Starting a business with only $20 is possible, and there are several ways to do it. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Find an idea: Look for something you’re passionate about, know something about, and are willing to put effort into. You can also consider starting a business that requires minimal resources, such as professional organizing, reselling items, or becoming a virtual assistant.
2. Create a business plan: Having a solid business plan is essential for success. It helps you outline your goals, identify your target market, evaluate competition, and create a roadmap for achieving your objectives.
3. Bootstrap your business: Start with the smallest, simplest version of your business. You might have a feature list for an app that’s 20 items long, but start with two or three of the items. Get people using your app, get people paying for it, and see what your customers are actually doing and saying. You can also use supplies you already have on hand, such as business cards or ads.
4. Sell unwanted items: If you have old stuff you want to sell lying around your house, you can become a flea market vendor for less than $20 per day. You can also purchase deeply discounted items at retail stores and resell them at higher prices for a profit.
5. Invest in yourself: Spend the $20 on something that will help you get started, such as high-quality paper to create your portfolio4. You can also read non-fiction books to gain knowledge and skills.

Remember that starting a business requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. With the right idea and approach, you can turn your $20 investment into a successful business.

what are some low-cost business ideas that can be started with $20

1. Professional Organizing

• Startup Cost: Approximately $15
• How to Begin Professionally Organizing:

Starting a professional organizing business requires more than just tidying up spaces. Begin by honing your organizational skills and understanding the art of decluttering. Develop a clear vision for your business’s mission and target market to ensure you’re offering services that meet specific client needs. Invest in tools such as label-makers, storage bins, and a robust scheduling system to manage appointments efficiently.

Networking with other organizers and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and potential collaborations. Look for online forums, workshops, or local events where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

Expand your knowledge through courses or certifications in professional organizing to gain credibility and expertise in the field. Crafting a strong brand identity is key so that potential clients perceive you as a trustworthy and competent organizer from the onset of your venture.

Establishing an online presence through social media platforms, blogs, or a professional website can help showcase your skills and reach potential clients. Utilize these platforms to share organizing tips, success stories, or before-and-after photos to demonstrate the value of your services.

Offering free consultations can be an effective way to attract initial clients while gaining hands-on experience within the industry. As you develop your clientele base and expertise, consider expanding into niche areas like home office organization or downsizing services to diversify your offerings.

Reselling

Startup Cost: $0

Reselling can be a profitable business with little to no startup costs. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Niche: Decide on the type of products you want to resell. This could be anything from clothing to electronics. The key is to choose a niche that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in.
2. Source Your Products: You can source your products from various places such as online marketplaces, wholesale liquidation sites, or even local artisans and crafters. The key is to find good products at below-market prices.
3. Set Up Your Online Store: If you decide to sell online, you’ll need to set up an e-commerce store. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce can help you set up your online store. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and user-friendly.
4. Market Your Products: Use social media, email marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to promote your products. You can also reach out to local businesses and offer your products to them.
5. Manage Your Inventory: Keep track of your inventory and make sure to reorder your products regularly. There are various inventory management software options available that can help you with this.

Life Coach

Startup Cost: Around $18.95

Starting a life coaching business can be a rewarding venture. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Niche: Decide on the type of life coaching you want to offer. This could be anything from career coaching to relationship coaching. The key is to choose a niche that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in.
2. Set Up Your Business: Register your business with the state and secure a federal tax number. You’ll also need to register with the IRS as a sole proprietor.

1. Set Your Rates: Determine how much you will charge for your services. You can start by offering a flat rate for each session, or you can offer hourly rates if you prefer.
2. Market Your Services: Advertise your services to local businesses and residents. You can also reach out to online marketplaces and e-commerce sites to offer your services.
3. Get Insurance: Make sure you have liability insurance for your life coaching business. This can protect you in case of any accidents or injuries related to your services.

• Remember, the goal of a life coaching business is to help others achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life. Be patient, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in the lives of the people you coach.

Starting a career in life coaching can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Begin by obtaining the necessary training and certification to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to guide and support others. Research various coaching programs and find one that aligns with your values and goals. Once certified, consider your target niche or audience, whether it’s personal development, career coaching, or health and wellness.

Next, create a business plan outlining your services, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Utilize online platforms such as social media and networking groups to build a strong online presence and connect with potential clients.

As you gain experience, seek out mentorship opportunities within the coaching community to further refine your skills and expand your professional network. Remember that building a successful coaching practice takes time, dedication, and continuous learning as you adapt to the ever-evolving needs of your clients.

Cleaning Houses

Startup Cost: Less than $20

Starting a cleaning business can be an excellent way to earn some extra income. With a budget of less than $20, you can still get started by purchasing basic cleaning supplies and marketing your services to friends and family members.

Here are some steps to get your cleaning business off the ground:

1. Purchase Basic Cleaning Supplies: You can get all the basics such as a mop, broom, dustpan, and various cleaning solutions for under $20. If you’d rather put money towards business cards or an ad, start out using supplies you already have on hand. As you begin earning money from your cleaning business, you can use that money to buy more supplies.
2. Market Your Services: Word-of-mouth is a good way to get cleaning gigs, so tell your friends and family members that you’re starting a house-cleaning business. You’ll need reliable transportation to get to the jobs, so factor in gas or transit costs.

Virtual Assistant

Startup Cost: Around $5

If you have some skills in areas like managing schedules, booking appointments, and handling administrative tasks, you can start a Virtual Assistant business. Various freelancer sites like Upwork can help you find these types of opportunities. You can apply to 20-30 Upwork jobs with 80 connects.

Resume Writer

Startup Cost: $0

If you’re well-versed in sentence structure and grammar and have experience writing and designing resumes, you might be able to build a business around these talents. Skilled resume writers are always in demand and are paid on a per-project basis. You can add on other services as well for an extra charge, such as writing cover letters or LinkedIn profiles.

To get started, set up a free profile on a marketplace like Fiverr to advertise and price your services. The platform even allows clients to give you gratuities in addition to your fees. To help you stand out as a freelancer, Fiverr recommends that you make a short video about what you offer, create a gig title that will attract the most eyeballs, and select an appropriate delivery time. Try to get friends and family members to book you through Fiverr to get started and then have them post reviews about your work.

Dating Consultant

Startup Cost: Around $18

Starting an online dating consulting business can be a lucrative venture. As an online dating consultant, you help people navigate the complex world of online dating and create meaningful relationships. Here are some steps to get your dating consulting business off the ground:

1. Form Your Business: The first step is to form your business into a legal entity. This could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. This step protects you from being held personally liable if your dating consulting business is sued.
2. Set Up Accounting: Keeping accurate and detailed accounts of your expenses and sources of income is crucial for understanding the financial performance of your business. It also simplifies your annual tax filing.
3. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses: Depending on your location, you may need certain permits and licenses to operate your online dating consulting business. Check your local SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
4. Market Your Services: Use platforms like social media, blogs, and websites to advertise your services. You can also join dating consultant associations and get listed on their directory.
5. Pricing Your Services: You can start by charging a 15-minute phone or video call, or an email consultation that allows clients to ask a predetermined number of questions. Eventually, you can set up a weekly one- to two-hour consultation over phone or video call. You can offer this as a one-off or a package at a discounted rate.

Pet Sitting

Startup Cost: $15

Starting a pet sitting business can be a great way to earn some extra income. Here are some steps to get your pet sitting business off the ground:

1. Advertise Your Services: You can start by advertising your services to your neighbors, friends, and family. You can also post flyers in your local community center or pet store.
2. Set Up a Business Profile: Set up a free profile on a marketplace like Fiverr to advertise and price your services. The platform even allows clients to give you gratuities in addition to your fees.
3. Build a Portfolio: If you can, try to build a portfolio of clients who can vouch for your services. This can be a great way to attract new clients.
4. Get Insurance: Make sure you have liability insurance for your pet sitting business. This can protect you in case of any accidents or injuries to the pets you are watching.

Music Teacher

Startup Cost: $10 + optional fuel costs

Starting a music teaching business can be a rewarding venture. Here are some steps to get your music teaching business off the ground:

1. Advertise Your Services: You can start by advertising your services to your local community through flyers, local newspapers, or social media.
2. Set Up a Teaching Space: Depending on the type of music you teach, you may need to invest in a piano or other musical instruments. You can also consider setting up a teaching space at your home.
3. Build a Portfolio: If you can, try to build a portfolio of students who can vouch for your teaching abilities. This can be a great way to attract new students.
4. Get Insurance: Make sure you have liability insurance for your music teaching business. This can protect you in case of any accidents or injuries to the students you are teaching.

Editorial Services

Startup Cost: $0

Starting an editorial services business doesn’t require a significant upfront investment. As an editor, you can start by offering your services to clients online through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Here are some steps to get your editorial services business off the ground:

1. Create a Portfolio: Start by creating a portfolio of your work. This can be articles, blog posts, or any other writing you’ve done that you’re proud of. Your portfolio will serve as proof of your skills and experience to potential clients.
2. Set Up an Online Presence: Create a professional online presence by setting up a website or a blog where you can showcase your work. You can also create profiles on various freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
3. Market Your Services: Use social media and online forums to market your services. You can also reach out to local businesses and offer your services to them.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine how much you will charge for your services. You can start by offering a flat rate for each project, or you can offer hourly rates if you prefer.

Courier Services

Startup Cost: $10 + cost of fuel

Starting a courier service can be a lucrative venture, especially in areas with high demand for delivery services. Here are some steps to get your courier business off the ground:

1. Purchase a Vehicle: You’ll need a vehicle to transport packages. The cost of the vehicle will vary depending on the type and size of the vehicle you choose. Make sure to budget for the cost of fuel as well.
2. Get Insurance: Make sure you have liability insurance for your courier business. This can protect you in case of any accidents or injuries related to your delivery services.
3. Market Your Services: Advertise your services to local businesses and residents. You can also reach out to online marketplaces and e-commerce sites to offer your courier services.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine how much you will charge for your courier services. You can start by offering a flat rate for each delivery, or you can offer rates based on the distance and weight of the package.

Packing Services

Startup Cost: $5 and up

Starting a packing services business can be a great way to earn some extra income. Here are some steps to get your packing services business off the ground:

1. Purchase Basic Packing Supplies: You’ll need basic packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and packing materials. You can start by purchasing these supplies for around $5.
2. Market Your Services: Advertise your services to local businesses and residents. You can also reach out to online marketplaces and e-commerce sites to offer your packing services.

Senior Companion Business

Startup Cost: $5 + cost of fuel

Starting a senior companion business can be a rewarding venture, especially if you have a knack for connecting with seniors and providing them with the support they need. Here are some steps to get your senior companion business off the ground:

1. Choose the Services to Offer: Start by making a list of services you intend to offer to your clients. This could include companionship, assistance with daily tasks, help with medication reminders, or even just providing companionship and conversation. Research the market and find out the services which are in demand in your area.
2. Set Up Your Business: Decide on the legal structure of your business. This could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). You’ll also need to register your business with the state and secure a federal tax number.
3. Market Your Services: Advertise your services to local seniors and their families. You can also reach out to local community centers, senior living facilities, and online platforms to offer your services. Consider investing in marketing materials such as posters, flyers, and online advertisements.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine how much you will charge for your services. Remember to add at least 30 to 35% to the wages you intend to pay yourself to cover expenses such as licenses, taxes, and maintenance.
5. Get Insurance: Make sure you have liability insurance for your senior companion business. This can protect you in case of any accidents or injuries related to your services.

Remember, the goal of a senior companion business is to provide seniors with the support they need to live independently and comfortably in their own homes. Be patient, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in the lives of the seniors you serve. Consider reading another article i wrote about >>>>

How to start a business with a little bit of money?

Sarah Shane

Sarah Shane

As an author writing and creating business courses and articles, I am responsible for developing and delivering high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the target audience.

I monitor and analyzes business trends and topics to create courses and articles that provide value to readers and students here. I am responsible for ensuring that all content is accurate, well-written, and met the needs of the target audience.