Top 26 Low-Investment Business Ideas Worth Trying 2025

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Tony Pham Aug 04 2025

Today’s business landscape offers countless opportunities that are not limited by large capital or traditional stores. If you are looking for a simple but potentially profitable model, NextSky is list of 25 low-investment business ideas below will be the ideal starting point for your entrepreneurial journey.

What makes a good small business idea?

To build a successful small business idea, you need to make sure your model meets the following effective factors:

Competitive Advantage: Will you conquer the market by creating something new or improving existing values? By understanding the market and competitors, you will realize where there are gaps to step in and make a difference.
Market Needs: To generate breakthrough ideas, you must start by keeping abreast of market needs. Tracking trends, analyzing data, and listening to customer feedback will help you discover more effective opportunities to improve your service.
Easy to start: Simple, low-cost, low-process models like dropshipping or online services are often ideal for beginners. Because they help you get started quickly without having to invest too much in the beginning.
Long-term sustainability: Today’s consumers are more concerned about social and environmental responsibility. A transparent, kind, and friendly business to the planet will attract customers and build trust over time.
Scalability: Before you start, you should consider whether the model is scalable, whether you can reach more customers, and scale without significant cost or geographic barriers.

Learn more:

Top 26 Best Online Business Ideas Worth Trying Today

30+ Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit to Start Now

Online business ideas

The digital landscape offers countless opportunities to start a business from anywhere with minimal investment. These ideas leverage e-commerce, social media, and digital tools to reach a global audience.

1. Dropshipping store owner

Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory, as suppliers handle production and shipping. You can tap into global markets with a website and a solid marketing strategy. Ankur Agarwal proved this by earning $500,000 annually from a yoga accessories store using TikTok ads and sustainable products.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $50,000–$500,000
Profit margin: 40%–60%
Startup costs: $50–$200
Time to revenue: 1–3 months
Annual market growth: 8.8% (per Grand View Research, global dropshipping market)
Suitable for: E-commerce enthusiasts, digital marketers, niche product finders

How to start:

Choose a niche using Google Trends or social media analysis.
Set up a Shopify store and partner with suppliers like Gelato or Spocket.
Advertise via TikTok or Instagram, targeting your audience.
Optimize your store with SEO for organic traffic.

2. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing generates commission by sharing product links on blogs, social media, or websites, with low startup costs and high passive income potential. It’s ideal for content creators with a steady following. Pat Flynn, founder of Smart Passive Income, built a million-dollar business by promoting trusted business tools on his blog and YouTube, proving the power of trust-based marketing.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$200,000
Profit margin: 50%–80%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 3–6 months
Annual market growth: 10.1% (per Statista, affiliate marketing industry)
Suitable for: Bloggers, influencers, content creators

How to start:

Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or Rakuten.
Create a blog or social media content in a niche like tech or fitness.
Share authentic reviews with affiliate links.
Use SEO to boost your content's traffic.

See more: Dropshipping vs Affiliate Marketing: Which Model Should You Choose?

3. Digital product creator

Selling digital products like eBooks, design templates, or online courses is a low-risk, high-profit, scalable business model. With tools like Canva or Teachable, anyone with expertise can start quickly. Once an office worker, Amy Porterfield built a multi-million-dollar online course empire, earning over $10 million annually.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$250,000
Profit margin: 70%–90%
Startup costs: $0–$50
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 11.5% (per Research and Markets, global e-learning market)
Suitable for: Educators, designers, niche experts

How to start:

Identify your expertise, like graphic design.
Use free tools like Canva to create products.
Set up a shop on Etsy or Shopify.
Promote via email marketing and social media for a broader reach.

4. Social media management consulting

Social media management services are ideal for small businesses. You can build a sustainable business with strong expertise and effective use of platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram. Hala Taha’s YAP Media reached a million-dollar revenue in three years by focusing on niche podcaster clients.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $40,000–$150,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 2–4 months
Annual market growth: 7.2%
Suitable for: Social media enthusiasts, marketers, content creators

How to start:

Build a portfolio with sample campaigns.
Promote on LinkedIn and local business groups.
Use tools like Buffer for scheduling.
Specialize in one platform or industry to add value.

5. Content creator/influencer

Turn your passion into income with minimal investment by consistently creating content on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Even a small following can be profitable if leveraged well. Casey Neistat started with everyday vlogs, attracting millions of followers and major deals with Nike, showing that authentic content can build a brand.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$500,000
Profit margin: 40%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$200
Time to revenue: 6–12 months
Annual market growth: 14.6% (per Influencer Marketing Hub, influencer marketing industry)
Suitable for: Creative storytellers, niche enthusiasts, video creators

How to start:

Choose a niche like sustainable living.
Create consistent content on TikTok or YouTube.
Engage authentically with followers.
Monetize via Shopify merchandise or brand partnerships.

Service-based business ideas

6. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistant services like email or schedule management are increasingly popular due to low costs and flexibility, which makes them ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Gina Horkey’s Horkey Handbook, started in 2014, built a six-figure business by targeting e-commerce clients, showing the potential of niche markets.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$50
Time to revenue: 1–3 months
Annual market growth: 9.4% (per IBISWorld, virtual assistant services market)
Suitable for: Organized individuals, administrative professionals

How to start:

Create a profile on Upwork or Fiverr.
List skills like data entry or calendar management.
Network on LinkedIn to find clients.
Use Trello for task management.

Learn more: 15 Breakthrough Tech Business Ideas for Startups

7. Freelance graphic designer

Demand for visuals like logos and social media graphics is growing as brands prioritize identity. Accessible tools like Canva make it easy to start without complex skills. Jessica Safko began with a $100 Canva subscription in 2018, serving small Shopify brands, and earned $80,000 annually for two consecutive years.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $40,000–$120,000
Profit margin: 40%–60%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 2–5 months
Annual market growth: 4.1% (per IBISWorld, graphic design services market)
Suitable for: Creative professionals, designers, marketers

How to start:

Build a portfolio on Behance.
Promote on Fiverr or local networks.
Use Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Offer subscription-based design packages for recurring income.

8. Online tutor or coach

Online tutoring is a low-cost, flexible business meeting the demand for personalized learning. Ankur Nagpal’s Teachable, founded in 2014, enabled thousands of tutors to earn $1,000–$50,000 monthly by selling courses, proving the power of online education.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $25,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 50%–80%
Startup costs: $0–$50
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 11.5% (per Research and Markets, e-learning market)
Suitable for: Educators, subject experts, coaches

How to start:

Identify expertise and create a course on Teachable.
Offer 1:1 sessions via Zoom.
Promote on LinkedIn or local groups.
Record sessions to develop passive income courses.

9. Resume writer

Writing and editing professional resumes and cover letters meet a steady demand in competitive job markets with minimal startup costs. Lindsay Mustain, a former recruiter, started offering LinkedIn and resume optimization services, earning $250,000 annually by addressing career-focused needs.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$80,000
Profit margin: 60%–80%
Startup costs: $0–$50
Time to revenue: 1–3 months
Annual market growth: 5.2% (per IBISWorld, career services market)
Suitable for: Writers, HR professionals, career coaches

How to start:

Create resume templates.
Promote on LinkedIn and job boards.
Sell templates on Etsy.
Combine with LinkedIn profile optimization services.

10. Translation services

Translation services are a low-cost business ideal for a globalized world with growing multilingual communication needs. With language proficiency and basic setup, you can start quickly. Maria Marquez began Spanish-English legal translations on Upwork in 2019, now earning $90,000 annually, showcasing niche market potential.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$50
Time to revenue: 1–4 months
Annual market growth: 4.0% (per BLS, translation services market)
Suitable for: Multilingual individuals, niche translators

How to start:

Promote language skills on Upwork or local networks.
Specialize in fields like legal or medical.
Obtain certifications to boost credibility.
Create a simple website to increase reach.

Creative business ideas

11. Print-on-demand t-shirt designer

Designing custom t-shirts via platforms like Printful eliminates inventory costs and taps into personalized fashion trends, offering a flexible, scalable business. LeiLei Secor expanded her Designed by Lei brand from Etsy jewelry to print-on-demand t-shirts, earning $100,000 in 2021.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$200,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $50–$200
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 9.8%
Suitable for: Artists, designers, e-commerce entrepreneurs

How to start:

Create designs using Canva or Procreate.
Set up a Shopify store with Printful integration.
Promote via Instagram or TikTok.
Target niche communities to build loyalty.

Learn more: 1100+ Printing on Demand Business Names to Inspire Brand

12. Digital art seller

Selling digital art like prints or NFTs on Etsy offers high profits without inventory, appealing to art lovers and collectors. Beeple’s $69 million NFT sale in 2021 highlights the market’s potential, though such success is rare.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $10,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 70%–90%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 2–5 months
Annual market growth: 10.2% (per Statista, digital art market)
Suitable for: Artists, illustrators, NFT creators

How to start:

Create art using Procreate or Photoshop.
List on Etsy or OpenSea for NFTs.
Promote on Instagram with reels.
Offer custom prints for events.

13. Artisan

Selling handmade products like jewelry or candles meets the growing demand for unique, personalized items. Platforms like Etsy and Shopify make reaching customers and scaling easier. Brooklyn Candle Studio, run by Tamara Mayne, hit $1 million in revenue by 2020 through online handmade sales.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$150,000
Profit margin: 40%–60%
Startup costs: $50–$200
Time to revenue: 3–6 months
Annual market growth: 6.5% (per IBISWorld, handmade goods market)
Suitable for: Makers, artisans, creative entrepreneurs

How to start:

Create a small product batch.
List on Etsy or a Shopify store.
Use Instagram reels to showcase the creative process.
Join local craft fairs to increase reach.

14. Photographer

Selling stock photos or photography services is a low-cost, high-demand business for marketing and personal events. Peter McKinnon started with stock photos and tutorials, building a multi-million-dollar empire, proving the sustainability of combining creative skills with digital platforms.

Low-Investment business ideas with photographer

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$120,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $100–$500
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 5.6%
Suitable for: Photographers, visual storytellers

How to start:

Build a portfolio on Squarespace.
Sell on Shutterstock or offer local services.
Promote via Instagram or local networks.
Specialize in niches like pets or products.

Learn more: TOP 500 Photography Business Name Ideas for Every Niche

15. Subscription box curator

Curating themed subscription boxes, like eco-friendly snacks, generates recurring revenue and high customer retention, leveraging personalized experience trends. FabFitFun, founded by Katie Kitchens, grew into a $200 million business by curating lifestyle boxes, proving the model’s appeal to niche audiences.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $50,000–$300,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $100–$500
Time to revenue: 3–8 months
Annual market growth: 10.7%
Suitable for: Curators, niche enthusiasts, marketers

How to start:

Source products from local suppliers.
Set up a Shopify store with a subscription app.
Promote via Instagram and email campaigns.
Partner with small brands for unique products.

Local service-based business ideas

These ideas focus on serving local communities, requiring minimal setup and offering personal interaction.

16. Pet sitting/dog walking

Pet sitting or dog walking is an attractive trend in the $300 billion global pet industry. With low startup costs and flexible schedules, it’s ideal for animal lovers. Rover, founded by Greg Gottesman in 2011, generates $200 million annually, showing the scalability of local services with technology.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$80,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 1–3 months
Annual market growth: 6.8% (per IBISWorld, pet services market)
Suitable for: Animal lovers, flexible workers

How to start:

Promote on Rover or local Facebook groups.
Obtain insurance and permits.
Offer add-ons like grooming.
Build reputation through referrals.

17. House cleaner

Offering cleaning services for homes or offices is a low-cost business meeting steady demand, with eco-friendly options. Merry Maids, a franchise started in 1980, reached $400 million by focusing on residential cleaning, proving the scalability of local services.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $50–$200
Time to revenue: 1–4 months
Annual market growth: 5.1% (per IBISWorld, cleaning services market)
Suitable for: Detail-oriented individuals, eco-friendly entrepreneurs

How to start:

Promote on local Facebook groups.
Invest in eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
Share before-and-after content on social media.
Build a client base through referrals.

18. Personal chef

Cooking for clients at their homes or delivering meals serves busy professionals and health-conscious consumers, requiring only cooking skills and basic equipment. Kristen Kish, a Top Chef winner, started personal chef services in 2018, building a six-figure business with unique culinary experiences.

Low-Investment business ideas with personal chef

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $40,000–$120,000
Profit margin: 40%–60%
Startup costs: $100–$300
Time to revenue: 2–5 months
Annual market growth: 4.8% (per IBISWorld, personal chef services market)
Suitable for: Chefs, food enthusiasts, nutrition specialists

How to start:

Create sample menus and promote locally.
Ensure food safety compliance.
Specialize in diets like vegan or keto.
Use Instagram for visual marketing.

19. Event planner

Planning events like weddings or virtual conferences is a low-cost, low-pressure business with high earning potential due to the growing demand for professional organizations. Starting in 1986, David Tutera built a million-dollar empire in this specialized field.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $50,000–$200,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 3–6 months
Annual market growth: 6.2% (per IBISWorld, event planning market)
Suitable for: Organizers, creative planners, networkers

How to start:

Build a portfolio with small events.
Network locally and on LinkedIn.
Use Trello for planning.
Offer virtual event planning to scale.

20. Landscaper

The growing demand for enhancing outdoor aesthetics for homes and businesses offers landscape design and maintenance opportunities, starting with simple tools. BrightView, a small landscaping business in 1939, grew to $2.8 billion by 2023, proving the industry’s lasting appeal at a local scale.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $40,000–$150,000
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $200–$500
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 4.5% (per IBISWorld, landscaping services market)
Suitable for: Nature lovers, eco-friendly designers

How to start:

Invest in basic landscaping tools.
Promote via local ads and social media.
Focus on sustainable landscaping.
Build a portfolio with transformation projects.

Unique and emerging business ideas

These creative ideas tap into niche or emerging markets, offering a competitive edge.

21. Sustainability consulting

Consulting businesses on eco-friendly practices meets companies’ growing focus on environmental responsibility, requiring only knowledge and networking to start. Sarah Kauss founded S’well in 2010, offering sustainability consulting alongside reusable water bottles, reaching $100 million in revenue by 2016.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $50,000–$150,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 3–6 months
Annual market growth: 8.3% (per Statista, sustainability consulting market)
Suitable for: Environmental specialists, business consultants

How to start:

Leverage sustainability knowledge on LinkedIn.
Offer audits or workshops.
Stay updated with green certifications.
Create a professional website.

22. Vending machine owner

Operating vending machines in high-traffic locations is an attractive passive income model with low maintenance costs and quick response to convenience needs. Marcus Gram started Joyner Vending in 2016 with one machine, scaling to 50 machines and $500,000 in annual revenue by 2023.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $20,000–$100,000 per machine
Profit margin: 30%–50%
Startup costs: $500–$2,000
Time to revenue: 3–8 months
Annual market growth: 5.7% (per IBISWorld, vending machine market)
Suitable for: Passive income seekers, location scouts

How to start:

Research high-traffic locations.
Lease machines and stock trending products.
Track sales with digital tools.
Expand with more machines.

23. Membership program founder

This business model generates recurring revenue and fosters engagement for those with an online audience. Morning Brew’s journey from a simple email newsletter to a $75 million business shows the power of premium content and efficient membership models.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$200,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $50–$200
Time to revenue: 3–8 months
Annual market growth: 9.1% (per Statista, subscription economy)
Suitable for: Community builders, content creators

How to start:

Set up memberships on Shopify or Patreon.
Offer exclusive guides or events.
Promote on social media.
Build a niche community.

24. Professional organizer

Helping clients declutter homes or offices appeals to busy professionals and minimalists, with low startup costs and high customer satisfaction. Marie Kondo started her organizing business in 2011, growing into an $8 million empire through books and services, proving the demand for organizing expertise.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$100,000
Profit margin: 50%–70%
Startup costs: $0–$100
Time to revenue: 1–4 months
Annual market growth: 4.9% (per IBISWorld, professional organizing market)
Suitable for: Organizers, minimalism enthusiasts

How to start:

Promote locally and on TikTok.
Create a portfolio with transformation projects.
Offer virtual consultations.
Share organizing tips to boost reach.

25. Thrift store owner

Selling curated second-hand clothing or accessories taps into the $43 billion sustainable fashion market, with low startup costs and high appeal for trendsetters. ThredUp, founded by James Reinhart in 2009, reached $250 million in revenue by 2023 through online second-hand sales, showing the model’s scalability.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $30,000–$150,000
Profit margin: 40%–60%
Startup costs: $100–$500
Time to revenue: 2–6 months
Annual market growth: 11.8% (per ThredUp, second-hand clothing market)
Suitable for: Fashion lovers, sustainability advocates

How to start:

Source inventory from thrift stores.
Set up a Shopify store.
Promote on Instagram with a niche focus.
Curate items by era, like Y2K.

26. Healthcare billing software developer

Developing software for automated coding and insurance claim submissions simplifies medical billing, addressing the critical need for efficiency in healthcare. Kareo, founded by Dan Rodrigues in 2004, grew from a small startup to serving over 50,000 providers with $100 million in revenue by 2020, highlighting HealthTech’s appeal.

Market insight:

Average annual revenue: $100,000–$350,000
Profit margin: 20%–40%
Startup costs: $40,000–$200,000
Time to revenue: 4–9 months
Annual market growth: 11.3% (per Allied Market Research, healthcare billing software market)
Suitable for: Healthcare SaaS developers, billing specialists, HealthTech entrepreneurs

How to start:

Develop software with automated ICD/CPT coding, error checking, and insurance claim submission.
Integrate with existing EHR systems and insurance providers.
Offer flexible pricing based on clinic size.
Provide a trial version to demonstrate effectiveness.

Learn more: TOP 16 Healthcare Business Ideas You Can Start Now

How to start a small business ideas 2025

To start a small business, you need a clear roadmap. Each step below will bring you closer to your goal of building a sustainable and successful brand:

Identify a viable business idea: Ideas can come from personal interests, market gaps, or life experiences. You must choose a field you are passionate about to pursue long-term.
Validate your idea: Don't launch without testing whether your product or service is a real market need. Survey potential customers, test on a small scale, and listen to real-world feedback.
Naming your business strategically: An effective name should be short, memorable, and have personality. If you struggle with a name, try using business name suggestion tools for inspiration.
Creating a clear business plan: A well-written plan will help you stay on track while also building trust with investors, partners, and financiers.
Prepare well for business finances: Opening a separate bank account for the business, building a straightforward accounting process, and carefully planning a budget to determine specific goals will help you be more proactive in finding capital sources.
Product or service development: This is where you turn your idea into a real product. Focus on quality, design, and user experience to create differentiated customer value.
Choose the proper legal structure: Depending on the scale and development direction, you can choose the type of business, such as sole proprietorship, LLC, or joint stock company. Choosing the right one will help you optimize taxes, management, and legal liability.
Know the regulations and licenses needed: Compliance with the law is essential. Research the legal requirements for your industry and area to avoid future risks.
Get your business software systems in place: Tools like accounting, email marketing, order, and project management will help you run your business more efficiently. Choosing the right platform will save you time and money later.
Officially launch your business: Leverage existing relationships and social media, create compelling offers, and test paid advertising to gain attention and make a mark from day one.

Above are 26 low-Investment business ideas compiled by NextSky, for anyone looking for their own direction in the digital business era. Once you have chosen the right model, you can start building a store on Shopify right here. Don't forget to refer to themes like Umino and Agile to bring a smooth and professional shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most successful small business ideas?

The most successful small businesses combine the owner's skills and passions with practical solutions for customers. Examples include online stores, food trucks, and online courses, all of which make products or services more accessible. Pet care and personal wellness services also thrive by tapping into lifestyle trends. Top 10 small business ideas to start:

Dropshipping trending products
Selling print-on-demand apparel
Creating and selling digital products (ebooks, courses)
Blogging about niche topics
Offering freelance services (writing, design)
Selling handmade crafts online
Starting a podcast or YouTube channel
Affiliate marketing
Pet care services or pet product sales
Running an online clothing store

Which types of small businesses are easiest to start?

Online businesses are ideal for beginners due to low overhead costs and broad reach. Examples include dropshipping, selling digital goods, or offering freelance services. Benefits include minimal inventory, flexible work locations, and scalable marketing strategies.

Which small business services are in high demand?

Freelance writing and content creation
Marketing and SEO consulting
Website development
Translation and localization services
Accounting and financial consulting

How can I create a unique small business?

Identify an underserved niche that aligns with your passions or expertise. Offer standout products or services, either through innovation or distinctive branding. For example, if you’re a vegan baker and notice your community lacks vegan bakeries, that could be your unique business opportunity.

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