Cheapest Business Ideas to Start from Home (Under $1,000)

Cheapest business ideas by budget tier

Here are 20 cheap, home-based businesses you can start, organized by the startup budget required.

Under $100

1. Virtual educator or trainer

One of the cheapest ways to start a business is to provide your own services if you have a talent or skill. Melissa Schneider, executive and leadership coach at Melissa Schneider Leadership Coaching & Development, pointed to a chef in Nashville, Tennessee, who was laid off during the pandemic. He used his love and knowledge of cooking to start offering online cooking classes. The startup cost wasn’t too much, amounting to a computer and an internet connection.

“He was able to sell his service in a completely different way,” Schneider told us.

Get creative with how you can use your skills in a new and unique way to educate others. Differentiating your product from the competition will increase your chances of gaining clients or students. One booming education trend that may help is gamification, which encourages interaction and engagement.

• Ideal startup cost: $25-$75
• Required skills: Subject matter expertise, teaching ability, basic tech skills
• Profit potential: $25-$75+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Create online courses and passive income streams.

2. Home-based content creator

Create content for businesses through blog writing, social media posts or video production. With businesses increasingly focusing on digital marketing, content creation has become essential.

• Ideal startup cost: $0-$50
• Required skills: Writing, creativity, basic marketing knowledge
• Profit potential: $15-$100+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Build recurring client relationships and expand service offerings.

3. Virtual bookkeeping services

Offer bookkeeping and basic accounting services to small businesses from your home office. Many entrepreneurs need help organizing their finances, but can’t afford full-time accountants.

• Ideal startup cost: $50-$100
• Required skills: Basic accounting knowledge, attention to detail, bookkeeping software proficiency
• Profit potential: $30-$60 per hour
• Scalability notes: Obtain certifications and add more complex financial services.

4. Home tutoring services

Tutoring requires minimal startup costs and leverages existing knowledge. Provide one-on-one or small group tutoring in academic subjects, test preparation or specialized skills.

• Ideal startup cost: $25-$75
• Required skills: Subject expertise, teaching ability, patience
• Profit potential: $25-$100+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Develop online courses and group programs.

$100–$500

5. Social media marketer

Social media has become a powerful tool for companies to spread the word about their brands. If you’re social media-savvy, there are tons of businesses looking for your expertise to help them develop social media marketing strategies, set up and post on their accounts, and increase their number of followers (and hopefully sales). If you’re an expert with popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram, even better. Knowledge, not money, is the key to getting this low-cost business up and running.

Another thriving component of social media marketing to consider is influencers and branding. According to Statista, the global influencer marketing market value was $24 billion in 2024 and is still growing. You don’t necessarily need to be an influencer yourself, but if you know how to get influencers to market a product, this could be a lucrative part of your social media marketing business strategy.

• Ideal startup cost: $200-$400
• Required skills: Social media expertise, content creation, analytics understanding
• Profit potential: $500-$5,000+ per month per client
• Scalability notes: Add multiple clients and offer comprehensive digital marketing packages.

6. Freelance writer or editor

If you have a knack for editing and/or writing, you can turn your expertise into a small business. With the proliferation of online content and social media marketing, there are many opportunities to get paid for writing and editing. It takes little money to get up and running, but you’ll have to prove your worth to clients. Showcasing your work in an online portfolio can help.

• Ideal startup cost: $100-$300
• Required skills: Excellent writing/editing abilities, SEO knowledge, client communication
• Profit potential: $0.10-$2.00+ per word or $25–$150+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Specialize in high-value niches like technical or marketing content.

7. Virtual assistant

Business owners need help with everyday tasks, from organizing record books to responding to customer emails. As a virtual receptionist, you’ll perform all these tasks from the comfort of your home, and you can take on multiple clients at once. All it takes is a computer and an internet connection to start a virtual assistant business.

• Ideal startup cost: $150-$400
• Required skills: Organization, communication, basic tech proficiency, time management
• Profit potential: $15-$75+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Specialize in specific industries or expand to team-based services.

8. Online seller or reseller

Whether you want to sell apparel, collectibles or something else, you can easily get up and running online on the cheap. Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Poshmark and Etsy let you sell your products for a cut of the sale, while e-commerce platforms charge a low monthly fee to hawk your products over the internet.

It doesn’t take too much money to purchase your initial inventory. You can buy bulk items online or at a local discount store, upcycle vintage or thrifted apparel, or tap into the inventory you already have at home. (All those old baseball cards may be worth something!) The idea is to sell the products for more than you purchase them, taking into account any marketplace or e-commerce platform fees.

• Ideal startup cost: $200-$500
• Required skills: Product research, customer service, basic marketing, inventory management
• Profit potential: 20-50 percent profit margins on products
• Scalability notes: Expand product lines and build brand recognition.

9. Home-based web designer

Web design is a thriving business since most companies need a website to succeed. You can design and update websites either by coding from scratch or using platforms like WordPress or other top website builders. The biggest investment here is time — but the more time you spend, the more money you stand to earn.

• Ideal startup cost: $200-$500
• Required skills: Web design software, coding knowledge, creative design sense
• Profit potential: $30-$150+ per hour or $500-$5,000+ per project
• Scalability notes: Add hosting services and ongoing maintenance contracts.

>> Read Next: How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Business

10. Home-based graphic designer

Create visual content for businesses, including logos, marketing materials and branding elements. With companies across all industries needing design work, freelance graphic designers are in high demand.

• Ideal startup cost: $300-$500
• Required skills: Design software proficiency, creative vision, client communication
• Profit potential: $25-$100+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Build brand identity packages and retainer relationships.

$500–$1,000

11. Dropshipper

Cash-strapped would-be business owners can start a dropshipping business. With this business model, you build an online storefront or use an e-commerce platform but don’t hold the inventory. The products are shipped directly from the manufacturer after a customer purchases from your online store. To get a virtual store up and running using this method, you only need to pay for the domain subscription and the fees associated with using an e-commerce or dropshipping program.

“The beauty of the dropshipping model is you don’t have to actually manufacture any products to get started,” said Meghan Stabler, chief marketing officer at ThriveCart. “Rather, you partner with a manufacturer that makes your products and ships them directly to your customers, freeing you up to focus on the fun part: the marketing and customer experience.”

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$1,000
• Required skills: E-commerce platform management, digital marketing, customer service
• Profit potential: $1,000-$100,000+ monthly revenue
• Scalability notes: Expand product catalog and optimize conversion rates.

12. Affiliate marketing content creator

If you’re interested in content creation, you can take advantage of the many affiliate marketing programs available. Leverage platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Instagram to earn commission by promoting products without directly selling them. This is a great business option for those who already have an established website or large social media following.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$800
• Required skills: Content creation, audience building, marketing strategy
• Profit potential: 1-10%+ commission on sales generated
• Scalability notes: Build multiple revenue streams and expand audience reach.

13. AI chatbot developer

If you’re a tech-savvy developer with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, use AI platforms like ChatGPT to create custom chatbots for businesses. You can offer chatbot solutions for customer service, marketing or automation tasks, with minimal costs for tools and hosting.

• Ideal startup cost: $600-$1,000
• Required skills: Programming, AI platform knowledge, business automation understanding
• Profit potential: $1,500-$10,000+ per project
• Scalability notes: Create standardized solutions and recurring maintenance contracts.

14. Airbnb host

If you have an extra bedroom or living unit, you can become an Airbnb host. The barrier to entry is low — it’s completely free to list your property and become a host. Of course, you’ll need to have the extra property or space to begin with and pay for the upkeep, but you’ll start making decent revenue once you’re regularly booking reservations. If you’re considering renting out your property, read our guide to becoming a full-time Airbnb entrepreneur.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$1,000
• Required skills: Hospitality, property management, customer service
• Profit potential: $50-$300+ per night
• Scalability notes: Expand to multiple properties or premium accommodations.

15. Consultant

Businesses need advice, but not all of them want to hire a full-time employee to get it. That’s where consultants come in. Use your background and expertise to find the areas where you would bring the most value to a company as an advisor. That may entail offering consulting services on marketing, accounting, engineering, cybersecurity, information technology or any other area you can find demand for that fits your expertise.

If you provide good counsel at a reasonable cost, your reputation will grow, allowing you to expand your business. To get up and running, you’ll need a website or social media presence and must be willing to network on platforms like LinkedIn.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$800
• Required skills: Deep industry expertise, communication, business analysis
• Profit potential: $75-$500+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Develop proprietary consultancy methodologies and build a team.

16. Virtual event planner

Event management from home has become a realistic path for creative entrepreneurs, thanks to the growth of virtual events, hybrid gatherings and advanced digital tools. You can coordinate corporate meetings, webinars, online conferences and hybrid events entirely from your home office using event management software and virtual meeting platforms.

The advantages include lower startup costs since there’s no need for office space, broader client reach through digital platforms, and the ability to serve both local and international markets. With tools like WordPress event management plugins and virtual meeting platforms, you can manage registrations, coordinate logistics and deliver professional client experiences.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$800
• Required skills: Organization, project management, client communication, technical proficiency with event software
• Profit potential: $30-$150+ per hour or $1,000-$10,000+ per event
• Scalability notes: Expand from solo events to coordinating large corporate conferences and building vendor networks.

17. Translator

If you’re fluent in another language, you can easily launch a translation service. There’s demand from the medical, legal, publishing and small business communities for people who can translate information into English and other languages. A freelance translation business won’t cost you much in startup expenses and can quickly expand as your customer base grows.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$700
• Required skills: Bilingual fluency, writing skills, cultural knowledge
• Profit potential: $0.10-$0.50+ per word or $25-$100+ per hour
• Scalability notes: Obtain specialty certifications and build a translation agency.

18. NFT art or digital asset creator

Although art creation was once reserved for painters, sculptors and photographers, the proliferation of digital technology has caused a new form of artwork to emerge. You can dive into the growing world of blockchain and create NFT art or digital collectibles. Tools like OpenSea and Rarible make it accessible to get started with minting and selling.

• Ideal startup cost: $600-$1,000
• Required skills: Digital art creation, blockchain understanding, community building
• Profit potential: $10-$10,000+ per piece
• Scalability notes: Build brand recognition and expand into utility NFTs.

19. Home-based daycare

Home daycare is great for those who enjoy caring for children, particularly parents already staying home. Check local and state regulations for required credentials and permits.

• Ideal startup cost: $500-$1,000
• Required skills: Childcare experience, patience, regulatory compliance knowledge
• Profit potential: $25-$60 per child per day
• Scalability notes: Add more children within regulatory limits or expand locations.

20. Digital marketing specialist

Create comprehensive digital marketing campaigns using search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising and content marketing. Small businesses desperately need these services but often lack the budget to employ large agencies, creating perfect opportunities for home-based specialists to offer affordable, personalized solutions.

• Ideal startup cost: $600-$1,000
• Required skills: SEO, PPC advertising, analytics, content strategy
• Profit potential: $50-$200+ per hour or $2,000-$10,000+ per month per client
• Scalability notes: Build a full-service marketing agency with specialized teams.

Why these low-cost business ideas work

These low-cost business ideas are strategic opportunities because they minimize financial risk while maximizing earning potential. These ideas typically leverage existing skills and resources, allowing entrepreneurs to test market demand without significant capital investment.

Several factors make these home-based ventures particularly valuable:

• Low barrier to entry: All require less than $1,000 to launch, making them accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs with limited funds.
  
• Scalability potential: Many can grow from side hustles to full-time ventures without additional overhead.
• Market demand: All address real business needs, from content creation to professional services.
  
• Technology advantages: Digital tools and platforms make it easier than ever to reach customers globally.
  

Additionally, these business ideas allow entrepreneurs to:

• Test business concepts with minimal risk.
• Build valuable skills and networks.
• Generate income while maintaining other commitments.
  
• Pivot quickly based on market feedback.

Cost comparison table

See how these low-startup-cost business ideas compare.

What to know before starting a business

Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? There are a few things you should do and understand before starting a business.

Business idea viability: Ensure you have a sound business idea. That doesn’t mean you need a 20-page business plan or marketing plan, but you should have a passion for or interest in the enterprise you’re starting.

Industry research: Track industry trends and research the market, the potential for growth and the initial investment needed. If you want to launch some kind of online business, Stabler said, you need to find a niche or need in the market and start there. If you try to ride a trend, you’ll face a crowded market, and demand for the product or service could quickly fizzle. It’s also essential to understand your customers’ shopping habits and what makes them want your products or services over a competitor’s.

The four P’s: Stabler said business owners should know their “four P’s”: price, product, placement and promotion. Keep these in mind before and during your route to entrepreneurship. You’ll want to know exactly where your business will stand when it comes to each component so you can execute accordingly.

Industry language: The business world comes with its own set of vocabulary, as do individual sectors. Understanding the jargon and tools you’re likely to encounter is essential.

“The tools and technology available today make it really easy to get a new business up and running quickly and affordably, even with as little as a few hundred dollars,” said Stabler.

That said, she added, “It’s important to remember that starting a business with little cash does not also mean you jump in recklessly. Every entrepreneur should take a measured approach to selling and invest the time upfront to understand their market and their consumer.”

Planning and scaling tips

Successfully launching and growing a low-cost home business requires strategic planning and systematic execution. Here’s a comprehensive approach for starting and scaling your enterprise.

Essential startup checklist

☐ Validate your business concept with potential customers.
☐ Research competitors and pricing strategies.
☐ Set up basic business infrastructure (bank account, basic website, etc).
☐ Establish simple financial tracking systems.
☐ Create initial marketing materials.
☐ Develop standard operating procedures.
☐ Set clear short-term and long-term goals.

Scaling from low-cost start to larger operation

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-6)

• Focus on delivering excellent service to initial clients.
• Collect customer feedback and refine offerings.
• Build basic systems for efficiency.
• Maintain detailed financial records.

Phase 2: Growth (Months 6-18)

• Standardize successful processes.
• Consider hiring virtual contractors for overflow work.
• Expand marketing efforts based on proven channels.
• Develop recurring revenue streams.

Phase 3: Scale (18+ months)

• Build team capacity while maintaining quality.
• Invest in technology and automation tools.
• Explore new market segments or service areas.
• Consider formal business structure changes.

Key scaling strategies include:

• Focusing on recurring revenue models.
• Building systems that work without your direct involvement.
• Investing profits back into marketing and capability building.
• Maintaining strong customer relationships as a foundation for growth.

>> Read Next: 25 Home Office Products to Level Up Your Workspace

Skye Schooley contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.