There are lots of businesses ideas which require a lot of money to start. Here are 23 top businesses that you can start for free or for less than $1000.
Top 23 Businesses You Can Start for Free or Less than $100
So you have always dreamed of starting your own business for a while now. Working for someone else is tiring and you would love to have that big break and be able to run your own company. The challenge however is, you do not have the money required to start the business. This sounds like you right? Here are 23 businesses that you can start for free or at least $5. Yes, $5. Some of them do not even require a lot of training, or fancy offices or equipment, or a lot of space. Just your commitment.
That aside, most of the businesses below will require for you to have an access to a computer, fast internet, and for some, a car. Out of the 23 businesses mentioned, am positive that you will find two or more that will suit you, and that will bring you some good money.
1. Blogging
This had to start the list because I am a lover of blogging. Whereas this not a concept that you have never heard, monetized blogging is most of the times always a standard choice for a basically no-cost business.
When it comes to blogging, there are lots of options regarding making money from it. Some of these include affiliate marketing, production of eBooks, and offering online webinars and courses among others. These do not guarantee direct access to a swelling bank account because some of them perform better than others, as some niches are more popular and simpler to monetize than others. For instance, a fitness blog may do well in regions where obesity is prevalent than in regions experiencing food shortage. Parenting, healthy eating, and beauty are some of the popular niches that will be simpler to monetize, but it will mean that you will face stern competition from those already in the business.
It is good to mention, however, that monetization of the blog will work best if you choose a niche that you are passionate about, whether food, fashion, a hobby or even property. Blogging works best when you sit on a daily basis to write on something that is part of your life. Having the desire to make money out of the blog is not enough; doing something that you love while helping someone or solving a certain problem is the best thing.
2. In-house day care
This would be a good option if you are a stay-home mom, love children, and have a good space where they could play and sleep.
You will need absolutely no capital in starting this, but as the business grows you will be required to pay some fees and obtain a license (licenses vary from one country to another). Apart from these, running this business is free and will cost you no money at all. Just some space and your time.
3. In-home dog care
Just like a child day care, ones love for animals could render him/ her a really good business. In most times, some people do not prefer going to the malls or official meetings with their dogs. You could, therefore, consider putting up a dog day care. You could make an 8-5 business for the working people who have no-one to leave their dogs with. Additionally, one could make it a 24-hour business when they are going out of town.
On top of this being a very low-cost business, one requires just the basic skills of caring for dogs, be able to be patient and careful not to expose them to any danger. One should also know how to calm them down when provoked by another job. Handling dogs is a skill that would be very.
4. Pet services
This is somehow related to establishing a dog daycare, only that this is more of an outdoor than an indoor business. Offering pet services encompasses walking them, taking them to be groomed, taking them for pet appointments, and training them on how to do various activities.
You do not have to restrict yourself on one activity, or even do all the above. Offer services in the area that you are best in. you can start a day care, and incorporate the above services at an additional fee.
If you’re really great with dogs, you could consider concentrating on training the dogs. This would be great in a region with a lot of dog owners.
Away from this thought, starting a dog training business is a great, cost-free venture to start, particularly if you have some prior experience dealing with dogs or are willing and in a position to learn. Think through walking into a reputable training center to learn more regarding the engaging in this line of business.
Note: Create a good relationship with vets because they are the number one sources of referrals, and is a priceless way to grow your business.
5. Freelance writing
Are you in love with writing? This one does not require you to be a genius, just a good mastery of your language. If you possess concrete writing abilities, deliberate on starting your own business as a freelance writer.
To backlog your client base and portfolio, you could start in sites like Upwork, Toptal, Elance, Freelancer, Craigslist, Guru, 99designs, and Peopleperhour.
6. Freelance editing
Apart from freelance writing, some people have the capability to make the required structural modifications and have fun in making grammatical and punctuation corrections. If this is you, then you could consider starting a business as a freelance editor.
Most writers love writing the work, but going through it and correcting it becomes hard because it is their own concept and they may not realize any mistake. As a freelance editor, all you need is the written work, all you will need is an already written content, the passion, and hard work, and you will be good to go. Bloggers, freelancers and book writers will be your close clients.
7. Image design and Logos
Starting this type of business will require you to be artistic and good at Photoshop, otherwise it a free business to start. Some of the sites listed above like Upwork and 99Designs are a good starting point where you could list your business.
8. Resume building
You could be a manager who has been on the field and perfectly understands what hiring managers look for in a resume. You could also be a graphic designer with a keen interest in creating nicely drafted and professional resumes. You could also be a writer who has an eye for polished material. If this is you, then you are looking at a viable business idea. Consider starting a business where you’ll build people’s resumes.
You could take two approaches in this; one, you could specialize in editing an already written resume, or two, you could build the resume from scratch at an extra fee. The area you choose to major will be depended on your skills.
9. Etsy business
Some Etsy ventures involve some startup costs, especially where the making of jewelry and crafts are involved. Some products, however, can be traded on Etsy using very little startup expenses. For instance, if you do design but not have much interest in the creation of logos, then digital art and printed materials like calendars and to-do lists are largely widespread in Etsy.
For instance, when you search the word “printable”, it should bring thousands of ideas, covering everything from word arts to wedding invitation cards. The good thing with this type of business that you fashion the design and list it, and one it has been purchased, your clients will do much of the work.
10. Consultation
If you possess some certain set of skills that you feel could be passed on to someone else at a fee, then that’s just it. Consultation business is most of the times a widespread business that requires absolutely no capital to start. The line of consultation services that you choose to offer will depend on which area you are best at, your marketing skills, and probably your previous work experience. This is what sets you apart from the rest and gives you something to offer. The services could be marketing, legal services, financial planning, interior decor, e.t.c.
11. Running Errands
I have a hand on experience in this. A previous nanny was very good at shopping and comparing prices that her boss delegated all the shopping duties to her. Her next door neighbor once requested her to shop as she watched her unwell son. She surprised that the nanny had bought good stuff at relatively fewer prices. The word spread and clients started trusting her with their house and car keys, and she would just shop and deliver. Today she is the CEO of ‘runerrands.com’.
From her experience, you can get inspired to star an errand business of-all-trades. From dry cleaning to purchasing groceries to doing some shopping from the supermarket, all those are viable ideas. To allow room for growth, you should consider making business cards and drop hem in high-end offices where the people there could be busy and not able to walk around to shop.
12. Designing websites
If you have IT skills and have a hand on making awesome websites, then this is your chance. Most people do not have such skills. Actually, very few do so this could be you chance to shine. Nowadays, everyone wants a well-deigned website so the demand is always growing.
Get the right information before jumping into it, master the basics, and get to learn just what business people want. It is also important to master the skill of marketing yourself. Otherwise what will make a business person choose to hire you and not the other person?
13. Programming
Av seen many of my business partners teach themselves how to program and come up with various apps, so you do not need to possess a Ph.D. for you to be a programmer. Again, just like a website, the demand for a programmer will always be high. This business is free to start, as long as you have an access to a computer and possess the skills.
14. Driving for Uber
If you possess a car that you rarely use then this could be a great business opportunity, more especially a 4-door sedan-the newer fashion. Driving for Uber would require one to be familiar with the surrounding environs so a two-three years’ experience would come in handy.
A clean driving record would also be very important. So don’t just let your car rest on the yard, get out and make some money with it. Although you may not attain the target of $150000 that “Uberpreneurs” earn in a year, it would be a very good venture to capitalize on.
15. Language practice and teaching
If you lucky enough to speak more than one language, then this in an opportunity to start a business of teaching the language, or have language practice lessons. Students pay quite a lot of money to take language lessons in colleges and universities, so you may need a piece of that cake.
Being the service industry, you will be required to work extra hard to market your business both online and offline, through friends and close people. If the prices and services are good, then word of mouth will be the biggest promotional tool.
16. Tutoring or Music lessons
Some people are very good at some subjects, yet they are not trained as teachers. If you have such skills, you should consider opening a tutoring center. Being able to play musical instruments is the desire of many people. If you have the skills, pass them on at a fee. This field has not been widely explored, and the demand is endless.
To start this type of business, you will be required to choose your specialty, select the age group you teach, and select a reasonable location and prices.
17. Virtual assistant
If you love being organized and can accomplish tasks easily and on time, consider starting a virtual assistant business. The work of virtual assistants is to handle administrative tasks, bookkeeping, scheduling, and various other tasks from the comfort of their homes. It is similar to the working setup of freelancers, editors, and designers. Virtual assistants build their experiences and client base on various sites like Upwork.
18. House sitting
So you have done it for friends and relatives and liked the experience? How about you turn this to be a business venture. Once you are presented with the opportunity to house-sit at a friend’s, do it to perfection and you could be building a name for yourself. All you have to do is be trustworthy, put the needs of the client first, and concentrate on what will make them hire you again and even pay for your services.
Virtuous references are of vital importance when starting this line of business (however experience handling a home, taking care of pets, and doing some minor grassland care are key). This business will require you to first practice amongst family members, then extend to family friends, and finally outside the family circles.
19. Organizing homes
If you love to keep you home tidy and clean, then you are sitting on a business opportunity. If visiting the Container Store excites you then that is the way to go. Most people especially those with grown up kids and who do not prefer nannies would make good clients. Just like any other startup business, put the needs of your clients first, go door to door leaving your business card, and who knows; you could be on your way to your dream business.
20. Landscaping and Gardening
If you have a love for gardening, you ought to consider starting a business on landscaping or gardening. If you possess some basic skills on trimming, pruning, and maintaining a lawn then this would be perfect for you and you will discover that the entry bar for starting this type of business is quite low.
The more difficult the practice (i.e., more multifaceted irrigation methods) may necessitate additional knowledge, through mentorship or taking a course or a degree on the same. Though registering for a course may take the ‘free’ aspect of the business away, knowledge is power and it will take you through lots of complicated procedures.
Again, taking a course on the same may be opening a door to another business idea, that of passing the knowledge to others either for free or at a fee.
21. House or office cleaning
Offering cleaning services especially on an individual level requires only the cleaning materials, at least for a start. Not only is it almost free to start, but the demand for cleaning services will always be there.
22. Event planning
An event planning venture is a great free business to start. What you will require is a computer and some little cash to get a nice and simple website and probably some branding materials. Before you could jump into the business, learn from the people who have already been there or even volunteer at their companies. This will be for the purpose of gaining some experience, and learning the do’s and don’ts, and ups and downs of this type of business.
23. Sewing and adjustments
If you are an experienced seamstress or have the desire to learn, you may wish to start a sewing and adjustments business.
The startup costs are nearly imaginary, as long as that you at present own a sewing machine or can have access to one, and the essential skills (and if you do not, these one-time requirements are quite low in the splendid structure of new business ventures).
Ready to take a step?
If you have chosen the best business idea, it is time to step out of your comfort zone and get is started. Do not forget to plan ahead, and give it your all. Get in the business with the aim of making a huge success, and do not get discouraged when you reach a rock bottom at some point. It is all part of growth.