10 Low-Cost Small Business Ideas

Disclaimer — These are simply general ideas. Consult your local small business development center in order to troubleshoot the ideas and create an actionable business plan.

1. Publishing Company — If you need a template check out our Publishing / Life Skills company Grace to Cultivate LLC. (gracetocultivate.com) On Instagram we have created a step by step guide to launching a self publishing company, check it out through following the #GTCSauceJournalEntry hashtag.
2. Arts and Crafts Company (ie. Beaded Necklaces and inexpensive jewelry) Many inexpensive jewelry items only require strings and beads. Creative people can develop clientele through their artistry.
3. Personal property lawn care — Many lawn mowers and rakes are available in the market for minimal cost. Consider starting the business by asking for the sale of family, friends and neighbors.
4. Social Media Curator (ie. partnering with established business) — As we enter a new technological era many established businesses have no social media presence. The technologically savvy entrepreneur can create value for these businesses through helping them connect the dots to this digital economy.
5. Email Deletion Service — Many professionals allow their inbox to overload with emails. Consider “taking out the digital trash” through deleting the spam-oriented emails.
6. Podcast / Social Media or Web Creator — Many people have social media accounts; however, few use these platforms to launch their business ideas. Use your smartphone, laptop or mobile device to launch great thoughts and ideas.
7. Sneaker / Shoe Cleaner Service — As long as people walk from place-to-place shoes will get dirty. Similar to the email deletion service an entrepreneur can create value for the owner through removing the dirt and grime.
8. Alumni Retrieval Service — Schools and their organizations are often in “driver mode.” They are so focused on the current and future opportunities they often neglect the past. By the past I am referring to the immediate past; one, two, five and or ten years ago. An entrepreneur can partner with these schools to meet a significant need. Alumni retrieval services can help schools to the people most interested in its survival and flourishing, the alumni.
9. Graphic Design Service — The world of social media is heavily driven by graphic designs. This is clearly displayed in the logos, memes and graphics in each video project. (to name a few) User friendly apps like Canva.com make it easy for creatives to cut their teeth in the work of graphic design. (Resource — In episode 5 of the Imagine Exposure Vodcast Graphic Designer Macklyn Mosley explains what it takes to be a skilled graphic designer — Episode #5 — Graphic Designer — Macklyn Mosley (Mind of Mosma) — YouTube )
10. Photography Service — In a similar fashion as Graphic Designers, there are many categories of photographers. However, with the emergence of high quality smartphone cameras and online tutorial videos people can become great photographers at minimal cost. (Resource — In episode 16 of the Imagine Exposure Vodcast Photographer Arif Mills explains what it takes to be a skilled photographer — https://youtu.be/kbDSZ0Azvbw)

Honorable Mention — Meet the needs of your city. Consider attending your local city governance meeting and find ethical ways to meet the needs of your local city officials.

Question — What are some other low cost small business ideas that I missed on this list?

Zachary Middleton (follow @zachdmiddleton on Twitter and or check out the Linktree link to explore other ways to support — https://linktr.ee/Gracetocultivate )