Starting a new business can be a costly process. However, there are some which can be started without breaking the bank, and just require hard work and commitment. Here are our top 10 business ideas to start on a budget.
Baking
Baking is very competitive and most of the home bake stores will not take on new bakers. Bake products that do not expire quickly, such as biscuits. I am sure you have many friends and family members that work in large open plan offices. Send free samples with them to their offices and you will find if you keep at it, your client base will grow and you will have a great income. A friend of mine laid out a bowl of her biscuits at a local crafts store and while the ladies were taking lessons they sampled her biscuits, and the orders poured in.
Car Wash
With a bucket of water, some soap and good cloths you can be on your way. Offer to wash cars for the people in your neighbourhood. You could even try going to fairs and offering to wash people’s cars while they enjoy the event. A friend of mine started out like this and now he owns a franchise of car wash businesses.
Beautician/Hairdresser/Makeover/Massage
Take the plunge and start your own small business. Whether you are a hairdresser or a qualified masseur why not start doing it from home? If you do not have the space to provide this service from home why not travel to your clients. When my father became very frail a travelling manicurist used to come to our home once a month to cut his nails.
Installation
Are you technically inclined? People buy themselves lovely television sets, sound systems etc but when they get home they do not know what to do with the multitude of wires. Usually they have to call out electricians for the installation which is very pricey. Offer your services at a reasonable fee to install their appliances for them. Perhaps your local appliance retailers will let you leave business cards with them.
Web Design/Graphic Design
Good web designers and or graphic designers are sought after. If this is where your skills lie, you can start a lucrative business on a very small budget. All you need is the skill, a computer, the correct software and internet access. This market is very competitive but make sure you meet deadlines and listen to what your clients want and your design business will grow rapidly.
Freelancing Business
I have a friend who runs a group of writing freelancers. He finds the work and allocates it to his team and takes his commission off what he pays them. Although he cannot write himself he makes a good income from running his team. For this you need reliable internet access and you need savvy. You have to be able to assess people well when interviewing. Being able to convince clients why they should use your team also requires being able to market yourself well.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization is an industry that is growing in leaps and bounds. It is not a business that you can start simply by having a computer and internet access. You have to train yourself thoroughly first. The good news is that there is plenty of free training offered online. To become a competitive SEO you have to be innovative and dedicated.
Stationary Supplier
Find a good stationery wholesaler. Set up order forms and leave them at all the businesses in your area. Many businesses do not have time to go out and buy their stationary and will support you if you deliver the correct goods on time.
Courses
Perhaps you never realised that your hobby is a marketable skill. Are you an exceptional crafter? Why not start offering classes from home or from your nearest community centre?
Bookkeeping or Administrative Work
Many businesses no longer have fulltime employees and prefer to outsource their bookkeeping or administration. Advertise on local sites and turn your skills into a lucrative business.
Whichever idea suites you, apply the most vital skill to your business. What is this skill? I call it “Stick-to-it-ness” Another suggestion is do something that makes you unique compared to your competition.
