How to Start a Side Hustle in Denver

Denver, Colorado, known for its vibrant culture, thriving outdoor lifestyle, and booming tech and creative industries, offers a unique ecosystem for individuals seeking to launch a side hustle. Whether you’re a remote worker, a teacher, a healthcare professional, or a stay-at-home parent, the city’s dynamic economy and community-driven ethos make it an ideal place to turn a passion, skill, or hobby into a profitable side income. A side hustle isn’t just about extra cash—it’s about building financial resilience, exploring entrepreneurial potential, and creating a life aligned with your values. In a city where the cost of living continues to rise and traditional employment doesn’t always offer the flexibility or compensation people need, starting a side hustle in Denver isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to launching and scaling a successful side hustle in Denver. From identifying opportunities tailored to the local market to leveraging Denver-specific resources and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies that work in this unique urban environment. No fluff. No generic advice. Just practical, proven steps grounded in the realities of Denver’s economy, culture, and community.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Skills, Interests, and Available Time

Before you invest time or money into a side hustle, take a honest inventory of what you bring to the table. Ask yourself: What are you naturally good at? What do people often compliment you on? What activities make you lose track of time? These are clues to your most viable side hustle ideas.

Denver residents have access to a diverse talent pool—from software developers and graphic designers to yoga instructors and mountain guides. If you’re skilled in photography, consider offering portrait sessions in Red Rocks or at local parks. If you’re fluent in Spanish and have experience in customer service, you could offer translation services to small businesses in neighborhoods like La Alma Lincoln Park or Five Points. If you enjoy baking, the city’s thriving farmers’ markets and coffee shop scene present opportunities for selling homemade goods.

Equally important is evaluating your time. Most side hustles require 5–15 hours per week to start. Be realistic. If you work a 50-hour week and have young children, a side hustle that demands daily in-person commitments may not be sustainable. Opt for flexible models: digital services, pre-made products, or automated systems that allow you to scale without linear time investment.

Step 2: Research Denver-Specific Opportunities

Not every side hustle works everywhere. Denver’s economy has unique characteristics: a high concentration of remote workers, a strong emphasis on wellness and sustainability, a growing tourism industry, and a tech-savvy population. Look for gaps in the market that align with these trends.

Here are some high-potential side hustle ideas tailored to Denver:

• Outdoor Adventure Guide (Part-Time): Offer guided hikes, bike tours, or photography excursions in Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, or the Flatirons. Many tourists and locals want authentic experiences beyond the typical tour bus.
• Home Organization Consultant: With high home prices and small urban living spaces, Denverites are increasingly seeking help to declutter and optimize their homes. Offer virtual or in-home consultations.
• Local Food Delivery or Meal Prep Service: Cater to busy professionals and families with healthy, locally sourced meal kits. Use platforms like Instagram or Nextdoor to reach your niche.
• Freelance Content Writer for Colorado Brands: Many Denver-based startups, breweries, and outdoor gear companies need writers who understand local culture and values.
• Virtual Assistant for Colorado-Based Entrepreneurs: Help small business owners manage calendars, emails, and social media. Many are based in LoDo, Cherry Creek, or Boulder but need support beyond their local network.

Use tools like Google Trends, Facebook Groups (e.g., “Denver Small Business Owners”), and local job boards like ColoradoBiz or Denver Post’s “Jobs” section to identify demand. Attend a few local meetups—many are free—and listen to what problems people are talking about. That’s your opportunity.

Step 3: Validate Your Idea with Minimal Investment

Before quitting your job or spending hundreds on equipment, test your idea with zero or low cost. This is called “pre-selling” or “MVP testing” (Minimum Viable Product).

For example:

• If you want to sell handmade candles, make three samples and post them on Instagram with a link to a Google Form asking people to reserve one for $15. If five people commit, you have validation.
• If you want to offer resume writing services, create a free 15-minute consultation call and ask participants if they’d pay $50 for a full package. Track conversion rates.
• If you want to be a dog walker, offer your services to five neighbors in your building or on Nextdoor for free in exchange for testimonials and photos.

Denver has a strong community spirit. People are willing to support local initiatives—especially if they feel personally connected. Use that to your advantage. Don’t wait for perfection. Launch quickly, gather feedback, and iterate.

Step 4: Set Up Legal and Financial Foundations

Even a small side hustle needs structure. In Colorado, you’re not required to form an LLC to start a side hustle, but it’s highly recommended for liability protection and tax benefits.

Here’s what to do:

1. Register a DBA (Doing Business As): If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name (e.g., “Denver Dog Walker” instead of “Sarah Johnson”), file a DBA with the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Cost: $20.
2. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS website. This separates your personal and business finances and is required to open a business bank account.
3. Open a Separate Business Bank Account: Use a service like Novo, Mercury, or even your local credit union (e.g., Denver Community Credit Union). Never mix personal and business funds—it complicates taxes and looks unprofessional.
4. Understand Colorado Sales Tax: If you sell physical goods, you must collect sales tax. Register with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Digital services (like coaching or writing) are generally exempt.
5. Track Income and Expenses: Use free tools like Wave or Google Sheets. Save receipts—even for coffee bought while meeting a client. Deductible expenses include mileage (58.5 cents per mile in 2024), home office space, software subscriptions, and marketing materials.

Denver’s small business community is supportive. Visit the Denver Office of Economic Development’s website for free workshops on legal compliance and tax basics.

Step 5: Build Your Online Presence

In 2024, if you don’t have a digital footprint, you don’t exist. Your side hustle needs a simple, professional online presence—even if you’re offering in-person services.

Start with these three essentials:

1. A Professional Email Address

Use your name or business name with a custom domain (e.g., hello@yourbusinessdenver.com). Avoid Gmail or Yahoo for business communication—it undermines credibility.

2. A Simple Website

You don’t need a complex site. Use Carrd, Canva Websites, or WordPress.com to create a one-page site with:

• Your name and service
• What you do and who it’s for
• How to book or contact you
• Testimonials (even if you have to ask friends)
• Links to your social media

Cost: Under $50/year for domain and hosting.

3. A Focused Social Media Profile

Choose one platform where your ideal clients hang out:

• Instagram: Best for visual services (photography, food, fitness, crafts)
• LinkedIn: Best for professional services (writing, VA, consulting)
• Facebook: Best for local services (dog walking, tutoring, home repair)

Post consistently—three times a week. Share behind-the-scenes content, client results, and local Denver landmarks. Use hashtags like

DenverSideHustle, #DenverSmallBusiness, #SupportDenverLocal.

Step 6: Start Marketing Locally and Digitally

Denver is a city of neighborhoods. Your first customers will come from your immediate circle and local networks.

Start with these low-cost marketing tactics:

• Join Local Facebook Groups: “Denver Moms,” “Denver Freelancers,” “Denver Foodies,” “Denver Outdoor Enthusiasts.” Offer value first—answer questions, give advice—then mention your service naturally.
• Network at Local Events: Attend Denver Startup Week, local farmers’ markets (like the Denver Central Market), or Meetup.com events. Bring business cards (print them affordably on Vistaprint).
• Partner with Complementary Businesses: If you’re a yoga instructor, partner with a local juice bar. If you’re a photographer, collaborate with a florist for styled shoots. Cross-promote.
• Offer a Limited-Time Discount: “First 10 clients get 50% off.” Creates urgency and helps you build testimonials quickly.
• Ask for Reviews: After your first five clients, politely ask if they’d leave a Google review or Instagram testimonial. Social proof is your most powerful sales tool.

Don’t waste money on Facebook ads until you’ve validated your offer. Focus on organic growth first.

Step 7: Scale with Systems and Automation

Once you start getting consistent clients, your biggest challenge will be time. Don’t work harder—work smarter.

Implement systems:

• Booking: Use Calendly (free plan) to let clients schedule calls or sessions without back-and-forth emails.
• Invoicing: Use PayPal, Stripe, or HoneyBook to send professional invoices and accept payments instantly.
• Content: Batch-create content. Spend one Saturday morning filming three Instagram Reels or writing four blog posts. Schedule them with Buffer or Later.
• Customer Service: Create a FAQ document or automated email response for common questions (e.g., “What’s your cancellation policy?”).

As you grow, consider outsourcing small tasks: hire a virtual assistant from Upwork to handle scheduling, or use Fiverr to design your logo. Every hour you save is an hour you can reinvest into growth or rest.

Step 8: Reinvest and Expand

Once your side hustle generates $500–$1,000/month consistently, it’s time to think about scaling.

Options include:

• Increasing your rates by 10–20% (you’re worth more than you think)
• Creating a digital product (e.g., an e-book on “How to Hike the Flatirons Safely” or a printable planner for Denver professionals)
• Offering group coaching or workshops (e.g., “5-Day Declutter Challenge for Denver Apartments”)
• Turning your side hustle into a full-time business (many Denver entrepreneurs do this after 12–18 months)

Track your profit margin—not just revenue. If you’re making $2,000/month but spending $1,800 on ads and supplies, you’re not profitable. Focus on high-margin, low-overhead offerings.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection

Denver’s market rewards reliability. Posting every Tuesday at 6 PM builds trust. Showing up consistently—even if your content isn’t flawless—creates momentum. People don’t buy from perfect brands. They buy from predictable ones.

2. Know Your Niche

“I help people” is not a niche. “I help busy Denver moms who work remotely to create clutter-free home offices in under 500 sq ft” is. The more specific you are, the more you stand out. Narrow niches attract higher-paying clients who feel understood.

3. Protect Your Time Like Cash

Time is your most valuable asset. Set boundaries: no work after 8 PM, no weekend calls unless it’s an emergency. Use a calendar blocker. Say no to low-value clients. Your side hustle should enhance your life, not consume it.

4. Stay Compliant and Transparent

Always disclose if you’re being paid to promote a product. Use

ad or #sponsored. Don’t fake reviews. Denver’s community is tight-knit—word travels fast. Your reputation is your most important asset.

5. Embrace the Denver Lifestyle

Authenticity sells here. If your side hustle is outdoorsy, show your work in the mountains. If it’s wellness-focused, mention yoga, meditation, or cold plunges. Align your brand with Denver’s values: sustainability, health, community, and adventure. Don’t try to be something you’re not.

6. Measure What Matters

Track three key metrics weekly:

• Number of new leads
• Conversion rate (leads to paying clients)
• Profit per client

If your conversion rate is below 10%, your messaging or offer needs work. If your profit per client is under $50, consider raising prices or offering upsells.

7. Build Relationships, Not Transactions

Denverites value connection. Follow up with clients. Send a handwritten note. Ask how they’re doing. Refer them to other local businesses. Become a community pillar—not just a vendor.

Tools and Resources

Free Tools

• Canva: Design logos, social posts, flyers. Free version is powerful.
• Google Workspace: Free Gmail with custom domain, Docs, Sheets, Calendar.
• Wave: Free accounting and invoicing software.
• Calendly: Free scheduling tool.
• Notion: Organize your business plan, client list, content calendar.
• Nextdoor: Hyperlocal marketing platform—perfect for neighborhood services.
• Denver Public Library: Free access to LinkedIn Learning, market research databases, and business workshops.

Low-Cost Paid Tools

• Stripe or PayPal: Accept payments online ($0.29 + 2.9% per transaction).
• Carrd: One-page website builder ($19/year).
• Mailchimp: Email marketing (free up to 500 contacts).
• Upwork or Fiverr: Hire freelancers for design, writing, or VA work ($10–$30/hour).
• Buffer or Later: Schedule social media posts ($15/month).

Denver-Specific Resources

• Denver Office of Economic Development (OED): Offers free business coaching, workshops, and grant information. Visit denvergov.org/oed.
• Denver Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Free one-on-one consulting. Located at the Denver Public Library and Metro State University.
• Denver Startup Week: Annual event (September) with free panels, networking, and pitch competitions.
• Denver Makers Market: Monthly pop-up for local artisans. Apply to sell for a small fee.
• Colorado Creative Industries: Grants and resources for creatives. Visit coloradocreativeindustries.org.
• Denver Public Library Business Center: Free access to industry reports, competitor analysis tools, and one-on-one business advisors.

Real Examples

Example 1: Emily, Yoga Instructor Turned Online Coach

Emily worked as a dental hygienist in Lakewood and taught yoga on weekends. She noticed many clients struggled with stress and poor posture from sitting at desks all day. She created a 4-week online course: “Desk-to-Desk Yoga: 15 Minutes a Day for Denver Professionals.”

She started by offering free 20-minute Zoom sessions to coworkers. Ten people signed up for the paid course at $49. She used Canva to design a simple website and posted short yoga clips on Instagram tagged with

DenverYoga and #WorkFromHomeDenver.

Within three months, she had 60 students. She now earns $3,000/month passively. She’s expanded to offer live weekend retreats in Boulder and a monthly membership for $15.

Example 2: Marcus, Freelance Photographer

Marcus, a former graphic designer, bought a used camera and started taking photos of local breweries in RiNo. He posted them on Instagram with captions like “This is why I love Denver’s craft beer scene.”

One brewer reached out asking if he’d photograph their new taproom. He charged $200. He then created a portfolio site and started cold-emailing small businesses: “I noticed your website hasn’t been updated in 2 years. I specialize in authentic, warm photos of Denver businesses. Can I send you 3 free sample shots?”

He now works with 15 local businesses monthly, earning $4,000–$6,000/month. He doesn’t do weddings—he’s too busy with commercial clients who pay more and require less time.

Example 3: Priya, Meal Prep Chef for Busy Families

Priya, a former chef at a downtown restaurant, started cooking healthy meals for her own family. Friends asked if she’d make theirs too. She began with five clients in her Highland neighborhood, charging $12 per meal.

She used Nextdoor to offer a “First Week Free” deal. She collected testimonials and photos. She then created a Google Form for weekly orders and used a simple website to display menus.

Within six months, she had 40 clients. She now hires a part-time prep assistant and delivers on Tuesdays and Fridays. She earns $5,200/month and plans to open a small kitchen co-op with two other local chefs.

Example 4: Jamal, Virtual Assistant for Colorado Entrepreneurs

Jamal, a college student in Aurora, had experience managing social media for a campus club. He offered to help local business owners manage their Instagram accounts for $25/hour.

He joined five Denver Facebook groups and posted: “I’m a college student helping small businesses in Denver grow their Instagram. Free 30-minute audit of your profile. DM me.”

He got 12 DMs. He did three audits, converted two into long-term clients. He now manages 8 clients, charges $45/hour, and uses templates to streamline content creation. He’s saving to start his own digital marketing agency.

FAQs

Do I need a business license to start a side hustle in Denver?

No, you don’t need a city business license for most side hustles under $50,000 in annual revenue. However, if you’re selling food, alcohol, or offering regulated services (like massage therapy or tutoring in public schools), you may need specific permits. Always check with the Denver Department of Environmental Health or the Office of Economic Development if you’re unsure.

Can I deduct my car expenses if I use it for my side hustle?

Yes. If you drive for client meetings, deliveries, or errands related to your side hustle, you can deduct mileage at the IRS standard rate (58.5 cents per mile in 2024). Keep a log with dates, destinations, and purposes. Alternatively, you can deduct actual expenses (gas, repairs, insurance) but that requires detailed recordkeeping.

How do I handle taxes on side hustle income?

Side hustle income is taxable. You’ll report it on Schedule C of your federal tax return. Colorado doesn’t have a state income tax deduction for side hustles, but you can deduct business expenses. Set aside 25–30% of your earnings for taxes. Consider making quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.

What if my side hustle grows into a full-time business?

That’s the goal. When your side hustle consistently earns more than your job, consider transitioning. Start by reducing your hours at your main job, then phase out completely. Update your legal structure (consider forming an LLC), get business insurance, and hire help if needed. Many Denver entrepreneurs make this switch within 1–2 years.

Are there side hustles that don’t work in Denver?

Yes. Avoid ideas that don’t align with local culture. For example, selling expensive luxury goods without a clear local customer base may not work. Similarly, a side hustle that requires heavy foot traffic (like a kiosk) is risky unless you’re in a high-traffic area like 16th Street Mall or Cherry Creek North. Focus on digital, mobile, or hyperlocal services.

How long does it take to make $1,000/month with a side hustle in Denver?

With consistent effort, most people reach $1,000/month within 3–6 months. Faster results are possible if you have a high-demand skill (like web design or copywriting) and a strong network. Slower results are common for physical product businesses due to upfront costs and inventory needs.

Can I start a side hustle if I’m on a visa or work permit?

It depends. Most work visas (H-1B, L-1) restrict outside employment. F-1 student visas allow limited on-campus work and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Consult an immigration attorney before starting any income-generating activity. Never assume it’s allowed.

How do I find clients if I’m shy or introverted?

Start online. Use DMs, email, and written content. Many successful side hustlers in Denver built their businesses through Instagram captions, blog posts, and LinkedIn comments—not networking events. Focus on providing value first—your audience will find you.

Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in Denver isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about building something meaningful—something that gives you freedom, purpose, and financial breathing room in a city that often demands both time and money. The opportunities are abundant, but success comes not from chasing trends, but from understanding your unique strengths and serving your community with authenticity.

The tools are free. The resources are accessible. The community is supportive. What’s missing is the first step.

Don’t wait for the perfect idea. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Pick one idea—just one—that excites you—and test it this week. Post a photo. Send a message. Offer a free consultation. Take that small, brave action.

Denver isn’t just a city of mountains and craft beer. It’s a city of makers, doers, and quiet entrepreneurs turning passion into purpose. You belong here. Your side hustle doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. It just needs to be real.

Start today. Your future self will thank you.