25 Business Ideas Under $1K
Graphic Designer
Work from home and start your own online business. Invest in the proper training, equipment, and software. If you are a new designer perfect one area first (e.g., logos, websites, etc.) and then branch out into other areas. Build an online portfolio and résumé to showcase your work.
Freelance PowerPoint Designer
Experienced PowerPoint designers can earn $50–$75/hr if they are proficient in business presentations, writing, and Microsoft Office. Many PowerPoint designers who work on marketing pitches and proposals charge upward of $150/hour.
Accountant
You don’t have to open a full-fledged accounting firm to start an accounting-related business. Many startup accountants begin at home or a small inexpensive office to make clients feel more comfortable. If you prefer an office space but can’t afford the monthly rent, check out coworking spaces such as those provided by WeWork to use as needed. Purchase the necessary accounting software and obtain the proper business licenses.
Business Consultant
Get paid for your knowledge. Use your knowledge of starting a business, running it successfully to help others.
Home-Based Catering
Work from home and begin accepting small catering jobs that fall within your niche. If you’re a baker, bake, a candy maker, make candy. Have a focus on breakfast or lunch orders? Then start by selling twenty to thirty boxes per day to schools, nursing homes, etc. Find a food focus and as you grow and are able to get more equipment and storage space, you can expand.
Boutique
Invest your time in shopping. Visit flea markets, vintage shops, thrift stores and find unique pieces other customers will pay top dollar for. Turn your basement (or spare bedroom) into a boutique.
Courier Services
Make a profit on wheels. Pick up and deliver pets, documents, and packages. Independent couriers can provide local same-day delivery services that are in high demand, especially during holiday season.
Nail Tech
Offer nail services on location and you won’t have to invest in a full space. You can even charge a little more for coming to their location.
Real Estate
Get your real estate license and find a firm to work with, or if you have a strong clientele then start your own real estate firm at home.
IT Support
Moving Business
Outside of having a reliable van or truck, your moving business doesn’t require large startup capital. You will need a few basic items to help manage your moves: dollies, pads, plastic wrap, etc., but the hardest part of the business will be using your muscles all day, every day.
Natural Childbirth Educator
Enjoy the birthing experience and have a positive attitude? Being a childbirth educator could be rewarding for you. Get trained and host workshops to get individual clients from there.
Personal Chef
You don’t have to open a full restaurant to indulge your passion for cooking. Work directly for celebrities and other well-off clientele or start catering local community events. Either way, grab your chef’s jacket, hat, and knife set and get chopping. Set up a small website to attract clients.
Reviewer
Pick an area and review the bleep out of it. Nowadays you can review anything and get paid for it, including video games, products, and books on Amazon.
Professional Organizer
Oh, the services people will pay for! Organizing is definitely one of them. Customers will pay professional organizers to organize their closets, homes, and offices. If you’re good at decluttering and making spaces look neat then this is the business for you.
Interior Designer
Great at designing rooms? Well-established interior designers make over six figures.
Event Planner
There are plenty of events that need to be planned aide from weddings, including birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate retreats, (semi)annual conferences and other special business meetings, etc.
Handyperson
If you are handy with home DIY projects then starting a handyman business is perfect for you. Invest in some tools, print up some flyers and cards, and you’re on your way.
Jewelry Maker
Set up an online website or sell through Etsy, eBay, and/or local vendors. Purchase enough supplies to have inventory on demand.
Music Lessons
Get paid to do what you love and you will never work again. Teaching music is not only educational but a rewarding experience. You can teach from home, go into schools, or do group music lessons at community centers.
Desktop Publisher
Create page layouts for magazines, newspapers, books, etc.
Online Researcher
Customers are constantly doing research on Google. Sometimes we have time, sometimes we don’t. Clients will pay for relevant information they are seeking: pertinent research information concerning their business or personal life.
Accounts Payable Specialist
Turn your job into a business! If you’re working as an AP specialist or coordinator, other companies will hire you to do this part-time and work remotely.
Wellness Coach
Service others to get well.
Vegan Consultant
Consult people wanting to become a vegan on how to do it and with a budget.
Related Article: How to Secure Paying Clients