25 Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $500

Turn ambition into action—without breaking the bank.


Introduction

Starting a business doesn’t require deep pockets—just clarity, resourcefulness, and the right strategy. Whether you’re building a side hustle or laying the foundation for a long-term venture, this guide offers 25 proven business ideas you can start for less than $500. These aren’t vague suggestions. They’re built around practical tools, low overhead, and opportunities that work in today’s digital-first economy.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start, consider this your green light.

Business Ideas Under $500


1. Freelance Writing

Why it works: The demand for content is massive—from blogs and newsletters to landing pages and LinkedIn posts.

Best for: Strong communicators, marketers, and researchers.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$200 (website, portfolio tools)

Tools to consider:

  • Contently or JournoPortfolio (portfolio)

  • Grammarly (editing)

  • Trello or Notion (project management)


2. Virtual Assistant

Why it works: Solopreneurs and executives constantly outsource admin, email, calendar, and social tasks.

Best for: Organized, proactive professionals with strong communication skills.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Google Workspace (email/calendar)

  • Loom (video walkthroughs)

  • Canva (social media assistance)


3. Dropshipping Store

Why it works: You sell physical products without managing inventory or shipping.

Best for: People with a good eye for trends and marketing.

Startup cost estimate: $200–$500

Tools to consider:

  • Shopify (storefront)

  • AutoDS or Oberlo (supplier integration)

  • Klaviyo (email marketing)


4. Social Media Management

Why it works: Every brand wants visibility, but few have time to do it well.

Best for: Creatives who understand engagement, branding, and analytics.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Buffer or Later (scheduling)

  • Canva Pro (graphics)

  • Metricool or Sprout Social (analytics)


5. SEO Consulting

Why it works: Businesses rely on search traffic—and most need serious help with optimization.

Best for: Analytical minds who understand search trends and content structure.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$400

Tools to consider:

  • Ubersuggest or LowFruits (keyword research)

  • Screaming Frog (site audits)

  • Google Search Console (performance tracking)


6. Resume Writing Services

Why it works: Job seekers are willing to invest in a resume that gets results.

Best for: Great writers with a knack for structure and positioning.  Design is also a plus!

Startup cost estimate: Under $200

Tools to consider:

  • Canva (templates)

  • Grammarly (editing)

  • Calendly (booking)


7. Print-on-Demand Store

Why it works: You design the product, a third party prints and ships it.

Best for: Designers or people with a strong niche audience.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Printful or Printify (fulfillment)

  • Etsy or Shopify (sales platform)

  • Adobe Express or Canva (design)


8. Tutoring or Online Lessons

Why it works: Education is shifting online, and parents/students are seeking 1-on-1 help.

Best for: Subject matter experts and great communicators.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$200

Tools to consider:

  • Zoom or Google Meet (sessions)

  • Teachable or Kajabi (if packaging lessons)

  • Notion (scheduling/resources)


9. Affiliate Marketing Blog

Why it works: Earn passive income by writing content that drives clicks to affiliate products.

Best for: Writers with SEO skills and niche knowledge.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$400

Tools to consider:

  • WordPress + Elementor (site)

  • RankMath (SEO)

  • Amazon Associates, Impact, or ShareASale (affiliate networks)


10. Local Service Business (Cleaning, Lawn Care, etc.)

Why it works: Local needs never go out of style—and referrals build fast.

Best for: Hands-on workers who want something steady and scalable.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$500

Tools to consider:


11. YouTube Channel

Why it works: Content is king—and YouTube is a search engine with monetization built in.

Best for: Storytellers, educators, or entertainers.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • CapCut or DaVinci Resolve (editing)

  • Canva (thumbnails)

  • TubeBuddy (analytics)


12. Etsy Shop (Digital Products)

Why it works: Sell once, earn forever with templates, planners, or art prints.

Best for: Creatives and designers.

Startup cost estimate: Under $100

Tools to consider:

  • Etsy (marketplace)

  • Canva or Adobe Illustrator (creation)

  • EverBee (keyword research)


13. Notion Template Sales

Why it works: Notion has a massive, loyal user base hungry for better productivity tools.

Best for: System thinkers, productivity geeks.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$100

Tools to consider:

  • Notion (template builder)

  • Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy (selling)

  • Twitter or TikTok (promotion)


14. Coaching or Consulting

Why it works: People pay for expertise—especially with clear, transformation-driven outcomes.

Best for: Specialists or those with career or life experience to share.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Zoom or Riverside (sessions)

  • Calendly (booking)

  • Stripe or PayPal (payments)


15. Copywriting

Why it works: Good copy drives conversions. Demand is steady across websites, ads, and emails.

Best for: Strategic thinkers and persuasive writers.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$200

Tools to consider:

  • Hemingway Editor or Grammarly

  • Google Docs + Notion

  • Copy.ai or Jasper (idea generation)


16. Voiceover Services

Why it works: Audio content for podcasts, ads, and videos is exploding.

Best for: Clear, expressive voices and detail-oriented editors.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$400

Tools to consider:

  • Audacity or Descript

  • Fiverr or Voices.com (clients)

  • A basic USB microphone (Blue Yeti, Samson, etc.)


17. AI Prompt Engineering Services

Why it works: Businesses want better ChatGPT outputs—but don’t know how to prompt effectively.

Best for: Tech-savvy, structured thinkers.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$100

Tools to consider:

  • ChatGPT Plus

  • Notion (frameworks/templates)

  • Gumroad (sell prompt packs)


18. Photography (Niche or Stock)

Why it works: Visuals are always in demand for content, ads, and stock libraries.

Best for: Creative photographers with a unique aesthetic.

Startup cost estimate: $300–$500

Tools to consider:

  • Lightroom or VSCO

  • Pexels or Shutterstock (stock)

  • Pixieset (portfolio)


19. T-Shirt Microbrand

Why it works: You can test concepts fast with print-on-demand or bulk small-batch orders.

Best for: Niche community builders and trend watchers.

Startup cost estimate: $300–$500

Tools to consider:

  • Printful or Bonfire

  • Shopify or Gumroad

  • Instagram or TikTok (promotion)


20. Content Repurposing Agency

Why it works: Businesses need help turning long-form content into multiple assets.

Best for: Video editors, writers, and marketers.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Descript (video/audio)

  • Canva Pro (visuals)

  • Trello (workflow)


21. Substack or Newsletter Business

Why it works: Niche email lists are powerful—and monetizable with sponsors or subscriptions.

Best for: Writers with a point of view and an audience.

Startup cost estimate: $0–$100

Tools to consider:

  • Substack or Beehiiv

  • ConvertKit (automation)

  • SparkLoop (referral growth)


22. Digital Event Planner

Why it works: Virtual summits, workshops, and launches still need real support behind the scenes.

Best for: Organized, detail-oriented professionals.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Zoom, Hopin, or Butter

  • Trello or ClickUp

  • Eventbrite (registration)


23. Handmade Crafts Seller

Why it works: Unique, handmade goods still command premium prices online.

Best for: Artisans, makers, and hobbyists.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$500

Tools to consider:

  • Etsy or Faire

  • Square (POS/invoicing)

  • Instagram or Pinterest


24. Local Tour or Experience Host

Why it works: Airbnb Experiences, walking tours, and niche local adventures are trending.

Best for: Outgoing personalities and local experts.

Startup cost estimate: $100–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Airbnb Experiences

  • Canva (promo materials)

  • Stripe (bookings)


25. Pet Services (Walking, Sitting, Training)

Why it works: Pet spending continues to grow—and owners are loyal once they trust you.

Best for: Animal lovers with a service mindset.

Startup cost estimate: $50–$300

Tools to consider:

  • Rover or Wag (platforms)

  • Google Business Profile

  • Canva (flyers, ads)


Final Thoughts

You don’t need venture capital or a massive runway to start a business. What you need is momentum—and that starts with making your first smart move. Choose an idea, define a niche, and use the affordable tools available to build something real. The best time to start is now. And yes, you can do it on a budget.

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