1. Purpose and Motivation

Understanding your “why” will help align the business plan with your personal goals. Side businesses are most rewarding when they tap into your interests and meet your objectives. They also serve as a springboard to full-time entrepreneurship if that’s your aim, so clarifying your 90-day goals is key.

How would you describe your current work situation? *

(Example choices: overworked, not enjoying the job, recently laid off, looking for new opportunities, other.)

Why are you interested in starting a side business? *

(Select all that apply: to earn extra income, to explore a passion or interest, to eventually build my own company, other reason.)

What goals do you want to achieve in the next 90 days with your side business? *

(Example: earn a certain amount of money, test a specific business idea, build a website or online presence, acquire your first customers.)

2. Work Experience and Skills

Your existing skills and experiences are the foundation of a successful side hustle. In fact, identifying the skills you already have (professional or personal) is one of the first steps to finding a side business that suits you. Don’t overlook hobbies or talents – a side hustle is a great way to monetize what you’re good at or what you love doing.

What are your most important professional skills and areas of expertise? *

(Think about tasks you excel at in your job or field. Recognizing your key skills is a crucial first step to discover a suitable side business.)

Do you have any hobbies or personal interests that you could turn into a product or service? *

For example: photography, crafts/DIY, programming, cooking/baking, fitness coaching, etc.)

What resources or tools do you already have access to for use in a side business? *

(Examples: a car (for ride-share or deliveries), a computer, a camera, woodworking or craft tools, kitchen/baking equipment, an internet connection for online work, etc.)

3. Time and Availability

Realistically assessing your available time will help ensure your side business plans are sustainable. Many people build their side ventures during evenings or weekends while keeping their day job. If you consider reducing your day-job hours, remember that any lost income should ideally be offset by your side business to avoid straining your finances or benefits.

How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to your side business? *

1–5 hours

5–10 hours

10–20 hours

20+ hours per week.

(Choose a range)

When during the day or week could you work on your side business? *

(Multiple choice)

other specific times

Are you prepared to reduce your regular job hours to make time for the business if necessary? *

Note: If you do reduce your day-job hours, ensure your side income can cover the gap so it doesn’t affect your financial security or benefits.

4. Finances and Risk Management

It’s important to gauge your financial readiness and risk appetite. The good news is that many side hustles can be started with little or no money up front, especially digital businesses. Still, you should decide how much if any capital you’re willing to invest initially and have a plan for covering expenses until the venture generates income. Also think about how much financial risk you’re comfortable with – some people can tolerate a dip in income, while others need to maintain stability.

How much capital are you willing to invest in your side business on a monthly basis at the start? *

(Select one)

What kind of financial buffer or savings do you have if the business doesn’t produce profit right away? *

(Examples:)

Describe your fallback plan

How important is it for you to maintain your current income level while building the side business? *

Choose

5. Legal and Practical Considerations

Before diving into a side business, make sure you won’t run into any legal or job-related conflicts. It’s usually allowed to start a business while employed, as long as it doesn’t compete with your employer or use their resource. Check your employment contract for clauses about confidential information or non-compete restrictions, and consider having a conversation with your employer for transparency. Additionally, think about the legal form of your business and any permits you might need – sorting these out early will save headaches later.

Have you checked whether your employment contract has any confidentiality or non-compete clauses that could affect your side business? *

(It’s important to ensure your side venture doesn’t breach any loyalty or confidentiality obligations to your employer.)

Which type of business structure are you considering for your side venture? *

Choose one or unsure

Does your planned business require any special permits or licenses to operate legally? *

6. Target Market and Customer Base

Clarifying your target market will help focus your business strategy. Try to envision your ideal customer – who they are and what they need – because knowing this guides your marketing and product development. Also, consider whether you’ve already got interest from any potential customers in your network, and whether you’ve checked out the competition. Doing a bit of market homework (even informally) to test demand and see what others are offering is a crucial step before fully committing resources.

What type of customers do you think your side business will serve? *

(For example: businesses (B2B), individual consumers (B2C), families, children/teens, college students, working professionals, retirees, a specific niche community, etc.)

Do you already have any potential customers or contacts who might be interested in your product/service? *

(Multiple choice)

Have you conducted any market research or validation for your idea so far? *

(Choose one)

7. Technical and Digital Skills

In a global and digital economy, being comfortable with technology can significantly expand your reach. Fortunately, the barrier to entry for online business is low – modern tools make it cheap and easy to build a web presence and sell to anyone in the world. Consider your proficiency with creating websites, using social media, setting up online stores, handling digital payments, etc. If you’re not very experienced, that’s okay – many platforms (website builders, e-commerce services) require little to no coding or investment. Think about whether you will handle the digital side yourself, learn new skills, or get someone to help you.

How comfortable are you with using digital tools and platforms for business? (Rate your comfort level: from “Not comfortable at all”=1, to “Very comfortable and skilled.”=5) *(Consider things like: building or updating a website, managing social media accounts, setting up an e-commerce shop, using online payment systems. Rate your comfort level:)

Do you have any experience marketing or promoting products/services online? *

Would you need assistance in creating a website or online store for your side business? *

(Multiple choice:)

8. Support System and Networking

Launching a side business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Having support from people around you can provide motivation, feedback, and even practical help. In fact, your personal network can serve as a pool of potential collaborators or mentors to help you reach your goals. Think about who you can lean on for encouragement or advice. Also consider if you’d be interested in teaming up with others on a project or sharing experiences with fellow side-hustlers. Finally, identify any areas where you might benefit from outside advice or education – there are many resources and communities for new entrepreneurs once you know what you’re looking for.

Do you have people in your life who can support you as you start this side business? *

(Examples: supportive family members or partner, friends with relevant experience, a mentor or coach, colleagues who encourage you)

Are you open to collaborating with others who are also starting a side business (e.g., forming a partnership or just exchanging support/ideas)? *

What kind of guidance or training do you think you might need to successfully run your side business? *

Other specific skills.

9. Personal Traits and Risk Appetite

Every entrepreneur is different when it comes to risk and work style. Being honest about your risk tolerance and stress management will help in creating a plan you’re comfortable with. Remember, starting a business involves uncertainty, and having the stomach for entrepreneurship – i.e. the ability to handle risks and unknowns – is something you develop over time. There’s no right or wrong here; a cautious approach can be just as successful, it just might be a different path than a high-risk approach. Also, consider the kind of environment and structure in which you work best. Your side hustle should be designed in a way that plays to your strengths (for instance, if you thrive with structure and routine, you’ll want to set up a clear schedule; if you excel in creative, unstructured settings, you can allow more flexibility).

How would you describe your risk tolerance regarding starting a business? *

(Choose one:)

How do you handle uncertainty and stress? *

(Be candid: for example)

What type of work environment do you thrive in? *

(Examples: “I do best with a structured plan and clear routine,” or “I prefer a flexible environment with variety day to day.” Also consider if you work better independently or as part of a team. You can describe the elements of an environment that make you most productive and happy.)

10. Long-Term Vision

It’s helpful to look beyond the first few months and imagine the future of your side business. Having a long-term vision can influence the decisions you make early on. For instance, do you see this remaining a side venture for fun and extra income, or do you dream of turning it into a full-time enterprise someday? There’s also the possibility of building it up and selling it in the future. Clarifying these intentions will shape your strategy. Additionally, think about the core values you want your business to stand for and the kind of brand you want to build. Your brand values form the personality of your business and will influence how customers perceive you. Finally, consider the experience or feeling you want to deliver to your customers – if you can describe it in a few words (like empowered, delighted, secure, inspired), it will help align your products and customer service to create that impression.

Where do you envision your side business in one year? *

What values do you want your business to represent or embody? *

For example: sustainability and eco-friendliness, innovation and creativity, community and social impact, premium quality and craftsmanship, honesty and transparency, etc. List any values or principles that are important to you, which you want reflected in your business.)

What three words would you use to describe the feeling or experience you want your customers to have when they use your product or service? *

(In other words, the impressions you want to leave with your customers. Example: “Inspired, Cared-for, and Empowered.” Feel free to choose any words that capture the customer experience you aim to create.)

Full Name *

Country *

Gmail *