Small Capital, Big Dreams: 32 Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

Around 99% of business enterprises in the Philippines are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).^[1] This overwhelming number shows that most Filipinos have an entrepreneurial streak!

Want to join this booming industry and launch your own small business in the Philippines? Below, check out businesses that require less capital.

Small Businesses in the Philippines You Can Start Under 10K

👉 Homemade Beverage or Palamig Business

• Start-up cost: ₱500 to ₱5,000
  
• Items to invest in: Ingredients, purified water, containers, plastic bottles

What business to start in the Philippines if you have only ₱5k? Sell ice-cold drinks, for starters. Filipinos love ice-cold milk teas, coffees, and fruit drinks during summer, but you can sell them all year round. 

For a few thousand pesos or even less, you can start selling drinks. It's definitely one of the best small-scale businesses in the Philippines.

👉 Home-Cooked Meals

• Start-up cost: ₱2,000 to ₱8,000
  
• Items to invest in: Meal ingredients, plastic containers, kitchenware
  

Sell home-cooked meals, especially if you have a passion for cooking. Start by advertising your meals online on social media and cook meals on a made-to-order basis.

It’s time-consuming, but fortunately, it's a viable low-capital business in the Philippines—you need only around ₱2,000 or so to get started. 

Read more: What’s Cooking? How to Start a Catering Business from Home

👉 Cellphone Loading Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱8,000
• Items to invest in: Basic phone, retailer SIM card, starting balance of ₱5,000

Don't have a lot of time to spare for a side hustle? Look into a cellphone-loading venture—it's one of the easiest small business ideas. For as low as ₱5,000, you can start earning at home.

Unlike with other small businesses in the Philippines, however, don’t expect to earn much from this venture. As a load retailer, you earn via commissions, which can be 3% to 13% per transaction. For example, a prepaid load worth ₱50 may deduct ₱47 from your load wallet, leaving you with a ₱3 profit, depending on your chosen telecommunications company.

💳 Use a Credit Card for Your Business to Enjoy Perks

With a credit card, you can buy supplies and enjoy rewards, cashback, installment perks, and more. Apply via Moneymax today! 

Credit Card	Perks for Business Owners
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	1 point per ₱30 spend 3x points for shopping locally and abroad
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card	₱6 Lazada Wallet Credits per ₱200 spend at Lazada ₱1 Lazada Credit per ₱200 spend at other merchants ₱50 monthly shipping vouchers at Lazada ₱500 discount vouchers for 5 Lazada Sales all year round Priority access to Lazada Sales Discounts from selected Lazada merchants
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend eCommerce purchase protection of up to US$200 0% installment at partner merchants
HSBC Red Mastercard	1 point for every ₱20 spend 4x points on shopping, online, and overseas transactions

Small Businesses in the Philippines You Can Start Under 20K

👉 Lugaw / Arroz Caldo/ Goto Business

• Start-up cost: ₱2,000 to ₱11,000
• Items to invest in: Ingredients and take-away packaging

Lugaw, arroz caldo, and goto are undoubtedly among Filipinos' favorite comfort foods. Not only are they easy to prepare—they’re also delicious and made with affordable ingredients. Make it as special as you want with delicious toppings, or just serve the classic and traditional style everyone loves and enjoys.  

Definitely give this a try if you're wondering, "What business can I start with 20k pesos?"

👉 Pambahay Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱11,000
• Items to invest in: Cotton fabric, sewing materials  

You can sew dusters, ternos, and pajamas. Invest in quality cotton fabric to ensure your products won't disintegrate after a few washes.

Choose different kinds of patterns or designs that will appeal to your target market. Maybe choose prints with kawaii characters that children will love, or classic and understated colors for those who like simple and minimalist designs.  

The price will vary depending on the type of fabric, of course. But don’t forget to price your time, skill, and speed, too. 

👉 Barbecue Stand / Ihawan Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱15,000
• Items to invest in: Food to be grilled, sauces, charcoal, stainless grill, tongs, barbeque sticks, takeaway packaging

An ihawan is one of the most popular micro business examples in the Philippines. You'll find them everywhere, as long as it's a busy area with a lot of foot traffic.

Depending on what you want to sell and grill, you can lower your capital. For example, if you want to sell isaw, betamax, or adidas, you can start with a capital of only ₱3,000. If you want to sell pork cuts, chicken, or seafood, you need a bigger investment.

Always go for a good supplier with high-quality products. Moreover, work on your marinades and dipping sauces―they’re usually what customers keep coming back for!

👉 Fruit and Vegetable Business 

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱15,000
• Items to invest in: Fruits and vegetables for selling, packaging, weighing scale, business phone  

If you’re looking for business ideas in the Philippines that require small capital, try selling fruits and vegetables. Aside from the fact that there are many fruit and vegetable suppliers in the country, it’s easy and quick to set up. You can also start with under ₱20,000. 

Whether you plan to set up a physical store or an online one, you just need to stock up on the goods, price them accordingly, and start selling. Get Pinoy favorites like mangoes, bananas, and apples. Make sure to sell commonly used vegetable ingredients as well. 

If you wish to cater to a more specific clientele (vegetarians, health buffs, etc.), you can also sell cauliflowers, broccolis, lettuce, sweet potatoes, carrots, and seedless grapes.  

👉 Plant Shop

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱15,000
• Items to invest in: Plants to sell, pots, soil, planting tools

Do you love plants and know how to propagate them successfully? One of the best small businesses in the Philippines to explore is selling plants. 

If you have adequate space in an accessible area, like near main roads, put up your own nursery or plant shop and display your plants for sale. Alternatively, set up an online plant shop. Even with less space, you’ll still reach target customers online who enjoy urban gardening. 

Start small with cacti and succulents. You can get around 30 pieces for less than ₱2,000 from a good supplier.

Scout for a supplier outside Metro Manila to get good deals on popular plants—such as marigolds for ₱50, forget-me-nots for ₱100, orchids for ₱130, caladiums and snake plants for ₱100 to ₱200, or fortune plants, money plants, and aglaonema for less than ₱500. 

Consider the care requirements as well when choosing which plants to sell. Start with a few plants that will do well and have a big market. 

👉 Milk Tea Business

• Start-up cost: ₱6,000 to ₱15,000
• Items to invest in: Electric sealer, film sealer, cups, milk tea shaker, straws, milk tea ingredients, syrups, measuring cups and scoops 

Love milk tea? You can start your own milk tea business with less than ₱20,000. 

Milk tea is popular all year round. Filipinos find it hard to resist a delicious and refreshing milk tea when they’re thirsty, hungry, or both! 

There are many online milk tea business packages, complete with equipment, utensils, and supplies. Set up shop at home or build a small stall or cart. Take orders online and offer both pickup and delivery options.

👉 Meat Shop

• Start-up cost: ₱15,000 to ₱20,000
• Items to invest in: Meats to sell, freezer, knives, weighing scale 

What's a good business to start with small capital? If you live in an area where the market is far away, consider a meat shop. Start with processed meats like tapa, tocino, longganisa, and more. Price them accordingly for a good profit margin.

For a small investment of ₱20,000, you can also start selling poultry meat. Just add in pork and beef once your business grows.

Small Businesses in the Philippines You Can Start Under 50K

👉 Online Tutoring Business

• Start-up cost: ₱2,000 to ₱40,000, depending if you already have the equipment
• Items to invest in: Computer, quality web camera, headphones, microphones

Thanks to the internet, learning is now accessible even from the comfort of our homes. With an online tutoring business, you can teach students and budding enthusiasts via Zoom or Skype. 

This small business idea in the Philippines is perfect for teachers, musicians, and artists who want to share their knowledge. Assuming you have the expertise, all you need to start this business is a computer, a quality webcam, headphones, and a stable internet connection.

👉 Cake and Pastry Business

• Start-up cost: ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 if you already have equipment / ₱30,000 to ₱40,000 if you still have to invest in equipment and materials
• Items to invest in: Oven, mixer, cake pans, cupcake liners, decorating tools, cooling rack, measuring spoons, mixing bowls

Do you like baking during your free time? Why not turn this hobby into a profitable business? With capital as low as ₱3,000, make tasty pastries from home to sell online.

Determine your target market and identify your specialty. Don’t forget to find a supplier who can provide ingredients at a low price. Lastly, build a Facebook or Instagram page to help you advertise your business.

See also: Why You Should Open a Bakery: Tips to Get Your Business Off the Ground

👉 Beauty Products Reselling Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱30,000
• Items to invest in: Beauty products for reselling, smartphone

The country’s beauty industry is expected to become worth US$4.7 billion by 2026.^[2] If you love beauty products, don’t have the huge capital to start your own brand, and want to know what business to start with 30k in the Philippines, you can resell beauty products instead. 

Starting with a budget of ₱5,000, you can start reselling products from more popular brands like Skin Magical, Human Heart Nature, Avon, and Ryx Skincerity. 

👉 Web Design Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱40,000
• Items to invest in: Computer, design software

Start a web design business and cater to startups building their websites. Alternatively, offer your services to individuals who want their own websites for personal use. You can launch this small business in the Philippines right from home!

If you already have the industry experience and skills, you might need to just shell out around ₱5,000 for additional tools. Profit ranges from ₱20,000 to ₱50,000, depending on your client.

👉 Bills Payment Business

• Start-up cost: ₱5,000 to ₱45,000
• Item to invest in: Point-of-sale (POS) device

What's a good business to start in the Philippines? The best businesses solve customers’ biggest pain points, like having to go to payment centers to pay bills or send money.

Run a digital payment business offering bills payment, remittance, and mobile e-loading services to your neighborhood. While you need only a low capital for this business, you can earn an average monthly income of ₱10,000 and recoup your investment in one to eight months.

If you already own a sari-sari store, eatery, or internet shop, this is a great way to further boost your income.

👉 Online Fashion Boutique

• Start-up cost: ₱15,000 to ₱35,000
• Items to invest in: Products for reselling, camera, smartphone, stable internet connection

Clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories are among the most sought-after items by online shoppers. Explore this opportunity with a buy-and-sell business.

Find cheap yet trendy ready-to-wear clothes from Taytay Tiangge or Divisoria, then sell them via Facebook, Instagram, or online marketplaces like Lazada, Shopee, Carousell, or eBay.  You can also set up your own website using an e-commerce platform like Shopify.

Invest in a camera so you can attract prospective customers with your high-quality product photos.

👉 Piso Wi-Fi Vending Machine

• Start-up cost: ₱17,000 to ₱30,000
• Items to invest in: Internet hotspot device and unlimited broadband plan

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Filipinos can’t live without an internet connection—we spend an average of three hours and 34 minutes on social media alone per day, according to the Global Digital 2024 Report.^[3]

With that, a Piso Wi-Fi business is definitely one of the best small business ideas in the Philippines. Plus, it's cheaper to set up than an internet cafe.

Purchase a coin-operated internet vending machine that serves as a hotspot and charge a fee per minute/s of internet use. For example, your rate could be ₱1 per 5 minutes, ₱5 per 30 minutes, or ₱10 per hour.

Sales can go anywhere from ₱6,000 to ₱40,000 a month.

👉 Vlogging

• Start-up cost: ₱20,000 to ₱40,000+
• Items to invest in: Vlogging camera, microphone, tripod, video editing software

Do you have a knack for hosting or storytelling? Be a vlogger. Earn income using your talent, video production equipment, and a small capital.

Vlog using a smartphone that can shoot high-resolution videos, create interesting content, and share your video on YouTube, Instagram, or your personal blog. Your content can be anything you’re passionate about, like travel, humor, or sports. Or you may want to share advice with fellow moms or create makeup tutorials.

To earn income through vlogging, sign up for a Google Adsense account and start earning from ads displayed on your videos.

👉 Personal Shopping Services

• Start-up cost: ₱10,000 to ₱45,000
• Items to invest in: Smartphone, laptop, vehicle

Often called pasabuy, personal shopping is popular among customers who want to buy items from stores abroad or just don’t want to go out to shop. As a personal shopper, you'll be asked to look for and buy specific items. Personal shoppers charge between 10% to 15% of the total purchase price.

To start a personal shopping business, you need to know your way around customs and shopping establishments. You may also need to invest in a vehicle such as a motorcycle to make transportation easier. Advertise your services on Facebook groups or create a website for your business.

👉 Hair and Grooming Home Services

• Start-up cost: ₱50,000 
• Items to invest in: Hair products, quality grooming equipment

A home service salon is perfect if you’re an aspiring hairdresser who wants to start their own business. Aside from haircuts, you can offer treatments like hair coloring, rebonding, and perming.

You'll need to invest in hair products and quality grooming equipment. Update yourself on the latest hairstyle trends to better serve your customers and their grooming needs.

Read more: Exploring Beauty as an Entrepreneur: How to Start a Salon Business

Small Businesses in the Philippines You Can Start Under 100K

👉 Bicycle Shop Business

• Start-up cost: ₱50,000 and up
• Items to invest in: Bicycles, bicycle parts, tools

While the Philippines isn’t as bicycle-friendly as other countries, the demand for bicycles is growing, especially since cycling is now viewed as a safe and efficient mode of travel.

Aside from selling bicycles, you can offer rentals, repairs, and tools. Capital starts at ₱50,000, depending on the products and services you want to offer. Set up shop in a high foot traffic area or near a biking destination to boost your chance for profit.

👉 Car Wash

• Start-up cost: ₱80,000 and up
• Items to invest in: Cleaning products and equipment

What's the best business idea if you have small capital and love cars? If you know your way around cars and auto detailing, set up a car wash.

There's already steady demand from car owners for a wash service. Just set up a car wash business in an area with high foot traffic to maximize your business’ potential growth.

Read more: Wash and Earn: How to Start a Car Wash Business in the Philippines

👉 Delivery / Courier Services

• Start-up cost: ₱80,000+
• Items to invest in: Smartphone, motorcycle, or bicycle

The demand for delivery services continues to increase as more and more people choose to shop online. Consumers consider delivery as part of their shopping experience, so it’s important that a courier takes care of the parcels during transit and delivers them on time.

With this type of small business idea, you'll spend ₱5,000 to ₱80,000 on one vehicle needed for deliveries. Partner with an online shop to deliver its items or advertise your services on social media.

Bigger Budget? Business Ideas in the Philippines You Can Start with 200k or More

👉 Meal Plan and Delivery

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱150,000
• Items to invest in: Kitchenware, plastic containers, meal ingredients, delivery vehicle

Release the inner chef in you and turn your passion into a profitable business with a meal plan and delivery business. Target busy professionals who don’t have the time to cook healthy and tasty meals.

Offer weekly meal plans with three dishes delivered every day for seven days. The startup cost for small businesses in the Philippines such as this can go as much as ₱150,000, depending on the meals you plan to offer and the equipment you need to cook meals.

👉 Home Cleaning and Repair Services

• Start-up cost: ₱50,000 to ₱150,000
• Items to invest in: Cleaning and repair tools, disinfectants, protective gear

Caters to professionals leading a fast-paced lifestyle. Offer services such as appliance repair services, housekeeping, and even plumbing.

Aside from tools, disinfectants, and protective gear, you need the necessary training to do home repairs and housekeeping. It can cost a significant amount, but there are online classes you can take for free such as the ones offered by TESDA.

👉 Food Cart Franchise

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱300,000
• Items to invest in: Whatever item you think can improve your business. Franchisers usually provide equipment and initial supplies to help start this kind of business

Food carts offering one or two products typically start at a franchise fee of ₱50,000, which includes equipment, training, and marketing support. More popular food cart franchises can cost as much as ₱300,000.

When investing in a food cart business, choose a location with good foot traffic such as malls, terminals, and cafeterias. Also, don’t forget to secure an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances. Remember that real profit only comes in once you earn back the money you’ve invested. 

👉 Graphic Design and Video Editing Business

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱150,000
• Items to invest in: Graphic tablets, design software, PC or laptop

The rise of Filipino YouTube influencers and vloggers means there's also a growing need for graphic designers and video editors. Use your creativity in design and video editing to start a small business. Aside from influencers, you can also tap startup businesses here and abroad for their multimedia needs.

This negosyo idea requires an extra set of skills. Aside from a powerful computer, graphic tablets, and industry-standard graphic programs, you need editing and design prowess. 

👉 Local Grocery Store Business

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱200,000
• Items to invest in: Grocery items, shelves, plastic bags, label makers, refrigerator

A local grocery store is like a sari-sari store, only bigger. Set up this business idea with a capital of ₱70,000 to ₱200,000, depending on the store's size and location. Its profit margin is 20 to 30% if the business is booming.

Set up a local grocery store in an area where there are no local markets nearby. You can also offer services like online shopping and delivery to stand out from traditional local grocery stores.

👉 Laundry Shop Business

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱250,000
• Items to invest in: Washing machines, dyers, baskets, detergents

A laundry shop offering pickup and delivery services is the perfect small business in the Philippines, especially if you live near condominiums and business districts. 

Laundry shops typically charge ₱150 to ₱250 for 8kg of laundry, including washing, drying, and folding. Pickup and delivery may incur delivery charges, but you can offer this service for free as a promotional deal.

For your reference, here is a laundry shop business plan sample:

• Decide on a type of laundry business. Do you want a laundromat or a wash and fold service?
• Think about your business name. Brainstorm and choose a catchy yet unique business name.
• Write a business plan. Create a comprehensive overview and actionable plan for your laundry business.
• Find a location. This is very important. Apart from location, choose a commercial space with good plumbing and water line hookups.
• Register your business. You need to prepare for this step whether you're franchising or starting a laundry business on your own.
• Get the proper permits and licenses. You'll need a business permit from both the mayor and barangay of your chosen location.
• Get the proper equipment. A huge chunk of your capital will go to this so prepare and budget wisely.
• Market your laundromat. Take advantage of free platforms like Facebook and Instagram when promoting your laundry shop business.

👉 T-Shirt Printing Business

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱200,000
• Items to invest in: Computer, printer for pigment ink, printer for sublimation ink, heat press, silkscreen line table, rotary press, flash dryer, frames, squeegees, t-shirts

You can easily earn from a t-shirt printing business, especially if you already have connections with companies and organizations. Apart from customized tees, you can also focus on printing office uniforms, jerseys, hoodies, and canvas bags.

However, before putting up this kind of business, learn different printing methods (digital printing, silkscreen, direct-to-garment) for a more specialized venture. You can start your business in a spacious garage at home or rent a small commercial space.

👉 Pest Control Services

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱250,000
• Items to invest in: Pest extermination equipment, pest control products, protective gear

Pests exist everywhere and can compromise our health. A pest control service helps eliminate these unwanted pests, protecting households and businesses from infestation. Offer fumigation, termite control, and rodent control to residential and commercial customers.

👉 Water Refilling Station

• Start-up cost: Up to ₱350,000
• Items to invest in: Water refilling machine, slim water bottles, round water bottles, heat gun, stickers, delivery vehicle

If you find a place with no water station or far from one, take the opportunity and put up a water refilling business. There is a high demand for clean and drinkable water, especially in rural areas.

With a budget of ₱100,000, you can franchise a water refilling station like Crystal Clear or Bluewaters. Starting your own brand, on the other hand, can cost as much as ₱350,000.

The investment is worth the money, though. Water is highly profitable and does not expire, unlike other products in the market.

Small Business in the Philippines: FAQs

1. Do small businesses pay taxes in the Philippines?

If you earn only ₱250,000 or below each year with your small business, there's no need for tax registration, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).^[4]

2. Does a small business need a business permit?

Yes. According to the DTI, all businesses are required to secure a mayor’s permit or municipal license from the city or municipality where they are located. This is to ensure compliance with the standards and requirements of the business locale.^[5]

3. What's the monthly income of a small business in the Philippines?

There's no specific answer to this. Your earnings will depend on various factors, such as the type of business and the amount of capital invested. 

Final Thoughts

That was quite a long list! Which ones made it to your top ten best small business ideas?

With strategy and creativity, you can be your own boss even with low capital. But before you launch a small business in the Philippines, make sure to determine how much capital you can afford to shell out, your target market, and potential for profit. 

Sources:

• ^[1] MSME highlights for the half of 2023 (Manila Times, 2023)
• ^[2] Philippines Beauty & Personal Care Market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2026, reaching US$ 4.7 billion (EIN Presswire, 2024)
• ^[3] Social Media Statistics in the Philippines [Updated 2024] (Meltwater, 2024)
• ^[4] Individual - Taxes on personal income (PwC, 2024)
• ^[5] DTI Business Registration and Permits