Affordable Business Ideas Under $500

Apr 1, 2025

Business Ideas Under $500

Introduction

  • Business landscape is changing.
  • Many businesses can be started with $500 or less.
  • This guide covers 70 business ideas that require minimal investment.

Manufacturing and Production

Table-Top Biofires

  • Small fireplaces using safe materials and non-toxic biofuels.
  • Can be used for decoration or heating.

Tufting Gun

  • Used for making handmade rugs.
  • Requires a special fabric and frame.
  • Glue is applied to fix the yarn, and rugs can be sold online.

Cultured Stone Molds

  • Create artificial stone veneers for home decor and landscaping.
  • Made of silicone or polyurethane.

Wooden Computer Cases

  • Made from materials like birch plywood.
  • Lightweight, durable, and fit well into home decor.

Crafts and Artisanal Products

Manicure Printer

  • Creates high-quality nail art using special gel-lacquers.
  • Allows easy experimentation with designs.

Laser Engraving Machine

  • Used for creating custom design products, paintings, and lettering.
  • Can sell on platforms like Etsy and eBay.

Badge Making Machine

  • Produces designer badges.
  • Sell on Etsy or social media.

Candle Mini Factory

  • Simple candle production using molds, wax, and wicks.
  • Initial cost is around $200.

Engraver Pen

  • Engrave on surfaces like metal, glass, and plastic.
  • Engrave items like knives for tourists.

Food and Drink Businesses

Power Bank Vending Machines

  • Popular in high-traffic areas for charging devices.

Popcorn Machine

  • Experiment with flavors to attract customers.
  • Sell in parks and local stores.

Taiyaki Production

  • Japanese waffles with various fillings.
  • Attractive due to unique shapes and flavors.

Churros

  • Fried pastry popular in street food.
  • Churros machines are affordable.

Cooking Oil Machine

  • Extracts oil from vegetable materials.
  • Produces high-quality cooking oils.

Cake and Confectionery Printer

  • Prints color images on food products like cakes.

Services

Drone Video Shooting

  • Offer services for weddings and real estate.
  • FPV drones for more advanced recording.

Personal Trainer

  • Growing fitness industry.
  • Requires certification and marketing.

Home Cleaning Services

  • Minimal investment needed for equipment.
  • High demand due to remote work trends.

Pet Sitting

  • No initial investment needed.
  • Client provides necessary supplies.

Virtual Receptionist

  • Perform tasks like email management from home.
  • Requires only a computer and internet.

Translation Services

  • High demand in medical, legal, and business sectors.
  • No startup costs.

Real Estate and Rental

Small Scale Rentals

  • Rent out parking spaces, storage units, or backyards.
  • Minimal cleaning fees and marketing costs.

Home Remodeling

  • Rising demand for home improvement projects.
  • Initial investment in tools under $500.

Miscellaneous

Smartphone Repair

  • Kits for disassembly and repair are inexpensive.
  • Market through online guides and tutorials.

Professional Organizer

  • Clients pay for supplies, you provide organization plans.

Lawn Care Services

  • Initial equipment cost under $400.
  • Seasonal business with potential for high earnings.

Local Touring Guide

  • Requires city knowledge and communication skills.
  • Opportunities to work in different countries.

Social Media Manager

  • Help businesses increase revenue through social media.
  • Requires expertise and time, minimal cost.

Crafts and Sales

  • Sell homemade crafts and desserts online.
  • Utilize platforms like Facebook for marketing.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of business ideas that can be started with a minimal investment, focusing on a variety of industries and services.