Online Business Ideas from Home to Try If You Have a Small Capital

Running an online business and being your own boss definitely has its appeal. In fact, it’s so enticing that the local e-commerce market is expected to become worth at least US$16 billion in 2023.^[1]

The internet is a great medium to connect with customers. However, starting an online business also has its fair share of challenges, such as coming up with enough money for capital.

But there are many online business ideas in the Philippines you can start for as low as ₱2,000. Want to take the leap? Keep on reading to learn more about online business ideas from home you can start.

Top 10 Small Online Business Ideas from Home to Try in 2023

Check out this list of the best online business ideas to start in the Philippines this 2023:

👉 Make Artisanal Candles

Aromatherapy candles help people relax after a tiring day. They can perfectly cap off a busy workday.

They’re quite easy to make as well! You can create your own essential oil blends or cute custom molds from home, even if you have a small space. The profit margin is also high, with quality, artisanal candles selling for as much as ₱1,000 each.

• Starting capital: ₱5,000 to ₱20,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Double boiler
• Candle-making wax
• Wicks
• Essential oils
• Coloring agents
• Molds
• Dried flowers (optional)
• Tin can or glasses as containers

Read more: 10 Steps to Starting an Online Business in the Philippines

👉 Offer Online Tutorials

Some students might find it hard to keep up with lessons and need more guidance. If you’re an educator looking to make some extra cash on the side, you can offer tutorials in Math, English, Science, and other general subjects.

The starting cost for this online negosyo idea is relatively low. If you already have a working laptop or personal computer, the capital can go as low as ₱3,000. You can also use open-source materials for modules. 

• Starting capital: ₱3,000 to ₱30,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Laptop or personal computer
• Quality camera
• Lighting equipment (optional)
• Quality microphone and headset
• Modules and other educational materials

👉 Craft Your Own Beverages

Turn your love for beverages into a legit online business. Craft your own blend and sell it for profit. Offer drip coffees, customizable milk teas, smoothies, or even simple palamigs.

Begin with the equipment you already have, such as your family blender. This online selling business idea in the Philippines is not labor-intensive. The profit margin is quite good, too—you can sell your blend for as much as ₱150 per 500ml.

• Starting capital: ₱3,000 to ₱7,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Ingredients for your chosen blends
• Mixer
• Plastic bottles or cups
• Sinkers (optional)
• Straws (optional)

👉 Declutter Your Preloved Items

If you want to test the waters before fully committing to an online business, try selling your secondhand items—from books to kitchenware. This way, you can set up an online business without an investment since you are selling secondhand items. It's definitely one of the easiest online business ideas from home to try. 

Check your closets, storage, and garage for items that you can sell. Make sure these items are still usable and in good condition. 

You’re hitting two birds with one stone with this good online business idea—decluttering your home and making a small profit. 

• Starting capital: ₱2,000 to ₱5,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Bubble wrap
• Packaging tape
• Disinfectant
• Parcel pouches

👉 Resell Skincare Products

While the beauty industry is admittedly a little oversaturated, people are constantly looking for new skincare products to try. This small online business idea in the Philippines is worth your while if you have the marketing and research skills to back your products up.

You can resell beauty products and kits with a starting capital of at least ₱5,000.

• Starting capital: ₱5,000 to ₱15,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Beauty products to resell
• Packaging tape
• Bubble wrap
• Disinfectant
• Pouches

👉 Sell Groceries and Essentials

Instead of going to the mall, more and more people now prefer shopping online. This business venture is fairly easy to get up and running. You just have to find a supplier you can trust and offer competitive pricing. 

You can offer your products on social media and provide free delivery to attract customers. Start by buying your products in bulk and selling them for retail prices online.

• Starting capital: ₱10,000 to ₱50,000
• Materials/equipment needed:
• Essentials and groceries for sale
• Boxes
• Bubble wraps
• Grocery bags
• Motorcycle for delivery

👉 Build Apps and Websites

If you have coding and design skills, you can make decent money by offering your services. Create mobile apps, e-commerce websites, and other digital products. 

You have the potential to create a successful and in-demand online business in the Philippines because companies are always looking for professionals who can help build their apps or websites. However, make sure all your skills are up-to-date.

• Starting capital: ₱5,000 to ₱30,000
• Materials and equipment needed:
• Personal computer or laptop
• Programs for coding and web design
• Microphone and headset

👉 Start an Online Fashion Store

Now that people can finally go out, fashionistas are eager to show off their unique style once more. Take advantage of this demand by offering comfy and stylish clothes at affordable prices.

The profit margin is enticing for this example of a trending online business in the Philippines in 2023, too. At Taytay tiangges, you can get clothes for ₱50 and sell them for as much as ₱200.

Aside from Taytay, Divisoria is a popular hotspot for sellers wanting to buy clothes in bulk at affordable prices.

• Starting capital: ₱3,000 to ₱15,000
• Materials/equipment needed:
• Clothes for sale
• Vehicle for transportation
• Parcel pouches
• Bubble wrap
• Packaging tape

👉 Monetize Your Own Art

This is one of the many online business ideas from home that tap your existing skills. If you’re an artist who creates digital and/or traditional paintings, why not sell them online? Sell pieces you’ve already made or offer your services to make custom art.

It’s a time-consuming venture, but you can charge as much as ₱10,000 for your services, depending on the project. Offer your services to make logos, t-shirt designs, portraits, posters—the possibilities are endless.

• Starting capital: ₱3,000 to ₱30,000
• Materials/equipment needed:
• Laptop or personal computer
• Graphic tablet
• Other art materials

👉 Sell Homecooked Meals

Start this online business idea in the Philippines from the comfort of your own kitchen. After all, why not offer the world your tasty kare-kare? 

Sell your homecooked meals starting at ₱200 per tub. You can do so on a pre-order basis, so you’re sure that you have customers paying for the food. 

If your meals are great and affordable, it's easy to stand out. It’s labor-intensive as it takes time to prepare the ingredients, but you can make decent money.

• Starting capital: ₱5,000 to ₱10,000
• Materials/equipment needed:
• Ingredients for the dishes
• Plastic containers
• Stove
• Pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment

Read more related articles:

• Best Products to Sell Online as a Side Hustle This 2023
• Social Selling Basics: How to Jumpstart Your Business on Social Media
• Say Bye to Being Camera Shy: These Live Selling Tips Can Really Help Your Business

Final Thoughts

These online business ideas from home are just some of the many ways you can make money online. Make sure to research the venture you want to start and study your market—it's a must before starting any kind of business.

If you need a little help to get things going, consider getting a personal loan. Compare your options and apply easily through Moneymax:

Source: ^[1] E-commerce growth in 2023 projected at 15% to $16 billion, logistics company says (BusinessWorld, 2023)