Whether you're starting a business on the side while still employed elsewhere, a student or homemaker looking for extra income, or unemployed and trying to figure out what to do, there are plenty of opportunities for you to start up a side business inexpensively. 1. Webpreneur It's what everyone who's ever surfed the Web dreams of—just stick a web site up there and watch the cash roll in! Then get a domain and create a web site. Last of all, set aside time every week to put new content on the site, delete dead links, and other maintenance.
Spend the $20 on: $8 or less for a domain (see our Online Business Guide's list of cheap domain name registrars) and $12 for a year of hosting2. ConsultantSpend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 buying your first prospect a cup of coffee one morning.
3. Housesitter / PetsitterParticularly since 9/11, people feel an increased need for security, and housesitting gives them some reassurance while they're out of town. Be sure to have personal references available, and you'll also need reliable transportation. If you're an animal lover, petsitting is an easy add-on. Spend the $20 on: $2 on flyers to put up on bulletin boards, and the rest on classified ads in your local neighborhood paper (not a big city-wide one).
4. Professional OrganizerWhile there is an ever-growing trend of people wanting to simplify their lives, most of us haven't done it yet. There's a prime opportunity for people to come in at a reasonable rate and get houses organized. Spend the $20 on: Classified ads
. 5. Avon Independent Sales RepresentativeCosmetics is a virtually recession-proof business, because it's an inexpensive way for people to feel good about themselves. Avon is the largest consumer direct sales company in the world, with annual sales of nearly $6 billion. In business for well over 100 years, they have both a highly reputable product line and one of the few highly reputable multi-level marketing structures (in fact, they invented it). They also offer fashion and wellness products in addition to their beauty products. Build your downline—just like with any other network marketing or direct selling business.
6. Personal Services - Shopping & ErrandsAgain, trustworthiness and dependability are the key traits for this. If your car's not reliable, pick something else. Also, you won't need cash, but you'll need available credit on your credit cards, since you really can't use theirs. Consider an American Express or a Diner's Club that don't have preset spending limits. Spend the $20 on: $1 on flyers and the rest on classified ads.
7. Desktop PublishingIt's amazing how many people have a computer and still don't know how to make a decent flyer! If you've got a good design sense, are extremely familiar with your word processor, and already have a laser or high-quality inkjet printer, you can get into desktop publishing. Create a really great-looking portfolio for yourself and go door-to-door. Spend the $20 on: Some high-quality paper to create your samples on.8. TutoringWith the growing dissatisfaction with our education system and the huge growth in homeschooling, there's an unprecedented need for tutors these days for kids of all ages—even adults! If you've got a topic you can tutor in, contact the local schools, particularly private ones, and local homeschool groups, and offer your services. Spend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 on flyers. 9. eBay SellerYes, there really are people who make a decent living buying things at garage sales and flea markets and selling them on eBay. The big secrets? Stick to products you know (or learn before you start) extremely well, package your goods carefully, and provide impeccable customer service. Spend the $20 on: Your first inventory at a garage sale. 10. Secretarial Service - Typing / Transcription / ProofreadingSpend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 on flyers. One last thing—beware of home-based business scams that require a substantial buy-in, such as envelope-stuffing or craft item assembly.