Top 35 Business Ideas in the Philippines with Small Investment

Do you want to start a small business in the Philippines? Here in this article, we have listed down the best small business ideas in the Philippines with high-profit potential that any aspiring individual can start with low capital investment.

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia and is strategically located at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The country comprises over 7,000 islands, this tropical paradise is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also its growing significance as a favorable business destination. It is the world’s third-largest English-speaking country. The country possesses diverse natural resources, from marine to mineral resources.

With a population of over 100 million people, the Philippines provides a big market for various businesses. They are among the top ten producers of gold in the world. As a result, the Philippines is a good place to do business for both residents and foreign nationals.

Why Start a Business in the Philippines?

Here are key factors that make the Philippines an attractive place to start a business:

a) Geographical Advantage

Situated in the heart of Asia, the Philippines serves as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Its proximity to major business hubs like China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia positions it as an ideal location for trade and commerce.

b) English Proficiency

One of the Philippines’ unique advantages is its high level of English proficiency. English is widely spoken and used in business, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to communicate and conduct business transactions seamlessly.

c) Young and Educated Workforce

The Philippines boasts a young and well-educated workforce, making it an excellent pool of talent for various industries. The country has a strong emphasis on education, producing skilled professionals in fields such as information technology, business, and hospitality.

d) Robust Outsourcing Industry

The Philippines has become a global outsourcing hub, particularly for business process outsourcing (BPO) services. The outsourcing industry has flourished due to the country’s skilled workforce, cost-effectiveness, and favorable business environment.

e) Improving Infrastructure

In recent years, the Philippine government has invested significantly in improving infrastructure, including roads, airports, and seaports. These developments enhance connectivity, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services.

f) Growing Consumer Market

The Philippines is home to a rapidly growing middle class with increasing purchasing power. This expanding consumer market presents ample opportunities for businesses in retail, hospitality, and other consumer-oriented sectors.

g) Investment Incentives

The Philippine government offers various investment incentives to attract foreign businesses. These incentives include tax breaks, reduced import duties, and simplified business registration processes, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and operate their ventures.

h) Tourism Potential

With its breathtaking beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, the Philippines is a major tourist destination. Entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism industries can tap into the growing demand for unique travel experiences.

35 Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

#1. Smart Phone Repair

The mobile phone sells in the Philippines in huge quantities. The Philippines ranks among the top 12 countries in mobile phone sales. The smartphone repair business surely will grow in the country.

#2. Sari-Sari Store Business

If you have a space in a location with high footfalls, starting a sari-sari store can be profitable. There are a lot of people in the Philippines earning more than P15,000 a day.

#3. Cellphone Loading Business

As a prepaid load retailer, you earn a commission for every prepaid load transaction. The more transactions you facilitate, the higher your potential earnings. Promoting your business in a high-traffic area can help attract customers. To start a cellphone loading business, you need to register as a prepaid load retailer with major telecom providers. Secure the necessary documents, such as a valid ID and proof of residence. Once registered, you can offer prepaid load services to customers.

#4. Start a Blog

If you enjoy writing and have a passion for a specific field, you can earn money by creating a blog. There are a lot of individuals who are generating full-time income from blogs. Check our detailed guide on starting a blog if you to learn more.

#5. Online Surveys

If you are looking for an investment legitimate income opportunity right from your home in the Philippines in your spare time, finishing online surveys is a good option. You need to register with the survey-providing sites and finish the tasks provided. You can start earning instantly by registering on these sites.

#6. Open a Small Bakery

You can set up a small bakery in the Philippines. You need baking equipment (pans, ovens, mixing equipment, cake decorating equipment, and measuring equipment), raw materials (flour, eggs, sugar), consistent recipes, business permits, and licenses, and good marketing skills to start this business. As you make more profits, there is always an option of scaling up.

#7. Restaurant business

The scope of profit in the food business is high as the economy is growing especially in cities in the Philippines. You can start a restaurant business. Passion for food is a prerequisite to being successful in this business.

#8. Real estate Agency

Many Filipinos have become millionaires from real estate business activities. Start as a broker in buying and selling land plots.

#9. Laundry Business

The laundry or laundromat business is all about cleaning and drying the clothing and garments of customers. This profitable business is very easy to start and suits urban cities like Manila. One can start this business with an investment range of P50,000 to P100000. You just need a washing machine and pressing irons to start this business.

#10. Security Services

You can set up a security company, employ and train young individuals and provide security services to institutions and individuals.

#11. Computer Repair and Maintenance

With the increase in sales of computers and laptops, the scope of repair services will automatically grow in the Philippines. Computer Repair and maintenance service is a good business idea to start in the Philippines.  Additionally, you can also provide computer cleaning services.

#12. Create an Online Shop

More and more people in the country are buying products online. If you have a product/product to offer, create a website and sell products online to customers. Nowadays, it is easy to start an online shop. Many popular website builders will help you create your online shop with a minimal investment of around P5000 to P10000. If you don’t have your product, take the dropshipping route to launch your online shop business. You can sell a variety of products, from fashion items to gadgets, and leverage platforms like Lazada or Shopee.

#13. Food Delivery Service

The demand for food delivery services has increased in the Philippines, especially with the convenience it offers. Consider starting a local food delivery business or partnering with existing delivery platforms.

#14. Baby Sitting

People who like children and have a lot of leisure time in hand can easily start a babysitting business. Babysitting is simply taking care of other children in the absence of their parents. This home-based business is simply offering your clients peace of mind about their child in terms of qualifications and security. Babysitting is a good money-making idea for women entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

#15. Business Startup Instruction

Business startup instruction is one of the most profitable and trending home business ideas without investment. If you have years of experience in entrepreneurship and have an idea about the industry you may consider starting this business. This business demands adequate knowledge and expertise in the specific field with a mind to help others.

#16. Career Counseling

Career counseling is all about providing the right advice to the students in their career path and to the jobber also who are looking for better career alternatives. With proper expertise, you can start this home business without investment. Having a career counseling degree is a plus in this business.

#17. Earn from Pay-to-click Sites

This is an idea for making money with no skills and no investment. Any individual even a kid can make a good side income from home with a computer and internet connection. Check our list of top trusted PTC sites which pay for just clicking advertisements.

#18. Consulting

If you are an expert in a specific field, you can start providing consulting services to the company or any individual. With true passion and adequate knowledge, anyone can start this business. You must understand your area of expertise in that particular subject.

#19. Content Developer

Producing quality info-based content that engages prospects and customers is the biggest content marketing challenge businesses face today. You can work here. You can initiate this business in your individual capacity or content writing capacity. Or you can go for establishing an organization for delivering quality content to your customers.

#20. Copywriting

Freelance copywriting is one of the most profitable home-based businesses with no investment. With good writing skills and knowledge of grammar, any individual can start this business.

#21. Corporate Hospitality Event Planning

Corporate hospitality event planning business describes giving service in the process of entertainment in events held by corporations or businesses for their staff, clients, or stakeholders. This business opportunity is comparatively easy to start, profitable, and also enjoyable. The business is everything about keeping your clients happy and you can mean it by another term business entertainment.

#22. Creating Music Videos

Nowadays a lot of companies look for music videos for brand-building activities. Artists and singers also look for music videos for promotion. You can try this creative work if you enjoy doing so.

#23. Adventure Club

You can start an adventure club providing training in mountaineering, scuba diving, surfing, or caving.

#24. E-Book Writing

If you enjoy writing and you know the technique of making e-books then E-book writing is one of the best business ideas for women. You can start selling these E-books from your website, blog, or from Amazon also.

#25. E-Commerce Consulting

Nowadays every small and big business is looking to tap the internet audiences to sell their product or services. Individuals having expertise in online marketing, e-commerce, and e-communications may start this business from a home location.

#26. Employee Training

The demand for specialized employee training is enormous and it is increasing. Most required employee training courses are on customer service, money handling, workplace safety measures, stress management, etc. Normally these training courses are conducted on the employer’s site. One can operate this business from a home location.

#27. Office Supply

People who work in offices find it difficult to find time to buy. Help them by supplying them with requirements right at their office. Sourcing quality material at the right price is the most crucial in this business.

#28. Brick Making Business

The real estate market in the Philippines is growing. Demand for cheap homes is on the rise. Bricks are cheap to produce thereby providing a cheaper building option. You need a brick-making machine, enough subsoil,  spades, labor, etc to start a brick-making business. Training in brick-making before you invest will come in very handy.

29. Soapmaking

Soap is a fast-moving consumer product and has a good demand in the Philippines. Production of soap making is simple. You can start this business from home. Soap-making is also a good opportunity for housewives and moms.

#30. Poultry Farming

The popularity of poultry farming is on the rise in the Philippines. If you have a backyard space, you can start poultry farming with very little investment right from your home on a small scale.

#31. Mobile App Development

As smartphones become more prevalent, the demand for mobile apps continues to rise in the Philippines. If you have programming skills, consider starting a mobile app development business.

#32. Renewable Energy Solutions

With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, providing renewable energy solutions such as solar panel installation can be a sustainable business in the Philippines.

#33. Virtual Assistance

Entrepreneurs and businesses often need help with administrative tasks. You can start a virtual assistance service to provide support with tasks like email management, scheduling, and research.

#34. Start a Rabbit Farming Business

Rabbit farming is a good small business idea that you can start in the Philippines with little money. You will need the right breed of rabbits, pellets, well-constructed rabbit hutches, and labor to start this business.

#35. Lugaw / Arroz Caldo/ Goto Business

Lugaw, arroz caldo, and goto are some of the popular Filipinos’ favorite foods. You can offer variations of Lugaw, such as Arroz Caldo and Goto. Differentiate your business by experimenting with unique toppings, flavors, or offering special promotions to attract customers. Choose a location with high foot traffic, such as near schools, offices, or busy streets. Consider local regulations and zoning restrictions when selecting your business location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for starting a business in the Philippines?

To start a business in the Philippines, you need to register your company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for corporations or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for sole proprietorships. You’ll also need to secure a Mayor’s Business Permit from the local government unit where your business will operate.

What types of business structures are available, and how do I choose the right one?

Common business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The choice depends on factors like liability, taxation, and the number of owners. Consulting with a legal professional is advisable to determine the most suitable structure for your business.

What are the tax obligations for businesses in the Philippines?

Businesses are subject to corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and other local taxes. Understanding and complying with tax obligations is crucial. It’s recommended to work with an accountant or tax consultant to ensure accurate and timely submissions.

Are there restrictions on foreign ownership of businesses in the Philippines?

Foreign ownership restrictions apply to certain industries. Understanding the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) is essential, as it outlines sectors where foreign ownership is limited or prohibited. Seek legal advice to navigate these regulations.

What are the labor laws and regulations I need to be aware of when hiring employees?

The Philippines has specific labor laws covering areas such as minimum wage, working hours, and employee benefits. Familiarize yourself with the Labor Code and other relevant regulations to ensure compliance and fair treatment of employees.

How can I protect my intellectual property (IP) in the Philippines?

Register your trademarks, patents, and copyrights with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in the Philippines to protect your intellectual property. This safeguards your brand and inventions from unauthorized use.

What are the common challenges faced by businesses in the Philippines?

Challenges may include bureaucratic processes, infrastructure limitations, and adapting to cultural differences. Conducting a thorough market analysis and seeking local advice can help you navigate these challenges more effectively.

Is it necessary to have a local business partner or representative?

In most cases, having a local partner is not required. However, for certain industries, it might be advisable or mandated by law. Consulting with legal professionals will clarify whether a local partner is necessary for your specific business.

How long does it take to set up a business in the Philippines?

The timeline for business registration varies, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Delays may occur due to specific requirements or the volume of applications. Engaging with a business consultant can streamline the process.