How to start a business from scratch: step by step, costs, and 60 ideas to begin in 2026

Starting your own business means turning a product, service, or skill into an activity that brings in revenue on a regular basis, with or without a company registration at first.

It is not just about having more freedom: those who start a business take on the costs, the risks, and the decisions.

The initial investment to “become your own boss” varies a lot: digital and service businesses can start with little more than a computer, while physical stores and franchises require tens of thousands of Brazilian reais.

Below, we show you the step-by-step process, how much it costs to start, and 60 business ideas backed by market data so you can compare them at your own pace.

How to start a business from scratch in 7 steps

Starting a business from scratch involves 7 stages: choosing the idea, validating it, planning, calculating the investment, formalizing, setting up sales, and promoting.

The order matters because those who formalize or invest before validating are more likely to spend money on something nobody wants to buy.

Having a business of your own ranks as the 2nd biggest dream of Brazilians, cited by 40% of respondents, according to the GEM 2025 survey, conducted by Anegepe with Sebrae.

The step-by-step process below helps turn that desire into an actionable plan.

1. Choose an idea that matches your skills, demand, and budget

The best business idea is the one that combines what you know how to do, what people are already looking for, and the money you have today. Passion helps you keep going, but it does not replace demand.

So, before deciding, answer these questions honestly:

• What problem do I solve, and for whom?
• Are people already paying for something similar?
• How much can I invest without putting my household bills at risk?
• How much time per week can I dedicate in the first few months?
• Do I have experience in the field, or will I need to learn from scratch?

If you still don’t know where to start, the list of 60 ideas below offers options by area, with the relative investment for each one. To understand the mindset and first moves of someone starting from zero, also read how to start a business from scratch. And if you are torn between several niches, this guide helps you choose an ideal market niche.

2. Validate the idea before investing

Validating means proving, at low cost, that someone will pay for what you want to sell.

Talking to potential customers, running a presale, or offering a simple version of the product (an MVP) are ways to test without building the full structure.

Market research also helps you understand your audience’s age, habits, and expectations. You can do it yourself, with forms and conversations, or hire a specialized company. These tips for effective market research can guide you.

In the digital world, this test is usually faster. With an MVP or a presale, you can check interest before producing the full content.

3. Put together a simple business plan

A business plan is the document that brings together your audience, value proposition, costs, revenue sources, and goals. It does not need to be 50 pages long at the start. A one-page canvas, such as the Business Model Canvas, already organizes the main decisions at this early stage. For more detail, here is how to write a business plan to sell a digital product.

Include at least:

• Target audience: who buys and why.
• Value proposition: what sets your offer apart.
• Fixed and variable costs: what you pay every month and what depends on sales.
• Sales channels: where customers will find you.
• Goals: how much you need to sell to cover your costs.

4. Calculate the initial investment and working capital

The initial investment covers what you need to get the business started, while working capital is the reserve that keeps the business running until sales pay the bills.

Many people calculate the first and forget the second.

The credit landscape shows why this matters: Brazil reached 9.1 million delinquent companies (CNPJs, the company tax registry) in June 2026, a record for the series, and micro and small businesses make up most of that group, according to the Serasa Experian Business Default Indicator.

This figure shows that relying on expensive credit at the start weighs on your future. Starting small, with low fixed costs and a reserve to cover a few months, greatly reduces that exposure.

5. Formalize the business (MEI, ME, and CNPJ)

Formalizing a business means registering your activity so you can issue invoices, have a CNPJ, and access social security benefits.

For most small businesses in Brazil, the entry point is the MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur).

Opening an MEI is free, and the monthly cost is between R$ 82.05 and R$ 87.05 in 2026, depending on the activity. A microenterprise, on the other hand, involves accounting fees and taxes proportional to revenue, which vary according to the tax regime chosen.

Revenue limits are set out in Complementary Law No. 123/2006, and the 2026 DAS amounts follow the minimum wage of R$ 1,621, according to a Sebrae alert.

6. Set up how you will sell and get paid

Defining sales channels and payment methods before launch prevents you from losing customers at the moment of purchase. A physical store, social media, a marketplace, and your own platform can all work together.

Offer the payment methods your audience uses, such as Pix, credit card, and installments. In the digital world, a reliable checkout makes a difference in conversion.

7. Promote and track your first results

Promoting consistently and measuring results from the first month shows what works and where to adjust. Social media presence, useful content, and customer referrals are the most accessible channels at the beginning.

Paid ads speed things up, but they have become more expensive: the cost per click rose 143%, according to data presented by Hotmart at Hotmart Fire 2026. That is why it pays to combine paid traffic with organic channels and partnerships.

Track simple indicators: sales, customer acquisition cost, margin, and repeat purchases. To go further, learn the key sales metrics for a digital business. They show where the bottleneck is before cash gets tight.

How much does it cost to start a business?

The cost of starting a business ranges from almost zero, in digital and service models, to tens of thousands of reais, in physical locations and franchises. In the latter cases, what weighs most is the structure: rent, inventory, equipment, and staff.

What can you start with little money?

With budgets of around R$ 1,000, the most viable models are services that use your skills and digital products. With something close to R$ 5,000, options with a small inventory or equipment come into play, such as made-to-order food and a lean online store.

60 business ideas to start in 2026

The business ideas with the most room in 2026 are in digital products, food, beauty, the pet market, education, and services for small businesses.

The list below brings together 60 options across ten areas, with market data to help you choose.

Pick the one that fits you best and start planning. Use the table for a quick overview and then check the details of each idea.

DIGITAL AND KNOWLEDGE BUSINESSES

1. Content creation

Creating content means producing videos, texts, podcasts, or posts for an audience and earning money from advertising, partnerships, or your own products. Bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers are the best-known examples.

This market is huge: there are about 72 million creators in the world and 14 million in Brazil, according to figures presented by João Pedro Resende, CEO of Hotmart, at Hotmart Fire 2026.

Income that comes only from brands fluctuates. That is why many creators become infoproducers and use the authority they have built to sell courses, ebooks, and mentoring. If you communicate well and master a topic, this is a way in.

2. Ebooks

An ebook is a digital book that teaches something you master and can be sold many times with no inventory cost. It is one of the most accessible formats to start with.

Another nice thing about this format is that it can also become a physical product when needed. Hotmart has already turned ebooks into more than 200,000 printed books, and producers who also sell physical products record, on average, 41% more sales.

Check out the step-by-step guide to create an ebook from scratch.

3. Online courses

An online course is a set of recorded or live lessons that teaches a skill and can be sold to students anywhere. You record once and sell many times.

The scale of this market shows in the numbers: Hotmart Company creators have already surpassed US$ 10 billion in cumulative gross sales, according to an official statement from the group. To see what sells, check out the best selling online courses.

Benefits for those who learn:

• Study without leaving home and without commuting.
• Watch lessons whenever you prefer.
• Go at your own pace.

Benefits for those who teach:

• Record once and sell to many students.
• Sell to other cities and countries.
• Choose your hours and work from anywhere.

4. Online mentoring

Mentoring is close guidance, one-on-one or in a group, in which you guide someone toward a specific result.

It usually costs more than a course because it takes more time.

The audience is broad: in 2025 alone, Brazil opened 5.1 million companies, according to Sebrae. Many of these new entrepreneurs look for practical guidance in areas such as sales, finance, and management.

Start with a few mentees, record the results, and use those cases to attract the next ones.

5. Paid community and subscription

A paid community is an online space, with a monthly fee, where members exchange experiences and receive recurring content. Predictable revenue is the main advantage of this model.

This format works very well for those who already have a loyal audience and can keep up a schedule of meetings, challenges, or new materials.

6. Online conferences

An online conference is a virtual event with talks by experts on a topic, sold with a ticket and access to the recordings. It exists in health, education, engineering, architecture, technology, and many other fields.

The events sector as a whole is expected to have generated R$ 141.1 billion in 2025, up 8.4%, according to Abrape. In the online format, the advantage is that more people can take part, with no travel or venue costs.

Also, after the event, the recorded content can keep being sold.

7. Digital products about artificial intelligence

These are courses, guides, and materials that teach how to use AI tools at work or in business.

Demand for this type of product has grown fast. Between August 2025 and July 2026, digital products about AI generated R$ 200 million on Hotmart, an increase of 354% compared with the previous two years, with 5,500 entrepreneurs selling to 550,000 buyers, according to the company at Hotmart Fire 2026.

If you already use AI in your profession, teach that applied use. Specific materials, such as AI for lawyers or for small shops, tend to stand out.

8. Affiliate marketing

An affiliate is someone who promotes other people’s products and earns a commission on every sale made through their link. You do not need to create a product, keep inventory, or handle delivery.

Hotmart’s affiliate program has more than 920,000 members and moves R$ 1 billion per year, according to the company at Hotmart Fire 2026. At the same event, Hotmart highlighted that affiliates are paid after the sale, which matters even more with the higher cost per click.

Understand what an affiliate program is and how it works before choosing your first products.

9. Online store

An online store, or e-commerce, is a website that sells physical or digital products. You need a platform that manages the store and payments and, if you sell physical items, a plan for inventory and shipping.

Brazilian e-commerce generated R$ 235.5 billion in 2025, up 15.3%, with 94.2 million buyers, according to the Brazilian Association of Artificial Intelligence and E-commerce, in data released by Mundo do Marketing.

Competition is also high. Choosing a niche and investing in photos, descriptions, and customer service makes a difference.

10. Apps and software

Creating apps and software means developing digital tools that solve a specific problem and charging per use, subscription, or license. Those who code have an advantage, but it is no longer the only way in.

AI tools are lowering the technical barrier. At Hotmart Fire 2026, Hotmart presented Launchpad, a feature in testing in which AI creates websites, games, and apps integrated with a payment system.

If you have a good idea and do not code, you can also look for a technical partner.

11. Website creation

Building websites for small businesses and independent professionals is a low-cost, constant-demand service. Many businesses still do not have their own presence on the internet.

The potential market is large: Brazil had 24.2 million active companies, 93.8% of them micro or small, in the second four-month period of 2025, according to the Business Map.

Start with website builders and ready-made templates and build a portfolio with your first clients.

12. Freelance writing, design, and video

A freelancer is someone who provides services per project, with no fixed contract, for several clients. Writing for blogs and social media, designing graphics, and editing short videos are among the most in-demand services.

Well-written or well-edited material informs, educates, and influences the buying decision. That is why many companies outsource this production instead of hiring a team.

A portfolio and specialization in a niche, such as finance or health, help you charge more.

13. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant remotely handles administrative tasks, emails, scheduling, and customer service for other companies. Organization and command of online tools are the main requirements.

Demand comes from small businesses: 93.8% of active companies in the country are micro or small, and many do not have the structure to hire someone full-time.

Monthly packages with a set number of hours make revenue more predictable.

FOOD

14. Niche restaurant

The food sector is large and competitive: eating out generated R$ 287.9 billion in 2025, and Brazil ended the year with about 1.2 million active establishments, according to the ID Food Service study, by Wise Sales with ABIA, released by Giro News.

That same study also recorded 420,000 openings and 277,000 closures in the sector in 2025. This shows that differentiation and cost control weigh more than the idea itself. Testing the menu through delivery before opening a dining room reduces risk.

A niche restaurant, which serves a specific audience such as vegetarians, people looking for low-calorie meals, or those who prefer organic ingredients, has a clear focus, which makes communication easier and reduces direct competition.

Examples of niches:

• Vegetarian or vegan restaurant;
• Low-calorie meal restaurant;
• Menu for people with dietary restrictions, with a nutritionist’s guidance;
• Salads with organic ingredients.

15. Frozen food sales

Selling homemade frozen meals serves people who want to eat well but have no time to cook. You can start small, in your own kitchen, following local health regulations.

Domestic demand supports the sector: the domestic market of the food industry exceeded, for the first time, R$ 1 trillion in 2025, according to ABIA.

Your first customers usually come from your own social circle. Well-made packaging and labels build trust.

16. Healthy meal prep

Healthy, fitness, or vegan meal prep means ready-made meals focused on nutrition and convenience. They work well with a weekly subscription, which provides predictability.

Partnerships with gyms and nutritionists help you reach the right audience.

17. Food truck

A food truck is a vehicle adapted to prepare and sell food on the street or at events. It costs less than a restaurant and can change location depending on foot traffic.

Savory snacks, sweets, griddle pasta, or the good old well-made sandwich: a lean menu and the choice of location define the result.

For this business, you need the licenses required by your city government.

18. Food for kids

Healthy meals and snacks designed for children serve parents who want to avoid ultra-processed foods. The challenge is competing with the visual appeal of industrialized options.

Salads with fun drawings, natural fruit popsicles, and colorful packaging help win over the little ones.

19. Decorated cakes

Decorated and themed cakes are made-to-order products for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and parties in general. Because they are personalized, they allow you to charge more, especially with differentiators such as gluten-free versions.

Demand for celebrations is high: the social events sector is expected to have generated R$ 31.7 billion in 2025, with about 476,000 weddings forecast, according to Abrape, in data published by O Povo.

Themes from popular movies, series, and characters usually drive orders.

20. International cuisine

Cuisines from other countries attract curious customers and can be a differentiator in cities with few options. The ideal is to research your region’s interest before choosing.

With about 1.2 million food establishments in the country, according to the ID Food Service study released by Giro News, specializing in one cuisine helps you stand out.

Some options:

• Arab cuisine
• Japanese cuisine
• Chinese cuisine
• Mexican cuisine
• Indian cuisine
• Peruvian cuisine

21. Cooking classes

Teaching recipes, in person or in an online course, turns your kitchen skills into income without needing a restaurant. It can be at your home, in a rented space, or on video.

The online version expands your reach to students across the country. The pastry chef Bruna Rebelo, for example, turned this knowledge into a pastry school.

CRAFTS AND PERSONALIZED PRODUCTS

22. Recycled products

Turning discarded materials into useful or decorative objects serves consumers concerned about the environment. Manual skill is the main requirement.

Some examples of pieces that do well are:

• Candle holders and vases made from cans;
• Recycled paper notebooks;
• Vases made from glass bottles;
• Shelves made from fruit crates.

Well-made photos and the story behind each piece help sell on social media.

23. Personalized gifts

Personalized gifts are products made to order for each customer, something big stores do not offer. It is an old idea that keeps selling.

Classic examples are:

• Mugs with names;
• Pillows with photos;
• Planners and journals with custom covers.

24. Creative packaging

Creating boxes, bags, and distinctive packaging serves those who want to elevate their own product. Packaging is often the customer’s first contact with the brand.

With hundreds of millions of online orders per year, according to Mundo do Marketing, small retailers look for packaging that stands out on delivery.

Partnerships with suppliers and online stores help you scale.

25. Necklaces, bracelets, and costume jewelry

Handmade costume jewelry requires little investment, comes in many possible styles, and is easy to promote. You can start by selling to acquaintances and through social media.

An online store or a marketplace profile helps you reach beyond your close circle. There are many courses and tutorials, including on Hotmart, for those just starting out.

26. Handmade candles and soaps

Scented candles and natural soaps are low-cost products with decorative and gift appeal. Distinctive ingredients and themed kits increase perceived value.

Brazil is the third-largest cosmetics market in the world, behind the United States and China, according to Euromonitor International, in data published by Jornal Opção.

Before you start selling at scale, however, check Anvisa’s (Brazil’s health regulator) requirements for these products.

FASHION

27. Clothing for a specific niche

Selling clothes to a defined audience helps you build loyal customers and avoid price wars. The logic is the same as for the niche restaurant.

Clothing retail is among the most representative activities of the companies operating in the country, according to the Business Map, in data released by Fenacon.

Specializing is what makes the difference.

Good examples of niches are:

• Maternity clothing;
• Plus-size fashion;
• Teen clothing;
• Kids’ fashion.

28. Thrift store

A thrift store is a shop, physical or online, selling used clothes and accessories. You can start with pieces from your own closet and grow by accepting pieces from other people.

Brazil has about 118,000 active thrift stores, and the sector is expected to have generated R$ 24 billion in 2025, according to Sebrae data published by Exame.

Curation, good photos, your own brand, and a business profile on social media help you sell.

29. Party dress rental

Renting party dresses serves people who need an expensive outfit to wear once or twice. You do not have to have a store: you can deliver to customers’ homes.

Demand follows social events: about 476,000 weddings were forecast in 2025, according to Abrape, in data from O Povo.

A love of fashion, good negotiation with suppliers, and care in maintaining the pieces are essential.

30. Style consulting

A style consultant or personal shopper helps clients build their wardrobe, match pieces, and shop better. Reviewing the closet, suggesting purchases, and accompanying the client to stores are part of the service.

If you would rather not serve clients in person, you can teach the same content through a blog, a course, or an ebook.

BEAUTY AND WELL-BEING

31. At-home makeup

At-home makeup serves brides, graduates, and clients preparing for events without leaving home. Practicality and good products are the starting point.

The makeup segment is expected to grow about 8% a year through 2030 in Brazil, according to Euromonitor International, in data published by Jornal Opção.

Once you have built a client base, you can move on to a space of your own.

32. Manicure and pedicure

Manicure and pedicure is a recurring service, done every one or two weeks, which ensures regular clients. The materials are simple: nail polish, remover, files, and clippers.

Beauty services are among the most representative activities of the companies operating in the country, according to the Business Map, in data from Fenacon.

Techniques such as gel extensions and nail art increase the average ticket.

33. Massage

Massage is a service sought by men and women of all ages and can be done at home or at the client’s home. A massage table, creams, and towels are enough to start.

Well-being is on the rise: the health, beauty, and wellness franchise segment grew 14.6% in 2025 and generated R$ 74.3 billion, according to ABF, in data from Diário do Comércio.

A massage therapy course is required before you start seeing clients.

34. Eyebrow design and waxing

Eyebrow design and waxing require few products, can be done anywhere, and pair well with other services, such as makeup. The initial investment is low.

Like other beauty services, it is among the activities with the greatest presence in the Business Map, according to Fenacon.

35. Beauty salon

A beauty salon brings together haircuts, coloring, styling, and hair treatments in one place. It is one of the most traditional businesses there is.

If your budget is tight, start by serving clients at home or at their homes. For a full salon, with a team, demand in the beauty sector, which grew 14.6% in franchises in 2025 according to ABF (Diário do Comércio), helps justify the larger investment.

36. Cosmetics and perfume resale

Reselling cosmetics and perfumes is a way to start a business without manufacturing anything, buying from brands and distributors. Many suppliers work on consignment, where you only pay for what you sell.

The Brazilian market is the third-largest in the world for cosmetics, which creates many possibilities.

THE PET MARKET

37. Online pet shop

An online pet shop sells food, accessories, toys, and hygiene products over the internet. Non-perishable items make inventory easier.

The pet market is expected to have generated R$ 77.2 billion in 2025, and the country has about 160 million pets, according to Abinpet and the Instituto Pet Brasil, in data from Diário de Pernambuco.

38. Pet sitter and dog walker

A pet sitter looks after animals while their owners travel or work; the walker takes dogs out for walks. The investment is low, and the owner’s trust is the main asset.

Small and medium pet shops account for almost half of pet retail revenue, according to the Instituto Pet Brasil, in data from Diário do Comércio. Partnerships with these local businesses help you get clients.

EDUCATION

39. Language school

A language school teaches foreign languages in groups or one-on-one lessons. To stand out, you need your own method, a specific audience, or a language that is rarely offered.

The demand is real: Brazil ranked 75th out of 123 countries in the EF EPI 2025 English Proficiency Index, in the low proficiency band, according to EF Education First, in data from InfoMoney.

If you do not have the money for a school, you can start with private lessons.

40. Tutoring

Tutoring helps children and teenagers who struggle with subjects such as math, language arts, or science. Besides mastering the content, you have to enjoy teaching.

In Pisa 2022, 73% of Brazilian students scored below the basic level in math, according to Inep, the most recent result available for the assessment.

Start with people close to you, such as nieces, nephews, and friends’ children, and ask for referrals.

41. Online private lessons

Online private lessons teach any subject, from music to programming, by video call. You serve students in other cities with no travel cost.

The same Pisa and EF EPI data show room for tutoring in math, reading, and languages. Those who teach well can also turn their lessons into a recorded course.

42. Exam writing and grading

Schools hire freelance specialists to write and grade exams. It is a way to work in education without teaching classes.

It is not an easy position to find, but it is a good alternative for teachers who want supplementary income.

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

43. Sporting goods store

A sporting goods store combines a love of sports with the desire to run a business. It can specialize in running, cycling, yoga, martial arts, or water sports.

Gyms alone are expected to generate about R$ 17 billion a year, according to the Fitness Brazil Sector Overview 2024, and the total exceeds R$ 25 billion when fashion, supplements, and events are included, according to Diário de Pernambuco.

44. Dance classes

Dance classes can start in parks or rented spaces, without much equipment. Over time, you can open a school with several styles, such as salsa, tango, and zumba.

Only 8% of Brazilians go to gyms, compared with 24.9% in the United States, according to the global report by the Health & Fitness Association, cited by Diário de Pernambuco. Many people look for other ways to exercise, and dance is one of them.

45. Personal trainer

A personal trainer guides one-on-one workouts and requires a degree in physical education. The initial investment is low.

The sector has grown a lot: the number of physical activity centers went from 19,266 in 2014 to 56,833 in 2024, according to the Fitness Brazil Sector Overview, in data from Estado de Minas.

To go beyond in-person sessions, you can create an online course. That is what Ricardo Lapa did, taking his method to students in more than 40 countries.

46. Gym

Opening a gym requires capital for space, equipment, and staff, but it serves growing demand. A variety of classes helps retain members.

Brazil has the third-largest number of gyms in the world, behind the United States and India, according to the Health & Fitness Association (Diário de Pernambuco).

Consider purchasing, hiring, rent, and maintenance management from the start.

PARTIES AND EVENTS

47. Event planning

An event planner organizes and coordinates parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings for people who do not have time or prefer to delegate. A love of planning is essential.

Social events are expected to have generated R$ 31.7 billion in 2025, up 13%, according to Abrape (O Povo).

Focus on a niche, such as weddings, and build a good network of partner suppliers.

48. Event decoration

An event decorator creates the setting for children’s parties, weddings, and celebrations. It is an option for those with an eye for aesthetics, even if they do not enjoy planning.

The average ticket for a wedding reached R$ 66,000 in 2025, according to Abrape (O Povo), and decoration is one of the parts that receives the most investment.

Good suppliers and a portfolio with photos of your work are essential.

49. Toy and party item rental

Renting bounce houses, ball pits, tables, and chairs requires no event experience. What you need is capital to buy the items and a place to store them.

Party supply stores are expected to have generated R$ 21.6 billion in 2024, up 26% since 2021, according to Asbrafe (O Povo).

The business scales well, but it requires constant attention to the maintenance and safety of the toys.

50. Children’s entertainment

Entertainers liven up parties with games, characters, and activities for children. The initial investment is low: costumes, materials, and creativity.

With 40.1 million children up to 14 years old in the country (IBGE), children’s parties are a constant source of demand.

Partnerships with party venues and decorators bring referrals.

SERVICES AND CONSULTING

51. Financial consulting

A financial consultant helps companies and individuals organize cash flow, reduce debt, and plan investments. Experience in the field and a network of contacts are the starting point.

Your own method and a focus on a niche, such as small shops or MEIs, increase your chances of growing.

52. Digital marketing consulting and services

Digital marketing consulting helps companies sell more online, through social media, SEO, and paid media. You can work as a strategic consultant or carry out the day-to-day work.

Experience, data analysis, and creative solutions raise the quality of the service.

53. Business plan consulting

This consultant helps other people structure and launch new businesses. Knowledge of business administration helps, but practical experience also counts.

The potential audience is huge: 42.5 million adults want to start a business within three years, according to the GEM 2025 panel from DataSebrae.

54. Elderly caregiver

A caregiver accompanies older adults in their daily activities, at home or in institutions. Patience, empathy, and a training course are requirements.

The population aged 60 or older reached 32.1 million people (15.6%) in the 2022 Census, up 56% in 12 years, according to IBGE.

First aid certification expands your opportunities.

55. Personal organizer

A personal organizer organizes closets, rooms, or the entire house, using boxes and tidying methods. The initial investment is low.

Before-and-after photos on social media are the main calling card. The service also generates digital content, such as guides and organization courses.

56. Travel guide and planning

A guide leads local tours, while a planner puts together itineraries, bookings, and personalized tips. Knowledge of the region or a love of researching destinations is the foundation.

Brazil received 9.29 million international tourists in 2025, a historic record and a rise of 37.1%, according to the Ministry of Tourism, in data from Itatiaia.

Specializing in niches, such as culinary or adventure tourism, helps you stand out.

57. Home repairs and furniture assembly

Small repairs, installations, and furniture assembly are services with constant demand and low investment. A good toolkit and punctuality are the differentiators.

A good share of furniture is now bought online and arrives disassembled: there were 438.9 million e-commerce orders in 2025, according to Mundo do Marketing.

58. House cleaning and car washing

Cleaning services for homes, offices, and vehicles serve people who prefer to outsource those tasks. You can start on your own, with basic products.

Cleaning and maintenance was the franchise segment that grew the most in 2025, with a 16.8% increase, according to ABF (Band).

Monthly packages and subscriptions ensure recurring income.

59. Phone and electronics repair

Repairing phones, laptops, and appliances serves people who prefer to fix a device rather than buy a new one. It requires technical knowledge, which can be obtained in vocational courses.

Start by serving acquaintances and build a professional profile on social media to earn referrals.

60. Low-investment franchise

A franchise is a model in which you operate a well-known brand, with a method and support from the franchisor. There are lean formats, such as microfranchises and home-based operations.

Brazilian franchising generated R$ 301.7 billion in 2025, up 10.5%, with 202,444 units in operation, according to ABF (Band).

Before signing, talk to franchisees in the network and read the offering circular carefully.

Physical or digital business: which model should you choose to start?

For those with little capital who want to test quickly, a digital business is usually the most accessible starting point. For local services and in-person experiences, a physical business remains irreplaceable. Many entrepreneurs combine both.

In practice, the line is getting blurrier. A salon can sell a self-makeup course, and a creator can sell a printed book. If you want to explore the digital side, see the types of digital products you can create, and read about how you can work from home.

How to start a digital business with Hotmart

On Hotmart, you create your account and register your digital product without paying a monthly fee or a sign-up fee. The platform charges a percentage only when a sale is approved. That removes the fixed cost that often holds back those who are just starting out. See how Hotmart works in detail.

In the initial tier, the fee is 9.9% + R$ 1.00 per approved sale, and conditions improve as revenue grows.

The platform brings together in one place:

• Creation and hosting: courses, ebooks, mentoring, and communities, organized into modules and lessons.
• Hotmart Checkout: a payment page with more than 40 payment methods and sales to 188 countries, with features such as Order Bump and sales recovery.
• Hotmart Club: a free members area to deliver your content, with a product showcase and certificates.
• Affiliate program: other people promote your product and earn a commission only when they sell.
• Parcelado Hotmart: the customer pays in installments, and Hotmart guarantees payment to the producer.

What we learned from those who have already started a business

Entrepreneurship has ups and downs, and those who prepare for that from the start tend to go further. Experts who have taken part in Hotmart Fire shared lessons that are gold for anyone starting alone, like most people.

Know that you will lose motivation

Difficulties appear on any path: an online business, an influencer career, a franchise, or a traditional company. At some point, motivation drops and doubt creeps in about whether it is worth continuing.

“I think the secret to staying motivated is knowing that you will lose motivation. Because sometimes we lose motivation and think, that’s it, it’s over, it’s the end of the road. And no, it’s the beginning. It’s the beginning, but not the beginning of a downhill road, it’s the beginning of a road with many ups and downs, right? Difficulty is part of our life. Difficulty is part of entrepreneurship.” — Iza, singer and entrepreneur, at Hotmart Fire

She recalled that even on days of lower performance or confidence, this is still part of a successful process. “Always doing the best we can, right?”, she said.

Creating content is also entrepreneurship

As content production has become more accessible, careers such as content creator and digital influencer have emerged. Those who are part of this ecosystem, the creator economy, are entrepreneurs, and professionalizing requires responsibility.

“I think we need to rethink this relationship, which is the role of this entrepreneur, because the influencer is the entrepreneur, it is about understanding how they look at their own career. Because many people start, create content, suddenly blow up online, and at the moment they blow up, is the person grasping that ‘I blew up, so what do I do with this now? How do I transform this career of mine?'” — Vítor Bastos, mentor and influencer marketing specialist, on the panel “Democratic entrepreneurship or the scrapping of influence?”

That is why several ideas in the list above also offer ways to turn knowledge into content and product.

Start with a growth mindset

A common mistake among those who start getting results is to settle, often out of fear of taking risks. The fear is valid, but growing requires testing in a planned way.

“It’s about failing at the speed of a Ferrari, but at the cost of a Beetle,” said Iago Claro, a digital entrepreneur who co-leads the Partners ecosystem, on the event’s VIP stage.

Nathalia Cavalieri, then Hotmart’s general director, compared the five biggest producers of 2015 with those of 2023. If the 2015 leaders had kept the same results, they would not even be among the top 200 eight years later.

“You who are satisfied with your revenue. That’s fine. I’m not going to pass judgment if you want to stay where you are. I’m going to ask you a question: are you willing to stop being a benchmark in your business?” — Nathalia Cavalieri, then general director of Hotmart

The lesson: competition moves, and those who stop evolving lose ground. Take risks with planning and don’t stop.

Learn how to expand your business

Growing requires preparation: knowing when to hire, when to invest in a tool, how to build a culture, how to delegate, and how to notice when you yourself are limiting the business.

Trends for starting a business in 2026

The strongest trends for starting a business in 2026 are e-commerce, home-run businesses, dropshipping, the use of artificial intelligence, and the sale of digital products. They give a broad view of the areas with the most room to grow.

E-commerce

E-commerce has consolidated and keeps growing: it generated R$ 235.5 billion in 2025, up 15.3%, according to data released by Mundo do Marketing.

The main advantage is savings on a physical location: no rent, property tax, or renovation. The challenge is competition, which requires constant communication, visual content, and educating consumers about your niche.

Home-run businesses

Technology makes it possible to manage inventory, cash flow, and sales with software and platforms, without leaving home. Many of the businesses on this list can start this way.

Discipline and a professional routine make the difference between a side project and a business that grows.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a model in which you sell products without holding inventory: the supplier stores and ships directly to the customer, and you take care of the store and promotion.

Large marketplaces use this model. It is suited to those without a logistics setup, but it requires care in choosing suppliers, because delays and returns affect your reputation.

Artificial intelligence applied to small businesses

AI is lowering the cost of tasks such as content creation, customer service, and sales analysis. For those who start a business alone, this means doing more with a smaller team.

Creating and selling digital products

Digital products are items sold and consumed over the internet, such as:

• online courses;
• ebooks;
• audiobooks;
• infographics;
• video lessons;
• apps;
• books;
• music.

Most of them involve knowledge. If you have a skill, you can teach it. If you have more resources, you can hire someone to create the product and handle the sales.

Producing a digital item costs less than the physical version, with no shipping or inventory. To get results, choose a topic with real demand and understand your audience’s needs well.

Why do many businesses close in the first few years, and how can you prepare?

The main reasons small businesses close are a lack of working capital, low sales, and little preparation in management. Knowing these risks before you open helps you avoid them.

According to Sebrae’s Business Survival survey, 29% of MEIs close within five years, compared with 21.6% of microenterprises and 17% of small companies (Sebrae).

To reduce the risk:

• Validate demand before investing in infrastructure.
• Keep fixed costs low in the first few months.
• Separate your personal finances from the business’s finances.
• Set aside working capital for a few months of operation.
• Build skills in sales and management before and during the journey.

Time to bring your idea to life

Starting a business begins with a conscious choice: an idea with demand, a cheap test, and a plan that fits your budget. After that, it is about consistency.

If your idea involves teaching what you know, the digital world is a good place to start with low risk.

On Hotmart, you create your account and register your digital product with no monthly fee. The fee only applies when a sale happens. Create my free account.

Sources consulted

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Frequently asked questions about how to start a business