You want to earn while studying—but between exams, tuition, and group projects, who has time to start a business? The truth is: you don’t need a big budget or a business degree. You just need one simple idea that works.
I know of many students who started their business while in high school. I also met students who started thinking about business ideas because of a school project.
Many business ideas don’t get realized because students do not have the capital they believe they need to start a business.
So, I thought I should share with you 100 business ideas today. Maybe, you can find one that will inspire you to start your own business.
And if you are looking for a business or a side hustle to help you earn money for tuition, these ideas may also help.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve completed your degree to start making a real impact and earning your income. Your journey toward entrepreneurship can begin right now while you are a student.
A student’s life is a rich blend of experiences, creativity, and innovation – a combination that is ripe for entrepreneurial ventures.
Why Start A Business
Starting your own business or exploring side hustles are not only excellent ways to earn money but also provide invaluable learning experiences.
It allows you to understand the nuances of financial independence, strategic planning, decision-making, and resilience. These are traits that are key to thriving in the world beyond the classroom.
As someone who started earning my own money in grade 3, with no capital, I can tell you that age or experience doesn’t have to be a barrier in your entrepreneurial journey.
With a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of hard work, and a heap of perseverance, you can transform your ideas into reality, one small step at a time.
110 Business Ideas for Students
The following list of business ideas that you can start for 1000 pesos or less is not just about making money. It is about harnessing your potential to create value for your community.
These businesses reflect our shared responsibility towards society and the environment.
Remember, every successful journey begins with a single step. Here are 100 steps that you can choose from.
I hope these ideas inspire you to start your entrepreneurial journey and motivate you to become the change you wish to see in the world.
Let’s begin!
🎓 Online Business Ideas for Students
Turn your free time into online income — no big capital, just Wi-Fi and willpower.
Many Filipino students are already earning from their phones and laptops. What matters is not what you sell, but what problem you solve online. Start small, start smart, and scale as you learn.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Teach What You Already Know | Offer tutoring or academic help in subjects you’re good at. You can start with classmates and expand through Facebook groups. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Be the Class Editor | Help students polish essays, resumes, and research papers. Use Canva or Grammarly — and charge per document. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Caption Wizard | Offer social media caption writing for small brands that don’t know how to tell their story. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| TikTok Ghostwriter | Write short-form video scripts for creators or small shops. Great for Comm or Marketing students. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Virtual Class Assistant | Manage files, Zoom links, and schedules for busy online teachers or student leaders. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Sell Study Notes | Turn your summarized notes into paid downloads (PDF or Notion). Works on Gumroad or Google Drive. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Run a Campus Freelance Crew | Build a team of classmates (designers, editors, writers) and offer package services. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Podcast Producer for Professors | Record, edit, and upload podcasts for teachers or speakers. | ₱3,000 – Hard (needs mic + skills) |
| Digital Reviewer Maker | Create visual reviewers or flashcards using Canva templates. Sell per subject or bundle. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Online Thesis Coach | Guide students in organizing research and presentations — ethically, not ghostwriting. | ₱0 – Moderate |
💡 Creative Business Ideas for Students
Make art that earns. Create something beautiful, and let it pay for your next project.
These are perfect for students with imagination, design sense, or performing talent. The goal: turn creativity into commerce — without losing your soul.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Turn Lutong Bahay Into Lunchbox Gold | Cook and deliver homemade meals for dormers and teachers. Offer weekly prepaid plans. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Campus Merch Crafter | Design and sell university-themed shirts, stickers, or tote bags via print-on-demand. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Poster Prodigy | Make event posters and campaign banners for orgs and councils. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Gift Box Genius | Curate surprise boxes for birthdays or anniversaries. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Campus Photographer | Offer low-cost shoots for graduation or org events. Charge by session. | ₱10,000 – Hard (requires camera) |
| Freestyle Performer | Perform songs, dance, or spoken word at campus events or streams. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Design-a-Room Student | Redesign dorm or study spaces with cheap decor ideas. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Handmade Habit | Crochet, paint, or craft bead jewelry for IG and Shopee. | ₱1,500 – Moderate |
| Video Tribute Maker | Create “thank you” or event highlight videos for orgs or teachers. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Campus Event Storyteller | Produce short storytelling reels post-event. Capture emotion, not just footage. | ₱0 – Moderate |
🛒 Small Capital Business Ideas for Students
Start where you are. Use what you have.
You don’t need big money — just initiative. These ideas work with ₱500 to ₱5,000 startup capital and can grow through word-of-mouth.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Preloved Hustle | Sell thrifted or pre-loved items on campus or online. Style and shoot creatively. | ₱1,000 – Easy |
| Print & Earn | Offer printouts, photocopying, or lamination using a personal printer. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Snack Cart Starter | Sell homemade snacks and drinks in front of dorms or org events. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Phone Case Curator | Buy trendy phone cases in bulk and sell via TikTok or IG Live. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Customized Keychains | Make resin or acrylic keychains with names or logos. Great for bulk org orders. | ₱1,500 – Moderate |
| Sari-Sari 2.0 | Run a small digital sari-sari store with GCash and delivery tie-ups. | ₱2,000 – Easy |
| Refill Revolution | Sell refills for coffee, shampoo, or snacks in eco-containers. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Buy-and-Sell Books | Buy used textbooks from alumni and resell to freshmen. | ₱500 – Easy |
| Mini Plantpreneur | Grow and sell succulents or low-maintenance indoor plants. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Laundry Pick-Up Partner | Partner with laundromats for pick-up and delivery. You earn per bag. | ₱0 – Moderate |
📱 Digital or Side Hustle Ideas
Turn your phone into a profit machine.
Perfect for tech-savvy students who love experimenting online. Focus on skills that scale — not gigs that drain you.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Campus Influencer | Build a niche account on student life, productivity, or school hacks. Collaborate with local brands. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Short-Form Editor | Edit TikTok or Reels for influencers and brands. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Social Media Manager in Training | Manage content, captions, and replies for small local businesses. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| E-Load Empire | Resell prepaid load or data via GCash. | ₱500 – Easy |
| AI Prompt Designer | Help classmates write better prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT or Canva Magic Write. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Affiliate Marketer | Promote useful tools and earn per sale via affiliate links. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Campus App Reviewer | Test beta apps and earn rewards or cash. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Dropship for a Cause | Sell shirts or mugs online, donating part of proceeds to student orgs. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Voiceover Volunteer (Turned Pro) | Record voiceovers for org videos, ads, or reels. Start with your phone mic. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Micro-Consultant | Give advice on something you’re already good at — study habits, resumes, design. | ₱0 – Easy |
Remember, each business idea requires careful planning and research before you start. Make sure you’re aware of any necessary permits, regulations, or certifications that may apply.
🌱 Community & School-Based Business Ideas
Start with your campus or barangay — build something that helps others, too.
These ideas thrive on visibility, trust, and small acts of service that multiply.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm Delivery Hero | Offer late-night food, drink, or essentials delivery to dormmates. | ₱500 – Easy |
| Classroom Supplies Corner | Sell pens, paper, and small essentials during class breaks. | ₱1,000 – Easy |
| Lost & Found Service | Create a Facebook group or bulletin to help students recover lost items. Earn via ads or support donations. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Campus Poster Distributor | Offer poster-printing and posting service for orgs and events. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Event Booth Partner | Manage food or game booths during fairs and fundraisers. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Campus Market Organizer | Coordinate pop-up markets with fellow student sellers. Earn from stall fees. | ₱0 – Hard (needs permits) |
| Org Shirt Supplier | Coordinate bulk shirt printing for orgs, fraternities, and sororities. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Study Buddy Program | Match struggling students with peer mentors; charge small coordination fees. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Barangay Tutor | Offer weekend tutorials for kids in your barangay. Combine service and income. | ₱0 – Easy |
| School Newspaper Freelancer | Write, photograph, or layout for your campus paper — and get paid per issue. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Student Tour Guide | Host walking tours for visitors or freshmen. Share local stories and earn tips. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Event Emcee | Host campus events, org parties, or graduation gigs. Build reputation with every mic. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Peer Resume Helper | Help classmates create simple resumes and LinkedIn profiles. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Career Fair Assistant | Help the student affairs office coordinate events or design materials. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Charity Drive Organizer | Organize donation campaigns for causes; get sponsorships for logistics. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Green Team Partner | Collect recyclables and sell them per kilo. Work with your barangay recycling center. | ₱500 – Easy |
| Student Council Printer | Offer quick-turnaround printing for posters, certificates, and tickets. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Health Booth Volunteer | Help organize wellness booths with campus clinics or LGUs — monetize via sponsorship. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Community Event Photographer | Take photos for barangay or school events. Build your local portfolio. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Campus Podcast Host | Interview teachers, alumni, or local changemakers. Monetize with sponsors later. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
💰 Service & Freelance Business Ideas
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Canva Designer | Offer poster, logo, or social media layout design for local shops. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Slide Deck Stylist | Make presentation slides for teachers or professionals. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Video Captioner | Add subtitles to videos for content creators. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Student Copywriter | Write website or brochure copy for small businesses. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Website Starter | Use WordPress or Wix to build simple websites for small shops. | ₱2,000 – Hard |
| Social Ads Assistant | Learn Facebook or TikTok Ads and manage small campaigns. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| VA for Local Entrepreneurs | Offer admin help — email sorting, research, basic reports. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Research Assistant | Help teachers or NGOs gather data or summarize materials. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Logo and Brand Kit Maker | Create low-cost branding bundles for student orgs or micro-businesses. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Transcription Specialist | Convert recorded interviews or classes into text form. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Campus Blogger | Write articles about student life, productivity, or study tips. Monetize via affiliate links. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Podcast Editor | Edit and clean up audio for teachers, NGOs, or local podcasters. | ₱3,000 – Hard |
| Community Social Media Coach | Teach small shop owners to post better content. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Resume + Portfolio Builder | Help students create visual portfolios for internships. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Online Course Editor | Help educators record and organize online lessons. | ₱3,000 – Hard |
| Personalized CV Video Creator | Shoot and edit short intro videos for job seekers. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Student Event Planner | Coordinate logistics for org parties, school fairs, or reunions. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Tech Repair Buddy | Fix phones, chargers, or small gadgets for classmates. | ₱2,000 – Hard |
| Social Causes Fundraiser | Organize fun runs or charity streams for NGOs — earn small management fees. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Internship Connector | Match students with internship openings, taking small placement fees or sponsorships. | ₱0 – Moderate |
🧠 Learning & Knowledge-Based Business Ideas
Turn what you’re learning into something others will pay for.
These ideas let you teach, coach, or share what you already know — turning knowledge into both income and mastery.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Study Notes Hub | Compile high-quality reviewers and sell as digital bundles. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Exam Prep Coach | Guide classmates or younger students through mock quizzes. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Career Skills Tutor | Teach resume writing, public speaking, or interview skills. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Online Course Creator | Record short lessons about a topic you know well. Upload to Udemy or Skillshare. | ₱3,000 – Hard |
| Language Buddy | Offer English or Tagalog conversation practice for foreigners. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Campus Workshop Organizer | Host short training sessions (study hacks, Canva design). Collect small registration fees. | ₱500 – Moderate |
| Learning App Curator | Review and recommend useful learning apps; monetize through affiliate links. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Book Summary Blogger | Read and summarize useful books for students. Monetize through ads or PDFs. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Academic YouTuber | Create explainer videos for hard subjects (Math, Science). Monetize through ads. | ₱5,000 – Hard |
| Peer Mentorship Circle | Form small peer groups where you coach and charge a facilitation fee. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Quiz Master for Orgs | Design trivia or review contests for org events. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Thesis Presentation Coach | Help students prepare defense slides and Q&A responses. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Internship Bootcamp Host | Teach soft skills for internship readiness. Partner with guidance offices. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Research Simplifier | Create easy-to-read research guides or templates. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Digital Literacy Trainer | Help non-techie classmates learn productivity tools (Google Suite, Canva). | ₱0 – Easy |
❤️ Passion & Lifestyle Business Ideas
Do what you love — and let others pay to experience it.
Whether it’s fitness, fashion, or mindfulness, these ideas help students express who they are while serving others.
| Idea | Description | Capital / Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Campus Fitness Coach | Lead group workouts or online fitness challenges. | ₱0 – Moderate |
| Thrift Fashion Curator | Combine style and sustainability by reselling thrifted outfits. | ₱1,500 – Moderate |
| Pet Care Partner | Offer pet-sitting or dog-walking near campus. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Campus Barber or Stylist | Cut or style classmates’ hair in dorms; practice before charging. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Makeup Maven | Offer event makeup services for classmates and org shoots. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Campus Chef Vlogger | Share affordable student recipes on YouTube or TikTok. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Plant-Based Food Seller | Sell vegan or healthy snack options during breaks. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Event DJ or Music Curator | Provide playlists or DJ for campus parties. | ₱3,000 – Hard |
| Dorm Decor Seller | Create and sell posters, lamps, or aesthetic dorm accessories. | ₱1,000 – Easy |
| Mindfulness Coach | Host short guided meditation sessions for stressed students. | ₱0 – Easy |
| Student Photographer’s Studio | Convert your dorm corner into a mini-studio with ring light setup. | ₱3,000 – Moderate |
| Bike Courier | Offer eco-friendly delivery services inside or near campus. | ₱1,000 – Moderate |
| Campus Chef for Hire | Cook specialty dishes for small dorm events or celebrations. | ₱2,000 – Moderate |
| Hobby Class Instructor | Teach calligraphy, guitar, or painting to beginners. | ₱500 – Easy |
| Customized Playlist Seller | Curate personalized Spotify playlists as gifts. | ₱0 – Easy |
Sell your skills, not your time. Build experience that pays back. These are great for students who want to learn business basics while doing part-time work that can grow into a full career.
The 7-Day Idea Filter™
Turn one idea into action—fast.
Most students get stuck choosing the right business idea. But success doesn’t start with certainty. It starts with a 7-day experiment.
Use this filter to move from thinking to doing this week.
🗓️ DAY 1 — Start with What You Can Do
Ask: What am I already good at—or learning right now? List 3 strengths you already have.
Example: “I’m good at editing videos,” “I help friends write essays,” “I bake.” 💡 You don’t need to learn something new to begin earning.
🗓️ DAY 2 — Find the Pain Around You
Ask: What frustrates people in my school, dorm, or barangay? Listen for complaints. Observe what’s missing.
If others keep saying “Sayang, walang gumagawa nito,” you just found your opening. 💡 Every small business starts by solving one small problem.
🗓️ DAY 3 — Match Skills to a Simple Offer
Ask: How can I use my strength to solve that problem this week? Combine your skills with their need.
Example: “I edit videos + classmates need reels = short-form video service.” 💡 Don’t overthink it. Just connect what you have to who needs it.
🗓️ DAY 4 — Name It and Frame It
Ask: How can I describe this idea in one clear sentence? Write it like this:
“I help ___ do ___ by ___.” Example: “I help students save time by editing their research slides.” 💡 Clarity attracts curiosity.
🗓️ DAY 5 — Test It in Real Life
Ask: Who can I offer this to today? Message 3–5 classmates, teachers, or local shops. Offer to test it for free or low cost. 💡 You’ll learn more from one conversation than from 10 hours of planning.
🗓️ DAY 6 — Learn, Adjust, Repeat
Ask: What worked, and what confused people? Note their reactions. Tweak your message, pricing, or delivery. 💡 Feedback is your first investor.
🗓️ DAY 7 — Celebrate and Decide
Ask: What did I learn about myself this week? If it worked—keep going. If it didn’t—pivot. The point is progress, not perfection. 💡 Every small win compounds. Every small loss teaches clarity.
✨ Your 7-Day Promise
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need one brave week of action.
Start today. Learn fast. And remember: the best student entrepreneurs don’t wait for luck— they build momentum, one small experiment at a time.
💡 Student Story: From Notes to Income
When Anne, a 3rd-year Psychology student, started selling her organized reviewers for ₱30 each, she didn’t expect classmates to buy in bulk. By midterm season, she had earned ₱8,000 — all from what she was already doing.
“I realized I didn’t need capital. I just needed to value what I already knew.”
That’s how most student entrepreneurs begin — one small, simple shift.
About Jef Menguin
Jef Menguin is a Filipino educator, entrepreneur, and professional speaker who has helped thousands of students and young professionals turn ideas into action.
He teaches practical entrepreneurship through workshops, playbooks, and the Shift System — making learning real, relevant, and repeatable.
Learn more at jefmenguin.com.
🚀 Ready to Start?
Don’t let your best ideas stay ideas. Join the Shift Circle for Students — a free online community where you can learn from other student entrepreneurs, share your progress, and get tools that help you launch your first project.
👉 Join now →
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best business ideas for students in the Philippines?
The best ideas are the ones that fit your skills, time, and surroundings.
Start with what you can already do — tutoring, design, food prep, or small digital services.
Even ₱500 can get you started if you focus on solving small, daily problems for classmates or your community.
How can I start a business with little or no capital?
Begin with skills, not stuff.
Offer services first — like editing, tutoring, or social media help — then reinvest your first earnings into supplies or tools.
You can also partner with a classmate who already has resources or split profits with suppliers.
What’s the easiest online business for students?
The easiest are service-based digital hustles — tutoring, caption writing, selling study notes, or short-form video editing.
These require zero inventory and can start with just your phone and an internet connection.
Can students register a business in the Philippines?
Yes — students 18 and above can register under the DTI or BIR. But for early experiments, you don’t need to register yet. Once you earn regularly (around ₱10,000–₱20,000 per month), formalize it to open a bank account, issue receipts, or apply for business permits.
How can I manage a business while studying?
Start with something that fits your schedule — 1–2 hours a day, or weekends only.
Use planners, automate small tasks (like payments via GCash), and involve classmates who can help.
Think of it as learning through earning, not a full-time job.
What are the most profitable student businesses today?
Digital services scale fastest — especially content creation, tutoring, and freelancing.
But “profitable” doesn’t always mean biggest income.
It’s about learning skills that pay off later — marketing, customer service, or communication — while earning small now.
Can I do business with friends or classmates?
Absolutely — but start with clear agreements.
Write down who’s in charge of what, who provides capital, and how profit will be shared.
Small misunderstandings ruin big friendships; clarity protects both.
How do I choose which business idea to start?
Use the 7-Day Idea Filter™.
Ask what you’re good at, who you can help, and how to test fast.
You don’t need to be right on day one — you just need to start.
Execution beats perfection.
How can I grow my small student business?
Keep it simple:
- Track what works (customers, products, prices).
- Ask for feedback and referrals.
- Add small improvements weekly.
Consistency compounds.
A ₱500 idea can grow if you learn, listen, and adapt.
Where can I learn more about starting a student business?
You can join my free learning community — Shift Circle for Students — for stories, guides, and free tools that help you turn one idea into income.
👉 Join here →
Start Small, Think Big, Learn Fast
You don’t need to wait for a diploma to start learning what business really means. Every small idea you try — every customer you help, every mistake you make — teaches you something no classroom ever could.
The best entrepreneurs didn’t begin with money. They began with motion — one bold step, one small test, one week of action.
Your first goal isn’t to earn millions. Your first goal is to prove to yourself that you can create value — that your ideas can help, that your effort matters.
So pick one idea from this list. Apply the 7-Day Idea Filter™. See what happens when you stop waiting and start building.
Because business, at its heart, isn’t about products. It’s about people — the problems you solve, the lives you touch, and the person you become in the process.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Learn as you go.
And remember: Every big business once began as a student project — just like yours can.
