Small Businesses You Can Start on a Shoestring

(image courtesy of Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India)

Are you thinking of starting a new business in 2017 but don't have a large amount of capital to get started? The following businesses can be started inexpensively and in some cases, with almost no start-up cash at all. Each one can be started very quickly and all of them can be operated as home-based businesses. You will not become a millionaire running these businesses. What these businesses offer to the person prepared to work at them is a good living, a flexible schedule and the satisfaction of being your own boss. If you don't know where to start visit an Enterprise Toronto office for assistance with writing a business plan,registering your business, information on licensing/permits/insurance or attend one of their numerous information sessions or programs that can help your business get off the ground.

1. Pet sitting/walking

Turn your love for animals into a great business opportunity. Many people leave their pets at home alone most of the day while they are at work, but are willing to pay people to check on their pets and walk them during the day. Professional pet caregivers come into the home to care for the pet while the owner is away, feeding, walking and playing with the animal.The cost to start this business would be marketing materials and a reliable car to get from client to client. Check with associations and governmental organizations to find out if you need insurance coverage.

2. Tutoring

If you excel at one or more subjects, consider using that skill to tutor students of all ages. Costs of starting this business would be related to marketing your business. Access to transportation would allow you to go further afield.

3. Lawn care/snow removal/gardening

By starting a gardening business and combining it with snow removal, you could have a year-round business. Time-crunched home-owners prefer to do other things on their days off than mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. This is a great job for someone who likes to be outdoors and can be started inexpensively with basic gardening tools and business cards and fliers. Snow removal services might require either a truck or a snowblower.

4. Handyman/painting

Do you find it easy to do home repairs? Can you do very simple electrical or plumbing repairs? And do you enjoy painting? If so, this is the job for you! Many people just don't have the time or interest in doing their own repairs or painting. Start a handyman business and watch your client base grow. Check with associations and governmental organizations for any required permits, licenses or insurance.

5. Cleaning services

Keeping your home clean can be difficult if you work full-time and have a family. With such busy lives, people are willing to pay someone else to clean their homes, leaving them time to do things that they consider to be more important. So, why not start your own cleaning business? Your start-up costs would include cleaning supplies, flyers and other marketing materials to advertise your business.

6. Computer repair services

Are you a computer whiz? Take your computer skills to the next level and get paid for fixing computer problems. Almost all businesses have computers that they rely on and when something goes wrong, their business cannot function properly. Or if you prefer, focus on residential computer services. Check with your insurance company about coverage.

7. Ebay seller

If you have a product that is in demand and that is suitable to be sold online and shipped to the purchaser, selling on Ebay may be the way to go. It can be a more inexpensive option than setting up your own online store and eBay offers all kinds of information to help you sell successfully. Costs involve having a computer, Internet access and a product(s) that would sell.

These are just some of the many jobs you can start on a shoestring. For other ideas and for more information on the above jobs, take a look at these books available at the library: