17 Small Capital Business Opportunities You Can Try in 2025!

Want to become an entrepreneur, start a new business, but only have a small capital? Don’t be discouraged! Starting a business doesn’t always require a large investment. With the capital you have and the support of the growing use of technology, you can start a business with minimal investment.

Want to become an entrepreneur, start a new business, but only have a small capital? Don’t be discouraged! Starting a business doesn’t always require a large investment. With the capital you have and the support of the growing use of technology, you can start a business with minimal investment.

In this era of technological disruption, the internet is widely used by many Indonesians. Social media is increasingly being explored as a platform to promote various products and services, from personal branding to selling merchandise.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 66.48% of Indonesia's population had accessed the internet in 2022. This figure is quite high and has increased compared to 2021, which was only 65.87%.

This percentage increase shows the openness of Indonesians to technological advancements, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to promote their business products through social media or other digital channels.

In addition to capital, starting a business also requires market research, demographics, location, and creating a structure and strategy to grow your business. 

Here are 17 small capital business ideas you can try in 2025!

1. Dropshipping Business

Source: freepik

 

Dropshipping provides a system for selling various products directly from the manufacturer to the consumer, without the hassle of packaging, storing, and shipping the product to the consumer.

In the digital era, where most Indonesians are accustomed to online shopping, it makes it easier for you to become a dropshipper. You can use social media platforms or e-commerce to market your dropship products.

You just need to create an order list, then hand it over to the product manufacturer/supplier, who will then arrange the shipment to your customer’s address.

According to the research report Beyond the Digital Frontier, KIC estimates the proportion of active e-commerce users domestically is 33.4% of the total population.

Quoting from the Goodstats survey in 2022, 51% of Indonesians have a positive experience using e-commerce sites and online shopping. 

Additionally, 47% of potential buyers find it easier to find better online deals than in physical stores.

Before starting a dropshipping business, make sure you choose products of good quality. You can curate the products you will dropship in your online store display. 

Your responsibility as a dropshipper is to create marketing and promotion strategies for your products and act as customer service.

This dropshipping business is ideal for novice entrepreneurs because it does not require large capital and does not need storage space for your products.

2. Create Digital Products or Online Courses

Source: Freepik

 

 

You can consider selling digital products such as design templates (like journaling templates, aesthetic calendars, etc.), podcasts, websites (including creating landing pages), guide books (such as culinary and souvenir shop guides in certain areas), or online courses.

One of the advantages of opening an online course is that you do not need a high budget to rent an office, so you can focus on profiting from the services you provide.

You must actively search for students to teach, such as offering to acquaintances with school-age children or using social media for personal branding (this method may take longer).

You can also sell online courses through educational platforms like Skillshare to offer teaching/mentoring services in creative fields ranging from music, painting, marketing, animation, to filmmaking.

Before becoming a teacher, decide and consider what skills or subjects you can confidently teach in an online class. You can offer one-on-one tutoring for small classes or choose to do both simultaneously.

You can also offer workshops on effective CV writing, financial planning, or various personal development topics.

3. Social Media Marketing Services

Source: freepik

 

You might consider offering social media marketing services to start a small capital business. Some social media marketing services you can offer include planning and strategizing content, copywriting, social media performance analysis, and managing social media accounts.

You can use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help you develop more effective social media marketing strategies. 

You can leverage AI technology to generate content that can engage with target audiences and match their preferences, interests, or behavior.

You can provide more effective and targeted content by knowing the audience’s interaction history with the brand you are managing.

You can also devise strategies and create brand messages that improve awareness and build a positive image of your brand.

Read more: 5 Supply Chain Strategies for Restaurant Distribution Optimization

4. Handicraft Business

Source: freepik

Indonesia is renowned for its cultural diversity, providing ample opportunities to explore and build a business in this segment. You can explore Indonesian cultural products ranging from batik, ikat woven fabrics, rattan products, and many more.

Quoting from Jakarta Daily, the export value of handicraft products in Indonesia in 2022 reached IDR 10.6 trillion, an increase of 6.94% from the previous year.

Building a handicraft business not only hones your entrepreneurial skills but also provides a medium to channel your creativity and innovation.

By utilizing available materials or those you can obtain at affordable prices, you can create handicraft products with high selling value.

You can combine traditional and modern cultural values in your handmade products. 

You can also attend workshops that share knowledge about marketing handicrafts or participate in craft exhibitions as a medium to promote your handicraft products.

The handicraft business has the potential to absorb a lot of labor. You can invite your friends or neighbors to build a handicraft business together. If it reaches a larger scale, you might consider exporting your handicraft products.

Indonesian handicraft products are highly sought after by foreign consumers, so this potential can be a motivation and a goal for you.

5. Graphic Design or Video Editing Services

If you have skills in graphic design or video editing, take advantage of this opportunity! 

Many businesses need content designs, logos, and promotional videos. With the right equipment, you can produce high-quality work and attract more clients.

6. Motorcycle or Car Wash Business

A vehicle wash service is a profitable business with a relatively low investment. You can start with basic equipment such as a water pump, soap, drying tools, buckets, and hoses. 

To enhance your service, consider investing in a steam machine, vacuum cleaner, or a canopy for customer convenience.

Estimated Initial Investment:

• Basic Package (without steam & vacuum cleaner): Rp 1,500,000 – Rp 3,000,000
• Full Package (with steam, vacuum, and canopy): Rp 5,000,000 – Rp 12,000,000.

With the right marketing strategy and a strategic location, this business can grow rapidly and generate stable profits.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is an easy, low-cost, and flexible business strategy. With a simple agreement and an internet-connected device, you can recruit affiliate marketers without large advertising costs. 

This model suits various products, allowing you to earn more without hiring employees. Digital ads with affiliate links can generate long-term passive income. 

You can be a business owner utilizing this system or an affiliate marketer promoting products through your website or social media.

8. Personal Shopping Service (Jastip)

Jastip is a low-capital business ideal for those who frequently travel or live near shopping centers. 

The concept is simple: you buy requested items and resell them at a higher price as a service fee. 

With just transportation, internet access, and social media marketing, you can run this business without stocking inventory or renting a physical store. Using a pre-order system minimizes risks while maximizing profits.

9. Thrifting Business (Second-Hand Clothing)

The thrift business remains popular in 2025, especially among young people seeking quality clothing at affordable prices. 

With minimal investment, you can buy high-quality second-hand clothes and resell them for a profit. 

Selling online via social media or marketplaces allows you to reach a broader customer base without renting a physical store.

10. Website Development Services

In the digital era, businesses need an online presence, making website development a lucrative opportunity. If you have web development skills, this can be a profitable venture.

Estimated Initial Investment:

• Laptop or PC: Rp 5,000,000 – Rp 15,000,000
• Paid Software: Rp 500,000 – Rp 2,000,000 per year
• Domain & Hosting: Rp 500,000 – Rp 2,000,000 per year

11. Healthy Food Business

The demand for healthy food continues to rise, but there are still limited players in this industry. With a unique recipe and proper marketing, you can reach your target consumers and tap into this growing market.

Estimated Initial Investment:

• Raw Ingredients: Rp 500,000 – Rp 2,000,000
• Cooking Equipment: Rp 1,000,000 – Rp 3,000,000
• Packaging: Rp 300,000 – Rp 1,000,000

12. Children's Toy Rental

Renting children's toys is a small-capital business with low competition. Items such as swings, seesaws, and educational toys are in high demand, especially when tailored to local market needs and parental budgets.

Estimated Initial Investment: Rp 2,000,000 – Rp 10,000,000 (including maintenance costs).

13. Virtual Assistant

Many business owners seek virtual assistants to handle administrative and managerial tasks. This business is flexible and can be operated remotely with a stable internet connection and the right devices.

14. Writing Agency

A writing agency provides professional content creation services, including copywriting, articles, and digital content. With a skilled team, this business can be run with minimal investment and has a growing market.

15. Laundry Business

Laundry services are always in demand, especially in urban areas, dormitories, and apartments. With a washing machine, dryer, detergent, and iron, you can start attracting customers with quality service. 

Estimated Initial Investment: Rp 5,000,000 – Rp 15,000,000.

16. Selling Mobile Credit & Data Packages

The increasing need for mobile credit and data makes this a promising business. With a starting investment of Rp 500,000 for an initial balance and registration with a trusted distributor, you can offer mobile credit, data packages, electricity tokens, and bill payments.

17. UMKM Culinary Business

Sumber: Freepik

 

According to ESB data, Indonesia's local culinary business grew rapidly in 2025, with ultra-micro and micro businesses expanding up to 3x, while small businesses saw 2.6x growth. 

This shows that UMKM-based culinary businesses remain highly profitable in 2025 despite increasing competition. With the right strategy and a product that fits your target market, your business can thrive.

Read more: The Importance of Calculating Initial Capital! Here

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