Creative business ideas you can start for up to A$5,000

109 ideas

These 109 creative business ideas suit people with a skill, a craft or an eye for design who want to start small without taking on heavy debt. Some are teaching businesses, such as ballet classes in a hired hall or online painting lessons.

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5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Editor working on video timeline across two monitors in an editing suite.

Freelance video editor for local businesses

Turn raw footage into polished promo, social and training videos for local businesses and creators from home.

  • A$500-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

YouTube and social video editor on retainer

Edit weekly videos for creators and online businesses on a monthly retainer, working fully online.

  • A$300-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A jewellery designer sketches ring designs at a studio desk beside tools.

Home-studio jewellery maker selling online

Design and handmake jewellery at home, then sell it through your own online shop and social media.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Jewellery maker selling at markets and pop-ups

Sell your handmade jewellery face to face at weekend craft markets, festivals and pop-up events.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A fashion designer sketching garment ideas beside fabric samples in a studio.

Made-to-order fashion label from home

Design small clothing ranges and make or commission pieces to order, sold to shoppers online and at markets.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Person reading an ebook on a tablet with digital audio and video icons.

Niche ebook publisher

Publish ebooks for a specific audience and sell them through online stores like Amazon Kindle, Kobo and your own site.

  • A$200-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Ebook publishing for local authors

Help local authors edit, format and publish their ebooks and audiobooks, and share the sales.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Online
Visitors viewing paintings on white walls in a gallery exhibition.

Online gallery with pop-up shows

Sell local artists' work through a website and hold occasional pop-up exhibitions in borrowed spaces.

  • A$500-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Tailor pinning a tailored suit jacket on a male client.

Men's clothing alterations from home

Hem trousers, take in jackets and resize shirts for local men from a sewing room at home.

  • A$1k-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Musician performing on stage in front of an audience.

Home music tutor and session recordings

Teach lessons and record music for others from a home studio, in person or online.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Sheet music scores and licensing paperwork spread across a desk.

Boutique music publisher for local songwriters

Manage a few songwriters' copyrights from home, register their songs and pitch them for releases, film and ads.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Students sketching still life subjects during an art lesson.

Home studio drawing classes

Teach small after-school and evening drawing classes for kids and adults from a spare room or garage.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Composer writing notes on a score beside a piano.

Gigging musician for venues and events

Get paid to play live at pubs, weddings, corporate events and private parties.

  • A$500-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Performing musician who also teaches lessons

Mix paid performances with private music lessons for steadier weekly income.

  • A$300-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
An artist working on a painting on an easel in a bright studio.

Home studio painter selling art and commissions

Paint from a spare room or garage and sell originals, prints and custom commissions online and at local markets.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Instructor teaching students intricate henna designs on hands in a bright studio.

Henna art workshops

Teach beginners henna design in small paid workshops held in hired community halls, studios or cafes.

  • A$300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Online henna classes

Teach henna design over video, with live classes and a take-home practice kit posted to students.

  • A$200-1.2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
An instructor teaching a small group of students to knit with wool and needles.

Pop-up knitting workshops

Run one-off knitting workshops at yarn shops, cafes, libraries and community halls.

  • A$300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Artist painting on a canvas in a light, airy studio.

Home studio artist taking commissions

Paint or draw from a home studio, selling originals, prints and custom commissions to private buyers.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Artist selling at markets and galleries

Sell your artwork and prints through local markets, art fairs and gallery consignment.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Online artist shop and digital art

Sell prints, digital downloads and custom pieces to buyers across Australia through your own online shop.

  • A$200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Astrologer reviewing a birth chart and zodiac wheel with a client.

Online astrology readings

Offer birth chart readings and consultations to clients by video call or written report.

  • A$200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Dealer showing a painting to a collector in a gallery.

Online private art dealer

Find and sell artworks to collectors and decorators from home, earning a margin or commission on each sale.

  • A$500-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Students learning to stitch fabric together in a sewing class.

Home studio stitching classes

Teach small groups hand or machine stitching from a spare room or dining table at home.

  • A$500-3.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

About these ideas

Others are service businesses you can run from a spare room, like home-based explainer video animator or home-based clothing alterations. Before choosing, work out what you can realistically charge per hour or per class, and whether your existing skills are strong enough to sell. Check where you will work, since hiring venues or running classes at home can bring extra costs and local rules. Start with one clear offer and a handful of paying customers before spending on extras.

More ideas

Questions

How far does A$5,000 go when starting a creative business?

It can cover a decent computer or software, basic equipment, a simple website and some marketing. Make a list of essentials versus nice-to-haves, and check whether you also need insurance, venue hire deposits or materials in the first few months.

Do I need licences or registrations for a creative business in Australia?

It depends on what you do and where. Things to check include whether you need an ABN, if GST registration applies, council rules for home-based businesses, and any insurance or working with children requirements if you teach.

How do I find my first customers for a creative business?

Start with people who already know your work, then show samples online and in local groups. Check what similar creators charge, offer a small trial option, and ask early customers for reviews you can use on your website or social pages.