These affordable home business ideas require little initial investment and can start earning you an income relatively quickly. Here are some of the best ideas for a profitable and successful home based business that can be started with minimal costs.

A Home Party Business

If you like to socialize and are good at communicating, interacting and persuading people then this may be the right affordable home business for you. There are a huge number of different home party plans available and you can purchase your home party starter kit from as little as $100. Basically as a home party consultant you have access to the company's products that you market through home parties and social events. The consultant gets a percentage or commission on sales made. Choose a product you love or know something about and your chances of making sales is greatly increased.

Pet Sitting Business

There are over 63 million pet owners in the US and many dual income families who need help looking after their pets while they are at work. This can be a profitable business which requires virtually no start up costs. Pet sitting only demands a love of animals, good energy levels and reliability. Your duties as a pet sitter usually involve feeding, playing with the animals and sometimes dog walking. This type of service is also in demand by people going away on vacation. Once you have established your first clients you can start earning money quickly.

Dog Walking

A professional dog walker takes clients' dogs for regular walks, either one animal at a time or several together. Your low start up costs include dog walking insurance and promotional and marketing material. Set your own hours and the more hours you work the more money you can make. The only real requirements are a good rapport with animals, sufficient physical stamina and commitment. Get exercise, stay healthy and enjoy all the rewards of a profitable dog walking business.

Freelance Writing

If you have a love of words, are good at expressing yourself in writing and have a comprehensive understanding of English usage then there are a number of possibilities for good freelance writers. Depending on your knowledge and interests you can find a variety of suitable freelance writing assignments online. All the equipment you need is a computer, an internet connection, email and the correct software. Visit online freelance job sites to find out more about the type of writing assignments available.

House Cleaning Business

This is another affordable home business. The demand for home cleaning services is high and your business can grow quickly. The only start up costs you have with this type of home based business are cleaning products as generally customers expect you to supply your own and basic cleaning equipment. However most clients allow you to use their vacuum, brooms etc. You do not need to have any special skills other than a knowledge of cleaning methods which you can easily learn about and energy and reliability. To get those first cleaning jobs you will probably need to advertise or create some marketing material for distribution. However, promoting your house cleaning business can be done on a limited budget.

These affordable home business ideas allow you to enjoy all the benefits of starting a home based business without putting you into debt. There has never been a better time to put your entrepreneurial spirit to work and get going with your own home based business.