In an ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape, launching the right business at the right time can mean the difference between success and struggle. As we reflect on the innovation surge of 2019, we find that several rising business ideas emerged with tremendous potential. These business models were not just fads but foundational trends that continue to influence markets. If you’re still contemplating a venture or want to replicate a successful blueprint, these 15 rising business ideas are worth your attention.
Emerging and Profitable Business Opportunities to Watch
Let’s explore each of the most promising rising business ideas from 2019, including why they worked and how you can still capitalize on them in 2025 and beyond.
1. Subscription Box Services
Subscription box businesses grew exponentially in 2019. From beauty products to gourmet snacks and fitness accessories, consumers loved receiving curated packages at their doorstep. The success of this model lies in personalization, convenience, and the element of surprise.
Key to success: Niche targeting, quality packaging, and social media engagement.
2. Sustainable Product Brands
The global shift towards sustainability fueled demand for eco-friendly brands. From bamboo toothbrushes to compostable cutlery, startups that offered planet-conscious products thrived.
Why it works: Environmental awareness, repeat customer value, and PR potential.
3. Dropshipping Businesses
Thanks to platforms like Shopify and Oberlo, dropshipping became one of the most popular rising business ideas in 2019. With low overhead and a global reach, entrepreneurs launched e-commerce stores without holding inventory.
Pro tip: Focus on product research, SEO, and customer service to stay competitive.
4. Digital Marketing Services
As more businesses went online, the demand for digital marketing agencies exploded. Services like SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media management turned into lucrative ventures for freelancers and agencies alike.
Main clients: Local businesses, startups, and e-commerce brands.
5. Online Education and Coaching
Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific enabled experts to monetize their skills. Online courses, coaching programs, and educational memberships experienced massive growth.
Hot niches: Business skills, wellness, parenting, coding, and design.
6. Influencer Management Agencies
With influencer marketing booming, professionals who understood both branding and influencer relations created influencer management firms. These agencies bridged the gap between content creators and brands looking for authentic promotions.
Requirements: Network, negotiation skills, and contract management.
7. Health and Wellness Products
2019 was a turning point for health-focused business models. Natural supplements, mental health apps, organic foods, and personalized nutrition kits became high-demand categories.
Best channels: Instagram, wellness blogs, and affiliate marketing.
8. Coworking Spaces in Tier 2 Cities
With remote work becoming more accepted, coworking spaces weren’t just a metro-city trend. Entrepreneurs started offering shared workspaces in smaller towns, serving freelancers, SMEs, and startups.
Revenue models: Memberships, event hosting, virtual office packages.
9. Custom Apparel and Print-on-Demand
The print-on-demand model allowed creative entrepreneurs to sell custom T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and posters without holding inventory. 2019 saw a surge in artists monetizing their designs this way.
Tools: Printful, Redbubble, Merch by Amazon.
10. Mobile App Development Firms
As smartphones became central to everyday life, mobile app development remained one of the most promising rising business ideas. Businesses of all sizes wanted apps for better customer engagement.
Best clients: Retail, healthcare, fitness, and e-learning sectors.
11. Pet Services and Products
The pet care industry experienced rapid growth, driven by rising demand for grooming services, organic pet food, and smart pet tech. Pet owners increasingly prioritized quality, health, and happiness, showing a strong willingness to invest more in their furry companions.
Untapped ideas: Pet travel services, pet cafes, and pet training apps.
12. AR/VR Experience Centers
With tech becoming more immersive, augmented and virtual reality started appearing in malls, theme parks, and education. In 2019, entrepreneurs began opening VR gaming lounges and AR-based museums.
Tip: Leverage location marketing and offer unique user experiences.
13. Smart Home Installation Services
Homeowners sought to upgrade their homes with smart devices—lighting, thermostats, doorbells. Few knew how to install them, which opened up opportunities for skilled smart home installers.
Expansion areas: Office automation and hotel smart tech setup.
14. Urban Farming and Hydroponics
The trend of organic living and limited land pushed urban farming and hydroponic systems into the spotlight. Entrepreneurs started farms on rooftops and sold fresh produce to local markets.
Edge: Local sourcing, minimal logistics, high freshness factor.
15. Niche Blogging and Affiliate Sites
2019 saw a shift in content monetization. Affiliate marketing and niche blogs gained traction with bloggers creating highly focused websites that earned via ads, affiliate links, and digital product sales.
Winning niches: Personal finance, health, home improvement, and tech.
Why These 15 Rising Business Ideas Still Matter
Each of the rising business ideas from 2019 didn’t just fade with time—they laid the groundwork for many scalable ventures in today’s economy. The success patterns behind these businesses include:
- Low startup capital
- Digital-first approaches
- Customer-centric innovation
- Sustainability and community alignment
As markets evolve, entrepreneurs who leverage these timeless principles can create future-proof ventures. Even now in 2025, many of these business models are experiencing second waves of growth—especially when integrated with AI, automation, and personalization tools.
Conclusion
The list of 15 rising business ideas from 2019 reveals more than just a set of startup trends—it offers insight into where consumer priorities were headed and what business models have lasting potential. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, revisiting these ideas may ignite your next big move.
Take action now—refine an idea, research your niche, and start building a business that not only solves problems but also creates value in today’s competitive marketplace.
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.
