20 Small Business Ideas for Beginners in 2025

Home-Based Small Business Ideas

1. Virtual Assistant Services

Provide administrative support like managing emails, calendars, or customer inquiries. Small business owners need help staying organized and are willing to pay $20–$50/hour. Start by marketing your skills on Upwork or reaching out to your network.

1. Skills Required: Strong organizational and time-management skills to assist multiple clients efficiently.
2. Startup Costs: $100–$300 for tools like Google Workspace and scheduling software.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for part-time or full-time hours.

2. Home Baking Business

Bake and sell cakes, cookies, or pastries for birthdays, weddings, or daily treats. Customers love fresh, homemade goods. Charge $20–$200 per order, depending on size and customization. Promote your business through social media and local networks.

1. Skills Required: Baking and decorating expertise to create visually appealing treats.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$2,000 for equipment, ingredients, and packaging.
3. Time Commitment: Part-time to full-time, depending on demand.

3. Handmade Craft Business

Create and sell handmade goods like jewelry, candles, or home décor on platforms like Etsy. Customers are willing to pay $10–$100 for unique, personalized items. Start by building a small inventory and promoting on social media.

1. Skills Required: Creativity and craftsmanship to produce high-quality, attractive items.
2. Startup Costs: $200–$1,000 for materials and tools.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, scalable as demand grows.

4. Childcare Services

Provide in-home childcare for busy parents. Charge $200–$500 per week per child. Start by meeting licensing requirements and marketing through local parenting groups or schools.

1. Skills Required: Patience and childcare experience to provide a safe, nurturing environment.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$2,000 for licensing, safety equipment, and supplies.
3. Time Commitment: Full-time, depending on the number of children you care for.

5. Freelance Writing

Help businesses by writing blogs, articles, or website copy. Earn $50–$300 per piece. Build a portfolio on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to attract clients.

1. Skills Required: Writing and research skills to craft compelling, professional content.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring just a computer and internet connection.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, ideal for working around your schedule.

Online Small Business Ideas

6. Blogging

Start a blog on topics you’re passionate about, like travel, fitness, or personal finance. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts. Earnings can range from $500–$5,000/month. Use SEO strategies to grow your audience.

1. Skills Required: Writing and SEO knowledge to attract and engage readers.
2. Startup Costs: $50–$200 for hosting and domain registration.
3. Time Commitment: 5–10 hours/week, scalable as your blog grows.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products or services through blogs, YouTube, or social media and earn a commission on sales. Commissions typically range from 5–30%. Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale to begin.

1. Skills Required: Content creation and marketing skills to drive traffic and conversions.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, leveraging free platforms and tools.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, with potential for passive income.

8. Dropshipping

Run an online store without managing inventory. Source trending products from suppliers and earn profit margins of 20–50%. Use Shopify for setup and promote with targeted ads.

1. Skills Required: Marketing and customer service to drive traffic and handle inquiries.
2. Startup Costs: $300–$1,000 for website setup and advertising.
3. Time Commitment: 10–15 hours/week, scalable as sales grow.

9. Online Tutoring

Teach subjects you excel in, such as math, music, or languages. Earn $20–$50/hour. Advertise your services on platforms like Wyzant or through local community groups.

1. Skills Required: Subject expertise and teaching skills to guide students effectively.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring only a computer and reliable internet.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for part-time hours.

10. Digital Marketing Services

Offer services like social media management, email campaigns, or SEO to small businesses. Charge $500–$2,000/month per client. Start by offering free audits to build your portfolio and credibility.

1. Skills Required: Marketing and analytical skills to create and manage campaigns.
2. Startup Costs: $200–$1,000 for tools and certifications.
3. Time Commitment: 10–20 hours/week, depending on client load.

Creative Small Business Ideas

11. Photography

Offer portrait, event, or product photography. Charge $100–$500 per session. Build a portfolio by offering discounted sessions to friends or community members.

1. Skills Required: Photography and editing skills to deliver high-quality results.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$2,000 for a camera and editing software.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, based on bookings.

12. Personal Styling

Help clients revamp their wardrobes for events or daily life. Charge $50–$150/hour. Start by offering free consultations to friends to build your portfolio.

1. Skills Required: Fashion expertise and communication skills to provide tailored advice.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring only marketing materials.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, depending on client demand.

13. Event Planning

Organize parties, weddings, or corporate events. Charge $1,000–$5,000 per event. Build your reputation by starting with smaller, community events.

1. Skills Required: Organization and interpersonal skills to handle vendors and logistics.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$2,000 for marketing and materials.
3. Time Commitment: Part-time or full-time, depending on project scope.

14. Handmade Jewelry

Design and sell custom bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Charge $10–$100 per piece. Use platforms like Etsy or Instagram to showcase your work.

1. Skills Required: Creativity and craftsmanship to create appealing designs.
2. Startup Costs: $100–$500 for materials and tools.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for working in your free time.

15. Custom Apparel Printing

Offer customized T-shirts, hoodies, or caps for events or businesses. Charge $15–$50 per item. Partner with a print shop to handle production.

1. Skills Required: Design and marketing skills to attract customers.
2. Startup Costs: $300–$1,000 for initial designs and printing.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, scalable as demand grows.

Low-Investment Small Business Ideas

16. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Provide pet care for busy owners, earning $15–$40/hour. Advertise through neighborhood apps or word-of-mouth.

1. Skills Required: Reliability and love for animals to build trust with clients.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, needing basic supplies like leashes and food bowls.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, great for part-time work.

17. Reselling Vintage Items

Find and sell vintage clothing or home décor online. Mark up prices 2–3x your purchase cost. Use platforms like Poshmark or eBay to start.

1. Skills Required: Trend awareness and sourcing skills to curate appealing inventory.
2. Startup Costs: $100–$500 for initial purchases.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, ideal for evenings or weekends.

18. Tech Support

Offer tech troubleshooting for devices or software. Charge $20–$100 per session. Market your services locally or on campus.

1. Skills Required: Technical problem-solving skills to assist customers effectively.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, just basic tools and internet access.
3. Time Commitment: On-demand, based on requests.

19. Laundry Services

Provide laundry pickup and drop-off for busy families or students. Charge $10–$30 per load. Use flyers or community groups for promotion.

1. Skills Required: Reliability and organization to manage multiple orders.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, with access to a washing machine.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, depending on demand.

20. Snack Delivery

Deliver snacks or small groceries to dorms or offices. Charge $5–$15 per delivery. Use social media or campus flyers for advertising.

1. Skills Required: Time management and customer service to build a loyal client base.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, needing only transportation.
3. Time Commitment: Part-time, perfect for flexible hours.