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Solopreneur: How to Start Alone and Build a Sustainable Business

Julian Drago
June 11, 2025

Have you ever thought about starting a business on your own—no partners, no employees? If so, you might already have the mindset of a solopreneur. This increasingly common model in today’s digital economy shows that you don’t need a full team to build a successful company—just a solid idea, the right tools, and a lot of determination.

In this article, we’ll explain what it means to be a solopreneur, its pros and cons, how to get started from scratch, and what steps to follow to make your solo venture not just viable, but scalable.

What Is a Solopreneur?

Thoughtful entrepreneur planning business strategy on a whiteboard

A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who starts, manages, and grows their business independently. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs who often seek partners, employees, or investors to scale, solopreneurs run a lean and autonomous operation.

That doesn’t mean they do everything manually or work in isolation. Many solopreneurs use digital tools, automations, or hire freelancers or agencies for specific tasks—but the business as a whole remains under one person’s control.

Being a solopreneur means making quick decisions, taking personal risks, and enjoying the freedom to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and define the direction of your business.

Why More People Are Becoming Solopreneurs

Several trends have contributed to the rise of the solopreneur:

  • Accessible technology: Launching a website, selling online, or automating workflows is now easier and more affordable than ever.
  • Knowledge economy: Many professionals have found freelance work a profitable way to monetize their expertise.
  • Shifting priorities: Freedom, flexibility, and work-life balance are increasingly valued over owning an office or managing a team.
  • Low startup costs: Starting solo means fewer financial risks—no payroll or office space needed in the beginning.

Solopreneur vs. Freelancer: What’s the Difference?

Not quite the same. While both work independently, a freelancer typically sells their time and skills per project to different clients. A solopreneur, on the other hand, builds a full business around their knowledge, services, or products—often with systems that allow them to scale.

For example, a freelancer may become a solopreneur by launching digital products, creating online courses, building a subscription service, or automating sales. Solopreneurs aim to build a business that can generate revenue even when they’re not actively working.

Advantages of Being a Solopreneur

Solopreneur managing business finances with a laptop and calculator

Running a solo business comes with many perks, especially for creative, technical, and strategic minds:

1. Full Decision-Making Power

No need to negotiate with others. You’re free to pivot, experiment, and adjust your strategy at any time.

2. Lower Operating Costs

No payroll or major overhead. This allows you to maintain healthy profit margins early on.

3. Personalized Work Pace

Work at your own rhythm. Take a day off when needed or dive deep into an idea for weeks without external interruptions.

4. Direct Customer Relationships

You have first-hand insight into your customers’ needs, which lets you quickly adapt and offer more personalized service.

Common Challenges for Solopreneurs

Despite its benefits, the solopreneur path comes with some hurdles:

1. Decision-Making Alone

Without a team to bounce ideas off, it’s easy to feel stuck. Having a mentor or support network is essential.

2. Wearing Too Many Hats

At first, you might handle everything: sales, marketing, admin, support. Time management becomes critical to avoid burnout.

3. Limited Scalability

One person can only do so much. This is where automation and scalable products come into play.

4. Financial Management

With no guaranteed income, it’s vital to build good financial habits: tax planning, emergency savings, and smart reinvestment.

How to Start as a Solopreneur

Thinking of going solo? Here’s a practical roadmap:

Step 1: Identify a Monetizable Skill

What are you good at? Design, writing, legal advice, finance, coding, marketing—even hobbies. Look for a problem you can solve that people are willing to pay for.

Step 2: Define Your Value Proposition

What sets you apart? Why should someone choose you? Clearly define the benefits you offer and your ideal client.

Step 3: Build Your Personal Brand

You are your brand. Choose a business name (it can be your own), design a basic logo, create professional social profiles, and launch a simple website that explains your offer.

Step 4: Set Up a Sales System

You can sell directly via your website, freelance platforms, or through social media. Use tools like forms, email marketing, and payment gateways to automate the process.

Step 5: Manage Your Finances

Separate business and personal income. Open a business bank account, track your revenue and expenses, and save for taxes. Tools like QuickBooks, Notion, or Excel can help.

Step 6: Automate Where Possible

Automate tasks like email replies or invoicing to save time and focus on what drives value.

Business Ideas for Solopreneurs

Need inspiration? Here are some profitable ideas:

  • Online course creation
  • Copywriting or translation services
  • Graphic design or web development
  • Virtual legal or accounting consultations
  • Social media management
  • Selling digital products (eBooks, templates, tools)
  • Productivity, branding, or business strategy coaching
  • Affiliate marketing or digital advertising

Useful Tools for Solopreneurs

These tools can make your solo journey smoother:

  • Canva: for branding and visuals
  • Notion / Trello: for task and project organization
  • Stripe / PayPal: to collect payments
  • Google Workspace: for professional email, docs, and calendars
  • Zapier / Make: to automate tasks without coding
  • WordPress / Webflow: to build and manage your website

How Openbiz Supports Solopreneurs

At Openbiz, we know that going solo is both exciting and challenging. That’s why we offer integrated solutions to help you thrive—from forming your LLC in the U.S. to support with taxes, banking, virtual addresses, and more.

If you’re ready to formalize your business and take the next step, our team is here to guide you with transparency, clarity, and expertise.

Conclusion

Becoming a solopreneur isn’t just about working alone—it’s about owning your time, your knowledge, and your vision. You don’t need a fancy office, a large team, or big capital to start. All you need is clarity, focus, and a willingness to learn along the way.

And if you’re at that point where you're ready to take your business to the next level, Openbiz is here to help you build your legal and financial foundation—because doing it alone doesn’t mean doing it without support.

FAQs

Is a solopreneur the same as a freelancer?
No. While both work independently, a solopreneur builds a business around their knowledge, while a freelancer typically works per project or service.

Can I start a business as a solopreneur in the U.S.?
Yes. You can form an LLC and operate as the sole member. Openbiz walks you through the process step by step.

What do I need to start as a solopreneur?
A clear idea, a value proposition, and basic tools like a website, payment channels, and a digital presence.

What if I want to grow and hire later on?
Nothing stops you. Many solopreneurs start solo and later expand by hiring freelancers, collaborators, or building small teams.

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