There’s never been a better time to start a side hustle. Whether you’re saving for a home, paying down debt, or just want to build something of your own, small-scale entrepreneurship is more accessible than ever, especially in 2025. With the cost of living still climbing and job markets tightening in some industries, a side hustle isn’t just extra cash anymore. For many, it’s a financial safety net.
The best part? You don’t need $10,000 or a fancy office to start. Many profitable ventures can be launched with a shoestring budget, a solid Wi-Fi connection, and a bit of time on weekends.
Below, we explore ten low-cost business ideas that can actually work this year—plus some honest insights into what you’ll need to get them off the ground.
Table of Contents
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
If you’ve got a knack for words, whether it’s writing blog posts, resumes, newsletters or even editing research papers, there’s no shortage of clients looking for help. Businesses, students, and creators all need written content, and they’re often willing to pay for clarity and polish.
What you’ll need:
- A clean, professional portfolio site (Wix or Carrd will do)
- Some published or sample work
- Grammar tools like Grammarly Premium or Hemingway Editor
You can start pitching on platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn, or even join local Facebook groups looking for freelance talent.
2. Graphic Design Services
Good design is always in demand—logos, business cards, menus, social media graphics, pitch decks. Even basic Canva skills can take you further than you’d think, but if you’re using pro software like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer, it’s worth showing off.
What you’ll need:
- Design software (some offer free trials, others require small upfront costs)
- An online portfolio
- Optional: Canva Pro subscription for commercial use assets
3. Cleaning or End-of-Lease Services
If you’re physically fit, have a car, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, offering cleaning services is one of the fastest ways to start earning. Many renters are happy to pay someone to handle the deep clean when moving out—and if you bring your own supplies, you can charge more.
What you’ll need:
- Basic cleaning gear (vacuum, mop, gloves, products)
- ABN (if charging over $75/hour or working with agencies)
- A few client referrals or local testimonials
4. Flipping Furniture or Marketplace Arbitrage
Some people call it flipping, others call it smart shopping. You buy underpriced items—furniture, tech, collectibles—from places like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales, fix them up or just resell them at a markup.
What you’ll need:
- Transport (or offer delivery for extra cash)
- Basic repair skills or a good eye for undervalued items
- Some spare space at home to store inventory
5. Micro-Baking or Homemade Goods
Selling baked goods, candles, or artisan gifts from home is a classic for a reason. Local markets, Instagram, and community events are all great ways to move small batches.
What you’ll need:
- Food safety certificate (for consumables)
- Packaging and branding
- A presence on social platforms like Instagram or TikTok
6. Print-on-Demand Store
With zero inventory and low risk, print-on-demand lets you upload designs to t-shirts, mugs, or stickers—then sell via your own online shop. Services like Redbubble, Printify, or Etsy make fulfilment easy.
What you’ll need:
- A few strong designs
- A storefront (Shopify or Etsy)
- Marketing hustle on socials
7. Virtual Assistant Services
Many small business owners are drowning in admin—scheduling, email inboxes, and social media. If you’re organised, becoming a virtual assistant can be a game-changer.
What you’ll need:
- Google Workspace or Microsoft Office
- Time management tools (like Trello, Notion, or ClickUp)
- Some experience with social media, inbox management, or scheduling software
8. Event or Portrait Photography
If you already own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider offering family photos, couple shoots, or birthday party coverage. Even beginner photographers can build a client base with the right editing and marketing.
What you’ll need:
- Camera + editing software (Lightroom or Snapseed can work)
- A booking form or scheduling app
- Optional: social proof via an Instagram feed
9. Tutoring or Skill Coaching
If you’ve got teaching experience—or even just a solid grasp of a subject—offer tutoring in person or online. Maths, English, and science are always in demand, but there’s also a huge market for digital skills (like Excel, Canva, or coding).
What you’ll need:
- ABN (for invoicing or online platforms)
- Zoom or Google Meet for virtual sessions
- Credibility through experience or student reviews
10. Handy Services or Odd Jobs
Got tools and a ute? Simple things like putting together flatpack furniture, fixing doors, or even mowing lawns can be turned into cash quickly. Airtasker and Hipages are goldmines for this kind of work.
What you’ll need:
- Tools and equipment
- A public liability insurance policy (if going legit)
- A complete profile on local gig platforms
Covering Your Initial Startup Costs
While these side hustles are technically “low-cost,” some upfront expenses are inevitable. The good news? You don’t need thousands to begin—just a bit of buffer to secure the tools that’ll help you deliver real value.
Let’s say you’re starting a freelance writing or design business. The initial investment is low, but you might still need to buy specific software, pay for a professional portfolio website, or get a business license. If you need to apply for a loan to get these essential tools, it can be a small investment that pays for itself with your very first client.
A quick $300 loan can give you the head start you need without eating into your day-to-day budget. Just make sure it’s from a transparent, short-term lender—and only borrow what you know you can repay with your first job or two.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive loan or ten years of business experience to start a side hustle in 2025. What you do need is a clear plan, a service people need, and the discipline to keep showing up—especially in the early weeks when momentum feels slow.
And if startup costs are the only thing standing in your way? A quick $300 loan from a trusted lender might be enough to unlock your first income stream. Just make sure it’s part of a
short-term plan, not a long-term burden.
Your side hustle doesn’t have to stay small, either. Many full-time businesses started as Saturday morning projects. But even if yours stays a side gig, it’s still yours—and that’s worth building.
