Thinking of starting a business this summer to earn some extra cash? Here are 14 ideas for businesses you can set up and run over the summer months.

1) Lawn Care / Landscaping

It’s a perfect seasonal business that can pay well and make you enough money to cover your expenses during the year. The startup costs are relatively low and you get to work outdoors. It can also be a repeat customer business for the next year.

2) Cleaning Service

People are always using the summer to clean out their garage and other rooms in the house. Offer your services to help customers organize themselves and haul away the garbage.

3) Dog Walker

If you love dogs and the outdoors, what better way to make some extra money and work on your tan? It could also give you a part time business for the rest of the year to earn cash on the side.

4) Car Washing

Everyone needs their car washed at some point in the summer and your startup costs involve a bucket, soap, and a few rags. Consider adding extra services in like detailing and interior cleaning.

5) Yard Sale Organizers

The start of summer also leads to countless yard sales around the country. Most people just want to get rid of their junk and don’t want to do the work. Offer to help them organize the yard sale and promote it for a fee or percentage of sales.

6) Sports Equipment Rentals

Rent bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and other summer-related sports equipment to people looking to have a day of fun. The startup costs are higher as you need to get the inventory but you can pick up used equipment for cheap to get you going.

7) Computer Helper

Are you a computer expert? If so why not offer your help out to people who aren’t? Many adults could use help in learning how to use their computer and the Internet. You could also help them solve specific problems and offer a maintenance package.

8) Window Cleaner

Another low cost idea is to become a window cleaner. With all the summer parties people throw they will need to have their houses looking in top shape - including the windows. Also look at commercial stores where they need clean windows to promote a professional appearance.

9) Sell on eBay

Starting an online business can take a while to turn a profit but with eBay you can get other people’s junk and sell it for an immediate return. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure!

10) Run Errands

With people being busier than ever and wanting to enjoy their summers as much as possible, why not offer to run errands for them? It can be as simple as picking up groceries, dropping off dry cleaning, and delivering packages. Also look to help seniors who aren’t as mobile and need help on a regular basis.

11) Offer Guided Tours

Do many tourists come to your city in the summer? Why not learn about your local history and offer guided tours? They could be simple walking tours or you could rent a bus to take customers around. People always spend more when they are on vacation so why not take advantage of the opportunity?

12) Cater Parties

Are you handy in the kitchen? Why not create a catering service and offer to supply food for all the summer parties that people hold? If you have a few friends who need some extra cash you can expand by also offering to serve the food in addition to making it.

13) Instructor / Tutor

What are you really good at that you can teach others? Can you help summer students in a particular school subject or teach people how to play the piano? You’ll get to do what you’re good at and love while making money at the same time.

14) Painting Service

Summer painting has paid for many college educations and can help you earn additional income. You’ll need to have some basic painting skills but your startup costs will be minimal. The customer will pay for the paint - you just need the brushes and tools.

What are some of the summer businesses that you have started?

PS. We are excited to announce that the YoungEntrepreneur blog has been featured on Guy Kawasaki’s Alltop feed for startups. Thanks Guy!

Evan Carmichael
YoungEntrepreneur.com Blog Manager

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