Starting a business doesn’t need big investments. With just R5,000, you can kickstart a profitable venture right here in South Africa. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just want extra income, these ideas are practical, affordable, and in-demand.
Let’s dive into our carefully selected top 50 business ideas, including local examples, tips, and expert insights.
🏡 Home-Based Businesses
- Homemade Food & Snacks
- Example: Freshly baked muffins, samoosas, vetkoek.
- Tip: Market through WhatsApp groups and social media.
- Cleaning Services
- Supplies: Cleaning materials (R800–R1,200).
- Expert Advice: “Start small—one client can become many through referrals.” – Thandi M., Cleaning Business Owner.
- Online Tutoring
- Cost: Stable internet connection, webcam/microphone (~R1,000).
- Handmade Jewellery
- Materials: Beads, tools (~R500).
- Gardening & Plant Care
- Tools: Basic gardening set (R800).
📱 Digital Businesses
- Social Media Management
- Cost: Online courses, software subscription (R500–R2,000).
- Dropshipping
- Investment: Shopify subscription (R500/month).
- Graphic Design Services
- Tools: Canva or Adobe subscription (R200–R400/month).
- Content Writing
- Investment: Training courses (free or under R1,000).
- Virtual Assistant
- Setup: Basic online skills, stable internet.
🎓 Education & Skill Development
- Language Lessons
- Cost: Language books, digital courses (R500–R1,500).
- Workshops & Webinars
- Cost: Zoom subscription (free to R300/month).
- Music Lessons
- Instruments: Second-hand or borrowed initially.
- DIY & Craft Classes
- Materials: Art supplies (R1,000–R2,000).
- Photography Services
- Equipment: Smartphone tripod, editing software (R800–R1,500).
🍲 Food & Beverage
- Pop-Up Food Stall
- Ingredients & basic utensils (~R3,000).
- Smoothie & Juice Business
- Blender, fruits, cups (~R2,000).
- Coffee & Tea Stall
- Coffee machine rental, cups (~R2,500).
- Cake & Cupcake Business
- Baking supplies and packaging (~R1,500–R3,000).
- Catering for Small Events
- Starter supplies (R3,000–R5,000).
👗 Fashion & Beauty
- Reselling Clothing
- Thrift or wholesale clothing (~R2,000).
- Makeup Services
- Starter makeup kit (~R2,500).
- Personal Shopper/Stylist
- Marketing budget (~R1,000).
- Nail Technician
- Basic nail kit (~R1,500–R3,000).
- Hair Styling/Braiding
- Supplies: Combs, hair products (~R500–R1,000).
🛠️ Maintenance & Repairs
- Cell Phone Repairs
- Tools and online training (~R2,000).
- Bicycle Repairs
- Basic toolkit (~R1,500).
- Home Maintenance
- Basic toolset (~R3,000).
- Car Wash (Mobile)
- Cleaning products (~R1,500–R2,000).
- Shoe Cleaning & Restoration
- Cleaning materials (~R800).
🌿 Green & Sustainable Businesses
- Reusable Shopping Bags
- Sewing machine rental and fabric (~R3,000).
- Organic Skincare Products
- Ingredients and packaging (~R2,500–R3,000).
- Composting Services
- Compost bins and starter worms (~R1,500).
- Plant Nursery
- Seeds and pots (~R2,500).
- Upcycling Furniture
- Tools and paints (~R2,500).
📚 Creative & Publishing
- E-Book Writing & Selling
- Self-publishing platform (mostly free).
- Podcasting
- Microphone and editing software (~R2,000).
- Blogging
- Hosting and domain (~R1,500/year).
- Photography Prints
- Print and shipping costs (~R2,000).
- Greeting Cards Business
- Materials for handmade cards (~R1,000).
💼 Professional & Consulting
- CV Writing Service
- Marketing and online software (~R1,000).
- Interview Coaching
- Setup: Online video tools (~R500).
- Life Coaching
- Certification or training course (optional, ~R2,000).
- Financial Consulting
- Software or apps (~R1,500).
- Event Planning
- Initial marketing and stationery (~R2,500).
🚛 Delivery & Transport
- Food Delivery Service
- Fuel and insulated bags (~R1,500).
- Courier Service (Local)
- Fuel and basic supplies (~R3,000).
- Errand Running Service
- Initial marketing budget (~R500).
- Moving Help Service
- Basic moving supplies (~R3,000).
- Pet Taxi Service
- Car expenses, pet carriers (~R3,000).
🎯 Expert Tips for Success
- Start small, think big: Reinvest earnings quickly.
- Use social media effectively: Build an audience from day one.
- Offer outstanding customer service: Happy clients refer others.
📣 “Success comes from starting now—not waiting until you have everything perfect.” — Mandla S., Business Mentor
✅ Ready to Start Your Business?
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey today by registering your company legally and hassle-free.