17 Simple Six-Figure Business Ideas (That Anyone Can Start With Just Basic Knowledge)
You don’t need a genius idea or $50K to start — these 17 businesses have helped ordinary people hit six figures with just hustle and basic skills. If you’re dreaming of six-figure business ideas that feel doable, you’re in the right place. These are realistic, simple six figure business paths — low startup cost six figure businesses that real people are scaling in 2026 without fancy degrees or tech wizardry.
I’m your motivational mentor who’s been there: started from scratch, tried ideas, failed a few times, and finally built something that changed everything. These easy businesses to start 2026 are service-based, digital, or local — perfect six figure side hustle ideas anyone can start. They require consistent effort (no overnight riches), but with free resources, you can learn the basics in weeks and scale to $100K+ annually. Excited for you? Let’s jump into these anyone can start business ideas!
1. Virtual Assistant for Busy Entrepreneurs
Startup cost estimate: Under $500 (laptop, internet, basic tools).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Organization, email management, scheduling. Learn via YouTube channels like “The Virtual Savvy” or free courses on Skillshare trials.
Path to six figures: Start at $20–$30/hour on Upwork; retain 5–10 clients for $5K/month. Scale by niching (e.g., e-commerce VAs) and hiring subs.
Real earnings example: One VA I know started part-time, hit $60K in year 1, and scaled to $120K by year 3 with a small team.
Why it works in 2026: Remote work boom means entrepreneurs need affordable help more than ever — demand is skyrocketing.
2. Social Media Management for Local Businesses
Startup cost estimate: $200–$1,000 (Canva Pro, scheduling tools).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Content creation, basic analytics. Free Meta Blueprint courses or Hootsuite Academy.
Path to six figures: Charge $1K–$3K/month per client; land 5–8 clients via local networking. Add ads management for higher retainers.
Real earnings example: A friend manages 10 small biz accounts, pulling $150K annually after two years.
Why it works in 2026: Local shops are going digital fast; AI tools make pros stand out with strategy.
3. Online Course Creation in Your Hobby/Expertise
Startup cost estimate: $0–$500 (Teachable free tier, phone for recording).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Teach what you know (e.g., baking, fitness). Free guides on Thinkific blog or YouTube.
Path to six figures: Price $97–$497; sell via email list/webinars. Relaunch and upsell for recurring revenue.
Real earnings example: A hobby photographer created a course, hit $80K first launch, now over $200K yearly.
Why it works in 2026: Lifelong learning trend + AI for easy creation = massive e-learning demand.
4. Freelance Copywriting for E-commerce
Startup cost estimate: Under $300 (portfolio site on Carrd).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Persuasive writing. Free Copyblogger resources or AWAI trials.
Path to six figures: Start $0.10/word; move to retainers ($3K–$10K/month). Specialize in emails/ads.
Real earnings example: One writer niched in Shopify stores, reached $120K in year 2.
Why it works in 2026: E-commerce explosion needs conversion-focused copy daily.
5. Home Organizing & Decluttering Services
Startup cost estimate: $500–$2,000 (supplies, insurance).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Tidying techniques. Marie Kondo YouTube or free NAPO resources.
Path to six figures: Charge $50–$100/hour; package sessions. Build referrals and team for volume.
Real earnings example: A mom started locally, now runs a team hitting $140K/year.
Why it works in 2026: Minimalism + remote work homes = constant need for space optimization.
6. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Empire
Startup cost estimate: $1,000–$3,000 (insurance, app like Rover).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Animal love, reliability. Free Pet Sitters International guides.
Path to six figures: $25–$50/visit; add boarding/overnight. Hire walkers for scale.
Real earnings example: One sitter built to multiple cities, clearing $110K profit yearly.
Why it works in 2026: Pet humanization + travel rebound = booming demand.
7. Senior Care Companion Services
Startup cost estimate: $500–$2,000 (background check, bonding).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Empathy, basic errands. Free Red Cross online modules.
Path to six figures: $20–$40/hour; recurring clients. Expand to light care/team.
Real earnings example: A companion agency owner hit $100K in year 3 serving locals.
Why it works in 2026: Aging population needs non-medical companionship desperately.
8. Etsy Print-on-Demand Shop (custom designs)
Startup cost estimate: $200–$1,000 (Canva, Printify integration).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Simple design. Free Canva tutorials.
Path to six figures: List 100+ designs; optimize SEO. Scale with trends/niches.
Real earnings example: One shop owner reached $500K revenue balancing family.
Why it works in 2026: Personalization trend + no inventory = low-risk high-margin.
9. Local SEO for Small Businesses
Startup cost estimate: $500 (tools like Google Business free).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Google optimization. Free Google Skillshop.
Path to six figures: $1K–$3K/month retainers; 10 clients = six figures.
Real earnings example: A freelancer niched locally, hit $130K with retainers.
Why it works in 2026: “Near me” searches dominate; small biz need visibility.
10. Resume Writing & LinkedIn Optimization
Startup cost estimate: Under $500 (templates, LinkedIn Premium trial).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Writing/branding. Free LinkedIn Learning.
Path to six figures: $200–$1,000/package; volume via referrals.
Real earnings example: One writer specialized in tech, cleared $150K yearly.
Why it works in 2026: Job market flux + AI resumes need human touch.
11. Bookkeeping for Solopreneurs
Startup cost estimate: $300–$1,000 (QuickBooks certification).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Basic accounting. Free QuickBooks tutorials.
Path to six figures: $300–$800/month/client; 20 clients.
Real earnings example: A bookkeeper scaled to $120K serving creators.
Why it works in 2026: Gig economy explosion needs simple financial help.
12. Personal Fitness Coaching (online or in-person)
Startup cost estimate: $500–$2,000 (certification like NASM online).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Motivation, plans. Free ACE resources.
Path to six figures: $100/session or $300/month online groups.
Real earnings example: An online coach hit $200K with group programs.
Why it works in 2026: Health focus post-pandemic + virtual options.
13. Airbnb Experience Host
Startup cost estimate: Under $1,000 (supplies for unique tours).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Local knowledge. Airbnb host guides.
Path to six figures: High-rated experiences; multiple slots.
Real earnings example: A food tour host scaled to $100K+ in tourist areas.
Why it works in 2026: Experiential travel rebound.
14. Niche Blog + Affiliate Marketing
Startup cost estimate: $100–$500 (domain, hosting).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Writing, SEO basics. Free Ahrefs/YouTube.
Path to six figures: Traffic → affiliates/ads. Evergreen content.
Real earnings example: A parenting blogger hit $150K via affiliates.
Why it works in 2026: Trust in niches over social algorithms.
15. Handmade Product Flipping (upcycling)
Startup cost estimate: $1,000–$3,000 (tools, materials).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Basic crafting. YouTube upcycle channels.
Path to six figures: Sell on Etsy/Markets; scale production.
Real earnings example: Furniture flipper reached $110K yearly.
Why it works in 2026: Sustainability trend loves upcycled uniques.
16. Email Marketing Management
Startup cost estimate: $200 (tools like Mailchimp free).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Flows/sequences. Free Klaviyo academy.
Path to six figures: $2K–$5K/month retainers.
Real earnings example: One manager for e-com hit $140K.
Why it works in 2026: Email ROI king amid privacy changes.
17. Children’s Party Planning
Startup cost estimate: $1,000–$4,000 (themes, vendors).
Basic skills needed + free learning resources: Coordination. Pinterest/YouTube.
Path to six figures: $1K–$5K/event; weekends full.
Real earnings example: A planner booked solid, $120K/year.
Why it works in 2026: Post-isolation families splurge on memories.
Bonus Sections
How to Choose YOUR Six-Figure Idea
List your skills/hobbies → match to demand (Google Trends) → test one with minimal spend. Pick what excites you — consistency wins!
The Common Thread in All 17 (Mindset + Systems)
Solve real problems, deliver value consistently, build systems (tools/templates), and market daily. Mindset: Progress over perfection.
Free Starter Checklist
- Pick idea 2. Learn basics (1–4 weeks) 3. Build portfolio/site 4. Get first client/sale 5. Track weekly progress. Download my free PDF version in comments!
FAQs – Six-Figure Business Ideas
Can you really make six figures with no experience? Yes — start small, learn as you go, overdeliver. Most here hit $50K year 1 with hustle.
What’s the fastest to six figures? Freelance services like VA or social management — quick clients, recurring revenue.
Are these truly low startup cost? All under $5K, many under $1K — focus on skills over stuff.
Do I need to quit my job? No! Many start as side hustles, go full-time at $5K/month.
What if I fail at one? Normal — pivot skills to another idea here.
Is 2026 too late? No — these trends are growing stronger.
How much time per week? 10–20 to start, 30–40 for six figures.
Best for beginners? VA, pet sitting, or Etsy POD — forgiving learning curves.
Conclusion
Pick one idea, start small this week, and build your six-figure future. You’ve got this — ordinary people do it daily with consistency and heart. Which one calls to you? Comment below — I’m cheering you on!
