Starting an online business doesn’t require a massive budget—just creativity, AI tools, and hustle. Here are 30+ proven, low-cost online business ideas you can start in 2025 for under $500, sorted by earning potential and ease of launch.
💡 Zero-to-$1K/Month Businesses (Under $100 Startup Cost)
1. AI-Generated Resume Templates
How: Use Canva + ChatGPT to create ATS-friendly templates
Sell On: Etsy, Gumroad ($10-$50 each)
Profit Potential: $500-$3K/month
2. Print-on-Demand Niche Stickers
How: AI designs (Midjourney) + Printify dropshipping
Best Sellers: Pet, gaming, cottagecore aesthetics
Platforms: Etsy, TikTok Shop
3. AI-Powered Dating Profile Writer
How: Charge $20-$100 to optimize bios (ChatGPT + Photofeeler)
Marketplace: Fiverr, Reddit dating forums
4. Virtual Assistant for AI Prompting
How: Help businesses write better ChatGPT prompts ($15-$50/hour)
Find Clients: Upwork, LinkedIn
5. Audiobook Narration (AI Voice)
How: Use ElevenLabs to convert public domain books → sell on Audible
Cost: $0 (Free AI tools)
🚀 $1K-$5K/Month Businesses (Under $500 Startup Cost)
6. AI-Generated Children’s Books
Tools: Midjourney (art) + ChatGPT (story)
Sell On: Amazon KDP, Etsy
Profit Margin: 70%+
7. TikTok Ad Script Writing
How: Study top-performing ads → sell proven scripts ($50-$200 each)
Clients: E-commerce brands
8. AI-Powered Blog Writing for SMBs
Offer: "4 SEO Articles/Month for $299" (Koala Writer + SurferSEO)
Platform: Cold email local businesses
9. AI Thumbnail Design Service
How: Use Canva + AI to create high-CTR thumbnails ($20-$100/design)
Market: YouTube creators
10. Remote Notary Business
How: Get certified online → notarize docs via Zoom ($25-$100/session)
Demand: Real estate, legal industry
🔥 $5K-$20K/Month Scalable Businesses (Under $500 Startup Cost)
11. AI-Generated News Website
Model: AI rewrites trending news → monetize with ads
Example: "TechBriefAI.com" (Mediavine ads = $20-$50 RPM)
12. Niche Affiliate Site (AI-Optimized)
How: Build a blog around high-paying affiliate offers (e.g., SaaS tools)
AI Tools: ChatGPT (content), RankIQ (SEO)
13. AI-Powered UGC Video Agency
How: Film 30-second product reviews → sell to brands ($200-$1K/video)
Platform: #UGC hashtags, Fiverr
14. AI Voiceover Agency
How: Offer human-like AI narration (ElevenLabs) for $50-$300/video
Clients: YouTubers, course creators
15. Micro SaaS for Creators
Example: "TikTok Hook Generator" (Charge $20/month)
No-Code Tools: Bubble, Softr
💎 Passive Income Models (Under $500 Startup Cost)
16. AI-Generated Coloring Books
How: Midjourney designs → sell on Amazon KDP ($5-$15/book)
Profit: 60-80% margins
17. Stock Photo/AI Art Sales
Platforms: Shutterstock, Etsy (AI-generated art packs)
Tools: Midjourney, Leonardo AI
18. AI-Powered Chatbot Templates
How: Pre-built bots for e-commerce, real estate ($97-$297 each)
Marketplace: Gumroad, Payhip
19. Digital Planners (AI-Designed)
How: Canva + ChatGPT → sell on Etsy ($10-$50)
Niche: ADHD, productivity, students
20. AI-Generated Meditation Tracks
How: ElevenLabs (voice) + Epidemic Sound (music) → sell on Spotify
🛠️ Service-Based Businesses (Under $500 Startup Cost)
21. LinkedIn Ghostwriting
How: Write personal-branding posts for CEOs ($500-$2K/month)
Tool: ChatGPT + Taplio
22. AI-Powered Resume Writer
How: Optimize resumes for ATS ($97-$297 each)
Platform: Fiverr, LinkedIn
23. AI YouTube Automation
How: Faceless channels (AI voice + stock footage) → AdSense
Niche: Personal finance, AI news
24. Local SEO for Small Businesses
How: Optimize Google My Business listings ($300-$1K/month)
AI Tool: BrightLocal
25. AI-Generated Business Name Ideas
How: Sell brandable names ($50-$200 each) on Fiverr
🌍 Global Opportunities (Under $500 Startup Cost)
26. AI-Translated eBooks
How: Translate public domain books → sell globally (Amazon KDP)
Tool: DeepL + ChatGPT
27. Remote Closing (High-Ticket Sales)
How: Close deals for coaches (10% commission on $5K+ offers)
Where: Facebook groups, Upwork
28. AI-Powered Travel Planning
How: Charge $50-$200 for custom itineraries (ChatGPT)
Platform: Fiverr
29. AI-Generated Podcast Show Notes
How: Offer time-stamped summaries ($20-$50/episode)
Clients: Busy podcasters
30. Virtual Assistant for AI Automation
How: Set up Zapier/Make automations for clients ($500-$2K/month)
📈 How to Start in 2025 (3-Step Plan)
1️⃣ Pick 1 model (e.g., AI resume writing)
2️⃣ Validate fast (Sell before building—use Reddit, Fiverr)
3️⃣ Automate with AI (ChatGPT, Canva, ElevenLabs)
"In 2025, the best businesses start for under $500 but scale to *$10K/month* using AI leverage."
Which idea excites you? Let me help:
Step-by-step launch checklist
Free AI tool recommendations
First-client acquisition strategies
Comment your pick below! 🚀