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

Do you dream of starting your own business but have minimal savings for upfront costs? I have some good news -- you don't need thousands of dollars to start a company. There are many small businesses that you can run without making a substantial initial investment.

Believe it or not, you may even be able to keep your business start-up costs well under $1,000. Here are a few business ideas that could help you earn a living working for yourself.

1. Virtual assistant agency

Becoming a virtual assistant is an option for those who desire to help others. This is best for people with varying skills and those willing to learn new ones. Many people and companies hire virtual assistants to help them manage their everyday affairs.

You could be asked to answer emails, schedule appointments, or book travel arrangements in this role. Since this job is done virtually, you can keep your start-up and operating costs low.

If you already have internet access and a computer, you have the basic tools needed to get started. As you expand, your business may benefit from paid solutions like small business project management software. But you can compare software solutions and costs to keep your business expenses affordable -- plus you don't need fancy software immediately.

2. Cleaning service

Another business that doesn't require more than $1,000 to begin is a cleaning service. You can keep your initial costs low by offering your services to clients who provide cleaning products and supplies. But even if you want to invest money in quality cleaning products you bring to each house, you can do so without spending hundreds of dollars.

Business Credit Card Comparison

Consider these business credit cards that offer a convenient and efficient way to separate personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting and tax reporting.

Additionally, business cards can provide valuable perks such as rewards points, cashback, and expense tracking tools, enhancing financial management and the potential to help save money in the long run.

Offer	Our Rating	Welcome Offer	Rewards Program	APR
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Apply Now for Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card On Chase's Secure Website.	Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor	Earn $750 bonus cash back Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business	Intro: 0% Intro APR on Purchases Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply Now for Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card On Chase's Secure Website.	Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor	Earn 100,000 bonus points Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	Earn 3 points per $1 in select business categories Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.	Intro: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 21.24%-26.24% Variable

You can bring basic cleaning supplies and products and let your clients know that you intend to use their tools, like mops and vacuum cleaners. You can later purchase your own cleaning equipment to bring to client sites as you earn more money. This is an easy way to trim your operating expenses while you work to build a steady client base.

3. Content writing company

If you're a creative who excels at juggling multiple projects, content writing might be for you. Many businesses need help crafting quality content; you can offer them your writing services.

You don't need much money to get started. You'll need internet access and a computer that works well. If you already have a laptop or desktop computer, you're set. But even if you need to invest in a new computer, you can get a powerful laptop for under $500.

It will take time to build a solid client base, but this kind of business can earn good money, and many writers maintain low operating costs years into their career.

4. Professional organizer

For those who are organized and like problem-solving, a professional organizing business is another option to explore. Many people lack the time and skills to organize their homes and work spaces, so they hire experts to help.

You'll use your skills to help clients create effective spaces so they feel happier and get more done. You don't need to spend much money upfront to get your business running, either. You'll need to market yourself to find clients, then consult with them to assess their needs (and their space). Then they cover the cost of the storage solutions and organizational must-haves (like shelving systems) that you then use to transform their cluttered spaces.

Always keep your finances in mind

Running a small business is an excellent way to earn money on your terms. You can control your schedule and offer services that align with your interests and skills.

But make sure you keep your finances in mind every step of the way so you can make informed choices. And if you open a business credit card, use it only for purchases you can afford to pay off right away to avoid debt. For additional tips, check out our small business resources.