The entrepreneurial world is constantly evolving, and 2019 marked a pivotal year for innovative and scalable business opportunities. As markets shifted, consumer preferences evolved, and technology redefined industries, countless doors opened for aspiring business owners. Whether you’re looking to launch a small venture or scale a high-growth startup, understanding the top 12 business opportunities of that era can inspire a profitable path forward.

Top 12 Business Opportunities You Should Know

1. E-Commerce and Niche Dropshipping

The surge of online shopping created an open field for e-commerce ventures, especially in niche markets. Entrepreneurs leveraged platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce to build low-cost storefronts, offering products ranging from eco-friendly goods to pet accessories. Dropshipping—where suppliers handle inventory and shipping—lowered entry barriers and allowed businesses to scale quickly without upfront investments in stock.

2. Digital Marketing Services

With businesses competing for online visibility, digital marketing emerged as one of the most in-demand services. Entrepreneurs with skills in SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media strategy launched successful consultancies. As companies aimed to increase their reach, opportunities in influencer marketing, email automation, and conversion optimization soared.

3. Subscription Box Business

Subscription boxes transformed how consumers discovered products. From gourmet snacks to skincare kits, this model offered recurring revenue and strong brand loyalty. With the right niche and supplier network, entrepreneurs crafted highly profitable businesses that delivered curated experiences monthly.

4. Health and Wellness Coaching

The health-conscious movement gained momentum in 2019, sparking demand for wellness coaches, nutrition consultants, and mental health advisors. Certified professionals or individuals with industry knowledge built strong personal brands via social media and offered remote coaching, meal plans, and fitness routines.

5. Mobile App Development

With smartphones dominating digital interaction, mobile app development became a goldmine. Entrepreneurs with coding skills, or partnerships with developers, tapped into opportunities in gaming, productivity, fintech, health, and education. Freemium models and ad monetization helped generate passive income streams.

6. Real Estate Investment and Property Flipping

While traditional, real estate investment remained a solid venture in 2019. With accessible financing and growing urban demand, many turned to property flipping, vacation rentals (via Airbnb), and real estate crowdfunding. Entrepreneurs earned through value appreciation, rentals, or development projects.

7. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products

Consumer awareness around climate change led to booming demand for sustainable products. Entrepreneurs capitalized by launching businesses offering biodegradable packaging, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable bags, and cruelty-free cosmetics. Green certifications and eco-conscious branding proved crucial for credibility.

8. Educational Technology and Online Courses

The e-learning revolution accelerated, opening doors for course creators, tutoring platforms, and LMS (Learning Management System) startups. Teachers, professionals, and influencers packaged their expertise into high-ticket courses on platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Thinkific, catering to skills like coding, business, and design.

9. Freelance and Remote Work Platforms

Freelancing exploded in 2019, with more professionals opting for location-independent lifestyles. Entrepreneurs built freelance platforms connecting clients and remote workers across design, writing, development, and consulting. These businesses often generated revenue through commission models and premium services.

10. Food Trucks and Cloud Kitchens

The culinary world welcomed cost-effective alternatives to traditional restaurants. Food trucks offered mobility and lower overhead, while cloud kitchens (delivery-only restaurants) used platforms like Swiggy or UberEats to reach customers. With the right menu and branding, entrepreneurs thrived in this space.

11. Personal Finance and Investment Advisory

As individuals sought financial independence, personal finance advisory gained popularity. Certified advisors offered services like retirement planning, budgeting, and stock portfolio management. Fintech startups also emerged, creating apps for automated savings, robo-advising, and investment tracking.

12. Influencer-Driven Merchandise and Brand Collaborations

Social media influencers turned their followings into thriving businesses. By launching branded merchandise, from clothing to digital products, and collaborating with established brands, they created multiple revenue streams. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok served as primary channels for marketing and sales.

Why These Top 12 Business Opportunities Were Game-Changers

Each of these Top 12 Business Opportunities addressed an emerging need in the market. The common thread? Low startup costs, scalable models, and digital accessibility. Entrepreneurs were no longer limited by geography or massive capital—technology leveled the playing field.

Moreover, these opportunities emphasized the power of niche targeting. Whether it was dropshipping pet grooming kits or offering yoga coaching to busy professionals, success came to those who solved specific problems for specific audiences.

For instance, the rise of sustainability didn’t just spawn one type of business—it catalyzed multiple verticals. From packaging to skincare, consumers actively sought green alternatives, and those quick to respond reaped the rewards.

Similarly, education and skill-building took center stage, with millions enrolling in online courses to upskill. This not only fueled edtech growth but also enabled professionals to turn their knowledge into cash-flowing businesses with minimal infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Focus on solving problems – The best business ideas address a real pain point.
• Embrace technology – Automation, apps, and digital marketing are essential.
• Validate your niche – Start lean, test quickly, and iterate based on customer feedback.
• Leverage remote teams and freelancers – Keep overhead low and scalability high.
• Invest in personal branding – Especially if your business centers on your knowledge or skills.

Emerging Trends That Shaped 2019 and Beyond

While 2019 marked the rise of many business models, it also hinted at future shifts. The gig economy, AI tools, personalized consumer experiences, and hyper-local delivery were in early adoption. Entrepreneurs who kept an eye on data and consumer behavior remained ahead of the curve.

Businesses that prioritized customer experience, speed, and authenticity built stronger loyalty and brand equity. Whether launching an eco-friendly cosmetics line or an app for time tracking, founders who integrated user feedback and refined their offerings outperformed competitors.

In retrospect, the Top 12 Business Opportunities of 2019 were more than trends—they were foundational shifts in how business is done. They empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to break free from traditional employment and build ventures aligned with passion, purpose, and profit.

Visit the page Select and Choose the Right Business Startup for You for sorting out the questions arising in your mind before starting any business and know which start-up you can plan.

We, at NPCS, endeavor to make business selection a simple and convenient step for any entrepreneur/startup. Our expert team, by capitalizing on its dexterity and decade’s long experience in the field, has created a list of profitable ventures for entrepreneurs who wish to diversify or venture. The list so mentioned is updated regularly to give you a regular dose of new emerging opportunities.