7 Low-Cost Businesses You Can Start Today for Under $1,000

Don’t let lack of funds hold you back. With some hustle and smarts, you can launch a profitable business with minimal startup costs.

Here are 7 great low-budget business ideas to pursue:

1. Window Cleaning Service

Startup Cost: $150 – $500

Money-Making Potential: $2,000+ per month

Provide exterior window cleaning for homes and businesses. Low overhead and strong demand make this a solid low-cost venture.

• Equipment needed: ladder, hose, cleaning solutions. Can start with just $150-$500.
• Charge $100-$500 per house. Get just 1-2 clients and startup costs are covered.
• Hire other window cleaners as subcontractors so you don’t have to do the manual work. Focus on sales and ops.

2. Real Estate Video Editor

Startup Cost: $100

Money-Making Potential: $5,000+ per month

Create video tours and listings for real estate agents. Huge demand as video drastically boosts home sales.

• Video editing skills required but easy to learn basics in 1-2 weeks.
• Software like Camtasia is only $100. Sample videos help land initial clients.
• Charge $50 per edited video. Get 100 clients and earn $5,000 monthly.

3. Microgreens Farm

Startup Cost: $700

Money-Making Potential: $10,000+ per month

Grow and sell microgreens – fast-growing greens with high profit margins. Sold to restaurants and consumers.

• Need seeds, trays, lighting. $700 covers basic startup equipment.
• 1 rack can produce $2,000+ in revenue per month. Get 5 racks going to hit $10k/month.
• Takes just 3 weeks from seed to harvest. Quickly recoup costs.

4. Wedding Rentals

Startup Cost: $1,000 – $3,000

Money-Making Potential: $15,000 per month

Rent out wedding arches, tents, chairs, lighting, and other decorative items.

• Used equipment brings startup costs down. Estimate $1k-$3k to get started.
• Charge $500+ per wedding, earn back investment in 5 events. Do 2-3 per weekend.
• Add services like setup/teardown and custom design to increase profits.

5. Handyman Business

Startup Cost: $500

Money-Making Potential: $10,000 per month

Offer general handyman and home repair services to homeowners. Steady demand.

• Require basic tools, a vehicle. Can start with just $500.
• Charge $50/hr. Each job averages $500-$1,000 – earn back investment quickly.
• Hire subcontractors so you don’t have to do the work yourself. Focus on sales/marketing.

6. Virtual Assistant Agency

Startup Cost: $500

Money-Making Potential: $10,000 per month

Provide virtual assistants and services to businesses. Recruit overseas talent.

• Mainly requires your time to source clients and contractors. Build basic website.
• Charge business clients $2,000-$5,000 per month per VA. Keep ~40% profit margin.
• 2-5 clients covers $10k monthly. No geographic restrictions.

7. Productized Service

Startup Cost: $200

Money-Making Potential: $10,000 per month

Sell done-for-you services as a monthly subscription. Recurring revenue.

• Learn a digital skill like social media, web design, SEO, etc.
• Offer as a subscription service – fixed fee for unlimited requests per month.
• 20 clients at $500/month = $10k. Residual income with little ongoing work.

The opportunities are endless if you’re willing to start small and lean. With some hustle, creativity and grit, you can build a location-independent business on a shoestring budget.

Focus less on startup costs and more on delivering real value. The money will follow.

Now get out there and start that side hustle today! Wishing you much success.