Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to supplement your income or are seeking to build your own company, we’ve put together a list of some of the top businesses you can start for free or with very little money.
According to research by the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans filed 5.4 million new business applications were filed in 2021, surpassing the previous record of 4.4 million set in 2020.
This wave of entrepreneurship is part of the Great Resignation, the term describing the surge of people who left their jobs to chase their dream through early retirement or launching a new career. Many of these workers have turned to online businesses that require little to no investment.
Most of these jobs do require a computer and internet access to run your new small business. Depending on what you offer, you may also need additional software and equipment. In some cases, you also may need to pay for licenses and permits. Now let’s get on with the list.
Top 15 Ideas to Start a Business With No Money
1. Website designer. Do you have what it takes to create websites for individuals and businesses? Your work could be in high demand. You can build up a portfolio by designing sites for yourself, friends, and family members. And then start marketing yourself to others.
2. Pet services. Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic, but some new pet owners did not realize all the time it takes to walk and care for a pet. If you love animals, you could start a pet walking or pet sitting service.
3. House sitting. Another option is to care for people’s homes and property while they are away. This job can involve house sitting as well as other services like mowing or watering the lawn, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and performing other maintenance while your client is away.
4. Virtual assistant. If you are organized, like variety, and have excellent communication skills, you may want to consider becoming a virtual assistant for other professionals. This job can range from writing letters and conducting research to running errands and managing projects. Some assistants offer accountancy services but try to niche down if you can – an ecommerce accountant would be very popular with ecommerce businesses!
5. Podcasting. People are looking for high-quality information that will inform and entertain them. There's no shortage of options when it comes to hosting your podcast. Dozens of websites offer podcast hosting services, many of which have features that make it easy to get started. However, it's important to choose a host that's right for you. Consider your needs and budget, and take the time to read reviews before deciding. Once you've found a host site that meets your needs, you can focus on creating great content and building an audience for your show. You can make money by fulfilling that need, building a subscription base, and finding sponsors for your podcast channel.
6. Ecommerce. You can make money by selling your own products. These goods can range from handmade jewelry to refurbished furniture. If you love it and are good at it, chances are good people will want to buy it. This can involve developing features such as product catalogs, shopping carts, payment systems, and more. You can also create a customized ecommerce website tailored to your brand and business needs. By leveraging expertise, marketing, and analytics, you can improve your online presence, increase sales, and ultimately grow your business. Just make sure that if you’re starting this from home that you look into satellite internet or similar to maintain a strong connection. You need to be able to access your site at all times to keep up with orders.
Related: How to start a planner business
7. Freelance writing and editing. High-quality written content is in high demand. You can use an online platform (like Upwork or Freelancer) to build up your portfolio and find new clients. All you need to get started are your computer and your skills.
8. Graphic designer. There are many new ways to sell your art. As a graphic designer, you’ll create logos, posters, brochures, graphics, and other visual material for clients.
9. Photographer. If you like nothing better than to be behind the camera, you can launch a freelance photography business. Check out Scoopshot, Snappr, and other online freelancing platforms like Fiverr to get started.
10. Professional organizer. Do you have a knack for finding the right place for things and keeping them in their place? Many people get overrun by the clutter in their lives and look to others for help. Maybe becoming a professional organizer is the right career for you. No expensive overhead is needed!
11. Bookkeeper. Many companies are interested in hiring outside help to handle their bookkeeping and accounting. If you have these skills, you could be in high demand.
12. Event planner. If you enjoy planning parties and events and are good at it, this career may be right up your alley. Weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, and corporate events are all part of this job that you can launch with a very little cash outlay.
13. Cleaning service. You may need to buy some basic cleaning supplies and tools, but other than that, there are few expenses involved in starting your own residential or commercial cleaning service. In addition to cleaning homes and offices, you might want to consider window washing and automobile detailing.
14. Tutoring. Even before the shutdowns of the pandemic, there was an increasing demand for online tutors. You can find jobs through sites like tutor.com, Udemy, or tutorme.com, or check craigslist or indeed.com for local opportunities.
15. Driver. If you have a car, you can make money working as a driver for Lyft or Uber or making deliveries for companies like Doordash. Even if you don’t have a car but want to work, these companies may have a vehicle you can use.
One of the top tips for launching one of these businesses is to start slowly. If you have another job that pays your bills, keep it until you have built up a client base with your new business.
You can see if this new way of making money is right for you and pay for any expenses you might not have considered. Then, when the time is right, you’ll be ready to take the next step with confidence.
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