Best Businesses to Start with Little Money: 25+ Business Ideas

Looking to start a small business and make your entrepreneurial dreams come true? With the proper guidance, you can launch a business from the comfort of your own home in no time.

Whether you open an online store or sell your services, becoming your own boss is a rewarding achievement. Imagine being able to work whenever, wherever, and take time off when you please. Or maybe you just want to increase your income with a lucrative side hustle—that’s also great!

So what makes a good small business idea? The best business to start with little money is one that aligns with your values, skillset, and schedule. Let’s take a closer look at what criteria your business idea should meet.

What makes a good small business idea?

Source: Go and Create

There are countless small business ideas, but not all of them may be the right fit for you. A profitable and sustainable small business idea has:

• Market demand. Before investing in any business idea, research whether or not there’s market demand for it. A good business idea solves a specific problem for a specific group of people. Browse these 32 market research tools to find your niche.

• Low startup costs and high profit potential. A good business idea should not break the bank with unnecessary costs like expensive office space or high-end equipment. It should also have good earning potential. Consider the possible profit margins, operational costs, and whether it’s a model that offers recurring revenue. 

• Scalability. Ideally, you want to start a business that will grow and expand. Consider whether or not your business can grow without hitting geographic, financial, or market limits. Digital marketing can help scale your business. Browse 10 effective social media strategies to add to your digital marketing campaign.

• Manageability. If you have a day job or other responsibilities, you likely want to avoid a business that consumes all your time. Initially, you might not be able to afford to hire people, so start a business you can manage as a solopreneur. 

• No inventory holding or supply management. There is an initial cost to buying inventory, and a risk of loss if it doesn’t sell. Inventory management also requires time, space, and logistics. With a print-on-demand or dropshipping business, you don’t need to hold or manage inventory.

• Convenience. The best type of small business can operate fully online from the comfort of your own home. That way you have more flexibility, lower overhead costs, it’s easier to scale, and you gain a wider customer reach. 

All the small business ideas on our list meet the criteria above. Hone in on whichever idea fits your values, skillset, and schedule best.

The top 30 businesses to start with $1000 or less

Small business owners make up 99.9% of all companies in the US and 43.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). You can join this entrepreneurial landscape too, by starting a small business with less than $1000. Are you ready to zero in on your favorite idea?

Let’s go!

1. POD

Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model that lets you create and sell custom products online without upfront costs or minimum order requirements. POD providers like Printful let you design white-label products, meaning they carry your brand and no trace of Printful’s. 

When a customer places an order on your online store, Printful is notified. Then, they print, package, and ship the product directly to your customer.

What makes POD so profitable? Custom products are perceived as more valuable. Also, by offering unique, customized products, you can target a niche audience who are willing to pay premium prices. For example, a custom t-shirt can sell for $30 (or more) while a blank tee may be $10. Check out these successful print-on-demand stores for inspo.

Source: Printful

What you need to start: 

• An online store to sell your products

• Custom products with your designs

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

Easily design custom products with Printful’s Design Maker for free. 

2. Virtual assistant

Many business owners need support with essential yet time-consuming responsibilities—this is where virtual assistants come in. They usually manage social media, graphic design, business administration, sales, and more.

As a virtual assistant, expect to earn from $15 to $20 an hour. You can ask for a higher rate if you specialize in something specific like assisting ecommerce entrepreneurs or small business management. Or, if you have expertise in a particular skill, like bookkeeping.

Market your services on freelancer platforms like Upwork, Guru, and Fiverr, or join an agency like Time etc, Wing, or Fancy Hands.

What you need to start:

• A computer

• A good internet connection

• Basic skills like email writing, cold calling, excel, etc.

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

3. Dropshipping

Traditional dropshipping is like POD, only you’re selling products without customization. You source products from a dropshipping supplier and sell them through your store. It requires no upfront costs or inventory management.

Since the barrier to entry is so low, expect fierce competition. What can you do? Consider branded dropshipping to stand out. Branded dropshipping gives your business an identity, helping customers associate your products with reliability.

Source: Printful

What you need to start: 

• An online platform to sell your products

• Dropshipping products to sell

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

• A sales tax ID

4. Freelance copywriter services

A copywriter writes, edits, and proofreads clear and persuasive content for ads, publications, and websites. Don’t consider yourself a wordsmith just yet? Find affordable copywriting courses on Udemy or Coursera, and even free courses on Alison.

Freelance writing can earn you $50/h, and you can bump up your rates as you gain experience. To scale your business, start a copywriting service company and hire other writers.

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• A good internet connection

• A website (or at least a professional profile on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

5. Social media influencer

Do you enjoy creating content and appearing online? Then becoming an influencer could be your dream job!

As an influencer, you can make money by selling merch, offering digital products, and forging brand partnerships. You can also create subscriptions on Instagram, let companies advertise on your YouTube channel, or create a paid newsletter.

It’s not just about having a large following, focusing on engagement, a specific audience, and reach are also key. Most importantly, you have to love what you do.

What you need to start: 

• A smartphone with a good camera

• Ideally at least 10K followers

• A content calendar

• A passion for content creation

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

Discover more ways to make money as an influencer.

6. Programming/coding

Coding can be a highly profitable small business to start with minimal initial investment. Find free coding courses on Udemy, Brilliant, Codefinity, and more, to get started with only a small initial investment.

Many companies hire freelance programmers to code for their websites or apps. Consider specializing in a specific programming language like Java, Python, or C++. Also, consider if you want to specialize in front-end or back-end coding. Entry-level programmers can earn $30 to $40 an hour, while experts can earn up to $65.

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• Fast internet speed

• A professional profile on LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

7. Travel planner

Source: Fiverr

Are you an expert at finding the cheapest flights, the best value stays, and hidden gems? While traditional travel agents are becoming less common, people are still seeking unconventional ways to plan travel that gets them off the beaten track.

To get started as a travel planner, you could voluntarily plan trips for your friends and family and see if you enjoy it. Then, take a course in travel planning or consider working at a travel agency to learn the ropes.

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• Fast internet

• A professional profile on LinkedIn or a social media account with pictures and videos documenting your travel itineraries

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

8. Voice-over artist

Maybe you have a native accent that companies need (like British, US, or Australian) in their video or audio content. In the US, voice-over (VO) artists make an average of $51.45/hour.

While AI voices may be able to narrate content, there is still a high demand for real voice actors. Set up a profile on LinkedIn or ACX and attend voice-over conferences like VOAtlanta and WoVO to get your foot in the door.

Book a recording studio to get voice samples you can show prospective clients. Or set up a quiet space to record at home and invest in a professional microphone. Use voice editing software like Audacity to perfect the sound. Once you gain some recognition, companies will invite you to record at their studio.

What you need to start: 

• Networking skills

• A social media presence or professional profile on Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, etc. 

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

9. Online tutor

Are you specialized in a topic that could be useful to others? Whether it’s a language, mathematics, music, or a specific industry, you can earn money by tutoring people. Plus, this small business idea doesn’t require a significant financial investment.

Create a profile on Superprof.com or advertise your services in relevant Facebook groups. You can also create a website with scheduling software, but it’ll be slightly costlier. As for how much you can make, it depends on your expertise and market demand. Tutors usually make $20–$40 an hour. But, if you focus on a specialization like the SATs, you could charge around $100/h. 

Source: Superprof.com

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• A home office

• Possibly a scheduling platform 

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

10. Personal trainer

In the past decade, the personal trainer industry has doubled in size. Many people find it challenging to stay motivated and consistent on their own. A personal trainer helps people stick to their plans and reach their fitness goals.

If you are passionate about fitness and nutrition, you can get certified as a personal trainer for as little as $500. Then, you can charge $20 to $50 an hour, depending on your expertise.

What you need to start: 

• A gym membership

• A personal trainer certification

• Communication and leadership skills

• Liability insurance

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

11. Virtual event planner

Organizing in-person events can be quite a hassle. Virtual event planners can organize events without visiting venues, coordinating caterers, or setting up sound systems. All you need is a passion for organizing and some basic software skills.

Virtual event planners typically organize online conferences, educational sessions, or networking events. The business world needs virtual event planners. Plus, the widespread use of virtual tools for conducting meetings means this market will continue to grow.

Source: Fiverr

What you need to start: 

• Networking skills

• A professional profile on LinkedIn or Fiverr

• A computer

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

12. Color grader

Are you a natural at editing photos and videos? Do you know how to transform footage from just okay to truly amazing? Turn your passion into your own business as a color grader!

Start by practicing with free software like CapCut, TikTok, or your smartphone’s editing tools. Share your work on Instagram and TikTok to get noticed. A good starting rate is $15 per hour—you can increase it once you gain experience and credibility.

What you need to start: 

• Basic knowledge of color psychology and color theory

• Editing skills

• A social media account

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

Why not put your color theory knowledge to work? Learn how to use color theory to correct print designs and sell trending products with eye-catching prints.

13. Graphic designer

Want to design websites, blog articles, social media posts, or logos? As a freelance graphic designer, you can set your own hours, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and business you’re proud of.

As a beginner, you can learn for free and use Canva, Photopea, or Inkscape. Or, invest in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to expand your skills. Browse Dribbble to get inspired by top-rated designers and agencies worldwide. The starting rate for graphic designers is around $40/h, and you can bump it up to $75–$100 over time.

Source: Dribbble

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• A graphic design certificate or an Associate’s degree (optional, but recommended)

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

14. Food/restaurant reviewer

Getting paid to eat delicious food? Sign me up! Becoming a food reviewer is a delicious business to start with little money.

To begin with, consider building a strong online presence through a blog (Substack or Medium.com), social media platforms (Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts), or a dedicated food-reviewing website. Narrow down your niche to local restaurants, plant-based products, tutorials, etc.

As for how much you can earn as a food reviewer, the sky’s the limit. TikTok food critic Keith Lee achieved a net worth of $4M in 2024. But, of course, you have to start somewhere.

What you need to start: 

• A computer

• A social media account

• A smartphone to film content 

• Money for food (at first)

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

15. Audio or video editor

There are currently around 3,200,000 podcasts out there, according to ListenNotes. And in 2023 alone, there were 212,000 new podcasts. People often need to hire audio editors to help them get the perfect sound.

Video editing is also a highly requested job. Compared to traditional marketing efforts, video marketing generates 66% more qualified leads. For both video and audio editing, expect an entry-level rate of $15–$20. Experts can earn up to $75/h.

How can you become a self-taught video or audio editor?  Simply learn programs like Davinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Audacity.

What you need to start: 

• A computer with at least 16GB RAM (32GB for 4K video editing)

• Sound or video editing software

• A portfolio or social media account to showcase your work

16. Online makeup artist

Are you a natural at doing makeup? Becoming a makeup artist on social media is an excellent business idea to start with little money. Simply film yourself applying different makeup looks and showcasing each product.

Make your videos fun and unique by finding a niche. For example, @baileysarian talks about history and true crime in her makeup tutorials.

Source: YouTube

How do makeup artists earn money? Through their affiliate marketing networks, brand sponsorships, product sales, ad revenue, or paid tutorials and masterclasses. The profit potential is high.

What you need to start: 

• Makeup products

• A good camera (it can be your smartphone) and proper lighting

• A social media account on TikTok, Instagram, and/or YouTube

17. Subscription-based newsletter writer

Is there a topic you could talk about endlessly? Consider writing about it instead! To start a paid newsletter, you don’t necessarily need a separate website or blog. With platforms like Substack or Patreon, you can start publishing right away. Share your opinion, experience, and expertise with a loyal subscriber base.

Subscription newsletter rates typically range from $5 to $50 per month based on content value. For instance, a newsletter with 1,000 subscribers at $10 each would earn $10,000 monthly or $120,000 yearly.

What you need to start: 

• A computer and internet connection

• A great idea

• Solid writing skills

• A newsletter platform like MailerLite or Mailchimp

18. Freelance translator/transcriber

If you’re bilingual or a polyglot, consider starting a low-cost business as a translator. Typically, companies are willing to pay freelance translators and transcribers from $0.09 to $0.40 per word. Depending on your specialization, you can charge more.

Maybe there’s a field you know all the terminology for like competitive sports or digital marketing. You can also find termbases and CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools online to help you out.

What you need to start: 

• A computer and internet connection 

• A profile on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, ProZ, or another freelance translator/transcriber platform

19. Garden designer

If you enjoy landscaping but prefer not to do physical labor for others, consider becoming a garden designer. Help people plan the perfect layout for their garden, and let them do the dirty work.

To become a garden designer, it's a good idea to get a credential to understand the basics and prevent damage to a client’s landscape. American Academy of Garden Design offers courses starting at $450. New Skills Academy provides a Garden Design Certification for as little as $120. As a garden designer, you can charge $50 to $200 an hour.

Source: Fiverr

What you need to start: 

• A certification or ample experience in garden design

• A computer

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

20. Digital products creator/seller

Another profitable business idea to start with little money is selling digital products. Many people prefer to save money on physical products and shipping. As a digital creator, you can sell downloadable art, calendars, journals, templates, and more.

Use free design software like Canva to get started. With the right marketing strategy, you can earn up to $2000/month. To ensure a pleasant experience for your customers, inform them about printing specifications like recommended paper size, weight, and PPI (pixels per inch).

What you need to start: 

• A computer with a good internet connection

• Design tools, a social media presence

• A website to market your digital products (optional, but recommended)

21. Create an online course

Writing a newsletter on a subject you’re passionate about is great. Or you could turn your knowledge into a course! The best part about creating an online course is that you only have to make it once and then you can sell it an endless amount of times.

As more people realize the madness of student loans and debt, they turn to alternative learning methods. If you are an expert in a particular field, share your unique perspective and methods in an online course. Most successful course creators earn $1000 to $10,000 per month.

Source: Skillshare

What you need to start: 

• A website or a platform like Skillshare to market your course

• Marketing efforts

• A sales tax ID

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

22. Life coach

Are your friends always turning to you for advice? If you’re good at decision-making and enjoy guiding others, consider starting a life coaching business. People will pay you to help them navigate personal and career choices.

Research local regulations regarding certification to enhance your credibility. Promote your services on social media and create a website for clients to book appointments. Beginner life coaches typically ask for $40–$80 an hour, while more experienced coaches charge $130 to $260 per session.

What you need to start:

• A computer with a good internet connection 

• A website or appointment booking platform

• Certification (optional)

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

23. Consultant

Offering consulting services is like being a life coach, only you’re giving advice on a particular subject. For example, if you have extensive knowledge in managing small businesses, start-ups could use your help.

Consider whether there’s a subject you are qualified to give professional advice on. Maybe that’s social media management, affiliate marketing, human resources, or public relations. If nothing comes to mind, see if you can find an affordable course in an in-demand fieldt and get certified to consult on it.

Business consultants make an average of $83/hour. Depending on your field of expertise, you could charge more or less.

What you need to start: 

• A computer with a good internet connection

• A website or appointment booking platform

• Certification (optional)

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

24. Website developer

With the ever-flourishing digital landscape, website developers are more in demand than ever. Online business ideas need websites to come to life. Learn a coding language like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, and you will never be short of a job.

The best way to learn web design is through practice, but knowing the basics will help. Check out Code Academy to find free and affordable website development courses. Build a portfolio of your work to show potential clients.

Source: Upwork

What you need to start: 

• A computer with a good internet connection

• A portfolio

• Certification

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

25. Personal shopper

Do you have an eye for fashion, interior design, or accessories? Many people are looking to hire personal shoppers to pick the perfect items for their dream life. As a personal shopper, you can help clients find clothes, furniture, plants, jewelry, and more.

To become a personal shopper, research the profession, choose a niche, understand the industry, gain qualifications, and stay updated on trends. Advertise your services on social media or put up flyers in coffee shops and lobbies of local businesses.

What you need to start: 

• A portfolio showcasing your shopping style

• Flyers or business cards

• A local business license (depending on where you live)

• Liability insurance

26. Photography services

Do you have a knack for capturing moments? Offering photography services is an excellent business to start with little money. To get started, enlist your friends, family, or pets for photoshoots to build a portfolio. Make sure to ask for referrals and testimonials about your skills.

Post your photography on Instagram or TikTok and tag your clients to get exposure. To boost your hiring chances, consider specializing in wedding photography, portraits, pets, or product photography.

Source: Fiverr

What you need to start: 

• A professional camera

• Basic photography knowledge (Udemy and Coursera offer affordable courses)

• A social media account to showcase your work

• A business license (depending on where you live)

Discover 16 free Photoshop alternatives for editing your photos.

Spread your entrepreneurial wings

Starting a business is a lot of work, regardless of what type of business you go into. But you can make it low-cost by focusing on one (or several!) of the ideas we discussed and spread your entrepreneurial wings.

Consider your skills and passions, scalability, and what you need to start. If you love what you do, you’ll be more motivated to run a successful business. Don’t forget to write a killer business plan before you take action. Now, it’s time to take flight!