In today’s ever-evolving economic landscape, the traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer the sole path to professional and financial fulfillment. For many, especially those seeking autonomy, flexibility, and minimal startup investment, solo entrepreneurship offers a promising alternative. Service-based businesses, in particular, have become an attractive avenue due to their low overhead and high potential for customization and growth. This essay explores a curated list of low-cost service business ideas tailored specifically for solo entrepreneurs ready to step into self-employment without breaking the bank.
- Virtual Assistance: The Administrative Backbone
The rise of remote work has propelled virtual assistants (VAs) into the spotlight. VAs provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. Tasks might include managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling customer inquiries, or bookkeeping. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn make it easy to find clients, and tools such as Google Workspace, Trello, and Zoom support smooth operation.
Startup cost: Minimal – a laptop, internet connection, and basic software.
Ideal for: Organized individuals with excellent communication skills and a knack for multitasking.
- Freelance Writing and Editing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing can be a rewarding and low-cost business. Whether it’s content creation for blogs, newsletters, marketing copy, or ghostwriting books, the demand is substantial. Editors are equally in demand, especially for academic papers, manuscripts, and website content.
Startup cost: A reliable laptop, internet connection, and access to grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
Ideal for: Wordsmiths who enjoy research and crafting compelling narratives.
- Social Media Management
Brands of all sizes are increasingly reliant on social media to build presence and drive engagement. Solo entrepreneurs can offer social media management services including content creation, scheduling, analytics, and community engagement. With some strategic learning around platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok, it’s possible to build a thriving business with repeat clientele.
Startup cost: Low – requires a smartphone or laptop, design software like Canva, and social media scheduling tools like Buffer or Later.
Ideal for: Creative individuals with a sense for trends, branding, and audience engagement.
- Online Tutoring or Coaching
Subject matter experts can leverage their knowledge to provide tutoring in academic subjects, language instruction, or even test preparation. Meanwhile, personal and career coaching is booming, with niches in wellness, life transitions, and professional development.
Startup cost: Very low – just a webcam, headset, and a stable internet connection. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Teachable make it easy to deliver sessions.
Ideal for: Patient communicators with teaching experience or specialized knowledge.
- Resume and LinkedIn Profile Optimization Services
With job markets growing increasingly competitive, many professionals seek help creating compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles. This business allows you to leverage writing and personal branding skills to help others land interviews.
Startup cost: A basic website or portfolio, access to templates and writing tools.
Ideal for: Those who understand HR trends, ATS systems, and personal branding.
- Personal Concierge or Errand Running
For those who prefer working in-person and enjoy helping others, becoming a personal concierge or errand runner can be a fulfilling choice. Tasks may include grocery shopping, dry-cleaning pickup, booking appointments, or organizing household items.
Startup cost: Basic transportation and a mobile phone.
Ideal for: Highly organized individuals with great people skills and a willingness to hustle.
- Pet Services: Walking, Sitting, Grooming
Pet owners often require trustworthy individuals to care for their animals when they are unavailable. Services can include dog walking, pet sitting, or basic grooming. Building a solid client base locally can lead to consistent income and referrals.
Startup cost: Very low – basic pet supplies and transportation.
Ideal for: Animal lovers who are responsible and enjoy physical activity.
- Tech Support and IT Setup Services
Many individuals and small businesses struggle with setting up devices, securing networks, or troubleshooting software. If you have a background in IT or are self-taught in tech, offering mobile or remote tech support services can be highly valuable.
Startup cost: Basic tools and diagnostic software.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy individuals with strong problem-solving skills and patience.
- Notary Public Services
Becoming a certified notary public is a relatively low-cost process and opens up opportunities to serve legal, financial, and real estate clients. Notaries can offer mobile services, adding convenience for clients and an edge over competition.
Startup cost: Certification fees and basic supplies like a stamp and logbook.
Ideal for: Detail-oriented individuals interested in legal documentation.
- Event Planning or Coordination
If you have a talent for organizing and managing details, event planning can be a great solo venture. Specialize in small events like birthday parties, corporate meetings, or virtual summits. Vendors and venues often appreciate working with reliable coordinators, and referrals can grow quickly with experience.
Startup cost: A website or social media presence, basic scheduling tools.
Ideal for: Detail-oriented creatives who can manage multiple moving parts efficiently.
- Cleaning Services (Residential or Commercial)
Offering cleaning services – either residential or small office – can be a profitable low-investment business. The key lies in consistency, professionalism, and reliability. Solo cleaners often start part-time and expand through referrals.
Startup cost: Cleaning supplies and transportation.
Ideal for: Independent workers with attention to detail and stamina.
- Photography or Videography
With quality smartphone cameras and affordable DSLR options, starting a photography or videography business is more accessible than ever. Event photography, real estate shots, or social media content creation are all in-demand niches. Post-production skills in tools like Adobe Lightroom or Final Cut Pro enhance value.
Startup cost: Mid-range – entry-level equipment, editing software.
Ideal for: Visual storytellers with technical skills and a strong aesthetic sense.
- Personal Fitness Trainer or Yoga Instructor
Health-conscious individuals with fitness expertise can become certified trainers or yoga instructors. Services can be offered virtually or in-person, one-on-one or in small groups. Fitness content can also be monetized through digital products and memberships.
Startup cost: Certification, basic fitness equipment, and online platforms for scheduling and payments.
Ideal for: Motivated fitness enthusiasts with strong interpersonal skills.
- Digital Marketing Consultant
Many small businesses cannot afford full-scale agencies but desperately need help with SEO, content strategy, or paid advertising. Solo digital marketers can offer freelance packages or one-off services tailored to client needs.
Startup cost: Website, analytic tools, and optional certifications (e.g., Google Ads, HubSpot).
Ideal for: Analytical thinkers with marketing knowledge and a desire to stay ahead of trends.
- Handyman or Home Repair Services
For those with practical skills, offering small home repair or handyman services is an evergreen business. Think furniture assembly, drywall patching, or faucet fixes. Clients often prefer trustworthy independent contractors over larger outfits.
Startup cost: Basic tools and insurance coverage.
Ideal for: Skilled workers who enjoy hands-on problem-solving.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Grow Intentionally
Embarking on a solo service business doesn’t require a massive investment, fancy office, or team of employees. What it does require is a blend of discipline, strategy, customer focus, and adaptability. Whether your strengths lie in writing, organizing, caring, teaching, or fixing, there’s likely a service niche for you.
Start small, validate your idea with real clients, and reinvest your earnings into improving systems and marketing. As your solo enterprise grows, you may even find opportunities to automate tasks or eventually hire help – transforming a humble one-person operation into a thriving small business.
