The idea of starting a business is quite appealing as you have the opportunity to make your own money without having to answer to a boss. However, the hesitation that many people have about doing that is that they don’t have a lot of money to start it with, and it is true that you have to spend money to make money.

And yes you need to have some money set aside to start a business but it does not have to be a large investment. All you will need is a little money to spend on a website and a small marketing budget. Therefore, you can most definitely start and grow your business on a shoestring budget. Let’s find out what the top 5 businesses you can start when you don’t have a lot of cash to spare:

1. Freelancing

You actually don’t even need spare cash to start with freelancing. All you need to do is find a skill that you have that you enjoy using, and you can bank on that. You can order an account on Fiverr or Upwork as you can start making money right away since those who are looking to hire are on the platform ready to buy. This means there is no marketing necessary on your part. Freelance ideas are:

    • Writing
    • Editing
    • Graphic Design
    • SEO
    • Web Design

That means you can open an account and get started, and set your prices as well.

2. Tutoring

If you have a knack with working with kids, then tutoring is an idea. You can set a tutoring business and you will need to create a website listing your services. And you can call schools and ask if they can advertise your tutoring service which many will. That means you will have to print out flyers with your number and services to pass around to schools. That is an idea to make money on a shoestring budget right there.

3. Pet Sitting

If you love pets and want to be a pet sitter or a dog walker, then you can do the same thing. Set up a website and put your ads up as well in local listings. You can find free places to do that or ones that don’t cost much you can do.

4. Cleaning Service

Many people don’t have the time to clean their houses, and therefore they are looking for cleaners to hire. This is an idea as well to start. You will need to set up your website again and place ads in the local listings.

5. Sell Crafts Or Food

If you are a crafter or a baker, you can sell your creations. If you like crafting, you can open up an Etsy account and sell crafts on that. If you like to bake and want to sell cakes, you will need a website and to put ads in local listings.

Other than freelancing, you will also want to open up a Facebook and Instagram page showing your creations as well. And you will want to invest a small amount as well in advertising to spread the word. Who says starting a business requires you to spend a lot of money?