25+ Small Business Ideas Under $500 You Can Start Today

Looking for small business ideas under $500? You’re in the right place.

We get it, you’re a new entrepreneur, full of passion and ready to launch your own venture. But there’s one thing holding you back: money.

Finances are the foundation of starting any business, whether it’s online or offline. And right now, you’ve got a budget of no more than $500.

Here’s the good news: $500 is enough. Seriously. That dream of starting your own small business? It’s absolutely possible, right now, with what you have.

To help you make it happen, we’ve put together a list of 25+ small business ideas you can start with just $500.

Let’s explore which one fits you best, and how to get started today.

Online & Digital Service Ideas Under $500

These are the kinds of small business ideas under $500 that you can start from your laptop, without renting an office or buying fancy equipment. All you need is your brain, Wi-Fi, and a bit of hustle.

1. Freelance Content Writer

If you enjoy writing and can explain things clearly, you’re halfway there. As a freelance content writer, you can write blog posts, product descriptions, or even LinkedIn posts for business owners.

Moreover, you don’t need any paid software. Simply grab free tools like Grammarly and Google Docs, and you’re all set. Begin by offering your services on platforms such as Upwork or LinkedIn.

However, it’s low-cost and beginner-friendly, and clients are always looking for someone who can write well.

You may also like to read: 15 Online Business Ideas Without Investment in 2025 and beyond

2. Social Media Manager

Businesses are seeking assistance with their social media presence on Instagram and TikTok.

You can manage posts, create content calendars, and even help run ads, all from your phone or laptop. The best part? You can learn most of it for free on YouTube.

However, with $500 or less, you can grab a few basic tools like Canva Pro or Later (for scheduling), and you’re in business. Offer your services to local shops, freelancers, or creators.

3. Resume Writing Service

People struggle with writing resumes. If you’re good with words and have an eye for structure, this one’s for you. You can create resumes and LinkedIn profiles for job seekers and charge anywhere from $30 to $100 per resume.

However, all you need is MS Word or Google Docs and a few clean templates. Start with friends or family, build a few samples, and grow from there. It’s one of those low-cost business ideas with high profit potential.

4. Notion Template Seller

Notion is blowing up right now. If you enjoy organising things or making them look neat, this is ideal. You can create planners, to-do lists, and budgeting templates, then sell them on Gumroad or Etsy.

Moreover, with Canva (free) and Notion (also free), you won’t spend a penny to get started. Focus on creating templates that help people stay organised. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it can turn into solid passive income.

5. ChatGPT Prompt Engineer/AI Content Seller

This one’s new and hot. Businesses and creators need ready-made prompts to generate content faster with AI tools like ChatGPT.

You can build prompts for Instagram captions, email marketing, or blog outlines, and sell them online.

Additionally, you don’t need coding or technical skills; just creativity and basic formatting are required. Use your $500 to set up a clean Gumroad store, create some basic design elements, and consider running a small ad to kick things off.

6. YouTube Script Writer

Not a fan of being on camera? No problem. Tons of YouTubers need help with writing their video scripts. If you can conduct thorough research and tell a compelling story, this is a great opportunity. You’ll write intros, hooks, and complete scripts that creators use on their channels.

Moreover, no expensive gear needed, just a laptop and some Google Docs. This small business idea doesn’t cost much to start, and there’s real money in it once you land recurring clients.

7. Etsy Digital Product Store

Want to make money while you sleep? This one’s for you. Create digital products, such as wedding invitations, wall art, and business planners, and then upload them to Etsy for sale. Buyers purchase and download them instantly.

Moreover, you never have to ship a thing. Canva is the best tool to design these (and it’s free). Set up your Etsy shop, maybe invest in some mockups and SEO tools, and you’re ready to roll. Super low cost and scalable.

8. Online Course Creator (Mini-Workshops)

Got a skill? Teach it. Whether it’s Canva basics, resume building, or even Excel for beginners, people are willing to pay to learn these skills. You can create short, focused workshops using Zoom and Google Slides. Charge $20, $50, or more depending on what you teach.

However, you can also record it once and sell it multiple times. Your startup cost is nearly nothing, and the potential income is unlimited. This is one of the best and most unique small business ideas available.

Product-Based Ideas (Low-Inventory or Print-on-Demand)

1. Print-on-Demand Apparel Store

This is one of the most affordable small business ideas under $500, where you sell printed t-shirts or hoodies online. First, create simple designs using Canva. Then, upload them to Printify and sync with Etsy or Shopify.

However, these platforms handle everything from printing to shipping, which means you don’t need inventory. As a result, it’s a low-risk, high-profit idea perfect for beginners starting a business from home.

2. Candle-Making Business

Candle making is a creative and budget-friendly business that you can start from the comfort of your kitchen.

Begin with a DIY candle-making kit, which typically includes wax, jars, and scents, usually priced under $200. Then, design your labels using Canva and sell them at local fairs or online stores.

Since candles are always in demand, this unique small business idea offers high profit with low costs and a hands-on, creative process.

You may also like to read: Unique and Cheap Home Business Ideas for Moms to Start

3. Custom Spice Blend Seller

This low-cost business idea involves mixing spices, such as BBQ rubs or chai masala, at home. First, choose your recipes and buy bulk spices and small jars. Then, label your blends using Canva and promote them on Instagram or local WhatsApp groups.

Since people love homemade food products, this is one of the best unique small business ideas to start from home with a strong local market appeal.

4. Handmade Jewellery Business

Making handmade jewellery is a creative and profitable business you can run from home. Start by buying beads, pliers, and wires for under $200. Then, design earrings or bracelets, package them neatly, and list them on Etsy.

However, you can also use Canva to create branding and tags. Because handmade jewellery is always in high demand, this is a great, low-cost business idea with significant profit potential.

5. Thrift Flipping (Clothes or Home Decor)

Thrift flipping means buying second-hand items, improving them, and reselling them at a profit. Begin by sourcing trendy clothes or decor from thrift shops. Then, clean, repair, or style them using basic tools. Next, take great photos and list them online.

Since your costs remain low, this becomes one of the most affordable business ideas to start from home, and you can scale it as your eye for trends improves.

6. Sticker Shop (Etsy or Shopify)

A sticker shop is a fun and easy business that requires little money to get started. First, design stickers using Canva or Procreate. Then, print them using a Cricut or use a print partner. Finally, sell your designs on Etsy or Shopify.

Because stickers are popular for planners and laptops, this is a unique, budget-friendly, scalable, and easy-to-manage small business idea that can be managed from the comfort of home.

Local Service-Based Venture Ideas (All Under $500)

1. Mobile Car Wash/Detailing

This business specialises in cleaning cars at the customer’s home or office, making it highly convenient for them. Start with a bucket, some quality soaps, microfiber cloths, and a hose or small pressure washer.

The best part is that you can get everything for under $400. Offer your services to neighbours or list them on local Facebook groups. It’s a low-cost business idea with high profit, especially in busy suburbs.

2. Pet Poop Scooping Service

Yes, it sounds gross, but hear me out, it pays! All you need are gloves, a scooper, and a bin. Start by offering weekly services in your neighbourhood to people who own pets but dislike the cleanup duty.

However, consider posting flyers, asking friends, or promoting in local WhatsApp groups. It’s one of the weirdest yet most unique small business ideas that smells of easy, recurring income.

3. Event Decoration Setup (Balloons, Backdrops)

This is a creative gig where you decorate spaces for birthdays, baby showers, or small parties. Start with a $300 kit that includes balloon arches, backdrop stands, and lights.

However, watch a few YouTube tutorials, then start offering small packages to friends or on Instagram. It’s a fun business that stands out, and people are happy to pay well for beautiful setups, making it one of the best, unique small business ideas.

4. Local Errand Runner

This is as simple as it sounds. As it includes picking up groceries, dropping off laundry, and returning packages, whatever needs to be done.

However, you don’t need any tools, just a phone, some free time, and good communication skills. Market your service in local Facebook groups or to elderly neighbours in your area. It’s one of the cheapest business ideas to start from home, with high demand and repeat customers.

5. House Cleaning Services

Offer cleaning services for homes, apartments, or even offices. Start with basic cleaning supplies, such as sprays, cloths, a mop, and a vacuum (if available). Add an eco-friendly twist using natural cleaners to stand out.

Also, begin with a few trial clients and ask for referrals. This low-cost business idea with high profit potential works well because everyone wants a clean house, but few enjoy doing it themselves.

6. Lawn Care or Leaf Raking

This seasonal service focuses on yard cleanup, mowing, leaf raking, and basic gardening. Buy a rake, trash bags, and gloves, or use what you already have. Offer your services door-to-door or post in your neighbourhood WhatsApp group.

However, it’s a relatively inexpensive business idea to start, great for teens or side hustlers, and provides a steady income during fall and spring, mainly.

Home-Based and Remote Work Ideas

According to studies, in 2025, approximately 22% to 23% of the U.S. workforce will be working remotely at least part of the time. This means that starting a business in this field is growing and relatively easy.

However, the following small business ideas, costing under $500, are perfect for anyone who wants to work in pyjamas, avoid commutes, and turn a room in their house into a money-making machine.

Each idea is practical, beginner-friendly, and designed to launch from home with low startup costs.

1. Online Tutoring (Academic or Skills)

Online tutoring is a flexible business where you teach subjects like English, math, or even creative skills, such as Canva or resume writing. You can get started with Zoom and a free whiteboard tool like Miro.

However, market yourself on social media or tutoring platforms. This is one of the best low-cost business ideas with high profit potential, especially if you enjoy helping others and want to earn a living from your knowledge.

2. WhatsApp Marketing Consultant for Local Shops

Many small business owners are unaware of how to utilize WhatsApp to boost sales, which is where you come in. You can help them set up product catalogues, autoresponders, and weekly promo broadcasts.

However, start with a phone, Canva for graphics, and ChatGPT for message writing. It’s one of the most unique small business ideas that’s both in demand and budget-friendly, especially in regions where WhatsApp is widely used for business.

3. Voiceover Artist

If you’ve got a clear voice and good pronunciation, becoming a voiceover artist is a smart move. With a $100 microphone and free software like Audacity, you can record scripts for videos, ads, or audiobooks.

However, platforms like Fiverr and Voices.com make it easy to find clients. This is one of the most affordable business ideas to start from home, offering remote work that is scalable and creatively satisfying.

4. T-Shirt Vinyl Printing (Heat Transfer)

This business involves printing designs onto t-shirts using a heat press and vinyl. You can get a basic media for around $200 and use Canva to create fun logos or quotes. It’s great for birthdays, events, or small brands.

However, with low material costs and strong demand, this stands out as a low-cost business idea with high profit, primarily if you sell locally or through social media.

5. Homemade Soap or Skincare Lotion

Creating soaps or skincare products at home is not only a creative endeavour but also a profitable one. Starter kits cost under $300 and include moulds, oils, and scents. You can design labels with Canva and sell themed products, such as “lavender sleep bars” or “men’s grooming kits,” on Instagram or Etsy.

However, this is one of the most unique small business ideas for those who enjoy DIY, and it’s perfect for gifting seasons too.

6. AI-Powered Freelance Agency

If you’re tech-savvy, you can start a micro-agency offering content writing, design, or marketing using tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Grammarly. Use them to deliver faster results at lower costs.

However, set up a basic website or portfolio and pitch services on LinkedIn or Fiverr. This is a low-cost business idea with high profit that leverages trending tools, making it ideal for remote workers and solo entrepreneurs.

Benefits of Small Business Ideas

Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small; it means thinking big. Here’s why these ideas are worth your time:

Low risk—You don’t need to invest thousands, so there’s less pressure if things move slowly.
High flexibility—Work on your schedule, whether it’s weekends, nights, or during school hours.
Quick to launch—Most of the cheapest business ideas to start from home need less than a week to get going.
No office required – Run everything from your kitchen table or a small desk.
Easy to test and tweak – Try new ideas, adjust your offer, and grow without huge costs.
Learn as you earn – Build skills in marketing, sales, and communication without quitting your day job.

However, these benefits make small business ideas perfect for beginners who want to start smart.

How to Choose the Right Business Idea for Your Budget

Instead of overthinking, use these quick pointers to narrow down the right idea for you, especially if you’re aiming for low-cost business ideas with high profit.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Start

How much time can you give?

If you’re short on time, consider options like online tutoring or freelance writing, which offer flexibility.

What skills do you already have?

Use what you know. For example, if you’re skilled in design, consider selling templates or print-on-demand products.

Do you want active or passive income?

Service-based gigs offer quick cash, while digital products provide a more sustainable, passive income over time.

How much can you invest right now?

Start with what you have. Many low-cost business ideas with high profit potential can be launched for under $500.

Choosing based on your lifestyle makes business sustainable, not stressful.

Final Thoughts

$500 might not sound like much. But with the right idea and hustle, it’s more than enough to start your first business.

Whether you’re choosing one of the cheapest business ideas to start from home or diving into low-cost business ideas with high profit, what matters is taking that first Step.

But don’t wait for the “perfect time”; it “rarely comes.” Use what you have, start small, and learn as you go. Every big brand once began with someone just like you: uncertain, but willing to try.

Start today. Stay consistent. And watch how fast momentum builds when you just keep going.

Want to know more about business? Explore our website for further help.

FAQs

1. Can I really start a business with only $500?

Yes, $500 is enough to launch dozens of online or local service businesses if you start smart and stay focused.

2. What is the most profitable small business idea with low investment?

Digital services, such as content writing or social media management, offer high profits with minimal upfront costs.

3. Which is the cheapest business to start from home?

Freelancing, online tutoring, or selling digital products can be started from home with just a laptop and an internet connection.

4. What tools are necessary for a service-based business?

You usually need a smartphone, free online tools like Canva or Zoom, and a way to promote your services.