Side Hustles Surge Across California
The path from side hustle to startup is becoming increasingly common as Americans seek flexible ways to earn and grow. Since 2020, Google searches for “side hustle” have skyrocketed, reflecting a nationwide shift toward flexible income streams. A Bankrate survey shows that more than one in four U.S. adults has a side hustle in 2025. In California, this trend is especially pronounced due to a high cost of living, widespread access to digital tools, and a culture that celebrates innovation and independence.
California’s Record-Breaking Business Growth
California continues to lead the nation in new business formation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Formation Statistics, California averaged approximately 43,500 new business applications per month in 2024, totaling an estimated 522,000 applications for the year. This data reflects a steady pace of entrepreneurship across the state and is available through the Census Bureau’s seasonally adjusted monthly business application series for California.
This surge is not just about numbers. It reflects the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive of Californians. From the Bay Area to the Inland Empire, individuals are turning after-hours gigs and side income into formal business ventures with long-term potential.
Most Popular Side Hustles in 2025
Californians are launching side businesses across a variety of industries. These are a few of the most popular in 2025:
E-Commerce Reselling
Online selling through platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay remains one of the most accessible ways to generate income. Bankrate reports that reselling is the top side hustle among Gen Z and millennials, who are taking advantage of online marketplaces and social media to build profitable businesses.
Freelancing and Remote Services
From digital marketing to content creation and virtual bookkeeping, remote freelancing continues to thrive. These services are often started on a small scale and can grow quickly through referrals and recurring contracts.
Mobile Car Detailing and Local Services
According to Forbes, mobile detailing is one of the fastest-growing side hustles in the country. In California, where car culture is strong and consumers value convenience, this trend is taking off. Entrepreneurs can get started with basic equipment and scale up as demand increases.
Home Organization
As more people work remotely, home-based services are on the rise. Sidehustles.com reports that home organization services have gained traction, ranking among the top side hustles in eight U.S. states with around 16 percent of trending searches focused on this niche.
Financing the Leap in California: AmPac Microloans
Making the transition from side hustle to business often requires capital and support. That is where AmPac Business Capital comes in. AmPac is a mission-based lender offering SBA Microloans to help local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
The SBA Microloan Program provides loans of up to $50,000. Funds can be used for equipment, inventory, working capital, or other business needs. These loans are ideal for entrepreneurs who have tested their idea on a small scale and are ready to grow.
At AmPac, we work with each borrower one-on-one to provide not just financing but also guidance. Whether you are expanding an online shop, upgrading your mobile service setup, or securing your first commercial lease, we help you navigate the early stages with confidence.
Our team understands the challenges and opportunities unique to California’s small business community. If you are ready to take your side hustle to the next level, we invite you to connect with us and learn more about how an SBA microloan can support your goals.
From Side Hustle to Success: A California Microloan Story
Many California entrepreneurs have used microloans to take the next step in growing their business. One example is the founder of Ineed: Local Service Pros, a mobile platform based in Los Angeles that connects homeowners, tenants, and small business owners with local handymen, plumbers, and maintenance professionals. Launched in January 2022, the company offers an app-based solution for booking trusted technicians, making home services more accessible and efficient.
The app functions much like a ride-sharing platform for home repairs, offering real-time dispatch, in-app messaging, and integrated payment options. What makes this story especially inspiring is that the founder was, and still is, a working handyman. While continuing to serve clients in the field, he built a platform that solved a problem he personally experienced: how to help skilled tradespeople reliably connect with nearby customers.
With support from AmPac Business Capital’s SBA Microloan Program, the founder was able to invest in development, formalize the company, and grow operations. Today, Ineed is serving clients across the Los Angeles area while creating steady work opportunities for a growing network of independent technicians.
Stories like this reflect what is possible when talent, innovation, and the right financial support come together.
Why California’s Entrepreneurial Future Looks Bright
California’s side hustle movement is more than a trend. It is a reflection of the state’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and drive. With an estimated 522,000 new business applications filed in 2024 and a steady stream of new ideas emerging every day, the future of small business in California looks strong.
At AmPac Business Capital, we are proud to walk alongside the next generation of business owners, providing the capital and support they need to grow with purpose. Your side hustle could be the beginning of something lasting, and we are here to help make it happen.