Online businesses requiring the least initial capital
Introduction
Launching a digital entrepreneurship venture has become accessible. Unlike traditional businesses that require premises, stock and heavy investments, online businesses allow you to start with low capital. A computer, an internet connection and a skill are often sufficient.
This accessibility explains the rise of freelancing, dropshipping and content creation. Barriers to entry are low, fixed costs limited, and growth possibilities rapid. But not all models are equal in terms of profitability, scalability or sustainability.
This article presents the main types of digital businesses accessible with minimal investment. For each model, we detail the start-up costs, required skills and realistic prospects. Whether you wish to create from scratch or acquire an existing business, you will find concrete options suited to your situation.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Online businesses with the least initial capital include freelancing, dropshipping e-commerce, affiliate marketing, content creation, digital training and simple SaaS. Each model presents advantages and limitations in terms of profitability and scalability. Acquiring an existing business via a platform like Leez can also be a faster alternative than starting from scratch.
📚 Table of contents
Freelancing and online services
Digital services represent the most accessible online businesses. Web writing, graphic design, development, marketing consultancy: these professions primarily require skills and a computer.
Initial investment is often limited to less than 1,000 CHF (website, basic tools). Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr allow you to start quickly, but creating your own website offers more autonomy.
Income grows with experience and reputation. Alternative: acquire an existing agency with an established client base.
E-commerce and dropshipping
E-commerce with minimal stock or dropshipping promises a quick start. Real costs include the platform (Shopify, WooCommerce), marketing and daily management.
Let's be clear: competition is intense, margins often low, and dependence on suppliers poses risks. Before launching, consult our guide on mistakes to avoid in dropshipping.
Also compare creating versus acquiring an e-commerce to identify the most profitable strategy.
Affiliate marketing and content creation
Affiliate marketing via blogs, YouTube or social networks requires low financial capital but a considerable time investment.
The model: create regular content, build an audience, recommend products for commission. Initial investment remains minimal (hosting, domain), but allow 6 to 18 months before significant profitability.
Specialised niches (finance, technology, health) generally offer better commissions. Consistency and content quality are decisive.
Online training and digital products
Selling training courses, e-books or templates follows an attractive model: single creation, multiple sales. Costs are limited to a platform (Teachable, Gumroad) and digital marketing.
Essential condition: possessing transferable expertise or skill. The market values practical experience and demonstrable results.
Strategic alternative: acquire an existing digital business with an established audience, thus eliminating the difficult initial building phase.
SaaS and simple applications
Micro-SaaS targeting specific niches can start with limited investment. No-code/low-code development or outsourcing to freelance developers reduces initial costs.
Recurring costs (hosting, domain) remain modest, often under 100 CHF/month. Necessary transparency: technical skills or a developer budget are essential.
Faster option: acquire an existing SaaS with active users and already validated recurring revenue.
Acquiring rather than creating
Beyond creating from scratch, acquiring an existing online business offers concrete advantages: immediate revenue, established customers, market validation.
On Leez.ch, digital businesses are available for acquisition. The buyer subscription (250 CHF/year) gives access to all listings, with no commission on the transaction.
Consult our comparison creating or acquiring to explore this strategic decision further.
Launching an online business with little capital is no longer a pipe dream. Freelancing, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, digital products or simple SaaS offer accessible entry points. Each model has its advantages: flexibility for freelancing, automation for affiliate marketing, scalability for online training.
But creating from scratch requires time, energy and a learning curve often underestimated. A pragmatic alternative exists: acquiring an existing digital business. You inherit a customer base, established turnover and proven processes. Risk decreases, profitability arrives faster.
On Leez, you will find digital businesses to acquire in different sectors: e-commerce, SaaS, content platforms. Verified opportunities, with transparent data. Whether you are looking to launch or accelerate your growth, exploring these options can save you months, even years.
