Small Business Ideas with Small Capital of P20,000.00 and Below

Starting small is not just practical, it’s powerful. Konting puhunan, malaking potential. You don’t need to be born with “entrepreneurial genes” or have millions to get started. What you need is resourcefulness, patience, and a willingness to learn as you go.

Think of it like developing a new skill: the more you practice, the better you get. Confidence grows over time, and one day, that small sideline could become your main source of income. To help you get started, here’s a list of small business ideas you can launch for ₱20,000 or less.

Food-Based Businesses

Eatery / Carinderia

Classic and reliable. Food will never go out of style, and people will always look for affordable meals. A small carinderia near a terminal or office can serve silog meals, lutong bahay, or budget ulam for workers on the go. Many of today’s mid-size restaurants started from humble carinderias. One in Quezon City even began with just a few plastic tables and now caters events.

Meat Processing & Retailing

If you can make longganisa, tocino, or embutido, you can turn your kitchen into a mini-processing plant. You don’t need much. Just meat, spices, and freezer space. Processed meats are popular with busy families, so selling to neighbors, sari-sari stores, or even online can make this a steady source of income. Word of mouth is your best marketing here.

Street Food Business

Isaw, barbecue, kwek-kwek, fishballs: you know the drill. For Filipinos, street food is comfort food. A small ihawan setup with just a grill, table, and condiments can get you rolling. One Facebook seller shared how her weekend ihawan turned into a nightly gig because tricycle drivers kept coming back. Hungry people are loyal customers.

Barbecue / Ihawan Stall

A more focused spin on street food, ihawan is always a hit. With just ₱5,000 to ₱15,000, you can set up a small stall grilling pork, chicken, or hotdogs. I know someone in Laguna who started with a ₱10k ihawan setup; today, he owns a small tapsilogan along the highway. The secret? Consistent flavor and suki relationships.

Homemade Beverages (Palamig, Milk Tea, Fruit Drinks)

On a hot day, gulaman, sago, or milk tea will always sell. Start with ₱500–₱5,000 for ingredients, containers, and bottles. Some vendors earn more during summer than in the rainy season. On Instagram, you’ll see plenty of home-based milk tea sellers who started with DIY kits and now have loyal resellers.

Home-Cooked Meals / Meal Prep Services

Think packed lunches for students or office workers. With ₱2,000–₱8,000 capital, you can cook and sell meals on a pre-order basis. This idea got traction during the pandemic, and it stuck. One Cavite mom on Reddit shared how she now supplies healthy packed meals to an entire barangay.

Fruit & Vegetable Stand

Fresh produce is in demand as more people try to eat healthier. A starting capital of ₱5,000–₱15,000 is enough to sell fruits and vegetables by the kilo. Even better if you can source directly from nearby farms. Some Facebook sellers go live to auction off fruits: an instant digital palengke.

Retail & Product Businesses

Personalized T-Shirt Printing

Silk screen, vinyl, or even heat press. This business thrives on school events, family reunions, and org uniforms. A creative design and quality printing can turn into repeat orders. One former student shared how his “extra income” t-shirt biz in college became a small print shop after graduation.

Plant Shop / Small Nursery

The plantito/plantita trend is still alive. Start with succulents, herbs, or ornamental plants. Capital can go as low as ₱5,000 for pots and starter plants. People on Instagram often post their “plant haul,” which is free marketing for anyone who knows how to package their greens beautifully.

Handmade / Homemade Products

Candles, soaps, jams, jewelry. The options are endless. What’s great about crafts is the flexibility: start small, sell online, and scale as you grow. Plus, these are perfect for bazaars and gift seasons. One Cebu-based seller started with DIY scented candles and now ships nationwide after going viral on TikTok.

Online Retail / E-Commerce

Lazada, Shopee, or even Facebook Marketplace… selling online is easier than ever. From fashion accessories to gadgets, you can start reselling with just a few items in stock. One Redditor said he split ₱20,000 between GCash e-loading and buying rice to resell; within a year, he was able to build a sari-sari store. Rolling capital is key.

Digital & Service-Based Businesses

Cellphone Loading & E-Loading Business

Low risk, consistent demand. Load, data promos, and even game credits are everyday essentials. Just be mindful of the “load now, pay later” crowd. Set your rules early. Pair this with bills payment services for bigger profit.

Bills Payment / Remittance Services

With fintech apps and POS devices, you can offer payments for utilities, remittances, and more. Sari-sari stores often combine this with e-loading. On Facebook, you’ll see plenty of small “payment hubs” operating from living rooms: proof you don’t need an office to start.

Cleaning Services (Home & Office)

With just ₱5,000–₱10,000 for supplies, you can start a home cleaning service. Apartment rentals and small offices need reliable cleaners. This business is growing in cities where busy professionals are willing to pay for convenience.

Web & Graphic Design Services

If you already have a computer and the skills, all you need is internet and a portfolio. With ₱5,000–₱20,000, you can invest in software or tools. Many freelance designers on Instagram started by posting sample works for free, later landing paying clients both locally and abroad.

Final Thoughts: It Does Not End in an Idea

The list above is just a starting point. The truth is, any business, whether it’s palamig, plants, or printing, depends less on the idea and more on the person running it. Focus, consistency, and resilience are what turn small capital into sustainable income.

Remember: walang shortcut, pero may paraan. Accept failures, learn the trade, and keep going. Who knows? That ₱20,000 sideline might be the first chapter of your success story.

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61 Comments

  1. ROY BRYAN AQUINO says:

    Looking for small business to start

  2. Jeanne Fe says:

    I’m interested to franchise any food cart for atleast 20,000.00… Can you help me? Thanks!

    1. Cake food bar says:

      I have my own signature brand of food cart, I called it CAKE food bar, located here in Olongapo City, its a variety of street foods but I’m focusing on one of my menu, its 20,000 below, including equipment, I can make your own signature brand, just hit me on email, •••••••••••••••••••••• or just call me and text me 09214808931.

      1. Hi Cake food bar! Dol You cater in zamboanga city?

        Thanks!

      2. Hi cake food bar. Can you give me more details about this. Thankyou

    2. Hi, how about being a distributor of beauty, health and wellness product. You can startup for less than 20k. Pm me if interested.. :):)

      1. Catherine says:

        Hi Blanche,

        Can you please give me more info about this?

        Thank you.

      2. Hello Blanche, may I know the details? Thanks!

      3. MA. laurence belarmino says:

        Hi Blanche,

        I am interested,can u old tell me more about it.

        Thanks

      4. Hi blanche,

        Can you send me more details about this.

        Thankyou

      5. Hi. Can u pls tell me more about the products and procedure

      6. Winnie hipolito says:

        Hi, can you give me some info about this.. thank you so much…

      7. Hi im interested with beuaty and health product with the capital of 20k.

    3. I can help u jas give me a call and lets talk abt it. 09959444988

  3. I’m interested in meat processing and eatery, would help help start this kind of business.

      1. Im interested with meat processing

      2. I’m interested to for the meat processing

      3. Bianca Cabasag says:

        I am also interested please help me?

  4. bayad center b pwd 20k? to start?

  5. Pls. Help..Im looking a business or franchise that starts @ 20,000 pesos..my cp# 09263464688..

  6. hi im interested to avail loading business. how can i apply?

  7. CLARK S. PAMA says:

    GOOD AFTERNOON MY NAME IS CLARK FROM PHILIPPINES PLEASE HELP ME HOW TO START A SMALL BUSINESS THANK YOU

  8. Mylene Endam says:

    I”m enterested too.For atleast 20,000.00 capital,please help me.God bless

  9. Geraldine t vellesco says:

    Interested to franchise food cart .please can you recommend..

    1. Give me a call 09959444988

  10. Mericar obrador says:

    Am interested can u send more details

  11. Cristina Peralta says:

    Hi sir I’m willing to start also business with a capital of 20000 .Can u help me. Thank you. I’m planning for the meat purchasing retail

  12. Raldreyn caye Bacunawa says:

    hi im interested to avail the 20k capital below. help me please

  13. For foodcart franchise give me a call 09959444988 for details..

  14. Jocelyn Marfil says:

    Hi I am interested on Shake, Fries and Fried Chicken franchise food cart not 20k budget. thanks

  15. Joy S. Castro says:

    Hi,looking for a food business with a capital of 20-25 thousand pesos. Thank you.

  16. Hi, i want to put up loading station business but i know how to start and how can i sell diferrent network like smart, globe and other network in one station or store

  17. Joy S. Castro says:

    Good day. I’m looking for a franchise of small business with at least 20k capital. You can reach me thru emaIl. Thank you.

  18. Joy S. Castro says:

    Good day. I’m looking for a franchise of small food business with at least 20k capital. You can reach me thru emaIl. Thank you.

  19. Joy S. Castro says:

    Good day. I’m interested to franchise a small food cart business with at least 20k capital. You can reach me thru emaIl. Thank you.

  20. Hi im interested too. Please pm me how to.

  21. CAN SOMEONE SEND ME A MESSAGE ? IM PLANNING TO MAKE A BUSINESS AND INVEST AROUND 20-50K ON A GOOD ONE. THANK YOU YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT 09651486330

  22. Dearly Mijares says:

    Hi. . i have DIY dresses for children up to two to three years old, they are very cheap. with your 2k you can purchase 50 different dresses. just call me 09202522271

    1. Pamela Olaer says:

      Hello, im interested.. How to start po?

  23. Can’t u help me for make eatring restaurants . how. This my #
    Email messager amie siton…
    09l54728025

  24. I’m looking for a franchise business with at least 20k capital

  25. Hi,

    I am looking to franchise a travel agency.Is the franchise fee / capital high? Or can you suggest any franchise to put up which is not that expensive? Please help.

  26. Hi can u help me how to start business to 20k budget..

  27. Hi there,im currently looking for a foodcart business if you have this kind of stuff kindly email me i can pay you top money

  28. crispy and juicy fried hito who wants to start carenderia or restaurant business? great ROI in 4months, lifetime business. 09273577543

  29. Asteria Pajarilla says:

    I like that small carinderia. In Batangas Philippines. Is there a place you can reccomend?

  30. Rachel g. Gitana says:

    Hi looking for small rice franchise 20k budget.txt me 09354656445..tnx in advance

  31. Jonny Gonzales says:

    If you have an internet connection at home, piso wifi machine is also a good source of passive income. Or if you’re someone who is into tech stuff, building and selling piso wifi machines is even better. I’m a builder myself. Check out Adopisoft they have the most stable software and have complete guides/tutorials.

  32. Jonny Gonzales says:

    If you have an internet connection at home, piso wifi machine is also a good source of passive income. Or if you’re someone who is into tech stuff, building and selling piso wifi machines is even better. I’m a builder myself. Check out https://www.adopisoft.com/ they have the most stable software and have complete guides/tutorials.

  33. Hi po, i’m intersted for the piso wifi machine po

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