Despite uncertain economic times, you can start a successful new business quickly and inexpensively.
Starting your own business is more attainable than ever, even in these uncertain economic times. The best part? You don’t need tons of money or wait for the perfect moment. With just a laptop and a smartphone, you can launch a successful business quickly—some of the biggest companies out there started this way. Here are 25 fantastic business ideas you can get going with under $1,000, plus a few options that cost a bit more.
Service-Based Businesses
- Virtual Assistant Services
Set up a small home office with basic equipment to offer administrative support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Startup cost: $200-$500 - Social Media Management
Many businesses need help with social media. Use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Canva to manage their accounts.
Startup cost: $300-$600 - Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Create profiles on platforms like Rover and Wag, or use local Facebook groups. You’ll need leashes, waste bags, and insurance.
Startup cost: $100-$300 - House-Cleaning Services
Start with the basics—cleaning supplies and equipment—and offer residential cleaning services, expanding through word-of-mouth referrals.
Startup cost: $200-$500 - Tutoring/Test Prep
Use your expertise in specific subjects to help students online or in-person with minimal resources.
Startup cost: $100-$200 - Personal Shopping/Styling
Assist busy professionals with clothing or grocery selections. Start with friends and family and use social media to expand.
Startup cost: $300-$500 - Handyman Services
Perform minor repairs for homes and businesses with basic tools.
Startup cost: $500-$900 - Mobile Automotive Detailing
Wash and detail cars and trucks in your neighborhood, and later expand to corporate clients.
Startup cost: $250-$950
Digital/Online Businesses
- Freelance Writing
Create profiles on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contently. Invest in a solid computer and a portfolio website.
Startup cost: $100-$300 - Graphic Design Services
Create logos, marketing materials, and web graphics using software like Adobe Creative Suite or free alternatives like GIMP and Canva.
Startup cost: $300-$600 - Event Planning
Organize events like weddings, birthdays, and conferences.
Startup cost: $200-$500 - Online Course Creation
If you’re an expert in something, you can monetize it by creating an online course on platforms like Teachable or Udemy.
Startup cost: $200-$500 - Print-on-Demand Business
Design and sell T-shirts, mugs, or other products through platforms like Amazon Merch on Demand, Printful, or Teespring.
Startup cost: $200-$400 - YouTube Channel
Create content around your niche with basic recording equipment, editing software, and a regular posting schedule.
Startup cost: $300-$700 - Affiliate Marketing Blog
Start a blog offering valuable content and earning commissions by promoting related products and services.
Startup cost: $200-$400
Creative Businesses
- Handmade Crafts
Create and sell unique jewelry, candles, soap, or other crafts at local markets, on social media, or Etsy.
Startup cost: $300-$600 - Custom Cake/Baking
Bake and sell custom cakes, cupcakes, or specialty baked goods for events.
Startup cost: $400-$700 - Meal-Prep Service
Prepare healthy meals for busy people in your area. Market through local Facebook groups and word-of-mouth.
Startup cost: $400-$600 - Specialty Food Products
Make and sell homemade bread, cookies, preserves, or salsa at farmer’s markets or online.
Startup cost: $300-$600
Health & Fitness
- Personal Training
Get certified and offer in-home or outdoor training sessions.
Startup cost: $300-$500 - Yoga/Fitness Instruction
Teach yoga or fitness classes in local parks or clients’ homes.
Startup cost: $200-$400 - Health and Wellness Coaching
Provide clients with dietary advice and personalized meal plans.
Startup cost: $200-$400
Consulting and Professional Services
- Business Consulting
Use your professional business experience to help companies improve their operations, marketing, or strategy.
Startup cost: $200-$400 - Life/Career Coaching
Offer one-on-one coaching to help individuals achieve their personal or professional goals.
Startup cost: $300-$500 - Artificial Intelligence/IT Consultant
Help people and businesses leverage IT and AI to improve efficiency and performance.
Startup cost: $300-$900
Bonus: If You’ve Got More Than $1,000 to Spend…
- Photography Services
Offer portrait, event, or product photography. Invest in a good DSLR camera and basic lighting equipment.
Startup cost: $1,500-$10,000 - Mobile DJ Services
Provide entertainment at parties and events with the right sound equipment and music library.
Startup cost: $1,000-$3,000 - Food Cart/Mobile Food
Start with a small food cart and serve a simple menu like coffee, hot dogs, or burgers. Over time, you can expand to a food truck.
Startup cost: $1,000-$5,000
With these ideas, you can easily turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality without needing a huge investment. So, what are you waiting for? Start smart and start small!
