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Have you ever dreamed of being a proud owner of a small business, but never really dared to take action? Perhaps the fear of not making a big enough profit is holding you back, or the perceived start-up costs? Alongside determination, motivation and lots of hard work, these business ideas involve low start-up costs and can make you a pretty decent profit.

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1. Street Food Truck

Compared to a bricks-and-mortar restaurant or eatery, a street food truck involves a much smaller financial input, to begin with. They are in high demand at the moment, with even celebrities hiring them for their events. You need a well-maintained truck – you can buy online tyres and other parts to keep the costs down – and the cooking equipment, which can even be picked up second hand. Once you have got your license sorted, you can attend fairs, shows, car boots – even weddings!

2. Laundry Delivery

When you know your audience well, you can always find areas of their life where they're struggling. For many people with good jobs and commitments, one of the big ones can be keeping the home running smoothly. While many employ cleaners (whether for one-off jobs or regularly) it's not as well known that laundry services now exist to collect and deliver your washing for you. A car and a washing machine are your only expenses to get into the game, so if you know the best settings for whites and colours, this might be a good idea to pursue.

3. Launch an online course

If you have experience in a particular area, maybe blogging or affiliate marketing, you could use this to make you money in the form of an online course. People from all over the world can log in and download your course, which might include videos, blogs, presentations, podcasts, and printable workbooks. This also means that once you have done the hard work of setting it up, you don’t have to do anything other than let the money roll in!

4. Drop-shipping store

Have you always fancied your own store, but can’t afford the cost of renting premises and buying in lots of stock? Well, that’s where drop-shipping comes in. You don’t need a shop or an inventory. Simply set up a basic eCommerce website and source your drop-ship supplier. Once the orders come in from your customers,  pass them onto the supplier, who will send them out directly, and all you pay is wholesaler price.

54. Home tutoring

If you are highly qualified in a specific subject, then tutoring could be a job for you. While you don't need to be a fully qualified teacher, you should still have a clear understanding of the UK education system and the school curriculum. You need to decide whether to do your tutoring sessions from your home or to travel to your students ‘ homes. Families of younger children will most likely prefer to be educated under their own roof. While there is no legal obligation, it is essential to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to prove to potential clients that you are allowed to work with children. Without one of these, you are unlikely to find work. 

6. Market trading

Becoming a market trader is a great way to gain experience in business and is reasonably accessible if you have limited resources. It's also a good way to test a new product without fully committing to spending a significant amount of time and money on a business idea. You need a spot at a local market, any appropriate licenses or insurance, transport, and, of course, a product!

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