Small Businesses You Can Start With Less Than $1,000

[ed]

With the proliferation of online businesses, the sharing economy, and apps aimed at providing everything from lawn care experts to gardeners, plumbers, and dog walkers, the reality is that starting a small business is easier and cheaper than ever, particularly if you already own a computer and a smartphone. Even businesses that can potentially earn thousands in revenue can be started with relatively minimal expense. Here are 20 unique small business ideas, both online and traditional, that require less than $1,000 to start and even less to run.

Note: All start-up costs assume the individual already owns a computer and phone.

Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker
Start-up costs: About $50
Tools and equipment: Pet bed, pet food, pet toys, leashes, computer

Thanks to sites like Rover and Wag, starting your own pet-sitting business takes a matter of minutes. The sites, which allow you to sign up and list your pet sitting and walking services, do all of the advertising for you.

“You can earn up to $5,000 a month as a full-time pet sitter through sites like Rover.com. The site makes it easy to set up a profile and set your own schedule,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings and personal finance expert. “The start-up costs are minimal. You may need a pet bed, food and water bowls, pet toys, carpet cleaner, and a couple of leashes. You’re looking at no more than $50 for these supplies, and possibly less if you shop sales and discount retailers.”

Another plus? Dog walking is great exercise.

[Nahid Hossen]

Low-cost businesses are perfect for testing ideas without huge risk.