51 Best Small Scale Business Ideas of 2024 (Low Investment, High Profits)

Updated Aug 5, 2023.

Are you looking for small-scale business ideas to start? In this article, we’ll review 50 small-scale business ideas that require low investments to generate high profits.

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Our economy depends heavily on small enterprises. Many small business owners have the opportunity to work for themselves, contribute to the economy, and make something special and significant. It is up to us to find the best business opportunity in the world we are living in.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Are Major Drivers of Global Economic Growth - Oberlo
Source: Oberlo

81% of small business owners feel happier, and 60 percent say they are healthier than when employed by an employer.

Although you may have considered establishing your own small business, it can be difficult to determine the best small-scale business ideas that would yield a high profit while requiring a low investment.

If you want to launch your own small business, this article reviews the 50 best small-scale business ideas of 2022 that can be launched with little or no capital.

What is a Small Scale Business?

A small-scale business is generally defined as a company with few employees and a modest annual sales volume (estimates vary, but most sources put the employee count for a small business at less than 500). There are even small-scale industries that are well-defined.

Small Business Definition by Government Agency
Source: Patriot

It is typically privately owned, with the proprietor taking home most of the profits. These companies frequently cater to a small population and have low personnel turnover.

Even though every business has some initial requirements, you can start a fantastic small business quickly with little money or at no cost at all.

Small businesses begin with a great business idea, but you need to have the ability to put the strategy into place.

Most entrepreneurs become overwhelmed during the implementation stage, and others abandon it before it begins. Starting is simpler than you might imagine, provided you put some effort into it.

Best Small Scale Business Ideas in 2022

1. Start a Blog

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Less than 24 hours 
Effort to Start:
Medium effort 
Time to Revenue:
3 – 6 months
Initial Investment:
Free – $100

One of the simplest, most accessible methods to start your own business and make money online is amateur blogging.

Regardless of your age, region, or degree of experience, starting a blog can help you develop a successful business online. There are many inspiring blog examples on the Internet. Now is the time to start.

You don't need to blog full-time; even occasional bloggers can make six figures a year through their sites.

Starting a blog and paying for your first year's necessities can cost between $34.50 and $65.40, depending on your objectives and the type of site you want to create (web hosting will be your primary expense).

Highest Earning Blog Niches
Source: RankIQ

2. Start a Dropshipping Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
One week
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks on average
Initial Investment:
Free – $500
The Dropship Model
Source: Oberlo

One of the best small-scale business ideas is dropshipping, and it is simple and inexpensive to launch. Dropshipping entails having a third-party supplier deliver products to customers on your behalf.

Due to its minimal overhead, low involvement, and scalability, it is among the easiest small-scale businesses to launch.

You only need to make the sales and forward orders to your supplier; you don't need to handle any products directly.

You can work with local and international suppliers, provided you can build a relationship based on trust.

3. Become an Online Tutor

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Less than 24 hours
Effort to Start:
Low effort 
Time to Revenue:
5 days – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$100

Online classes are a perfect business idea and are far more convenient than traditional teaching methods; it is a very lucrative business.

It is not surprising that online tutoring has become so effective and well-liked due to the use and accessibility of internet services and technological improvements.

Thanks to the advancement of technology and widespread internet use, the online tutoring industry is growing swiftly. Parents and children benefit from online learning opportunities to reach their full potential.

Online tutors assist students of all ages in mastering academic topics while working from the convenience of their own homes.

4. Create an Online Course

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Varies widely; it depends on the scope of the course
Effort to Start:
Very high effort
Time to Revenue:
5 days – 4 weeks from launch date
Initial Investment:
$200 – $10,000

Creating an online course is a great small-scale business idea and an excellent passive income generator. Create it once, launch it, and it costs almost nothing to deliver to each new customer.

With the current need to adapt quickly and learn new skills fast in today's rapidly changing marketplace, there's a massive demand for online courses. This is why online course marketplaces like Skillshare and Udemy have been increasing in popularity.

5. Launch An Online Clothing Store

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
One week
Effort to Start:
Medium effort 
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Opening your own online clothes business is a wonderful small business idea. Even though finding suppliers can take some time, getting started is nonetheless not overly difficult.

There are a lot of online stores, so if your clothing brand follows the same pattern as everyone else's, you can get overlooked in the crowd.

Consider the types of clothes you buy, the products you'd want to see on the market, and the kinds of goods you'd be comfortable sharing with colleagues or friends.

6. Become A Career Coach

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
One week
Effort to Start:
High effort 
Time to Revenue:
Up to 6 months
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Career coaching is a customized method of getting advice and direction while choosing a job. As a career coach, you give clients tips so they can choose their next course of action with assurance.

A background that will give your customers confidence is necessary even though no experience is needed to become a career coach. There will always be a demand for career coaches. It is widespread and growing.

The biggest investment required to launch your career counseling business is accreditation through an accredited program. You'll also need to invest in marketing and networking because you'll need to establish a community presence to start bringing in customers.

7. Become A Proofreader

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
One week
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $200

A proofreader edits for spelling, punctuation, and errors while reviewing the written word in all of its forms for clients. To run a proofreading business, you need to be extremely proficient in language usage, spelling, and grammar.

The start-up costs will be extremely affordable, which is wonderful news. All you require is an office space, which can be your home, coffee shop, or a public library. Having a computer and access to WiFi is also required.

For your work, you'll bill your commercial or private customers.

8. Start As A Virtual Assistant

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2+ weeks
Time to Revenue:
3 – 7 weeks
Time to Revenue:
3 – 7 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $1000

Virtual assisting is one of the best small-scale business ideas you can start.

A virtual assistant helps enterprises, consultants, or small business owners with administrative, technical, or creative needs. You will often conduct your business online while working from home as a virtual assistant.

There is only a need for your computer; no need to invest in pricey machinery or sophisticated software.

9. Become a Social Media Manager

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
A few hours
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $200

Social media managers are becoming increasingly necessary as brands worldwide continue to use social media to connect with their target audience.

Social media managers usually make a good living worldwide; it is a very lucrative business to venture into. Your location and expertise level will determine how much money you can make.

You need to be proficient with the ins and outs of the many social media platforms and acquire the abilities required to carry out the obligations of a social media manager.

Social Media Manager Checklist
Source: DollarSprout

10. Become a Freelance Writer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Instant
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free

A freelance writer is a skilled writer who works as a contractor rather than as a full-time employee at a company. Freelancers provide writing services to many clients and frequently operate in various genres, writing on any subject that a client requests.

If you like researching and writing, think about beginning this little business.

Numerous websites and social media platforms, such as Fiverr and Upwork, will help you to find freelance writing jobs and get paid for them.

11. Start A Resume Writing Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Less than 24 hours
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free

If you know how to create stunning CVs or are willing to learn, then you just might have what it takes to start one of the best small-scale business ideas out there.

Many seek the assistance of seasoned writers who can create a polished summary because they find it difficult to construct their CV.

Creating expert summaries for customers is the responsibility of a CV writer. Working directly with a person who needs a professional resume prepared would be your responsibility in this job.

The customer would provide information regarding their job qualifications, work experience, talents, and areas of expertise. You would take that data and create an interesting document that catches the reader's attention.

12. Become A Transcriber

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Under a week
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free

Do you have any transcription experience? Or maybe you're starting to take an interest in transcription. If so, you might want to look into transcription as one of the best small-scale business ideas to start.

Transcribers turn audio and video recordings into text files. Most significantly, one can do it from anywhere now.

You must possess the required skills to operate as a transcriptionist, being a good typist. You only need a laptop and a set of earbuds to get started.

Many sites that pay well for transcription seek typists who can produce precise, top-notch work.

13. Become a Graphic Designer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
A few hours
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $1000

Graphic designers tell stories visually. They combine words, visuals, and images to provide information and captivate people. They produce everything, including logos, animations, product packaging, and posters.

Before becoming a graphic designer, you must have a firm grasp of graphic design basics. It takes time, extensive planning, and a working knowledge of design principles and philosophy to create a well-made design.

A career in graphic design can be started by studying its concepts, registering for the course, using graphic design software, working on projects, and developing a portfolio.

Types of Design Careers
Source: Lara Lee

14. Become A Web Designer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Under a week
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free $1000

Web design often makes it to the top of small-scale business ideas lists because it offers massive upside potential with minimal investment.

To succeed as a web designer, you must possess the technical know-how required for website development and the aesthetic talent and design sense required to produce an engaging user experience. Plus, remember to create a solid presentation of your skills. Try to make it a memorable web design portfolio.

There are so many amazing resources, ideas, and tricks online to help you start your path in building your own website.

Most web designers currently employed in the field are at least familiar with a basic programming language. It might be useful to have at least two.

You'll need some programming knowledge related to web design to succeed in building websites for people or building your own website.

Possible Career Trajectory
Source: GetSmarter

15. Become a Music Tutor

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Under a week
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Many people's fascination with music extends beyond merely listening to it. Many who enjoy listening to it are eager to pick up an instrument. This is why becoming a music tutor is an excellent small-scale business idea for musicians looking to earn on the side.

Private coaching has a variety of advantages. You can set your own hours. A music lesson business can be launched with little investment.

The most expensive startup expense is sometimes the requirement for most business owners to possess their own instrument. It is a wise choice if teaching is what you enjoy doing and what you genuinely want to accomplish.

16. Start An Appliance Repair Service

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $200

If you love fixing thing things, then starting an appliance repair company is an exciting small-scale business idea. You're starting your own business and becoming your own boss doing what you love.

Practical work experience and on-the-job training are crucial when launching an appliance repair business.

You must first know the actions to follow to position yourself for success.

Common household equipment like microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and cooktops can all be installed, repaired, maintained, and removed with the assistance of an appliance repair company.

17. Offer Catering Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Up to three months
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
3 – 4 months
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

A catering business is a smart low investment business because it has lower start-up costs than operating a restaurant, allows for gradual growth, and has nearly unlimited possibilities for expansion.

Perhaps you're a great cook, enjoy hosting events, or are interested in event planning and want to start by providing food.

Catering doesn't usually entail serving a buffet or lunch to 200 business people at a corporate event or 100 guests at a wedding anniversary party. Start small by hosting 50-person parties, 12-person dinners, or a dessert and coffee bar for after-theatre entertainment.

18. Become A Social Media Marketer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
5 days – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $100

Marketing a company's goods and services on social media falls to social media marketers.

They develop and implement a social media marketing plan that engages their target audience to guarantee that their social media presence provides the business with a consistent flow of customers.

Given that the work is primarily done online, anyone with the necessary knowledge and abilities can work remotely as a social media marketer.

It's one of the career opportunities with the fastest growth due to the rise in businesses expanding their online presence.

Social Media Marketing fundamentals
Source: WordStream

19. Start a Mini-importation Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks 
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Mini-importation is a small-scale version of the standard importation business. You import products in bulk and sell them profitably in another country.

There are many product categories to explore, including electronics, apparel, and furniture. However, you can start small and work your way up, especially as someone with very limited capital.

You can conduct all of your operations online for mini importation.

All you require to launch a small importation business is easily accessible.

Simply place an order from a reliable website, pay for it, enter your delivery address, receive your things, market them, and earn money from sales.

20. Start a Recruitment Agency

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Three months
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
3 – 4 months
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

A recruitment agency helps people obtain employment at private businesses. They also assist organizations in finding qualified candidates to fill open positions within their organizations.

Be explicit about the type of recruiting you to want to concentrate on, like executive recruiting for the banking sector. Ensure that you have a passion for the market and something to offer (like a network of connections or understanding of the sector).

A sound business plan, experience in recruitment procedures, understanding of licensing, hiring, and tax rules, and a marketing plan for attracting clients are all required for a successful start-up of a recruiting agency.

21. Offer Dog Breeding Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
Up to two months 
Initial Investment:
$1000 – $2000

Starting a dog breeding service may seem natural to dog enthusiasts and pet owners.

Because you will be spending much time together, this type of business demands someone who loves and appreciates dogs.

There are many difficulties in starting a dog breeding company, including issues with the animals' health, difficulties during childbirth, and ongoing cleaning requirements. But it can also be very satisfying for dog lovers.

22. Start a Cleaning Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $800

A cleaning business typically has lower startup expenses than other businesses, making it one of the few ventures you can launch rapidly with little capital if you're ready to put in the effort for small profits and gradual gains.

Except for a few specialized cleaning agents and tools, most cleaning tasks need the same supplies as your housework. Normal house and office cleaning don't require formal education or credentials, but it doesn't make the work simple.

A cleaning service may be a successful and fulfilling business for those with a strong work ethic and a friendly attitude.

23. Sell On Demand Greeting Cards, Posters

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
One week
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
Less than 24 hours 
Initial Investment:
$300 – $600

Many people still appreciate receiving greeting cards on special occasions like birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, and holidays even if people now send personalized greeting cards online.

So, starting a greeting card business is an excellent small business idea.

You can produce your work into items like posters, framed wall art, or even greeting cards. Make sure you have permission to publish the material or use publicly available materials that you may easily monetize.

If you're artistic or knowgood with a camera, you can use the print-on-demand business model to dropship so that others can possess a piece of your artwork.

24. Launch a Jewelry-Making Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Less than a week
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Launching your own jewelry company can be challenging but also immensely rewarding. A jewelry business can be a good way to make some extra money or even a full-time living, regardless of whether you're interested in creating your pieces, working with a manufacturer to produce your designs, or selling pre-made products.

Although the jewelry market could seem competitive, you can position yourself for success by developing a solid business plan, identifying and targeting a particular client, and developing a distinctive brand for your merchandise.

Make sure your jewelry company's name is distinctive and memorable because it can be the first thing potential clients hear.

25. Start a Perfume Production Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Two months
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 3 months
Initial Investment:
$1000 – $2000

Starting a perfume business, which combines artistic self-expression and business acumen, can yield a very high profit margin. It is not necessary to possess in-depth knowledge of chemistry and science.

All that is required is the desire to experiment with different scented essential oils, the capacity to look up local businesses to supply, and the readiness to build resale contacts or devote the necessary time and energy to a sales website.

If you want to do it professionally, you should be prepared to invest between $8000 and $10,000 on average to start a perfume brand with at least 200 branded, packaged, filled, and capped bottles.

26. Become a Photographer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

If you put in the effort, starting your own photography business is an excellent way to add a second or primary source of income. Despite the fierce competition in the photography market, many business owners have secured a stable livelihood.

To succeed in photography, as in most creative undertakings, you must balance your love of the art and practical business knowledge.

Since high-quality photographic equipment is extremely pricey, you should start with the bare necessities: If your business isn't profitable, spending $5,000 on a lens won't make sense.

We advise building gradually and smartly to keep you agile. Allow your company's organic development to pay for equipment upgrades and, if feasible, avoid debt.

One excellent way to make passive income as a photographer is to upload your images to stock photography sites such as 500px and Alamy.

27. Make Ice Cream

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Low initial cash is required to launch a small-scale ice cream manufacturing operation. Demand for ice cream is steadily increasing. Ice cream sales generate revenue for the vendors.

Since there is a huge market for ice cream and your store is well-located, you will generate revenue.

The cost of opening an ice cream factory will depend on the intended level of output. Ice cream can be made on a large or small scale for mass manufacturing, as well as on a smaller size exclusively for homes.

Ice cream is a seasonal business, which is another important point to note.

28. Open A Hair Salon

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$1000 – $3000 

Once you've decided on the kind of salon you want to open, you'll need to make arrangements for your funds. Depending on your size and location, the cost of a hair salon might vary greatly.

For instance, although a large salon in a prime location can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, a home-based salon might just cost a few thousand.

If you want to start a salon without any personal business finances, you'll need to find some financing so that you can at least pay for your supplies.

For instance, those looking for basic hair services in a convenient location might not have as many budget options in your area as those looking for trendy or fancy services. So opening a salon that serves harried mothers or career workers could be successful.

29. Trade Stocks Online

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Instant if you have the startup capital
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
1 – 2 weeks
Initial Investment:
$1000 – unlimited

Open a stock trading account by finding a trustworthy online broker. Keeping a professional trading account separate is a good idea. Learn how to use your account interface and benefit from free trading tools and market research. Many brokers provide virtual trading.

Trading individual stocks entail greater risk and effort than making investments or index funds. You must closely monitor your positions and know if and how to respond to market movements.

Learn as much about trading as possible and the markets before making any trades. Errors can be expensive. Many free educational tools demonstrate how to use an online broker for trading.

30. Start Affiliate Marketing

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
Less than 24 hours
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
1 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $200

In affiliate marketing, creators get paid for referring clients' goods or services to their friends or readers.

If you've ever purchased something online based on an influencer's recommendation, you've encountered an affiliate marketing company.

Online creators frequently form alliances with companies to market their goods and services. They earn a commission for each sale in return.

The affiliate marketing sector is expanding. In the US alone, affiliate marketing spending is anticipated to reach $8.2 billion in 2022, according to Statista.

But for many new affiliate marketers, the issue is the up-front expenses.

The potential earnings are quite unpredictable and realistically range from nothing to millions.

31. Start a Smoothie-Making Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
1 – 2 weeks 
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
1 – 2 weeks 
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Starting a smoothie-making business from home is a great option if you don't feel prepared to face the risks of investing significant amounts of money and signing a commercial lease.

You can get to a place where you feel secure enough to invest in an actual storefront or commercial kitchen.

Make sure you have a few recipes your closest friends have tried and liked before you begin selling juice. You must make sure that your recipes are profitable as well as tasty.

Only a few essential ingredients are required for a successful smoothie business; you can expand from there.

32. Become a Make-up Artist

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

One of its best features is a makeup artist business with a relatively minimal startup cost. This is because you will not have to pay the expensive overhead and utilities of an office lease if you are prepared to visit clients' homes or businesses or let them stay in your home.

A makeup artist mostly earns money by establishing flat rates for various cosmetics services. Selling makeup and makeup accessories is another way you can generate income.

Although customers of all gender and ages may be interested in your services, young women between the ages of fifteen and thirty will make up most of your clientele.

Because makeup artists provide a wide range of services, there is a wide range in the prices you can charge clients.

Once you have your first batch of makeup and supplies, the only major recurring costs you'll have are advertising, extra makeup and supplies, and the cost of petrol for any travel you do.

33. Offer Laundry Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$1000 – $2000

For the majority of individuals, doing laundry is a necessity. A laundry service will always be necessary if people need clean garments.

Because of this, starting a business in the laundry sector is a fantastic choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Most laundries are found in locations with a high density of apartment complexes or where residents may not possess their washing machines.

You may decide to start a laundry where clients can come in and use your machines, or you could offer wash and arrange services where clients can drop off their laundry and pick it up after it's finished.

Anyone can make money doing it because it is an extremely low-risk and profitable business idea. Full-time or part-time, you can launch and expand a profitable washing business on a tight budget.

34. Start a Gift Basket Packaging Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 days
Effort to Start:
Low effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 5 days
Initial Investment:
$200 – $1000

Finding a market niche, selecting a sales channel, registering your company, designing your baskets, and creating a strong marketing strategy are all necessary steps in starting a gift basket business.

You can start a gift basket business from home or a retail shop with as little as a few thousand dollars and loads of creativity.

Establishing a specialization for your business might help it stand out from the competitors. That said, bear in mind that if you choose to specialize by time of year, you’ll have a seasonal business experience dry spells quite regularly.

If you provide packing services from your house, costs will be greatly lowered.

35. Become an SEO Consultant

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
1 – 2 months 
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
1 – 3 months
Initial Investment:
Free – $500

It's thrilling and intimidating to launch a new business of any type. The SEO business involves helping business owners rank their websites well on search engines and is quite simple to launch because it requires little overhead costs or startup money.

Providing SEO services is an effective technique to assist individuals in expanding their enterprises.

Consistent action is necessary to deliver SEO results, and by offering your clients continuous monthly SEO services, you will probably make a good profit.

Your toolkit will be one of your monthly expenses if you run an SEO business. Fortunately, you may begin modestly by making only a few hundred dollars a month in investments. Your toolkit might grow as your team and business grow.

In all, SEO consulting is a very good business idea and is one of the best small-scale business ideas you can start as a beginner.

36. Offer House Painting Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $600

Have you considered starting a home painting company? That's wonderful news! Starting a painting company can be a very fruitful endeavor.

Generally speaking, it is not too expensive or burdensome to start a painting business. It shouldn't cost more than $2,000 to launch a painting business.

Customers are billed based on the scope of the work, the difficulty level, the equipment needed, and the skill set necessary.

You don't think you'll be able to paint a full house alone, do you? Once your company is operational, you must decide whether to hire staff members or use independent contractors.

37. Start A Business Marketing Agency

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Launching a marketing agency could be a wonderful choice if you have experience in the marketing industry or want to start a business that enables you to think creatively and offer solutions for a wide range of clients.

You should earn experience. You'd have difficulty advising your clients as the CEO of a marketing agency with little to no marketing experience.

There are numerous approaches to doing this, each having pros and cons. You may invest more money in marketing and promotion, start a referral program, or open up new locations, as just a few examples.

38. Offer Ushering Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

You must be charismatic, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be composed to start a career in usher services. One must possess the capacity to maintain composure in stressful situations and be an effective manager and leader of others.

With a small amount of money, anyone can launch an ushering business, grow it quickly, and become an employer of labor and their boss.

39. Offer Child Care Services

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Although starting a daycare can be stressful, it can also be quite rewarding. Many proprietors of child care businesses enjoy the moment even if there is no manual for success. So there are many good reasons to start a daycare, whether it's your love of children or your desire to help parents in your neighborhood.

Starting a care facility from your house is possible and can even be less expensive. This is due to the variety of local, state, and federal choices that offer subsidies and money to in-home daycare facilities.

40. Start A Food Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

People who enjoy cooking or hold positions in the food industry frequently ask how to launch a food business from home. Although satisfying and lucrative, the sector is heavily regulated, so be mindful of it.

While occasionally selling cupcakes to party hosts may be acceptable, anything more significant must strictly abide by all applicable laws.

After selecting the product and learning the applicable legislation, you must determine whether you have the necessary space and tools to operate the business from home. If not, you must factor in the expense of purchasing or leasing a store in your business plan.

The food production area probably needs a kitchen and other tools to produce what you intend to sell.

41. Start a Poultry Farm

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
3 – 4 months
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
3 – 9 months
Initial Investment:
$2000 – $4000

Basic training is the first thing to do when establishing a chicken farm. You should only start and operate a chicken farm after learning best practices from a reputable agricultural institution.

Owners of poultry farms raise a variety of birds. Initially concentrating on two to three birds, your small chicken farm may eventually add more birds as the business expands.

Consider where the best location would be to put up your poultry farm. The site must have all the required amenities. To get cheaper access to land and labor, attempt to establish your chicken farm business a bit outside of town.

42. Enter the Transportation Business

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

A transportation company is classed according to the kind of client it serves or the kind of regular service it offers.

First, decide who and what you will serve as you launch your transportation company. You'll have to decide on a specialty. There are various transport firms, as was already said, and you might just need to choose one to be successful.

The amount of money spent will depend on the kind of business market you choose. One-vehicle taxi service is almost certainly significantly less expensive to operate than a full-fledged logistical fleet.

43. Sell Handmade And Homemade Products

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 weeks 
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 3 weeks
Initial Investment:
$500 – $1000

Making handmade products like candles, soap, sauces, or pottery is one of the best small business ideas because you have complete control over product creation and sourcing.

Until you start making regular sales, you can start simply with a small batch or on an order-by-order basis.

Supplying local businesses is also a good way to push your product into the market.

44. Create A Community You Can Monetize

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
3 – 6 months
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
Up to 6 months 
Initial Investment:
Free – $1000

Another good business idea is creating communities you can monetize.

A valuable skill in today's interconnected world is the capacity to draw and hold others' attention. Many companies are prepared to pay for it, and many producers can turn it into a multi-streamed business.

You have several options for making money from your audience, whether you decide to build a following on YouTube, Instagram, or a blog.

45. Become A Social Media Consultant

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
$200 – $500

Social media consulting is a good business idea if you have solid social media chops.

Social media consultants aim to maximize a company's online visibility. These strategic professionals guide businesses and clients in locating improvement opportunities and redirecting them toward marketing success.

Brands require assistance managing their accounts across all the accessible social networks, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, and others.

The creation and analysis of content for brands' social media accounts is the responsibility of a social media manager. Customers will pay you to write appealing copy, respond to comments, run advertisements, and more. Depending on the project, you could bill per hour.

46. Become A Personal Trainer

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
3 – 6 months
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
3 – 7 months
Initial Investment:
$2000 – $3000

No small business ideas list would be complete without mentioning becoming a personal fitness trainer, and that’s because of the high demand for them.

People now receive fitness advice from personal trainers wherever they are, provided they have access to high-speed internet and a suitable workout environment. This makes it one of the best location-independent small-scale business ideas out there.

Online teaching offers enormous opportunities, but it will require time to build a customer base to market a fitness business and attract customers.

Expect it to take about three to six months, at the very least, to develop a personal training business as a source of income. You must invest in exercise equipment if you choose to market to clients in their homes or provide workouts in a setting like a park.

Start-up costs for a fitness firm are considerable.

47. Become A Dance Instructor

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Free – $500

If you know how to dance, you can make a lot of money teaching others how to dance, regardless of the style.

If there is room, start a dance studio in your house. If not, coordinate your dancing lessons with an appropriate partner or partners who do have the space, such as a community center, music store, fitness center, or community college. Of course, you may lease a studio or instruct pupils in their own homes.

But both men and women would be excellent in this business. You must start the dance academy business with the right planning to achieve long-term success.

48. Venture Into Videography

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
Medium effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Up to $2000

It might come naturally to you to transition your videography passion into a full-time business if you are usually the first to pull out the camera or phone when loved ones get together for important occasions.

A video camera shouldn't be out of your price range, depending on how much you're willing to spend. You might not realize it, but people constantly require videographers. Make sure you network with the appropriate individuals who will each connect you to the appropriate clients.

49. Open An Ecommerce Store

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks 
Initial Investment:
$1000 – $3000

Any company that buys and sells products or services online is engaged in e-commerce.

Knowing what goods you want to sell directly to consumers is the first step in creating a profitable online store.

Choosing sales channels where potential clients have already purchased is among the most effective strategies to attract them. Your products and target market will determine the best combination of sales channels.

While it’s not necessary when starting out, you’ll want to register your own business as a legal entity to limit your liability.

50. Start A Travel Agency

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Up to $2000

A travel agency helps individuals plan and arrange their travel and tourism needs. If you are beginning a travel agency, you will likely work independently. Your earnings will come from customer fees and commissions from travel service providers, including airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies.

You have to come to terms with the fact that you can't compete with the large players to manage a profitable travel business. Instead, carve up your demand for an occasional travel or vacation experience in your area.

51. Become a Tour Guide

Editor’s Take
Start-up Time:
2 – 4 weeks
Effort to Start:
High effort
Time to Revenue:
2 – 4 weeks
Initial Investment:
Up to $2000

Starting a tour company is similar to starting anything else worthwhile in life in that you will receive out of it what you put in it. So it's essential to take the project as a whole from a long-term perspective.

Launching out is difficult and won't get any simpler with time. Make sure you are committed to invest days, months, and years to expand this business before you even begin.

Checking the regulations with your local tour operator should be your priority. Your tour guide firm will need less initial funding than many startups.

Small Business Ideas FAQ

What are the best online small-scale business ideas?

The best small-scale business ideas are blogging, affiliate marketing, freelancing, social media marketing, web design, digital goods, and teaching online courses.

What are the best small-scale business ideas for women?

We recommend creating an online fashion boutique, beauty business, consulting, or offering child care services. Also, there are many side business ideas for women, such as creating a community you can monetize or selling handcrafted things. Just be passionate about your idea.

What are the best small-scale business ideas for students?

Some of the best small-scale business ideas for students are ushering service, freelance writing, graphics design, and online trading. Gift basket packaging, podcasting business, and makeup artistry are also good business ideas.

What are the best small-scale business ideas for absolute beginners?

The best small-scale business ideas for absolute beginners are online cooking classes, ice-cream stands, pet sitting, home food delivery, virtual assistant, dog walking, and hair care services, among others. 

Start Your Profitable Small Business Idea Without Investing Millions

Entrepreneurs have the freedom to create money anywhere on the globe by implementing a new business idea. The concept is alluring and more feasible than ever, but many aspiring business owners are unsure where to begin. The first step to launching a successful business of any kind is identifying great business ideas that utilize your talents and skill set.

The best small-scale business ideas for absolute beginners are as follows:

  • Start a blog
  • Start a dropshipping business
  • Become an online tutor
  • Create an online course
  • Launch an online clothing store

To learn more about business ideas and making money online, check out the following articles:

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Anastasia Belyh

Editor at FounderJar

Anastasia has been a professional blogger and researcher since 2014. She loves to perform in-depth software reviews to help software buyers make informed decisions when choosing project management software, CRM tools, website builders, and everything around growing a startup business.

Anastasia worked in management consulting and tech startups, so she has lots of experience in helping professionals choosing the right business software.