Younger generations are becoming increasingly conscious of global issues, which motivate us to make a difference. From being sustainability-minded consumers to caring for Mother Nature, serving their community and educating those in need, more is being done in creating a better place for everyone. Young professionals today are of course still focused on earning a decent wage, bu the overall impact of their work means so much more nowadays.

This, combined with their passion for building their own businesses and being their own bosses, has led many young entrepreneurs to invest their money in innovative businesses that positively impact the planet. If you’re one of these people, consider these business ideas before investing.

Educational Blogging

Today, people need more answers to their questions. If you have a specific knowledge base that can help others in terms of eco-friendly living, travel or languages, share it with others! For example, if you’ve got a great thumb and enjoy working with plants, teach a class on how to propagate strings of pearls. Start your business by sharing what you know for free. All you have to do is create a free blog template and write regularly. This is basically what I’ve done with this site – I’m passionate about personal finance and have built a small side hustle sharing my knowledge with others!

From there, read up on different ways you can make a living by writing on a topic you love. Some ways you can make money out of writing (but are not limited to) include:

• Webinars
• Online courses
• Affiliates program
• Google AdSense

Writing an e-book also falls in this category. Share your skills through a digital book that is more affordable compared to printed copies while offering readers the same level of education. e-Books are quite easy to self-publish and promote!

Chatbot Creation

Business around the world are always looking for ways to better connect with their customers, and one area we’ve seen lot of growth in are chat bots. Initially thought of as a marketing fad, chatbots are proving naysayers wrong by becoming increasingly valuable to different types of businesses. Chat bots are a great way to help customers get the information they need, in a timely manner, without relying on someone on the other side to answer the question. To get started though, someone has to write the chatbot!

Chatbots simplify the following marketing and business opportunities:

• Driving civic engagement
• Offering counseling services
• Building empathy and awareness
• Polling public sentiment
• Distributing public health information
• Encouraging healthy living

If you don’t have knowledge in coding, it’s OK. There are many chatbot-building platforms that enable you to build a chatbot within minutes (minus the need for coding knowledge).

Online Teaching

In line with writing and blogging, if you’re writing about your expertise, why not teach them to others while you’re at it? You’ll hit more than two goals: you’ll be providing a valuable service to your community, help others be a better version of themselves and earn money.

You can:

• Teach a language
• Tutor students
• Teach businesses how to do their taxes or other business operations
• Set up online courses on business development, executive presence and leadership
• Become a sustainability consultant for small businesses
• Create a YouTube channel to educate people on sustainable and healthy living

Online Fundraising

If you have an experience in sales and finances, combine these skills to start a fundraising consultant business for non-profit organizations and charities. First, be selective with the charities you work with and start networking to establish stronger relationships with those you’re passionate about. From there, create and implement efficient fundraising programs that will help these organizations raise the funds needed for their cause.

Another spin is to work to connect folks looking for volunteer or worthwhile social investments to host a social crowdfunding program. This type of funding involves social entrepreneurs in need of funding for their projects. Create a platform that links humanitarian projects with investors who are willing to help. Instead of charging expensive fees and high interest rates, offer a return for their monetary investment. For example, offer positive advertisements that highlight them as investors.

Uber /Lyft Driving

If you’re a good and responsible driver in need of additional income, ride share driving is the way to go. Apart from driving people around, you’re potentially helping by keeping other cars off the road.

It’s a straightforward type of side hustle or even job. Apply as an Uber/Lyft driver and start encouraging ride shares. As an ride share driver, you’re doing good to the community by ensuring people in your area get to their destinations safely. You’d also be delivering food and reducing fuel emissions from other vehicles.

Green App Development

Join the green movement by being a source of education for others. Many people who want to go green do not often know where to start, so why don’t you help them out? If you have knowledge on mobile and web applications, create an app that educated users on how to maintain a greener way of living.

You can make an app that discusses sustainability as a whole or focus on specific niches such as:

• Green living at work and at home
• Recycling
• Energy conservation
• Recycling

Create a Betterment Program

Help those who need to improve themselves by creating a space where they can develop their skills and start their businesses. For instance, you can help restaurants train and hire people by teaching them the skills in marketing, business and web development. Or perhaps it’s a coaching/mentorship that you offer, and provide it to those less fortunate to hopefully give them a leg up.

You can make the world a better place and earn while you’re at it. Consider the ideas above and expand your impact!

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links that earn me a commission.