According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there were 1,109,684 registered businesses in 2022. Almost all of these were Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with the majority being micro businesses. Only 0.41% were large companies.
Are you thinking about starting your own business? First, you’ll need to learn how to write a business plan and choose a business structure that suits you.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, we’ve put together a list of small business ideas you can look into. Many of these can be started by one person, either as a sole proprietor or as a one-person corporation.
See which options match your interests, skills, and work experience.
Business Ideas with a Starting Capital of Php 60,000 or Less
1. Fashion and Beauty Reseller
Initial investment: Clothes and beauty items, packaging, and marketing
Extra costs to consider: Camera, website
Filipinos enjoy dressing well and keeping up with trends. If you have a good sense of style, reselling fashion or beauty items could be a great business. However, competition is high, so finding a specific market or niche will help you stand out.
A reliable supplier is important for success. Whether you plan to sell clothes, shoes, or cosmetics, you can start small and slowly add more products as you grow.
2. Hair and Grooming (Home Service)
Initial investment: Hair products and grooming tools
Extra costs to consider: Marketing, camera, website
If you are a barber or hairdresser, offering home service is a smart way to use your skills. Even if you’re not a stylist yourself, you can still run this type of business if you know how the industry works and can find skilled workers.
Many professionals in this field grow their client base through referrals. If you want to reach more people, a camera and a website can help you advertise your services better.
3. Event Planning or Hosting
Initial investment: Building contacts, computer
Extra costs to consider: Marketing, licenses or certificates, staff
If you’re organized and enjoy putting events together, this business could be a good fit. Having experience is a plus.
Choosing a type of event to focus on, such as birthdays, weddings, or business events, will help you find the right clients. While word of mouth can get you started, having an online presence will help you reach more people.
4. Business Consulting
Initial investment: Network, computer, time-tracking tools
Extra costs to consider: Licenses, website, staff
Business consulting includes fields like finance, marketing, technology, and operations. Many experienced professionals start consulting after working in a specific industry.
You could help small businesses with market research or create strategies for larger ones. At first, it may be hard to find clients, so you’ll need to attend events and build relationships.
5. Real Estate Consulting
Initial investment: Real estate license, network
Extra costs to consider: Marketing tools, website
Real estate continues to grow in the Philippines, especially in cities and developing areas. Buyers and sellers need trustworthy advice when making property decisions.
Whether you’re a licensed agent or someone who’s very interested in the field, this can be a profitable business. Focus on a specialty like residential or commercial properties, and decide whether you want to work with buyers, sellers, or both.
Attend social or professional gatherings to meet more people and expand your reach. Marketing materials and tools can help present your services professionally.
6. Bookkeeping or Accounting
Initial investment: Licenses, accounting software, document scanner
Extra costs to consider: Training, time-tracking tools
If you have experience in bookkeeping or accounting, you can start a business offering these services. Many freelancers and small businesses need help with taxes and financial records.
Decide if you’ll charge by the hour or by project. As you gain more clients, you can consider building a small firm.
7. Cleaning Services
Initial investment: Cleaning supplies, protective gear, social media page
Extra costs to consider: Booking software, POS system, training, marketing
Cleaning services are always needed. You can serve homes, offices, condos, and restaurants.
You can begin with a few clients and grow your reputation through good service. If you plan to expand, investing in an online booking system and marketing will be necessary.
8. Repair Services
Initial investment: Repair tools, protective gear, social media page
Extra costs to consider: Computer, booking software, training, marketing
Repair services are always in demand. Whether it’s fixing phones, appliances, or vehicles, many people prefer to repair than replace.
The cost of tools depends on what you plan to fix. Keep in mind that more advanced equipment, like car engines or smartphones, requires more training and investment.
9. Meal Planning and Delivery
Initial investment: Ingredients, kitchen tools, meal containers, packaging
Extra costs to consider: Delivery vehicle, staff, marketing
Meal delivery works well in cities or areas with busy workers. If you can cook, you might be able to offer meals regularly.
Providing healthy meals can give you an edge, especially if people don’t have time to prepare food themselves.
10. Website Development
Initial investment: Development tools, computer, your own website
Extra costs to consider: Marketing, time-tracking, training
Websites help businesses reach their customers, but not everyone can build one.
If you have the skills, you can offer web design services. Your own website can show what you can do and attract clients.
Startup costs depend on the tools you already have and the kind of clients you want to work with.
11. Graphic Design
Initial investment: Computer, editing software
Extra costs to consider: Time-tracking, extra tools, website
Graphic designers create everything from logos and banners to brochures and social media posts.
If you’re experienced in design, this could be a good business. You’ll need to invest in good equipment and software to make sure your work is high quality.
Business Ideas with a Starting Capital of Over Php 200,000
12. Photography or Videography
Initial investment: Camera lenses, computer, editing software, lighting
Extra costs to consider: Extra gear, storage, branding
If you already do photography or video as a hobby or side job, you may already own the basic equipment. But if not, buying everything you need can be expensive at first.
Focus on a specific style, like family portraits or business events, and build a strong portfolio to show your skills.
13. Food Cart or Kiosk Franchise
Initial investment: Franchise fee, location check, hiring staff
Extra costs to consider: Supplies, other improvements
Franchises offer ready-made business models, saving you time in product planning. However, you need to pay franchise and royalty fees.
Some franchises are more affordable, but if you want a well-known brand like Potato Corner or Belgian Waffles, be ready to invest at least Php 300,000.
Because of the cost, franchisees often feel pressure to earn quickly. Good business planning is key if you want to meet your sales goals.
14. Laundry Shop
Initial investment: Washing machines, dryers, detergent
Extra costs to consider: Marketing, POS system, maintenance
A laundry shop can do well in areas where people need laundry services. Outside cities, choosing a location that’s easy to reach is very important.
To attract customers, use good signage and a catchy brand name. You’ll also need a maintenance budget to keep your machines in good condition.
15. Car Cleaning and Detailing
Initial investment: Garage space, cleaning supplies, staff, signage
Extra costs to consider: Marketing, POS system
Many Filipinos love their cars and take pride in keeping them clean. If you’re passionate about cars, this business may suit you.
A good location is key. Like with laundry shops, eye-catching signage helps people notice your business.
Even if you’re hands-on in the shop, you’ll need a few workers to serve more customers and keep the business running smoothly.
