10 Small Business Ideas to Start This Week for Under $1,000 Despite the uncertain economic situation, it is possible to start a new business at low cost and achieve immediate success.

In this uncertain economy, the dream of starting a business has become a reality for more people than ever before. The good news is that you don't have to wait for the right time or to raise a lot of capital to launch a successful new business quickly and at low cost.

Here are 10 amazing small business ideas you can start in a weekend with under $1,000 (or three more if you're feeling a bit more adventurous). No MBA or investors needed. All you need is a laptop and a smartphone. And the best part? Many of today's million dollar companies were started exactly like this, by entrepreneurs who decided to start small and smart.

Service companies

1. Virtual Assistant Services

Set up a home office with basic equipment and provide administrative support to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Startup cost: $200-$500

2. Social Media Management

This service is in high demand among local businesses as businesses need help managing their social media accounts. Use social media scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite, and design apps like Canva.

Startup cost: $300-600

3. Pet sitting/dog walking

Create an account on Rover, Wag, or a local Facebook group. Bring along the supplies you need: leashes, trash bags, insurance (essential if you have a dog that may bite).

Start-up cost: $100-$300

4. House cleaning services

Start with basic cleaning supplies and equipment. Focus on nearby residential customers and expand your services through referrals.

Startup cost: $200-$500

5. Private lessons/test preparation

Leverage your expertise in a specific field. Start your business online or in person with minimal materials.

Startup cost: $100-$200

6. Graphic design services

With software like Adobe Creative Suite and free tools like GIMP and Canva, you can create logos, marketing materials, web graphics, and more.

Start-up cost: $300-$600

7. Handicrafts

Create unique jewelry designs, candles, soaps, and other handmade items and sell them at local markets, on social media, on Etsy, etc.

Startup cost: $300-600

8. Health and Wellness Training

Provides nutritional advice and personalized meal plans to help you improve your eating habits. Initial cost: $200-$400

9. Photography services

We offer portrait, event and product photography services. All you need is a good DSLR camera and basic lighting equipment.

Start-up cost: $1,500-$10,000

10. Food stalls/Mobile sales

You can start with a food cart or a cart with a refrigerator, then move up to a trailer or food truck (which can be quite expensive). You can also stick to a simple menu of coffee, hot dogs, burgers, and fruit cups, and expand from there. Make sure you know what permits you need. Start-up costs: $500 to $25,000+