You’re wondering:
What kind of business can I start without a lot of money?
Good news. Tons.
There are several small business opportunities that require little to no upstart costs! Of course, they’ll still require time and effort. Additionally, many of the small business opportunities play to the strengths of skill sets involving computers.
But wait, there’s more:
I also included a section for “real world” businesses for those who may not have the best computer skills. This article will provide just a few of the many small business ideas and will briefly detail how each business venture can be low-cost.
Online Low Investment Business Ideas
Consultant
Are you an expert on a subject? Then you can be a consultant to help other businesses with their problems. With Clarity.fm, you can create a profile and charge a per-minute rate that people will pay to call and speak with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGOtMswwZQ
Content Creator
Whether you’re writing advertisements, articles or eBooks, content needs to be written. One area where content creation is always in high demand is in the social media sector. Creating content can be a low-cost venture because all that is really needed is a computer and a high-speed Internet connection, aside from a specific program needed for graphics (or other programming needs) that may require a startup fee. However, other than that the only thing content creation will cost is time. You can use services like TextBroker for steady business and while you’re trying to build a clientele.
Graphic Designer
If you possess the artistic capability, then there are plenty of customers that need logos, graphics, and artwork for their business. Websites like 99Designs, Fiverr, and DesignCrowd make it possible to start getting business quickly, but building a clientele is what will keep the lights on. The software can make things pricey, but for about $20-$50 dollars each month, you can subscribe to Adobe’s software. If that is still too steep, you can start out with free alternatives like GIMP.
Inventor
Being an inventor used to be a far-fetched goal, or a term someone used to justify being crazy. That’s no longer the case! With crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, funding is now possible to just about anyone. The added benefit to this model is that if you get funded, that is a decent indicator that you might just have a market. If your idea falls flat, then it might mean you need to go back to the drawing board.
Jewelry Maker
There’s no shortage of women who want to adorn themselves in beautiful jewelry. Pair that with the growing interest in handmade products made by local artisans and you have a recipe for success. Websites like Artfire and Etsy give you a low-cost marketplace to sell your creations. Check out our article on making money with Etsy.
Merchandise Flipper
Have you ever seen that show “American Pickers?” If not, here’s a quick taste:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRlOylRZOAg
Basically, you find interesting and valuable items at flea markets, thrift stores, and just about anywhere else. You figure out what the proper value is, then you list it for sale. Sites like eBay and Craigslist give you the marketplace to move your new-found goods. Forums are another great place you can sell things, as long as it is in accordance with the forum’s rules.
Musician
This isn’t the typical kind most think of. We’re not talking about becoming a hit-music star. We’re talking bread-and-butter, making-a-living, “doing what you love” type of musician. From being a studio musician at a music studio to writing beats, drops, and jingles for businesses. You can make a living if you have the skills to do it. With software like Reaper (very inexpensive) you can have a music production studio right on your computer. Using sites like Fiverr, you can find your first customers to get things going until you have steady business.
Product Designer
Similar to the graphic designer idea, but instead of designing things for yourself, you can design products to sell. With the help of websites like CafePress, Zazzle, SpreadShirt, and RedBubble, you can have a store and products for sale in 1 day and no costs. Not too shabby!
Social Media Management
Connecting with people is an art. Some are good, some are great and others… well. You get the point. Connecting with customers on social media is something a lot of businesses don’t have time to do. The good news is, they have money and may need someone like you to manage that part of their business. Good communication skills are key as well as being up-to-date on the latest social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Periscope, and others. Know which platforms attract which kinds of people and how to engage communities on each one.
Teaching/Tutoring
Perfect for aspiring educators, one excellent business venture that takes very little money in terms of start-up costs is to create virtual teaching and/or tutoring environments where a specific area of expertise or tutoring sessions can be conducted. A high-speed Internet connection would be immediately required, time and effort will also be at the forefront during the startup process. Overall, the startup costs of running a virtual teaching/tutoring service carries virtually little to no costs. Alternatively, when it comes to tutoring, old-school techniques (such as face-to-face) work just as well.
Technical Adviser
Learning various computer-oriented tasks is always something that will be in high demand. As a result, one way that you can help out the cause is by creating tutorials based on a specific (or multiple) computer programs that will teach a given client the ins and outs of using the program to complete various tasks. Of course, the best way to reduce the startup costs involved in this type of startup is to have the programs as well as any other related program to create manuals or how-to videos. Additionally, your startup costs may also include website fees if you are planning on having a dedicated website that all your operations are conducted through. Finally, in relation to the last point an Internet/phone service may also be of great use.
Transcription
A transcriber is someone who takes audio and transcribes it into text. This sounds like a dying field, but it’s actually growing because of internet video. Let’s face it: computers still aren’t great at recognizing speech. Businesses and entrepreneurs need their videos transcribed to text for people with hearing impairment as well as search engines to know what the video is about. Additionally, you’ll get business from people who simply want their audio recordings transcribed for easier reviewing and notation. You can find work on Fiverr and Upwork to start out.
Translator
Similar to that of content creation, translation services require (at least in part) a given document that needs to be translated from one language to an entirely different one. While the skill set basically requires that the laborer be fluent in multiple languages immediate startup costs may include Internet/phone services as well as traveling expenses. Additionally, marketing expenses could also be factored into the startup costs. One note of caution: don’t do this unless you are fluent in other languages. Don’t simply try to use a service like “Google Translate.” While Google Translate is awesome, it doesn’t translate anywhere near perfect. Native speakers will easily be able to tell.
YouTube Star
OK, you don’t exactly have to be a star! But with your smartphone camera and a good topic, you can make a business out of your YouTube channel. You won’t make a million overnight, but by building up an audience, you can certainly earn a respectable income from your newfound fame. Here’s a YouTube video talking about just that:
Real-World Low Investment Business Ideas
Aquarium Maintenance
People have aquariums and too little time. With the knowledge of how to take care of the different kinds of aquariums, you might be able to set up the perfect recurring business model.
Baby Sitting
More people are working multiple jobs or have both parents working. It’s just a fact of the world we live in today. If it isn’t because of work, then perhaps the parents just want a night out. This is where baby sitters come in. You can even set yourself apart by ordering a background check for yourself so you can provide trustworthy proof to help parents decide.
Computer Repair
In-home computer repair is still a definite need. Between people needing to recover accidentally deleted files, or needing a part replaced to get the computer working. In-home is an added convenience you can charge for. You can also set yourself apart by offering security services to help protect your customers such as encrypting hard drives and securing wireless networks.
Concierge Services
Perfect for clients whose daily lives are far too busy to schedule running a quick errand running a concierge service can be a good business venture for someone seeking for a way to help others. While the only initial startup costs may include some low-end marketing via business cards and other forms of advertisements keeping the car gassed up on a regular basis would be the only other recurring costs involved. This is not to say, of course, that there will not be any other fees involved as it is best to set money aside for incidental incidences that may come in the form of maintenance fees and vehicle upkeep.
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
There’s no denying the majority of people think very differently about their pets than they did 60 years ago. Pets are commonly considered family, and with that, they get the treatment a family member deserves. Some busy pet owners might not have the time to walk their dogs in the middle of the day or take care of them while away on work. That’s where you come in.
Event Planner
Planning parties and other events is another low-cost business venture that can be both rewarding and fun at the same time. In looking at the basic overview of this type of business, all that is required (aside from Internet costs) are organization and some attention to detail. In addition to any Internet fees factored into the startup costs event planners may be required to make other additional purchases as it relates to the planning of a particular event; one such purchase would be a dedicated phone line.
General Tasks
Using a service like TaskRabbit allows you to become an assistant to anyone. You post your profile, along with the tasks you’re good at, and people pick you to do those tasks for them. Don’t mind waiting in line? Yep, people will pay you to do that for them.
Handyman
If you know how to fix things around the house, then there are people that want to give you money. Installing ceiling fans and repairing drywall holes just might be the key to paying your bills!
Motivational Speaker
Do you have an interesting story or something you’re very passionate about? Are you good at getting a message to some of the toughest crowds? If you aren’t afraid to get in front of groups of people then this might be perfect for you. Establishing a following on social media, and posting videos of you speaking are a great way to establish yourself first before trying to rent out and fill up speaking venues.
Moving Company
If you have an able body and willingness to put in a hard day’s work, then a moving company might be a good fit. You can avoid the costs of buying a truck by renting a truck until you have enough business and capital to buy your own truck. You can use services like TaskRabbit to get your initial business going.
Music Instructor
What an excellent way to give back to others through the sound of music. Initially teaching someone how to play a particular instrument can be done either for free (for the first couple of lessons) in an effort to generate more exposure and market yourself. In terms of travel, fees could either include regular vehicle maintenance as well as filling up the tank but additionally, this can be as simple as taking a bus, random bike, or walking when meeting a client for a lesson. Finally, one great way to minimize the startup costs is to teach lessons on the clients’ instruments (such as their guitar) versus using your own.
Personal chef
Do you possess a strong cooking skill set but are currently seeking for a way to turn your enjoyment for cooking into a business venture? If so, then becoming a personal chef is the route you take. As you may already know this particular career path would involve planning and preparing weekly/daily meals for a given client while adhering to particular nutritional values of a wide variety of different foods. In terms of start-up costs, the fees are minimal at best as the majority of our cost will come from traveling expenses incurred when traveling to and from home, work, and the grocery store. Aside from that, all other expenses should be covered by your client.
Personal Trainer
With a few certifications and some time, you can turn your love for fitness into your livelihood. Help motivate others to reach their fitness goals and teach them a proper technique so they don’t hurt themselves. You get the satisfaction of a good workout while helping others.
Phone and Tablet Repair
Typically, this is something that would be done at a shop, but you could certainly take it mobile, especially with a service like iCracked. Many people think that if repairing a phone costs more than replacing it, then people will just replace their phone: they’re wrong. Phones contain really important data, so much so that people are willing to pay substantial money to recover the data. Phones now hold data like photos and not everyone backs everything up to the cloud!
Photographer
Despite people having amazing phones on their cameras, it is no replacement for skill and a good DSLR camera. People recognize this and still higher-skilled photographers to capture important moments in their lives or for family photoshoots.
Real Estate Agent
With the proper licenses and a few people looking to buy or sell, you can get into the real estate business. Your friends and family will be a huge help in getting the word out about your new service! Don’t forget, real estate agents are also often used to promote properties that people want to rent out!
Uber Driver
With your car, smartphone, and the right city, you have a way to make a living as an Uber driver. If you don’t know what that is, it’s like a taxi service but better. Here’s a video that talks about it a bit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2M0RD7bhYY
Vending Machine Operator
It’s true that costs are increasing due to the need for credit card readers on the machines. That doesn’t mean an enterprising individual can’t make this business still work. Starting out with cash or change only machines will still yield business, just not as much. Place your machines in places that often have a cash-paying clientele such as laundromats, small diners, and flea markets to start. See if the owner of the location would like a profit-sharing arrangement that way you only pay money if you’re making money. You could also partner up with a local charity or cause to help incentivize business owners to put your machines in their businesses.
Lowering Business Costs
Many of the ideas on here still have costs. Software is a common cost that you may run into. That doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker though. Free and open-source software is available to do many of the tasks that you might need help with. Examples include:
- Word Processor and Spreadsheets: Open Office
- Accounting: GNUCash or Wave Accounting
- Graphic Design: GIMP
- E-Mail: Gmail
- Cloud Storage: Google Drive or Dropbox
- Time tracking: Toggl
This article has proven there are several business opportunities that don’t require a large amount of money to start making more money. As many of the above examples have shown at most the startup costs that are most required when venturing out into the business world include traveling, and Internet/phone services. That said, there are existing business ventures that require absolutely no startup costs at all, and well some form of marketing is always a plus it all depends on how elaborate the marketing techniques used really are.