52 Low Cost Business Ideas [Cheap Startups 2023]

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Building a business with little or no capital will come with its fair share of challenges, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to be successful.

With sufficient research, a solid plan, and some extra time, there are plenty of ways to build your business from scratch, regardless of your startup budget.

We’ve identified 52 low startup cost business ideas (from real world examples) that can be launched with $0 - $10,000 dollars.

Here's the list of the cheapest startup ideas:

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💰UNDER $1,000 TO START

1. Start a newsletter

Did you know that in the past five years, there has been more than a 50% increase in the number of people who read newsletters?

Newsletters are one of the few things you can use to market yourself as a trusted expert. A well-written newsletter can educate your subscribers and build connections with them.

Email newsletters are a great way to connect with customers and potential customers. It’s a newsletter’s job to inform, persuade, and sell to your audience.

How much you can make: $100 — $2,133,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

2. Start a subscription box business

A subscription box business is a type of business where customers subscribe to receive a niche set of products on a monthly basis. Subscription boxes are in high demand today as customers enjoy receiving a variety of products from various brands.

Some of the benefits of starting a subscription box business are:

  1. The revenue is predictable as it is a recurring business
  2. Adds more value to customer service as this creates a unique shopping experience
  3. Customers can access exclusive products and also customize them based on their interest
  4. Profit margin can range from 40%-60%

You can start a subscription box business by understanding the real market needs. Because of its highly competitive nature, finding your niche and providing quality products based on your customer's interests is important. Additionally, it is important to decide what items should go in your box. The box's quantity, size, and design are crucial to grabbing the customer's attention. Apart from the basics, you should also make sure that the items are bright and colorful.

Lastly, building a good relationship with the fulfillment companies will be profitable as this business is a routine task. For example, if you have 100 subscribers, you will need a service to pick up and deliver your products. In addition to this, marketing your service can be an advantage. To promote the service, you can build your website and create special offers to attract and retain customers.

How much you can make: $400 — $16,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

3. Start a natural beauty product business

Natural beauty products include aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter. They contain no chemical or synthetic elements.

The global natural skin care products market size was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021.

Thinking about launching a beauty product line? What’s holding you back? Check out our case studies below to see how others have done it!

How much you can make: $300 — $325,000/month

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

4. Start a jewelry making business

The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.

The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.

If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

5. Start a podcast

Do you have knowledge and passion that you'd love to share with other people? Or perhaps you are a content creator and looking for ways to expand your revenue streams? If you match any of these criteria, then becoming a podcast host could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Podcasts are the new radio. Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums for online audio, and it's not expected to slow down any time soon. But unlike traditional radio, podcasts are driven by content creators who have a passion for sharing stories with their listeners.

One of the main benefits that come with starting a podcast is the minimal investment needed to get started. All you need is a computer or phone with a microphone and a way to host it online. You can even create one on your own website if you want.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

6. Start a bridal accessories store

Bridal accessories are a great way to help you complete your wedding day look. Bridal accessories are something similar that surrounds weddings in our society. Bridal accessories are all the rage nowadays. These pretty things create the perfect set of accessories for the bridal.

The Bridal Wear market in the USA is estimated at $26B in 2020.

A bridal accessories store can provide you with high income and the ability to hire. Bridal occasions are exceptional and endure several phases. You could start a bridal accessories business with access to millions of customers from the first introduction until they get married.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

7. Start a niche accessories brand

Niche accessories make excellent small business ideas. The profit margins in these businesses are pretty significant because of the product markup. You could have a small Etsy store or sell them through marketplace sites such as Amazon, Facebook, and eBay.

The niche market for custom accessories is estimated to be nearly $473.46B by 2020 and it contains a variety of product categories ranging from jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods to house decorations and small fashion apparel accessories. Niche accessories are currently enjoying strong growth, projected to continue during this decade.

How much you can make: $600 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 44 days (?)

8. Become a wedding planner

A wedding planner assists with designing, planning, and managing a wedding, so the bride and groom have the happiest day. Wedding planners enjoy a flexible working schedule and opportunities to travel locally and globally, and it’s a great career with numerous growth opportunities.

To start a wedding planning business, identify your target clientele and study their wedding cultures so you can offer the clients excellent service. Remember, excellent wedding planning is all about having the passion and knowing how to harness that passion for designing weddings that bring out the emotions of those in attendance.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

9. Start a digital agency

A digital agency’s task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough knowledge and passion for digital marketing can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the proper skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset, you can start a successful digital agency.

The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020. The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $43,700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

10. Start a women's clothing line

Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.

Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).

How much you can make: $500 — $11,750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

11. Start a niche blog

Growing a niche blog can be an incredible way to build an income on the Internet. You can start blogging in any niche that you find interesting with a few easy steps. You simply need a domain, hosting, and WordPress to start blogging. The hard part comes when you try to monetize your website traffic. Making income from your blog, and making a blog that actually pays you the money takes time, work, and effort.

There are more than 500 million blogs out of 1.7 billion websites. Over 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month. Users produce around 70 million new posts and 77 million new comments each month. Content marketing is predicted to be an industry worth $412.88B by 2021.

How much you can make: $200 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $325 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

12. Start a sustainable clothing line

Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.

The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $88,000/month

How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)

13. Start a home decor business

Are you a talented interior designer? Do you know you can turn your hobby into a side income opportunity? Home décor as a side hustle is a great opportunity to build a brand as you earn extra income. You first need to work on your portfolio to launch a successful home décor side hustle.

The portfolio communicates to your potential customers your potential when it comes to home décor. You may use your home as an example or request a friend for an opportunity to do their home décor as a sample for your portfolio. Once you have a portfolio, market your business, and remember to include photos from your previous gigs to increase the chances of closing a sale.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

14. Start a stationery business

A stationery business sells stationery products such as paper goods, notebooks, greeting cards, and envelopes.

The best part about starting a stationery business is that it's relatively easy and inexpensive to get started.

Since there are so many different types of products available in this industry, there are endless opportunities for creativity, customization, and expansion.

You could even start out small by selling your products on Etsy or eBay before opening up an actual storefront.

How much you can make: $200 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

15. Start a dog walking business

Do you love dogs? If yes, you can turn your love for animals into a lucrative side hustle that can help you pay extra toward your mortgage, save for a vacation, or even clear that student loan.

If you offer dog walking services as a side hustle, you could earn an average income of between $10,000 and $30,000 per year. As a dog walker, sitter or boarder, you offer your services to dog owners looking for a caregiver for their puppy. Register on a legitimate dog-walking app and create a compelling profile to get started.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

16. Make a handcrafted drums business

Start a handcrafted drums business in an industry ready to boom. Firsthand drum builders and craftspeople have long sought out solid places to connect, guild-style, on the web. If you're on a shoestring budget, think about starting a handcrafted drums business.

The global handcrafted Drums & IBCs Market is expected to hit a market value of $16B by 2022 and is expected to reach $22.5B from 2022 to 2029. Starting your own handcrafted drums business in the modern age is much easier than it used to be. Because of the rise in sites like eBay over the past 20 years, it's much easier to pick up some used equipment and have your own drum kit up and running for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

How much you can make: $2,000/month

17. Start a children's clothing business

The children's clothing business has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in 2022 was valued at $263.30 billion.

Starting a children's clothing business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss while working in a field you enjoy. While you have to be prepared to work long hours and put in lots of hard effort, it can be extremely rewarding if successful.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)

18. Become a temporary tattoo artist

Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B.

The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist requires a lot of commitment and hard work.

Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.

How much you can make: $1,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

19. Start a handmade paper goods business

The handmade paper goods market is growing globally due to the increase in environmental consciousness among people. The gift of handmade is a tradition with a long history. According to data collected by the US Census Bureau, each year the number of handmade goods made by individuals in the USA rises by 3%. Handmade paper goods are not an exception.

The handmade paper goods market size is expected to reach $7.3B by 2020. The business of crafting paper goods was largely untouched until the start of Etsy, which has since grown into an international curated marketplace. Those who could craft unique and innovative pieces landed themselves a successful eCommerce store, living off of bare-bones websites and making their creations available to customers far and wide.

How much you can make: $1,100/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

20. Start a dating coaching business

A dating coach offers training and guidance to improve the client's success in dating and relationships.

The dating coach evaluates the results of the client's actions and decides what changes to make to the client's dating approach to improve the outcome. Besides, dating coaches offer guidance and support, helping clients negotiate the often confusing first stages of their early romantic experiences.

Dating coaches have been around for years. A more recent trend is dating coaches who help people with conditions like autism overcome their situations and begin dating people they love. Do you love helping people achieve their dating goals? You can start a dating coach service today!

To start, identify a niche and create a website, to help you reach more people. You can target teenagers, divorced people, or older adults and help them through their dating life.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $683,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

21. Start a beach wedding company

If you have been aspiring to start a business that relates to weddings, you may consider starting a beach wedding company. Beach weddings have a naturally intimate romantic vibe and can be a perfect fit for couples looking for a unique experience.

Besides, beach weddings can be cheaper since there is not much décor to do and the ceremony and reception take place in the same venue.

How much you can make: $165,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

💸UNDER $10,000 TO START

22. Start a photo printing business

Are you keen on preserving moments and keen on business? Here's an idea for you: a photo printing service. This business centers around printing digital images onto physical mediums - think high-quality paper photos, canvas prints, or personalized photo gifts.

In today's digital age, there's a certain charm to physical photographs, creating a tangible memory people can hold on to. You'll be offering customers a nostalgia-inducing service, bringing their shots to life and enabling them to cherish these moments eternally. Strategizing your business for both online and physical interactions will expand your reach to photo enthusiasts far and near.

Entering the photo printing business might also tap into your creative side, allowing you to experiment with different materials and styles. With the right marketing approach and high-quality service, this business idea could be a profitable venture that allows you to combine passion with profit.

How much you can make: $27,400 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,075 (?)

How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)

23. Start a backpack line

Backpacks enable you to carry camping items safely. Ideal bags for hikers are waterproof, lightweight, and flexible. Quality backpacks provide maximum protection for the contents. There is a demand for backpacks all year round, which increases during the camping season.

A backpack line business can reap enormous profits. It allows you to be your boss or start a business.

Building your line of backpacks might seem like a daunting task, but it can be rewarding to know that you have made something out of nothing. It will take time and hard work, but ultimately you are going to end up with a great product that resonates with your audience

To start your camping backpack line, research the current trends and focus on providing durable products.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

24. Start a drinkware brand

A drinkware brand sells home and houseware products like cups, koozies, mugs, and other drinking accessories. If you've decided to try and create a business selling drinkware, there are certain things you need to know. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. You can get started for free, avoiding the hefty cost of setting up a brick-and-mortar shop. And if you take advantage of the right marketing strategies, you could be on your way to making money within a few weeks. The demand for custom-branded drinkware in the workplace has increased substantially over the past decade.

How much you can make: $416,000 — $12,000,000/month

25. Start a makeup academy

The allure of the beauty industry never fades. Skip the world of 9 to 5 and consider opening a Makeup Academy. As the founder of a school dedicated to beauty, you become the thought leader for aspiring makeup artists and professionals who crave an upgrade on their skills.

The business model revolves around hosting courses that teach various essential aspects - from mastering the classic smokey eye to creating the perfect dewy foundation base. Imagine whole classrooms of excited students, eager to learn the art of stealing the spotlight with perfect winged eyeliner or mastering contouring techniques.

This could be your stage. Not only do you reap the satisfaction of nurturing skills, but you also pave the road to a booming business venture. As the beauty industry continues to thrive, the desire for professional makeup courses grows alongside it. Be part of that journey, fostering beauticians' dreams while establishing a dynamic income source.

How much you can make: $235,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

26. Become a toy maker

The toys market is growing at a CAGR of 2.5% and will reach a market size of $103 Billion in the next few years. Toys play a critical role in a child’s growth and development. They help in brain development, enabling the kids to acquire logical and reasoning skills.

Besides, toys help kids develop spatial reasoning and social and communication skills. Therefore, starting a toy-making business today could be the best decision you are about to make.

To start your toy-making business, identify a potential niche, and focus on delivering suitable toys.

How much you can make: $9,999 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)

27. Start a 3D Printing Business

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, makes it possible to produce a physical item by assembling a material layer by layer.

If you love creating stuff, then a 3D printing business may be for you.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

28. Start a phone case business

With the number of mobile phone users increasing, there are opportunities for accessory makers such as phone case manufacturers to make a profit. Building a business around making and selling phone cases is relatively easier to produce. You can print labels on-demand, starting with a lower risk, or buy them in bulk and sell them online.

The global mobile phone protective cover market is expected to reach 75.62 billion in the next few years.

Phone protective covers often make a statement and reflect a person’s social and cultural preferences. Phone case manufacturers take advantage of such considerations and keep their products relevant and up-to-date to attract a more extensive customer base.

Remember, as with any industry with a low entry barrier, there will be competition. Therefore, you must study customers’ tastes and preferences and offer customized phone cases.

How much you can make: $120,000 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

29. Start a membership management software

Imagine a digital key, unlocking a realm of organized data for businesses who are managing memberships. This could be the reality if you delve into the venture of creating a membership management software solution. This kind of software is designed to ease the management of organizations' memberships, store members’ data under one umbrella, and automate payments, saving numerous hours of administrative work.

Dig deeper, and you'll notice that there is a vast range of potential clientele--from gyms to clubs and non-profit organizations--all in need of a system that simplifies their operations. Your software can streamline their membership management processes, upgrading their operational efficiency and simplifying data access.

By taking an innovation-oriented route, this idea could cement your position as an instrumental player in the realm of business improvement tools. Get started with exploring this technology-defined pathway that can spark a revolution in membership management. Delivering value through such software could be your leeway to entrepreneurial success.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

30. Start a hair product line

Starting a hair product line can be a fun and profitable way to build a new income stream. It's also fairly easy, as long as you plan it out (and maybe do a little bit of market research before creating your sales funnel). There's a reason we often talk about trends in hip-hop and pop culture when we talk about hairstyles — they often have a lot to do with advancements in the hair product industry. The industry is expected to grow to 102 billion dollars by 2024.

How much you can make: $550 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 382 days (?)

31. Start an online food business

Gone are the days when food lovers needed to leave their homes for delectable delights. Insert: online food business. This venture allows individuals or groups to offer ready-to-eat meals or pre-packaged ingredients for home preparation, straight to customers' doorsteps.

In simple terms, the business centers on creating and selling meals through an online platform. In a world perpetually pursuing convenience and variety, this idea caters to a diverse audience—busy professionals seeking nutritious meals, cooking novices craving guidance, or adventurous eaters exploring global cuisines.

As an owner of an online food business, you'll be involved in menu planning, sourcing ingredients, preparation, packaging, and delivering—while constantly innovating and adapting to the ever-changing food trends and dietary preferences. With the right blend of business acumen and culinary passion, the online food business can offer a unique opportunity to merge profit with satisfaction—giving people the gift of good food while filling a fundamental market gap.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $12,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

32. Start a custom prints business

Custom print businesses often focus on printing everything, including business cards, photos, and even custom T-shirts.

To start an online custom prints business, choose a niche to help your business stand out and attract the right target audience. Then, focus on producing quality prints of different sizes, materials, and designs. You may hire designers online or search for designs in online design communities. Then, validate the designs before you begin mass production. Finally, set up an online store, and launch the business.

Remember that with the growth in popularity of selling custom prints, expect to face stiff competition. Therefore, you should market your custom prints on social media to maximize your reach.

How much you can make: $3,700 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

33. Start an online masquerade masks store

Unleashing creativity while revolutionizing an industry can lead to an intriguing business - such as an online store solely dedicated to masquerade masks. The premise is simple: a platform where party goers, event organizers and mask collectors can browse and purchase a multitude of unique, hand-crafted masks.

This niche is relatively untapped, offering a great opportunity to carve out a distinct segment and create a recognizable brand. Your store can cater to upmarket galas, themed parties, extravagant balls or even enthusiast collectors with masks ranging from minimalistic designs to ornate masterpieces.

Investing in high-quality product photography and user-friendly website design to will ensure that your online mask shop stands out. Establishing partnerships with reliable distributors or skillful artisans is also key to seamless operations.

With a keen eye for design, an understanding of trends, and a knack for marketing - an online masquerade masks store could become a thriving digital venture. Discover this charming blend of art, culture and online retail today.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

34. Start a swimwear line

Are you interested in a textile business? If you live near a beach, a potential business idea can be swimwear. People wear swimwear when going for an afternoon of water activities. Therefore, starting a swimwear line can be a great business idea if you live near a beach or a swimming pool. Swimwear shops stock men’s and women’s attire.

How much you can make: $800 — $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

35. Start a subscription box business

A subscription box business is a type of business where customers subscribe to receive a niche set of products on a monthly basis. Subscription boxes are in high demand today as customers enjoy receiving a variety of products from various brands.

Some of the benefits of starting a subscription box business are:

  1. The revenue is predictable as it is a recurring business
  2. Adds more value to customer service as this creates a unique shopping experience
  3. Customers can access exclusive products and also customize them based on their interest
  4. Profit margin can range from 40%-60%

You can start a subscription box business by understanding the real market needs. Because of its highly competitive nature, finding your niche and providing quality products based on your customer's interests is important. Additionally, it is important to decide what items should go in your box. The box's quantity, size, and design are crucial to grabbing the customer's attention. Apart from the basics, you should also make sure that the items are bright and colorful.

Lastly, building a good relationship with the fulfillment companies will be profitable as this business is a routine task. For example, if you have 100 subscribers, you will need a service to pick up and deliver your products. In addition to this, marketing your service can be an advantage. To promote the service, you can build your website and create special offers to attract and retain customers.

How much you can make: $400 — $16,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

36. Start a SEO agency

An SEO agency is a company that provides search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in search engines through organic or paid means.

SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these earnings grow dramatically over the next few years. Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with an excellent chance for success.

It’s easier than ever to start your SEO agency. The tools are there, and the competition isn’t as stiff as it used to be. If you’re considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency, it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $10,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

37. Start a skin care product line

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

38. Start a sustainable clothing line

Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.

The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $88,000/month

How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)

39. Start an ice cream product

Imagine an enterprise of crafting and selling the ultimate chameleon treat, one that so easily disguises itself in both hot summers and cozy winters: the ice cream. Endlessly customizable, the doors of creativity remain wide open for this venture.

Essentially, your business would produce gourmet, unique flavoured ice cream, catering to the palettes of both traditional and adventurous foodies. Be it exotic fruit combinations or unconventional savoury options; your innovation is your standout factor.

As you can see, this business idea adds a sweet twist to your entrepreneurial journey and presents you with an opportunity to tap into the universal love for this frozen delight. You could even consider offering vegan, lactose-free, or sugar-free options to cover various dietary requirements.

With careful brand positioning and focused marketing, a strategically planned business such as this could carve out a favourable place in the bustling food industry. Take advantage of the unending possibilities and create your very own line of ice cream products.

How much you can make: $16,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

40. Start an IoT startup

An IoT startup focuses on devices connected to the internet that can be accessed remotely through the internet or a connected application.

Research what is essential to the end users to start and build a successful IoT. Leverage what is available to make the application easy to use. Then, create working prototypes, test, and build the application around the clear essential purpose.

How much you can make: $500 — $2,300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 505 days (?)

41. Start a professional organizing business

Are you interested in a side hustle business idea you can launch today? How about becoming a professional organizing consultant? You can teach others how to keep their spaces neatly organized if you have special organization skills.

Typically, a professional organizing business helps clients develop critical organizing skills through training. To start your business, you can create videos and share them on Instagram or other social media platforms.

To earn income from the organizing business, you can partner with promoters or introduce paid advertising opportunities.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 100 hours/week

42. Become a business coach

Are you thinking of starting a career as a business coach?

Becoming a business coach can be a great way to help aspiring entrepreneurs while earning a healthy income. You may want to consider becoming a coach if you have skills in specialized business fields such as marketing, e-commerce, stress management, or leadership.

Many small-business owners are finding it hard to get started, grow, and succeed. As a business coach, your job will be to help entrepreneurs identify new opportunities and take advantage of the ones they already have.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $9,259,259/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

43. Start a mom blog

Parenting may be an overwhelming journey. Mothers result to the internet to read stories from other moms. Reading mom’s blogs makes parenting feel less alone a long way. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or passionate about parenting, you can consider starting a mommy blog.

You can make money through affiliate links or by selling your merchandise on the blog. To increase traffic to your blog, include resourceful and encouraging content.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

44. Start a fashion business

In 2022, the fashion industry was valued at $473.42B, with a growth rate of 8.3% over last year. To become successful in this highly competitive & ever-growing industry, you must have passion, perseverance, and the ability to take risks.

With platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the way that fashion products are marketed online has completely changed, so it’s essential to keep up with these trends.

How much you can make: $100 — $40,480,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

45. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping allows you to start your online e-commerce store without stock-keeping. Therefore, you do not need huge capital, and the risk is minimal because the manufacturer is responsible for the inventory and ships it directly to the customer. Therefore, your responsibility remains to market and offer customer service.

To start a successful dropshipping business, you need a mastery of online marketing and a focus on improving customer experience.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

46. Become a children's book writer

If you are passionate about early childhood education, why not become a children’s book writer? Starting a children’s bookstore is a low-barrier-to-entry business you can start today.

You can write storybooks or subject textbooks for kids, publish and distribute them through the bookshops or your online bookstore, or sell them on Amazon and other online bookstores.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

47. Start a skin care product line

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

48. Start a penny portrait business

Have you ever marveled at art made from unconventional items? A penny portrait business is a unique venture where your creativity can shine. In simple terms, you meticulously arrange pennies by year, tininess, and patina to create striking portraits and pieces of art.

As an owner of a penny portrait business, you interact with art enthusiasts who appreciate the exquisite detail and time it takes to create such pieces. The process of creating a penny portrait is demanding, requiring careful planning and precision, lending each piece a unique and timeless appeal. The distinctive twist on portraiture and the appeal of upcycled artistry means there’s always a market ready to indulge in your creativity.

Whether you choose to open an online storefront or cater to local art exhibits and events, a penny portrait business presents a captivating way to transform common loose change into meaningful works of art. It’s a chance to craft an imaginative venture tailored to your artistic passion and attention to detail.

How much you can make: $1,250/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

49. Dropshipping men's grooming products

The global market for men’s grooming products is witnessing steady growth due to growing consumer preferences, and it is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.29% in the next few years.

Products such as shaving foams, face creams, after-shave lotions, and body sprays are among the highest in-demand men’s grooming products.

To start a men’s grooming products dropshipping business, high-quality research products, find a market, build a website and launch the business. Remember, as you begin the drop shipping business, people will come up with ideas. Listen to your customers, and implement necessary ideas to ensure the company is booming.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $650,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

50. Start a men's underwear brand

Underwear is essential to any person’s wardrobe, and the men’s underwear industry has grown quite large.

Many companies, such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss, specialize in men’s underwear. These companies have been able to keep up with the demand of this growing industry by offering quality products at reasonable prices.

The demand for men’s underwear has risen because it offers an alternative to traditional cotton briefs. Men are increasingly realizing that they don’t want the same old thing when it comes to their underwear; they want something that feels like luxury and provides them with comfort and support.

With so many opportunities available today, it’s easy to see why more people are turning to this industry to start their businesses.

How much you can make: $800 — $475,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 470 days (?)

51. Start a time tracking app

A time tracking app is a tool used allows its user to clock in/out via an internet-connected device or to use a stopwatch to record the start and end of tasks. The time tracker apps also have analytics and reporting features that consolidate the data so that users can gain insights into time spent on different tasks, projects, and clients.

The growing need among managers and enterprises to improve employee productivity and adopt a remote work culture contribute to the high demand for time-tracking apps.

Therefore, if you are looking for the best App-based business, you may consider developing a time tracker application. Here is a high-level overview of some steps to get you started working on your business idea of the time tracker App

  • Define the project scope
  • Choose a software development methodology
  • Formulate the approach for your development project
  • Create a project team
  • Develop the project plan with timelines
  • Test the prototypes
  • Find suitable API solutions
  • Publish the Apps

How much you can make: $350 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

52. Create an online course

Online course businesses are one of the fastest-growing online business models. Creating an online course is an awesome way to generate extra income because it allows you to monetize the knowledge you already have. More people are taking online courses every day, and the COVID pandemic has accelerated that, with some online learning platforms having seen 15-fold growth in the number of users.

Another advantage is that these new platforms are so easy to use for instructors that you don't have to worry at all about the tech side of the business. You just need to focus on creating exciting content that is informational & engaging at the same time.

Starting an online course allows you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with setting up a physical training facility, and it's a great way to reach as many people as possible.

How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How to start a business with small capital?

Starting a business can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have a lot of capital to invest. However, there are many ways to get your business off the ground with limited funds.

One option is to start an online business. With a low overhead and no need for inventory, an online business can be a great way to get started with limited capital.

Another option is to start a home-based business. This can be a great way to test the waters with your product or service without making a large investment.

Finally, consider franchising. Franchises offer the ability to get started with a proven business model and access to resources that can help you succeed. Whatever option you choose, starting a business with small capital is possible if you are willing and willing to work hard.

What kind of small business is most profitable?

When it comes to starting a small business, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The most profitable business for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your skillset, interests, and the local market.

However, there are some businesses that tend to be more profitable than others. For example, businesses that require a high level of expertise or special equipment can be difficult to break into but can be very lucrative once established.

Additionally, businesses that tap into trends or target a niche audience can also be quite profitable. Ultimately, the best way to determine which business is most profitable for you is to carefully research the market and examine your own strengths and weaknesses.

With a little bit of planning, you can set yourself up for success in the world of small business.

Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story
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Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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