6 Business Ideas You Can Start From Anywhere for Less Than $250
Disclosure: Our website is reader-supported. If you make purchases through our partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!
Starting a business doesn't require a huge budget or a fixed location.
With less than $250, you can launch a flexible business from nearly anywhere. The most successful business is one that feels sustainable and enjoyable to you — so focus on your strengths, leverage free tools, and keep ongoing costs low as you grow.
Your business should enhance your life, not overwhelm it. Take time to set it up properly, establish healthy boundaries from the start, and choose the idea that matches your skills and interests. These six location-independent business ideas need minimal upfront investment and can grow alongside your lifestyle—without overwhelming pressure or unrealistic expectations.
-
What you'll need:
Strong writing and grammar skills
Ability to research and adapt to different topics
Some experience with blogging or copywriting is helpful
Startup costs:
Domain name & basic website (Carrd, WordPress.com): $20–$60
Portfolio samples (can be self-written): Free
Ongoing costs:
Website hosting: $5–$10/month (or free with basic WordPress.com/Carrd)
Writing tools: Grammarly (free/paid), Hemingway Editor (free/paid)
Free/Low-cost tools: Google Docs, Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, Canva (for graphics)
Getting started: Start by offering blog post writing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, using a simple online portfolio to showcase your work. Begin with one client and focus on delivering excellent work before expanding.
-
What you'll need:
Expertise in a subject (academic, language, music, fitness, etc.)
Ability to teach or coach others
Clear communication skills
Startup costs:
Profile on tutoring platforms (Preply, Superprof): Free
Website or landing page (optional): $20–$60
Ongoing costs:
Video call software: Zoom, Google Meet (free tiers)
Platform fees: Some take a percentage per booking
Free/Low-cost tools: Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp
Getting started: Offer language lessons, academic tutoring, or fitness coaching via video calls. Focus on your students' genuine progress over maximizing class numbers.
-
What you'll need:
Crafting, art, or design skills
Basic photography for product images
Willingness to handle shipping and customer service
Startup costs:
Materials and supplies: $50–$150
Setting up shop on Etsy: $0.20 per listing + small transaction fees
Basic packaging: $20–$30
Ongoing costs:
Etsy fees: 5% per sale + payment processing
Restocking materials: Varies by sales volume
Free/Low-cost tools: Etsy shop, Canva (for branding), smartphone camera
Getting started: Sell handmade jewelry, art prints, or crafts through Etsy or local social media groups. Focus on quality pieces that will be valued rather than competing solely on price.
-
What you'll need:
Organizational and time management skills
Familiarity with email, calendar, and basic office software
Good communication and reliability
Startup costs:
Domain & simple website: $20–$60
Basic office equipment (usually already owned): Free
Ongoing costs:
Productivity tools: Google Workspace (free/paid), Trello (free), Asana (free)
Website hosting: $5–$10/month
Free/Low-cost tools: Google Workspace (free tier), Trello, Asana, Zoom (free)
Getting started: Offer services like inbox management, appointment scheduling, or data entry for small business owners. Supporting fewer clients well often proves more rewarding than spreading yourself too thin.
-
What you'll need:
Basic graphic design skills
Creativity for product ideas
Willingness to market your products
Startup costs:
Design software: Canva (free), GIMP (free)
Setting up shop on Redbubble, Teespring, or Printful: Free
Domain for custom store (optional): $20–$60
Ongoing costs:
Platform fees: Deducted from each sale
Website hosting (if using Shopify or WooCommerce): $10–$30/month
Free/Low-cost tools: Canva, GIMP, Redbubble, Printful, Teespring
Getting started: Create and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags—no inventory needed, as products are printed and shipped per order. Create designs that reflect your style and contribute positively to people's spaces.
-
What you'll need:
Understanding of major social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn)
Content creation and basic graphic design
Scheduling and analytics familiarity
Startup costs:
Portfolio website: $20–$60
Canva Pro (optional): $12.99/month (free version available)
Ongoing costs:
Social media scheduling tools: Buffer (free tier), Later (free tier)
Website hosting: $5–$10/month
Free/Low-cost tools: Canva, Buffer, Later, Hootsuite (free tier)
Getting started: Manage posts and engagement for local businesses or online brands. Focus on helping businesses create lasting relationships with their audience rather than chasing vanity metrics.
