Employment Echo
Starting a Business on a Budget: Opportunities Under R1000
At Employment Echo, we understand how challenging it can be to manage your finances while searching for a job. The costs of data, printing, and other expenses can quickly add up. That’s why we’ve created a list of businesses you can start with a budget of less than R1000, to help you generate income while you search for your next opportunity.
1. Laundry Service (Door-to-Door)
Start a laundry service in your community by offering pick-up and delivery for washing clothes. You’ll need basic supplies like washing powder, fabric softener, and transport.
Budget Breakdown:
- Washing detergent: R100
- Fabric softener: R50
- Packaging: R100
- Marketing: R50
Potential Profit: Charge R50-R80 per load of laundry. Washing 15 loads per week can bring in up to R1200 per month.
2. Mobile Car Wash
Provide a mobile car wash service to busy individuals in residential areas or offices. You’ll need a bucket, sponges, car shampoo, and microfiber cloths.
Budget Breakdown:
- Car shampoo: R50
- Sponges, cloths, and bucket: R200
- Marketing: R50
Potential Profit: Charge R70-R150 per car wash. Washing 20 cars per month can bring in between R1400 and R3000.
3. T-shirt Printing (Custom Design)
Offer custom T-shirt printing for events, companies, or individuals using iron-on transfers or fabric paints. Take orders online or through local community connections.
Budget Breakdown:
- Plain T-shirts (buy in bulk): R300
- Iron-on transfer paper or fabric paints: R200
- Marketing: R50
Potential Profit: Sell custom T-shirts at R100-R150 each. Selling 10 shirts can bring in R1000-R1500.
4. Baked Goods (Home-Based)
Bake and sell homemade cookies, muffins, or scones to neighbors, local markets, or through social media orders.
Budget Breakdown:
- Ingredients: R300
- Packaging: R100
- Marketing: R50
Potential Profit: Sell a batch of 12 muffins or cookies for R50-R100. Selling 50 batches a month could bring in up to R5000.
5. Second-Hand Clothing Sales
Buy second-hand clothing from thrift stores and resell them at a markup. Sell online or at local markets.
Budget Breakdown:
- Stock: R600
- Marketing (Facebook Marketplace, Instagram): Free
Potential Profit: Selling items at a 100-150% markup, you can make R1500-R2500 from a R600 stock purchase.
6. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, or Virtual Assistance)
Offer freelance services such as writing, graphic design, or virtual admin tasks through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Budget Breakdown:
- Marketing (Internet or mobile data): R300
- Software tools: Free or minimal cost
Potential Profit: Charge R100-R500 per task or project. Completing 5 tasks a month could earn you up to R2500.
7. Herbal Teas and Remedies (Homemade)
Create and sell herbal teas using popular herbs like rooibos and chamomile. Sell to health-conscious communities or online.
Budget Breakdown:
- Herbs (bulk purchase): R300
- Packaging: R200
Potential Profit: Selling small packs of tea at R30-R50 each could bring in up to R2000 with regular customers.
8. Plant Propagation and Sales
Propagate plants such as succulents or herbs and sell them at local markets or online.
Budget Breakdown:
- Pots and soil: R300
- Cuttings or seeds: R200
Potential Profit: Sell plants for R30-R100 each. Selling 20-30 plants a month can make you R600-R3000.
9. Digital Product Creation (E-books or Printables)
Design printable planners, worksheets, or e-books and sell them on platforms like Gumroad or Etsy.
Budget Breakdown:
- Design tools (Canva, free tier): Free
- Marketing (social media): R200
Potential Profit: Charge R50-R200 per product. Selling 10-20 products a month can bring in R500-R4000.
10. Handmade Jewelry or Crafts
Make simple beaded jewelry or crafts and sell them at local craft markets or online.
Budget Breakdown:
- Materials: R300
- Packaging: R100
Potential Profit: Sell items for R50-R150 each. Selling 20-30 items a month could bring in R1000-R3000.