10 Businesses You Can Start on a Budget

If you’re thinking of starting a business, but are afraid to because of startup costs, fear not. There are many small businesses you can get into without having to spend a fortune. Following are a few businesses you can start on a budget.

Website Design

Website design is a booming business, and it doesn’t cost much to start. Basically, all you need is a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and some software--along with the knowhow to build a website. You can advertise your business over Facebook, Twitter, or other social media. If you live in a college town, it would be a good idea to put up a few flyers.

Consultant

Being a consultant is a business you can start for practically nothing. All you have to do is be better at something than most other people, and be able to teach others how to do it. People who have worked in any business for a long time, such as contractors, administrators, or plumbing and heating specialists, have gained a wealth of knowledge in the course of simply doing their jobs. That knowledge is valuable. All you need to do is open an office, which can be nothing more than a desk, computer, and telephone in your home, and you’re in business. The secret to success as a consultant is to make use of the contacts you’ve made during your career.

Pet Care

Almost every home in America has a pet of some kind, usually a cat or dog. Those animals need care that isn’t usually provided by a vet, such as grooming, pet sitting, or exercising. You can start a pet care business by putting up a few flyers. If you have a large backyard that can be used as an exercise area, or if you live near a park, you can advertise your services as a dog walker. You can take a few classes on pet grooming and start cutting toe nails and hair. Some people work for long periods of time and don’t want to leave their pets home alone. You can either go to their place or have them bring the animal to your home so you can sit with them.

Catering

If you love cooking and have the means to get a large amount of food from your kitchen to other venues, then becoming a caterer is something to consider. It won’t cost a lot to get started; you may already own enough pots and pans to cook for a large group. A few flyers posted on bulletin boards and an advertisement or two in local newspapers may land you a couple of jobs, and once you’re established word-of-mouth advertising will continue to bring in jobs--providing your customers like the food, and you deliver it on time.

Freelance Writing

Another job that is easy to get into is freelance writing. It can be a bit time consuming, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in front of a computer. All it takes to start is a computer, telephone, printer, and high-speed Internet connection. There are lots of freelance writing jobs available on the Internet. You can also approach your local newspaper and ask to become a stringer.

Crafting

If you have a hobby that involves making handmade items, it’s possible to turn that into a business. You can begin by renting booth space at art and craft fairs. To be successful, your work will need to be very good. Becoming a freelance artist or crafter can be as simple as opening a studio or gallery in your own home.

Tax Preparation

A service that is always in demand is a tax preparer. Because the tax laws continue to change, you will need to keep up with them, but opening a tax preparation business is relatively inexpensive. All you need is a desk, a computer, a telephone, and an Internet connection. If you’ve not already familiar with filling out tax forms, you may want to take a few classes. Once you’re ready to begin, you can advertise by putting up flyers on community bulletin boards.

Telephone Sales

A number of businesses are downsizing their in-house staff by hiring independent contractors to do telephone sales from their homes. All you need to get started are a computer, a telephone, and an Internet connection. It would help considerably if you have contacts within the industry for the products you’re trying to sell.

Personal Service

Another job that doesn’t take any special qualifications to get started is to provide personal services for families where both spouses work. Often they don’t have time to take care of simple things like grocery shopping, party planning, or picking up the kids from school. All you need to get started is a reliable vehicle and a way for people to get in touch with you.

Cleaning Service

Offering your services as housekeeper is an inexpensive way to start a business. Because a lot of households have both spouses working, they may not have time to keep the house clean. You can advertise by putting up flyers on community bulletin boards or by taking out an ad in a local newspaper.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for BusinessInsurance.org.