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Side Business Data

The Side Business Economy Is Larger Than Anyone Thought

Pew Research Center, 2024

February 9, 2024

KEY FINDINGS

44% of Americans with a side income say it has become essential to their financial stability.

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Most side income research undercounts the full picture by focusing only on gig workers.
When you include professionals selling services, digital products, and consulting independently, the number of working adults with meaningful side income is significantly higher than headline figures suggest.
For side builders, this means the market for tools and resources serving this group is far bigger and far less saturated than it appears.

Tools & Tech

AI Adoption Among Independent Professionals Is Outpacing Enterprise

Solo operators and small teams are adopting AI productivity tools at twice the rate of large enterprises.

Stanford HAI Annual AI Report, 2023

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Side Business Data

Most Side Businesses Take 12–18 Months to Generate Meaningful Revenue

Founders who maintained full-time employment during the first 12 months were 33% more likely to still be operating at year three.

Kauffman Foundation, 2025

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Workforce

High Earners Are the Fastest Growing Segment of Side Business Owners

Professionals earning over $75K annually now represent the largest growth segment in independent work.

McKinsey Global Institute, 2024

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