Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, is a great place to start your business. It welcomes innovative ideas and start-ups in every possible way. In this article, our industry experts have listed Sydney’s most profitable small business ideas that can be started with little money
Sydney has a stable economy with the advantages of diversity and excellent financial and legal structure. It is a prosperous city with diverse talents and gives access to different types of technologies and skills. This will be immensely helpful for you to start and grow your business here.
33 Small Business Ideas in Sydney
1. Food Truck Business
Sydney residents love good food. Food trucks are popular in markets, festivals, and events. Food trucks need lower investment than restaurants. You can move to busy areas and reach more customers.
- Example: A taco truck at Bondi Beach can attract hundreds of tourists and locals.
2. Digital Marketing Agency
Every business in Sydney wants to be online. They need websites, social media, and online ads. Most businesses lack digital marketing skills. You can offer digital marketing services and earn a steady income.
- Example: You can help cafes, gyms, or beauty salons get customers through Facebook and Instagram.
3. Home Cleaning Services
Many people in Sydney live busy lives. They often hire cleaning services. You need basic cleaning supplies to start. You can offer regular or deep cleaning services.
- Example: You can target apartments in suburbs like Parramatta and Surry Hills.
4. Personal Fitness Trainer
Health and fitness are important for Sydney residents. Many people look for personal trainers. You can work from parks, gyms, or even online. You can set your rates based on your fitness programs.
- Example: You can offer beach fitness sessions in Bondi or Manly.
5. Coffee Shop
Coffee culture is huge in Sydney. Locals love quality coffee and trendy cafes. The city has a strong cafe culture, and people often meet over coffee.
- Example: A small specialty coffee shop in Darlinghurst can attract both locals and tourists.
6. Event Planning
Sydney hosts many corporate events, weddings, and parties. Event planners are in demand. You can start small and grow your team over time. Corporate events pay well.
- Example: You can specialize in beach weddings or corporate conferences.
7. Online Tutoring
Education is important for Sydney families. Students often need extra tutoring. Online tutoring is a low-investment business where you will need a computer or laptop, an internet connection, and a camera. You can teach school subjects or tutor skills like coding from home.
- Example: You can tutor HSC students in Maths and English.
8. Real Estate Agency
Sydney’s property market is always active. New residents and investors need property help. You can start your real estate agency business in Sydney and earn good commissions from property sales and rentals. To be successful in this business, you need good contacts with the property owners and real estate developers.
- Example: You can focus on rental properties in Western Sydney or luxury homes near the harbour.
9. Home Renovation Business
Many Sydney homeowners want to improve their homes. Renovation services are in demand. You can offer kitchen makeovers, bathroom renovations, or outdoor upgrades and earn good money.
- Example: You can specialize in eco-friendly renovations using sustainable materials.
10. Delivery and Courier Services
Online shopping is growing fast in Sydney. Businesses need reliable delivery services. You can work with e-commerce companies or offer local delivery.
- Example: Offer same-day delivery for online florists or gift shops.
11. Health Food Store
Healthy eating is popular in Sydney. Many people want organic and gluten-free food. You can sell health products online and offline.
- Example: A health food store in Balmain can attract fitness lovers and health-conscious families.
12. Assisted Living Facility
Sydney has a growing elderly population. They need safe and caring homes. The demand for aged care services is increasing. You can open an assisted living facility and charge monthly fees for personalized care.
- Example: Open a modern assisted living home in a quiet suburb like Penrith.
13. Eco-Friendly Products Store
Sydney residents care about the environment. They prefer eco-friendly alternatives. You can sell reusable bags, bamboo products, and natural cosmetics.
- Example: You can set up a store in Newtown focusing on sustainable home goods.
14. Photography Services
Sydney is a picturesque city. People need photographers for events, family photos, and business promotions. Photography requires skill and creativity. Professional photos are always in demand in the city.
- Example: Offer family portraits in the Royal Botanic Garden.
15. Landscaping Services
Many Sydney homes have gardens and outdoor spaces. Landscaping improves property value. Homeowners often hire professionals for garden design and maintenance.
- Example: Offer garden makeovers for properties in North Shore suburbs.
16. Pet Care/Boarding
Sydney is a pet-loving city. Hence, pet care or pet boarding is a good business idea for you in this city. You can start your business as a pet caregiver and gradually grow a network of caregivers for different households. Or you can start a pet boarding to take care of the pets during office hours or in case their foster family is out of town.
- Example: You can offer dog walking in parks around Newtown or Coogee.
17. Travel Agency
Sydney is a major tourist destination. Every year, millions of domestic and international tourists visit Sydney. The main tourist attractions include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanical Garden, and beaches. You can start a travel agency business specializing in local tours, adventure trips, or overseas packages.
- Example: Offer Sydney Harbour cruises and Blue Mountains day trips.
18. Clothing Boutique
Sydney residents love fashion. Boutique stores with unique styles stand out. You can sell clothing online and in-store.
- Example: A fashion boutique in Surry Hills can attract style-conscious shoppers.
19. Childcare Centre
Sydney parents need safe, reliable childcare services. Childcare is always in demand. High demand and government support make this business profitable here.
- Example: You can open a small daycare centre in residential suburbs like Blacktown.
20. Car Wash and Detailing
Sydney has a large number of car owners. Car cleaning services are always needed. Car wash services need low investment. You can offer mobile services too.
- Example: Offer eco-friendly car washes in busy areas like Chatswood.
21. Mobile Beauty Services
Sydney residents enjoy beauty treatments. Many prefer beauty services at home. You can offer facials, massages, and makeup services at clients’ homes.
- Example: Offer bridal makeup packages and pamper parties.
22. Esports Center
Gaming is popular in Sydney. People spend a lot of leisure time on these digital games. Many gamers love professional setups and tournaments. Esports is a fast-growing industry. Players pay to join events and use premium gaming setups. Hence, you can start an e-sports center in Sydney where people can come and enjoy games at your game center.
- Example: Set up a gaming lounge with top PCs and consoles in areas like Parramatta.
23. Laundry Business
Sydney residents with busy lives need laundry help. Many prefer professional services. Find a place that has plenty of households and housing complexes nearby for getting more clients. You can offer wash, dry, fold, and ironing services. You can also provide pickup and delivery.
- Example: A self-service laundromat near student areas like Ultimo can attract regular customers.
24. Open a Restaurant
Sydney’s food scene is diverse and vibrant. Locals love dining out. Choose a strategic location for your restaurant to get more clients. A good restaurant with unique food attracts loyal customers and tourists.
- Example: A fusion restaurant in Newtown combining Asian and Australian cuisines can be popular.
25. Food Delivery Service
Many people in Sydney order food online. Busy professionals and students rely on deliveries. You can partner with restaurants or cook from home. Delivery services are always in demand in the city.
- Example: Create a niche service for vegan or gluten-free food delivery in Sydney’s CBD.
26. App Development
Sydney’s businesses need custom apps. Startups and companies want apps to improve services. App development services can charge high fees. You can work with multiple industries.
- Example: Create mobile apps for cafes, gyms, or schools.
27. Financial Consultant
Sydney residents and businesses want financial advice. They need help with taxes, investments, and savings. Financial consultants charge hourly or project fees. Skilled advice is valuable.
- Example: Help small businesses in Sydney manage their finances and cut unnecessary costs.
28. AI Business
Artificial Intelligence is booming in Sydney. Companies want smarter solutions for their operational challenges. AI businesses can develop software, tools, and automation solutions for different sectors.
- Example: Create AI tools for retail stores to track customer preferences and sales.
29. IT Consultancy
Sydney businesses need strong IT systems. Many need expert advice on technology solutions. You can offer consulting services and charge high fees for your expertise.
- Example: Help medium-sized companies set up cloud storage, cybersecurity, and automation tools.
30. Drone Manufacturing and Servicing
Drones are useful in Sydney for photography, agriculture, and delivery services. The demand for drones is growing in the city. You can start this unique business in Sydney and sell drones or provide repair and maintenance.
- Example: Offer drone servicing for photographers, real estate agents, and event planners.
31. Auto Spare Parts Manufacturing
Sydney’s car owners and mechanics need spare parts. Good quality parts are always in demand. Spare parts manufacturing is profitable, especially with unique or hard-to-find parts.
- Example: Specialize in electric vehicle spare parts to meet future demand.
32. Car Rental Business
Sydney tourists and temporary residents need rental cars. Convenient services are preferred. Car rental businesses charge daily or weekly fees. Adding insurance can increase profits.
- Example: Offer rental packages from Sydney Airport or popular tourist spots.
33. Warehouse and Distribution
Sydney’s e-commerce businesses need storage and delivery solutions. Reliable warehouses are important. Warehousing businesses earn from storage fees and order handling.
- Example: Open a small warehouse in Western Sydney to serve local online stores.
Conclusion:
Sydney is teeming with opportunities for new businesses. Whether you’re passionate about technology, food, services, or creative industries, there’s an ideal business waiting for you. The city’s increasing population, robust economy, and passion for innovation make it the ideal spot to begin.
Explore all these business opportunities in Sydney, select one based on your passion, and get going. With a good idea, perseverance, and intelligent marketing, your venture will flourish in this vibrant city.
Why Start a Business in Sydney?
Sydney is Australia’s largest city. It is a multicultural population and has a robust economy. Sydney has many industries, ranging from hospitality to technology. Sydney welcomes tourists, students, and professionals. This diversity provides unlimited business opportunities.
Sydney’s infrastructure is conducive to businesses. It has excellent transport, technology, and government assistance. Whether you need a small local store or a big company, Sydney accommodates all.
The Sydney culture is conducive to innovation and creativity. New ideas, trends, and services are adored by people. Unique products or outstanding service businesses flourish here.
With millions of people living here and visiting annually, Sydney provides an available market. If you pick the right business concept, you can prosper and expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best business idea in Sydney for someone with a low budget?
There are several businesses you can start in Sydney with almost no money. One such low-cost business is launching a food truck business in the city.
How can I get funding assistance for my business in Sydney?
The Australian Government, as well as the Government of New South Wales, offers loans and grants for start-ups in Sydney. Notable among them are Minimum Viable Product grants that are offered even before a start-up begins generating income, Stipends to regional start-ups for traveling, Building Partnership grants for getting access to the market, and the Western Sydney Investment Attraction Fund.
What is Sydney Start-up Hub?
Sydney Start-up Hub is an innovative co-working space for start-ups in Sydney. It is a conveniently located 11-storied building with a 17000 sqm area. It can accommodate approximately 1800 people and has space for community events.

Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.