The foundation of successful companies is a good business idea. For those with limited access to capital, the best business ideas are those that require minimal initial investment in upfront and overhead costs and can be started from home.

Below are some popular low-investment business ideas with high profit potential:

16 low-cost business ideas with high profit potential

1. Launch an online store
2. Offer online tutoring services
3. Participate in affiliate marketing
4. Launch a marketing consulting business
5. Sell branded merchandise
6. Become a personal trainer
7. Produce online courses
8. Start a dog-walking or pet-sitting business
9. Perform social media management services
10. Become an event planner
11. Create a car wash business
12. Start a photography business
13. Offer freelance writing services
14. Start blogging
15. Try content creation
16. Explore career coaching

Earning high profit margins requires effort, but it can also be rewarding. Aspiring entrepreneurs can start a business on a budget in various ways. Look into these affordable business opportunities and focus on the ideas that align with your interests and skills.

1. Launch an online store

Start an online business using an ecommerce platform like Shopify. These platforms offer customizable themes, secure payment gateways, and detailed inventory and customer behavior reports.

Begin by brainstorming online business opportunities that match your strengths. Develop a product or service that meets a market need, create a thorough business plan, identify your target audience, establish your brand, and craft marketing materials. With dedication and time, you can transform a small investment into a successful online business.

You can also explore dropshipping, a model where a third party fulfills orders, eliminating the need for inventory management. Done correctly, this can be one of the most profitable small business ideas for beginners.

2. Offer online tutoring services

Consider providing tutoring services as a side hustle. Depending on your expertise, you can tutor subjects like English, math, science, or specialized skills such as computer programming and video editing. You could also start a test prep business for standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.

Online platforms like Wyzant and Preply can connect you with paying students for a small percentage of your fee.

3. Participate in affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting another company’s products, services, or brand using an affiliate link that generates income when clicked. This freelance business idea leverages your network to drive actions like purchasing products, signing up for newsletters, starting free trials, or downloading apps.

Begin by joining an affiliate program that connects you with companies seeking affiliate partners. Explore the Shopify App Store for affiliate marketing apps. While affiliate marketing income can vary, having a strong social media following can boost your earnings.

4. Launch a marketing consulting business

If you have expertise in understanding and developing digital marketing strategies, consider starting a consulting business. Services may include search engine optimization, email marketing, and social media marketing.

Begin by offering your services to local businesses, building your portfolio and reputation over time. Launch a website showcasing your services and allowing potential clients to contact you directly.

5. Sell branded merchandise

Selling branded merchandise like t-shirts, water bottles, and USB drives is a good option for graphic designers, social media influencers, and artists with preexisting audiences and clear brand vision.

Ready to get started? Build, run, and grow your t-shirt business with free training, intuitive tools, and dedicated support.

For example, on an episode of Shopify Masters, entrepreneur Gourmet Délice shares how selling merchandise through Shopify benefits his record label, Bonsound. “There are only 24 hours in a day, and if your mind is only on the profitable business side, then it’s tough to create,” Gourmet says. Selling merch on Shopify has helped bands supplement the money they bring in from shows and generate sales with minimal time and startup costs.

To start selling merchandise, design your products and create mockups. Then, find a print-on-demand service like Printful or Printify. A print-on-demand model lets you offer a wide range of products without investing in inventory upfront.

6. Become a personal trainer

If you’re passionate about health and wellness, consider starting a personal training business. Personal trainers assess fitness needs, create specialized fitness routines, and hold clients accountable. While building a client base may take time, launching personal training services requires minimal upfront costs.

Prior to advertising, check for required personal training certificates in your area and secure appropriate insurance.

7. Produce online courses

If you have expertise in a specific subject, consider starting an online course business. Online courses can be created in various formats, such as written, audio, and video. While developing your curriculum demands initial time and energy, online courses can provide a great source of passive income once established.

8. Start a dog-walking or pet-sitting business

If you have a natural connection with animals, start your own pet-sitting or dog-walking service with minimal upfront costs. Begin with pet owners in your network and expand your business through positive referrals.

9. Perform social media management services

Social media marketing is a growing industry, with estimates indicating that global social media ad spending will exceed $260 billion by 2028. If you excel at creating social media content, consider reaching out to local businesses and offering social media marketing assistance.

10. Become an event planner

Start an event planning business specializing in finding venues, creating schedules, coordinating catering, and arranging entertainment.