7 Automated Business Ideas in 2025
Looking for profitable business ideas that don’t require your constant hands-on involvement? In 2025, automation tools and AI technology will make it easier than ever to launch businesses that run themselves. From online stores to digital products, here are seven automated business ideas you can start this year to generate income with less daily effort.
1. Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping remains a popular automated business model. You create an online store, list products from suppliers, and when a customer places an order, the supplier ships it directly to them. With tools like Shopify and Oberlo (or Spocket), you can automate product imports, order processing, and inventory updates – leaving you to focus on marketing and scaling your store.
2. Print-on-Demand Products
Print-on-Demand lets you sell custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more without holding inventory. Design your products and list them on platforms like Printful or Teespring, which handle printing and shipping automatically. Once your designs are uploaded and your store is set up, orders are fulfilled without your involvement.
3. Online Courses and Digital Products
If you have expertise in a skill, you can create an online course or digital product (eBooks, templates, stock photos) and sell it repeatedly. Platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, or Kajabi automate enrollment, payments, and content delivery, making this a scalable passive income stream.
4. Affiliate Marketing Website
Affiliate marketing involves creating a website with helpful content that promotes products from other companies. When readers click your links and buy, you earn a commission. Automated email sequences, SEO tools, and WordPress plugins can run your site smoothly, allowing income to come in while you focus on adding new content occasionally.
5. Subscription Box Service
While traditional subscription businesses require inventory management, you can automate much of the process by partnering with suppliers for fulfillment. Subscription management software handles recurring payments and customer data. Popular niches include pet treats, health snacks, or self-care boxes.
6. YouTube Automation Channel
YouTube channels can be automated by outsourcing video scriptwriting, editing, and voiceovers to freelancers. While you’ll need to set up the channel and manage its vision, your role becomes that of a project manager while your team produces content, and ad revenue and sponsorships generate passive income.
7. AI-Powered Chatbot Services
Businesses increasingly use chatbots to handle customer inquiries. If you have tech skills, you can set up AI-powered chatbots for companies and charge a monthly maintenance fee. Once the initial build is complete, managing these bots requires minimal ongoing effort.
In 2025, starting an automated business is more accessible than ever thanks to AI, e-commerce tools, and digital platforms. Whether it’s dropshipping, creating online courses, or running a subscription service, these ideas can generate income while freeing up your time for other ventures or personal goals.
Thinking of launching your own automated business this year? Start by choosing the model that aligns with your skills and passions – and let technology do the heavy lifting.
The educational materials on this site are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions of Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC. Educational materials may contain links to content on third-party websites which are provided for your convenience; please note that linked sites may have a privacy and security policy different from our own, and we cannot attest to the accuracy of information. The Central Bank of Kansas City does not guarantee nor expressly endorse any particular business, product, service, or third-party content.
Derniers messages
For millions of families across Latin America and the Caribbean, sending money home isn’t just about finances, it’s about connection. It’s how parents support children’s education, how siblings help one another through milestones, and how entire communities stay linked across borders.
At Paysend, we understand that these everyday remittances carry deep emotional and cultural meaning. That’s why our new partnership with JetBlue feels so special. Together, we’re connecting financial and travel experiences, giving customers the chance to earn TrueBlue points when they send money home to the Dominican Republic.
Now through March 30, 2026, customers in the United States who send a transfer of $100 or more to the Dominican Republic with Paysend will receive 5,000 TrueBlue points.* It’s a simple way to turn everyday remittances into travel rewards, helping families get one step closer to reuniting in person.
*For U.S. residents only. USD → USD transfers excluded. Offer valid through March 30, 2026. Limited to one (1) award of 5,000 TrueBlue points per customer. Paysend reserves the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Third-party fees may apply. FX rates are determined by Paysend and may include a margin. Terms and conditions apply.
By Lisa Navarro, Head of Enterprise Operations at Paysend
In the world of cross-border payments, onboarding isn’t just a procedural step — it’s the foundation of a successful partnership. At Paysend Enterprise, our clients trust us with their most valuable asset: their ability to move money globally, securely, and efficiently. For me, that trust starts with how I bring them into our ecosystem.
As Head of Enterprise Operations, I see every onboarding journey — which we’re proud to typically complete in an impressive 2 weeks — as an opportunity to set the tone for the relationship, where operational excellence and true collaboration come together. I take this part of the process personally, because it’s where operational excellence and true collaboration first come together.
