What Business Can I Start with R1000 in South Africa?

Becoming your own boss is not an impossible dream – it depends on the right attitude to turn a little money into more money. We’ve listed practical examples to show what business you can start with R1000 in South Africa. Above all else, remember it's determination, dedication and a lot of hard work that will help you on your way to financial freedom.

Entrepreneur Valerie Pole grabbed the public’s imagination when she started 1 000 Beautiful Bracelets from a R1 000 she received from 702/CapeTalk presenter Bruce Whitfield in an entrepreneurship competition on The Money Show. She then wrote a book about it, to help others who’d like to do the same.

Start small! If you aim to own a large car wash business, for example, you can start with little more than a bucket and a rag. If you work hard and accumulate money, you can reinvest it in growing the business. You shouldn’t wait for access to finance to get started.

“You need to get your hands dirty to gain that experience”

Are you keen to be your own boss? Do you want to go out there and help grow the economy? Here are some business ideas you can start with limited funds:

Mobile Lunch Service

Are you a whizz in a kitchen? Close to an office or business park? Then with a cooler box and some lunch ingredients, you could be the next great restaurateur. Many people do not have the time to make lunches, so if you can supply them with one on their doorstop, you could be filling a much needed gap. That’s how to start a business with R1000, right in your own kitchen.

Consultancy

What are you skilled in? Are you a social media guru? Have you been practicing law for a while? By using the talents and skills you have developed so far, you could start a consultancy giving clients advice on how to do something you are an expert on.

Freelance Writer, Editor or Proofreader

With the growth in the market to create books in all the official South African languages, the demand for freelance writers, editors and proofreaders has increased. There are many online websites where you can apply for writing and editing opportunities. If you are a wizard with words, there’s work for you to start a business with R1000 by just putting your talent to work.

Want to learn more about what the freelancing world has to offer? Check out 5 Reasons You Should Consider Freelance Work!

Personal Assistant

Many people nowadays do not have time to do the simple everyday tasks. They are also willing to pay good money for someone else to do these things for them. These tasks can range from picking up dry cleaning to making suppers. R1000 covers basic supplies, and you can start offering your help to busy professionals immediately.

Grow and Sell Fresh Produce

Organic food has become the rage recently as people are becoming more conscious of the food they put into their bodies. You can start a vegetable patch on a metre by metre piece of ground. The produce can be sold to your neighbours and friends. They will love to support you, and know that they are able to put good and healthy food into their bodies.

Tutor

Do you know how to play a musical instrument, have a knack for languages, are an IT guru? You could teach people these skills that you are proficient in. Believe it or not, but there are still people who cannot use a computer – now there’s an opportunity.

Mobile Laundry Service

With the busyness of corporate life, many people do not have the time to sort out their laundry. Do you have access to a washing machine and iron? You could make money by collecting the washing and bringing it back neatly washed and ironed.

Sewing and Alterations

If you are handy with a sewing machine and know how to make basic alterations to clothing, you could be well on your way to making some cash. There are many people who have a favourite pair of trousers or a skirt that needs to be hemmed or have a button reattached.

By using social media and word of mouth, you can let your friends and family know about the new business venture you are embarking on. So, go out there and work towards making your dream a reality.

Are you a social media fundi? Check out these 11 Businesses You Can Start Using Social Media!

Freelance Web Developer

If you have a knack for all things digital, particularly web development, then this may be the break you need. With the right tools, building a website can cost almost next to nothing. A good CMS such as WordPress is completely free and has integrated support for a large depository of free plugins that add additional functionality to your website such as a payment gateway.

Check out our payment gateway with the lowest transaction rates in SA.

Of course, any website you build needs have a place to live. Although there are free options available to host your website, we recommend going with affordable hosting providers such as GoDaddy, costing as little as R35.00/mo. Most hosting providers will also let you register a domain, making it convenient to set you on your way to building a website.

If you're new to web development, we recommend you upskill yourself with many free training materials available online, and put what you learned to the test with your newly acquired hosting provider. In no time, you will be on your way to utilising your skills to building beautiful professional websites. These skills you can use to set up your very own eCommerce store, or build one for a client.

Sell Products Online

If you have a hobby or skill that you can turn into a product, you can start an online business. You can sell items on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, or you can set up your own website and sell directly to customers. With R1000, you can buy basic stock or supplies and test the market.

Need some help getting your online store up and running? Check out The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Making Money Online, the ultimate guide to set you on your way to starting an online business.

Offer Services

If you have a specific skill or expertise, you can offer your services as a freelancer. This could be writing, editing, graphic design, web development, photography, or any number of other skills. You can find work through online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, or you can market yourself directly to potential clients.

Start a Blog

If you have a passion for a particular topic, you can start a blog and monetise it through advertising, sponsored content, and selling products or services. It takes time and dedication to build up a successful blog, but it can be a rewarding business venture for those who are willing to put in the work. Hosting and a domain are affordable ways to explore how to start a business with R1000 online.

Sell Handmade or Artisan Products

If you have a talent for crafting or creating handmade products, you can sell your items online or at local craft fairs or markets. Think of fast-selling items such as jewellery, paintings or candles.

Want to accept card payments? Take a look at our card machines range and choose which is most suited for your business.

Offer Pet-Sitting or Dog-Walking Services

If you love animals, you can start a pet-sitting or dog-walking business. You can offer your services to busy pet owners who need someone to take care of their animals while they're at work or on holiday.

Sell Products or Services at Local Markets or Fairs

If you have a product or service that you can offer in person, you can set up a stall at local markets or fairs. This can be a great way to reach a new audience and get your business off the ground.

Starting a business with a small budget requires creativity, hard work, and dedication. With the right idea and a solid plan, you can turn your R1 000 into the foundation of a successful business.

Offer House Cleaning or Maid Services to Busy Homeowners

If you have experience cleaning and organising, consider starting a business offering house cleaning or maid services to busy homeowners. You can use R1000 to purchase supplies and equipment, such as cleaning solutions and a vacuum cleaner.

Sell Gently Used Clothing or Accessories at A Thrift Store or Online

If you enjoy fashion and have an eye for finding unique pieces, consider starting a business selling gently used clothing or accessories. You can use R1 000 to purchase inventory and create a basic website or online store.

Start a Photography Business, Specialising in Events, Portraits, or Product Photography

If you have a passion for photography, consider starting a business offering event, portrait, or product photography services. You can use R1000 to purchase a camera and other basic equipment, such as a tripod and lighting gear.

Offer Tutor or Academic Coaching Services to Students in Your Community

If you have expertise in a particular subject area or enjoy helping others learn, consider starting a business offering tutor or academic coaching services to students in your community. You can use R1 000 to create flyers and business cards to promote your services.

Sell Organic or Specialty Produce at A Farmer's Market or to Local Restaurants

If you have access to fresh, high-quality produce, consider starting a business selling it at a farmer's market or to local restaurants. You can use R1000 to purchase seeds or seedlings and any necessary equipment, such as a small greenhouse or containers for transporting produce.