You’ve always wanted to establish an enterprise. You’re fed up with working for an employer, and you’d appreciate the freedom and independence of running your own business.
The problem is that there’s no amount of capital to start with, or much if any at all. That’s probably a sign that you’re not in the best position, isn’t it?
Wrong! These are the 26 businesses that are able to start absolutely cost-free (and the ones that aren’t totally free, are rather affordable). They don’t require costly training or advanced degrees, expensive equipment, or many materials and space. Or even a product.
However, a lot of the businesses listed below require at minimum, a regular connection to a computer, internet, or perhaps an automobile. If, however, you have these things in place, go into the deep end and you’ll find the perfect business plan that matches your talents If you’re creative!
1. Blogging
Although it is not a novel idea it is an option that is popular for a largely free business.
There are myriad possibilities in the field of making money through your blog, including affiliate partnerships, creating ebooks, and providing online classes and webinars. Certain of these options are more effective than others since certain niches of blogs will be more well-known and easier to make money from than other niches. For example, food, beauty as well as parenting blogs are among the most sought-after niches and, consequently, will be more profitable to monetize (though you’ll be facing more competition).
It’s important to note that the process of monetizing your blog works best when you pick the subject you’re truly passionate about and involved in writing about. Therefore, this method is best if you’re thinking “Yeah! I’ve always wanted to create a blog on my passion for handmade chocolatiers!” (or whatever else motivates you). Simply wanting to make profits is not enough.
2. Child care in the home
If you’re a child lover and have a great set-up, then making your home an in-home childcare center could be the best choice for you. There will be fees along with licensing and registration requirements (which vary from state to state) However, aside from these, the cost of the start-up of a childcare business is low or zero.
To begin, take a look at our article on how to start an enterprise for daycare that will guide you through every step you’ll need to take to get your daycare business up and operating.
3. In-home dog care
Similar to the previous point If you enjoy taking care of animals, think about creating a dog daycare business. You could operate during working hours for those who require someone to look after their dog during work hours or looking after dogs for clients when they’re away.
Apart from being cost-effective, The skills that you require is quite obvious Experience with taking care of animals, and the capacity to take your time and care for the animals. If you’d like to start a business that caters to dogs but hasn’t had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with dogs, think about taking on a volunteer position at a rescue first.
Visit DogVacay to see how this is structured as well as what other care providers are charging for their services in your area. You can also list yourself on the website!
4. Pet services
In that regard, it is a good idea to start an organization that handles every aspect of owning a pet including taking pets to grooming appointments or vet appointments or pet sitting, dog walking, and so on.
Mix and match the services based on what you like best You could create a company that provides all-inclusive pet services, such as walks and trips to the groomer to taking care of your pet during the day and so on.
5. Dog training
If you’re good with dogs, then you might think about the possibility of starting a business as a dog trainer. Take note that, like the other business ideas related to pets your company will do best in a region that has a high demand, and where there are many pet owners.
Beyond that, starting the business of dog training could be a fantastic, low-cost venture to start, particularly in the event that you’ve had experience working with dogs, or are willing to master them. You might consider shadowing at a reputable training center to learn what the procedure is like as well as reading this article by The Animal Humane Society on becoming an instructor for dogs.
Tip: Make connections with vets. Asking a vet refer customers to you could be a great method to increase customers.
6. Writing freelance
Are you a strong writer? It’s a no-brainer. If you’re a professional writer with strong skills, think about making a career out of being a freelance writer.
To increase your portfolio and build your client base It’s a good idea to start by using a website such as Upwork (and look over my post on using Upwork to find top freelancers – it will give you a better understanding of the best practices, as well as how to stay clear of it! ).
7. Editing freelance
If you also have an excellent eye for structural adjustments and love editing punctuation and grammar, then you might want to think about creating a business editing freelance.
If there is written content that needs to be edited, there will be a need for editors (this blogger outlines an incident that her roommate, and a fellow editor completed a whole dissertation over the course of the weekend) If you’ve got written experience and have a sharp sense of humor, then freelance editing might be a viable business option to look into.
8. Resume development
Perhaps you’ve been a hiring manager for a long time and you are aware of what employers are seeking. Perhaps you’re an expert in graphic design and are a fan of creating a clean and professional resume. You may have an eye for fine details (and I’m talking about great, no mistakes permitted here! ).
If yes, you should consider setting up a business as a resume-builder. There are many options to approach this. Some services are specialized in editing existing documents and others create an entire resume including content, graphics, and everything else–for a more expensive fee and time expense. The choice you make will be contingent on your abilities however both options are viable for small businesses starting on a budget.
9. Image and logo design
If you’re creative and skilled using Photoshop then you should you might want to start your own logo or graphic design company. You can advertise your services on sites such as Upwork, 99Designs, or any of the other websites for freelancers that can aid in building a portfolio as well as an audience base before you begin.
If this sounds like your lane, take a look at these sources from How Design, geared toward those who are interested in graphic design as a freelancer or starting a design-related business.
10. Etsy business
Although certain Etsy companies have a price part to begin with (think jewelry making or other crafts in which materials are used) There are a few products available on Etsy with very little cost of starting.
If, for instance, you’re a graphic designer but aren’t particularly interested in creating logos digital art, as well as other printables like calendars and to-do lists, are very popular on sites such as Etsy.
A simple search for the word “printable” should bring up hundreds of options, with anything from word art to wedding invites. The appeal of this idea for a business is that you make the image, and then sell it for sale. Once it’s bought your clients do all the work.
11. Consulting
Consulting businesses is an excellent business idea to begin with. The kind of services you offer is contingent on your expertise set. Do you have marketing or social media experience, or perhaps you have experience in legal matters?
Take a look at your talents and previous work experience and consider what you can contribute to the conversation that other people might not be able to do. Read Neil Patel’s piece about the lessons learned from beginning a business consulting for a comprehensive look at the procedure.
12. Errand runner, or jack of all trades
Have you had a chance to visit TaskRabbit the website on which you can request anyone to complete anything for you, no matter how small? (Though I’m guessing you’d get some snarky faces if you ask for someone to get that jam jar opened.)
Think about implementing a similar concept and begin a business as a jack-of-all-trades or general errand-runner. Someone requires dry cleaning delivered, groceries bought or old clothes given to Goodwill? It’s your turn. To get even more specific You could think about choosing an area of interest, like taking care of senior citizens’ errands.
13. Websites that are built
If you’re able to create a stunning website, then you’re lucky because the majority of people don’t. The need for top-quality websites for businesses is continuing to increase.
Before you dive in reading this article: 10 Things I’d like to have known before I started an online design business. You’ll discover that the greatest threat to your web design services isn’t designers at all, it’s rather business owners who don’t engage anyone. How do you show your worthiness?
14. Programming
Although it is possible to learn how to program yourself and create your own app Programming services are always in high demand. If you’re a proficient programmer, you can begin your own business for free by providing your programming expertise.
Here are some helpful strategies to get those first freelance clients. programmer, and if you’re particularly interested in creating apps, make sure to read this article.
15. Driving for Uber
Do you own a car (more specifically, a 4-door sedan that was made in 2001 or later)? It’s all it takes to be an Uber driver, with a minimum of three years of experience in driving and a clean driving record.
If you’re able to meet the criteria above characteristics, then starting a new career by becoming an Uber driver can be extremely profitable. While you won’t be able to reach the level of”modern-day “Uberpreneurs” who make upwards of $200,000 in a year, it could be an excellent business for you to get started.
16. Lessons in music or tutoring
If you’re a pro in a particular subject at school or you play music, you should think about creating a tutoring company. There are a lot of possibilities and you can specialize in your specific area of expertise or area of interest (though you might have better success as a general English tutor, and not for instance, as an expert in 19th-century Gothic Literature).
This article provides you with an insider’s view of the steps to begin your tutoring company. Also, go through this Udemy course about starting a tutoring company as well.
17. Teaching and practicing language
If you can speak several languages, then you’ve got an excellent opportunity to begin your own business that teaches languages or conducts language practice sessions.
As well as the sources mentioned above, be sure to read this article written by Tammy Bjelland, who started English-language teaching as well as a consulting company. If you’re wondering how to post your tutoring service there are many choices beyond the basic Craigslist.
18. Virtual assistant
If you’re organized and are able to accomplish tasks on time you should consider working as an assistant virtual. Virtual assistants manage bookkeeping, scheduling, and administrative tasks at their own home offices Similar to freelance work as an editor, writer or designer, and more, virtual assistants are able to build their client base and gain experience working on platforms like Upwork.
For more information on how to become an assistant virtual look up The VA Handbook, a website that helps others to start and run their own virtual assistant business.
19. House sitting
Sure you’ve performed house sitting for people before, but do you have the potential to make this an actual business that is profitable?
You can do it by creating a reputation for good, honest conduct, putting the needs of your clients foremost, and focusing on what they’d like from the house sitter.
References are of utmost significance when you start the house-sitting service (though the experience of managing a house as well as caring for pets as well as coordinating minor lawn care are also essential). The process of starting these businesses, in the beginning, can be as easy as locating people in your circle that are away this summer!
20. Home organization
Do you enjoy keeping your home tidy and clean? Do the thought of going to The Container Store fill you with excitement (don’t be concerned, you’re not alone)? If so, you might think about offering services for home organizations.
To experience what the process of getting a job as a professional organizer is like, read this article from Organize 365, where blogger and professional organizer Lisa Woodruff discusses the process and provides some tips.
21. Professional Finder
Although this might be one of the most unusual options on this list should you possess a talent for finding interesting things that you can use, you might be able of making money from this service at absolutely no cost.
You might be asking “Okay, great; but what am I finding, exactly?” According to this article, the possibilities are infinite. From family genealogy to old cars, old records, to the perfect roommates, if you’re adept in tracking for the perfect item or detail you should investigate it.
22. Dropshipping
I’m not even going to talk about drop shipping, particularly in light of the fact that Shopify offers such a great drop shipping tutorial already.
The benefits of drop-shipping are evident: it requires minimal particular skills It can be carried out from any location, doesn’t require any capital expenditure, and can be extremely profitable.
23. Landscaping and gardening
If you’ve got an innate green thumb, you might consider setting up a landscaping or gardening business. If you’ve got basic pruning, mowing, and lawn maintenance abilities You’ll probably find that the threshold for starting a landscaping company is pretty low.
The more complicated the process (i.e. more complicated irrigation techniques and other similar) could require additional training by way of a course or degree or even mentorship.
Although this does take away what’s known as the “free” aspect of starting this kind of business, it’s worth considering (and maybe you could coach an industry expert to acquire new techniques for free). For more information on how to start an enterprise in landscaping take a look at this guide.
24. Office or home cleaning
Cleaning services are highly popular due to their lower costs of entry, which basically boils down to the price of cleaning products in and of itself. In addition, you can be sure that services for cleaning are sought-after.
We’ve gone over the entire process of starting a business in the field of cleaning within the How to Start a Cleaning Business guide right on Bplans.
25. Event planning
We’ve talked about the steps involved in getting into the field of event planning in detail on Bplans and in my blog posts How to Earn More Money as an Event Planner 11 Resources to Make Use of to Increase the Profits of Your Event Management Business and our wedding or event-related business plan sample.
A business that plans events could be a fantastic inexpensive (or at a minimum affordable) business idea to start. you’ll need an internet connection and a capital investment to develop a website and any other branding materials. Alongside the links provided above the blog of Event Manager provides many useful sources (such as this post about How to Start an Event Planning Business).
26. Sewing and modifications
If you’re a skilled seamstress or someone who is eager to learn, you might be interested in beginning a sewing or alteration business. There are no initial costs as long as you have sewing equipment and the required skills (and even when you don’t have these, the single-time costs are still quite minimal in the context of business ventures that are new).
