19 Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today (With No Money)
Okay, dreaming of working from home and being your own boss?
I totally get it! The idea of escaping the daily commute and building something for yourself is incredibly appealing.
For a long time, I thought the biggest hurdle was needing a huge pile of money to even get started.
But here’s the good news: that’s often not the case anymore! Thanks to technology and a shift in how we work, you absolutely can start a legitimate home-based business with very little, sometimes even zero, cash upfront.
You’ll need to invest time, effort, and your existing skills, but the barrier of a large initial capital investment can be surprisingly low.
I’m not talking about just taking surveys for pennies or doing micro-tasks (though those can be a starting point!).
I’m talking about building something real, offering valuable services or products from the comfort of your own home.
Ready to see what’s possible? Here are 19 legitimate business ideas you can start from home with little to no money down:
1. Create and Sell Licensed Photos/Videos (Recipes, Crafts, etc.)
This is a fantastic one if you already have creative skills like cooking, crafting, or DIY. Instead of just enjoying your hobby, you can turn it into a business by filming and photographing the process.
You then sell the rights (licenses) to these high-quality photos and videos to other bloggers, brands, or media sites who want to use your content on their platforms, often under their name (sometimes called whitelabel content).
Imagine there are so many recipe and craft bloggers who have millions of followers and the only thing they want is to serve their readers with he best content possible.
Whether it is a step-by-step recipe, pics, shorts, reels, etc.
- Why low-to-no cost: You’re leveraging skills you already have and activities you might already be doing! Your main tool is often just a good smartphone camera you likely own. Editing can be done with free apps.
- Benefit: You get paid for skills and activities you already enjoy! It’s a smart way to monetize your passion.
Just create a list of 100-200 content creators in a specific niche, let’s say recipe.
Find out their contact info, usually listed on their website’s about us or contact us page.
Write a sweet Email or DM them that you want to create content for them (make sure you have some samples ready to share in case if they ask).
Wait for their reply.
2. Freelance Writing/Editing/Proofreading
This business requires virtually no startup costs – just a computer, internet connection, and your skills.
From blog posts and articles to technical writing and copywriting, there’s a massive demand for quality content across industries.
Getting started is as simple as creating profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or specialized writing job boards. The key to standing out is to identify your niche – whether it’s health, technology, finance, or creative writing – and showcase your expertise in that area.
Beyond writing, editing and proofreading services are also in high demand. Businesses, students, and authors all need someone with a keen eye for detail to polish their work.
These services can command rates from $20 to $100+ per hour depending on your experience and specialization.
Best Places to Get Started:
3. Virtual Assistant Services
As businesses increasingly operate online, the demand for virtual assistants has skyrocketed. Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs remotely. This business requires minimal startup costs and can be run entirely from home.
The beauty of virtual assistant work is its versatility. Your services can include email management, scheduling, customer service, social media management, basic bookkeeping, research, or any combination of administrative tasks. The key is to package your skills in a way that solves specific problems for your target clients.
Starting rates typically range from $15 to $50 per hour, with specialized virtual assistants commanding $75+ per hour.
Many VAs choose to offer package deals (like 20 hours per month for a set fee) to provide consistent income and value to clients.
Resources to Get Started:
Success as a virtual assistant often depends on reliability, communication skills, and organization.
Start by identifying your strongest skills and the industries where you have experience.
Many VAs begin with one or two clients and gradually expand, with some eventually building agencies that employ other assistants, potentially scaling to $5,000 to $15,000+ monthly.
4. Online Tutoring or Coaching
If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, online tutoring or coaching can be a lucrative business with low startup costs.
From academic subjects like math and science to language learning, test preparation, or specialized skills like coding or music, there’s a huge demand for personalized instruction across virtually every field.
Getting started requires little more than a computer with a webcam, reliable internet, and the right platform to connect with students.
Resources to Get Started:
- Tutor.com
- Wyzant
- TutorMe
- iTalki (Language Tutoring)
- Preply
- Schoolhouse.world (Free Tutoring Platform)
You can join these established tutoring websites, which handle the marketing and payment processing but take a percentage of your earnings, or create your own website to keep 100% of what you charge.
Rates vary widely depending on your specialty, with general academic tutoring starting around $20-$40 per hour and specialized coaching for test prep or advanced subjects commanding $50-$200+ per hour.
5. Social Media Management
With businesses of all sizes recognizing the importance of social media presence, social media management has become a high-demand service with low barriers to entry. This business involves creating, scheduling, and managing content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok for clients.
Starting requires minimal investment – primarily your time to learn platform best practices and maybe a subscription to scheduling tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later. You can begin by managing accounts for small local businesses or entrepreneurs before expanding to larger clients.
Pricing models vary, with most social media managers charging either monthly retainers (typically $500-$2,000+ per month per client) or package deals based on the number of platforms and posts. Additional services like content creation, engagement management, and analytics reporting can increase your value proposition.
Resources to Get Started:
Success in this field depends on staying current with platform trends and delivering measurable results for clients.
Many social media managers start with 2-3 clients while learning the ropes, then expand to managing 5-10 accounts simultaneously, potentially earning $3,000 to $10,000+ monthly with a full client roster.
6. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
For animal lovers, dog walking and pet sitting offer a low-cost business opportunity with consistent demand.
With busy schedules keeping pet owners away from home, there’s a growing need for reliable people to care for pets during working hours or vacations.
Getting started requires virtually no upfront investment – just reliable transportation, basic pet supplies, and perhaps business insurance for added protection.
You can begin by offering services to neighbors and friends, then expand through word-of-mouth and local marketing.
Pricing typically ranges from $15-$25 per 30-minute walk and $40-$80 per day for pet sitting, depending on your location and services offered.
Additional services like administering medication, providing overnight care, or handling multiple pets can command premium rates.
Resources to Get Started:
7. Website or Graphic Design (Using Free Tools)
With the availability of free and low-cost design tools, website and graphic design businesses have become accessible even to those without formal training. This business involves creating visual assets like logos, social media graphics, website designs, and marketing materials for clients.
Getting started requires learning to use design tools like Canva, Figma (free alternatives to Adobe products), or GIMP, along with website builders like Wix, WordPress, or Webflow. Many of these platforms offer free tiers or affordable subscriptions, making initial costs minimal.
Design services can be priced per project or hourly. Logo design might start at $100-$500, basic websites at $500-$2,000, and ongoing design work at $25-$75 per hour depending on your skill level and client needs.
8. Start a Candle Business
Candle making is a perfect low-cost business for creative entrepreneurs. With growing consumer interest in home decor and self-care, handcrafted candles have seen tremendous market growth. This business allows you to start small and scale gradually as demand increases.
Getting started requires basic supplies: wax, fragrance oils, wicks, containers, and a double boiler for melting.
Initial investment can be as low as $100-$200 for a small batch operation, making it accessible to beginners. You can start by selling to friends and family, at local craft fairs, or through online marketplaces like Etsy.
Pricing depends on your materials, container size, and brand positioning. Small candles typically sell for $10-$15, medium sizes for $15-$25, and luxury or large candles for $25-$50+. The key is to find a balance between affordability and profitability, ensuring your prices cover all costs plus a healthy margin.
Resources to Get Started:
9. General Content Creation
Content creation encompasses blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and other media that build audience engagement around specific topics or interests. This business allows you to monetize your knowledge and creativity through various channels while building a personal brand.
Starting requires minimal investment – primarily your time and perhaps basic equipment like a microphone for podcasting or a subscription to writing tools. The real investment is in consistently producing valuable content that attracts and retains an audience.
Monetization typically comes through multiple streams, including: advertising (like Google AdSense for blogs), sponsorships, affiliate marketing, premium content subscriptions, and eventually your own products or services. Income scales with audience size and engagement.
Resources to Get Started:
- WordPress (Blogging)
- Substack (Newsletters)
- Buzzsprout (Podcasting)
- Medium (Writing Platform)
- Patreon (Creator Memberships)
10. eBook Writing and Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has revolutionized the book industry, allowing writers to publish and sell their work without traditional publishers. This business involves writing, designing, and marketing digital books through platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Starting costs are minimal – primarily your time for writing and perhaps small investments in cover design, editing, or formatting. Some authors handle everything themselves, while others invest $200-$1,000 in professional services to enhance quality.
eBooks typically sell for $2.99-$9.99, with authors receiving 35-70% of the sale price depending on pricing and platform.
Non-fiction books in specific niches often command higher prices and attract more targeted readers. Creating a series of books can significantly increase your overall income potential.
11. Creating and Selling Digital Products
Digital products like printables, templates, planners, and worksheets offer an excellent low-cost business opportunity with high profit margins and passive income potential. These products can be created once and sold repeatedly without additional production costs.
Getting started requires design skills and knowledge of tools like Canva, Microsoft Office, or Adobe products. Initial costs are minimal – primarily your time creating products and perhaps subscriptions to design software.
Digital products typically sell for $5-$50 depending on complexity and value. Common offerings include planner pages, budget templates, resume designs, social media templates, educational worksheets, and digital art. The beauty of this business is that after creating the product, your profit margin can be 90%+ on each sale.
Resources to Get Started:
12. Selling Crafted Items
If you enjoy making handcrafted items, turning your hobby into a business can be both fulfilling and profitable. This business involves creating physical products like jewelry, art, home decor, or clothing and selling them through various channels.
Starting costs vary depending on your craft but can be minimized by using existing supplies and tools. Focus on creating items with good profit margins – where materials cost significantly less than the selling price.
Platforms like Etsy, craft fairs, and social media provide accessible marketplaces for handmade goods.
Pricing should account for materials, labor time, packaging, and platform fees. A common formula is (Materials + Labor + Overhead) × 2-3 to ensure profitability. Consider the perceived value of handmade items when setting prices – many customers are willing to pay premium prices for unique, quality craftsmanship.
13. Print-on-Demand (POD) Business
Print-on-demand businesses allow you to sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, posters, and home decor without inventory, manufacturing equipment, or shipping logistics. This model offers zero inventory risk as products are only printed when ordered.
Getting started requires graphic design skills or creativity to create appealing designs. Your only upfront investment is time spent creating designs and setting up your store. POD platforms handle production, shipping, and customer service, taking a portion of each sale.
Pricing depends on the base cost of items plus your markup. For example, a t-shirt might have a base cost of $10, which you could sell for $25, giving you a profit margin of approximately 40-60% after platform fees. The key is balancing competitive pricing with healthy margins.
Resources to Get Started:
14. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale, lead, or click generated through your unique referral links.
This business requires no product creation, inventory, or customer service – you’re essentially a specialized marketer.
Starting costs are minimal, primarily requiring a platform to reach an audience – such as a blog, social media accounts, or YouTube channel. You’ll need to invest time in creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate recommendations.
Commissions vary widely by industry and program, typically ranging from 5-50% for physical products and up to 50-75% for digital products or services. Recurring commission programs (like software subscriptions) can provide stable monthly income from a single referral.
Popular Affiliate Network To Start With:
15. Online Language Instruction or Translation
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, online language instruction or translation services offer excellent business opportunities with minimal startup costs. The global demand for language learning and cross-cultural communication continues to grow, creating steady opportunities for multilingual individuals.
For language instruction, you’ll need a computer, reliable internet, and possibly a webcam and headset. Many tutors start by joining established platforms like iTalki, Preply, or Verbling, which handle marketing and payment processing in exchange for a percentage of earnings.
Language tutoring rates typically range from $15 to $50+ per hour depending on your credentials, teaching experience, and target language. Specializing in business language, test preparation, or technical vocabulary can command premium rates.
16. Resume Writing / Career Services
Resume writing and career services offer a lucrative business opportunity with minimal startup costs. This business involves helping job seekers create compelling resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles that increase their chances of landing interviews and offers.
Starting requires primarily your skills and knowledge of effective resume formats, modern hiring practices, and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). You’ll need a computer, writing software, and possibly subscriptions to resume templates or builders.
Services can be priced per project or as packages. Basic resume writing typically ranges from $100 to $300, professional or mid-career resumes from $200 to $500, and executive resumes from $500 to $1,000+. Additional services like cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, or job search coaching can be offered as add-ons or comprehensive packages.
17. Testimonial/Review Video Creation
With businesses increasingly recognizing the power of social proof, testimonial and review videos have become essential marketing tools. This business involves creating authentic video content that showcases customer experiences with products or services.
Getting started requires basic video equipment (which could be as simple as a smartphone with good camera quality), video editing software, and knowledge of what makes an effective testimonial. Initial investments might include lighting, a microphone, and possibly a backdrop for professional-looking results.
Services can be priced per project or as packages. Basic testimonial videos might start at $300-$500, while comprehensive packages including multiple testimonials, editing, and distribution guidance can range from $1,000 to $5,000+ depending on complexity and your target market.
Resources to Get Started:
Success in this field depends on your ability to capture authentic and compelling stories that resonate with viewers. Understanding marketing psychology and what makes testimonials effective is crucial. Many testimonial video creators start by working with small local businesses before expanding to larger clients. With regular projects, creators can earn $2,000 to $10,000+ monthly, with potential for growth through agency partnerships or specialized industry focus.
18. Child Care / Elderly Care
Providing child care or elderly care services addresses critical needs in many communities while offering a business opportunity with relatively low startup costs.
These services involve providing supervision, assistance, and companionship to children or seniors in need of care.
Starting a home-based child care service typically requires childproofing your space, obtaining necessary permits and insurance, and possibly getting certified in first aid and CPR.
For elderly care, you might need additional training in senior care basics, medication management, or mobility assistance, depending on the services you offer.
Pricing varies widely by location and service level. Home-based childcare typically charges $150-$350 per week per child, while elderly companion care may range from $15-$25 per hour. Specialized care services for either demographic can command higher rates.
Resources to Get Started:
19. Cleaning Services
Cleaning services offer a perennially in-demand business opportunity with low startup costs and potential for steady growth. This business involves providing residential or commercial cleaning on a regular schedule or for one-time deep cleans.
Getting started requires basic cleaning supplies and equipment, reliable transportation, and possibly insurance for protection against accidental damage. Initial investments can be minimal, making this an accessible entry point for entrepreneurs with limited capital.
Residential cleaning typically ranges from $25-$50 per hour or $90-$250 per home depending on size and service level.
Commercial cleaning is often priced by square footage or as monthly contracts, with profits increasing as you add more clients or specialized services like carpet cleaning or window washing.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Low-Cost Business
These 19 business ideas demonstrate that you don’t need significant capital to start generating income through entrepreneurship. The best option for you depends on your specific skills, interests, and circumstances.
When choosing a business to start, consider these factors:
- Skills and interests: Choose something you’re naturally good at or enjoy learning about
- Time availability: Some options require more upfront time investment than others
- Growth potential: Consider how the business might scale as you gain experience
- Market demand: Research to ensure consistent need for your services
- Competition: Look for opportunities to differentiate yourself
Remember that most successful businesses start small and grow over time. Focus on delivering exceptional value to your first clients or customers, and use their feedback to improve your offerings. With dedication and strategic thinking, your low-cost business idea could develop into a sustainable and fulfilling source of income.