If you’re looking for a side business with the potential to scale into a full-time startup, consider these fast-growing industries.

BY CHRIS MORRIS @MORRISATLARGE

Photos: Getty Images

Roughly one out of three Americans has a side hustle—and that number is expected to increase in 2026, something that’s driving a shift in the modern working world.

Many of those with a side business are just looking for a little extra income, but roughly one in five are hoping to make their side hustle into a full-time business. Those who are entrepreneurially-minded will want to chose a side business that has the potential to scale. Here are some fields that are showing a lot of promise for 2026.

No matter what field you’ve worked in, your wisdom could be lucrative via a consulting business. Firm up your resume, highlighting achievements, such as successful campaigns or large-scale product launches to help as you pitch potential clients. Have some former co-workers you worked well with? Consider recruiting them and launching an agency. “Companies want seasoned counsel without the overhead, and senior talent wants more control over how they work,” Brooke Kruger, founder and CEO of top communications search firm, KC Partners,

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