Who says you need an office, storefront, or six-figure startup fund to secure the bag? Detroit’s grind culture has always been about innovation, and in this digital age, your next stream of income might be waiting on your laptop or phone. Whether you’re a creative, a techie, or just tired of clocking in for somebody else, here are eight side hustles you can start right from your couch—no gatekeepers, no nonsense.
- Freelance Graphic Design or Branding Services
- Got an eye for design and know your way around Canva or Adobe? Start branding for small businesses, nonprofits, or local artists who need help standing out online.
- Voiceover Work or Audiobook Narration
- That smooth Detroit drawl? It’s money. Use platforms like Fiverr or Voices.com to find gigs narrating audiobooks, commercials, or explainer videos.
- Virtual Assistant for Black-Owned Businesses
- Many solo entrepreneurs need help with email, scheduling, or customer service, but can’t afford full-time staff. You could be their go-to behind the scenes.
- Sell Digital Products on Etsy or Gumroad
- Whether it’s affirmation journals, budgeting templates, or downloadable art, digital goods let you earn while you sleep—literally.
- Online Tutoring or Skill Coaching
- If you can teach math, coding, Spanish, or even grant writing, there’s someone out there ready to pay you for it. Sites like Wyzant and Outschool are a great start.
- Remote User Testing for Apps and Websites
- Big companies want feedback from real people, especially Black consumers. Sites like UserTesting.com pay for your opinion on how apps and websites work.
- Create & Monetize a Niche Newsletter
- Do you have something to say about Black fashion, Detroit politics, vegan recipes, or tarot? Platforms like Substack let you build a community and get paid for your voice.
- Digital Marketing for Local Businesses
- Your uncle’s food truck or your cousin’s hair braiding service? They need help on TikTok and IG. Start there if you know how to run ads, grow a following, or make content pop.
These side hustles aren’t just income but stepping stones to ownership, flexibility, and legacy. And in a city as creatively rich and resourceful as Detroit, you don’t need to leave your couch to build an empire.
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