23 Best Business Ideas You Can Start With Less Than $500 (Easy Business Opportunities)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: 23 Best Business Ideas You Can Start With Less Than $500

1. Doula Service Business

• Definition: Providing physical, emotional, and informational support to expecting mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
• Cost to Start: Less than $500 for online Doula training course.
• Potential Earnings: Hourly rate ranges from $25 to $65; opportunity to make $85,000+ per year.
• Considerations: Can start as an individual or scale up by hiring other doulas.

2. Meal Prep Business

• Niche Down: Specialize in a particular type of diet (e.g., pescatarian, vegan, keto).
• Importance: Offer variety, save time, and make meals tasty for clients.
• Potential Earnings: High demand from entrepreneurs and high performers.
• Opportunity Score: 9.5 out of 10.

3. Personal Concierge Service

• Role: Assist busy individuals with managing tasks, appointments, travel planning, and event coordination.
• Earnings: Average $75 per hour; potential to start an agency for higher income.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

4. Mobile Public Notary

• Description: Witness and authenticate signatures on legal, financial, or real estate documents.
• Benefit: Offer convenience by traveling to clients; charge premium rates.
• Opportunity Score: 8 out of 10.

5. YouTube Personal Brand

• Start a YouTube channel to document your expertise or journey.
• Potential Earnings: Can lead to significant income and opportunities for growth.
• Considerations: Requires consistent content creation and audience engagement.

6. Local Businesses

• Consider starting a Mobile Laundry Service, Cleaning Service, or Lawn Care Business.
• Importance: Target clients who value convenience and quality services.
• Opportunity Score: 7.5 to 8 out of 10.

7. Virtual Educator

• Role: Teach or tutor online on various subjects; charge hourly rates.
• Potential Earnings: Can reach $1 million per year; diverse teaching opportunities.
• Opportunity Score: 9.5 out of 10.

8. Online Reseller

• Source and sell physical products online for a profit.
• Example: Find unique items or niche products to resell at higher prices.
• Potential Earnings: Significant profits from strategic sourcing and marketing.

9. Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• Publish and sell eBooks on Amazon; lucrative business model.
• Potential Earnings: Reports of substantial income from successful authors.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

10. Drop Shipping

• Act as a middleman between product suppliers and customers.
• Benefit: Minimal upfront investment required; focus on marketing and sales.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

11. Social Media Marketing

• Help businesses market products/services on social media platforms.
• Importance: Specialize in specific platforms or industries for better results.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

12. Do-It-Yourself Crafts and Treats

• Create handmade crafts or snacks to sell online or at local markets.
• Platforms: Utilize websites like Etsy, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Potential Earnings: Unique products can attract high-paying customers.

13. 3D Printing Business

• Explore the possibilities of 3D printing for customized products.
• Opportunities: Design and sell personalized items or niche products.
• Considerations: Start with simple items like shirts and scale up with demand.

14. Copywriting Business

• Focus on niche copywriting services for specific industries or platforms.
• Earnings: High-income potential for specialized copywriters.
• Opportunity Score: 9.5 out of 10.

15. Affiliate Marketing

• Promote products/services and earn commissions for sales referrals.
• Benefits: Low entry barrier; focus on marketing efforts.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

16. Pressure Washing Business

• Offer outdoor cleaning services for homes and businesses.
• Potential Earnings: High demand for pressure washing services.
• Opportunity Score: 9 out of 10.

17. Virtual Assistant Business

• Provide virtual assistance services or train and place virtual assistants.
• Earnings: Potential for high-income placements in specialized niches.
• Opportunity Score: 8 out of 10.

18. SEO Writing or Consulting

• Help businesses optimize their online content for search engine rankings.
• Potential Earnings: Lucrative income from SEO consulting services.
• Opportunity Score: 8.5 out of 10.

19. Pet Sitting Business

• Care for pets while owners are away; utilize platforms like Rover for bookings.
• Considerations: Ideal for animal lovers in affluent areas; offer house-sitting services too.

20. House Sitting Business

• Ensure homes are well-maintained while owners are absent.
• Benefits: Simple yet essential service; opportunities in affluent neighborhoods.

21. Lawn Care Business

• Provide lawn maintenance services for residential and commercial properties.
• Potential Earnings: Profitable business with consistent demand.
• Opportunity Score: 8 out of 10.

22. YouTube Training

• Learn how to grow and monetize a YouTube channel for long-term success.
• Considerations: Explore free training resources and mentorship opportunities.

23. Attend Live Training Sessions

• Stay informed about growing and making money through various online business opportunities.
• Explore specialized training sessions and mentorship programs for personalized guidance.

By following these steps and exploring the diverse business ideas mentioned, you can start your entrepreneurial journey with less than $500 and potentially achieve significant success in various industries. Remember to focus on niche markets, provide quality services, and adapt to market demands for long-term growth and profitability.