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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Looking for small business to start
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