Seeking to start a low-cost business with high-profit but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own low-cost business with high ROI, there are several low-investment options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable low-cost business ideas with high-profit you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a test prep business ($12K/year)
Tyler York from San Francisco started Achievable almost 5 years ago, a test prep business.
- Revenue: $1,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 0
- Location: San Francisco
The idea for Achievable came from my cofounder Justin, an engineering leader who built the product and team behind Cerego, a platform for lifelong learning. Cerego used a method called spaced repetition to help students memorize large bodies of knowledge over time, like a new language or the periodic table. Spaced repetition is very powerful and effective, but only when the student is committed and can stick to the schedule. We saw an opportunity to take this technological innovation to a highly motivated consumer segment: professionals preparing for life-changing, income-gating, career-advancing exams.
You can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headache by spending the extra time to really understand each market and each customer within that market to find the truly best customer to build for.
As it turns out, most of the test prep industry is far behind what we’d consider standard user experience today, especially on mobile. While some more consumer-focused segments like the SAT market are pretty far along, the professional market has languished. Even in 2020, many of our competitors don’t have true mobile experiences or any kind of ‘adaptive learning’ that has become the de facto standard of test prep software.
2. Start a mobile app development business ($984K/year)
Tim Bornholdt from Minneapolis, MN, USA started The Jed Mahonis Group almost 9 years ago, a mobile app development business.
- Revenue: $82,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 6
- Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Growing up, I’ve always been into technology. I built my first website when I was in first grade, I built my first graphing calculator app when I was in sixth grade, and I used to run the internet’s largest website dedicated to Ralph Wiggum from The Simpsons.
I waited in line for the iPhone the day it launched in 2007, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to learn how to build software for this device. Eventually, I learned how to jailbreak my device which allowed me to run custom apps on it (this being before the launch of the App Store).
Even though I had a passion for technology, I never really wanted a career in it. My dream job was to work as a technical director for live television broadcasts, and the only class that was close to that at my school was the capstone course for the Professional Journalism program. I ended up switching my major from Computer Engineering to that and abandoned any dreams of professionally writing software.
3. Start a web development business ($744K/year)
Ty Fujimura from New York, LA, NJ started Cantilever Web Design & Development about 9 years ago, a web development business.
- Revenue: $62,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 6
- Location: New York, LA, NJ
I’m the son of a therapist and an artist, and both sides of that upbringing prepared me well to manage a creative business! I was always playing with code and design growing up, and was lucky enough to have my dad’s tech hand-me-downs to learn on.
I regret bootstrapping because it forced us into making decisions based on the fear of running out of money, rather than on trying to find long-term value.
I majored in Mathematics at NYU, but while in classes I started to get the itch to design again. I did some portfolio pieces in photoshop but needed a website. I taught myself the basics by spending hours in Barnes & Noble reading every web design and development book I could find (even though I couldn’t afford to take them home) and got hooked.
4. Start a blogging business ($60K/year)
Chhavi Agarwal from New Delhi, Delhi, India started Mrs Daaku Studio over 2 years ago, a blogging business.
- Revenue: $5,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 3
- Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India
I am a licensed attorney in India and right after my master’s in law, I started working with a leading company as a lawyer. I worked there for about two years before I quit my job to become more location independent.
Choose a niche in whatever you start. It is critical for streamlining your efforts and make money.
My job paid me well but I worked 12 hours a day, I was exhausted by the end of each day, spent my weekends sleeping and I almost quit the things I liked to do - for example, sketching, yoga, traveling, etc.
5. Start an affiliate marketing business
Examples of a successful affiliate marketing business:
6. Start a personal training business ($720K/year)
Chris Anderson from Overland Park, Kansas, USA started Live Fit almost 10 years ago, a personal training business.
- Revenue: $60,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Overland Park, Kansas, USA
I started Live Fit because I felt I was running out of options in the industry I loved so much. Personally, I felt the misses in the personal training industry and wanted to change that. Personal Training, as well as all types of fitness, can be very intimidating to most people. And honestly, the people that are most intimidated by fitness are often the people that need it the most. I set out to create a company that provided the same types of exercises, programming, and results as generally all fitness companies, but I wanted to make it a comfortable experience from the moment a potential client stepped through our doors.
All our processes, our studio layout, our team of trainers we have hired, and our entire mission are based on making clients feel comfortable, appreciated, and valued. We do things differently and over the past 10 years, I have seen other companies in our area follow our lead. Long gone are the days of slamming weights, extremely loud music, and uncomfortable gym environments. People want to go where they feel comfortable and respected.
I have always loved sports and started at a young age, with my dad as my coach. I continued athletics through high school and went on to run college track where I based my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees entirely on building my career in the fitness industry. The last thing I was willing to do was to throw it all away based on a lack of opportunity, so I created my own with Live Fit. I believe in spirituality and the law of attraction and base my life on those principles. So in early 2011 when I couldn’t focus on my spiritual study and spiritual growth because my mind was consumed with running numbers about opening my own company, I knew that was a sign from God it was time to create something great.
7.
8. Start a consulting business ($240K/year)
Akhil Suresh Nair from City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom started Xena Intelligence by Parzenn Partners almost 3 years ago, a consulting business.
- Revenue: $20,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 0
- Location: City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom
I had a couple of years of experience working for a large corporation back in India. I genuinely felt that I was just a cog in the wheel and that whatever I did had little to no impact in the real world.
We were at a crossroads at that time – filled with constant self-doubt about the career path we wanted to take. We could have easily applied for corporate jobs in the US or in India, but we chose to follow our hearts by continuing to work in our consulting business.
I reached out to a few small businesses I had developed good relationships during my corporate career and started helping them out on developing marketing strategy to scale their businesses and also to instill robust operational efficiencies in their business processes. I realized that I was able to add considerable value to their businesses and that I felt a sense of satisfaction in being able to make their lives better. I soon started consulting for over 20 small businesses in India.
9. Start a catering business ($240K/year)
Nestor Nidome from Crestmore, California, USA started Elegante Catering ago, a catering business.
- Revenue: $20,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 10
- Location: Crestmore, California, USA
For as long as I can remember I have always been attracted to the idea of being a business owner. I’ve tried many businesses starting with my own DJ company. I got some business cards, printed them at Staples, passed them out, and waited for the calls.
It took a bit of time, but eventually, the calls started to come in and bookings started to happen. I did that for a couple of years until one of the DJ gigs some gangsters got into it and I was almost in the middle of a gang fight. Thank GOD things calmed down, but after that, I started looking for another business!
During this same time, the whole tech bubble was growing and I wanted a part of it. I took some coding classes in college and started using HTML to code my website from scratch. I kind of borrowed a lot of ideas from Yahoo but it was going to be mainly focused on my local city. I visited some businesses and got some of them to advertise. Things seemed to be going well when the bubble burst and I was once more left to venture out and look for something else.
10. Start a teaching & consulting business
Examples of a successful teaching & consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a teaching & consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business
- The Everything Start Your Own Consulting Business Book: Expert, Step-By-Step Advice For A Successful And Profitable Career
11. Start a podcasting business ($204K/year)
Examples of a successful podcasting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a podcasting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Podcast: Learn How To Stop Babbling & Start Podcasting Like A Pro
- Podcast Launch: How to Create & Launch Your Podcast: Plus FreePodcastCourse.com!
12. Start an online influencer business
Examples of a successful online influencer business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online influencer business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
13. Start a digital art & design business
Examples of a successful digital art & design business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a digital art & design business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
14. Start a social media marketing business ($96K/year)
Examples of a successful social media marketing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a social media marketing business:
- How To Start A Social Media Marketing Agency
- How To Become A Social Media Manager In 2020 + Start Your Own Agency ⭐️
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Social Media Marketing Workbook: How To Use
- Social Media Marketing For Business 2020: Beyond 2019 With
15. Start a writing & editing business
Examples of a successful writing & editing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a writing & editing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- What Editors Do: The Art, Craft, And Business Of Book
- How To Start A Successful Proofreading Business: Catch The New Wave In The Kindle Revolution
16. Start a recruiting business
Examples of a successful recruiting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a recruiting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Open & Operate A Financially Successful Staffing Service Business: With Companion Cd-Rom
- Start Your Own Executive Recruiting Service: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success (Startup Series)
17. Start a graphic designing business
Examples of a successful graphic designing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a graphic designing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
18. Start a cleaning & maintenance business
Examples of a successful cleaning & maintenance business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a cleaning & maintenance business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Cleaning Business: Your Guide To Generating $2,000+ Income In 30 Days Or Less
- Start Your Own Cleaning Service
19. Start an e-book sales business
Examples of a successful e-book sales business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a e-book sales business:
- How To Create And Sell An Ebook
- How To Write An Ebook And Make Money (How To Make Passive Income From Ebooks)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Business, Sixth Edition: The
- Property Management Start-Up Business Book: How To Start & Finance A Rental Property Real Estate Investing Business
20. Start a youtube video creation business
Examples of a successful youtube video creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a youtube video creation business:
- Video Content Creation: Our Process From Youtube Video Idea To Release!
- How To Make A Good Youtube Video
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Youtube Black Book: How To Create A Channel, Build An
- Crushing Youtube: How To Start A Youtube Channel, Launch Your Youtube Business And Make Money
21. Start an online course sales business
Examples of a successful online course sales business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online course sales business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Build Your Successful Online Teaching Business ...
- How To Start An Online Business: A Step By Step To Make Money From Your Computer Even If Your Starting From Scratch!
22. Start a home tutoring business
Examples of a successful home tutoring business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a home tutoring business:
- How To Start L Tutoring Business: Starting A Tutoring Business - Quick $10 K Per Month
- How To Start A Tutoring Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Tutoring Business (Home-Based Business Series)
- How To Start And Run A Home Tutoring Business: A Complete Manual For Setting Up And Running Your Own Tutoring Agency
23. Start a resume writing service business
Examples of a successful resume writing service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a resume writing service business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
24. Start a digital product sales business
Examples of a successful digital product sales business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a digital product sales business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
25. Start a travel consulting business
Examples of a successful travel consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a travel consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Everything Start Your Own Consulting Business Book: Expert, Step-By-Step Advice For A Successful And Profitable Career
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business
26. Start an IT support business
Examples of a successful IT support business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a IT support business:
- Starting An It Company Sales, Bids, Employees & My Thought On Business
- How To Start Your Own I.T. Business - Computer Repair Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
27. Start an interior designing business
Examples of a successful interior designing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a interior designing business:
- 10 Steps To Help You Start An Interior Design Business - Part 1
- How To Start An Interior Design Business - 5 Things You Need To Guarantee Success
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Interior Design Business
- Rearrange It! How To Start A Profitable Interior Redesign Business Or How To Generate Wealth And Financial Freedom With A One-Day Decorating Business
28. Start a real estate brokering business
Examples of a successful real estate brokering business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a real estate brokering business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate
- The Real Estate Entrepreneur: Everything You Need To Know To Grow Your Own Brokerage
29. Start an etsy business
Examples of a successful etsy business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a etsy business:
- How To Start An Etsy Shop & Make Your First Sale
- Opening An Etsy Shop? Watch This First! Tips For Starting An Etsy Shop
For further info, check out these books and products:
30. Start an ecommerce reselling business
Examples of a successful ecommerce reselling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ecommerce reselling business:
- 5 Things You Must Do Before Starting As A Reseller Or Thrifter!
- Ecommerce Website For Reselling Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Learn How To Start A Full Time Ebay Reselling Business: Learn How To Sell On Ebay Full Time With These Secrets
- Learn How To Start A Full Time Ebay Reselling
31. Start an ebay business ($120K/year)
Examples of a successful ebay business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ebay business:
- Beginner's Guide To Starting An Ebay Business 2019 / 2020
- Beginners Guide To Starting An Ebay Home Business In 2019
For further info, check out these books and products:
32. Start a data analysis business
Examples of a successful data analysis business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a data analysis business:
- How A Small Business Can Use Data Analytics To Drive Revenue And Maximize Profits
- How It Works: The Business Of Data
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Data Analytics For Beginners: Basic Guide To Master Data Analytics
- Microsoft Excel 2010 Data Analysis And Business Modeling
33. Start a bookkeeping business
Examples of a successful bookkeeping business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bookkeeping business:
- Starting A Bookkeeping Business: Your Ultimate Guide (2020)
- Be A Bookkeeper! How To Start Your Business Step-By-Step.
For further info, check out these books and products:
34. Start a wedding photography business
Examples of a successful wedding photography business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a wedding photography business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
35. Start a stock photo sales business
Examples of a successful stock photo sales business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a stock photo sales business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Bookfactory Business Inventory & Sales
- Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer's Guide To Sales, Marketing, And More
36. Start an event planning business ($420K/year)
Examples of a successful event planning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a event planning business:
- How To Start + Run Your Event Planning Business!!
- How To Start Your Event Planning Business With No Money
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success (Startup Series)
- Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success
Check out all of our event planning business case studies ➜
And for some real world inspiration, give Akshay Patel's story on creating Simply Decor and Events a read:
Hello, I am Akshay Patel from Albuquerque, NM the land of enchantment. I started an event rental and decor company that led me to an event venue. The View Event Center is a lavish space that is an indoor and outdoor event venue with panoramic city views. Our high-end venue with experienced staff will assist from venue decor to the smallest details entailed in making memories of a lifetime. Simply Decor, Tents, and Events ensures exclusive decor and thrives to bring your event to life through customized, elegant decor for all of their clients.
The full-service company will individually work with every client to design their event that will intrigue every eye in the room. Our company is broad that we get many different types of customers and we make many great connections with them as well. The company was making upwards of $380,000 a year.
37. Start a handyman service business
Examples of a successful handyman service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a handyman service business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Home-Based Handyman Business: *Turn Your Skills Into Cash *Schedule Your Jobs *Build Word-Of-Mouth Referrals *Manage Insurance Issues ... Smart And Safe (Home-Based Business Series)
- Handyman's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Starting and Running a Successful Business
38. Start a recycling business
Examples of a successful recycling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a recycling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Recycling Business Ebook: Peyton, John
- How To Start A Small Aluminum Can Recycling Business: Make Money Selling Aluminum Cans
39. Start an airbnb hosting business
Examples of a successful airbnb hosting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a airbnb hosting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Airbnb: Beginner's Guide To Hosting: How To Set Up And Run Your Own Airbnb Business
- Airbnb Business Book: Start A Business With
40. Start an in-home senior care business
Examples of a successful in-home senior care business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a in-home senior care business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Home Care How To: The Guide To Starting Your Senior In Home Care Business
- How To Start A Home-Based Senior Care Business
41. Start a child care business
Examples of a successful child care business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a child care business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
42. Start a photo editing business
Examples of a successful photo editing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a photo editing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
43. Start a tour guide service business
Examples of a successful tour guide service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a tour guide service business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Be A Tour Guide: The Essential Training Manual For Tour Managers And Tour Guides
- Start and Run a Profitable Tour Guiding Business
44. Start a candle making business
Examples of a successful candle making business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a candle making business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Candle Making Business: A Book On How To Start And Run Your Own
- Art Of Candle Making Business Startup
45. Start an electronics repairing service
Examples of a successful electronics repairing service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a electronics repairing service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Troubleshooting And Repairing Major Appliances: Kleinert
- How To Diagnose And Fix Everything Electronic, Second
46. Start a furniture upcycling business
Examples of a successful furniture upcycling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a furniture upcycling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects Free Ebook From Decoart
- Upstyle Your Furniture: Techniques And Creative Inspiration To Style Your Home
47. Start a home bakery business
Examples of a successful home bakery business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a home bakery business:
- What To Do Before You Start Your Home Bakery
- 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A Home Baking Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Bakery Business
- How To Start A Cake Business From Home - How To Make Money From Your Handmade Cakes, Cupcakes, Cake Pops And More!
48. Start a meal planning business
Examples of a successful meal planning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a meal planning business:
- How To Price Your Meal Prep / Meal Plan Business In 2020 Q&A
- Top 5 Tips For Starting A Meal Plan Delivery Business In 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
49. Start a personal styling business
Examples of a successful personal styling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a personal styling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
50. Start a car washing and detailing business
Examples of a successful car washing and detailing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a car washing and detailing business:
- How To Start A Mobile Car Wash Business !! (Part 1)
- How Much A Mobile Car Detailing Business Makes In 1 Day!!
For further info, check out these books and products:

Leave a comment