Low-cost business ideas for the eager entrepreneur

Besides coming up with a business plan and fine-tuning it, you will need to look at long-term prospects and the financial aspects, too, when you’re starting a business. If you are running low on capital but high on ambition and passion, you need business ideas that can be got off the ground with minimum to no investment but can later grow to major enterprises.

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Look out for would-be entrepreneur opportunities that hold your interest, can be run from home to save you costs on office space, can function with just you and maybe a couple of more employees at the most and can be expanded into a larger entity when they turn profitable. Here are a few that might be suitable for you.

Clean it up

Professional cleaning services will be in demand as long there is enough dirt to go around. There are two segments in this category – consumer and commercial – and both have immense potential for a budding entrepreneur. As a business that can be operated from home and can be a part-time or full-time venture, it gives some flexibility. Investment can also be kept to a minimum while the profitability quotient is high.

No child’s play

Busy lifestyles and the increasing need for double incomes have opened up the child care market. Presently, sufficient quality child care is lacking, and this is a market just waiting to be exploited. There are subcategories in this segment, such as part-time child care or caring for children with special needs.

Soothe bridal worries

The wedding business is booming like never before, and there is no time like now to get your foot in the door. Wedding consultants are in high demand not just in the major cities and towns. If you have a sunny disposition and a great sense of humour, then you are likely to make it in this field even without any financial backing. The ability to think on your feet and the determination to fix things when they go awry are what matter most in this business.

Crafty hands

If you are someone who loves creating things – jewellery, apparel, desserts, paintings – anything at all, then it might be a good idea to channel this passion into a business. You will need to set realistic targets at first, but once the notion catches on, you might find yourself growing well beyond your wildest dreams. Since you are already pursuing your interest, there is not much of an investment to be made. Finding buyers is what you will need to focus on.

Impart knowledge

There will always be students and there will always be a thirst for knowledge. A love for teaching and excellence in academics is all you need to start off your own tutoring service. The advent of technology has made online tutors a reality as well, and this might be a good place to test your skills and get your feet wet before venturing out.

Pet motel

The pet market is widening gradually, and there is a dearth of good pet hostels/motels and day care facilities. There are a lot of people out there who consider their pet to be a part of their family and are in need of good caretakers for them. You could start off small by catering to friends and earmarking space in your yard for the purpose. Your love for the furry creatures can take you places.

All of these options will require you to contribute significant time and effort while keeping investment to a minimum. In the long run, however, the pay-outs are bound to increase.