17 Small Business Ideas You Can Start for Less Than $500

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they’re more important than ever in today’s challenging economic climate. If you’re thinking about starting your own small business, but you don’t have a lot of money to invest, don’t worry. There are many small business ideas that you can start for less than $500.

1. Start a blog

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to start a small business is to start a blog. You can start a blog for free on platforms like WordPress or Blogger, and you can use it to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences on any topic you choose. If you choose to build your blog around an affiliate marketing niche, you can earn additional income on the side from paid ad campaigns or promotions. Once your blog has gained a following, you can start to monetize it through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services.

2. Start an online store

If you have a product or service to sell, you can start an online store to reach a wider audience. There are many different platforms that you can use to create an online store, such as Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon. Once you’ve created your store, you’ll need to stock it with products or services, and you’ll need to set up a payment processing system.

3. Offer freelance services

If you have a skill or talent that you can offer to others, you can start a freelance business. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Once you’ve created a profile and listed your services, you can start bidding on projects.

4. Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from remote locations. This is a great option for people who have experience in office administration, customer service, or project management. You can start a virtual assistant business with very little investment.

5. Start a pet sitting business

If you love animals, you can start a pet sitting business. This is a great option for people who are home during the day or who have flexible schedules. You can offer your services to pet owners in your neighborhood or you can advertise your services online.

6. Start a home-based daycare

If you love children and have a nurturing personality, you can start a home-based daycare. This is a great option for people who want to work from home and who have the space to accommodate children. You will need to get licensed and insured, but you can start a home-based daycare with a relatively small investment.

7. Start a cleaning business

If you’re good at cleaning and organizing, you can start a cleaning business. This is a great option for people who are self-motivated and who have a good eye for detail. You can offer your services to homes, offices, or businesses.

8. Start a landscaping business

If you have a green thumb and enjoy working outdoors, you can start a landscaping business. This is a great option for people who are physically fit and who have a knack for design. You can offer your services to homeowners, businesses, or municipalities. Landscaping ideas may include lawn care, tree and shrub trimming, planting, and more.

9. Start a handyman business

If you’re good at fixing things around the house, you can start a handyman business. This is a great option for people who are skilled in a variety of trades. You can offer your services to homeowners, businesses, or landlords.

10. Start a home-based bakery

If you love to bake, you can start a home-based bakery. This is a great option for people who have a passion for baking and who have a knack for creating delicious treats. You can sell your baked goods online, at farmers markets, or to local businesses.

11. Start a photography business

If you have a good eye for photography, you can start a photography business. This is a great option for people who are creative and who have a passion for capturing special moments. You can offer your services for weddings, portraits, events, or commercial photography.

12. Start a videography business

If you have a knack for storytelling and a passion for capturing moving images, you can start a videography business. This is a great option for people who are creative and who have a good eye for detail. You can offer your services for weddings, events, or commercial videography.

13. Start a personal training business

If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health goals, you can start a personal training business. This is a great option for people who are certified personal trainers and who have a passion for helping others. You can offer your services to individuals, groups, or businesses.

14. Start a yoga or Pilates studio

If you’re passionate about yoga or Pilates and have a knack for teaching, you can start a yoga or Pilates studio. This is a great option for people who are certified yoga or Pilates instructors and who have a passion for helping others. You can offer your services to individuals, groups, or businesses.

15. Start a music or art studio

If you’re passionate about music or art and have a knack for teaching, you can start a music or art studio. This is a great option for people who are certified music or art instructors and who have a passion for helping others. You can offer your services to individuals, groups, or businesses.

16. Start a tutoring business

If you’re good at a particular subject and have a passion for helping others learn, you can start a tutoring business. This is a great option for people who are certified teachers or who have a strong academic background in a particular subject. You can offer your services to students of all ages.

17. Start a consulting business

If you have expertise in a particular area, you can start a consulting business. This is a great option for people who have a lot of experience in a particular field and who have a knack for solving problems. You can offer your services to businesses, organizations, or individuals.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many small business ideas that you can start for less than $500. With a little creativity and hard work, you can start a successful small business that will help you achieve your financial goals.