Knowing how to start a business with little money is a dream for many people—and fortunately, it doesn’t have to be postponed as some believe.
With creativity, planning, and good choices, it is possible to start a business with little money and still build something solid and profitable.
The key is to start small, test ideas, take advantage of accessible tools, and use the internet to your advantage.
We’ll show you how to get an idea off the ground without spending a lot. We’ll also give you business ideas, practical tips to get you started on the right foot, and a golden tip at the end!
Is it possible to start a business with little money?
Yes, it is possible—and increasingly common. E-commerce has made it much easier for those who want to start a business with low investment.
The sector earned R$ 204.3 billion in Brazil in 2024 and is expected to exceed R$ 234 billion in 2025, according to data from the Brazilian Electronic Commerce Association (ABComm).
You can start from scratch, through marketplaces, your own online store, or social media, and even sell without having inventory, depending on the logistics model you choose.
Of course, money helps, but it does not replace knowledge, good management, and a keen eye for opportunities. With this, you can take your first steps more safely, even with little capital.
10 business ideas to start with little money
Below, you will find ideas that can be adapted to suit your circumstances. Some require specific skills, others just a willingness to learn and get stuck in.
1. Create an online store
Opening an online store is one of the most accessible ways to start a business today. With an e-commerce platform—such as Nuvemshop, for example—you can create your own digital storefront without needing to know how to code.
You can sell everything from physical products (clothing, cosmetics, accessories) to digital products. The ideal is to start with a niche that you know or that has a clear demand.
A good tip is to choose a few products, create good descriptions, take care with the photos, and start promoting on social media.
2. Do dropshipping
Dropshipping is a logistics method that does not require you to keep inventory. You simply advertise the products in your store, and when a sale is made, the supplier ships directly to the customer.
This eliminates the costs of storage and advance purchase of merchandise. But be careful: it is important to choose good suppliers with reliable delivery times and quality products.
Another important point is that customer service is your responsibility. You should rely on tools to help you, such as JivoChat, which keeps everything organized in one place.
3. Sale of customized products
If you have skills in design, art, or enjoy creating unique products, you can bet on customization.
T-shirts with phrases, mugs with names, illustrated diaries… these are items that have a lot of emotional appeal.
You can start with custom orders, using print-on-demand platforms, for example. The advantage is that each product can be unique, which allows you to sell with greater added value.
4. Teach online classes and courses
Are you an expert in a specific subject? If so, know that you can turn that knowledge into a source of income.
This applies to those who are good at languages, music, cooking, design, technology… the possibilities are endless.
You can start by giving individual lessons via video call or recording a course and making it available on platforms such as Hotmart, Eduzz, or Udemy. It’s a scalable way to make money from what you already know.
5. Provide consulting services
Another option on this list of business ideas to start with little money is consulting. It is somewhat similar to the previous item, but there are differences.
In practice, consulting is ideal for those who already have experience in a particular area. This could be financial management, strategic planning, digital marketing, etc.
You can offer a more personalized service to small entrepreneurs, for example, who need help structuring their businesses.
Start by studying and seeking training in the field of consulting. Also, network, use social media, and, if possible, offer free or discounted services in the beginning to get testimonials.
6. Sale of sweets and savory snacks
This is one of the most traditional ways to start a business, especially in neighborhoods and communities. The production of brigadeiros, brownies, party snacks, or homemade lunchboxes can start in your kitchen.
The difference here lies in the flavor, presentation, and customer service. A good Instagram profile with appetizing photos and videos already makes a difference.
You can start by selling through delivery apps, such as iFood and Rappi, and adopt them over time as your business matures.
7. Set up an online thrift store
Circular fashion is on the rise. Many people are looking for used clothing in good condition at more affordable prices—and online thrift stores meet this demand perfectly.
You can start with items from your wardrobe or those of family members. Take great photos, create an Instagram profile, use Enjoei or Mercado Livre, and tell the stories behind the items.
You can create a creative, sustainable, and profitable business. You just need to structure it correctly from the start. We’ll give you an important tip on this at the end of this article. Keep reading!
8. Sell handicrafts
Those who are good with their hands can turn their hobby into a source of income. It could be crochet, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, scented candles…
The public values handmade products, especially when they have identity and good storytelling presenting the brand and products.
A valuable tip is not to ignore the power of social media to produce relevant content and make sales. Show the production process, the details of the items, their materials, and so on…
Also, invest in charming packaging and connect the product to a cause or lifestyle.
9. Sell information products
Infoproducts are digital products that teach something or solve a problem. They can be e-books, spreadsheets, templates, or guides.
It’s a good business idea to start with little money because the production cost is very low, and you can sell as many copies as you want.
Basically, it’s a great option for those who want to generate passive income. You can promote them on platforms such as Hotmart and social media.
10. Sell imported products
You can start by importing products with a good profit margin to resell in Brazil. Many people work with electronics, clothing, accessories, perfumes, or decorative items.
Nowadays, there are suppliers and platforms, such as AliExpress, that facilitate this process—and you don’t even need to buy large quantities at once.
Start with one sales channel, such as a marketplace or online store, test it out, and then, over time, diversify your channels to increase profits.
Tips on how to start a business with little money
Now that you have some ideas to choose from, here are a few tips to avoid mistakes and increase your chances of success:
Create a business plan
It doesn’t have to be super complex. A basic plan will help you organize your ideas. Think about questions such as:
- What you are going to sell;
- Who your audience is;
- Who your competitors are;
- How much you need to invest.
This free business plan template will help you get organized. With it, you will be able to make clearer decisions and avoid wasting time (and money) on actions that don’t make sense.
Know your audience
Understanding who you want to reach is an extremely important step. After all, all of your business’s actions will be geared toward your consumers.
But what does that mean in practice?
You need to know what your customers are looking for, how much they usually pay, where they usually shop, which social networks they use, etc.
The more you know about your ideal buyer profile (persona), the easier it will be to get the product, communication, and sales approach right.
Study the market
Take a good look at what’s already out there. Who are your competitors? What do they do well? What can you do differently or better?
Analyzing your competitors helps you understand what’s working and where there’s room to do things differently—whether in terms of product, service, price, or marketing.
With this type of research, you avoid common mistakes, find good opportunities, and start your business with much more clarity.
Offer a competitive advantage
You don’t need to be the cheapest on the market, because what matters is having something that makes your business stand out.
It could be product quality, attentive customer service, personalization, fast delivery, or even the way you communicate with customers.
The difference is what makes people remember your brand and want to buy from you, even with other options out there. Remember: the public buys based on perceived value, not just price.
Invest in marketing
You can’t sell if no one knows you exist. So use social media as a showcase: display your products, share your routine, tell your story, and publish customer feedback.
All of this helps build trust and connection.
You don’t need to start with big investments. A cell phone in your hand and consistent posting already make a difference. Then, over time, you can explore paid ads and other tools to scale up.
Start a business with little money the right way!
Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. With the right choices, your business can grow faster than you think. The important thing is to take the first step, learn from your mistakes, and adjust along the way.
The best way to do this is to rely on a proven method, and that’s where our golden tip, mentioned at the beginning, comes in.
The free Ecommerce from Scratch class, from the Ecommerce na Prática school!
In it, you’ll learn everything behind a million-dollar digital business and how to take your first steps to reach that level of profitability.