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Start a business · Use skills and assets you already own

Businesses You Can Start With Little or No New Equipment

A legitimate business is rarely literally free. This list focuses on models where the first customer can be served using skills and equipment the owner already has. Formation, local licensing, insurance, payment processing, and customer acquisition can still create cash costs.

Comparable records

Costs and operating tradeoffs

Selected for low equipment dependence and no required storefront; the calculator intentionally does not hide compliance or insurance costs.

BusinessStartup rangeMonthly rangeLicensing
Notary businessHome/mobile model possible$250-$8,500$60-$2,200higher
Virtual-assistant businessHome/mobile model possible$300-$12,000$80-$3,000lower
Tutoring businessHome/mobile model possible$350-$14,000$80-$3,200moderate
Social-media-management businessHome/mobile model possible$450-$16,000$120-$4,200lower
Cleaning businessHome/mobile model possible$650-$18,000$180-$5,200lower
Consulting businessHome/mobile model possible$500-$18,000$120-$4,800moderate
Web-design businessHome/mobile model possible$500-$18,000$120-$4,200lower
Bookkeeping businessHome/mobile model possible$700-$19,000$160-$4,500moderate
Digital-marketing agencyHome/mobile model possible$700-$24,000$240-$7,200lower
Ecommerce businessHome/mobile model possible$900-$45,000$250-$9,500moderate

How to use this shortlist

Open the model, then replace its assumptions

Open a guide, select a state, and adjust equipment, lease, staffing, marketing, insurance, and working capital. Then verify licenses with the agencies responsible for your location and activity.