6 business ideas you can start that require little or no start-up capital

While some people enjoy working for someone else and not having to worry about keeping a business afloat every day, others, like yourself, don’t particularly enjoy working for someone else or waking up for a job they dislike. Luckily, with technology and the abundance of resources available today, starting your own business isn’t as difficult as it was in the past.

If you’re interested in starting a business with little or no money, read our article below to find out what you can do and how you can get money to start a profitable business venture.

Home bakery

If you’re an avid baker, then maybe it’s time to turn your late-night passion into a business. Many people love fresh cakes and pastries, and would not mind supporting a fellow South African with magical fingers. With social media, you can run an online bakery business and deliver to your customers. If; however, you prefer a more corporate approach, you can contact businesses, restaurants and coffee shops to find out if they do not need your services. To make a good impression, it would be best for you to bring a few samples over and have them taste your baking.

Personal trainer

If you know your way around the gym and love helping people, then maybe you need to turn your hobby into a job. Being a personal trainer is a fast and easy way to make more money for yourself. Everyone is looking to become fit and healthy these days, and you can make money from that. Many people want to get into shape, but often need the motivation from someone else. This is where you come in. You can be a freelance personal trainer. This allows you to be flexible as you can train your clients at their homes or their gym of choice. Either way, you are guaranteed to make money.

Freelance writer

Because of the digital marketing space, content has become an important way to reach and build relationships with an audience. If you are good with grammar and enjoy writing, then you can become a freelance writer. You can write blog posts, magazine articles or website copy. And with technology, the best part is that you can work from wherever. Before you quit your day job, make sure you build a client list and a portfolio. This will help you attract clients and get more business.

Massage therapist

Life is busier than it was a decade ago. People are busy working until late, trying to make enough money to support themselves and their families. This often leads to people feeling burnt out because they never take a break to relax. This has opened up the market for the need for massage therapists. There are several benefits to massage therapy; it helps with relaxation, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. So, look for a massage therapy course that you can do and invest in a portable bed for when you’re visiting your client. You can apply for a personal loan to purchase your portable massage bed and products if need be. Quality portable beds are expensive, and it can take a while for you to save up for them. If you want to start now, then a loan can be beneficial. The money you’ve saved up can be used to keep the business afloat.

Online clothing store

A business idea online that has begun to pick up is a clothing store. If you’re someone who has always wanted their own clothing line or to simply sell designer clothes, then it’s time for you to consider starting an online clothing store. Many people prefer to shop online as it accommodates their busy schedule and it’s convenient. They won’t need to travel to find the clothing items they need, and it gets delivered to their doorstep. Although it is a popular business right now, the online space is large enough, and you can still create a unique brand. With the help of your social media platforms, you can increase engagement and attract an audience. There is a huge market that is interested in supporting local businesses, so you can use that to your advantage for your online store.

Daycare owner

If you’re a stay at home parent, love children and have the patience, then start small with a daycare facility from home. This is a lucrative business market as it will always be a needed service, especially in family-based neighbourhoods. If you don’t have a child education background, you can always hire educated teachers and you can complete the required safety and childcare requirements needed. You, on the other hand, can oversee the day to day runnings of the daycare. If you are a parent who wants to be present in their child’s life, you can also let your child stay with you. That way, you can spend time with your child and make sure that they are in a safe environment. Just make sure that your daycare centre is registered. Your staff members should also be eligible to work with children. They need to be trained and skilled in first aid, and they should have medical clearance allowing them to work with children.

Coffee shop owner

Coffee is loved by many people, so why not make a profit from that. If you want to own a coffee shop with a picture-perfect background that creates the ideal ambience for your customers; it may push up the price of rent. Therefore when starting out it may be best to find an affordable place to rent and open up a quaint little coffee shop. Or you can find a place to rent in an area with many businesses. Coffee is a go-to for those who missed breakfast before work, or who are rushing to get to a meeting. If you don’t want to start from scratch, then you can open a franchise or buy an existing coffee shop. That way you won’t need to plan from the beginning, and you’ll already have existing customers.

How to finance your business?

Many people don’t pursue their dreams because of financial reasons. However, there are many ways that you can raise funds for your business. If you cannot get a business loan, then you can apply for a personal loan application. You can use that money towards building your business, marketing it or purchasing the right quality equipment your business needs. Finances should not stop you from reaching your dream. Many lenders have personal loan affordability calculators that you can use as a budgeting tool to see if you can afford to take out a loan. So, if you have a dream of being your own boss, then make this year be the year you make that dream come true.