Let’s talk about the potential of starting a business with a minimal investment. You don’t need to break the bank to become a business owner these days. With the right business model in mind, you can find a business to start that only requires a small initial investment.
Consider starting an online business to reach a wider client base and help people from all over the world. Or, you could try your hand at a local business that can grow into a profitable business over time. Utilize digital marketing on social media platforms and other sites like to reach more customers and make your business more lucrative.
Create a solid business plan and explore the best small business ideas to find the right type of business for you. Whether it’s a cleaning business, delivery service, personal trainer, or any other products and services you can offer, there are plenty of options that are easy to start and can generate a passive income.
Remember, repeat business is key, so focus on building relationships with clients and providing top-notch service. As a small business owner, you have the power to work from home and offer your services to the world. All you need to get started is ambition, dedication, and a solid plan for creating a lucrative business.
Here are 77 profitable small business ideas you can start with under $200 in 2025, neatly divided into niches for your browsing pleasure.
Creative Services
1. Freelance Writing
Got a way with words? Offer your writing services to businesses, blogs, and websites. Expected income: $20,000/year.
2. Graphic Design
Use free tools like Canva to design logos, social media graphics, and more for small businesses. Expected income: $25,000/year.
3. Social Media Management
Help businesses grow their online presence by managing their social media accounts. Expected income: $18,000/year.
4. Photography
Start with smartphone photography and offer sessions for portraits, events, or products. Expected income: $15,000/year.
5. Illustration
Create custom illustrations for clients, whether for books, websites, or marketing materials. Expected income: $22,000/year.
6. Video Editing
Edit videos for YouTube creators, businesses, and social media influencers. Expected income: $20,000/year.
7. Voiceover Artist
Record voiceovers for commercials, animations, and audiobooks. Expected income: $15,000/year.
8. Handmade Crafts
Sell your handmade jewelry, candles, or other crafts on platforms like Etsy. Expected income: $10,000/year.
9. Calligraphy
Offer your calligraphy services for wedding invitations, custom prints, and more. Expected income: $12,000/year.
10. Music Lessons
If you play an instrument, offer lessons online or locally. Expected income: $15,000/year.
Technology & Online Services
11. Web Design
Design and maintain websites for small businesses or personal brands. Expected income: $25,000/year.
12. App Development
Create simple apps for businesses or fun games for users. Expected income: $30,000/year.
13. SEO Specialist
Help websites rank higher on search engines by optimizing their content and structure. Expected income: $20,000/year.
14. Virtual Assistant
Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely. Expected income: $18,000/year.
15. Online Tutoring
Tutor students in various subjects through video calls. Expected income: $15,000/year.
16. Dropshipping
Sell products without holding inventory by using a dropshipping model. Expected income: $10,000/year.
17. Print on Demand
Design and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, and more through print-on-demand services. Expected income: $12,000/year.
18. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link. Expected income: $20,000/year.
19. Blogging
Start a blog on a topic you love and monetize it through ads and sponsored content. Expected income: $15,000/year.
20. E-book Author
Write and sell e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle. Expected income: $10,000/year.
Health & Wellness
21. Personal Training
Offer fitness training sessions, either in-person or virtually. Expected income: $20,000/year.
22. Yoga Instructor
Teach yoga classes in local parks or online. Expected income: $18,000/year.
23. Meal Prep Service
Prepare and deliver healthy meals to clients. Expected income: $15,000/year.
24. Health Coaching
Help clients achieve their health goals with personalized plans and support. Expected income: $20,000/year.
25. Meditation Classes
Guide meditation sessions for individuals or groups. Expected income: $12,000/year.
26. Holistic Therapy
Offer services like Reiki, aromatherapy, or crystal healing. Expected income: $15,000/year.
27. Wellness Blog
Start a blog focused on health and wellness topics and monetize through ads and sponsorships. Expected income: $10,000/year.
28. Personal Chef
Cook and deliver meals tailored to clients’ dietary needs. Expected income: $20,000/year.
29. Nutritional Supplements
Create and sell your own line of health supplements. Expected income: $25,000/year.
30. Fitness App Creator
Develop a simple fitness or wellness app. Expected income: $30,000/year.
Education & Coaching
31. Language Tutoring
Teach a foreign language to students online or locally. Expected income: $15,000/year.
32. Life Coaching
Help clients achieve personal or professional goals through coaching sessions. Expected income: $20,000/year.
33. Career Coaching
Guide clients through career changes, resume building, and interview preparation. Expected income: $22,000/year.
34. Test Prep Tutor
Help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Expected income: $18,000/year.
35. Public Speaking Coach
Teach clients how to improve their public speaking skills. Expected income: $20,000/year.
36. Business Consulting
Advise small businesses on improving their operations and strategies. Expected income: $25,000/year.
37. Online Course Creator
Develop and sell courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Expected income: $20,000/year.
38. Homeschool Consultant
Assist parents in setting up and running a homeschool program. Expected income: $15,000/year.
39. Art Classes
Teach art classes to children or adults, either in-person or online. Expected income: $12,000/year.
40. Writing Coach
Help aspiring writers improve their craft and get published. Expected income: $15,000/year.
Pet Services
41. Dog Walking
Offer dog walking services to busy pet owners. Expected income: $12,000/year.
42. Pet Sitting
Take care of pets while their owners are away. Expected income: $15,000/year.
43. Pet Grooming
Provide grooming services for dogs and cats. Expected income: $18,000/year.
44. Pet Training
Train pets and help them learn good behaviors. Expected income: $20,000/year.
45. Pet Photography
Capture adorable pet portraits for owners. Expected income: $10,000/year.
46. Homemade Pet Treats
Bake and sell healthy treats for pets. Expected income: $12,000/year.
47. Pet Clothing & Accessories
Create and sell stylish pet clothing and accessories. Expected income: $15,000/year.
48. Pet Blogger
Start a blog about pet care and monetize through ads and sponsorships. Expected income: $10,000/year.
49. Pet Waste Removal
Offer pet waste removal services for busy pet owners. Expected income: $12,000/year.
50. Pet Daycare
Run a small daycare for pets while their owners are at work. Expected income: $20,000/year.
Home & Garden
51. Cleaning Service
Offer house cleaning services to busy homeowners. Expected income: $15,000/year.
52. Lawn Care
Mow lawns, trim hedges, and maintain gardens. Expected income: $18,000/year.
53. Handyman Services
Provide basic repair and maintenance services. Expected income: $20,000/year.
54. Interior Decorating
Help clients decorate and organize their homes. Expected income: $20,000/year.
55. Home Staging
Prepare homes for sale by staging them attractively. Expected income: $18,000/year.
56. Errand Service
Run errands for busy individuals, such as grocery shopping or dry cleaning pickup. Expected income: $12,000/year.
57. Personal Organizer
Help clients declutter and organize their homes. Expected income: $15,000/year.
58. Home Gardening
Assist clients in creating and maintaining home gardens. Expected income: $15,000/year.
59. Furniture Upcycling
Revamp old furniture and sell it online or at markets. Expected income: $12,000/year.
60. Home Energy Audits
Conduct energy audits to help homeowners save on utility bills. Expected income: $20,000/year.
Travel & Leisure
61. Travel Planning
Plan personalized trips for clients, handling all the details. Expected income: $12,000/year.
62. Tour Guide
Offer local tours and share interesting facts about your area. Expected income: $15,000/year.
63. Vacation Rental Management
Manage vacation rental properties for owners. Expected income: $20,000/year.
64. Photography Tours
Lead photography tours for tourists and enthusiasts. Expected income: $15,000/year.
65. Travel Blogging
Start a travel blog and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Expected income: $15,000/year.
66. Souvenir Shop
Sell locally made souvenirs to tourists. Expected income: $10,000/year.
67. Local Experience Host
Offer unique local experiences, such as cooking classes or cultural tours. Expected income: $12,000/year.
68. Travel Consultant
Provide travel advice and itinerary planning services. Expected income: $15,000/year.
69. Event Planning
Plan and coordinate events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. Expected income: $20,000/year.
70. Personal Concierge
Offer concierge services to busy professionals and travelers. Expected income: $15,000/year.
Miscellaneous
71. Elderly Companion
Spend time with elderly individuals, providing companionship and assistance. Expected income: $12,000/year.
72. Errand Runner
Run various errands for people who are too busy or unable to do them themselves. Expected income: $10,000/year.
73. Freelance Researcher
Conduct research for writers, businesses, and academics. Expected income: $15,000/year.
74. Custom T-Shirt Business
Design and sell custom t-shirts online. Expected income: $12,000/year.
75. Mobile Car Wash
Offer mobile car washing services to busy car owners. Expected income: $15,000/year.
76. Podcasting
Start a podcast on a topic you’re passionate about and monetize through ads and sponsorships. Expected income: $10,000/year.
77. Subscription Box Service
Create and sell subscription boxes tailored to niche interests. Expected income: $20,000/year.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own business, now is the time to take the leap and go for it. There are so many business opportunities out there waiting for you in 2025. Whether you want to start a small business like a pet sitting business or design business, the potential for success and growth in the small business sector is huge. Don’t be afraid to start your own business and scale this business up. With the right mindset and determination, you can turn your first business into a great business.
Consider starting a social media or online business, or even a training business or coaching business. There are endless possibilities when it comes to running a business and finding a way to make money doing what you love. Get those business cards printed and start offering your services to the world. Every business, whether it’s an existing business or a new business, has the potential to succeed in 2025.
Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or even more business ideas to start in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this exciting journey! 💖
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