A person working on a computer from an outdoor lounge at their home. Photo by Microsoft Edge on Unsplash

Are you looking for a side hustle? Are you someone who needs flexibility in their job? Do you want to use specific talents and skills to turn a profit?

Maybe you dream of having your own business but you don't have a lot of money.

You may be surprised to learn about the opportunities that await! Look into the cheapest businesses to start from home and decide if they're right for you.

First Steps

Person sitting at a desk in front of a computer looking at their cellphone Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Before starting a home-based business, ask yourself:

  • What skills do I have?

  • What credentials (certificates, degrees, etc.) have I earned?

  • What are my business goals (hours, income, clients)?

  • Is there a market for the business I want to do?

  • Do I want my business to operate online or in person?

  • How much money can I spend on start-up costs?

Answering these questions will help you determine what your ideal home business is.

1. eCommerce Businesses

Person scrolling stocks on their phone and computer Photo by Marga Santoso on Unsplash

One of the most popular and cheapest businesses to start from home is an e-commerce store. E-commerce stores sell goods or services online. What makes these businesses so cheap are the lower overhead costs (no rent, utilities, etc., of a physical storefront), As a result, online businesses can often offer discounts, coupons, and bundled pricing.

Flaticon Icon Launching an e-commerce store allows you the freedom to sell the products you believe in. However, you'll still need market research to determine what sells.

Your e-commerce store will typically be a virtual storefront where customers can add items to a digital shopping cart and complete purchases through secure online payments.

2. Manual Labor & Maintenance

Person using a weed eater to trim a lawn Photo by Jared Muller on Unsplash

Another one of the cheapest businesses you can start from home is manual labor and maintenance jobs. These can range from construction to landscaping to repair. Many manual labor jobs offer cheap start-up costs since they require basic equipment or supplies that you may already own.

Flaticon Icon If you have construction experience, a handyperson business would allow you to take on projects of your own, such as building fences, hanging drywall, or framing buildings. You may only need a few tools and machines to start!

Flaticon Icon Becoming a landscaper would allow you to use your yard work experience and skills to clean up yards, plant flowers, and trim hedges. Some basic gardening tools and machines may be all you need to get started.

Flaticon Icon If you have cleaning, painting, or carpentry skills, a maintenance or repair business is another one of the cheapest businesses to start from home. Consider:

  • cleaning services — you'll need basic cleaning supplies to clean homes or vehicles.

  • repairs — you can repair vehicles, bicycles, or appliances.

  • restorations — you can restore an item to its original condition or state, such as furniture, electronics, or antiques.

Any of these jobs would require basic tools or supplies to get started. You might need to consider renting a workspace, however, if you don't have a garage or basement of your own.

3. Creative Businesses

Bob Ross mixing paints on a palette.

Your creativity can become a cheap business to start from home, from writing, to painting, to graphic design, and more!

Flaticon Icon Writing

If you have a way with words, you may find writing to be one of the cheapest businesses to start from home. This could include:

  • copyediting

  • ghostwriting

  • digital content production

  • freelance writing

You might even consider publishing your own book! Some publishing sites will publish a print-on-demand book for free!

Flaticon Icon Graphic Design

Consider graphic design or web development if you have a creative eye for design. You can create logos, fliers, newsletters, or websites with little or no investment. There are free and open-source sites that will allow you to create and design elements for resale.

Flaticon Icon Photography

Maybe you enjoy taking photos. Photographers can have successful home-based businesses. A simple camera or even your phone may be all you need to get started.

Flaticon Icon Art

Many artists profit from selling their work online. You can design cards, screensavers, and illustrations for books. You may be able to sell your artwork to greeting card companies or on an e-commerce site.

Quiz

Ava has $200 and wants to start a candle-making business. What are the smartest, low-risk ways for Ava to get started? Select all that apply:

Take Action

There are hundreds of other cheap businesses to start from home. The start-up cost for these businesses will vary depending on your skill set and the type of business you want to own.

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