Starting a business in 2026 doesn’t have to mean spending thousands just to get up and running. Plenty of low cost business ideas let you put your skills to work, try something new and build an income stream, all without a huge upfront investment. Let’s look at the Best 5 Low Cost Businesses To Start 2026.
If you’re like me, you want something that fits your budget, allows you flexibility, and doesn’t require a ton of complicated equipment or advanced degrees. There are more possibilities than ever, especially with remote work and digital tools making it easier to work from anywhere.
Here are five low cost businesses for 2026 that offer flexibility, growth potential, and simple start up requirements. I’ve added tips to get going, plus how platforms like Wealthy Affiliate can help you take your small business idea all the way to full time income.
Best 5 Low Cost Businesses To Start 2026
1. Print on Demand Online Store
A print on demand business lets you sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, or phone cases online. You design the graphics or slogans, upload them to a print on demand platform, and they handle printing, shipping, and even customer service for you. No inventory means you avoid the risk and cost of buying products in bulk.
Getting Started
- Pick a niche that excites you; funny quotes, pet lovers, fitness fans, gamers, you name it.
- Create simple graphics using free tools like Canva.
- Set up your store using Etsy, Shopify, or Redbubble.
- Promote on social media or start a blog to attract your ideal customers.
Wealthy Affiliate helps a ton here. Their step by step website training makes it easy to launch a store or blog, even if you’ve never built a site before. You’ll also pick up marketing basics to grow your store faster and make it stand out in a crowded marketplace.
2. Virtual Assistant Services
If you’re organized and a good communicator, offering virtual assistant (VA) services is one of the best ways to start earning quickly. Most VAs help small business owners or entrepreneurs with email management, scheduling, research, bookkeeping, social media, and similar remote tasks. The best part? You only need a laptop and internet connection to get going, so start up costs are minimal.
How to Get Started as a VA
- Write out the services you’re comfortable providing; basic admin, social media posts, travel planning, or customer support.
- Create a simple website or profile on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Network in Facebook groups or small business forums to find your first clients.
- Consider specializing in one area, like podcast support or email marketing, to stand out faster.
Joining a community like Wealthy Affiliate gives you access to website building tools, marketing training, and direct support. It’s pretty handy for launching your VA business with confidence and finding clients online. As you get feedback, you can adjust your services and build a stronger portfolio, making it easier to land higher paying clients in the future.
3. Blogging and Affiliate Marketing
Starting a blog is super affordable and can turn into a full time income if you stick with it. Affiliate marketing means you recommend products or services, and when someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. This model needs consistency, but you don’t need advanced tech skills or a big investment to get going. Many bloggers mix in personal stories, helpful guides, and trending topics to attract loyal readers.
Steps to Start Blogging for Profit
- Choose a topic you love or have experience in; parenting tips, travel, tech, fitness, finance, etc.
- Set up your blog using WordPress (many low cost hosting options available, or use the free tools at Wealthy Affiliate).
- Write helpful posts that solve reader problems, answer questions, or review products.
- Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or join the Wealthy Affiliate program itself.
Wealthy Affiliate is made for this. I’ve found their all in one training perfect for learning how to pick profitable topics, write great posts, and get real visitors from Google. Plus, you’re part of a huge community where you can pick up on the latest blogging strategies and connect with other writers. It’s a solid way to stay motivated and keep improving your blog.
4. Handmade Crafts and Products
If you’re crafty, artistic, or good with your hands, selling handmade products is a flexible way to build your own brand. Platforms like Etsy and Shopify let you list jewellery, art, candles, custom decor, planners, and all kinds of unique items. Start up costs are low if you start with a few samples and basic supplies. The key is to highlight what makes your creations special and connect with customers who appreciate handmade work.
How to Launch a Handmade Shop
- Pick what you enjoy making; stickers, prints, jewellery, soaps, or even digital downloads like planners.
- Set up an Etsy or Shopify shop. Both are beginner friendly and make it easy to find buyers.
- Take clear photos and describe your items in detail so buyers know exactly what they’ll get.
- Promote on Instagram, Pinterest, or in relevant Facebook groups to attract a steady stream of potential customers.
Running a handmade business gets easier with smart online training. Wealthy Affiliate includes lots of tips on SEO (how people find your listings), website building, and connecting with other creators, or you can start a blog alongside your shop for even more potential income streams. It’s a good idea to join craft fairs or local markets occasionally to meet your buyers in person and get direct feedback on your products.
5. Social Media Management
Small businesses often struggle to keep up with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. If you already know your way around social media, offering management or content creation services can be a really good fit. Surprisingly, you don’t need fancy tools or a full marketing degree. Just some know how and a willingness to learn as platforms change is plenty to land your first clients.
Kickstarting Your Social Media Biz
- Identify which platforms you know best (or want to learn quickly).
- Create a portfolio by running your own business page or offering free sessions to friends and local businesses.
- List your services on your website or a freelancer marketplace so people can easily contact you.
- Focus on one or two types of clients, like restaurants or personal trainers, to become the go to person in that field.
Wealthy Affiliate’s training crosses over nicely, especially when you want to build a website that brings in clients. The step by step lessons on content, SEO, and client outreach give you a solid edge. As you grow, you can offer consulting, ads management, or even digital product creation to grow your income faster.
Key Tools and Tips for Success
- Start Small. Don’t feel pressure to go all in from day one. Test your idea, gather feedback, and adjust as you learn. Learning from your first attempts is valuable, even if everything isn’t perfect.
- Invest in Learning. Training platforms like Wealthy Affiliate are super useful for networking and picking up new skills as your business grows.
- Network. Connect with others in your industry. In person or online. Teaming up and referrals make a big difference for beginners and can open up new ideas for growth.
- Keep Costs Low. Use free trials, open source tools, and low cost hosting when possible. Most of the above businesses can be started from home with minimal investment, so you can focus on building rather than stressing about money.
- Stay Flexible. Trends and customer preferences change often. Be ready to mix in some variety and switch up your approach to match what people are looking for. Keeping an open mind helps keep your business relevant and competitive.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a low cost business to start in 2026 can open the door to new possibilities, side income, or even a wholesale career switch up. It’s all about matching your interests to what people need, taking smart next steps, and making use of learning communities like Wealthy Affiliate so you aren’t tackling things alone. Whichever path you pick, starting small and learning as you go keeps the process manageable. Before long, you could have a thriving venture that fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly. Ready to get started? Trust your skills, stay consistent, and you might be surprised how far your business can go.
Many thanks for reading this article on Best 5 Low Cost Businesses To Start 2026. I really do hope that it has inspired you to take action and start your own new low cost business for 2026. You might like to read a couple of my related articles which are titled How To Start A Low Cost Print On Demand Business and Top 7 Innovative Online Business Ideas 2026.
If you are interested to have a deeper look into the all in one business platform Wealthy Affiliate and all that it has to offer, take a look at my Wealthy Affiliate Review 2026 or just click the banner above to go to the homepage. If you have any questions at all, feel free to post them in the comments section below this article.
All the best!
Eamon