21 Best Businesses You Can Start Today With No Money

Are you ready to start your own business but don't have the capital to get started? No problem! With a little bit of hard work, there are plenty of businesses that you can launch without any money.

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1. Blogging

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If writing is your thing, you could start a blog and monetize it through affiliate marketing and display ads. Semrush shares that over 409 million people view over 20 billion pages monthly.

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How much can you make:

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• AOL acquired HuffPost, one of the fastest-growing blogs of all time, for $315 million.
• Adam Enfroy earns over $80K per month from his blog.
• The Penny Hoarder made over $20 million last year, with 95% of its money coming from affiliate marketing.

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How to get started:

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• Create a free blog using one of the best website builders.
• Use Ahrefs free keyword generator to find a low-competition niche.
• Start writing great content and posting to your blog.

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Tips for starting a blogging business:

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• Once your blogging business makes money, you can outsource content creation to writers on freelance platforms.
• Learn how to optimize your website for SEO by link-building and to create content hubs.
• Use ChatGPT and Grammarly to accelerate your writing process.

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2. Photography

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If you already have a camera or know a friend that has a camera, starting a photography business can help you earn money in a breeze.

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How much can you make:

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• Cassy Athena, a famous basketball photographer, reportedly makes over $1 million annually.
• Marc Andre, a hobbyist photographer, claims to have made over $1 million with his business.

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How to get started:

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• Watch Youtube videos and other tutorials to understand the basics of photography, such as composition, lighting, exposure, etc.
• Borrow a friend's camera if you don't have one.
• Offer your services to friends and family, local businesses, or people at your school. For example, you could post your photography services on your school's Facebook page during graduation season.

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Tips for starting a photography business:

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• Get your clients to tag you in posts they share on social media, so you get more exposure to your business.
• Collaborating with other businesses can help you reach new clients and build your brand. For example, you could partner with a wedding planner or florist to offer joint packages.
• Develop a unique visual identity that reflects your style and personality.

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3. Outsourced Virtual Assistant

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If you are good at delegating and managing people, you can start a virtual assistant business that outsources the work to cheap international labor in places like the Philippines. Several of these businesses have popped up in the last couple of years, and the profit margins are hard to believe. 

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How much can you make:

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• One of my friends' online outsourced virtual assistant business does $50M annually.
• Virtual Assistant businesses like Athena charge clients $3,000 per month. The average executive assistant in the Philippines makes less than $2,000 monthly. That's $12,000+ per year for every executive assistant you have a client for.

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How to get started:

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• Ask friends and family to refer you to their employers if they need help with tedious and repetitive tasks that a virtual assistant can handle.
• Join online platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find clients looking for virtual assistants.
• Create share-worthy content around the power of delegating low-level work to virtual assistants. 

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Tips for starting an outsourced virtual assistant business:

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• Create a template that your virtual assistants can use to showcase to employers the hours spent on each task to increase visibility and trust in their work.
• Create a training program to onboard and train the executive assistants you work with to excel in calendar and email management.
• Create a survey that you can use monthly to get feedback from your client to improve your services.

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4. Ghostwriting

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If you can write, ghostwriting can be a very lucrative business. Famous rappers, celebrities, and more have reportedly hired ghostwriters to help them grow their followings and brand.

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How much can you make:

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• This ghostwriter writes tweets for top venture capitalists for $200K per year. 
• This ghostwriter makes over $350K per year for her services.
• This ghostwriter published on TikTok that she made over $400K last year for her services.

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How to get started:

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• Search for people with established personal brands that produce content on Twitter, online blogs, and other writing outlets.
• Reach out to people that use personal managers, such as rappers, professional athletes, and movie stars.

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Tips for starting a ghostwriting business:

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• Break anonymity as a ghostwriter, and you no longer have a business.
• Create a system to quantify your work to show clients how many shares, likes, and retweets posts are getting.

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5. Career Coach

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Starting a career coaching business can make you a lot of money if you've worked for notable companies like Google or held senior roles within organizations. I have many friends and former colleagues who have started career coaching businesses and earn easily over $1 million per year.

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How much can you make:

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• The Mochary Method, a career coaching business focused on coaching tech leaders, is doing over $3M in annual recurring revenue. 
• Steve Hardison bills his clients $200K for 50 hours of work. 

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How to get started:

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• Learn how to be a career coach by reading free content from the Mochary Method. He is the coach behind some top technology CEOs from Coinbase, OpenAI, Brex, Flexport, and more.
• Offer your services to family, friends, and former colleagues at work.
• Offer a free consultation to potential clients to give them a taste of your coaching style and how you can help them achieve their goals.

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Tips for starting a career coach business:

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• Career coaching is a referral-based business. Ask friends, family, former colleagues, and past clients to refer you to people in their network who might be looking for a career coach.
• Offer workshops or group coaching sessions on specific topics related to career development. This can help you attract more clients and generate additional revenue.
• Consider specializing in a particular area of career coaching, such as leadership development or career transition. You can build a reputation as an expert by specializing in a specific area.

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6. Candle Artisan

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Starting a candle business can be profitable if you're good with your hands. The National Candle Association reported that the U.S. retail sales of candle products are estimated at approximately $3.14 billion annually.

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How much can you make:

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• This 17-year-old made $1 million selling candles.
• This lady built a luxury candle business that made $2 million in 2 years.

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How to get started:

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• Attend local events and craft fairs to learn how to make candles.
• Build relationships with gift shops and boutiques to generate sales.
• Create an online store on Shopify (3-month free trial) or sell your candles on Etsy.

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Tips for starting a candle business:

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• Consider using eco-friendly materials to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
• Consider offering a variety of candle scents, sizes, and styles to appeal to a broader range of customers.
• Partner with local businesses like wedding event planners and corporate gift platforms to get more distribution.

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7. Professional Organizer

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Starting a business around tidying and organizing places can be a great move if you're a neat freak.

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How much can you make:

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• Maria Kondo has built a brand worth over $8 million in this space. 
• Tidy Tova makes $150 per hour cleaning and organizing.

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How to get started:

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• Build your portfolio by tidying and organizing your own spaces.
• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members with messy spaces.
• List your business in online directories such as Yelp, Angi, and Craigslist to increase your visibility and attract new clients.

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Tips for starting a professional organizer business:

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• Consider creating educational content, such as blog posts or videos, that offer tips and advice on organizing.
• Consider collaborating with businesses, such as cleaning services or home renovation companies, to offer bundled services.
• Consider offering specialty services, such as organizing for hoarders or downsizing for seniors.

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8. Pet-sitting or Dog-walking

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Starting a pet-sitting or dog-walking service can be a great business idea if you love pets. According to Zippia, the U.S. pet industry is worth $76.8 billion, and the average U.S. pet owner spends $1,332 a year on their pets' expenses.

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How much can you make:

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• Parkside Pups in Brooklyn generated $100K+ in income in 2022.
• This ex-teacher earned $120K for his dog walking business.

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How to get started:

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• Join platforms like Rover and Wag to find customers.
• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members with pets.
• Join local dog-related groups on social media.

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Tips for starting a pet sitting or dog walking business:

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• Promote your services in wealthy neighborhoods
• Look into dog walking insurance. Mistakes in this business can be costly.
• Consider using your own equipment, such as leashes, collars, etc., to prevent the dogs from injuring themselves.

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9. Online Tutoring

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If you have expertise in a subject, starting an online tutoring business can be an excellent choice. According to IBIS World, the U.S. online tutoring market is worth $1.6 billion and is expected to increase by 3.4% in 2023.

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How much can you make:

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• This online tutor teaching calculus is charging $180 per hour.
• Tutors on Outschool are making $50-$100 per hour.

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How to get started:

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• Join online tutoring platforms like Outschool, Wyzant, Lessonface, and Chegg.
• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members who have younger brothers and sisters.
• Build relationships with local schools and teachers to spread awareness about your online tutoring business.

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Tips for starting an online tutoring business:

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• Be flexible with your schedule and availability to accommodate your client's needs. Offer evening and weekend sessions to make it easier for working professionals and students to fit tutoring into their busy schedules.
• Use technology to enhance your tutoring sessions, such as screen-sharing tools, digital whiteboards, and online resources like textbooks and study guides.
• Get to know your clients so you can tailor your lessons to their needs and learning style.

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10. Small Business Web Developer

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Most small businesses don't know how to set up a website. Even if you don't know how to yet, there are many resources online that you can use to learn how to build websites without needing to go to school or learn how to code. According to a study of 1,003 small businesses by Top Design Firms, 27% still don't have a small business website.

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How much can you make:

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• Some web development companies charge small businesses up to $10,000 per website.

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How to get started:

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• Start building websites for friends or family members, or offer your services for free to local businesses to build up your portfolio.
• Attend local business events, conferences, and meetups to meet potential clients and other professionals in your industry.
• Join online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find small business clients seeking web development services.

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Tips for starting a small business web developer business:

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• Develop a transparent process for each web development project, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables. This will help you manage client expectations and ensure each project runs smoothly.
• Communicate regularly with your clients to keep them informed about the progress of their web development projects. Use project management tools or regular check-ins to keep clients updated.
• Use free tools like Chat GPT and Grammarly to help with copywriting.

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11. Translator

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Starting a translating business can be very lucrative if you know more than one language. According to Statistia, the U.S. translation service industry is worth $9 billion and has grown almost $3 billion since 2012.

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How much can you make:

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• The Yankees spent $300K on two translators for their baseball team.
• Translation studios are making millions adapting Hollywood films for international consumption. 

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 How to get started:

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• Start learning new languages for free on platforms like Duolingo.
• Offer your services to businesses with an international presence.
• Build relationships with other translators and collaborate on projects to expand your network and gain new clients.

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Tips for starting a translator business:

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• Consider specializing in a specific field or industry, such as legal, medical, or technical translation. This can help you build a reputation as an expert in your area.
• Learn more about the top 10 highest-paying languages by average salary.

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12. Social Media Influencer

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Creating and monetizing content can be a smart move if you love social media. The number of social media users globally grew from $4.2 billion in January 2021 to $4.62 billion in January 2022. 

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How much can you make:

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• According to Vox, a micro-influencer, someone with 10,000 to 50,000 followers, can earn between $40,000 and $100,000 per year.
• The top influencers, like Kylie Jenner, make over $1 million per post.

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How to get started:

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• Research other successful social media influencers and learn from what they are doing well.
• Use tools with free trials like Semrush to pick a niche with high search volume and low competition.
• Start creating high-quality and engaging content that appeals to your target audience.

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Tips for starting a social media influencer business:

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• Create good content and give people a reason to return to your channel.
• Be transparent about sponsored content and only promote products or services you genuinely believe in and have tried yourself.
• Once you have built a following, start to partner with brands to promote their products or services.

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13. Personal Fitness

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You could start a personal fitness training business if you love working out. Between now and 2028, the fitness industry is expected to grow 171.75% to $434.74 billion.

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How much can you make:

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• Some Peloton senior trainers make over $500K per year.
• Ross Dickerson, the personal trainer for The Rock, makes over $8 million per year.

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How to get started:

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• Obtain free fitness certifications to build credibility.
• Start training people at your local gym.
• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members who are trying to get into better shape.

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Tips for starting a personal fitness business:

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• Consider offering specialized services that cater to a specific demographic or niche. For example, you could specialize in training seniors, pregnant women, or individuals with disabilities.
• Create a sense of community among your clients by organizing group workouts, offering social events, and fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. This will help retain clients and attract new ones through word-of-mouth.
• Consider partnering with other businesses in your area, such as nutritionists or wellness centers, to offer joint promotions or packages. This can help expand your network and attract new clients.

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14. Fashion Stylist

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If you have a knack for creating a good fit, you could start a business as a fashion stylist. Based on McKinsey's analysis, the luxury fashion sector is expected to grow between 5 and 10 percent in 2023.

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How much can you make:

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• Calyann Barnett, the fashion stylist to former NBA player Dwyane Wade, reportedly makes over $1 million annually from her business.
• Celebrity stylists can make up to $10,000 per day.

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How to get started:

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• Create a portfolio of your work by taking pictures of your outfits, creating mood boards, and designing lookbooks.
• Build a network by connecting with people in the fashion industry, such as designers, photographers, and makeup artists. This can help you find clients.
• Offer your fashion stylist services to friends, family, and neighbors for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.

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Tips for starting a fashion stylist business:

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• Consider consumer behavior, such as the increase in demand for gender-fluid fashion.
• Expand your business by offering personal shopping services on top of your styling, where you accompany clients to stores or shop for them. 
• Use social media to showcase your work and generate awareness. 

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15. Sticker Artist

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If you have artistic ability, you can start a business selling stickers! Yes, stickers.

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How much can you make:

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• Top sticker creators on Line, a Tokyo-based company, made over $10M annually. 
• This auto-employee makes $100,000 annually selling stickers on his Instagram.
• Tim Koa made over $9,000 in one-month selling stickers on Etsy.

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How to get started:

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• Use free design software such as Canva to create your sticker designs.
• Sell your stickers on free platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify.

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Tips for starting a sticker business:

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• Reach out to content creators on platforms like Twitch who use stickers to create levels in their community.
• Consider offering custom designs for customers.
• Invest in high-quality materials for your stickers, such as vinyl or waterproof paper, to ensure they are durable and long-lasting.

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16. Online Matchmaking

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If you love setting up friends, you can start a matchmaking business. More people are spending money to find love because shows like The Millionaire Matchmaker increased the spotlight on the industry. According to Statista, Internet dating generated 2.86 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, with the market showing no signs of slowing down.

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How much can you make:

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• Some matchmakers charge their clients $25,000 for their services. 
• Amber Artis makes over $100K annually from her matchmaking business.

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How to get started:

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• Start matchmaking your friends in return for a good review or testimonial that you can include on your website.
• Look through dating apps and send personalized messages to people trying to find love about your service (don't do it through the app, but by email).
• Build relationships and attend events for speed dating, singles mixers, and virtual dating events.

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Tips for starting an online matchmaking business:

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• Consider specializing in a particular niche, such as seniors, young professionals, or LGBTQ+ singles.
• The best matchmakers take the time to get to know their clients personally, using questionnaires, personality tests, and in-depth interviews to create detailed profiles that help match clients with compatible partners.

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17. Private Investigator 

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If you can't stop watching crime shows like Law and Order, you may want to consider starting a private investigator business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031.

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How much can you make:

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• Politicians have reportedly paid private investigators hundreds of thousands to dig up dirt on their political counterparts. 
• Hedge Funds have reportedly paid private investigation firms millions to find information about companies.

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How to get started:

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• Take a free online course to be on your way to becoming a private investigator.
• Build relationships with other professionals, such as lawyers or law enforcement officials, to help you find clients and build your reputation.
• Follow the news and reach out to families when it is appropriate if regular law enforcement services give up on their case.

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Tips for starting a private investigator business:

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• Specializing in a profitable niche, such as corporate investigations or insurance fraud, can help you command higher rates and attract more clients.
• Invest in high-quality equipment such as surveillance cameras and GPS trackers.
• Hosting educational events such as webinars or workshops can help you showcase your expertise and provide value to potential clients.

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18. Gutter Cleaning

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People will pay big money for gutter cleaning services if you don't mind getting dirty. 

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How much can you make:

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• People will pay up to $425 for a gutter cleaning service.
• This 26-year-old started a gutter cleaning business bringing in almost $100K annually.

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How to get started:

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• Ask your friends, family, and acquaintances to spread the word about your new business. You can also offer referral incentives, such as discounts on their next service.
• Create flyers and business cards and distribute them in your local area. Leave them in local businesses, on bulletin boards, and in mailboxes.
• Create a free website and post your services on Yelp and LinkedIn.

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Tips for starting a gutter cleaning business:

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• Once you start making money, you can invest in essential equipment such as ladders, buckets, gloves, safety goggles, and a power washer or pressure washer.
• Many people don't look at their mail these days, so try to catch people when they leave for work in the morning or return at 5 pm.
• Consider expanding your services once you have equipment that can apply to other cleaning services, such as car detailing and window cleaning.

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19. Animal Whisperer

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You think I'm joking, but I'm not. My dog's best friend used an animal whisperer when she was injured, and her owners swear by it.

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How much can you make:

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• This lawyer quit her job and now makes $350 per hour as an animal whisperer.

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How to get started:

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• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members with pets.
• Attend local pet-related events like adoption fairs, dog shows, and pet expos to network with potential customers and showcase your skills.
• Partner with local pet-related businesses, such as pet stores, groomers, and trainers, to offer complementary services to their customers.

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Tips for starting an animal whispering business:

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• Pick a calm and distraction-free environment so that the animal can focus on your instruction.
• Consider specializing in a particular aspect of the animal development cycle, such as behavior modification or training
• Consider expanding your services to pet sitting and animal communication workshops.

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20. Interior Designer

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If you know how to create a mood for a room, you can start an interior designing business with no money. According to IBISWorld, the Interior Designers industry will be worth $25.5 billion in 2023.

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How much can you make:

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• Some interior designers charge $300K for a $1 million project. 
• Here's how much interior designers make on average in every state.

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How to get started:

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• Build your portfolio by designing the rooms in your apartment or house.
• Offer your services to neighbors, friends, and family members who have just moved into a new place or are remodeling.
• Build relationships with architects, contractors, real estate agents, and other professionals in the design and construction industry. 

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Tips for starting an interior design business:

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• Incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly design practices into your business model to differentiate yourself from competitors. This could include sourcing materials from sustainable sources, using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and designing environmentally friendly spaces.
• Partner with social media influencers or bloggers in the home design space to showcase your work and build your brand.
• Offer specialized design services such as feng shui or universal design to cater to specific markets or demographics.

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21. Life Coach

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If you're good at listening and asking intelligent questions, starting a life coach business might be the move. The estimated global revenue from coaching in 2022 was $15.2 billion.

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How much can you make:

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• Carolin Soldo built a $4 million coaching business in less than 18 months.

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How to get started:

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• Offer your services to family, friends, and former colleagues at work.
• Create content on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms to generate awareness.
• Build relationships with businesses that offer career coaching as a perk or benefit to their employees.

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Tips for starting a life coach business:

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• Build a high-end clientele that will expect more from your services and pay you considerably more.
• Consider offering group coaching sessions, which can be more cost effective for clients and allow you to reach a larger audience.
• Develop a strong brand identity representing who you are as a coach and what you offer. This includes your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.