10 Low-Cost Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend (With Little to No Experience)
Low-Cost Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend
Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With today’s tools and online platforms, you can launch something small this weekend and start earning extra income right away. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or the foundation of a future company, here are 10 low-cost business ideas you can start with little to no experience.
1. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, businesses are always looking for blog posts, newsletters, and website content. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn make it easy to connect with clients.
- Startup cost: Less than $50 (just a laptop and internet)
- Quick Start Steps:
- Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork
- Write 2–3 sample blog posts to showcase your skills
- Pitch at least 5 clients daily
- Tools to Try: Grammarly, Google Docs, Hemingway App
- Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t underprice your work; even beginners should value their time
2. Social Media Management
Small businesses know they need social media but often don’t have time for it. You can manage posts, create simple graphics, and engage with their audience.
- Startup cost: Free tools like Canva + social media schedulers
- Quick Start Steps:
- Set up a portfolio using Canva mockups
- Offer a free trial week to your first client
- Create content calendars in Trello or Asana
- Tools to Try: Canva, Buffer, Later, Meta Business Suite
- Mistakes to Avoid: Overpromising—don’t commit to daily posts across 5 platforms if you can’t sustain it
3. Print-on-Demand Products
Using services like Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring, you can design T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags and sell them online without holding inventory.
- Startup cost: $0 upfront (just your time and creativity)
- Quick Start Steps:
- Pick a niche (funny quotes, pet lovers, local pride)
- Create 5–10 simple designs in Canva
- Upload to Printful or Redbubble and share links on social media
- Tools to Try: Canva, Printful, Redbubble, Teespring
- Mistakes to Avoid: Uploading random designs—focus on a theme or target audience for better sales
4. Virtual Assistant Services
Many entrepreneurs and small businesses need help with email management, scheduling, or customer service.
- Startup cost: Free if you already have a computer
- Quick Start Steps:
- Make a list of services you’ll offer (email, scheduling, social media)
- Set up a simple website or LinkedIn profile
- Apply for jobs on sites like Belay or Fancy Hands
- Tools to Try: Google Workspace, Trello, Slack, Calendly
- Mistakes to Avoid: Taking on too many clients at once—quality drops fast if you’re overbooked
5. Tutoring or Coaching
If you’re skilled in math, writing, coding, or even fitness, you can offer tutoring or coaching online.
- Startup cost: Free with Zoom or Google Meet
- Quick Start Steps:
- Define your niche (SAT prep, coding, fitness, business coaching)
- Offer your first session free to attract clients
- Collect testimonials to build credibility
- Tools to Try: Zoom, Google Meet, Calendly, PayPal
- Mistakes to Avoid: Not setting boundaries—offer set packages instead of unlimited “free help”
6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet owners love their animals but can’t always be home. This business has low barriers to entry and high demand in most neighborhoods.
- Startup cost: Flyers, a simple website, or a profile on Rover
- Quick Start Steps:
- Register on Rover or Wag
- Hand out flyers locally or post in community Facebook groups
- Offer bundle packages (weekly/monthly walks)
- Tools to Try: Rover, Wag, Google Maps
- Mistakes to Avoid: Not having insurance—look into basic liability coverage to protect yourself
7. Cleaning Services
Residential cleaning, office cleaning, or even niche services like closet organizing can all be started quickly.
- Startup cost: $100–$200 for basic supplies
- Quick Start Steps:
- Buy basic cleaning products and equipment
- Offer services to family/friends for testimonials
- Advertise on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor
- Tools to Try: TaskRabbit, Nextdoor, QuickBooks (for invoicing)
- Mistakes to Avoid: Overbooking yourself—always allow buffer time between jobs
8. Handmade Crafts or Art
If you enjoy making candles, jewelry, or home décor, platforms like Etsy or local farmers’ markets are great places to start.
- Startup cost: $50–$200 for materials
- Quick Start Steps:
- Create a small collection of products (5–10 items)
- Open an Etsy store or set up an Instagram shop
- Take high-quality product photos
- Tools to Try: Etsy, Canva, Square, Shopify Lite
- Mistakes to Avoid: Pricing too low—factor in your time as well as materials
9. Blogging or YouTube Channel
Content creation takes time to grow but costs almost nothing to start. You can earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Startup cost: $50–$100 for hosting and a domain
- Quick Start Steps:
- Pick a niche (finance, food, small business tips, lifestyle)
- Publish 3–5 posts or videos before promoting
- Monetize with Google AdSense and affiliate links once traffic builds
- Tools to Try: WordPress, TubeBuddy, Google Analytics
- Mistakes to Avoid: Quitting too soon—blogging and YouTube usually take 6–12 months to gain traction
10. Delivery or Errand Services
With apps like TaskRabbit, Instacart, or simply local outreach, you can run errands, shop for groceries, or deliver packages.
- Startup cost: Just your vehicle and a phone
- Quick Start Steps:
- Sign up on Instacart or TaskRabbit
- Advertise your services to seniors or busy professionals
- Offer discounts for repeat customers
- Tools to Try: TaskRabbit, Instacart, Google Maps, Venmo
- Mistakes to Avoid: Taking every job offered—set limits to avoid burnout
At-a-Glance Startup Costs and ROI
| Business Idea | Startup Cost | Time to Launch | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | <$50 | 1 day | $15–$50/article |
| Social Media Management | $0–$50 | 1 day | $200–$500/month per client |
| Print-on-Demand Products | $0 | 1 day | $5–$20 per sale |
| Virtual Assistant | $0 | 1 day | $15–$40/hour |
| Tutoring/Coaching | $0 | 1 day | $20–$60/hour |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | $0–$50 | 1 day | $15–$30/hour |
| Cleaning Services | $100–$200 | 1–2 days | $20–$50/hour |
| Handmade Crafts | $50–$200 | 2–3 days | Varies ($5–$100+ per item) |
| Blogging/YouTube | $50–$100 | 2–3 days | Long-term: $500–$5,000+/month |
| Delivery/Errand Services | $0–$50 | 1 day | $15–$25/hour |
Start this Weekend
You don’t need thousands of dollars or years of experience to start a business. These ideas can be launched in a weekend and scaled into something bigger with time and consistency.
The key is to start small, use the right tools, avoid common mistakes, and build momentum. Even a few hours a week can grow into a profitable business over time.
