Grow Your Own Services is aimed at people who want their own online services, but don’t want to do complex stuff like software installation and maintenance.

However, if you do want to do your own installation and maintenance, a number of projects are making this easier too:

• Yunohost ⧉ – A server operating system which lets you install online services straight onto the server yourself through a graphical interface, either locally on a home server or remotely in a data centre.
• FreedomBox ⧉ – A home hosting system where your server is physically stored in your home. You can access it directly at home over wifi, and also have it plugged into your broadband for when you need to use it while away from home.
• LibreServer ⧉ – Another home hosting system, you install the software on an old or cheap computer and it can act as a home server.
• Framasoft ⧉ – Non-profit organisation which creates and promotes software to help people with hosting their own services. They also run a number of online services for people unable to grow their own.
• Small Technology Foundation ⧉ – Non-profit which is developing software to help individuals create and own their internet services. Still in the early stages, but it aims to make self-hosting easy enough for anyone to do.

Also, if you’re interested in growing your own social network, there are a number of projects that are Fediverse-compatible but aren’t yet available through managed hosting. Because they’re part of the Fediverse, you can follow all of these from Mastodon etc:

• OwnCast ⧉ – A self-hostable alternative to Twitch, it lets you make video livestreams with a built-in chat room.
• Friendica ⧉ – A Facebook-style interface and lots of extra functions. Friendica lets you follow people on the Fediverse, and also RSS feeds, Twitter accounts and more.
• Mobilizon ⧉ – Event organisation platform, lets you create events and groups that people can interact with either from the Fediverse or by email.
• GoToSocial ⧉ – Lightweight safety-focused Fediverse platform allowing short tweet-style posting or longer blog posts. It’s designed to give as many safety options as possible, and works on old or low-price hardware. Still in alpha testing.