Top 7 Businesses You Can Start Without Any Capital

Do you still believe starting a business requires massive capital?

It’s one of the most common misconceptions holding aspiring entrepreneurs back.

The truth is, some of the most successful businesses today started with little to no investment, relying instead on creativity, hustle, and strategic planning.

If you’re ready to launch your own business but don’t have a pile of cash sitting around, you’re in luck!

We’ve compiled a list of 7 businesses you can start with zero capital — and the best part? You don’t need a fortune to get started, just the right mindset and tools.

Plus, with doola’s all-in-one platform, from bookkeeping to CPA consultations, you can focus on growing any of these businesses (and others) while we handle the nitty-gritty financial details.

Let’s explore how each of these business ideas can work for you, and see how doola can be your trusted partner in launching your venture!

Form your LLC with doola once you zero in on your business idea.

1. Freelance Writing

Earn $20-100/Hour

Among all the businesses you can start with no money, freelance writing tops the charts.

If you want a solid proof, look no further than the internet itself — mainly the websites/apps you use the most.

They’re filled with businesses and individuals needing blog posts, website copy, social media content, and more.

So if you have a way with words, freelance writing is a great option to tap into your skills with no upfront cost.

How to Get Started With Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of the simplest zero-investment business ideas you can jump into.

With just a laptop, solid writing chops, and a healthy dose of hustle.

But first things first, remember:

Riches are in the niches.

Be it blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, or technical writing — narrow down your niche to the type of audience you want to cater to.

And with time, you also need to understand what type of content you can produce effortlessly. In the long haul, it will help boost your earning potential.

Next, create a simple portfolio to showcase your skills.

You can use free platforms like Medium, WordPress, or even LinkedIn to publish sample pieces.

Once that’s in place, start pitching your services to small businesses, startups, or content agencies that need freelance writers.

Freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are perfect for landing your first gigs.

As your portfolio and client list grow, so will your earnings.

And that brings us to:

How much do freelance writers really earn?

Coming up next!

How Much Can You Earn as a Freelance Writer?

The sky is your limit.

Straight facts. Any successful freelancer can vouch for it.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Beginner writers often start with rates between $0.03 to $0.10 per word

• Experienced writers or specialists in high-demand fields can earn $0.25 per word or more.

Hourly rates on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr range from $20 to $100, but with the right strategy, this zero-investment gig can grow from side hustle to six-figure powerhouse.

Success Story

Jon Morrow, the famous blogger, started with minimal capital and turned his writing into a successful business, earning six figures from freelance work.

His journey highlights how powerful a zero-cost business idea can be when paired with the right mindset.

How doola Can Help

Once your freelance gigs start generating income, doola can help you incorporate your writing hustle into an LLC, manage invoicing, and stay on top of bookkeeping, making sure you’re tax-ready.

2. Virtual Assistant Services

Earn $15-25/Hour

Business owners everywhere are drowning in admin tasks like scheduling meetings, managing emails, and coordinating social media.

So, if you’ve got the talent for taming chaos and juggling tasks, offering virtual assistant (VA) services can be great business idea.

At zero cost.

How to Get Started With Virtual Assistant Services

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started as a virtual assistant without any capital:

✅ Step 1: Identify Your Unique Skills

Start off by assessing your strengths. You could be good at:

• Scheduling appointments

• Organizing tasks

• Managing emails and social media

Identify the specific services you can offer as a VA, which will help define your niche.

✅ Step 2: Use the Right Platforms

Utilize zero-cost platforms like Fiverr to showcase your skills, services, and examples of work to attract potential clients.

✅ Step 3: Network, Build, and Scale

• Use LinkedIn and VA communities to connect with small business owners and boost your visibility.

• Offer free or discounted services to gain testimonials and real-world experience.

• Provide top-notch service to earn referrals, retain clients, and scale your business as you raise rates.

How Much Can You Earn as a Virtual Assistant?

As a virtual assistant (VA), your earning potential can vary based on experience, services offered, and client demand.

Beginners typically earn around $15 to $25 per hour, while more experienced VAs can command $50 or more.

With consistent clients, virtual assistants can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $75,000 annually, and top-tier professionals may exceed six figures by scaling their services and rates as demand grows.

Success Story

Entrepreneurs like Kayla Sloan started as virtual assistants and built six-figure businesses purely through offering VA services.

How doola Can Help

As your client list grows, managing invoices and expenses can get overwhelming.

doola is here to keep your virtual assistant business on point.

With doola Bookkeeping and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) support, you can stay organized, compliant, and ready to scale.

3. Social Media Management

Earn $15-50/Hour

In the wild world of business, having a standout social media presence is crucial — but not everyone has the time or know-how to keep those accounts buzzing.

This is where you can step in as a social media manager, transforming your scrolling skills into a profitable gig — all without spending a dime!

With just your creativity and internet access, you can craft eye-catching posts, develop strategic campaigns, and engage with followers.

All from the comfort of your home.

Let’s find out how you can build a social media management business with zero spend.

How to Get Started with Social Media Management

First off, assess your skills — whether it’s content creation, community management, or strategy development — since social media management covers a broad spectrum of services.

Use your own social media profiles as your first portfolio, or offer your services to local small business owners in exchange for testimonials to build credibility.

You can also promote your skills on free platforms like LinkedIn or within freelancer communities to connect with potential clients.

How Much Can You Earn as a Social Media Manager?

As a social media manager, your earning potential depends on factors like experience, client base, and the scope of services you provide.

Here’s a breakdown with ballpark figures:

• Entry-level: $15 to $50 per hour

• Experienced: $75 to $150 per hour

• Monthly retainers: $1,000 to $10,000 per client.

With the flexibility to take on multiple clients, this zero-investment business offers the potential to scale to a six-figure income over time.

Success Story

Girlboss, a California-based media company, has taken the internet by storm, establishing itself as a powerhouse in lifestyle and business media.

What started as a one-person social media business has exploded into a thriving multimillion-dollar empire!

Goes to prove how mastering the art of social media can turn your small business into a powerhouse brand — without any capital.

How doola Can Help

As your roster of clients expands, managing all their social media accounts might get hectic.

Especially if you are a small business. And that’s what doola is here for.

With doola’s bookkeeping and accounting tools, you can track payments, set up an LLC for credibility, and maintain a professional edge in your bookkeeping.

See for yourself how our platform works and how entrepreneurs like you can benefit from our trusted services.

4. Dropshipping

Earn $50/Sale

Dropshipping is a zero-investment business model that’s gaining traction, and for good reason!

You don’t have to deal with inventory or warehouse space; instead, you collaborate with suppliers who manage the logistics.

This allows you to concentrate on what really matters: marketing and providing excellent customer service.

How to Get Started With Dropshipping

Even if you’re new to dropshipping, start exploring profitable niches and sourcing suppliers who provide dropshipping services, often available on platforms like AliExpress.

Next, create a free eCommerce store using platforms such as:

• Shopify for businesses: Offers a free trial.

• WooCommerce: Free for WordPress users.

You can design an appealing online store with no upfront cost using free themes and promoting your products through social media.

Finally, focus on organic marketing techniques, like crafting engaging content and connecting with potential customers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, to grow your brand without financial strain.

How Much Can You Earn From Dropshipping?

Earnings from a dropshipping business with no initial investment can vary widely.

Many entrepreneurs report generating monthly incomes between $200 and $2,000 or more within their first few months.

Let’s take an example:

If you have a 20% profit margin on products averaging $50 per sale, you’d need to sell around 100 items each month to earn $1,000.

As you develop your brand and enhance your marketing strategies, you could boost your monthly sales to 200 or 300, raising your earnings to $2,000 to $6,000 or higher.

Success Story

If you’re still on the fence about starting a dropshipping business, the journey of Sarah Crisp is the spark you need.

The mastermind behind Mihi Digital, an online store for digital products and printables:

Sarah turned her laptop into a dropshipping empire.

With a keen eye for trending products and a passion for eCommerce, Sarah started her business from her living room, leveraging online platforms like Etsy to connect with suppliers and customers.

You could be the next Sarah Crisp — if you just doola it!

How doola Can Help

Dropshipping comes with financial intricacies (e.g., multiple transactions) — and staying organized can be challenging.

doola makes it easier.

We provide dedicated bookkeeping and CPA consultations to help you stay organized, manage your finances effectively, and ensure you meet all tax compliance requirements.

Check out our services and pricing here.

5. Content Creation (YouTube, Podcast, Blogging)

Creating digital content is a great way to earn passive income.

Whether it’s through YouTube videos, podcasting, or blogging, once you gain traction and a dedicated audience, you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

How to Get Started With Content Creation

Starting a content creation business with no money is a smart way to turn your passion into profit.

However, given the fast-booming creators economy, breaking into this market has to be strategic.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning your content into cash:

✅ Step 1: Pick a Platform

To begin, choose a platform that aligns with your interests, whether it’s YouTube, podcasting, or blogging.

Note: Platforms like YouTube, Anchor, and WordPress let you create and share content at zero cost.

✅ Step 2: Use Free Resources

Focus on building value through engaging content, consistency, and leveraging free resources.

✅ Step 3: Start Monetizing

As your audience grows, you’ll unlock various monetization streams such as:

• Ads

• Sponsorships

• Affiliate marketing

Thus transforming your content creation efforts into a scalable business venture.

How Much Can You Earn From Content Creation?

The earnings of content creators can vary significantly depending on the platform, audience size, and monetization strategy.

Here’s how different platforms stack up.

✔️ YouTube

YouTube creators can earn anywhere between $3 to $5 per 1,000 views through ad revenue alone.

High-profile creators with millions of subscribers can pull in upwards of $100,000 annually or more from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

✔️ Podcast

Podcasters with a sizable audience can earn through sponsorships, with industry rates averaging between $18 to $50 per 1,000 downloads, depending on the type of ad placement.

✔️ Blogs

Bloggers can earn via affiliate marketing, often making $500 to $2,000 per month in their first year, scaling up to $10,000+ monthly with a larger audience and strong partnerships.

Successful content creators diversify their income streams with merchandise sales, paid memberships, and exclusive content platforms like Patreon, which further boosts their earnings potential.

Success Story

You’d love this inspiring journey of Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) who began his content creation career with nothing more than a basic camera and a passion for technology.

Starting out in his bedroom, Marques uploaded his first videos to YouTube with minimal equipment, focusing on delivering high-quality reviews and insights about the latest gadgets.

His authenticity and expertise quickly resonated with viewers, leading to a rapidly growing audience.

As his channel gained traction, Marques leveraged social media to expand his reach and connect with brands, paving the way for lucrative sponsorships and collaborations.

Today, he runs a million-dollar YouTube channel, proving that it’s possible to build a successful content creation business without any initial capital.

How doola Can Help

Once your content machinery is humming along and generating revenue, doola is here to ensure you’re set up for success!

We can help you structure your content creation business, manage your finances, and optimize tax deductions for essentials like equipment, tools, and software subscriptions.

With doola by your side, you can focus on creating while we take care of the nitty-gritty financial details.

Let’s build you a business!

6. Online Tutoring

Earn $15-50/Hour

As the world embraces online learning, launching a tutoring business has become a zero-investment opportunity that’s in high demand.

Whether you’re helping students with math, teaching languages, or offering music lessons, tutoring can be done entirely online and tailored to your expertise.

How to Get Started with Online Tutoring

Getting started with online tutoring and turning it into a profitable business at zero cost sounds like a lot.

Let’s make it easier.

To begin, identify your strengths and expertise — whether it’s math, languages, or music — and determine your target audience.

Next, sign up for free on popular tutoring platforms like Chegg or Wyzant, where you can create a profile and list your services.

To further attract students, leverage social media to promote your tutoring offerings; share engaging content that showcases your knowledge and teaching style.

Additionally:

Consider offering free trial sessions to attract potential clients.

As you build your reputation and client base, you can establish a schedule that works for you, allowing you to maximize your earnings without any upfront investment.

How Much Can You Earn from Online Tutoring?

On average, tutors can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, with specialized subjects like advanced math, science, or languages often commanding higher rates.

Let’s take an example:

Tutors with extensive experience or those who teach niche subjects may charge upwards of $100 per hour.

So, in the first few months, if you dedicate 10 hours a week to tutoring at an average rate of $25 per hour, you could potentially earn $1,000 a month.

Success Story

Consider the inspiring success story of VIPKid, a game-changer in the online tutoring landscape that illustrates how educators can earn significant income without any upfront investment.

With just a laptop and an internet connection, teachers can create their profiles and begin tutoring students from the comfort of their own homes.

The platform allows tutors to set their schedules, making it easy to balance work with personal commitments.

Note:

VIPKid offers competitive pay, often ranging from $14 to $22 per hour, and even allows for incentives based on performance and student feedback.

How doola Can Help

Setting up an LLC with doola can significantly boost the credibility of your tutoring services, making you stand out in a competitive market.

doola’s accounting software simplifies your financial management by helping you track student payments, oversee expenses for teaching materials, and identify any eligible deductions you may qualify for.

With doola as your partner, you can focus on delivering exceptional tutoring while we handle the legal and financial side of your business.

And yes, getting started with a consultation with our experts is FREE!

7. Affiliate Marketing

Earn $100-1k/month

Affiliate marketing offers a fantastic opportunity to earn commissions by promoting products from others, all at a zero cost.

All you need is a platform—be it a blog, social media, or an email list — to get started.

How to Get Started With Affiliate Marketing

Getting started with affiliate marketing as a zero-investment business is simple and accessible to anyone with an online presence.

You need to follow few simple steps:

✅ Step 1: Pick a Niche

Identify a niche you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in, whether it’s fitness, tech, beauty, or finance.

✅ Step 2: Create a Free Platform

Create a platform to share your recommendations — a free blog on WordPress, a social media page, or even an email newsletter.

✅ Step 3: Join Affiliate Networks

Sign up with trusted affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate, where you’ll find products to promote within your niche.

✅ Step 4: Get Affiliate Links

After joining, you’ll receive unique affiliate links to share with your audience. Every time someone purchases through your link, you earn a commission.

✅ Step 5: Build Trust with Your Audience

Recommend products that align with your niche and genuinely add value to your audience. Trust is key to driving successful conversions.

✅ Step 6: Leverage Organic Marketing

To drive traffic, leverage organic marketing strategies like SEO, social media posts, or even YouTube videos, all without spending any money upfront.

With consistent promotion and thoughtful content, you can gradually grow your affiliate marketing business and start earning income without any initial capital investment.

How Much Can You Earn from Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is the ultimate “zero-investment, maximum-earning” opportunity.

No money goes from your pocket, yet the earning potential is impressive!

Many beginners start by making anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month after a few months of consistent promotion, without spending anything.

Seasoned affiliate marketers can scale their earnings to $5,000 or more per month by:

• Leveraging partnerships with higher-paying affiliate programs

• Or, promoting high-ticket items

Let’s take an example:

Suppose you’re promoting a product with a commission rate of 5% and its average price is $100. You would earn $5 for each sale made through your affiliate link.

If you drive 100 sales in a month, you earn $500 in commissions.

As your platform grows and your marketing strategies improve—whether through SEO, social media engagement, or content creation—you can increase your traffic and earn more commissions.

Success Story

This story is about Pat Flynn, the mastermind behind Smart Passive Income, who turned affiliate marketing into a full-time income stream without spending a dime upfront.

He started by sharing valuable content that resonated with his audience, recommending products and services he genuinely loved and believed in.

Within a few months, Pat joined top-tier affiliate programs, seamlessly integrating affiliate links into his blog posts and podcast episodes.

As his audience grew, so did his commissions, turning what began as a modest side hustle into a multi-million-dollar business.

How doola Can Help

As your commissions begin to roll in, doola’s bookkeeping tools will streamline your financial management by helping you track your earnings, generate insightful financial reports, and maximize your tax deductions.

Build a Successful Zero-Investment Business With doola!

Starting a business with no money is entirely possible, and with the right strategies, you can turn zero investment into serious success.

Whether you’re into freelance writing, managing social media, or online tutoring, these no-cost ventures can evolve into full-fledged success stories when managed smartly.

With doola, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship alone.

From helping you form your LLC to providing CPA consultations, bookkeeping services, and tax compliance tools, doola is your partner in making sure your business thrives.

Let’s kick things into high gear!

Book a free consultation today and turn that zero-investment business idea into a thriving venture!