There has been an economic stall in the wake of COVID-19. People have lost their jobs, and many businesses had to call off their services due to social distancing.

The ongoing pandemic has defined new norms where online services are in demand, and people are working from home. The situation has changed the way people earn their living. Many of us may not have much dough saved. In such times the smart ones are thinking out-of-the-box about Best Business Ideas Under $1000.

Best Business Ideas Under $1000 for 2021

You may ask yourself are there any inexpensive small businesses to start with low-cost start-ups or what business can I start with $1000 in my pocket. The subject article will highlight some businesses, to begin with, 1k.

1. Online ventures

Times are changing, and so are the working scenarios. Many businesses have an online presence, and there is no reason why should you not have your online presence. But if you do not own a business, you can offer your services online to help other online businesses.

Depending upon your skill, you can have a quick start-up business under 1000. Once you gain enough experience, you can start your online course on how to start a business with 1000 dollars. How’s that? Some of the online services you can provide include content writing of all kinds, graphic designing, SEO services, social media marketing, and so on.

2. Virtual assistant

One of the businesses with low start-up cost is being a virtual assistant. It is a sought-after service, especially in the wake of COVID-19. From big companies to solo entrepreneurs, everyone needs management on day to day basis. If you are good at organizing, then you can earn by managing emails, scheduling meetings, keeping notes, and other administrative tasks. Many platforms offer listings for virtual assistant vacancies.

3. Freelance Listing Manager

Freelancing is a full-time job contrary to layman beliefs. Freelancers in any field approach different platforms to search for potential clients. Finding new clients and building communication with them demands time, which most freelancers do not have. For a freelance listing manager, you need to create a website and upload your management services for your freelancer clients. Freelancers can approach you via your website and book your services as per their requirements. Start a business with 500 dollars and earn thousands via this approach.

4. WordPress Support

WordPress is the most user-friendly website development platform. Millions of websites are hosted there. Yet the most convenient ones require support and this hold for WordPress website owners as well.

If you are a WordPress developer or know the ins and outs of it, you can offer your services as WordPress support services. Another one of the simple start-up businesses that does not require much cash if you use freelance platforms. Alternatively, you can always create your exclusive website listing your services there.

5. Online Tutoring

With schools closed and social distancing in place, the whole teaching and training schedules are disrupted. Regular schooling is done via online classes. If you have a bachelor degree in some subject, you can always tutor online, whether you are a teacher or not. The only thing required is passion and expertise at your end.

6. Website Flipping

If you have a know-how of digital marketing, then you can go for website flipping, the business you can start with 1000 or less. The budget is entirely in your hands. What you do is buy a website at website selling platforms. The website should be running and earning some bread. Work on the website for a while, improve its content, design, sales and sell it. It is an excellent example of home-based franchises under 1k.

7. Transcription Services

As more and more people are engaging in online businesses, content marketing is becoming a must-have for many of them. Many podcasts and video marketing require written content, which can be a turnkey business idea. If you are good at typing with fair speed and can write what you listen, transcription can be a good option. Many doctors and hospitals require this kind of service.

8. Dropshipping

Are you looking for a business idea under 1000? Dropshipping is the answer. If you want to sell products online but do not have the cash or space to store, drop shipping model can help you out.

It is an ecommerce business model in which you do not have to deal with and manage any physical products directly. Set up an online store for the product you want to sell and get in touch with suppliers. It is the supplier who stores, packages, and ship orders to your customers. You earn profit from the difference between the wholesale rate and the retail price of the product.

9. Translation

Another easy start-up is translation services. Content sells in every language, and if you know two or three different languages, your benefits will always be in demand. So opt for translating other people’s content and make money while at home.

10. Personal shopper

Who does not like to shop? Well, everyone, but some of us do not have time to shop online or otherwise. And the truth is shopping for special occasions or events is not everyone’s game. If you have an outgoing personality, good taste, and creative streak, then you can offer your services as someone’s shopper.

That is one of the small businesses with low start-up cost because most clients would give you a budget to spend on their behalf. Clients can include corporate executives who may be looking for gifts for their partners or senior individuals who may not have the means to move about. There are ample gift buying occasions throughout the year that can be converted into a business you can start.

11. Alteration and sewing services

An easy business to start up is a home-based alteration and sewing services if you have the skills for it. The whole venture can be operated from home beginning with phone calls to probable customers. Offering incentives like free pickup and delivery and discount on the first few tasks can help market your business in no time. In the wake of COVID-19, such home-based services are the most sought after by bridal boutiques, consignment clothing shops, dry cleaners, drapery studios, fashion retailers and costume shops.

12. Meals-on-the-go

Starting a home-based catering service is another lucrative yet easy start-ups. You can prepare a weekly menu according to in-demand recipes. People are staying indoors, and senior community members particularly find it hard to shop and prepare meals. This is an empathetic yet profitable business in the current pandemic scenario. Alternatively, you can bake items from your kitchen. Cakes are always high in demand for different occasions. The profit margin is high because the raw materials are cheaper than the final price tag of the retailed product.

13. Email marketing

An easy start-up business is delivering emails for companies that utilize email marketing tool. All you need to do is create intriguing subject lines that urge the customers to click open the email. Once you earn the reputation of enticing recipients, clients will agree to the price you quote them. One of the low-cost start-up businesses ideas, it only requires you to buy email marketing tools, which will preset many of your tasks.

14. Website Testing

A business to start with 1k is website testing. Companies and brands pay people to engage in their websites and review them to identify any problems a website developer may have overlooked. It can be a solo project, or you can hire people who would answer a questionnaire about navigating the subject website. 

15. Print-on-demand

If you are starting a business with 1000 dollars, go for print on demand. You can create your custom designs to be printed on t-shirts, mugs or even cellular phone cases. There are platforms available that accept your designs and print them on selected items. Such suppliers even dispatch the orders on your behalf on a specific commission. The best thing about print on demand is that you pay once your product is sold. Pair up with some franchises under $1000.

16. Video Production

Starting a video production company is another one of the low cost starts up business ideas. There is always a need for recording, editing, and publishing videos on any topic. You need a basic lighting set, wireless microphones, one to two cameras, and editing software to start this business at home.

17. Stock Photographer

If you have an eye for right clicks and own a camera, you can be a stock photographer. Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock accommodate good-quality photos. The majority of stock photography websites pay you royalty once people download the photographs.

18. Virtual fitness club/dance studio

If you were running a gym or a dance studio before the pandemic, there is no reason why cannot you run it in the lockdown. Operate virtual fitness or dance sessions. All you need is a reliable internet connection and video conferencing software.

19. Resume Services

Want to start a business with $1000 or even lower? Try writing resumes for potential clients. Writing is never easy, and a well-written resume goes a long way in grasping jobs. You will be surprised at how much people are ready to pay for a quality resume.

20. Instagram Assistant

Instagram is relatively new, and not everyone knows about engaging on the media platform. If you have the knack for driving engaging and stimulating campaigns, you can be a consultant to an Instagram brand or celebrity. The whole business can be managed via mobile phone so starting a business idea like this is never difficult.

21. Content Writer

All you need is a laptop and a good internet connection along with your writing skills. It is a very low almost no investment business. You can earn money from the comfort of your home. It has a great demand as we see many content creators are presenting their skills online. You can adopt this as a part-time or full-time job.

The more skill you have the more high-paying clients you will get. Many people are getting into this field and earning a full-time salary to support their families. You don’t need any specific degree, if you are interested in writing you can make your sample and start today.

22. Home Cleaning Business

This is one of the common low-cost businesses that you can do. This is the kind of business that will last forever. The competition in this business is high, but it is a staple business that many people will continue.

Since it is a service-based business you don’t need a website for it. If you are willing to do home cleaning by yourself it’ll cost you only $600 at the beginning. Your marketing can begin with door-to-door sales. You will need:

• Cleaning supplies
• Business license
• Insurance
• Flyers

All of this can cost you $550 or more.

23. Ecommerce

Ecommerce has become one of the most rising businesses ever since COVID-19. Many people have turned to online businesses since they lost their jobs. There are multiple routes you can go to in E-commerce like, drop shipping,

Amazon FBA also full-fledged manufacturing of your products and selling them on your website.

24. Start a Podcast

Listen to this, in 2006 only 22% of adults in the U.S listened to the podcast. As the internet became more common around the world, now 75% of people in the US listen to podcasts. A famous podcaster Joe Rogan made $100 million just to move his podcast exclusively on Spotify. Just talking about interesting topics with interesting guests to earn money is a great option.

So now the question is, how will you start this business? For that, you have to line up the episodes and ideas you want to talk about along with the software and equipment. Next, you need podcast hosting, a podcast host is a service that stores the audio files and distributes them to major podcast networks like, Spotify and iTunes.

The equipment you need are:

• Microphone
• Camera
• Laptop
• Software
• Editor

24. Phone Case Business

Over 2.4 billion people around the world use smartphones and the numbers aren’t stopping anytime soon. Since so many people are using a smartphone these days, stylish and fancy phone cases have become an essential accessory.

It is a top-selling accessory and people are making from 6 to 7 figures by just selling these cases. The competition is quite fierce. You can start by testing out your phone case idea on Amazon FBA, before creating a proper website.

You just need to be innovative and creative to reach out maximum audience. One popular Etsy store has sold over $60,000 in its first year.