Are you looking to start a small business that can make R5,000 in a week, but just don’t know where to begin?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This article will go over 18 small business ideas you can start with a limited budget and can generate at least 5,000 Rand in South Africa.
Let’s get started!
18 Ways to Make R5,000 in a Week in SA
1. Online reselling
You can start an online reselling business by sourcing cheap products from platforms like AliExpress and then reselling them for profit.
It takes dedication and time, but you can make it a side business and then grow into a full-time e-commerce company. You can resell the products through your own Shopify store, social media marketplaces, eBay or Amazon, etc.
2. Transcription service
A transcription service allows you to work remotely if you are able to type fast and have good hearing.
You can accept as many or as few transcription jobs as you wish, even if you don’t want to take on all the work immediately. You can increase your business prospects by becoming a certified transcriptionist, and delve into some specialties to justify higher rates.
The average cost of medical transcriptionists is 6 to 14 cents (USD) per word. This adds up quickly. It takes 24 hours to complete transcription work so be sure you are aware of what jobs you are accepting. The best part is that there is minimal startup cost and overhead. Only a computer and the right software are required.
3. Online teaching
This online business allows you to choose any subject and teach it, regardless of where you live. For instance, if you’re a native English speaker then to can start teaching it to foreign students. If you’re good at music you can create your own course on Udemy. Any skill that you have can easily be converted into an online course that can make R5,000 fast.
4. Online bookkeeping
Most bookkeeping services can be fulfilled online. You can start your own accounting service if you’re an accountant or bookkeeper and want to be your own boss, and then find clients through freelancing platforms like Upwork.
5. Commercial cleaning services
You can provide cleaning services to homeowners, apartments, and commercial properties with a couple of staff members and a variety of cleaning supplies. This is a simple business that requires little overhead.
You can add premium services such as exterior power washing or floor waxing to your cleaning service to make it stand out from the rest.
6. Freelance writing
You can become a freelance copywriter or content creator if you are a natural wordsmith and have some marketing knowledge.
Many companies will pay you to write blogs, website content, or press releases. You can increase your value by sharing SEO knowledge with clients to help them craft strategies around keywords that their target audience uses in their online searches.
While most freelance copywriters charge between $40 and $50 an hour, those who are experts in a particular vertical may charge more.
7. Social media management
You could start a social media-based business producing content for other companies, or you could work as a consultant or manager to help businesses manage their accounts. The potential profit and relatively low startup costs make it something worth looking into.
8. Event planning
This is a great business to start if you are a good planner and have a keen eye for detail. You can work with clients on events such as weddings to conferences, and even large-scale conventions.
If you’re just starting out it would be advisable to just focus on one niche as you build up your experience.
9. Language translation
If you’re multilingual, you can offer specific services such as document translation or the translation of website information to other languages.
10. Digital marketing
While the internet is becoming more important every day, it’s also becoming harder for businesses to make their online presence known.
Many small and medium-sized businesses prefer to outsource digital marketing rather than hire expensive in-house staff. You could be able to start your own business if you are skilled in content marketing, SEO, pay-per click advertising, web development, or social media marketing. It’s one of the easiest way to make 5,000 Rand fast in South Africa.
11. Lawn care
While lawn care can be a chore for many, it can provide a sense of serenity and peace for others. It can be rewarding to work outdoors, despite the tedious nature of the job.
A small lawn care company can be transformed into a full-service landscaping business by offering premium services. This could be the right business for you if you enjoy working outside and creating beautiful landscapes.
12. Become a real estate agent
Navigating the housing market can be overwhelming for many. You can help people find their dream home at a budget-friendly price by being a real estate agent. This particular business has the potential to make you a lot more than 5,000 Rand in a week. Check out our guide on how to find clients as a real estate agent.
13. Graphic design
All businesses, regardless of size, need attractive promotional materials. You can start your own graphic design company if have an eye for design and are comfortable working with tools such as Photoshop and Canva.
14. Printing T-shirts
This is another great business idea that can make R5,000 in a week in South Africa. You don’t even need to have the printing equipment, you can use a third-party printing company such as Uberprints, and then simply focus on marketing to attract customers.
15. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is where e-commerce site owners use a third party to fulfill all their orders. This third party could be a wholesaler or another entity that has a warehouse.
Whenever somebody places an order for your product, you then order it from the supplier and have it shipped directly to them. Dropshipping is such a great business to start with a limited budget because you don’t need to keep an inventory. You get get started using platforms like Shopify.
16. Personal training
Personal training is a job that may be a good choice for someone who has a passion for fitness. It’s an affordable, low-investment business idea that has minimal ongoing expenses.
To keep costs low, personal trainers often offer their services in gyms or at their clients’ homes. You don’t really need to own any equipment.
17. Consulting
Consultants help clients solve their problems by providing useful advice. If you’re someone with extensive knowledge of a particular subject then you can start a consulting business and charge up to R5,000 per session.
As long as you’re really good at what you do (and you have a good reputation), people will pay up. Check out our guide on how to find clients as a consultant.
18. App development
You should consider a career as an app developer if you have the technical knowledge and experience. Many people use smartphones as a daily accessory, so there is a greater demand for mobile apps. Virtual reality is also very popular at the moment, which means that there is a high demand for VR app development.
