One of the quickest ways to make a difference is to start something modest right now, even if money is tight or your goals seem far away.
You don’t need a plan for your business. You don’t need a lot of cash. You need something that you can do with the skills, tools, and time you already have. The most important thing is to take action this month, not someday. This could be to pay off debt, save for a trip, or just see what you can do.
Here are ten simple and low-risk business ideas that you can start right away and make money with.
1. Service for running errands in your area
People are busy, and convenience is really important. Offer to do errands for your neighbors, including picking up groceries, going to the post office, getting dry cleaning, or making returns.
Use Nextdoor, Facebook groups, or simple brochures to get the word out. Charge per job or give weekly clients a discount for buying a lot of them. This is especially tempting to older people, parents who are busy, or people who work from home.
You only need a phone and a car or bike to get started.
2. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you love animals, this is a quick and sure method to start making money. You can discover your initial clients on sites like Rover or Wag, or you can offer your services directly to people in your area.
It’s easy to get started, doesn’t require any professional training, and can rapidly lead to regular bookings. People in this area trust each other quickly, and referrals are widespread.
Plus, it gets you outside and active.
3. Offer a service you already know how to do
Think about your present or prior occupations, hobbies, or volunteer work. Are there things that you do better than other people?
For example:
- Writing a resume
- Editing videos
- Designing a logo or flyer
- Tutoring in language
- Setting up a spreadsheet
- Organizing online
You can offer it as a one-time service or as part of a bundle that comes with other services. You can send everything online for free with applications like Canva, Zoom, or Google Docs. You don’t need a store; only a clear offer.
4. Start a business that does digital tasks for you
A lot of small firms and entrepreneurs need support with things like:
- Writing on social media
- How to format blog posts
- Sending newsletters by email
- Entering data
You can offer to take care of these easy yet time-consuming duties. You can charge by the hour, by the assignment, or by the week. Clients will return back if you focus on being quick, helpful, and dependable.
You only need a laptop and the internet to do this from home.
5. Sell things that are still in good shape online
Check your drawers and closets at home. You probably have hundreds of cash just sitting there.
You can sell things on sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp, or Poshmark:
- Clothes
- Electronics
- Books
- Tools for the kitchen
- Baby stuff
- Furniture
Make sure to clean things carefully, provide honest descriptions, and take clear pictures. If you want to grow this, you can even buy cheap things from thrift stores and sell them for a profit.
6. Hold a workshop or class in your area or online
Is there something you know how to do that other people wish to learn? Make it a paid session that lasts an hour.
Ideas:
- Basic budgeting
- Fixing things around the house yourself
- Making sourdough
- Getting started with photography
- Yoga or exercise for beginners
- Creating profiles on LinkedIn
You can host online with Zoom or in person at libraries, cafes, or even your own living room. Set a fee, advertise it on Eventbrite or Facebook, and keep the group small so that people can talk to each other more easily.
7. Provide services for cleaning or getting rid of clutter
A lot of individuals want a cleaner, more organized space, but they don’t have the time or energy to do it themselves.
Provide a simple flat-rate service for cleaning the kitchen, arranging the closet, or getting a room ready for guests. You only need some basic supplies and a good mindset.
If you give cleanings every week or every other week, this might potentially turn into a steady stream of income.
8. Start a side business renting out tools or equipment
If you have tools, cameras, party supplies, or even a power washer, you might want to rent them out to people in your area. A lot of people require equipment for a short period and don’t want to buy it.
You can list your goods on sites like Fat Llama or just offer it through community groups. Include setup or delivery as an added cost.
You can make money from things you already own without having to buy any more.
9. Make digital goods that are easy to use
You don’t need to be a tech whiz to do something useful. You can make digital items like plans, checklists, templates, or ebooks for free and sell them over and over again without having to do any further effort.
For example:
- Weekly meal plan
- Checklist for getting ready for a job interview
- Students’ study timetable
- Tracker for wedding costs
You can sell these on your own Google Drive link, Etsy, or Gumroad. Concentrate on helping genuine people with minor, particular issues.
10. Work in the yard and outside
This is something that people often forget, but there is a need for support all year round with:
- Cutting the grass
- Raking leaves
- Shoveling snow
- Cleaning up the garden
- Cleaning the fence or patio
You can start with your own tools or borrow some from a friend. This works especially effectively in suburban areas where homeowners want to keep their homes in good shape without having to do chores on the weekends.
Put up flyers, knock on doors, or use local apps to spread the word.
Pick One and Stick to It for 30 Days
The quickest method to get results is not to try all ten; it’s to choose one and go all in.
Make your offer clear. Let everyone you know know. Get feedback. Stick with it for 30 days.
You may make real money faster than you think by doing small things every day. And when you see those first results, your confidence and your side income start to expand.
You don’t have to wait until next month. You don’t need a degree in business. You only need to get started.
This is the month to do something, and the money will come.