Interest in starting a business is rising sharply as more people look beyond side hustles and seek greater control over their income and working lives.

Analysis of Google search trends by AnyBusiness found that searches for “how to start a business” reached 1.2m over the past month, up 7 per cent from the previous month. The increase points to growing entrepreneurial intent among individuals exploring alternatives to traditional employment.

The shift appears to reflect changing attitudes towards work, financial security and long-term career planning. While side hustles have become increasingly common in recent years, the latest search patterns suggest many people are now looking for more permanent and scalable ventures.

Mary Tamvakologos, operations director at AnyBusiness, said the trend marked a transition from experimentation to commitment. “People are no longer just searching for ways to make extra money,” she said. “They are looking to build something with structure, longevity and genuine earning potential.”

The rise comes against a backdrop of continued cost-of-living pressures and evolving workplace expectations. Lower barriers to entry for online businesses, alongside easier access to digital tools and platforms, have made entrepreneurship more accessible, particularly for individuals already testing commercial ideas online.

According to AnyBusiness, many aspiring founders are now seeking to formalise ventures that began as supplementary income streams. Searches relating to business registration, setup and scaling are also increasing, reinforcing the view that interest is moving beyond casual experimentation.

The trend is beginning to influence the broader small business market. A growing number of first-time founders are entering the sector, while more digitally focused businesses are emerging as viable assets for sale or expansion.

Tamvakologos said the motivations behind the shift appear increasingly strategic rather than reactive. “This is no longer about quick wins,” she said. “People are thinking about ownership, stability and long-term control over their future.”