Very often, the start of a new year is when we tend to feel called to change things up in our lives or careers. Whether you have been dreaming of starting a side business or want to go all-in and start your own business full time, you might be exploring vegan business ideas so you can put your heart and soul into a cause that’s so dear to you.
At the same time, maybe you don’t have the means or resources it takes to start big. Maybe you’re simply looking to start small and solo. If this resonates with you, this article is just for you!
As we lean into 2023, it’s more evident than ever that the rise of veganism is reshaping the food landscape in a significant way. You should be happy to know that the time is ripe for vegan ventures! In this article I’m putting out vegan business ideas that are relatively small-scale and therefore easier to approach.
1. Develop a plant-based cheese
The demand for plant-based cheese is at an all time high and there is incredible potential as this is only the beginning of the plant based dairy revolution! You don’t need to be an excellent chef to develop a vegan cheese. All you need is some deep research, time to learn and experiment, commitment to your product, openness to feedback, and the drive to take the leap and put it out there!
2. Start a vegan blog
Starting a blog is a way to share what you are passionate about, and a way to reach a whole new niche audience that might enjoy what you have to offer. It’s an artistic, creative outlet! You might think that the internet is saturated with vegan blogs but the truth is, if you have unique and useful knowledge in a niche area (such as: traditional recipes, natural skincare, zero waste living, etc.), there will always be an audience for it. Plus, there are many ways to monetize a blog and it can be a lucrative way to do what you love.
3. Start a brand specialising in vegan merchandise
More and more people who adopt a vegan lifestyle want to make it a statement as it invites conversation. This means that there is a huge audience for products with veganism-related messaging. Think T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, jewellery, stickers, socks… the list can go on. Check out vegan merch on Etsy for examples!
4. Develop a mushroom-based vegan product
Entrepreneurs are catching on to the magical, planet-friendly potential of Mycelium. While some brands have drawn aesthetic inspiration from fungi, others are experimenting with mushroom-sourced materials such as mushroom leather, mushroom tinctures, umami-loaded mushroom meats, and so on. This is an emerging area that is set to grow in the coming years and therefore offers plenty of creative scope.
5. Become a freelance vegan graphic designer
Are you a designer? Offer your skills to brands that you believe in! There are plenty of vegan restaurants out there that could use help with menu design, logo design, and branding. You could set yourself a niche and service only vegan-friendly businesses.
6. Become a plant-based menu consultant for high-end restaurants
Restaurants all around the world are becoming increasingly vegan-friendly. If you’re good with vegan cooking and recipe development, you could go out there and help restaurants with their menu planning. If you’re lucky enough to find opportunities to work for high-end restaurants, this can be a very lucrative way to meaningfully contribute to the vegan movement.
7. Start a home-based fermentary
Are you fascinated by the world of fermentation? Do you often make your own Kimchi or Sauerkraut at home? Turn your passion into business! Fermented products are incredibly good for gut health, which is also a hot topic these days. Plant-based yogurt, coconut milk kefir, kombucha, and fermented nut cheeses and spreads are some examples of delicious vegan products that come under this bucket.
8. Become a vegan personal trainer
There are many personal trainers out there who encourage their clients to eat animal products as they believe it to be the only source of protein! We know that’s a big myth. The world needs more plant-forward athletes! If you’re into fitness and feel you have the ability to be a trainer, join some courses, get certified, and help people get fit with the help of plants!
9. Start a vegan-friendly daycare for children
Are you good with children? Imagine opening a daycare where ALL children feel included and nobody has to worry – vegan food is the most inclusive food as it’s for everybody! A place like this would be a dream come true for vegan parents.
10. Do photography for vegan businesses
Do you have an eye for photography? This is a fun and engaging skill that you can invest some time into developing. Once you’re set, you can offer your services to vegan businesses! From portraits of business owners to food photography for vegan restaurants, the range of possibilities is wide.
11. Start a line of vegan skincare products!
Do you love the idea of making your own vegan skincare products? Not all beauty products are vegan-friendly, which makes way for a business opportunity for you. In a world saturated with mass produced, chemical-laden products on the shelves, there’s a growing interest in simplicity and natural handmade products, especially when it comes to what we put on our skin.
12. Become a local vegan guide for travellers
If you live in a big city that attracts travellers from around the world, becoming a vegan guide for your city could be an excellent opportunity to make many like-minded friends and earn some money at the same time!
I hope this list of vegan business ideas gets the ball rolling! If you’re serious about starting up, be assured there is plenty of space in the market for you. What’s especially wonderful about starting a business in the plant-based space is that the vegan community is SO supportive.
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1 Comment
Susan Atkins (1 comments)
November 30, 2022 at 1:49 amInteresting article thanks . What if you have an idea for a plant based food but don’t want to be involved in the manufacturing side ? Are there companies that can take your idea but still give you the recognition? So many times I think I wish they did a plant based version of ……… etc .
Great website by the way
Susan