Can you start a business with little or no money? Here's a fact for you.

A big business starts small.

This quote is still relevant today. Starting a business sounds fun and exciting, but it takes a lot of time and energy investment, not to mention sufficient capital.

However, contrary to what the majority believes, there are many ways to start a business even with little money. Even what seems like a challenging time can pose a great opportunity for those who see it.

Wherever there is danger, there lurks opportunity.

Eric Nightingale

Take, for example, the current pandemic we're faced with; many people stay home and fear going outside. But those who see the opportunity to solve people's problems managed to get by.

Many pick up a side-gig or delivery job, develop content people love, turn their hobbies and passion into a money-making opportunity, and even learn to monetize their vast following on various social media

It may not solve the real problem, but they find solutions and turn that solution into a money-making machine that will sustain their livelihood.

Did they bid a massive sum of money to start their business? No. See, you too can start small and work yourself from the ground up. Eventually, your small business start-up may be the next giant corporation alongside Waltermart, Starbucks, or Amazon through hard work and time. Who knows?

What is the most successful small business?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and many of the most successful businesses and entrepreneurs came from very humble beginnings. Some are stories from rags to riches; others had almost nothing to their names and even borrowed capital to start a business.

Well, I'm not saying you should hurry, go to your bank now, and opt for a business loan! Or even go into debt to fund your start-up. (Although there are risk-takers who do this, for some, it works for them, others go bankrupt plus become indebted to their lender)

Above all, you should focus on what you can do right now and maximize any resources or skills you have.

For instance, service-based businesses typically have the lowest overhead, making them a perfect candidate for people with little startup capital. It's difficult, yes, but it isn't impossible.

Here is a list of the most successful business ideas you can start on your own with a small investment.

1. Dropshipping

If you want to sell physical products and don't want to get into the hassle out of inventory and fulfillment, you can go for a dropshipping business.

How does it work? When a customer orders, you pass the orders on to your supplier – who stores and ships the inventory directly to your customers and fulfills it on your behalf.

With this, you can focus more on marketing and sale strategies. Dropshipping is an easy business to start with low overhead cost.

Moreover, you can scale it up with export/import dropship items. You just need to make a sale and let your supplier or vendor do all the packing, shipping, and storing.

2. T-shirt Printing

A print-on-demand service; even if you're not a designer, you can curate your own t-shirt printing model. However, it's not limited to t-shirts only. You can have your own logo or design for hats, phone cases, hoodies, skirts, tote bags, etc.

For instance, tap into your creativity or reach out to a potential passionate community where you can start a t-shirt business. You can even use a t-shirt mockup template so you can save money on photoshoots and advertising.

Teespring is an ecommerce platform for creating and selling customer apparel with no initial cost required

3. Grocery/Food Delivery

Another successful business to dive into is grocery/food delivery. In a world always running against time, technology will shape the future of grocery shopping with great convenience and speedy delivery.

Most people would like to do their grocery shopping online to save time, fuel, money, and because some buy in large quantities. This has become more relevant during the lockdown period as many people do not want to go outside.

Therefore, build a website for your online store, deliver the products yourself, if you have the means (motorbike or car), or team up with vendors and build a revenue model for your online stores via commission or subscription fee. You can also earn through affiliate links or ad banners on your website.

4. Moving/Packing Business

This is a shoestring startup with estimated costs of less than $2,000. The initial investment you need is yourself. You can also provide packing boxes and materials, but be sure to include this in your costs.

The average American moves about once every two years–but nobody likes the nitty-gritty part of it. Most homeowners and renters are busy and simply don't want to get stressed while moving out! (Who does?)

If you've got a penchant for boxing things up and you're organized and efficient, you can start your moving/packing business now, at home, or even part-time.

5. Cleaning Service

With the onslaught of Coronavirus, attention to proper hygiene has risen. Many companies and households hire cleaning services or agencies to help disinfect the various areas and maintain cleanliness.

You can ride on this opportunity too! Make sure to invest in quality equipment and start offering your service in your neighborhood.

What is the easiest business to start?

Moving on, you can start a business with little to no capital. I'm talking about starting with less than $1,000. Simply tap into your hidden skills and use free and available resources out there like social media and google. You never know, you might be the next viral sensational star! Plus a potential revenue stream!

6. Vlog (Video Blogging)

Before the pandemic hit, vlogs have been a venture almost every person on the planet turned to. Well, why not? If you've got something to share with the world, any skills or charisma you have, or you could just record your cat playing, you can be a certified vlogger!

All you need is a decent camera, (you can even use your mobile phone), a laptop, a creative idea, and yourself.

Some vloggers even document their lives as the content itself and share their journey with viewers. So, if you're not camera-shy, go ahead and start creating a Youtube account, grow your followers, find your niche and build a community around it.

You'll earn from Youtube's AdSense and silver or gold play button if you manage to have a thousand or million subscribers. However, you can also gain revenue from sponsorships and affiliate partners.

7. Podcast

Do you love listening to spoken words? If you have a fantastic idea that you want to share with the world but feel too conscious of staying in front of a camera, then Podcasting is just for you!

A podcast is a dynamic medium to make your voice heard. Further, the audience loves to listen to more than just music and audiobooks.

Suppose you want to start your podcasting business, you can begin investing in decent audio equipment (microphone, headphone, recording software, etc.), then let your voice and ideas get heard via iTunes, Spotify, or Soundcloud.

You can even host podcast episodes on your website. Moreover, you can collaborate with other hosts and artists and discuss relevant topics related to your niche or theme. It's super easy!

8. Blog, Website

Another zero investment and easy business idea for you this 2021 is to create a blog or a website and become a blogger.

Yes, bloggers earn money, and nowadays, many people prefer reading blogs and forums more than watching or listening. No offense there, but for more details, go ahead and check out how bloggers earn money.

9. Zoom Event Host

Since everybody is practicing social distancing and limiting outside exposure, most events have to be virtual.

Take the opportunity to become a zoom host event. It's basically like bring an MC, but virtually. You can ask for referrals from everyone you know, plan an outline theme for the event or party and have fun. Of course, don't forget the pay, nothing is free nowadays!

Likewise, you can save time and bond more with your family if you volunteer to host your own family or friend's group event!

10. Arts and Crafts

There's no such thing as junk or wasted art. If you're gifted go ahead, make art, and sell your stuff, from vintage collections, digital arts, handmade items, and more!

Etsy, the marketplace where most creatives hang out and your perfect audience. is where you want to get started. Additionally, there's Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, and Shopify.

What business can you start with no money?

11. Make-up artist

Make-up is an art. Wearing make-up enhances the beauty of an individual. If you have the skill or the talent to paint faces, why not consider becoming a make-up artist?

It's relevant today as the much younger generation is into make-ups and beauty vlogs (now you have one idea if you want to vlog!)

You only have to invest in quality makeup brushes and kits and, of course, expanding yourself. Take an online course or move into the cosmetology department!

12. Homeplace Stay

Is your property an asset or a liability? Why not gain something from it and turn it into a profitable business?

If you have extra space in your house, you can provide accommodation or a place with travelers and tourists' facilities.

Airbnb does just that. Rent out your home, apartment, or studio and generate passive cash from rental incomes.

13. Reseller

If you haven't come up with a product yet, become a reseller and build yourself from the ground up. You, as a reseller, can have arms of your own resellers too!

Either you earn by commission or markups. Be smart with your pricing since you're a reseller. You have the advantage of getting a reseller's discounted price and pass on the markup or your revenue to your customers.

Do you have the talent to sell anything like crazy? Be a reseller! It's stress-free, as you don't have to think about creating content and products to market. You can also set up a consignment or a dropship model once you decide to become a reseller. Just make sure to find a trusted supplier.

14. Tax Preparation

This business requires training, but not necessarily an advanced degree. Tax, accounting, or bookkeeping services require little capital but higher than average profit and a massive customer base. You can even dive into this part-time and work during tax season, or more so, turn it into a full-time business.

15. Tutorial Service

As you may notice, most businesses you can start with zero money are service or skill-based ones. Added to the list is a tutorial service.

Your target markets are students and those in academia. If you have a particular skill or in-depth knowledge about a wide variety of topics or specific subjects, advertise your tutorial services now, online or offline.

What business can I do from home?

16. Freelancer

You're probably familiar with the term “freelance” or independent contractor. Going freelance is easy because you don't have to suffer the lengthy and expensive commutes. You can start working from the comfort of your home.

It's also ideal for those seeking flexible work arrangements and maximizing their earning potential because you can pick more than one client and earn variable income. Most freelancers are home-based, so all you need is technical equipment and an up and running internet connection.

Fiverr is a platform that allows you to offer freelancing services easily.

17. Data Entry

For beginners alike, data entry jobs are one where you can freely explore. From the word itself, data entry, you simply input data from an excel sheet or files that need sorting. Therefore, it's an online job and 100% home-based.

18. Virtual Assistant

Are you venturing into home-based jobs? Becoming a Virtual Assistant is a great option. As a VA, you provide administrative or back-office service remotely.

Most businesses hire remote workers to save money from expensive hiring, training, and on-boarding employees.

Similarly, once you've mastered VA skills, you can establish your own VA Crash Course to help aspiring VAs.

You can offer VA services on Fiverr and Upwork.

19. Baking Business

Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, sweets and baked goodies are still in town. If you know how to bake cookies, cakes, tapestry, and other treats, you can create a lucrative full-time or side business out of it.

You should invest in baking equipment, cooking tools, and of course your skills. Then, build your brand, improve your packaging, and widen your marketing. Aside from that, you also benefit from word of mouth if you first test your amazing backing skills with your close friends or relatives.

20. Subscription-Based Business

A subscription-based business can bring you recurring income; that's why we included it on the list. It's super easy to start at home!

It basically involves selling products on a schedules time basis.

You can start online with a membership website through a subscription business model. Additionally, you can do a box subscription business for books, self-care essentials, or journal kits, and more. The sky is the limit!

21. Personal Trainer/Fitness Guru

Everyone agrees that health is wealth. Similarly, more and more people are becoming health conscious and want to get fit, now more than ever.

If you value your body or are a health and fitness advocate, you can become a personal trainer or fitness guru. While mass social gathering is restricted in some states, you can be a fitness trainer at home or online through youtube and social media. Build your brand and go out there to spread the news!

Bonus Ideas

• Publish your book- Got stories to tell? You can earn royalty income by publishing your book. Furthermore, most book authors are self-published and are through ebook format, so it should be easy for you.
• Consulting Business– If you have the right skills and qualifications to give legal advice or become a consultant, you can tap into the consulting business. The good news? You can even do it online!
• Sell auto/bike parts– For car lovers out there, you can sell auto or bike parts. You can even become a reseller if you don't have capital yet.
• Pet sitting– Of course, pet sitting will not be getting out of our list. Especially if you're a pet lover, you can start offering services around your neighborhood. Who wouldn't want to take care of such fluffy furballs?
• Errand Service– This is self-explanatory. Even kids can do this job. You can offer errand services around your area, too, or join TaskRabbit. From assembling a table/desk, fixing a running toilet, or mounting a TV or mirror, you can be your own boss, set your rate, and grow your business.
• Life/Career Coach– If you have enough knowledge on life, dreams, and manifestation stuff, this business is for you. As long as you have the right skills and certifications to do so, you'll earn decent money.
• Zumba Instructor– Most of the time, people want to train themselves to improve their locomotive skills for their body figure. Besides, many people nowadays are body conscious, why not become a Zumba instructor? Or, if you have any special skills in specific dance moves, you can be an instructor there too!
• Financial Planner– If you have a passion for helping people plan for their wealth preservation, retirement, or anything finance-related,  why not be a financial planner or advisor? Although not everyone wants other people to have a say in their money, being a financial planner is a fulfilling job/career as you get to see people improve and thrive in their financial lives.

How to create a Business Plan

A business plan is a written document where you state in detail all your objectives, goals, and marketing and financial plans for your start-up.

It is where you define your target market, business model, the expected amount of ROI (return on investment) and short-term and long-term goals, an anticipated timeline for launch, etc.

On the other hand, writing a business plan is crucial as you can reach out to potential investors for your business if you have a well-written and thought-out vision and mission for your business idea to become fully official.

The 5 Elements of a Business Plan

• Executive Summary – This is where you summarize your objectives and expectations for your business. In other words, it is also like an elevator pitch where readers and potential investors in your business will read to know more about your business. You want to keep it brief and concise.
• Business description and structure – This is where you explain your business, the product you're selling, or the service offered? Who is your target market? What is your business model? What is your revenue or profit model? Any vision, mission, and core value your company practices.
• Market research – In this part, this is where you define your marketing strategies. How will you reach out to customers, social media strategies, the definition of your target market in detail (demographics.) It should essentially answer the 4Ps of Marketing: (Product, Price, Place, Promotion.)  Plus Physical Evidence, People, and Processes.
• Management and Personnel – For this section, this is where you share key persons in your start-up. Also, you must state each role and position.
• Financial Statement – Lastly, you must disclose your estimated revenue for 1-5 years of business run. In other words, define each asset, liabilities, capital, etc., to track every cash flow in and out. Any financial related to your future business should rely on this part of the business plan.

Final Thoughts

When you have an idea or passion for a business but have little money, know that it is still possible to turn it into an official business. Also, ask yourself if you would like it to be product or service-based.

Be mindful of whether many people need it, if your profit margin will be acceptable, and whether this venture will be long-term entrepreneurship?

Therefore, if you've got a creative idea to monetize, then great! Usually, businesses start from a passion or a hobby. Whichever the case is for you, know that you're one step closer to starting your business even with little or no money at all!

Do you have any ideas for a start-up or business you've wanted to jump in this 2021? Please share it with us down below! We love to hear from you!