Top 20 Small Business Ideas to Start in Australia (2026 Guide)

Introduction

Launching a small business in Australia is one of the most exciting ventures in 2026. With a growing digital economy, supportive government policies and a population that values innovation, entrepreneurs have endless opportunities to build profitable businesses.

In this detailed guide we explore 20 of the best small business ideas to start in Australia, covering each business’s overview, market potential, cost breakdown, profit estimate and most importantly — how digital marketing, branding and web development can help them grow online.

1. Cleaning Services

Overview:

Cleaning services are always in demand — whether it’s for homes, offices, or commercial spaces. It’s one of the easiest businesses to start, as it requires minimal setup and can scale quickly with more clients.

Why It’s Profitable:

Australians value cleanliness and convenience. With busy schedules, people prefer hiring professionals rather than doing it themselves.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Create a simple website showcasing your services and customer reviews. Use local SEO and Google Ads to appear when people search “cleaners near me.” Social media marketing can also attract local clients with before-and-after photos or videos.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$25,000

Profit Margin: 25–40% annually

2. Online Clothing Store or Boutique

Overview:

The fashion industry in Australia keeps evolving. Whether you sell handmade clothing, vintage wear, or custom designs, an online boutique lets you reach a wide audience.

Why It’s Profitable:

With eCommerce booming, Australians are spending billions online each year.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Build a user-friendly eCommerce website, use social media ads to promote collections and invest in graphic designing services to make your brand stand out. SEO ensures your store ranks on Google when shoppers search for trendy outfits.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $20,000–$40,000

Profit Margin: 35–60%

3. Café or Coffee Cart

Overview:

Coffee culture is huge in Australia! Starting a café or mobile coffee cart can be both rewarding and profitable.

Why It’s Profitable:

Coffee is a daily habit for millions of Australians. A small but well-branded café can attract regular customers easily.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Promote your café through Google My Business, run Instagram campaigns featuring your coffee art or menu, and set up a mobile app for loyalty rewards.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $50,000–$100,000

Profit Margin: 15–25%

4. Fitness Studio or Personal Training

Overview:

Health and fitness awareness is rising, making personal training and gym setups popular small business ideas.

Why It’s Profitable:

Australians are investing more in wellness — fitness memberships, yoga classes and personal trainers are in high demand.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use social media marketing to share transformation stories, short workout clips and motivational content. Build a website or slots booking app where users can book sessions online. A custom fitness app can also help manage clients easily.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $30,000–$70,000

Profit Margin: 20–40%

5. Beauty Salon or Spa

Overview:

Beauty salons and spas remain evergreen businesses. From haircuts to facials and massages, this industry attracts steady customers year-round.

Why It’s Profitable:

Self-care and beauty treatments are part of modern life. A good salon can quickly build loyal, repeat customers.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Invest in a beautiful salon website, share transformation photos and run Facebook/Instagram ads targeting locals. You can also optimize your business for “beauty salon near me” using local SEO techniques.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $40,000–$80,000

Profit Margin: 25–35%

6. Pet Grooming & Care Services

Overview:

Australians love their pets — and they’re happy to spend on grooming, daycare and walking services.

Why It’s Profitable:

The pet care industry is booming, with pet owners seeking professional, trustworthy services.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use social media to post fun pet videos, create a booking website and list your business on Google Maps. Paid online advertising can help you reach pet owners nearby.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $15,000–$30,000

Profit Margin: 30–45%

7. Real Estate Consultancy

Overview:

If you’re interested in property and customer relations, real estate consultancy is a great choice.

Why It’s Profitable:

Australia’s housing market remains strong and agents can earn significant commissions on sales and rentals.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Build a real estate website with listings and contact forms. Use SEO and Google Ads to target buyers and investors. Social media posts with property tours can also attract leads.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $40,000–$80,000

Profit Margin: 20–30%

8. Event Planning Business

Overview:

Event planning involves organizing corporate events, weddings, birthdays and more. It’s perfect for creative and organized entrepreneurs.

Why It’s Profitable:

Australians spend heavily on well-planned and personalized events.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Design a portfolio website showcasing past events, run social media ad campaigns and maintain a consistent brand image with professional branding and design services.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $15,000–$30,000

Profit Margin: 25–35%

9. Food Truck Business

Overview:

Food trucks are trendy and mobile, offering flexibility without the overhead of a full restaurant.

Why It’s Profitable:

They attract customers at festivals, offices and events while keeping costs low.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use social media marketing to update customers on your daily location, promote your dishes and collect reviews online.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $60,000–$90,000

Profit Margin: 20–30%

10. Photography or Videography Business

Overview:

From weddings to brand campaigns, photography remains an evergreen business in Australia.

Why It’s Profitable:

Businesses, events and individuals all need professional photos and videos for social media and marketing.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Create a portfolio website, post regular work on Instagram and use SEO to reach local clients. Graphic design and content creation services can enhance your portfolio’s appeal.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$25,000

Profit Margin: 25–45%

11. Tutoring & Educational Services

Overview:

With online education gaining popularity, tutoring services are in huge demand.

Why It’s Profitable:

Parents and students seek quality tutoring both in-person and online.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Develop an eLearning website, promote it with Google Ads and content marketing, and create educational videos for social media platforms.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $5,000–$15,000

Profit Margin: 40–60%

12. Lawn Care & Gardening Services

Overview:

With many Australians living in suburban areas, lawn maintenance and gardening services are always needed.

Why It’s Profitable:

Low investment, recurring clients and year-round work make it a great choice.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Focus on local SEO, post before-and-after lawn photos and use online ads to reach homeowners nearby.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$20,000

Profit Margin: 25–40%

13. Bakery or Cake Business

Overview:

Homemade and artisan bakeries are increasingly popular due to rising demand for fresh and custom cakes.

Why It’s Profitable:

Bakeries can serve both online and offline markets — from party cakes to corporate events.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Set up an online ordering website, share product photos on Instagram and run holiday promotions through social media ads.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $30,000–$60,000

Profit Margin: 20–30%

14. Childcare Centre

Overview:

Childcare is one of the most stable service-based businesses in Australia.

Why It’s Profitable:

With working parents needing daily support, demand is steady all year long.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Create a trustworthy brand identity, maintain an informative website and use SEO marketing to target nearby families.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $60,000–$150,000

Profit Margin: 15–25%

15. Mobile Repair Business

Overview:

Mobile phones are essential — and so are repair services!

Why It’s Profitable:

People prefer affordable repairs instead of replacing phones.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use Google Ads to appear when users search “mobile repair near me.” Create a simple website listing your services and rates.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$20,000

Profit Margin: 30–45%

16. Interior Design Services

Overview:

Home improvement and design services are gaining attention in Australia.

Why It’s Profitable:

Many homeowners want modern and aesthetic interiors, creating a continuous market for design experts.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use Instagram and Pinterest marketing to showcase your work. Build a portfolio website with professional visuals created by designers.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $20,000–$40,000

Profit Margin: 25–40%

17. Travel Consultancy

Overview:

Travel agencies are back in demand as Australians explore more destinations post-pandemic.

Why It’s Profitable:

Offering tailored travel packages, visa assistance and tours can bring in strong recurring income.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Create a travel website, post destination blogs and use SEO and online ads to target specific travel interests.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$25,000

Profit Margin: 20–35%

18. Dropshipping Store

Overview:

Dropshipping lets you sell products online without keeping inventory.

Why It’s Profitable:

It’s a low-risk business model with high scalability potential.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Use paid ads, SEO and social media marketing to drive sales. A well-optimized eCommerce website is key.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $5,000–$10,000

Profit Margin: 20–35%

19. Freelancing & Creative Services

Overview:

If you have skills in writing, designing, coding, or marketing — freelancing can be your first step to entrepreneurship.

Why It’s Profitable:

Low investment, flexible hours and global client access make freelancing attractive.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Create a personal portfolio website, market your services through social media and use SEO keywords to attract clients.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $3,000–$10,000

Profit Margin: 50–70%

20. Digital Marketing Agency

Overview:

With every business going digital, digital marketing agencies are in high demand across Australia.

Why It’s Profitable:

You can offer SEO, website development, social media management and branding services to other businesses.

How to Grow Your Business Online:

Showcase your expertise through case studies, blogs and online campaigns. Use automation tools to handle multiple clients efficiently.

Cost & Profit Estimate:

Startup Cost: $10,000–$25,000

Profit Margin: 50–60%

Conclusion:

Australia’s small business landscape in 2025 is diverse and opportunity-rich. Whether you’re passionate about food, fashion, tech, or fitness, success lies in having a strong online foundation.

From digital marketing campaigns that connect with your audience to professional web development, branding that sets you apart and SEO that drives visibility — every element plays a crucial role in transforming a startup into a thriving business. Mobile app solutions further enhance customer engagement, making your brand accessible anytime, anywhere.

But if you already have a brilliant business idea or are eager to turn your vision into reality and don’t know where to begin, Eirmon Solutions is here to help. Our team offers free consultations to help you map out your digital strategy, understand your target market and choose the right tools to launch and grow your business with confidence.

Start planning today, invest in your brand visibility and make 2026 your most profitable year yet.