Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $1,000 in Australia
30 ideas
These 30 ideas keep startup costs to A$1,000 or less, so you can test a business without taking on debt. Most rely on your time and skills more than equipment, which suits people starting part-time, changing careers or building income alongside a job.
Online music lessons
Teach your instrument or singing over video to students anywhere, from home.
- A$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Local dog walker (solo)
Walk dogs one-on-one or in small groups for busy owners in your own neighbourhood.
- A$200-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pet sitter (home visits)
Drop in at clients' homes to feed, walk and care for pets while owners are at work or away.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Overnight pet and house sitter
Stay in clients' homes while they travel, looking after pets and keeping the house lived in.
- A$200-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online drawing lessons
Teach drawing by video call to students anywhere, with live one-to-one or small group sessions.
- A$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile mehndi artist for weddings and events
Travel to weddings, henna nights and parties to apply bridal and guest mehndi designs.
- A$150-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based mehndi appointments
Offer by-appointment henna sessions from a spare room for brides, bridesmaids and small groups.
- A$100-600
- Side hustle
- From home
Home knitting classes for beginners
Teach small knitting classes at home, with students paying per lesson or for a short course.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online knitting lessons
Teach knitting over video, with live classes and one-to-one help for students anywhere.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Virtual organising coach
Coach clients by video call to declutter and organise their own space, with plans and check-ins.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Online acting and audition coaching
Coach students one-on-one or in small groups over video on monologues, auditions and self-tapes.
- A$100-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online guitar lessons by video call
Teach guitar live over video to students anywhere, with no travel or room hire.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online calligraphy lessons
Teach calligraphy by video call or recorded lessons to students anywhere in Australia.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Outdoor and private tai chi sessions
Teach tai chi in parks, at aged care homes or one-to-one at clients' homes with almost no overheads.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based shoe cleaning and polishing
Collect or receive dirty shoes, restore and polish them at home, and return them looking smart.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Local babysitter for regular families
Look after children in their own homes for local parents, on evenings, weekends and school holidays.
- A$100-500
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online feng shui consultations from home
Advise clients by video call and floor plan review, so you can work with people anywhere in Australia.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Paid house and pet sitter
Stay in clients' homes while they travel, caring for the house, garden and pets.
- A$200-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online German tutor
Teach German one-on-one over video to adults and school students from your own home.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online French tutor
Teach French one-to-one over video to adults and school students from your own home.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online shogi coach
Teach Japanese chess by video call to beginners and improving players, in Australia and overseas.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Online T-shirt store (print on demand)
Sell your own T-shirt designs online, with a local printer making and posting each order.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Mandarin tutor
Teach Mandarin one-to-one over video to students and adults across Australia and overseas.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Regular home cleaner
Clean local homes weekly or fortnightly for busy households, building a steady client list.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
You might look at a local dog walker, a regular home cleaner or an online Mandarin tutor. Print-on-demand T-shirts are another route if you prefer selling online. Before choosing, think about who would pay you, how much time you can give each week, and what you already have, such as a laptop or a car. Also check whether the work needs insurance, a licence or a background check, since those can add to your costs.
More ideas
- Private tutor visiting students' homes
- Online private tutor
- Visiting home tutor
- Online tutor for school subjects
- Online Japanese tutor
- In-person Japanese tutor
Questions
Is A$1,000 really enough to start a business in Australia?
For many service and online businesses it can be, because you are mostly selling your time. Still, list likely costs first: an ABN, insurance, basic supplies, a website and any checks. Compare them against your budget before committing.
Do I need an ABN for a low-cost business?
Many people who work for themselves apply for an ABN, and it is generally free through the Australian Business Register. Check the Australian Taxation Office guidance for your situation, including whether GST registration or other tax obligations might apply to you.
What should I check before offering services like pet sitting or tutoring?
Look at whether your state or territory requires a Working with Children Check, and whether your council has rules for home-based work. Also consider public liability insurance, written service terms, and what your clients might expect from you.