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

You don’t need a fortune to start a profitable small business. Many successful entrepreneurs began with less than $500 and turned their ventures into sustainable sources of income. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or planning to go full-time, there are plenty of small business opportunities that require minimal startup costs and have high earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll explore 17 profitable small business ideas, their estimated startup costs, and their potential monthly earnings. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to launching a business that fits your skills and financial goals.

Why Start a Small Business on a Budget?

Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunities

  • With less financial pressure, you can test ideas without huge losses.
  • Many businesses can be run from home, eliminating overhead costs.

Scalability and Growth Potential

  • Start with small investments and reinvest profits to expand.
  • Many businesses can transition from side hustles to full-time operations.

Leveraging Skills & Resources You Already Have

  • Many businesses only require skills, a laptop, or basic equipment.
  • Utilize free or affordable marketing tools to promote your business.

17 Small Business Ideas Under $500 and Their Earning Potential

Small Business

1. Freelance Writing

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (website, portfolio setup)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$5,000/month
  • Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Medium Partner Program offer opportunities.

2. Social Media Management

  • Startup Cost: $0-$300 (Canva, scheduling tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$5,000/month
  • Businesses need help managing Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts.

3. Virtual Assistant Services

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (website, task management tools)
  • Earning Potential: $800-$4,000/month
  • Tasks include email management, data entry, and customer support.

4. Print-on-Demand Store

  • Startup Cost: $100-$300 (Shopify, Etsy fees)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Sell custom-designed products without holding inventory.

5. Dropshipping Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (Shopify, product testing)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$50,000/month
  • Sell trending products without managing stock.

6. Handmade Craft Business

  • Startup Cost: $100-$400 (materials, Etsy fees)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$5,000/month
  • Sell handmade jewelry, candles, or home decor.

7. Blogging & Affiliate Marketing

  • Startup Cost: $50-$150 (domain, hosting)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate commissions.

8. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

  • Startup Cost: $50-$200 (insurance, business registration)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$3,000/month
  • List services on Rover or Care.com.

9. Online Tutoring

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (advertising, teaching tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$5,000/month
  • Teach subjects like math, English, or specialized skills online.

10. Personal Fitness Training

  • Startup Cost: $100-$400 (certification, equipment)
  • Earning Potential: $2,000-$8,000/month
  • Offer virtual or in-person coaching.

11. Car Detailing Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (cleaning supplies, equipment)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$5,000/month
  • Market services to car owners and dealerships.

12. Home Cleaning Service

  • Startup Cost: $150-$400 (supplies, business registration)
  • Earning Potential: $2,000-$6,000/month
  • Serve homeowners, landlords, and businesses.

13. Photography Business

  • Startup Cost: $300-$500 (used camera, website setup)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$10,000/month
  • Offer event, portrait, or product photography.

14. Lawn Care and Landscaping

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (mower, tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$7,000/month
  • Start with neighbors and expand through referrals.

15. Resume Writing and Career Coaching

  • Startup Cost: $50-$150 (website, business tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$4,000/month
  • Help job seekers with resumes and LinkedIn optimization.

16. E-Book Self-Publishing

  • Startup Cost: $0-$200 (editing, cover design)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Sell books through Amazon KDP and digital platforms.

17. Subscription Box Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (inventory, packaging)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$10,000/month
  • Curate niche subscription boxes for targeted audiences.

How to Choose the Right Business Idea for You

Assess Your Skills and Interests

  • Choose something you enjoy and can see yourself growing.

Analyze Market Demand

  • Research competition and customer interest.

Consider Scalability

  • Pick an idea that can expand over time.

Your Path to Starting a Profitable Small Business

Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning and strategic execution, you can launch a business for under $500 and scale it into a steady source of income. The key is to choose a business that aligns with your skills and market demand, take action, and stay consistent. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Small Business Ideas

What’s the easiest business to start with under $500?

  • Freelance writing, virtual assistance, and online tutoring require minimal investment.

How fast can I start making money with a small business?

  • Some businesses generate income within weeks, while others take months to grow.

Do I need a business license for these ideas?

  • Some services require registration—check local regulations.

Can I scale these businesses to earn more?

  • Yes! Many small businesses grow into full-time incomes with the right strategy.

Are there free tools to help me start?

  • Yes! Platforms like Canva, Trello, and Google Workspace offer free resources.

Ready to launch your own business? Start today by choosing an idea, taking action, and building your financial future!

Check this out: 

How to Launch a Cleaning Business and Earn £500,000 Annually

Starting a Vending Machine Side Hustle: Steps to Achieve $900 Monthly Income

A Guide to Profitable Reselling Businesses: From Zero to $20,000 a Month

You don’t need a fortune to start a profitable small business. Many successful entrepreneurs began with less than $500 and turned their ventures into sustainable sources of income. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or planning to go full-time, there are plenty of small business opportunities that require minimal startup costs and have high earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll explore 17 profitable small business ideas, their estimated startup costs, and their potential monthly earnings. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to launching a business that fits your skills and financial goals.

Why Start a Small Business on a Budget?

Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunities

  • With less financial pressure, you can test ideas without huge losses.
  • Many businesses can be run from home, eliminating overhead costs.

Scalability and Growth Potential

  • Start with small investments and reinvest profits to expand.
  • Many businesses can transition from side hustles to full-time operations.

Leveraging Skills & Resources You Already Have

  • Many businesses only require skills, a laptop, or basic equipment.
  • Utilize free or affordable marketing tools to promote your business.

17 Small Business Ideas Under $500 and Their Earning Potential

Small Business

1. Freelance Writing

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (website, portfolio setup)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$5,000/month
  • Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Medium Partner Program offer opportunities.

2. Social Media Management

  • Startup Cost: $0-$300 (Canva, scheduling tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$5,000/month
  • Businesses need help managing Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts.

3. Virtual Assistant Services

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (website, task management tools)
  • Earning Potential: $800-$4,000/month
  • Tasks include email management, data entry, and customer support.

4. Print-on-Demand Store

  • Startup Cost: $100-$300 (Shopify, Etsy fees)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Sell custom-designed products without holding inventory.

5. Dropshipping Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (Shopify, product testing)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$50,000/month
  • Sell trending products without managing stock.

6. Handmade Craft Business

  • Startup Cost: $100-$400 (materials, Etsy fees)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$5,000/month
  • Sell handmade jewelry, candles, or home decor.

7. Blogging & Affiliate Marketing

  • Startup Cost: $50-$150 (domain, hosting)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate commissions.

8. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

  • Startup Cost: $50-$200 (insurance, business registration)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$3,000/month
  • List services on Rover or Care.com.

9. Online Tutoring

  • Startup Cost: $0-$100 (advertising, teaching tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$5,000/month
  • Teach subjects like math, English, or specialized skills online.

10. Personal Fitness Training

  • Startup Cost: $100-$400 (certification, equipment)
  • Earning Potential: $2,000-$8,000/month
  • Offer virtual or in-person coaching.

11. Car Detailing Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (cleaning supplies, equipment)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$5,000/month
  • Market services to car owners and dealerships.

12. Home Cleaning Service

  • Startup Cost: $150-$400 (supplies, business registration)
  • Earning Potential: $2,000-$6,000/month
  • Serve homeowners, landlords, and businesses.

13. Photography Business

  • Startup Cost: $300-$500 (used camera, website setup)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$10,000/month
  • Offer event, portrait, or product photography.

14. Lawn Care and Landscaping

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (mower, tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$7,000/month
  • Start with neighbors and expand through referrals.

15. Resume Writing and Career Coaching

  • Startup Cost: $50-$150 (website, business tools)
  • Earning Potential: $1,000-$4,000/month
  • Help job seekers with resumes and LinkedIn optimization.

16. E-Book Self-Publishing

  • Startup Cost: $0-$200 (editing, cover design)
  • Earning Potential: $500-$10,000/month
  • Sell books through Amazon KDP and digital platforms.

17. Subscription Box Business

  • Startup Cost: $200-$500 (inventory, packaging)
  • Earning Potential: $1,500-$10,000/month
  • Curate niche subscription boxes for targeted audiences.

How to Choose the Right Business Idea for You

Assess Your Skills and Interests

  • Choose something you enjoy and can see yourself growing.

Analyze Market Demand

  • Research competition and customer interest.

Consider Scalability

  • Pick an idea that can expand over time.

Your Path to Starting a Profitable Small Business

Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning and strategic execution, you can launch a business for under $500 and scale it into a steady source of income. The key is to choose a business that aligns with your skills and market demand, take action, and stay consistent. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Small Business Ideas

What’s the easiest business to start with under $500?

  • Freelance writing, virtual assistance, and online tutoring require minimal investment.

How fast can I start making money with a small business?

  • Some businesses generate income within weeks, while others take months to grow.

Do I need a business license for these ideas?

  • Some services require registration—check local regulations.

Can I scale these businesses to earn more?

  • Yes! Many small businesses grow into full-time incomes with the right strategy.

Are there free tools to help me start?

  • Yes! Platforms like Canva, Trello, and Google Workspace offer free resources.

Ready to launch your own business? Start today by choosing an idea, taking action, and building your financial future!

Check this out: 

How to Launch a Cleaning Business and Earn £500,000 Annually

Starting a Vending Machine Side Hustle: Steps to Achieve $900 Monthly Income

A Guide to Profitable Reselling Businesses: From Zero to $20,000 a Month

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.

The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making

The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.

David Harms

David Harms is a seasoned expert in markets, business, and economic trends, with years of experience analyzing global financial movements. As the driving force behind Investimenews, he provides in-depth insights, market forecasts, and strategic business advice to help professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs make informed decisions. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for economic research, David Harms simplifies complex financial concepts, making them accessible to all.

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