From gig to great: how side hustles are fueling America’s next wave of entrepreneurs

The idea of starting a business has always captured the imaginations of both dreamers and doers, but the path to get there is evolving fast. What once required capital, connections, and a bit of luck now often starts with a car, a smartphone, and a side gig. According to emerging research, gig economy work such as ride-share driving, freelance design, delivery, or short-term rentals is quietly becoming one of the most powerful launchpads for small business ownership in the U.S.

At Fluz, we’re here for it. Because when you earn smarter, you build stronger. And when you start with gig work, you might just be starting the next big thing.

Gig work: a new business school

A new study revealed that gig workers are over three times more likely to start a business than their non-gig-working peers. Among working-age adults, just 0.7% launched a new company, but for gig workers, that number jumps to 2.5%​.

This isn’t just about side income. It’s about learning on the job. Gig work acts as a crash course in industry knowledge, customer service, and personal finance. Whether you’re navigating routes as a delivery driver or designing websites on Fiverr or Upwork, you’re gaining firsthand experience that translates into real-world business know-how.

Who’s leading the shift?

The tradeoff: risk vs. reward

Let’s be real—starting a business is risky. The study found that gig-founded businesses are slightly more likely to fail in their first three years than others. But here’s the kicker: those that survive perform better. On average, gig-founded businesses reported profit margins 39–47% higher than their counterparts over a three-year period​.

Why? These founders tend to start lean, scalable businesses rooted in their gig experience like transportation, personal services, or online selling. They know their customers, understand the challenges, and are primed to spot growth opportunities.

What this means for Fluz users

Whether you’re gigging, growing, or going full-time founder, Fluz exists to make your money work harder.

If you’re a gig worker dreaming of starting your own business:

As a gig worker, you’re already testing ideas, refining skills, and managing your own hustle. That’s more than work. It’s entrepreneurship in motion.

Welcome to the money movement

At Fluz, we believe in the promise of more. More from your work, your network, your effort, and more from the money you already have. Gig work isn’t just a trend. It’s a stepping stone—a springboard. And for many, it’s the first chapter in a story of financial independence.

So if you’re thinking about starting a business, join Fluz and let us be part of your journey. We’ll help you and your side gig max your money every step of the way.