Business ideas
Business ideas by budget
What business can I start with the money I have?
Your budget is the most you could sensibly put at risk — not a figure you should spend. Many businesses can be tested with far less than the full build would cost.
Keep working capital in reserve, validate before buying stock, equipment or premises, and expect early costs to be higher than planned.
How to think about it
- Validate before spending heavily
- Retain working capital for the months before revenue
- Prefer models where spend follows demand
- Get professional advice before borrowing or committing personal savings
These bands describe what may be possible, not what you should invest. Evans does not give financial advice; speak to a qualified adviser before committing savings or borrowing.
Budget bands
- Under £1,000
- Usually service businesses built on skills you already have, where early spend is limited to essentials and testing.
- £1,000–£5,000
- Room for a professional website, basic tools and insurance, and a small test of paid acquisition or stock.
- £5,000–£10,000
- May support modest equipment, initial stock or a more substantial launch — after the idea has been tested.
- £10,000–£25,000
- Can support equipment-led or stock-led businesses, with a reserve kept for operating costs.
- £25,000–£50,000
- Opens up businesses with premises, vehicles or larger initial stock. The cost of being wrong is also higher.
- £50,000+
- Allows capital-intensive models or buying into an existing business. Commercial evidence matters more, not less.
In-depth guides (14)
Business ideas with £100,000
Identify high-potential business ideas for a £100,000 budget, including business acquisition, industrial services, and capital-intensive startups.
Business ideas with £20,000–£25,000
Explore business ideas suitable for a £25,000 budget, focusing on service-based models, specialist equipment, and commercial contracts.
Business ideas with £50,000
Explore business ideas that leverage a £50,000 budget, including niche equipment rental, small-scale manufacturing, and specialised B2B services.
Business ideas that need little equipment
Explore business ideas that don't require heavy investment in machinery or specialised tools, focusing on knowledge and lightweight operations.
Low-cost B2B business ideas
Explore business-to-business ideas that require minimal capital, focusing on specialised services, consulting, and technical support.
Business ideas without premises
Explore business ideas that can be run from home, a vehicle, or on-site at client locations, avoiding the cost and commitment of a lease.
Business ideas without stock
Explore business models that avoid the risk and cost of holding physical inventory, focusing on digital assets, brokerage, and service-based models.
Business Ideas Where Skills Matter More Than Capital
Explore business opportunities that leverage professional expertise and specialised knowledge instead of requiring large initial financial investment.
What business can I start with £1,000 or less?
Business ideas you can start with £1,000 or less, focusing on service-led propositions and mobile operations.
What business can I start with under £500?
Business ideas requiring less than £500, focusing on expertise-led services and digital propositions you can launch today.
Businesses You Can Validate Before Spending Heavily
Identify business models that allow you to prove customer demand and secure pre-payments before committing significant startup capital.
What business can I start with £10,000?
Business ideas with a £10,000 budget, focusing on higher overhead models, asset acquisition, and managed services.
What business can I start with around £2,000?
Business ideas for a £2,000 budget, focusing on professional service and higher-tier equipment for mobile and local operations.
What business can I start with £5,000?
Business ideas with a £5,000 budget, focusing on professionalisation, specialist equipment, and service-based models.
Narrow it down
Not sure which of these fits you?
The free tool compares directions against your own skills, time, capital and objectives.
Other ways to explore