Top 20 Best Businesses to Start with Low Investment
Starting a business doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you want to make extra cash on the side or build something full-time, there are smart, low-cost ways to get started.
In fact, some of the best ideas begin with just a small budget and a whole lot of hustle.
You don’t need fancy tools or a big office—just a solid idea, some time, and a willingness to learn. Here’s a list of the best businesses you can start with little money and a lot of potential.
Life Coach/Mentor Service
If you’re good at listening and giving advice, you can start a life coaching or mentoring service. It doesn’t need much money to begin—just your time and a phone or computer. You can work from home and meet with people online.
Many folks want help setting goals or getting through tough times. This is a great business idea because people will pay for someone who can guide them without judging. It’s a personal way to make money and help others.
To learn more: 50+ Best Low Stress Jobs After Retirement
Dropshipping
Dropshipping lets you sell products without buying them first. You list items online, and when someone orders, a supplier ships it for you. You don’t need to pay for storage or a lot of upfront inventory.
That makes it one of the best businesses to start if you have a small budget. You just need a website and some time to market your items. It’s a solid way to run an online store without big costs.
To learn more: Non Phone Work From Home Jobs: Top 35 Careers for You
Social Media Management
If you spend time on social media and know what grabs attention, this could be a smart side hustle. Many small business owners are too busy to post every day. You can help them stay active online by posting, replying to comments, and sharing updates.
All you need is a phone or laptop and some time. This is a good business to start because it costs very little and you can work from home.
To learn more: 20 Brilliant Ideas to Make $2500 a Month From Home
Graphic Design
If you’re good at making things look nice, like logos, flyers, or posts — graphic design could work for you. There are free tools online to get started, so you don’t need fancy software right away. You can take on small jobs for local businesses or online clients.
Graphic design is a strong business idea if you want something creative and low-cost. As you build your skills, you can charge more over time.
To learn more: Top Creative Side Hustles for this Year
Print-on-Demand Products
With print-on-demand, you can design shirts, mugs, or stickers, and only print them when someone orders. That means you don’t have to buy a bunch of items in advance. A website does most of the work, and a supplier handles printing and shipping.
This is one of the best low-cost businesses if you like design but don’t want to deal with storage or mailing stuff yourself. You can run it from your computer.
To learn more: Print-on-Demand Business: How to Sell Online with No Inventory
Garbage Can Cleaning
Many people don’t want to clean their trash bins, but they still want them to smell fresh and stay free of bugs. You can start this with some cleaning tools and a good hose or pressure washer. It doesn’t cost much to begin, and you can charge a decent fee as no one prefers to do this job.
This is a great small business idea if you want something steady and simple. It also works well in neighborhoods where people want quick, helpful services.
To learn more: 90 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money
Menu Planning Service
If you like making grocery lists or meal plans, this could be a smart way to earn. Many families want to save time and money by planning meals in advance. You don’t need to be a chef—just someone who can organize a week’s worth of meals and make a clear list.
This business costs almost nothing to start. It’s great because you can do it from home and help people eat better without wasting food.
To learn more: 15 Genius Meal Planning Tips to Make Cooking a Breeze
Affiliate Marketing
With affiliate marketing, you earn money by recommending products online. When someone clicks your link and buys something, you get paid. It costs very little to start—just a blog, social media page, or email list.
If you enjoy sharing useful products, this can grow into real income. It’s a solid business idea if you like working online and want passive income over time.
To learn more: Top High Income Skills Without a Degree to Learn
Online Tutoring
If you’re good at school subjects or helping others learn, online tutoring is a great way to make money. You can work from home using video calls. Many students need help with homework or test prep, and parents will pay for support.
You don’t need to buy anything, but you might need to be digitally savvy with your worksheets. This is one of the best side hustles if you want steady, low-cost online work.
To learn more: Ultimate Guide to Side Hustles for Teachers: Summer Income Ideas
Trade Stock or Options
If you’re willing to learn and start small, trading stocks or options can become a money-making skill. You don’t need a lot to begin—just a phone or computer and some time to study.
You can start with small trades and grow as you gain experience. It’s not a guaranteed win, but many people treat it like a business. This is a good option for folks who like numbers and patterns.
To learn more: Is Now a Good Time to Buy Stocks? The Real Answer
Cybersecurity Consulting
If you know how to keep computers and data safe, you can make good money helping small businesses protect their systems. Many companies can’t afford full-time IT staff, so they look for part-time help. You don’t need a fancy office or expensive tools to start.
Most of the work can be done from home. A laptop, internet, and your knowledge are the main tools you need. This is one of the best business ideas if you’re looking for low costs and high demand. Companies will pay well to avoid problems later.
To learn more: Top 15 High Income Skills that can Make you Rich
Bookkeeper
If you’re good with numbers and like to stay organized, bookkeeping is a smart way to make money from home. Small businesses need help keeping track of their income and bills. You can work part-time or full-time depending on your schedule.
The startup costs are low—just a laptop and maybe some simple accounting software. Most training can be done online. It’s a steady way to earn money, and many business owners are happy to pay for someone to handle this for them.
To learn more: How to Start a Bookkeeping Business
Personal Training
If you enjoy fitness and helping others, personal training can be a great side hustle. You don’t need to rent a gym to start. Many trainers meet clients at parks, in their homes, or over video calls. A few basic tools, like resistance bands or a yoga mat, can help you get going.
You can start with friends or neighbors to build up your client list. It’s a low-cost way to earn money and help people feel better.
To learn more: Top 18 Side Hustles to Work from Anywhere
Photography (part-time, leveraging existing equipment)
If you already have a decent camera, you can make extra money as a part-time photographer. You can take photos of families, pets, events, or even products for small businesses. There’s no need to rent a studio or buy a lot of gear when starting out.
Many photographers use free photo editing tools and work on weekends or evenings. It’s a good business idea because you set your own hours and start with what you already own. People will always want quality photos for special moments.
To learn more: How to Make Money as a Stay at Home Mom in 50 Easy Ways
Event Planning
If you like organizing things and keeping track of details, event planning can be a smart way to make money. Many people want help putting together birthdays, weddings, or work events. You don’t need an office or a lot of money to start. A phone, computer, and good communication skills are the main things you need.
You can begin by helping friends or family and build from there. It’s one of the best low-cost businesses if you’re good at staying calm and getting things done on time.
To learn more: Top 15 Genius Side Hustle Ideas for Moms
Mobile Car Washing and Detailing
A mobile car wash business lets you earn money without a shop or garage. You bring your supplies to the customer’s home or job. A few buckets, towels, and cleaning products are all you need to begin.
People like the convenience of not driving to a car wash and prefer their car hand-washed. It’s a great low-cost business idea for someone who doesn’t mind working with their hands. You can start small and grow as you get more regular customers.
To learn more: Best Online and Side Hustles for College Students: Ideas for Fast Money
Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing is a simple business to start if you already have a mower or can borrow one. You can make steady money just by offering your services to neighbors or people nearby. There’s always someone who doesn’t have time or can’t do yard work.
You don’t need a website or office to begin—just word of mouth and maybe a few flyers. This is a low-cost way to make extra money, especially if you like working outside and staying active.
To learn more: How to Make Quick Money in One Day: 50 Best Ways to Make Cash
Buying a Franchise (select low-cost options)
Some franchises don’t cost a lot to start and already have a plan in place for how to run the business. You get support with marketing and training, which makes things easier for beginners. It’s a good way to get into business without starting from scratch.
Some cleaning, repair, or food delivery franchises are cheaper than people think. You still need to do the work, but the setup is faster. This can be one of the best ways to make money with a small investment.
To learn more: Top 30 Lucrative Careers that Make the Most Money
Online Seller/Reseller
If you like finding deals or have things around the house you don’t use, you can start an online selling business. You can list items on websites like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. It doesn’t cost much to start, and many people begin by selling things they already own.
Over time, you can buy low and sell high for a profit. This is a low-risk way to make money from home. It’s a flexible and easy-to-learn side hustle.
To learn more: How to Flip Items Online for Profit
Handyman Services
If you’re good at fixing things, handyman work is a great business idea with low startup costs. Many people need help with simple repairs, hanging shelves, or small paint jobs. You probably already have the basic tools to get started.
You can set your own hours and take jobs that fit your skill level. There’s always a demand for someone who can do reliable work and actually show up to work. It’s a good way to make money with skills you already have.
To learn more: 43 Best Side Hustles for Men to Make Money
Find the perfect way to make money online
Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a little money and some time, you can build something that brings in extra income or even grows into your full-time job.
The key is finding a business idea that fits your skills and lifestyle. Whether it’s working with your hands, helping others, or using what you already know, there’s something on this list that can work for you.
If you’re ready to make money from home or online, don’t wait. Follow Money Bliss to find the perfect way to get started and learn how to make money on your terms.
To learn more: 50+ Ways How to Make Money Online for Beginners
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