Best Low-Cost Small Business Ideas to Start on The Side

There are various advantages to starting a small side business. You gain control over your time, have the opportunity to accomplish something you genuinely enjoy, and, most importantly, boost your earning potential.

In this article, we will share eight small business ideas worth trying. These initiatives, fortunately for you, are simple to start, do not require a large initial financial commitment, and require very little technological expertise.

So, let’s get started. 

Eight Top Ideas to Start Low Budget Small Business

All you’ll need for most of these small business ideas is a laptop and an internet connection. Plus, a strong desire to learn, work hard, and try new things. 

Remember that action is what makes the difference. You just must stop reading and begin doing it at some time. Take one step at a time.

1. An event planning business

You might have the ideal personality to start an event-planning firm if you’re a highly organized, detail-oriented person who enjoys throwing events. Event planners assist people in planning spectacular celebrations such as birthday parties, weddings, and class reunions. 

Planning a few free events can help you gain the necessary experience. Build a robust database of vendors and contacts via LinkedIn and cold calling so you can assist your clients in planning the event of their dreams.

So, you can choose to specialize in a single type of event, such as weddings or business meetings, or you can become a jack of all trades event planner. If you’re well-organized, meticulous, and have expertise arranging huge events, it’s time to put your talents to work for others. You can list your business for free on QRG 101.

2. Caretaker/errand service

Most working parents have little time for personal tasks like grocery shopping, retail returns, or shipping packages between caring for their children and handling their professional commitments. 

A motivated person may handle these time-consuming activities for clients, freeing up their days for more vital matters. When calculating your charges, which might be hourly or per work, include in travel expenses.

3. Photography business: very promising 

The growing popularity of photography is no longer limited to weddings. When it comes to childbirth or a family gathering, most people choose a formal photographer. A one-time investment in a DSLR camera will almost certainly pay off. 

In the US, photography is an interesting business idea to consider. If you have the skill to do it, whether it’s wedding or event photography or modeling, you’ll be successful.

To become a professional photographer, there are both free and paid photography classes available throughout the US, as well as online.

Aerial photography 

In the last decade, the demand for aerial photography has reached new heights. If you know how to operate a drone or can learn to do so fast, starting an aerial photography business is a good option.

Fortunately, a good drone isn’t prohibitively costly; you can acquire one for as little as $1,500 on Amazon. Who will be your ideal customers? Real estate developers, engaged couples planning a wedding, film and music producers, and others.

4. Freelancing/feature writing business

You can be a feature writer for online magazines or newspapers. You should ideally specialize in a field and become an expert in it. Consider real estate, nutrition, and health, as well as internet marketing.

But don’t narrow your focus too fast. Begin by building a portfolio of articles on various topics and practicing your writing as often as possible. To get feedback and figure out what you’re good at, publish your writings on Reddit, Medium, Quora, etc.

5. Art consulting business

Consultants in this field are art enthusiasts who work with both artists and collectors to ensure that the appropriate art is delivered to the right people. This is a career for persons with diverse artistic backgrounds, from active artists to officially educated graduates with advanced art history degrees, due to the wide range of aesthetic interests and styles.

In order to connect with gallery directors and collectors, you should have a presence inside artists’ networks. In terms of cost and remuneration, a consultant will just need to keep a low-cost professional website up to date, and you will be paid on a commission basis, accepting 10% -15% of the art they buy or sell. It is suggested to list your art business on a well-run US business listing directory.

6. Construct a niche website

What’s the difference between a blog and a website? In theory, there isn’t any difference. They’re both websites that feature articles on specific topics. Niche websites, on the other hand, usually target a much smaller collection of keywords.

The goal is to figure out exactly what you want to sell and then use profitable keywords to generate high-quality content around those products or affiliate offers. Niche websites typically create Google-friendly material, and once established, they may be a terrific source of passive income.

7. Tutoring service from home

This is just one of several low-cost home business ideas. This position would be great for a current or previous teacher who identifies as a “people person”. Many tutors’ clientele is made up entirely of children, therefore being good with youngsters is advantageous. Between sessions, you’ll want to examine your next student’s progress and prepare for their future lesson.

In this job, self-organization and motivation are essential, therefore your profitability is determined by your work ethic and how rapidly your company expands. If you work hard and stay focused, $40 per hour can build up to a lot of money.

8. Woodworker

Similarly, if you enjoy making beautiful furniture or other home goods out of wood, this could be an excellent small business specialty for you. Begin by listing a couple of your items on sites. Consider launching a website, accepting bespoke orders, or expanding into refinishing and upholstery once you’ve established a following.

If you already have an appetite for carpentry and the resources to start completing orders as they come in, a woodworker small business is great. You don’t want to be “training” while making a custom shelf or a custom storage box because producing a well-made product is crucial to keeping your clients satisfied. At least one year of experience as a woodworking apprentice is recommended.

Quick Step to Start a Small Side Business

  • Define your small business concept.
  • Begin as a side hustle or a pastime.
  • Choose your software.
  • Put together a business plan.
  • Choose between an LLC and a sole proprietorship.
  • Open a company checking account.
  • Determine whether your home-based company concept is viable.
  • Create a workspace.
  • Get down to business!

The Bottom Line

If you want to establish your own business but don’t have a lot of money, you can still do it. To succeed, all of the small business ideas listed above will require time, attention, and hard work in the beginning.

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