In South Africa, a small business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or privately owned company with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue below 20 million rand.
Starting your own small business gives you the chance to use your skills and passion to make a real impact, to earn a healthy income, build independence, and support your family.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or already working in a professional career, entrepreneurship offers freedom. You’re your own boss, you set your own schedule, make your own decisions, and grow at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll explore profitable small business ideas for women. These ideas are designed to start small, often from home, and scale as you grow. You don’t need a massive budget or specialized training. You just need curiosity, consistency, and the willingness to experiment.
We’ll look at opportunities ranging from flexible home-based options to businesses that can attract customers from across the country, or even around the world.
Table of content
How to pick the right idea for you
Before going all in, take time to test your idea. Run small experiments to see if there’s real demand and if you enjoy delivering the product or service. Here’s what to consider:
- Market demand and size: Find out if people actually want what you plan to sell, and how easy it is to reach them. Start by finding your first paying customer. Let your friends, neighbours, or local network know what you offer and see who’s willing to buy today.
- Skill level: What skills do you need to deliver your product or service? Do you already have them, or will you need training? If the learning curve is steep, plan for that, either with online courses or hands-on practice.
- Start-up costs: Start-up costs can make or break a business idea. Will you need expensive equipment, a rented location, or staff? The digital economy has made it easier than ever to work from home with just a computer, a smartphone and an internet connection. This dramatically lowers costs and opens plenty of opportunities.
- Pricing: Start simple with your pricing, charge enough to cover your costs and labour, and see how customers respond. Adjust your prices as you learn what the market will bear.
- Online or in-person: Do you prefer running a business online or interacting with people face to face? Your answer will help you decide whether to build a digital business, a local service, or a mix of both.
Profitable small business ideas for women
The business ideas mentioned below have relatively low startup costs and don’t require specialized skills and training to start.
1) Carsharing
You don’t need special skills or a big budget to start a carsharing business. If you have a car that often sits idle, you can turn it into an income-generating asset by renting it out when you’re not using it.
Platforms like Tarlen handle most of the work, from marketing your car and screening renters to processing payments and managing reservations. That means your time and financial commitment is minimal.
Carsharing is a low-cost, low-risk way to earn extra income, especially if you work from home and don’t drive much. With the right setup and insurance, your parked car could start paying for itself.
2) Social media management & content creation
Content creation includes everything from writing blog posts to filming short videos or managing social media pages. As a content creator, you can share ideas you’re passionate about or help other businesses do the same.
Social media management goes beyond posting, it includes creating visuals, writing captions, running ads, and engaging with audiences. If you’re creative and organized, this is a great business to start.
All you need is a phone, a computer, and free tools like Canva and social media schedulers. Start by managing your own pages or volunteering to help a local business. As you build experience and results, you can start charging for your services.
If you prefer creating content for yourself, focus on growing your following. Once you have an audience, you can earn through sponsorships and advertising.
3) Home baking & catering for small events
If you love baking, turning it into a business is a sweet next step. You can start right from your home kitchen, selling cakes, pastries, or savoury treats to neighbours, schools, or local shops.
As your customer base grows, consider expanding to small catering services or opening a stall at weekend markets. Partnering with event planners or venues can also help you find new clients.
Keep experimenting with new recipes and your marketing plan as you grow. A small baking business can become a loyal community favourite with time, quality, and consistency.
4) Handmade crafts
If you’re creative and enjoy working with your hands, making jewellery, beadwork, candles, ceramics, or textiles, you can turn that talent into a business.
South Africans love local makers. You can sell your products at farmers’ markets, pop-up events, or on online marketplaces like Etsy or Hello Pretty.
Start small. Take clear photos, write simple descriptions, and share your work on social media.
5) Tutoring & online courses
If you’re good at complex ideas and love helping others learn, tutoring can be a rewarding and flexible business. Whether it’s maths, science, language, or writing, there’s always demand for quality tutors.
You can teach online or in person. For example, if you play an instrument, offer in-person music lessons. If you’re skilled at writing, teach creative writing or grammar.
To find students, post flyers in your community or share ads on social media. You can also join platforms like TeachMe2, BrightSparkz, or FirstTutor, which connect tutors with learners in South Africa.
To stand out, record short mini-lessons for TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram. Sharing free, useful content helps attract more clients and builds your reputation.
6) Freelance services: copywriting, bookkeeping, virtual assistant (VA)
Freelancing is perfect if you want flexibility and control over your schedule. Freelancers are independent contractors who work per task, per hour, or on retainer, often from home.
All you need to start is a computer, internet access, and a LinkedIn profile. You can advertise your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toptal, Dribbble, or Behance.
Some popular freelance services include:
- Bookkeeping
- Virtual assistance
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Website design and management
- Software development
Tips to help your freelance business grow:
- Collect testimonials from happy clients.
- Charge in dollars when possible.
- Don’t just sell your skills, sell the results you deliver.
7) Beauty & mobile salon services
If you love makeup, skincare, or helping others look and feel their best, the beauty industry offers plenty of opportunities.
Nail care is one of the most popular services, most women enjoy keeping their nails fresh and polished. You can start small by offering manicures, pedicures, or gel applications from home.
Other great options include makeup artistry, lash extensions, and microblading. Some of these require certification, so check local training programs before you begin.
Once you’re ready, use social media to showcase your work. Post before-and-after photos, share quick tutorials, and encourage happy clients to tag your business. Word of mouth and strong visuals can build your reputation fast.
8) Childcare and after-school services
If you genuinely love working with children, childcare could be a fulfilling business for you. Many working parents are willing to pay well for a safe and engaging space for their kids.
You can start small, offering daycare from home or organizing after-school programs with arts, crafts, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities.
Some parents also look for doula services, where trained professionals support women through pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. This can be deeply meaningful work if you enjoy caregiving and connection.
Running a childcare business requires planning, structure, and trust. Spend time designing your programs and learning how to attract and retain families.
9) Cleaning & laundry pick-up/delivery
Cleaning and laundry services are always in demand, making this one of the most reliable business ideas for women.
If you’re just starting out, begin with residential cleaning: homes, kitchens, or gardens in your neighbourhood. Once you gain experience, you can expand to commercial clients like offices or small businesses.
To attract larger contracts, you’ll need to:
- Register your business with CIPC
- Get a tax and VAT number
- Invest in professional cleaning supplies
- Obtain a National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) certificate
This business doesn’t require formal training, just attention to detail, reliability, and a focus on customer satisfaction.
10) Gardening and home-maintenance services
If you love being outdoors and enjoy working with your hands, a gardening or landscaping business could be perfect for you.
You can offer services like lawn care, flowerbed design, or full-scale landscaping. These services are needed year-round, which makes this a steady and profitable business.
If you’re skilled with small repairs, fixing leaky taps, basic carpentry, or home maintenance, you can expand your services even further. People are always happy to pay for reliable, trustworthy help around the house.
Start small, build your reputation, and ask satisfied clients for referrals. A few happy customers can quickly grow into a full local client base.
11) Event planning / wedding services
If organizing comes naturally to you and you love bringing people together, event planning might be your ideal business.
From weddings and birthday parties to corporate functions, planners are always in demand. You can choose to specialize in one area or offer a full range of services.
Strong networking, communication and admin skills are key, as well as creativity and attention to detail. Partnering with decorators, caterers, and photographers can help you deliver complete event packages.
Start by researching your area. Identify what types of events are most popular, who your competitors are, and how you can stand out. Once you’ve planned a few successful events, use client photos and testimonials to market your work online.
12) E-commerce: print-on-demand & dropshipping
Thanks to e-commerce, you can start selling products online with almost no inventory or upfront investment.
Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba already have large customer bases, so you can list your products there without needing to build your own website.
If you’d like to create your own online store and grow your brand, platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce make it simple to set up a professional e-commerce site.
A few popular e-commerce models include:
- Reselling: Buy products in bulk from wholesalers and sell them individually at a higher price.
- Print-on-Demand: Upload your own designs for t-shirts, mugs, or décor. When a customer orders, the platform prints and ships it for you, no stock or packing required.
- Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers who ship products directly to customers, so you never handle inventory yourself.
With creativity and consistency, an online shop can grow into a steady income stream.
13) Fitness & wellness coaching (online or local)
If you enjoy working with people and find satisfaction in helping others reach their goals, fitness or wellness coaching could be your calling.
You can focus on physical training, nutrition, mindfulness, or even professional growth, whatever matches your passion and expertise.
Some coaching fields require certification from accredited institutions. Getting certified not only builds your confidence and expertise but also boosts your credibility with clients.
As your business grows, set up a simple website and collect testimonials from satisfied clients. Social proof is powerful, it helps new customers trust you and see the value in your service.
14) Resale & thrift boutique (sustainable fashion)
If you love fashion and have an eye for style, consider opening a thrift or resale boutique. Collect and curate second-hand clothing, vintage pieces, and repurposed garments for eco-conscious customers.
Sustainable fashion is growing fast. You can start small, selling pre-loved clothes online, at flea markets, or from home.
If you know how to sew, you can redesign or upcycle old clothes into something new and unique. This gives your business a creative edge and helps you stand out in a crowded market.
It’s not just profitable, it’s also good for the planet.
15) Pet services (grooming, sitting)
If you love animals, pet services are a fun and flexible business option. Many pet owners work long hours or travel often, and they’re happy to pay for trusted care.
Start with pet sitting or dog walking in your area. Visit pet stores, dog parks, or online groups to meet owners and spread the word. Once you build trust, offer loyalty discounts or referral programs to keep clients coming back.
If you want to add grooming services, you can work from home with the right equipment. You may need some basic training to ensure professional care and safety.
Use social media to post adorable before-and-after photos, share client testimonials, and encourage pet owners to tag your business. Cute content travels far, and happy pets are the best marketing you can get.
How to start your own small business
Starting a business isn’t just about making money, it’s about creating something that fits your lifestyle, helps you become financially independent, and can grow into a venture that supports others too.
Here’s how to get started:
Research
Whether you choose one of the ideas above or have your own, make sure it’s profitable before going all in.
Talk to potential customers. Ask if they’d pay for what you’re offering and what problems they need solved. Look for trends, is the market growing or shrinking? Check what people are saying in online groups or forums.
If you have a full-time job, consider starting your business as a side hustle first. That way, you can test your idea without taking on too much risk.
Create a business plan
Although a business plan is not extremely important from the start, it’s useful so that you can get familiar with the process. What we would advise you to start with at the beginning is your marketing plan. This plan should answer these questions:
- Who your target customer is.
- What is your value proposition? How are you going to positively affect their lives with your product and your services? For example:
- People aren’t just looking to get their nails done, they’re looking to look and feel like the best version of themselves.
- Pet owners aren’t just looking to find a pet setter, they’re looking to win back enough time that they can invest into growing their career or their business.
- Where will you find your target market?
- How will you contact them or how will they contact you?
- How will you build a lasting relationship with clients? Building a lasting relationship will allow your customers to continue spending with you and refer clients to you.
- How will you deliver a world-class service?
- How will I encourage satisfied customers to refer others to your business?
You don’t need a perfect business plan to start. What matters most in the beginning is a clear marketing plan, how you’ll reach and serve your customers.
Ask yourself:
- Who is my ideal customer?
- What problem am I solving for them?
- How will my product or service make their life better?
- Where will I find them?
- How will I contact them, or how can they contact me?
- How will I keep them coming back and referring others?
Think about the deeper value you offer. For example:
- People aren’t just getting their nails done; they want to look and feel like their best selves.
- Pet owners aren’t just hiring a sitter; they’re buying peace of mind and more time for their busy lives.
Using a solid value proposition that speeds to your customer’s desire will set you apart from businesses that only talk about what they do.
Register your business
Once your idea feels solid, make it official.
- Choose a business name and register it with CIPC.
- Get your tax reference number from SARS.
- Open a dedicated business bank account, this helps keep your finances organized and makes tax time easier.
If you’re unsure about the best structure or legal requirements, an attorney or accountant can advise you.
Know your numbers
Even the smallest business benefits from basic awareness of your business fundamentals. Learn how to track your:
- Start-up costs
- Monthly expenses
- Revenue and profit margins
- Marketing or ad spend
- Customer acquisition costs
Understanding your numbers gives you control and confidence. It helps you make better decisions, avoid unnecessary debt, and grow sustainably.
List your car and start a carsharing business with Tarlen
If you own a car and want to earn extra income, Tarlen Carshare makes it simple. The platform helps you list your vehicle, attract renters, and manage bookings, so you can turn an idle asset into steady revenue.
It’s one of the fastest ways to start a business without building a product or learning a new skill, making it especially ideal for women balancing work and family.
Signup
Download the Tarlen app and create a free hosting account. It only takes a few minutes to do.
Check eligibility
Before listing your car, make sure it meets Tarlen’s requirements.
- Vehicle eligibility: Tarlen has specific eligibility criteria for cars that can be listed. Visit the eligibility page to confirm your vehicle qualifies.
- Insurance eligibility: You’ll need a commercial insurance policy, since most personal comprehensive policies don’t cover business use or other drivers. Your commercial should cover business use and allow third-party drivers (your renters) to be covered.
List your car
Once your car meets the requirements, you can list it in just five easy steps on the Tarlen app. Read the hosting guide to see how to list your car.
You can also reach out to the hosting team, they’ll help set up your listing and even get it online while you’re still finalizing your insurance.
Note: The team can help you set up your listing and bring it online while you’re searching for the right commercial insurance. So don’t hesitate to reach out before you find one.
Start earning
After your listing is live, Tarlen takes care of the rest. Your listing will be marketed to tourists and business travellers who need reliable transport in your area.
All you need to do is sit back and watch the bookings, and income, roll in.
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