make sure someone in the group has a knack for logistics—because nothing kills the vibe like showing up to a gig and realizing you forgot the ice.
Also, you’ll need those precious liquor licenses. No one wants to be the group of friends that turned their side hustle into a legal fiasco.
19. Start a Specialty Coffee Truck
Coffee—the nectar of life, the fuel for entrepreneurs everywhere. If you and your friends are caffeine enthusiasts (aka normal functioning humans), why not launch a specialty coffee truck? It’s similar to a coffee shop but on wheels, which is way cooler.
The trick here is to do something different. Maybe you focus on rare single-origin beans or offer cold brews with unique infusions (lavender cold brew, anyone?). You can hit up farmers’ markets, festivals, or just park in front of busy office buildings—because trust me, people will pay a premium for a cup of artisanal coffee, especially if they can Instagram it.
Tip: Make the truck itself as Instagrammable as the coffee. Neon signs, cool art, or even a quirky theme will keep people coming back.
20. Launch a Tiny House Rental Business
Tiny houses are the latest trend for people looking to downsize or try something off the beaten path. If your group of friends is handy with tools (or willing to learn), building and renting out tiny homes could be a seriously unique business venture.
The best part? You can start small (pun intended). Build one or two tiny homes, set them up on a scenic piece of land (hello, Airbnb), and start renting them out. Bonus points if you give them a cool theme, like a Hobbit-inspired house or a minimalist zen retreat.
Sure, this idea takes a bit of startup capital and effort, but once it’s rolling, it’s mostly passive income. And let’s face it—who wouldn’t want to brag about owning a tiny house empire?
21. Dog Adventure Camp
Dog walking? That’s for amateurs. Continnuing around the lines of pet spa, you and your friends could start a full-on dog adventure camp.
Think hikes, beach days, and maybe even agility courses for dogs whose owners want to give them more than just a 15-minute walk around the block.
You could offer day trips for dogs, where their humans drop them off for a day of fun and adventure while they’re stuck at work. It’s perfect for people who love their dogs but feel guilty about leaving them home all day. And let’s face it, people will pay big bucks for anything that makes their dog happy.
Each of your friends could have different roles—organizing the activities, handling logistics, or even just being in charge of dog cuddles. It’s a business that’s bound to be full of wagging tails and satisfied clients. Plus, you get to spend your day outdoors with cute dogs. Is there a better way to make money?
22. Quirky Photo Booth Company
Forget the traditional wedding photo booths with cheesy props. What if you and your friends created a photo booth company that offers themed, immersive photo experiences? Each event could have a different setup—think “underwater” themes, futuristic space backdrops, or even recreations of iconic movie scenes.
With the rise of social media, people are always looking for that perfect shot, and your unique photo booths would give them exactly that. You could rent out your services for weddings, corporate events, and festivals. Each friend could manage different aspects—one on tech, one on design, and another on marketing and client relations.
People love a good photo op, and when your booths are a step above the average (read: boring) ones, you’re guaranteed to be the talk of the event.
23. Host Pop-Up Events or Markets
Got a group of friends who are great at organizing and making things happen? Pop-up events might be your calling. Think pop-up food festivals, indie art markets, or even themed night markets that give local vendors a chance to showcase their goods.
This idea is perfect if your group loves bringing people together and has a knack for event planning. You get to curate an experience for attendees while giving small businesses a platform to shine. The best part? Pop-ups can be as frequent or infrequent as you want. You can start by organizing quarterly events and see where it goes.
If you throw in live music, food trucks, or even workshops, you’ll have people flocking to your events and lining up for more.
24. Start a Glamping Business
Camping is great, but in truth: many people don’t like the idea of sleeping on the ground or dealing with creepy-crawly things. That’s where glamping comes in—camping with a touch of luxury.
If your group has access to a scenic location (or knows someone who does), a glamping business could be a hit. Picture Instagram-worthy tents with plush beds, fairy lights, and maybe even a hot tub. You can offer this as a weekend getaway for city folks who want to escape into nature without giving up their Wi-Fi or morning lattes.
As far as businesses go, this one’s pretty chill. Once you’ve got the setup down, most of your work will revolve around keeping things clean and managing bookings. And hey, you might even get to enjoy the glamping life yourselves every now and then.
25. Run a Foodie Tour Business
If you and your friends are foodies who know all the best hidden gems in your city, a foodie tour business is an exciting and relatively easy venture to start. You get to curate unique food experiences for tourists and locals alike—think food trucks, hole-in-the-wall spots, or even international cuisine tours in your city.
You can offer themed tours, like a taco crawl, dessert-only adventures, or a deep dive into the local craft beer scene. Not only do you get to share your passion for food, but you also get to spend time together, eat amazing meals, and get paid for it.
The key to success? Building relationships with local restaurants and making sure your tours offer something truly unique. Not many admit this, but people don’t want to be dragged to the same tourist traps everyone else goes to.
26. Offer Creative Workshops or Classes
You and your friends have skills—maybe it’s photography, pottery, graphic design, or even cooking. Whatever it is, there’s a market for people wanting to learn something new, and offering creative workshops is a business that’s as rewarding as it is profitable.
You can host in-person classes or even go digital with online workshops. And the best part? You can teach just about anything. Wine and paint nights, DIY candle-making, personal branding for Instagram—if you’ve got the expertise and enthusiasm, people will sign up.
It’s also a great way to share what you’re passionate about while bringing in some extra cash. Just make sure your workshop titles sound fancier than “how to make a candle,” because branding matters, people.
27. Virtual Reality Escape Rooms
Forget physical escape rooms, which are so 2018. Virtual reality (VR) is where the world’s heading, and there’s an insane opportunity here. Instead of cramming a bunch of people into a tiny room to solve puzzles, you transport them into whole new worlds, courtesy of VR headsets. Aliens? Post-apocalyptic wastelands? Heck, even underwater mazes with sea monsters—why not?
If your group of friends loves gaming or tech, this is your golden ticket. You don’t even need a massive physical space—just a cool venue with VR setups. Bonus? You can update the “rooms” regularly, so people keep coming back for fresh experiences.
It’s similar to running an amusement park for the tech-savvy sci-fi afficionados. Only less vomit-inducing roller coasters and more digital puzzle solving.
28. Rent-a-Friend Service
Okay, hear me out on this one. People are lonely, alright? It’s a weird world we live in, and some folks just need someone to hang out with—whether it’s for a party, a social event, or just a casual movie night.
What if you and your friends became professional “companions” for hire? No, not that kind of companion. This is strictly PG. You’d offer your friendship and charming personalities for rent. You could help people who are socially anxious, new in town, or just looking for someone to chat with.
You’d basically be professional extroverts. And think about it: You already enjoy spending time with people, right? So why not get paid for it? Plus, it’s a business model that’s still a bit of a novelty—so the competition is thin. Just make sure to have a thorough screening process to avoid getting into any creepy situations. Stranger danger is still a thing.
29. Pop Culture-Themed Cafés
Everyone’s been to a regular ol’ coffee shop. But how about a café themed around your favorite TV show, movie, or book series? Harry Potter cafés exist, sure, but I’m talking next level. Visualize a place themed around classic sitcoms like Friends or The Office—where you can sit on couches like Central Perk or grab a Dwight Schrute-approved beet latte (just kidding, but not really).
The key here? Fandom. Pick something niche but with a dedicated following. You can have themed drinks, décor, and even trivia nights based on your chosen universe. People love this stuff, and you get to create a hangout that’s all about fun and nostalgia.
Best of all, it’s scalable. If one theme starts getting old, do a seasonal switch-up. Halloween? Stranger Things theme. Christmas? A café inspired by Home Alone. Your creativity is the only limit.
30. Personalized Party Planning Service
Look, people want Instagrammable parties. But most of them have no idea how to put together something that doesn’t look like a last-minute dollar store run. Enter you and your squad, the masters of themed parties, weddings, baby showers, or even corporate events that are anything but bland.
You can specialize in ultra-customized, detailed party planning that includes everything from décor to themed menus to outrageous activities. Maybe your friend group is known for throwing epic house parties already. Why not take that skill and turn it into a business?
The best part? There’s always a new reason to throw a party—birthdays, engagements, “we made it through another workweek” parties. And if you’re really ambitious, you could even offer pop-up parties in random places, flash-mob style. Spontaneity sells, my friends.
31. Fitness Retreats with a Twist
We’ve all seen those yoga and meditation retreats, right? Cool, calm, collected. But what if you took it up a notch? How about organizing unique fitness retreats, tailored to different types of people? Not just your typical “we’re all zen and eat only quinoa” retreats—nope. You can do something that blends fitness with fun.
How about this idea: A bootcamp retreat mixed with a survivalist experience—think The Hunger Games minus the actual violence. Or, if you’re a more peaceful bunch, organize retreats that combine hiking with brewery tours. People love an active vacation but also appreciate winding down with a cold one. Play to that duality.
Each of your friends can lead a different type of retreat—one person handles yoga, another leads a hardcore HIIT session, and someone else organizes the social, chill-out part of the trip. Fitness, fun, and a getaway—all rolled into one.
32. Start a High-End Thrift Store
Thrifting is in. But not all thrift stores are created equal. While some cater to budget shoppers, there’s an entire market for people who want vintage and luxury second-hand goods. Enter the high-end thrift store: where fashionistas on a budget come to score deals on designer brands and curated retro finds.
The trick? You and your friends will have to become expert curators—sourcing unique, quality pieces from estate sales, online auctions, and even international markets. Bonus points if you host pop-up sales and have online shopping options to reach an even wider audience.
Thrifting is already fun (who doesn’t love treasure hunting?), so visualize turning it into a profitable business with your friends. Plus, it’s a sustainable business idea. Saving the planet and looking good? It’s a win-win.
33. Digital Nomad Co-Living Spaces
Remote work isn’t going anywhere. And digital nomads are always looking for cool, affordable places to live while they hop around the world. So, if your friend group has a thing for travel and knows how to make a place feel like home, why not create a co-living space designed specifically for digital nomads?
It’s like an Airbnb, but more community-focused. You can offer everything from communal workspaces to organized social events and even networking opportunities for people traveling and working remotely. Think “cool hostel meets WeWork meets community living.”
Find a location that’s a digital nomad hotspot—maybe somewhere in Southeast Asia or a European city—and create a vibe that people want to be a part of. This way, you’re not just offering a place to crash, but an experience, a home away from home.
34. Start a Floating Cinema Business
Movie theaters are cool, but watching movies on the water? Now, that’s an experience. If you live near a lake, river, or even a beach, a floating cinema is a seriously unique business idea.
People rent out paddle boats or inflatable rafts, and you project classic films onto a giant floating screen. You can even throw in food delivery to the boats (hot popcorn being handed to you while you float under the stars). It’s like a drive-in theater, but with way more style and Instagrammability.
It’s seasonal, yes, but it’s also super scalable. You can move to different locations, host themed movie nights, or partner with local festivals. It’s a niche that’ll definitely draw crowds—especially when people are looking for unique, outdoor experiences.
35. Artisan Food Truck Collective
Okay, food trucks are nothing new. But what if you and your group created a collective of artisan food trucks, each one offering something unique? Instead of one lonely truck trying to make it on its own, you create a “food truck court” where each friend’s truck brings a different culinary experience.
One truck could specialize in gourmet grilled cheese, another in artisanal donuts, and maybe another in hand-crafted cocktails (assuming you’ve got those liquor licenses sorted). Together, you create a destination, a food truck festival that people will flock to for variety and quality.
Plus, you can move your little food truck empire around to different locations—think festivals, markets, and private events. If you’re in a group of foodie friends, this is your opportunity to shine. Just remember to argue over the menu before the customers arrive.
36. Create a Board Game Café
People love board games, but their collection at home probably consists of Monopoly and Scrabble, which are… fine. But you and your friends? You’re connoisseurs of board games. You’ve played everything from Catan to obscure indie games no one’s ever heard of.
So why not start a board game café? It’s part coffee shop, part game lounge. You can charge a small fee for people to access your library of games, offer snacks and drinks, and maybe even host tournaments or themed game nights. It’s a casual, fun way to create community and give people a reason to get off their phones for a few hours.
You could even combine this with a pop culture theme or a specialty café (remember that pop culture idea?). People love games, good coffee, and cool atmospheres. Give them all three.
37. Urban Garden Design and Consulting
As cities get more crowded and people move away from traditional homes with yards, urban gardening is blowing up. You and your friends could start a business that helps people design and maintain small-scale gardens in their urban spaces—whether it’s on their balconies, rooftops, or even windowsills.
You don’t have to be master gardeners to get this going (although having a green thumb would help). Your business could offer custom garden setups, from vertical herb gardens to rooftop vegetable patches. And you could even provide workshops on how to grow your own food in tiny urban spaces.
Especially during times when people are desperate for a connection to nature, you’d be offering them a slice of green, right in their concrete jungle. Plus, you’d get to play with plants all day. Not bad, right?
38. Group Coaching Program for Personal Development
It doesn’t matter if it’s personal finance, mental wellness, or career growth, people are willing to pay for guidance. Now, what if you and your friends (collectively bringing different skill sets to the table) created a group coaching program?
Each friend could take a specific aspect of personal development. One could focus on financial literacy, another on productivity, someone else on mental health, and maybe one person tackles career coaching. Together, you offer a comprehensive coaching program that hits all the major areas people are looking to improve.
You could run it as an online course, offer live coaching calls, and even create a community where people can share their progress. The best part? You get to help people while growing your own skills in the process. Plus, coaching programs have great margins—no overhead costs, just your time and expertise.
39. Retro Arcade and Bar Combo
Nostalgia sells. Whether it’s 80s movies, vinyl records, or neon tracksuits, people love reliving the past. And what better way to capitalize on that than by opening a retro arcade and bar? Combine old-school arcade games with modern craft cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a business that’ll have millennials flocking in like moths to a flame.
Each friend can take ownership of different parts of the biz. One person runs the bar, another curates the game selection (think Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter), while someone else organizes retro-themed events—80s night, 90s night, and maybe even a back-to-the-2000s Y2K party for the young ones who missed out.
The best part? It’s the perfect blend of fun and revenue because people will gladly pay to relive their childhoods—with a drink in hand, of course.
Conclusion
Starting a business with friends can be one of the most rewarding and, let’s be honest, challenging experiences of your life. But if you pick the right idea, lean into each other’s strengths, and approach it with a sense of humor (because trust me, you’ll need it), you can build something great.
It won’t always be smooth sailing—there will be late nights, stressful calls, and probably a few “what were we thinking?” moments.
But when it works, it’s magic. With the right business idea, you and your crew can not only make money but create a legacy, too.
Just remember to keep the friendship first, and the success will follow.
Ready to take the first step?
Now that you’ve got the ideas, it’s time to sharpen those skills. Whether you need to learn how to run a business, hone your creative talents, or master the art of marketing, Skillshare has courses to help you out.
If you and your friends are serious about bringing these ideas to life, check out Skillshare for lessons on entrepreneurship, design, and everything in between.
Also, don’t forget to browse our curated book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs. Reading is the ultimate hack for leveling up your business game, and we’ve got some gems waiting for you!
FAQs
1. What makes a good business idea for a group of friends?
A good business idea for friends is something that combines everyone’s strengths and passions while having the potential to make money. You want something that excites the group, plays to each person’s skills, and has a solid market demand. Basically, if it’s fun and has real earning potential, you’re on the right track.
2. How do we decide what type of business is best for our group?
Think about your collective interests and talents. Are you all into fitness? Maybe a gym or fitness app makes sense. Love creating content? Start a YouTube channel or a digital marketing agency. Pick a type of business that feels natural for your group so you’ll be motivated to work on it long term.
3. What’s the biggest challenge business owners face when working with friends?
The toughest part is balancing friendship and business. When emotions get involved, it’s easy to take things personally. Good business owners who work with friends have to master the art of separating work from personal life. Setting boundaries and having clear communication from the start is key.
4. How do we handle money when starting a business with friends?
When it comes to finances, transparency is everything. You’ll want to discuss money upfront—how much each person invests, what profits look like, and how losses will be handled. It’s awkward, but it’ll save you from potential drama down the road.
5. Can a side hustle work as a business idea for a group of friends?
Absolutely! Starting with a side hustle is a great way to test the waters before diving full-time into a business. You can experiment with ideas, figure out the group dynamics, and see if there’s real potential for growth without quitting your day jobs right away.
6. How do we avoid conflicts when running a business together?
Good communication is the secret sauce. Be open about your expectations, make sure everyone has a clear role, and don’t let resentment build up. Check in with each other regularly to address issues before they escalate. If things get tense, take a break and come back to it with fresh minds.
7. How do we choose roles in the business?
Assign roles based on each person’s strengths. If someone’s good with numbers, they handle finances. If someone else is creative, they handle branding and marketing. The more aligned people’s roles are with their natural talents, the smoother things will go.
8. Can we still be friends if the business fails?
Failure is a possibility in any business, but how you handle it will determine whether or not your friendship survives. Be prepared for setbacks, support each other, and don’t assign blame. Remember, the friendship should come first—if the business doesn’t work out, at least you’ve got that to fall back on.
9. Should we formalize the business with contracts, even though we’re friends?
Yes. Friends or not, it’s smart to put everything in writing. Contracts help clarify roles, responsibilities, ownership, and financial agreements. Having things on paper keeps everyone accountable and avoids misunderstandings down the road.
