50 Low-Cost Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend
Image: Pexels
“Where do I get the money?” is always the question most people ask when they want to start a new business. Here’s the good news: you don’t need millions to get started. Thanks to digital tools, gig platforms, and a shift in how we work, you can now launch a profitable, low-cost business this weekend. Whether you’re trying to escape the 9-5, add a new income stream, or test your entrepreneurial instincts, these ideas are flexible, scalable, and beginner-friendly.
Studies have shown that more than 40 million Americans operate microbusinesses with fewer than five employees. The reason?
They’re cheap to start.
They don’t require an MBA.
They fit into your lifestyle.
You’re lucky if you find yourself among the categories below:
- Young professionals looking for side hustle ideas
- Stay-at-home moms and dads wanting flexible work
- Students who want to earn without affecting their studies
- Creatives, designers, and content creators ready to monetize
- Anyone tired of procrastinating on starting a business
So, grab a pen so you can take notes of the 50 low-cost business ideas you can start this weekend, even with as little as $100 or less.
Section 1: Service-Based Business Ideas (Low Setup, High Demand)
Service businesses are the easiest and fastest to start. You’re selling what you know or what you can do, and most need little to no inventory.
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
If you’ve got a way with words, businesses are always in need of writers. From blog posts to product descriptions, there’s endless opportunity.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50 (domain + portfolio)
- Tools: Google Docs, Grammarly, LinkedIn, Upwork
- Pro Tip: Niche down—specialize in writing for a specific industry (like tech, fashion, or wellness) to charge more.
Check out ProBlogger Jobs and Contently to find clients.
2. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Busy entrepreneurs, coaches, and small business owners are outsourcing everything from email management to calendar bookings.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100 (training + software)
- Tools: Zoom, Trello, Google Workspace, Canva
- Where to Start: Fiverr, Upwork, Zirtual
3. Social Media Manager
If you know how to grow Instagram accounts or run Facebook ads, your skills are in high demand by local businesses and personal brands.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Skills Needed: Content scheduling, branding, engagement strategies
- Tools: Buffer, Canva, Meta Business Suite
4. Resume Writing or LinkedIn Optimization Service
With the job market getting tougher, more job seekers are willing to pay for a professionally written CV and a polished LinkedIn profile.
- Startup Cost: $0–$30
- Target Clients: Recent graduates, career switchers, job seekers
- Add-on Services: Interview coaching, portfolio creation
5. Cleaning Services (Residential or Office)
You’d be shocked how many people are willing to pay for help keeping their space clean. With just a few supplies and a small flyer campaign, you’re good to go.
- Startup Cost: $50–$150
- Potential Market: Airbnb hosts, offices, homes, schools
- Pro Tip: Offer recurring packages for better income stability
6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you’re an animal lover, this is one of the most enjoyable ways to make money on weekends.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Sign up on Rover, PetBacker, or local Facebook groups
- What to Offer: Walks, grooming, pet-sitting while owners travel
7. Tutoring (Academic or Skills-Based)
From math and science to music or coding, tutoring is a business you can start from your bedroom.
- Startup Cost: $0
- Where to Start: Facebook, WhatsApp groups, school noticeboards
- Pro Tip: Offer both online and physical sessions for flexibility
8. Graphic Design Services
If you can use tools like Canva, Illustrator, or Photoshop, there are thousands of people who need logos, flyers, social media templates, and more.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100 (tools + laptop access)
- Where to Find Clients: Behance, Dribbble, DesignCrowd
9. Home/Online Bakery or Meal Prepping
If you love to cook, food is always in demand. Start taking small orders for birthdays, brunches, or meal preps for working professionals.
- Startup Cost: $50–$200 (ingredients + packaging)
- Sell via: Instagram, WhatsApp, or in-person sampling
- Add-on Tip: Brand your menu and offer discounts for referrals
10. Photography (Using Your Phone or Entry-Level Camera)
Don’t wait till you can afford a DSLR. Mobile photography is booming on Instagram and in real estate, food, product, and event shoots.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100 (basic light + editing apps)
- Sell your services for: Weddings, birthdays, brands, events
- Tool Tip: Use Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile for editing
Section 2: Digital Product & Creative Businesses (Ideas 11–30)
In Section 1, we looked at service-based business ideas you can start with minimal investment. Now let’s explore business models built around digital products, content, and creativity—these are perfect if you’re looking to scale fast and work from anywhere.
Digital Products
Digital products require no physical inventory, and once created, they can be sold over and over again, making them a powerful form of passive income.
11. Create and Sell Printables
From planners and budget trackers to wall art and classroom worksheets, printables are in high demand on platforms like Etsy.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Tools: Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Affinity Designer
- Sell On: Etsy, Gumroad, Payhip
- Pro Tip: Focus on a niche (e.g., teachers, moms, students)
See Etsy’s top-selling printables for inspiration.
12. Launch an E-book
If you’re knowledgeable in a topic—fitness, productivity, personal finance, or skincare—you can package your expertise into an e-book.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Tools: Google Docs, Canva (for design), Payhip or Gumroad (for sales)
- Bonus Tip: Add a lead magnet to grow your email list
13. Sell Notion or Excel Templates
Notion planners, budgeting templates, or social media calendars are trending digital products that require just creativity and structure.
- Startup Cost: $0
- Tools: Notion, Google Sheets, Excel
- Target Audience: Productivity geeks, students, solopreneurs
14. Online Course Creation
If you can teach a skill, you can build a course—even a short one. Focus on highly valuable or in-demand knowledge like digital marketing, Excel, or time management.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Platforms: Teachable, Gumroad, Thinkific
- Pro Tip: Validate demand by selling a mini-course first
15. Audio Products (Guided Meditations, Affirmations, Loops)
Create short audio content for people to download: white noise, motivational affirmations, prayer packs, guided meditations, etc.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Tools: Audacity, GarageBand, free stock music
- Sell On: Gumroad, Ko-fi, your website
16. Sell LUTs or Presets
Are you a photographer or content creator? You can sell your own Lightroom presets or video LUTs to help others create better visuals.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Target Audience: Instagram influencers, YouTubers, photographers
- Sales Platforms: Sellfy, Etsy, Gumroad
Section 3: Creative Side Hustles
These business ideas lean heavily on your creativity. This one is perfect for artists, designers, writers, and makers.
17. Handmade Crafts (Sell on Instagram or WhatsApp)
Create jewelry, crochet products, candles, or home decor using locally sourced materials.
- Startup Cost: $20–$150
- Where to Sell: Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, local stores
- Marketing Tip: Record your creation process as Reels or TikToks
18. Voiceover Artist
If you have a strong or unique voice, people are looking for voiceovers for ads, YouTube videos, e-learning, audiobooks, and animations.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100 (mic + editing software)
- Tools: Audacity, Voicemeeter, Adobe Audition
- Where to Start: Fiverr, Voices.com, ACX
19. Start a Niche YouTube Channel
Start documenting your journey, knowledge, or passion in a niche. Channels in finance, productivity, tutorials, or even “study with me” get great traction.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Monetization: AdSense, affiliate links, sponsorships
- Pro Tip: Start with shorts to grow fast
20. Start a Paid Newsletter
If you can build a loyal following, you can create a monetized email newsletter with premium content.
- Startup Cost: $0
- Tools: Substack, Beehiiv, ConvertKit
- Best Niches: Tech trends, stock picks, relationship advice, side hustle tips
21. Sell Your Art as Merch
Turn your artwork into T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags using print-on-demand services.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Print-on-Demand Platforms: Redbubble, Teespring, Printful
- Marketing Tip: Start a social media page around your art
22. Sell Digital Planners or Journals
Design and sell digital planners for daily tasks, fitness tracking, meal prep, or goal setting.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Tools: Canva, GoodNotes, Adobe Acrobat
- Sell On: Etsy, Gumroad, your website
23. Offer Podcast Editing Services
Many podcasters love recording but hate editing. If you know how to clean audio, insert transitions, and master episodes, you can help.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Tools: Audacity, Descript, Adobe Audition
- Where to Find Clients: Facebook podcasting groups, Upwork
24. Create Wedding Invitations or Event Stationery
If you have design skills, event stationery is a niche that offers premium pricing.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Clients: Brides-to-be, event planners, photographers
- Deliverables: Digital + printable files
25. Personalized Gifts Business
Offer customized gifts like engraved pens, framed quotes, photo albums, or birthday boxes.
- Startup Cost: $50–$150
- Where to Market: Instagram, WhatsApp status, event pages
- Bonus Tip: Partner with event planners for bulk orders
26. Audio Transcription Service
Writers, podcasters, and researchers need clean, typed-out transcripts of their spoken content.
- Startup Cost: $0
- Tools: Google Docs, Otter.ai, Descript
- Clients: YouTubers, journalists, podcasters, online course creators
27. Sell Clip Art or Icon Packs
Design small assets people use for websites, YouTube, social media, or apps.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Tools: Figma, Illustrator, Affinity
- Where to Sell: Creative Market, Envato Elements
28. Print-on-Demand Sticker Store
Stickers are huge on platforms like Etsy. Think: laptop decals, inspirational quotes, funny memes.
- Startup Cost: $0–$50
- Design Tools: Canva, Photoshop
- Print-on-Demand Services: Sticker Mule, Printify
29. Sell Website or Landing Page Templates
If you’re skilled in Figma, Webflow, or WordPress, businesses and creators are always looking for high-converting templates.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Monetization: One-time sales or template memberships
- Where to Sell: Gumroad, Creative Market, Themeforest
30. Sell Fonts or Typography Packs
Have a passion for letters and curves? Create unique fonts and sell them online.
- Startup Cost: $0–$100
- Tools: Fontself, Glyphs, Adobe Illustrator
- Where to Sell: Creative Market, MyFonts, Envato
Part 3: E-Commerce & Local-Based Business Ideas (Ideas 31–50)
From weekend markets to WhatsApp reselling, this section is packed with businesses you can start right in your neighborhood—or from your smartphone.
Whether you live in a small town or a busy city, many people underestimate how much opportunity exists locally or with low-inventory online retail. Let’s explore the remaining 20 low-cost business ideas to help you get started this weekend.
Section 4: E-Commerce & Reselling Business Ideas
E-commerce doesn’t always require a warehouse or factory. These ideas prove that with a little hustle and an eye for trends, you can start making money this weekend.
31. WhatsApp Product Reseller
With a smartphone and contacts, you can start reselling beauty products, fashion accessories, or household items on WhatsApp groups and statuses.
- Startup Cost: $10–$40 (for sample stock)
- Strategy: Buy in bulk, post daily on WhatsApp, offer delivery or pickup
- Pro Tip: Bundle popular items like skincare packs or kitchen sets
32. Start a Mini-Importation Business
Import small, hot-selling products from sites like 1688.com or Alibaba and sell on social media.
- Startup Cost: $60–$200
- Products: Phone accessories, gadgets, fashion, kitchen tools
- Platform Tip: Sell on Jumia, Konga, or Instagram
- Bonus: Learn from mini-importation coaches (many offer free starter tips)
33. Start a Thrift Clothing Resale Store
Thrift fashion (okrika or bend-down select) is in high demand. Curate quality pieces and sell them online.
- Startup Cost: $20–$60
- Marketing Tip: Do “new stock” live videos and use fashion hashtags
- Where to Sell: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace
34. Start a Used Book Reselling Business
Buy used books in bulk from local sellers or students and resell online—especially textbooks and Christian literature.
- Startup Cost: $10–$30
- Sell On: Your WhatsApp, local university groups, or a mini Shopify site
- Target Market: Students, churches, teachers
35. Become a Drop Shipper
Start a store without buying inventory. Partner with vendors who ship directly to your customers when you make a sale.
- Startup Cost: $0–$25
- Product Ideas: Baby products, gadgets, health supplements
- Platform: Shopify + Spocket, or sell via WhatsApp/Instagram with Google Sheets for tracking
36. Niche Online Store (One-Product Store)
Instead of stocking many products, focus on one strong product and build a simple landing page for it.
- Startup Cost: $40–$100
- Tools: Shopify, Flutterwave Store, Paystack Storefront
- Example: A posture corrector, beard growth oil, or an electric lunch box
37. Candle & Diffuser Brand
Homemade scented candles and oil diffusers are increasingly in demand for home décor and gifts.
- Startup Cost: $20–$60
- Sales Tip: Offer personalized labels or gift bundles
- Where to Sell: Instagram, pop-up events, concept stores
38. Sell Hair & Beauty Products
Hair extensions, edge control, lip gloss, and facial tools sell fast, especially to youth markets.
- Startup Cost: $20–$100
- Sourcing Tip: Partner with trusted vendors or import in small quantities
- Sales Channels: TikTok, WhatsApp TV, salon partnerships
39. Open a Recharge Card Printing Business
Yes, people still buy recharge cards. With a thermal printer and an internet connection, you can start printing and selling airtime.
- Startup Cost: $30–$50
- Earning Model: Discounts on bulk purchases
- Target Market: Street vendors, shops, students
40. Sell Natural Skincare or Haircare Products
Package locally sourced skincare or hair oils like shea butter, coconut oil, black soap, or hair growth balm.
- Startup Cost: $20–$80
- Marketing: Show before-and-after results and testimonials
- Compliance Tip: Follow NAFDAC guidelines for long-term growth
Section 5: Local & Community-Based Business Ideas
These ideas are built around serving your immediate environment—perfect for building trust and consistent income without needing high tech.
41. Laundry Pickup & Delivery Service
Offer to pick up, wash, iron, and return clothes for busy professionals or students.
- Startup Cost: $10–$20 (marketing + packaging)
- Focus: Reliability, speed, and clean delivery
- Pro Tip: Offer subscriptions (e.g., 20 clothes weekly for $10)
42. Start a Home Cleaning Business
Use simple cleaning tools and offer services for apartments, offices, or hostels.
- Startup Cost: $10–$40
- Extras: Add fumigation, deep-cleaning, or weekend-only packages
- Target Market: Working-class homes, landlords, office spaces
43. Daycare or Home Babysitting
If you love kids, consider weekend babysitting for busy parents.
- Startup Cost: $0–$10
- Tip: Start with neighbors or church connections
- Compliance: Ensure safety and basic hygiene measures
44. Mobile Phone Repair Services
If you’re skilled in hardware or software troubleshooting, offer on-the-spot or at-home services.
- Startup Cost: $30–$100 (tools and kits)
- Tip: Build trust with transparency—show customers what you fix
- Long-Term: Open a small kiosk or partner with phone accessory sellers
45. Photography for Events or Products
Start small with smartphone photography and learn lighting, editing, and branding.
- Startup Cost: $40–$100 (or less if using phone)
- Niche: Weddings, birthdays, business product shoots
- Extra: Offer basic editing and photo book creation
46. Bike/Errand Delivery Business
If you own a bike (or can lease one), start a local courier or errand service.
- Startup Cost: $60–$200 (bike rental or repair)
- Earnings: $1–$2 per delivery
- Clients: Online vendors, small offices, restaurants
47. Tutoring Business (Online or Offline)
Teach subjects like Maths, English, coding, or even music to students, one-on-one or via Zoom.
- Startup Cost: $0
- Tools: Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp
- Tip: Partner with schools or churches to build trust
48. MC/Hosting for Events
If you’re naturally entertaining, become an event MC or party host.
- Startup Cost: $0–$25
- Marketing Tip: Offer to host for free at small events to build your portfolio
- Long-Term: Brand yourself with videos and flyers
49. Rent Out Event Décor Items
Invest in chairs, lights, centerpieces, or props and rent them out for weddings or birthdays.
- Startup Cost: $40–$200 (start small)
- Target Clients: Event planners, churches, decorators
- Extra: Offer delivery and setup services
50. Start a Mobile Car Wash
Wash cars at people’s homes or workplaces using portable tools and eco-friendly soaps.
- Startup Cost: $20–$60
- Target Market: Estates, corporate staff, car owners with no time
- Bonus: Add engine detailing or car interior cleaning for higher pricing
Starting a business doesn’t always require a bank loan or a big office space. The most powerful resource you have is your skill, your network, and the courage to take action. Many of the 50 low-cost business ideas listed here can be launched in 24 to 48 hours with tools you already have—especially your smartphone and your ability to solve a problem.
