Online event business ideas you can run from anywhere

9 ideas

These 9 ideas let you work in the events world without renting a venue or running a storefront. Most of the work happens through a website, email, video calls and online payments.

Swipe through these ideas →

1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premises
Bride trying on a wedding dress during a fitting in a bridal boutique.

Online wedding dress rental

Rent out a curated range of wedding dresses by mail, with video or home try-on appointments.

  • $4.5k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
681 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.0% in a year
Stage lights hanging over a theatre stage during a live performance.

Online stage lighting reseller for churches and schools

Sell stage lighting packages online to churches, schools and bands, with advice and no big stock to hold.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year
Event planners setting up a conference hall with tables and stage for guests.

Virtual and hybrid meeting planner

Run webinars, online summits and hybrid meetings for organizations that want them to go smoothly.

  • $200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
Visitors browsing handmade goods at a busy craft fair stall.

Online handmade market organizer

Run a curated virtual craft fair with maker booth fees, promoted to a local or niche audience.

  • $100-1k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
Person handing over event tickets at a box office counter.

Local online ticket seller for small events

Sell tickets online for local shows, classes and community events and keep a fee on each sale.

  • $300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,872 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.5% in a year
Group of sports fans with flags boarding a coach for a match trip.

Fan trip packages for big games

Sell all-in trips for fans to games, bowls and tournaments: travel, hotel and tickets in one package.

  • $1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,584 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
Staff member selling tickets at a counter in a busy venue box office.

Local event ticketing service

Sell tickets online for small local events, venues and community groups, and earn a fee on each ticket.

  • $300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,872 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.5% in a year

Corporate and virtual entertainment booking

Book comedians, musicians and hosts for company events, in person or by video.

  • $1k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Online
4,998 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Online formal wear rental by mail

Rent gowns and suits through a website and ship them to customers for their event.

  • $4k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
681 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.0% in a year

About these ideas

They suit organized people who enjoy coordinating details, talking with clients and solving problems before they happen. Options range from a virtual and hybrid meeting planner to a local online ticket seller for small events, or an online wedding dress rental that ships to customers. Before you pick one, think about who will pay you and how you will reach them. Decide whether you want a steady stream of small orders or fewer, larger clients. Also consider what you will need to hold in stock, how you will handle deposits and refunds, and how much time you can give during evenings and weekends, when events often happen.

Questions

Do I need to live near the events I work with?

Not always. Virtual planning and rental by mail can serve people in many places. Ticketing or local bookings work best when you know the area, so check where your customers are and whether you need local relationships.

What should I check before taking payments for tickets or bookings?

Look into how your payment processor handles deposits, refunds and chargebacks, and write a clear refund policy. Also check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit, sales tax collection or event-related licenses.

How do I find my first customers for an online event business?

Start with a specific group, such as churches, schools, small companies or couples planning weddings. Reach out directly, show examples of your work or a simple sample offer, and ask early clients for feedback and referrals.