Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

So, you want to be a business owner? Perhaps you’ve grown tired of working for someone else. Or, maybe you love the freedom that owning a business can bring. Whatever your motivations, you’ve landed in the right place.

Building a business can be a long, arduous process. That’s no secret. But with the right conditions, not to mention the right mindset, it’s possible for anyone to hit the big time.

Right now, the Philippines is the perfect place to set your small business dreams in motion. Economic growth reached 5.6% in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in its region. By 2026, the Philippines will be classified as an upper-middle-income status nation, meaning more services, more buying, and more business.

It’s clear the entrepreneurial spirit is in abundance. But everyone needs to start somewhere, and finding high-potential small business ideas can be tough.

Luckily, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled a list of the best small business ideas to get your creative engines humming. Who knows, this could be the first step in a very long journey.

12 unique small business ideas for Filipinos

Big business ideas require big budgets. But the truth is, it’s not always the size of the idea that counts, more important is its uniqueness. Your business idea needs to stand out in a crowded consumer and investor market.

So, to get the ball rolling, here are 12 unique business ideas you could start in the Philippines in 2025:

• Mobile car wash: Everyone is increasingly busy, and parking spaces are often hard to come by. Why not take an eco-friendly car wash service to the customer?
• Motorcycle delivery services: Help out local businesses by offering same-day delivery for food, groceries, and even documents.
• Taho/street food cart: Classic snacks are always in demand. It doesn’t have to be a huge operation, just a handy, portable food cart!
• Tutoring services: Offer online or home-based tutorials for academic subjects, especially for K–12 students navigating hybrid learning.
• Soap or scent-making: You could use local ingredients, like calamansi or sampaguita, to craft and sell organic soaps and candles.
• Online ukay-ukay store: Thrift fashion is hot right now, especially with young Filipinos. Why not sell curated second-hand clothes?
• Home-based catering: Tap into the Filipino love for food by offering homemade kakanin, baked goods, or party trays for delivery or pick-up.
• Pasabuy service: Act as a personal shopper for your barangay or online customers who want to save time on errands.
• Digital printing service: In places where events are frequent, digital printing could be an in-demand service.
• Touring services: Live in a tourist hotspot? Share your love for your town with outsiders who want a taste of the real Philippines.
• Pet walking or grooming: More and more Filipinos have pets. Take advantage of this by starting a grooming or walking service.
• Virtual Assistant services: In today’s digital age, Filipinos with strong English and tech skills can build agencies offering virtual services to overseas clients.

Business ideas for students

Many students find themselves itching to get started in the business world. But schedules and money often get in the way.

If that sounds familiar, we’ve got good news, you don’t have to wait until graduation to start earning.

Here are some great, flexible, low-investment business ideas for students:

• Online tutoring: It’s easier than you might imagine to offer tutoring services to younger students. All you need is Zoom, and perhaps a little patience. Start with mutual acquaintances and build a list from there.
• Freelancing: Many students earn through writing, graphic design, video editing, or social media management. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start advertising your skill set.
• Buy and sell through online stores: These days, platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop make buying and selling super accessible, especially with low-cost items like accessories and stationery. Throw in a little marketing magic and you’ll be selling in no time.
• Print-on-demand merch: Print-on-demand services are also very easy to get into. Simply create your own designs and sell them online, usually on mugs and t-shirts, with no inventory required.
• Campus snack seller: Do some research and see what your student friends are eating and drinking between classes. Why not become the most convenient supplier of those snacks? Set up a stall and watch the customers roll in.

12 business product ideas for students

We’ve already covered some great business ideas for students. But what if you’re looking for a product-based business, not just a service?

The good news is it’s feasible to produce affordable, even eco-friendly products, in 2025.

Why not tap into your creativity and campus network with a few of the following unique product ideas for students?

• Customized stationery: Design unique and appealing, maybe even personalized notebooks and stickers that your fellow students will love.
• Eco-friendly school supplies: Tap into sustainability preferences by offering reusable items like bamboo pens and recycled notebooks.
• Digital planners and study templates: You can easily create cool, downloadable planners and templates for classmates on platforms like Canva.
• Printable wall art and quotes: Motivational and aesthetic prints are always popular. Create some based on your fellow students’ interests.
• Handmade accessories: Craft and sell bracelets, earrings, or keychains with trendy or campus-themed designs.
• eBooks and study guides: Confident in a particular subject? Create a small academic guide on the topic and sell it online.
• T-shirt printing: Launch a small apparel brand using print-on-demand platforms to reduce upfront inventory costs.
• Phone cases and tech accessories: You’d be surprised how popular the humble phone case is. Design personalized ones for extra appeal.
• Healthy snacks or bento meals: Sell pre-packed, budget-friendly snacks or lunch boxes to classmates on busy days.
• Digital art commissions: Have an artistic flair? Why not offer commissions for custom posters.
• Online courses and tutorials: These days, you can teach skills in almost anything you’re good at, from coding to Photoshop, either pre-recorded or live via Zoom.
• Scented candles and room sprays: Sell compact aromatherapy products that students can use to relax or focus while studying.

Small business ideas list for aspiring entrepreneurs

Some businesses, by their very nature, are easier to launch than others. Of course, limited budget constraints may be one reason, but so are location and time input.

Entrepreneurs looking for easy-to-launch business ideas in 2025 are, frankly, spoilt for choice. Here are some starting points to inspire you:

• Online reselling: It takes very little in the way of capital, or even time, to sell things like clothes and accessories online. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Shopee make it super easy to sell low-cost pre-loved or wholesale items.
• Refill station for household essentials: Why not make a hub for household essentials like dishwashing liquid and detergent. All you’ll need to do is bulk-buy stock to get started.
• Bike or scooter rental: Ideal for tourist spots or large barangays with high foot traffic. Start with one or two units and promote via signage or local Facebook groups.
• Online course notes/reviewer packs: Sell digital reviewer bundles for popular college courses or civil service exams. You can use Canva, even Google Docs, to create packs with minimal effort.
• Home decor and craft kits: DIY craft kits are actually very easy to make. You can bulk order the individual items cheaply and compile them into custom kits. Why not make tutorial videos for beginners, too?
• Plant propagation and selling: Grow and sell easy-to-care-for plants like pothos or succulents. You can even use recycled pots to cut expenses and boost profits.

Key considerations when starting a business in the Philippines

Coming up with a list of business ideas is a great start, but it’s only the first step in a long journey. The next stages require much more than a creative flair, they’ll need careful planning, local business expertise, compliance, and of course, funding.

So before you get too excited about your amazing business ideas, take the time to consider a few key things:

• Business registration: Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as buying your products and getting started. First, you’re legally required to register your business, either through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). And that’s not all, you’ll also need a Barangay Clearance, Mayor’s Permit, and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration.
• Understanding local market needs: A great idea in the wrong place is the same as a bad idea, so make sure you understand your market. Filipinos tend to value affordability and personal service. Businesses that tailor their products or services to community-specific needs tend to perform better.
• Location and accessibility: Foot traffic, visibility, and proximity to customers can significantly impact sales.
• Digital readiness: Digitalization is here to stay, so consider using online tools as much as possible.
• Financial planning: Start with a clear budget and monitor cash flow closely. Seek mentorship or support from programs like DTI’s Negosyo Centers or small business loans from local banks.

How to fund your small business: Options and resources

Hopefully, your brain is now fizzing with business ideas. The next step is to get the idea off the ground.

Funding can be a big hurdle, however, in 2025, it could be easier to finance a small business idea than you might imagine. Filipino entrepreneurs have several accessible financing options available to them.

These options cover everything from startup capital to expansion funding:

• Government grants/loans: The government is keen to help Filipino entrepreneurs thrive. That’s why the DTI and Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) offer a range of grants and loans, notably the P3 Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso and CARES program.
• Microfinancing institutions: Sometimes, you don’t need a big loan. Luckily, there are Filipino organizations offering microloans with minimal collateral,ideal for small-scale enterprises. Those organizations include:
• ASA Philippines
• Alalay sa Kaunlaran (ASKI)
• Bank loans: Big banks like BPI, BDO, and LandBank offer SME loan packages. While the application process may be more rigorous, the loan amounts are typically larger and more suitable for scaling operations.
• Crowdfunding: These days, you don’t necessarily have to go to a bank for a loan. Crowdfunding platforms, like The Spark Project or Facebook fundraisers, are an increasingly popular method to get funding for community-oriented projects.
• Personal savings/family support: In the early stages, many entrepreneurs simply rely on their own personal savings or casual loans from family and friends. While low-risk in terms of interest, this approach should still involve clear agreements.
• Angel investors/competitions: Some private investors or startup pitch competitions offer seed funding in exchange for equity or recognition. Competitive, but worthwhile.

Tips for growing your small business in the Philippines

Let’s imagine you’ve landed on the perfect business idea and have got your company up and running. Now, the real fun begins. It’s time to go about growing your business.

In the competitive Philippine market, expanding your business requires more than cash. You’ll need smart strategies and a strong local presence, and consistent customer engagement.

Here are some handy tips to turn your small business idea into a thriving company:

• Strengthen your online presence: In 2025, online presence is important. More than that, it’s critical. Those with engaging Facebook and Instagram pages, that post regularly and use the right keywords, will always outperform those without.
• Join local fairs and online marketplaces: One of the best things you can do is list your products on platforms like Lazada or Shopee, or even attend local events.
• Use customer feedback: Don’t neglect customer feedback. More than funding, more than marketing, it’s your biggest asset. Incorporate feedback into your growth strategies.
• Network and collaborate: You’re not alone. There are thousands of other Filipino entrepreneurs trying to take flight, too. Meet them and see how you can cross-pollinate.
• Make your customer service shine: These days, customer support is everything. Customers expect top-quality service at the drop of a hat. Make sure your business stands out as a leader in customer service.

Lastly, use business software, specifically, financial planning and accounting technology. Platforms like QuickBooks come packed with game-changing tools that make everything from sales analysis to auditing easier.

Don’t believe us? See for yourself and try QuickBooks for 30 days for free today.