Education business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
22 ideas
These 22 education ideas suit people who like teaching, mentoring or caring for others and want to start with a modest budget. Some are home-based, such as family day care from your home or a Montessori-style version of it.
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
Mobile first aid trainer for workplaces
Teach CPR and first aid courses at workplaces and community venues, working with a registered training organisation.
- A$3k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local nanny placement agency
Match vetted nannies with local families and earn a placement fee for each successful match.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- From home
Pop-up woodworking workshops at venues and events
Bring portable benches and hand tools to community venues, schools and events to teach one-off beginner sessions.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
After-school activity and homework club
Run a small themed club, such as art, STEM or homework help, a few afternoons a week in a hired hall or space.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Job-skills short course provider
Run short, practical, non-accredited courses that help people get job-ready in a field you know well.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bilingual family day care at home
Care for a few young children in your own home, using two languages every day.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- From home
Family day care from your home
Care for a small group of young children in your own home while their parents work.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- From home
Apprentice training delivery partner
Deliver hands-on apprentice training for an established registered training organisation, without running your own RTO.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Montessori-style family day care at home
Care for a few young children in your own home using Montessori methods, as an educator with an approved family day care service.
- A$3k-15k
- Full-time
- From home
Modelling and presentation classes in a hired studio
Run small in-person courses in posing, presentation and portfolio skills from a hired hall or dance studio.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Hands-on trade skills workshops
Teach weekend and evening short courses in carpentry, tiling or basic plumbing to hobbyists and DIYers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
School holiday day camp
Run multi-day holiday camps for local kids in a hired hall or oval, with games, crafts and outdoor fun.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Pop-up cooking classes in hired kitchens
Run evening and weekend classes in hired commercial kitchens, community venues or cafes, with no premises of your own.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Community toy library in a local hall
Run weekly lending sessions from a hired hall where local families borrow toys and games for a yearly fee.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Home-based toy library with pick-up
Keep a toy collection at home and let members book online, then collect or get toys dropped nearby.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Public service exam prep classes
Run evening and weekend small-group classes that prepare people for public service tests and interviews.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
School holiday English day camp
Run week-long day camps in school holidays where kids build English through games, projects and outings.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Independent driving instructor
Teach learners to drive in your own dual-control car and build your own client base.
- A$4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online real estate course coaching
Help trainee agents pass their real estate course with online tutoring, study guides and workshops.
- A$1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Homestay and host family placement service
Recruit local host families and match them with overseas students studying at nearby schools and colleges.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- From home
Online agent placing overseas students in Australia
Help overseas families find a school place and host family in Australia, and guide them through the process online.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Online
About these ideas
Others are mobile or pop-up, like mobile first aid trainer for workplaces or hands-on trade skills workshops. Before you choose, think about who you want to teach, and whether the work needs a qualification, a registration, a working with children check or insurance. Requirements differ between states and territories, so check with the relevant regulator early. Also work out how many paying learners or families you need each week to cover your costs, and whether your space or vehicle is suitable.
Questions
Do I need qualifications to start an education business in Australia?
It depends on the idea. Childcare, training and driving instruction usually involve set qualifications, approvals or checks, while workshops and coaching may not. Check your state or territory regulator and any industry body before spending money.
What costs should I plan for within a $20,000 budget?
Look at training or course fees, insurance, background checks, equipment, venue hire, a vehicle if needed, and marketing. Also check for registration or licensing fees, and keep some cash aside for the first few quiet months.
Can I run an education business from home?
Some ideas, like family day care or a toy library, are often home-based, but you may need council approval, a suitable space and safety checks. Check local council rules, your lease or strata terms, and insurance requirements first.