Surrounded by stories of tremendous success, we've grown to believe that starting a business is always about big money and huge companies. But is it always like this? Of course not. Reality is much more simple. Even the biggest tree started as a tiny seed; never forget about that.

As a student, you must understand that nothing comes out of nowhere. To build something worthwhile, you need a lot of things combined: a good idea, a productive team, and, of course, a vision. You need to figure out what you want and set goals accordingly.

If financial success and philanthropy are what you want, then why not start young? There are myriads of articles on business explaining how even penniless students can benefit from starting something of their own. Do you still have doubts? Read one on killerstartups.com/start-a-business/why-start-your-own-business-in-college to check for yourself).

So, if you want to start a small business with minimal initial investments, here are several things you can try:

Sell Craft

Thanks to digitalization, whatever you create with your hands can be sold online if it looks interesting enough and the presentation is good. If you have a creative hobby such as embroidery, knitting, crocheting, drawing, and so on, you can easily monetize it using different platforms such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, eBay, and many more. Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter can also serve to showcase your handmade items to boost your sales. Consistency, dedication, and a genuine passion for your hobby can bring you lots of cash if you try hard enough.

Create and Sell Custom Items

T-shirts, cups, notebooks, stickers with creative designs, and other similar trifles related to anything you like: university life, funny quotes that resonate with your peers, favourite anime characters, and so on are easy to create, but trust me, they are a golden mine. You can order anything with a custom print and start your own little shop, selling it to those eager to have something with their favourite game character's face on it.

Do Cleaning

Starting a small cleaning business as a student can be a flexible way to earn some cash. Naturally, there's the initial investment in cleaning essentials like solutions, mops, vacuums, microfiber cloths, gloves, and other indispensable tools. Yet, as you steadily build your clientele, you'll find your earnings covering these costs.

Consider carving a niche for yourself; perhaps delve into residential cleaning, office maintenance, or specialized services like eco-friendly or deep cleaning. This specialization can set your services apart in the market.

Use both online and offline ways to spread the word about your venture. Establish a presence on social media platforms, circulate eye-catching flyers, and engage with your local community to make people talk about you, attracting potential clients.

Launching and running a small cleaning business while navigating academic responsibilities demands a delicate equilibrium. But armed with meticulous planning and unwavering commitment, you will succeed.

Freelance Writing

Are you, by any chance, good at writing essays? For talented folks like you, there are various platforms that you can utilize to sell your writing, e.g. https://writepaperfor.me/pay-for-essays. As a student, you must know how hard it can be sometimes to catch up with your assignments. Struggling with their study-life balance, sometimes students are tempted to cheat a little by paying someone to do their homework on their behalf. Or, as an alternative, you can look for some openings in different magazines and companies looking for a copywriter. This kind of work is flexible and pays well. What else can a student want?

Start Teaching

Knowledge is gold you can convert into currency. Everyone is good at something, so why not share your wisdom with your struggling peers? Tutoring can be a rewarding job in many aspects, including finances. Besides, you can do it both offline and online using platforms like Zoom. To make learning more enjoyable and establish a good rapport with your students, don't be afraid to joke and use creative approaches you would like your teachers to use to make learning more engaging.

Become a Part-Time Dog Parent

If you love animals, why not make money looking after someone's pets?

Come by local pet-related businesses, veterinarians, and pet stores to make some friends in this business, and leave them your business cards or flyers to spread the word. 

To provide personalized care for each pet, create a pet profile form to collect essential information about each client's pet, including emergency contacts, veterinary information, and any special instructions. It wouldn't hurt to also learn about their habits and preferences, as this personal touch can set you apart from larger pet-sitting services.

To establish trust with your clients, be reliable, communicative, and caring. Provide updates and photos during pet visits to reassure owners their babies are in good hands. 

With time, you can even think of expanding your services based on demand and your capacity. For instance, you might add additional services such as pet grooming or pet transportation over time.

These are only a few of the opportunities every student can take advantage of to improve their financial situation. By providing quality service and building a positive reputation, you can develop a successful small business while still being a student. All you need to do is to start. Good luck!