From training to selling products online, these small businesses are easy to start with low risk, minimal investment, and manageable commitment

From consulting to selling products online, these small businesses are easy to start with low risk, minimal investment, and manageable commitment.

Starting to work independently, increasing the flexibility of your workday, choosing the people you work with, and even the place where you carry out your activities—that's the advantage of starting a small business. Considering that not every entrepreneurial venture has to be the next big revolutionary step in the world, many young entrepreneurs, also known as self-starters, create businesses with low risk, minimal investment, and manageable commitment. This is an entrepreneurial scale that sits between micro and small enterprises, able to satisfy many levels of skills and ambition.

According to industry and employment census data, self-employment thrives in a wide range of sectors. Consulting, scientific research, creative efforts, and management and administrative contracts are common areas of self-employment. The service sector also includes a large percentage of self-employed workers, especially in fields like personal care, construction, and maintenance.

Whether you want to build a small company or open a small online storefront for your services, starting your own business can certainly provide satisfaction and financial success. That's why the Beetroot Team wants to share some ideas for small businesses that are easy to start and require minimal initial investment.

1. Expert Consultant

If you are an expert in your field—whether marketing, finance, branding, or business management—consulting is an effective way to increase your income and diversify clients. There are minimal overhead costs to start consulting, and you can scale operations up or down at any pace you desire.

2. Training

If you have a particular talent in a subject or sector—such as languages, photography, graphic design, or specific software like Photoshop or Illustrator—offering training services is a business idea that generally allows great flexibility in working hours and good earnings.

3. Website Manager

If you like technology and are passionate about designing and managing websites, creating a business focused on website improvement might be a good fit. You will likely need design software and content management systems, but  through client relationships, you can cover project costs. You will also need your own website and a portfolio showcasing your previous work.

4. Social Media Manager

Although many companies recognize the need for a well-curated and strategic social media presence, not all marketing teams have the capacity or know-how to manage it themselves. This has led to growing demand for social media agencies—teams that manage campaigns, respond to comments and messages, and connect brands with social media influencers.

Things to consider when starting a social media agency: among likes, comments, and shares, it must be very clear when a social media strategy works or doesn’t. It's best to have specialized experience in running effective campaigns. Social media management requires ongoing dedication and growth; consider hiring assistants as the business grows so you can focus more on strategy than daily execution.

6. Travel Planning

If you have traveled a lot or enjoy the logistics and foresight needed to put together a successful trip, travel planning could be an accessible and feasible way to start a small business.

This could involve organizing large groups for corporate retreats, planning trips to remote or hard-to-reach areas, or making luxury travel as stress-free as possible. In any case, people are willing to pay for planning itineraries and handling visas, flights, insurance, and accommodations.

7. Tour Guide

If you have a special interest in your city’s history or are particularly skilled in activities like hiking, kayaking, or cycling, you might consider starting a tour company.

This adventure would have you sharing your knowledge with locals and tourists while exploring desirable destinations or locations that require specialized guidance. Beyond word-of-mouth, a website and social media presence are useful for promoting your experiences and sharing testimonials from those who enjoyed your tours.

8. Event Organizer

Event planning requires logistics, organization, time, and skills that not everyone has. Whether weddings, personal events, or corporate conferences and parties, managing vendors and budgets requires special care. Hosts under pressure to provide a pleasant and memorable experience often seek assistance.

9. Virtual Assistant

Hired by companies or executives instead of salaried employees, virtual assistants work remotely handling a variety of tasks including personal assistant duties, administrative activities, customer service, and editorial support.

Starting as a virtual assistant typically involves listing your services and contact details on job sites like Upwork or Fiverr, then setting your availability and hourly rates with potential employers.

10. Selling Online

If you create clothes, jewelry, or home goods, starting an online shop is a convenient way to open a store. While some investment is required to build an e-commerce site, along with promotional strategies like advertising and affiliate marketing, shipping products to remote customers is financially much lighter than paying rent for a fixed retail space.

Launch your business with the right support

Regardless of your sector or the size your business grows to, having a support network is an important driver of success. The people you know will help you direct clients, brainstorm ideas, and keep you grounded.

"You can't eliminate all the risks and uncertainty that come with being an entrepreneur, but you can bring into your life as many people, activities, situations, and environments as possible that create feelings of stability and security," says Marco Traina, CEO of Beetroot srl.

Shared spaces like the coliving and coworking at Beetcommunity provide this environment of professionals and activities. A network of members and events that make it easy to find new collaborators and introduce potential clients. Additionally, activities organized by and for members provide a distraction based on activity, which founders believe is important for networking.

If you’re looking to become independent by starting your own business, these small business startup ideas can be a launching pad to begin building your future. Whether you are following your passion or seeking to earn from your expertise, these small business startup ideas offer an easy and affordable path to getting started.