How to Start a Side Hustle in Missouri

How to Start a Side Hustle in Missouri: A Simple Guide

Thinking about starting a side hustle in Missouri? Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, pursue a passion, or test the waters for a future business, Missouri is a great place to get started. With its low cost of living, supportive business climate, and growing entrepreneurial scene, the Show-Me State offers plenty of opportunity for side hustlers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your side hustle with confidence.

1. Choose the Right Hustle for You

Start with what you know, what you’re good at, or what excites you. Popular side hustles in Missouri include freelance writing, graphic design, online selling, tutoring, dog walking, and home repair services. Think about what fits your schedule, your interests, and your skill set.

Ask yourself:

What are people willing to pay for?
What do I enjoy doing in my spare time?
Can I scale this if it grows?

2. Check for Local Rules and Licenses

Even side hustles may require registration depending on what you’re offering. Missouri is fairly business-friendly, but you still need to check if your city or county has specific requirements. For example:

Selling products? You may need a sales tax license from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Offering services like home repair or childcare? You might need local permits or insurance.

Visit your local city or county government website or use Missouri’s online business portal for guidance.

3. Decide on a Business Structure

If you’re just testing things out, you can start as a sole proprietor, which doesn’t require any formal setup. But if you want legal protection or plan to grow, you might want to register an LLC with the Missouri Secretary of State. An LLC gives you liability protection and is easy to manage for small businesses.

4. Set Up a Separate Bank Account

Even for a small side gig, it’s smart to separate your personal and business finances. Open a separate bank account to keep track of your income and expenses. This will make tax time a whole lot easier and make your side hustle look more professional.

5. Promote Yourself

No one will know about your side hustle unless you put it out there. Use free tools like social media, Google Business Profile, and word-of-mouth to spread the word. Missouri has a lot of tight-knit communities, and referrals can go a long way. You might also consider joining local Facebook groups or networking meetups.

6. Track Your Income and Expenses

Keep receipts, invoices, and records of everything you earn and spend. You don’t need fancy accounting software when starting out—Google Sheets or a free app can do the trick. When tax season comes around, this information is gold. Don’t forget that you’ll likely need to pay self-employment tax on your earnings.

7. Stay Consistent and Keep Learning

A side hustle won’t explode overnight, but with consistency and effort, it can become a powerful income stream. Read up on your industry, listen to podcasts, take courses, and stay motivated. Missouri’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well—tap into it.

Final Thoughts

Starting a side hustle in Missouri is completely doable, even if you’re starting from scratch. With some planning, passion, and a little hustle, you can create something that not only brings in extra income but could turn into something much bigger down the road. Whether you’re in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, or a small town in between, opportunity is everywhere.