Business Ideas You Can Start for Up to $20,000 in Australia

1428 ideas

A budget of up to $20,000 is enough to launch many real businesses without borrowing heavily. These 1428 ideas range from a home-based toy library with pick-up or a hat stall at markets and events, to service businesses like a rental property maintenance handyman.

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Stacked metal bars and sheets stored in a supplier's warehouse.

Online metal and fixings supplier for small workshops

Sell cut-to-size metal, fixings and consumables to small fabricators online, with stock sent direct from your wholesalers.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Drawing board with set squares, scales and pens on a desk.

Online drafting and technical drawing supplies shop

Sell drawing boards, technical pens and scale rulers online to architecture, design and engineering students and studios.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Rows of plain and printed paper bags stacked on supplier shelves.

Custom printed paper bags for local businesses

Supply branded paper bags to shops, restaurants and events, with your own design service and printing arranged through a partner.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Part-time
  • From home
A pregnant woman browsing comfortable clothing racks in a maternity clothing shop.

Online maternity and nursing wear store

Sell maternity and breastfeeding clothing online to expectant mums across Australia, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Group of dogs playing together in a bright indoor daycare room.

Home-based dog day care

Look after a small group of dogs in your home and secure backyard while their owners are at work.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • From home
A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.

Spray tan studio

Run a small appointment-only spray tan studio from a rented room or shopfront.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Adult students following a teacher at a whiteboard in an English language class.

Small local English classes

Run face-to-face English classes for adults and families in a small rented room or studio.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Engineer fitting a wall-mounted air conditioning unit in a room.

Subcontract air conditioning installer

Fit units as a sole trader for bigger installers and builders, with no need to find your own customers.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Online mobility aids and home care shop

Sell walking aids, bathroom safety gear and daily living aids online to families and carers, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Bottles of sauces, dressings and condiments arranged on a restaurant counter.

Small-batch sauce and dressing maker

Make your own sauces, relishes and dressings in a hired kitchen and sell them in bulk to local cafés and shops.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Bottles of sauces, dressings and condiments arranged on a restaurant counter.

Condiments wholesale delivery round

Buy sauces and condiments in bulk from makers and deliver them to local cafés, takeaways and shops on a regular route.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Consultant reviewing a house floor plan with a compass on a desk.

On-site Vastu consultant for homes and builders

Visit homes and building sites to advise on layout and orientation, and work with builders on new projects.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Worker using a high-pressure washer to clean a driveway and exterior wall.

Mobile driveway and deck pressure washing

Clean driveways, paths, decks and walls at customers' homes using a ute or van setup.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A large white marquee tent being set up on a grassy lawn for an outdoor event.

Weekend marquee hire for backyard parties

Hire out a few pop-up and frame marquees for backyard parties, markets and school fairs, mostly on weekends.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Mobile phone and tablet screen repair

Drive to homes, offices and workplaces to replace cracked phone and tablet screens on the spot.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Jeweller at a shop counter showing rings and watches to a customer.

Home-based online jeweller

Sell jewellery online and at markets, with custom orders, repairs and engraving by appointment from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
A karaoke host leads guests singing at a wedding reception.

Mobile karaoke host for parties and events

Bring a karaoke system and an upbeat host to birthdays, weddings and work events.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Shelves of welding torches, helmets, gloves and consumables in a supply store.

Online welding consumables store

Sell welding consumables, safety gear and accessories online to hobbyists and small workshops, shipped Australia-wide.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Students practising heated yoga poses in a warm studio with mirrors.

Hot yoga classes in a hired room

Run a few heated yoga classes a week in a rented room before committing to a full studio.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Online folk costume and regional dress shop

Sell folk costumes, accessories and regional dress online to dance groups, community clubs and collectors across Australia.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Folk costume stall at festivals and markets

Take a stall of traditional dress and accessories to multicultural festivals, community events and markets.

  • A$2.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A transcriptionist wearing headphones typing clinical notes at a computer.

Medical transcription bureau with a small team

Run a small remote team that handles dictation and reports for several clinics under one contract.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Online
Dancers performing on a theatre stage under warm spotlights.

Touring theatre and dance troupe for schools

Take a short, curriculum-linked show or workshop to schools, libraries and community events.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Dancers performing on a theatre stage under warm spotlights.

Independent theatre or dance production company

Stage your own shows in hired venues and earn from tickets, grants and local sponsors.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

About these ideas

They suit first-time owners, people testing a side business, and anyone who wants to keep early risk manageable. Before you choose, work out what you would spend on stock, tools, insurance, licences and marketing, and how much runway you need while sales build. Check whether your council allows home-based trading, and whether you need a vehicle, storage or a hired venue. Pick an idea that matches your skills and the hours you can realistically commit.

More ideas

Questions

What can I realistically start in Australia with up to $20,000?

Many online shops, home-based services, market stalls and small trade or local delivery businesses fit this range. Check what you need for stock, equipment, insurance and marketing, and keep some money aside for the slow early months.

Do I need to register a business before I start?

Usually you will want to check whether you need an ABN, a business name registration, and GST registration. Requirements depend on your structure and income, so confirm with the Australian Business Registry Services, the ATO, or an accountant.

Can I run these businesses from home?

Some can, but check your local council rules, any lease or strata restrictions, and your home insurance. Food, customer visits, deliveries and stored goods can all raise extra requirements, so ask your council before you commit money.