Heita Mzanzi Youth, get your hustle on

You don’t need a huge loan or full-time commitment (at least not initially or if you want it to succeed!)to start your business journey. Many successful entrepreneurs began with small, part-time side hustles—testing their ideas, growing slowly, and learning along the way.

If you’re a young South African with ambition but limited resources, this guide is for you. Here are business ideas you can start with low capital, flexible hours, and room to grow—plus how to get started, and what to watch out for.

1. Digital Services: Use your skills online

Startup costs: R0–R1,000 | Time: Flexible

How to get started:

1. Choose a skill you already have (e.g., writing, design, admin, social media)

2. Set up a simple portfolio using free tools like Canva, Google Drive, or a free Wix website

3. Offer your services in WhatsApp groups, Facebook Marketplace, and on the SimplyBiz Directory

Pros:

1. High demand and remote work potential

2. Low to no startup cost

3. Great for building long-term clients

Cons:

1. Competitive market—you need to stand out

2. Requires self-discipline and good time management

2. Product reselling

Startup costs: R500–R3,000 | Time: Flexible

How to get started:

1. Buy popular products in bulk (e.g., beauty, snacks, fashion accessories)

2. Set your prices and start selling on WhatsApp, Takealot, or Instagram

3. Offer bundle deals or local delivery to attract more customers

Pros:

1. No need to make your own products

2. Quick to start and easy to scale

Cons:

1. Upfront cash needed for stock

2. Must manage inventory and delivery logistics

3. Tutoring or online lessons

Startup costs: R0–R500 | Time: Afternoons or weekends

How to get started:

1. Offer help in school subjects, languages, coding, or music

2. Use Google Meet or Zoom for online lessons, or offer home visits

3. Promote yourself at local schools, libraries, and online

Pros:

1. Builds trust and reputation quickly

2. Great for those passionate about education

Cons:

1. Income depends on demand and consistency

2. You may need to adjust to different learning styles

4. Homemade or handmade products

Startup costs: R500–R2,000 | Time: Part-time

How to get started:

1. Choose a product you enjoy making (candles, baked goods, herbal teas, crafts)

2. Test small batches with friends or at local markets

3. Set up a small Instagram shop or use Facebook Marketplace

Pros:

1. Creative and fulfilling

2. Can build a strong local following

Cons:

1. Time-consuming to produce and pack

2. Stock and ingredients can expire if not sold in time

5. Content creation or influencer marketing

Startup costs: R0–R1,000 | Time: Consistent but flexible

How to get started:

1. Choose a niche (fashion, food, lifestyle, motivation)

2. Create content on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube

3. Collaborate with small brands to build credibility

Pros:

1. Can become a full-time income stream

2. Creative freedom and networking opportunities

Cons:

1. Takes time to build an audience

2. Content creation can be demanding and unpredictable

6. Mobile Services

Startup costs: R1,000–R5,000 | Time: Flexible bookings

How to get started:

1. Pick a service you can provide (car washing, errands, beauty, deliveries)

2. Buy basic equipment and promote in your community

3. Offer convenience and flexible hours as your key value

Pros:

1. Can start with a little more than a bucket, tools, and determination

2. Builds a strong local reputation fast

Cons:

1. Requires transport or mobility

2. Weather and travel can affect bookings

7. Pet care services

Startup costs: R0–R1,000 | Time: Weekends, mornings/evenings

How to get started:

1. Offer dog walking, pet sitting, or bathing services

2. Build trust by working with friends or neighbours first

3. Promote on local WhatsApp groups and vet clinics

Pros:

1. Low cost and high demand in pet-loving areas

2. Flexible and enjoyable for animal lovers

Cons:

1. Requires responsibility and patience

2. Not ideal if you're scared of animals or allergic

8. Elderly support services

Startup costs: R0–R2,000 | Time: Flexible and part-time

How to get started:

1. Offer help with shopping, companionship, basic tech setup or admin

2. Speak with local NGOs, clinics, or churches for referrals

3. Market through word-of-mouth and community groups

Pros:

1. Fulfilling work with a strong social impact

2. Builds trust and credibility in your community

Cons:

1. Emotionally demanding at times

2. May need to manage health/safety considerations

Final Tips

1. Start small and test your idea before going all in

2. Use free tools like SimplyBiz templates, Canva, and WhatsApp Business

3. Keep your costs low and your effort high

4. Most importantly, start where you are, with what you have

June is Youth Month—the perfect time to start your journey.

Explore free tools, templates, and funding guides on www.simplybiz.co.za