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9 Top Summer Side Hustles You Can Start Now With Little to No Investment

Summer isn’t just about vacations and backyard barbecues; it’s also an ideal time to kick off a flexible side hustle. With longer days, lighter schedules, and increased seasonal demand across various industries, there are more opportunities than ever to earn extra income. Whether you’re saving for a major goal, covering rising expenses, or just want a little more financial breathing room, the right side hustle can help you make the most of your summer downtime.

The best part? Many of these opportunities require little to no upfront investment and can be started right away. From outdoor services and creative gigs to online freelancing and local reselling, these summer-friendly side hustles offer both flexibility and real earning potential.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Walking dog. Image credit Monika Wisniewska via Shutterstock.
Image credit Monika Wisniewska via Shutterstock.

With travel season in full swing, pet care is in high demand. Apps like Rover or local word-of-mouth can help you quickly connect with clients. This low-overhead side hustle is ideal for animal lovers and can turn into a steady income stream with repeat customers.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

mower.
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A few basic tools can go a long way. Offer mowing, weeding, mulching, or simple garden clean-ups. Many homeowners prefer outsourcing yard work during hot months, and even a few clients can generate solid weekly earnings.

Freelance Tutoring or Test Prep

Tutoring.
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Students may be out of school, but summer tutoring is in. Parents often look for help with reading, math, or test prep to keep kids on track. Offer services in person or online through platforms like Wyzant, Preply, or even Zoom.

Sell Handmade Goods or Crafts

Knitting.
Knitting. Yavdat via Shutterstock.

Local markets and online platforms like Etsy are ideal for selling handmade items. Think jewelry, artwork, candles, or custom digital prints. Summer events also bring crowds looking for unique, artisan goods.

Drive for Delivery Services

Singing in car.
Roman Samborskyi via Shutterstock.

Food and grocery delivery demand stays high all summer. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart offer flexible schedules and fast payouts. You can pick your hours and work around other commitments.

Host a Garage Sale or Flip Items Online

garage sale.
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Turn clutter into cash by selling unused household items locally or online. Got an eye for bargains? Flip thrifted goods for profit on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay. It’s simple, scalable, and low-risk.

Photography for Events or Content Creators

wedding photo.
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Graduations, proposals, and family reunions are in full swing during the summer. If you’re handy with a camera or smartphone, offer affordable photo sessions or sell services to small businesses needing content for social media.

Tour Guide or Airbnb Experience Host

tour guide. Travel.
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Turn your knowledge of your town into a paid experience. Host walking tours, brewery crawls, or local hikes through platforms like Airbnb Experiences. Travelers want authentic, guided activities, and many will pay for personalized insight.

Rent Out Gear or Extra Space

Paddleboarding.
Image credit panophotograph via Shutterstock.

Have a kayak, camera, or camping gear sitting idle? Rent it out on platforms like Fat Llama or ShareGrid. You can even list parking spots or storage space during busy travel weekends or events.

Make This Summer Count

Happy woman on beach in hat.
Image credit Ground Picture via Shutterstock.

You don’t need a major investment to start earning extra money this summer. With just a few hours a week, and some creativity, you can turn your free time into real income. Start with your strengths, scale what works, and you may just find a side hustle that sticks year-round.

10 Business Lessons Mark Cuban Says Every Entrepreneur Must Learn the Hard Way

Mark Cuban
Graphic By The Queen Zone/ Editorial credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and investor, has built his success through hard-earned experience and relentless determination. Over the years, he has distilled invaluable lessons that every entrepreneur must learn—often the hard way—to navigate the challenges of building and growing a business. This article highlights 10 essential business lessons Cuban believes are critical for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to achieve lasting success.

READ: 10 Business Lessons Mark Cuban Says Every Entrepreneur Must Learn the Hard Way

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  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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