25 Remote Small-Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $1,000

Remote work has long been the dream of many hopeful entrepreneurs. Founders are tired of long commutes to and from the office, endless streams of boring meetings, and unrewarding jobs that reap minimal benefits. 

According to a recent survey conducted by payroll provider, Gusto, 35 percent of businesses launched in 2023 opted for a fully remote model. The idea of starting a remote business isn’t exactly a new one—in fact, I wrote about the trend years ago in my best-selling book Home-Based Business For Dummies. 

Whether you’re seeking to break free of the 9-to-5 grind, working toward a new venture that can replace your salary, or trying to earn extra income, these 25 remote business ideas will be transformative for your career. They are living proof of how creativity, skill, and a basic online presence can become the backbone of your pathway to financial freedom. The best part is you can start any of these small businesses for less than $1,000. 

1. Freelance writing/editing 

If you’re good with words, you can earn extra money writing or editing blog posts, publications, and corporate content on a freelance basis. You’ve probably already got everything you need to get started—a laptop and an internet connection. 

2. Virtual assistant 

Lots of small businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for administrative, technical, or creative assistance. The demand for virtual assistants remains high and offers flexible hours and the ability to take on multiple clients. 

3. Social-media management 

Professionals and businesses need help with their online presence, whether it’s a simple Instagram page, a TikTok account, a LinkedIn presence, or more. Many prospective customers just don’t have the time, energy, or skills to post regularly and engage customers on these platforms. That’s where you come in. 

4. Online course creation 

Platforms like Udemy or Teachable have become increasingly popular for people looking to share their knowledge and expertise. Course creators can range from those with professional skill sets, such as financial planning, to creators who specialize in cooking, crafting, and singing. 

5. Personal fitness training 

While you may have to be certified as a fitness trainer to work with certain clients or run specific programs, personal fitness training is a great way to earn extra income. You can work from home, the outdoors, or even virtually. The fitness industry is showing no signs of slowing down. 

6. Podcast production services 

Podcasting has exploded in the last few years, and small businesses and content creators in every field have turned to the medium as a way to market their services and products. Many podcasters lack the time or skillset to edit and publish their work. This gives you an opportunity to offer services like editing, writing show notes, and more. 

7. Life/career coaching 

There is a growing need for life and career coaches. You can offer individual coaching and help people reach their greatest life and career goals. Life coaching and career coaching can be done online or in person. 

8. Digital marketing consulting 

Online advertising, SEO, and email marketing are increasingly important to small-business owners. Founders typically know they need to pay attention to digital marketing, but they have little to no idea how to get started. A small-business consultant with expertise in digital marketing can create a business for themselves. 

9. Photography 

Photography can be a highly competitive market, so the key is to pick a specialized niche that’s profitable. This can include portraits, weddings, or focusing on local events. Popular niches include headshots, real estate photography, and social-media content creation. It’s important to know that quality cameras aren’t cheap, so consider buying used cameras on Craigslist. 

10. Résumé writing/career coaching 

Job hunting is no easy task. Jobseekers, particularly those looking for full-time or high-profile positions, are in need of skilled help in developing their résumés and professional profiles. 

11. Lawn care/landscaping 

Once you purchase the necessary tools and research business insurance, you can start your own basic lawn care or landscaping business. When you’re just getting started, focus on providing maintenance instead of installations. 

12. Personal chef/meal prep 

Create meals out of your own home kitchen for busy professionals or families. Busy people are increasingly focused on their health and nutrition and are happy to pay a premium for healthy, home-cooked meals. 

13. Car detailing 

Take your services to customers’ homes, offices, and parking lots by offering mobile car cleaning and detailing. Professionals in big cities are often strapped for time and appreciate not having to visit a traditional carwash to clean their vehicles. 

14. Copywriting services 

Business owners need help creating sales copy, email marketing, and professional marketing materials that can make or break their revenue. You can earn a good living helping businesses and small enterprises hone their messaging and produce copy that garners attention. 

15. Etsy seller 

Sell your unique, handmade crafts on Etsy or sell digital downloads. Creating digital products to sell—such as digital printables, design templates, or digital art—can have huge profit margins. 

16. Pet sitting 

An endless number of pet owners need pet-sitting services when they’re at work or away on vacation. Use apps like Wag and Rover to find them. 

17. Online tutoring 

You can find students for most any subject you’re well-versed in. The demand for online tutoring in all subjects, especially those STEM-related, has only grown. 

18. Bookkeeping/accounting services 

Offer financial and bookkeeping services to small businesses that need help keeping their books in order, using QuickBooks or other online platforms. Bookkeepers and accountants are a key asset to any small business or entrepreneur. 

19. Translation services 

With globalization continuing to expand, there’s never been a greater need for translation and localization services. This applies to all mediums of communication—whether it be written, website, or audio content. 

20. Yoga/meditation instructor 

Train people in yoga or meditation techniques from your own home, either virtually or with in-person, in-home clients. As the wellness industry continues to grow, there’s a large potential audience for yoga and meditation classes. 

21. Content creation for brands 

Create content, including videos, graphics, or written materials, to help small businesses with their social-media presence and marketing materials. Great visual content is essential in today’s crowded marketing landscape. 

22. Web design/development 

Build and design simple websites for small businesses and entrepreneurs using programs like WordPress and Squarespace. Some businesses just need a simple website with minimal bells and whistles. 

23. Voiceover services 

Find jobs as a voiceover narrator for videos, audiobooks, commercials, or educational content. With a quality microphone and a quiet environment, you can service clients all over the world from home. 

24. E-commerce 

Help businesses manage their e-commerce stores, including product pages, inventory, customer service, and order fulfillment. E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing business sectors in the world. 

25. Subscription box curator 

Create your own subscription boxes around a hobby, dietary needs, or lifestyle and curate products to send to subscribers on a monthly or quarterly basis. You can start this business by finding local customers in your community and growing them from there. 

The extended deadline for the 2025 Inc. Best in Business Awards is this Friday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.