Low-cost startups show incredible growth potential. The global influencer marketing market hit $21 billion in 2023. The US clothing market doubled from $23 billion to $43 billion in just five years. The global telehealth market reached $101.15 billion in 2023. These numbers paint an exciting picture. House cleaning businesses average $53K yearly revenue. The lawn care industry's value tops $100B annually.
In this piece, we've pinpointed the most promising low-cost businesses for 2025. These opportunities need minimal upfront investment but offer substantial returns. You'll learn proven methods to launch profitable ventures with limited resources. Our focus includes service-based businesses, digital platforms, and product businesses that don't need inventory. Telehealth emerges as one of the most promising low-overhead opportunities in today's healthcare world.
Think building a business takes big money? These low-entry-cost startups are rewriting the rules — and you’re just one scroll away from yours.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need deep pockets to start a successful business—many top models work under $1,000.
- Low-entry-cost businesses thrive when you minimize operational and overhead expenses from day one.
- 2025’s best startup categories include service-based, digital, and inventory-free product businesses.
- Popular options include print-on-demand, dropshipping, virtual assistant services, and pet care.
- Tools like cloud software and automation reduce labor and office space costs for lean operations.
- Telehealth is a breakout opportunity—Bask Health offers full-stack support for new founders entering this booming space.
- A clear business plan, smart tech, and access to remote markets make low-cost businesses scalable and resilient.
What makes a business truly low entry cost
Starting a business with low entry costs needs more than just a small amount of capital. Success comes from seeing the bigger financial picture and making smart decisions that keep your costs down as you grow.
Startup vs operational costs
Most new business owners only think about startup costs - the money they need to launch. But that's just one piece of the puzzle. Your startup costs cover one-time expenses like buying equipment, getting permits, licenses, and your first inventory. These might look manageable on paper. Yet your operational costs - the daily expenses that keep your business running - often determine if you'll succeed in the long run.
Your operational expenses don't stop just because revenue isn't coming in. These include your rent, utilities, employee pay, marketing costs, and other regular expenses that support your business but aren't tied to making your products. Understanding this difference helps you create better plans to grow sustainably.
Why low overhead matters
Your overhead costs directly affect how much money you make and how well you can handle tough times. Lower overhead means more of your revenue becomes actual profit instead of getting eaten up by expenses. Plus, businesses that spend less on overhead can offer better prices while keeping their profit margins healthy.
This edge becomes crucial when the economy slows down or business gets quiet. A business with small fixed expenses can handle rough patches better. Research shows that companies spending less on overhead have extra money to buy inventory, pay their debts, or expand into new markets.
Digital tools that reduce expenses
Today's technology gives you amazing ways to cut costs. Cloud-based solutions remove the need to buy expensive on-site infrastructure or pay for IT maintenance. To name just one example, see how you can use subscription services that grow with your business instead of buying costly software licenses.
Project management software, automated tasks, and financial tools make your operations smoother. These digital tools cut labor costs and boost accuracy. Your team can then focus on making money instead of pushing papers.
Digital tools also let people work remotely, which cuts one of your biggest fixed costs - office space. Using these technologies makes your business more flexible and financially stable.
Types of low-cost Businesses that Work in 2025
Want profitable business ideas that won't empty your bank account? The business world of 2025 gives you many chances to start your venture without spending too much. Here are some of the best low-cost business categories that work well today.
Service-based businesses
Service businesses lead the market because they cost so little to start. You can launch virtual assistant services with just $200-$500 as your original investment. Pet sitting needs only $100-$300 to begin. The pet care industry itself is worth $60 billion. Home cleaning services cost $200-$500 for simple supplies and create a steady income with loyal customers. Handyman services ($500-$900 to start) stay in high demand, especially in smaller towns where specialized help is hard to find.
Digital and online businesses
The digital revolution has created new chances for entrepreneurs to work from anywhere. You can start freelance writing, graphic design, and social media management with $100-$600. Content creation has grown from a hobby to a real business model. Creators make money through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales. Newsletter businesses just need an email marketing provider and your expertise.
Product-based businesses with no inventory
Running successful product businesses without storing inventory is now possible. Print-on-demand services help you create custom items only after customers order them. Dropshipping lets you sell products without dealing with shipping or storage. Digital products like courses, templates, and music give you great profit margins since they don't have ongoing production costs.
Local businesses with minimal tools
Traditional local businesses can start with just a few tools. Mobile car detailing ($250-$950 to start) brings your service right to the customer's door. Lawn care businesses give you steady work with just basic equipment. Food trucks let you follow crowds at sports events, festivals, and markets.
These business categories show you can become an entrepreneur without needing lots of money upfront.
Examples of low-entry-cost businesses to start now
Want to start a business with little money? Here are six proven businesses you can launch with minimal investment that offer great earning potential.
Freelance writing and editing
Language expertise and an eye for grammar errors can help you build an excellent freelance writing or editing business. Content creation remains in high demand despite AI advancements. Clients seek high-quality, original content for websites and publications. As a copywriter, you can utilize your writing skills to create content for business websites or magazines. You just need a computer, an internet connection, and your expertise to get started.
Pet sitting and dog walking
The pet industry is booming, valued at USD 100 billion, and expected to triple by 2030. A pet sitting or dog walking business needs minimal startup costs—usually under USD 500 for a website and booking system. Pet owners need help walking their dogs during workdays or caring for pets during vacations. The average fee for a 30-minute pet-sitting visit is USD 20.71, making this business profitable for animal lovers.
Print-on-demand t-shirt store
A print-on-demand t-shirt business comes with minimal financial risk. Products get printed and shipped after customers place orders, which eliminates inventory costs. This model gives you design flexibility without large production commitments. You can test designs and keep up with market trends without storage concerns. The global print-on-demand market should reach USD 48.40 billion by 2032, making this an ideal time to enter the market.
Dropshipping e-commerce
Dropshipping lets you run a business without inventory, as suppliers handle storage and shipping to customers directly. This market should grow 22% annually from 2025 to 2030 and reach USD 476.10 billion by 2026. Your profit comes from the difference between retail and wholesale prices when customers place orders. You can start with just a laptop and an internet connection.
Virtual assistant services
Virtual assistants help clients with remote administrative, creative, or technical tasks. Services often include:
- Email and calendar management
- Customer service support
- Data entry and research
- Social media assistance
- Administrative tasks
VAs work from home, which eliminates physical office expenses. Beginning virtual assistants earn USD 20 to USD 35 per hour, and can create monthly packages from USD 300 to USD 1,200.
Tutoring or coaching
Your qualifications and knowledge base matter when starting a tutoring business. Tutoring offers flexibility with low startup costs, whether you focus on SAT preparation or skills like resume writing. The global tutoring market should reach USD 100 billion by 2030. Remote tutoring costs the least, requiring only a computer, internet service, and web presence.
How Bask Health supports telehealth startups
Telehealth stands out as one of the most promising businesses with low entry costs in today's digital world. The global telehealth market grew to USD 61.40 billion in 2019. Experts project it will reach USD 559.52 billion by 2027. Bask Health pioneers this revolution by helping entrepreneurs launch successful telehealth ventures.
What is Bask Health
We are a telehealth platform that makes healthcare more available, personal, and effective. Our work goes beyond being a healthcare provider. We support telehealth startups with custom solutions that solve the industry's unique challenges. We give complete services to help new businesses get started through regulatory compliance and technology integration.
How to start your own telehealth business
A strong business plan marks the start of your telehealth business. You should pick your revenue model—insurance-based, cash-pay, or a hybrid approach. Next, outline your operations, including technology setup and staff needs. We stress the need to understand state-specific telemedicine rules and get proper patient consent. Our team guides you through regulatory compliance, building your healthcare provider network, and choosing the right telehealth technology.
Reducing telemedicine startup costs
Telemedicine startup costs range from USD 10,000 to USD 250,000. These costs depend on platform complexity, staff needs, and equipment. Notwithstanding that, Bask Health's solutions reduce these original investments. Our platform lets you customize without high development costs. We employ robotic process automation (RPA) to streamline administrative tasks and cut operational costs.
Telehealth business model and tools
A successful telehealth platform needs reliable technology. Our experience shows platforms must support various connection types while staying secure and flexible. Bask Health's platform works with wearable devices for remote patient monitoring—perfect for managing chronic conditions. Our API-first integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR) updates patient records automatically.
Benefits of telehealth for entrepreneurs
Telehealth entrepreneurship brings unique advantages to business owners. Healthcare becomes more available—patients need only a smartphone to get care. Our mobile app gives patients control of their healthcare through record access, provider communication, and personal insights. You can start this business from home with focused execution and grow from modest monthly revenue into a thriving venture.
Conclusion
The 2025 business world brings countless chances for new entrepreneurs who don't have much capital. The road to financial freedom doesn't need huge investments or venture funding. A smart choice of business model with low startup and running costs can lead to lasting success.
Digital tools cut down overhead costs drastically. Service-based businesses keep thriving with minimal upfront investment. On top of that, models like dropshipping and print-on-demand take away inventory worries. You can test your ideas without putting too much money at risk.
Local businesses still work well for entrepreneurs who want hands-on, community-based ventures. The digital world opens up global reach from day one, no matter where you're based.
Bask Health stays committed to helping telehealth entrepreneurs direct their path in this growing sector. The telehealth market grows faster each day and gives a great chance to enter healthcare without too many barriers. We give you the reliable infrastructure, compliance help, and tech solutions you need to start your telehealth business affordably.
Building your own business remains one of the best ways to create wealth. Starting small might not seem much at first, but these low-cost businesses can grow into major ventures over time. Success comes from how well you use limited resources to create the most value, not from your original investment.
Take that first step now. Pick a business model that matches your skills and what you love. Start small, keep learning, and grow smart. Today's side project could become tomorrow's empire—without emptying your bank account to begin.
References
- Economy, P. (n.d.). 25 small startup business ideas you can start for under $1,000. Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/25-small-startup-business-ideas-you-can-start-for-under-1000/91199817
- Printify. (n.d.). Dropshipping for Beginners: A complete guide to start dropshipping. Retrieved from https://printify.com/blog/dropshipping-for-beginners/
- Wolters Kluwer. (n.d.). How to start a pet sitting and dog walking business. Retrieved from https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/how-to-start-a-pet-sitting-and-dog-walking-business
