Overview:
From freelancing fortunes (or misfortunes) and fitness coaching to rideshare escapades, tutoring your neighbor’s kid, and pet care that makes you question your life choices, here are the side hustles in Minneapolis that’ll help you embrace flexibility—and maybe even fund your coffee addiction.
With living costs rising faster than your anxiety levels, many are jumping on the side hustle bandwagon. But let’s be clear: financial strain isn’t the only thing fueling this trend. Some daring souls crave extra income to fuel their unique passions—like finally buying that organic, gluten-free bread while they work on their “how to be an entrepreneur” TikTok channel.
A well-managed side gig can be transformative, especially for those in the Black community aiming to build wealth and dodge the say-it-isn’t-so reality of economic disparity, or let’s be honest, fund their caffeine habit while scrolling through social media.
If you’ve got a passion lurking beneath your day job or if you prefer the joys of self-employment over the confines of a cubicle, Minneapolis presents a cornucopia of side hustle options jampacked with potential growth (and maybe some minor headaches along the way).
So whether you’re hunting for remote gigs, weekend endeavors, or work-from-home opportunities that don’t involve scamming your neighbors into buying your “exclusive” potato salad recipe, here’s a rundown of prime side jobs in Minneapolis, peppered with money management tips to keep your financial woes at bay.
1. Freelance creative services: Minneapolis is practically a creative utopia. Local businesses and startups are on a never-ending quest for freelance warriors trained in the arts of writing, graphic design, and social media (AKA where you often pretend to know what you’re doing). Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are your battlegrounds; just try to limit those impulse purchases of overpriced lattes while working from your couch.
2. Event bartending or DJing: For those who enjoy mixing drinks or mixing tunes, it turns out weddings and nightlife events can be your weekend canvas. Just remember to keep your “cocktail flair” and “turntables” skills separate from your lost dreams of a quiet suburban life.
3. Fitness coaching or yoga instruction: If downward dog is more your style than coworker drama, consider flexing those yoga muscles or personal training skills. Local gyms are constantly in search of instructors, plus you can stream online classes for your hardcore yogi fans everywhere (who will probably watch while eating pizza).
4. Rideshare driving or food delivery: Thanks to recent legislation, drivers for Uber and Lyft now enjoy guaranteed minimum earnings—an unexpected twist that makes you feel slightly better about that one ride where you accidentally took someone to the wrong side of town. Food delivery services like DoorDash allow you to indulge in instant gratification for your wallet while avoiding direct human contact. Win-win!
5. Tutoring or online courses: Enjoy imparting knowledge like a sage? Tutoring seamlessly allows you to pull those “I’m smarter than you” moments at home while getting paid. Teaching anything from algebra to underwater basket weaving (yes, it’s a thing) can be done from the comfort of your gloriously messy home office.
6. Making or reselling items: If you’ve got crafty hands or a talent for spotting hidden treasures in thrift stores, get ready to thrive. Setting up shop on Etsy or flipping those vintage finds for eBay glory might just be your golden ticket (or a mission to empty your garage).
7. Pet sitting or dog walking: With more pooches demanding love and care than ever, pet services are in high demand. Apps like Rover or just having a friendly chat with neighbors can help build your canine empire, one woof at a time. Don’t forget to expand your repetoire of banana peels for when they decide to “misbehave.”
How to Manage Your Money Like a Boss
Now that your side hustle is officially in motion, let’s tackle the glorious joy of financial responsibilities. Because nothing says “fun” like tracking irregular income and planning for taxes. Just remember, your side gig should empower you, not give you a panic attack every April.
1. Create a separate bank account: Keeping personal and business finances mixed is like adding pineapple to your pizza—some love it, but most consider it a travesty. Use tools like Chase Business Complete Checking to avoid financial faux pas.
2. Plan for taxes, all year: Those sweet side hustle earnings won’t automatically contribute to your retirement fund. Stash away about 25–30% of what you earn for taxes, and use tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed to avoid staring blankly at your accounting on tax day.
3. Build a budget around irregular income: Adjust your monthly budgeting strategy by using your lowest-earning month as a baseline. Apply any extra earnings to savings or invest in your next “big idea”—like a revolutionary way to sort socks.
4. Track every expense: Documenting every little penny spent on supplies and subscriptions might sound tedious, but it’s vital. Not only does it keep you organized, but those receipts might just save you a chunk of change on tax deductions. Who said being an adult was fun?
5. Invest in your growth: Remember to allocate funds for workshops and networking events. “Growth” doesn’t just mean physical; it involves mental and social aspects too. Your future self will thank you when you’re rocking that side hustle and sipping cocktails on a beach.
Your Next Steps
Ready to conquer your side hustle dreams? These gigs are more than mere pocket change; they’re stepping stones toward financial freedom, self-discovery, and potentially written memoirs about your exhilarating journey—or at least some decent Instagram posts.
As you navigate this thrilling venture, don’t forget to check out financial tools and resources. Chase for Business offers an enlightening Resource Center, no enlightening souls required, to help bolster your side quest.
And in the epic saga of hustling, remember: earning money is just one piece of the puzzle. Smart money management transforms that piece into a beautiful financial mosaic that allows you to achieve your wildest dreams (like finally buying that yacht you’ve been eyeing).
MSR + JPMorgan Chase partner to bring you the Finances FYI series, dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap while driving economic inclusion for the Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities. Visit our website weekly for tips, advice, and essential information to improve your financial literacy. Because who doesn’t want to be educated AND financially savvy?
