Example Business Ideas

Five Businesses You Can Start for Under 20 Bucks

Written by Rayzelle Forrest Young for Gaebler Ventures

Discusses how to start five legitimate businesses for less than $20.

Starting a business can put a serious financial strain on your pocketbook. If you've been thinking about becoming an entrepreneur but feel you just don't have the money to do so, there are a few businesses that you can start for as little as $20! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Consultant

The qualifications for being a consultant are relatively easy. All you have to do is be better at doing something than the average person is. You will be surprised at what people will pay for when it comes to receiving helpful advice. All you have to do to break into this business is spread the word about your new profession and let everyone know the area you specialize in. Some simple business cards with your name, number and your field of expertise is enough to get you going in this line of work. The key to your success as a consultant will be networking, not money.

Webpreneur

Becoming a webpreneur or selling goods and services by way of a website can be done by just about anyone. Although this line of work requires a lot of time and website promotion, it's a fairly inexpensive business to start. The easiest thing to do if you don't have any goods or services of your own is to sign up for affiliate programs. These programs provide the products for you to sell and in turn, you split the profits with the providing company. You can set up a website with several affiliate programs on them in order to maximize your sales potential. The key to success with this business is to promote, promote, promote. There are tons of free ways to advertise your website. Make use of classified ads, social networking sites, banner ads, etc.

Tutoring

If you're good in a particular subject and feel comfortable with helping others, then a tutoring business could very well become a part of your future. The dire state of today's educational system has sparked the need for more tutors than ever. A good way to get started as a tutor is to approach private schools and home schooling organizations. You will obtain more than enough clients using this free marketing method.

Pet Sitter

In recent years, the pet sitting business has experienced a surge. This is largely due to the fact that people are on the go more than ever before and need somewhere for their pets to go when they are away. This is particularly true when pet owners go on vacation. Rather than leaving their cats and dogs at a kennel, pet lovers are beginning to look for pet sitting services that serve as a sort of pet vacation even. An easy way to start this business is right in your own neighborhood. The cost of putting out flyers and talking to your neighbors will keep you well under the $20 mark.

Desktop Publishing

If you're good at designing flyers, business cards, postcards, etc. and you have a computer and decent laser printer, you can easily and inexpensively start a desktop publishing business. To get this business started, develop a design portfolio that you can showcase on and offline. You could go door to door and offer your services to businesses to get started. You could also upload your portfolio to a website and direct traffic to your site and generate new clients in this way. Both of these methods are inexpensive and will keep you within a $20 budget.

Rayzelle is an entrepreneur and writer. Based on her experiences as an owner of her own dance studio, she will share her personal tips on being a successful entrepreneur.

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