Want to become your own boss? Check out these business ideas for beginners and get started on being an entrepreneur.
As they say, start small but dream big. If you are one of those talented and inventive individuals hankering for independence and a rewarding project, check out these businesses you can start under P1000.
One or two ideas might just satisfy your entrepreneurial aspiration, and some of them, you can even do while in the safety of your home. Good luck!
Business ideas for beginners
1. Ink scribbling/Calligraphy
Image from Pexels
Starting cost: P300 to P500
“To make a business out of calligraphy, you really just have to start with a nib, holder and ink,” says calligrapher and designer Alexis Dianne Ventura of Ink Scribbler.
Spending only around P300 when she started calligraphy as a hobby four years ago, she eventually invested in other tools – better inks, a variety of nibs, books, and classes. She says, however, that the biggest investment is time.
“It takes a lot of practice and patience to become better and to get your work out there, before clients will be confident enough to avail of your services,” shares Ventura, who did the wedding invitations of celebrity couple Drew Arellano and Iya Villania.
To know more about calligraphy and the workshops you can take, visit Ink Scribbler.
2. Business ideas for beginners: Face painting
Starting cost: P900 to P1000
This sought-after activity at children’s parties and other festive gatherings initially requires water-based face paints, brushes, sponges, and some water for rinsing your brushes. That’s according to world-famous brand Snazaroo, makers of skin-friendly, non-toxic and washable paints.
Painting tips and design suggestions usually come with the paints. Tutorials and design ideas abound online too, so honing your craft should be a breeze.
As you progress, other tools and accessories that will come in handy are glitter gels, glitter dust, stencils, a small towel, and a mirror so that your model can see and admire your handiwork.
Snazaroo paints, kits, and tools are available at The Oil Paint Store in Manila and at National Bookstore Glorietta 1 branch in Makati.
3. Candy or money bouquet making
Starting cost: P600 to P800
Aren’t chocolates, lollipops and other sweets much more special and endearing when they are all dressed and dolled up? That’s basically what candy bouquets are.
You will need chocolates (or any candy), fancy paper/wrapper, tape, balloon/popsicle sticks (or recycled cardboard/containers to hold the sweets), glue, scissors, and ribbons to make this cool and charming package that can be customized for any occasion.
Round chocolates such as Ferrero Rocher and Lindor Truffles can be attached to balloon sticks and embellished to look like flowers. If you want a simpler arrangement, watch this Candy Bouquet Tutorial from You Tube’s Ksripriya Kanigolla.
Or you can go with the trend and make money bouquets for a living. Don’t worry, your client will supply the money needed for the bouquet. Check out the tutorial here.
4. Event hosting
Starting cost: P300 to P500
The gift of gab, clothes suitable for any occasion, and transportation means are basically what you need for this gig.
Of course, being lively and engaging and knowing how to connect with the audience are always appreciated and will definitely earn you plus points.
Children’s parties of friends and relatives, as well as family get-togethers, are great opportunities to get one’s feet wet and gain experience as a host or an emcee.
Now that Zoom or online parties are all the rage, you can even do this business while in the comfort of your own home! Just buy a few costumes and props and you’re all set.
5. Making accessories
Image from Shutterstock
Starting cost: P200 to P700
Those who dig arts and crafts know that there are heaps of materials, designs, and ways to make decorative arm and wrist bands. Loom bands and hemp cords are just two of the materials you can use. You can even make face mask holders, which are popular nowadays.
Complementing them with colorful beads and cute charms will make your creations more unique and appealing. Check online stores for a wide array of supplies available, and you can get them cheap especially if you buy in bulk or wholesale.
You can get tips and inspiration from are Tutorials By A and All Free Jewelry Making. Get the kids involved and turn it from a hobby into a family business.
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Image from Pexels
6. Business ideas for beginners: Cartooning/Illustrating
Starting cost: P200 to 500
You’ll find this endeavor easy and enjoyable if you have a flair for drawing people’s faces. Set up a table at a party or at a school fair, make sure you have pencils and eraser, coloring materials, and a stack of Oslo paper and you’re good to go.
To make drawing and waiting times shorter and to accommodate more customers, it helps to have pre-made body drawings of your cartoons. Popular picks for youngsters are superheroes, athletes (basketball or soccer player), princes and princesses, and musicians or rock stars.
Alternatively, you can accept commissions and just work at home, basing your illustration on a photograph that your client sent.
7. Business ideas for beginners: Condiment/sauce making
Starting cost: P500 to P700
If you have a gift in the kitchen, now’s the best time to make money out of it! A lot of online food businesses have boomed. You can bake, make frozen meals, or if you have a special recipe, how about some homemade sauces and condiments?
If you already have a food processor, a cooker, and a refrigerator at home, then making savory sauces are convenient and hassle-free. These food complements are quick and inexpensive to make and they certainly make mealtimes more appetizing and enjoyable.
Start mixing in the kitchen this zesty Fishball Sauce from Lutong Filipino. You can also try this five-minute, five-ingredient Easy Homemade Pesto from Damn Delicious.
After making your sauces and letting them cool, pour them into glass jars, not plastic ones, for better flavor retention.
Check out another recipe of chili garlic sauce from Negosyo Recipes here.
8. Errand running
Starting cost: P200 to P300 (for transportation)
This undertaking is all about helping those who are unable or too busy to do personal or business errands such as buying groceries and paying bills. It requires no special skills or training and can even be incorporated into the errand runner’s daily chores.
For this business, you need to have a phone for clients to reach you and transportation (public or private) to move around. Of course, your safety is of utmost importance, so you have to invest in face masks to make sure you’re protected while outside of your home. It would be an advantage too if you are organized and can easily relate to people.
Customers can be charged per task or by the hour depending on preference and arrangement.
9. Tutoring
Starting cost: P500 to 1000 for internet connection
Are you fluent in Chinese, Japanese, or another foreign language? Do you excel in a particular sport or play a musical instrument exceptionally? Are you a standout Math or Science student?
Capitalize on these smarts and skills by offering one-on-one lessons. Before, you have to travel to be able to meet with your students. But now you can already do it online on your preferred video chatting service.
You will need a gadget (phone or a laptop, which you already have), good communication skills, and oodles of patience to tutor youngsters and adults alike.
10. Business ideas for beginners: Truffle making
Starting cost: P800 to P1000
Whipping up these no-bake, bite-size chocolate-covered delights is child’s play if you already have a fully-equipped kitchen. They are great as gifts and giveaways or as a family dessert and are sure to be relished by anyone with a sweet tooth.
If you have kids, enlist their help in this project. They will definitely enjoy making balls out of the mixture, dipping and rolling them in chocolate, and then drizzling the remaining chocolate or putting sprinkles as a final touch.
Young ones can also assist in wrapping and boxing the truffles.
Two terrific recipes you can try are these Oreo Truffles from Cooky M. and these Graham Cracker Balls from Aling Oday’s Kusina.
11. Business ideas for beginners: Online selling
Starting cost: P500 to P1000 for internet connection and buying items
“Pa-mine mo na ‘yan, sis!
If you’re a natural in convincing people to buy things and you love connecting with friends on social media, why not start a live online selling business?
What are you going to sell? Anything! If you have things lying around the house that are still in good condition (we all have that dress we haven’t worn or bag we haven’t used in ages), you can start there. If you have a green thumb, you can start growing some plants in your garden and sell it to your plantita friends online.
All you really need is a few items to sell, your superior convincing powers, and a stable internet connection.
Once you have earned more money for capital, you can grow your business by buying bulk clothes in the Ukay-ukay or getting in touch with wholesalers.
12. Becoming a VIP Influencer
No capital needed!
If you think you have what it takes to become an influencer, why not start making that dream come true? You can begin by building your brand, creating relatable content, and sharing your expertise and experience as a mom. Once you have a steady following, you can earn by collaborating with brands you love and trust, and promoting them on social media.
Our platform, VIParent is a good starting point if you want to earn through content creation. Learn more about it here.
What other businesses can you start with P1000 or less? Share your ideas in the comments section!
Tips in starting your business
Starting a small business can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips for beginners in small business:
Start with a solid plan
- Outline your business idea, goals, target market, competition, and financial projections.
- Create a business plan to serve as a roadmap for your venture.
Know your target audience
- Understand your customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviors.
- Tailor your products or services to meet their demands.
Build a strong online presence
- Create a professional website and establish a presence on social media platforms.
- Utilize online marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.
Focus on customer service
- Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation.
- Encourage customer feedback and use it to improve your products or services.
Manage your finances wisely
- Keep detailed financial records.
- Create a budget and stick to it.
- Set aside funds for taxes and emergencies.
Image by Freepik
Understand the legal aspects
- Register your business and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
- Familiarize yourself with tax regulations and compliance requirements.
Network and build relationships
- Connect with other small business owners, industry professionals, and potential customers.
- Attend networking events and join business associations.
Be adaptable
- Stay open to feedback and be willing to make adjustments to your business model.
- Adapt to changes in the market and industry trends.
Invest in marketing
- Develop a marketing strategy to promote your products or services.
- Utilize both online and offline marketing channels.
Focus on quality
- Provide high-quality products or services to build customer trust and loyalty.
- A satisfied customer is more likely to become a repeat customer and refer others.
Learn from your mistakes
- Understand that not everything will go smoothly.
- Use setbacks as learning opportunities and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Stay organized
- Keep your workspace and business operations organized.
- Use tools and systems to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
Take care of yourself
- Running a business can be demanding, so prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
- Ensure a work-life balance to maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Remember that success in small business often comes with persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn from experiences. Keep adapting and refining your approach as you grow your business.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan