The year 2019 was an exciting time for entrepreneurs seeking to tap into profitable business ideas that aligned with emerging technologies, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving market dynamics. With lower barriers to entry, smart digital tools, and changing lifestyles, many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) emerged globally. If you’re looking back or still evaluating proven business models that boomed during that period, here are 10 profitable business ideas for 2019 that made a mark and continue to inspire today’s startups.

1. E-Commerce Niche Stores

The explosive growth of online shopping opened the door to niche-specific e-commerce stores. Entrepreneurs launched successful ventures in categories like:

• Organic skincare products

• Vegan snacks

• Pet accessories

• Yoga gear and eco-friendly clothing

The key was to identify a passionate audience, solve a specific problem, and offer unique branding and quality.

2. Digital Marketing Services

As businesses shifted their focus online, the demand for digital marketing experts surged in 2019. Agencies and freelancers offered:

• SEO optimization

• Social media marketing

• Influencer collaborations

• Google Ads & Facebook Ads campaigns

Even small setups with 2–3 experts earned lucrative income through performance-based client models.

3. Mobile App Development

2019 saw a massive rise in mobile-first platforms, making mobile app development one of the most profitable business ideas of the year. Startups capitalized on:

• On-demand delivery apps

• Fitness and wellness tracking apps

• Meditation and productivity tools

• Fintech and budgeting apps

Freelance developers and development agencies experienced huge demand from businesses entering the app space.

4. Subscription Box Services

The trend of personalized, recurring deliveries flourished. Entrepreneurs created subscription boxes for:

• Men’s grooming

• Women’s fashion accessories

• Artisanal snacks

• Books and educational toys

A solid brand story and a curated experience helped founders build a loyal community and recurring revenue.

5. Co-Working Space Rentals

With freelancing and startups booming, 2019 was a peak year for co-working space businesses. By offering:

• Flexible desk rentals

• Private offices

• Wi-Fi, coffee, and networking events

Small commercial spaces were transformed into profitable shared offices, especially in urban tech hubs.

6. Online Course Creation

Knowledge monetization became a major trend. Educators and experts launched:

• Coding tutorials

• Language learning

• Fitness and diet plans

• Graphic design and business strategy courses

Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Kajabi enabled solopreneurs to earn passive income by teaching what they knew.

7. Food Truck Business

The mobile food scene thrived in cities across the globe in 2019. Food trucks offered:

• Gourmet burgers

• Vegan and gluten-free meals

• Fusion cuisines

• Smoothies and dessert innovations

With lower startup costs than a restaurant, many food truck owners reported impressive margins and rapid brand recognition.

8. Influencer or Content Creator

2019 marked a breakout year for social media influencers. Whether through:

• YouTube vlogging

• Instagram fashion accounts

• TikTok dance trends

• Podcasting in niche categories

Content creators turned followers into income by leveraging brand deals, merchandise, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue.

9. Dropshipping Businesses

The dropshipping model—selling without holding inventory—gained massive popularity. Entrepreneurs set up Shopify stores, integrated with suppliers (like AliExpress), and focused on:

• Facebook Ads mastery

• Trend-spotting products

• Customer service excellence

Profit margins were dependent on marketing efficiency and niche product selection.

10. Health and Wellness Coaching

Riding the wave of health awareness, professionals began offering personal coaching services for:

• Nutrition planning

• Weight loss

• Mental wellness and mindfulness

• Sleep optimization

By going online, coaches could reach clients globally via Zoom, apps, and private communities, earning high hourly rates.

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Conclusion

These 10 profitable business ideas for 2019 weren’t just passing fads. Many laid the foundation for long-term businesses still thriving today. They proved that innovation, passion, and adaptability are the key ingredients for startup success. Whether product-based or service-driven, these ventures opened the door for solopreneurs and SMEs to build real, revenue-generating enterprises.

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