67 Businesses to Start for Under $10,000 Need new inspiration for a business you can start with $10,000? Here are more than 60 profitable business ideas you can run with now.
You know you want to start something for yourself. You just need to funnel your ambition and time into an idea that'll earn extra cash, make you proud and (hopefully) lead to a full-time venture and good money. Even better will be that amazing moment when you say, "I quit!" to your boss. But what great business should you start?
From childcare to business consulting to artisan manufacturing, there is a business for every skill set, interest and budget. Below you'll find 67 different businesses you can start for less than $10,000 — and some under $2,000!
These businesses can be started on a full- or part-time basis. Your location could be your client's homes or business, a work van or truck, a small storefront or even just a website. You'll advertise locally with fliers and coupons, build a presence on social media, cold-call potential clients and set up an attractive and professional website — finding customers based on the business idea you choose.
Related: 5 Affordable Franchises You Can Start for Less Than $10,000
Each idea includes an overview of the business, a recommended skill level to provide the service or create the product, ideas for marketing your business and current average rates others are charging in this field. We've also included a list of resources for each business idea, including business associations, websites and books, which will help you continue your research should an idea spark your passion. Featuring a resource in this list of ideas is by no means an endorsement of the company or publication; it is the responsibility of every entrepreneur to make sure they are doing business with reputable organizations. Rather, these are starting points for your journey from idea to business ownership.
Businesses you can start for under $2,000
Businesses you can start for under $10,000
Franchises you can start for under $10,000
Businesses you can start for under $2,000
Resume service
It's difficult work finding the perfect words to describe why someone's experiences, special skills and interests make them the right candidate for a job. That's why resume services continue to flourish despite the fact that most people have the tools (a computer and word processing program) to write their own. If you are a wordsmith with a human resources, management or administrative background, this idea could be the perfect opportunity for you.
One of the best parts of a resume service is that you can start small and part-time, and you can do it on your existing computer — no big investment necessary. It's the perfect opportunity for people looking to earn a few hundred extra dollars each month. In addition to resumes, other ideas include writing cover letters and thank-you notes, assisting with LinkedIn profiles and helping clients build portfolios. Separate your resume service idea from your competitors by offering to consult on how to dress for interviews, handle yourself in a stressful interview situation, make follow-up telephone calls and network for that dream job. Advertise locally, online and through career expos. Once established, word-of-mouth advertising and customer testimonials will go a long way to keeping you busy with this business idea.
Related: How to Start a Business Online
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Thomas Barwick | Getty ImagesPersonal shopper
If you love to shop, this is the business idea for you. Earn great money and have fun by starting a personal shopping service assisting people who are too busy to shop, don't like to shop or can't get out to do their own shopping. Many busy and well-heeled people love the idea of hiring personal shoppers to select gifts for any number of special occasions: birthdays, births, weddings, holidays and anniversaries. And it's not just new products they're after. Interior designers and collectors also hire personal shoppers to rummage through flea markets, consignment shops, antique dealers and garage sales for collectibles, art, books, antiques and funky home and office decor.
Corporations hire personal shoppers to purchase gifts for customers, prospects, business partners, investors, employees and executives. Seniors and other people who might find it difficult to get around hire personal shoppers to purchase groceries, clothing and other home and personal products. Best of all, you don't need any experience to get started. If you love to shop, have good taste, are creative and don't mind networking with people from all walks of life, you're qualified to turn the personal shopper business idea into a reality.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- Start Your Own Personal Concierge Service by Entrepreneur Press and Ciree Linsenman (Entrepreneur Press)
Home-based alteration service
Calling all people with sewing skills and a sewing machine! It's time to capitalize on your talent and ideas by providing garment and fabric alteration services from the convenience of your own home — while earning a bundle of money in the process.
Dry cleaners, fashion retailers, uniform retailers, bridal boutiques, costume shops, drapery studios and consignment clothing shops are all potential customers for your service. In fact, any businesses that retail or rent clothing of any sort are potential customers, as is anyone in need of alteration services.
Try this as a quick-start marketing method: Start calling on businesses most likely to require alteration services. Offer free pick-up and delivery, fast turnaround times, great service and quality workmanship — all at fair prices. Your business clients benefit because they can offer alteration services to customers for free, ensuring repeat business. Or they can profit by marking up what you charge. Along with your sewing skills, you will need the tools of the sewing trade and reliable transportation to bring this business idea to fruition.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
Valet parking service
A driver's license, the ability to obtain third-party liability insurance and an outgoing personality are the three essentials for running a valet parking service. The business can be started with minimal cash and is a great part-time idea. The profit potential is excellent, as rates for valet parking services range from $50 to $70 per hour for a two- to three-person crew, and the tips can really add up!
Market your valet parking services directly to consumers hosting parties and events, corporations hosting conventions and trade shows, wedding planners and charity groups and organizations. Uniforms worn by all staff and emblazoned with your business name and slogan, along with incredible customer service, will make a great impression on customers and secure repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+/hour (plus tips)
Resources:
Children’s party service
A love of children and party planning are the two most important prerequisites for starting and operating a children's party service. This is a hot business idea: Parents are spending much more on their kids' parties than they did a generation ago, with more than a quarter of recently surveyed parents saying they spend more than $500 on their children's parties.
There are two ways to run a children's party service. First, you can operate on a mobile basis and throw the party at your clients' locations. Second, you can host the parties from a rented space or reserved park, requiring partygoers to come to you. Regardless of your setup, duties remain the same: Plan the party, decorate, provide entertainment, serve food and beverages, stage games and contests and make the event one heck of a lot of fun — for both kids and their parents. Rates will vary depending on the menu, entertainment, games and frills, but start at about $20 per guest and go as high as $100 per guest for highly specialized and themed party ideas.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- Event Planners Association
- Start Your Own Kid-Focused Business by Entrepreneur Press and Krista Thoren Turner (Entrepreneur Press)
Cake and cupcake bakery
Making, decorating and selling one-of-a-kind cakes and cupcakes is a great business idea for a hobby baker to pursue, and it's one that's potentially very profitable. You can get started on a shoestring budget by baking and decorating right in your own kitchen. Contact wedding planners, photographers, bridal shops, event coordinators, restaurants, kids' party planners and catering companies to let them know about the specialty cakes you bake and sell. An effective marketing idea is to send samples of your cakes so they're more likely to send business your way.
Create a website with photos of your creations, and post those photos on social media sites. On a large scale, you can rent commercial kitchen space so you have enough room to mass-produce cakes that can be sold wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores. Baking and decorating specialty cakes can be a very profitable business idea, as ingredients are only about 15 to 20% of the retail price.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+/hour
Resources:
Personal chef
With your pots and pans, cooking skills and love of food, hit the road as a personal chef for hire. Prepare gourmet meals for people hosting house parties, anniversaries and corporate luncheons — anywhere there's a kitchen on-site to create mouth-watering gourmet masterpieces.
Personal chef services are quickly becoming a popular alternative for people who don't have the budget for a full-scale catered event and for others hosting small gatherings that don't require complete catering services. This startup idea has advantages over a full-service catering business, including low overhead and initial investment, full-time or part-time operating hours and easy management from home. That idea might appeal to people who want to earn some income doing something they love.
Promote your personal chef service idea by joining business associations and social clubs to network and spread the word about your business. Once established, the service can easily be supported by word-of-mouth advertising and repeat business, provided the food is great and the service is second-to-none. Additionally, building relationships with party planners and event coordinators will help you land work. Rates vary according to factors such as the supply of food and the type of menu requested. However, average earnings are $35 to $50 per hour.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
Artisanal food manufacturing
Do you have a secret recipe that makes friends salivate? Many entrepreneurs make small-batch foods in their kitchens to sell at upscale food shops, local restaurants and farmers markets. Ideas include infused oils, flavored salt, candies and truffles, salsas and hot sauces, jerky, pickled vegetables, fruit jellies and kinds of butter. Quality is key, as consumers expect the best local ingredients if they are paying a premium for homemade goods. A good backstory and excellent salesmanship help, too!
First, educate yourself on local and federal laws regarding what you will be making in your kitchen and food labeling regulations. You might need to consider renting space at a community commercial kitchen that caters to businesses just like yours. Second, make sure you are creating your food safely, especially if you are canning foods. Next, start cooking! Have friends and family act as tasters until you perfect your creations. Then hit the local farmers and craft markets and street fairs to sell your goodies.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: Varies
Resources
- Small Food Business
- Start Your Own Specialty Food Business by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Cheryl Kimball (Entrepreneur Press)
Music lessons
If you know how to sing or play an instrument — guitar, piano, drums, you name it — well enough to teach others, then what are you waiting for? Capitalize on your talents and earn a great full- or part-time income by teaching clients how to play your instrument of choice. Classes can be conducted one-on-one or in a group format, and you can host students at your home, travel to theirs or rent a space at a local community center or established music store.
Expanding the business idea requires nothing more than hiring other experienced musicians to teach students. Fees are split — basically, you find the students, your instructors teach the classes, and everyone profits. Lesson rates will vary depending on class size, skill level and instrument, but on average, group lessons cost students $10 to $20 per hour, and one-on-one lessons are in the range of $40 per hour, plus the costs of instrument rentals or purchases, course materials and sheet music.
Alternatively, if you prefer the idea of teaching music without the added work of operating a business, you can subcontract your musical teaching talents to an existing music school and earn between $15 and $25 per hour.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $35+/hour
Resources:
- Music Teachers National Association
- National Association for Music Education
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- National Guild of Piano Teachers
Arts and crafts instructor
Knitting, painting, printmaking and many other arts and crafts have gained popularity in recent years, and people are more than willing to shell out their hard-earned money to learn. If you have mastered an art or craft, why not train others and earn substantial profits for your efforts? Day, evening or weekend classes can be taught from a home studio, or you can rent space with a local crafts retailer, community center or school.
Another idea is to offer lessons at art nights at bars and breweries. Promote your classes through local retailers, community magazines and online event listings. Post fliers on community bulletin boards and build a strong social media presence. Creative entrepreneurs might choose to film the training classes for online broadcast or sell instructions or patterns on craft marketplaces like Etsy. You can also create special classes for children on the weekends. Rates vary depending on how many people are in each class and material and equipment requirements, but on average, arts and crafts instructors can expect to earn in the range of $25 to $50 per hour.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
Fernando Trabanco Fotografía | Getty ImagesPet sitting
Many people have pets that cannot be boarded or left with friends or family when the need arises — pets with chronic health conditions, for example, or exotic pets that are difficult to take care of. Likewise, many people prefer the idea that their dogs, cats and other pets are in the safe and familiar surroundings of home as opposed to an unfamiliar boarding environment. When these pet owners want or need to be away from home, they can hire a pet-sitting service to take care of their beloved pets — either in their own home or the sitter's — while they are away.
If you're eyeing a small-scale business, you can be the pet sitter. But if your intention is to operate full-time with room for growth, you will need to hire or contract additional pet sitters. Good ideas for job candidates include pet-loving retirees and students. Market your pet-sitting services through pet-related businesses in your community, such as veterinarians, pet retailers, dog trainers, dog walkers and pet-grooming services. Remember, many people also hire pet sitters for short periods of time — a weekend away, a night out or time off for family events. Therefore, you will need to develop fee schedules for long- and short-term pet-sitting jobs.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/night of pet sitting
Resources:
Gardening consulting
If you enjoy working in the great outdoors and are knowledgeable about flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens, you might be the perfect candidate for starting a gardening consulting business. You will teach other would-be green thumbs everything they need to know so they can design, plant and maintain beautiful gardens full of vegetables, herbs and flowers. During the first consultation with clients, ask questions to determine their idea for the type of garden and landscape features they want, their budgets and time frames, and if they want to install the garden or hire others. From this point, you create a step-by-step garden plan suited to each client's needs.
This is a terrific business idea for green thumb entrepreneurs to stay active and fit because gardening work can be physically demanding. You'll be rewarded for your hard work with an income in the range of $25 to $50 an hour. Once established, this is a business that will thrive on repeat customers and referrals. To get the ball rolling, advertise your services locally. Then build a network of alliances at garden product retailers so they refer your services to their clients. You might even offer free seminars at local garden centers, churches and community centers to spread the word.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Backyard nursery
People with green thumbs, a backyard and some time, take note. Growing and selling trees and shrubs right from home is a fantastic way to earn an extra few thousand dollars every year — or even every month, depending on your space and ambition. Surprisingly, not much yard space is required to generate excellent profits.
Consider that you can purchase Japanese maple seedlings for about 75 cents each wholesale, plant them in pots or in burlap in the ground, wait a season or two while they grow, and resell them for $50 or more. A 20-by-20-foot garden is large enough to support 300 seedlings, which can produce approximately 150 trees annually when planting is alternated. That is as much as $7,500 every year from just a small patch of ground in your backyard. Imagine what you can earn by planting in even larger garden beds. In addition to selling directly to consumers from home and through garden shows, you can also sell the trees and shrubs to garden centers and landscape contractors in volume at wholesale pricing.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: Varies
Resources:
Business plan service
With more than 33 million small businesses in the United States, there's fantastic market potential to help entrepreneurs write business plans — the roadmaps for small business success. To start a business plan service, you should have building these plans and be able to conduct the research and run the numbers such a plan requires.
Market your service by attending business networking meetings and being able to explain why different types of companies need to build business plans. Also try to obtain a list of all new and renewal business registration licenses through your local business service center. In addition to new businesses, you can aim marketing efforts at existing businesses and professionals who are expanding or need to update or create a new business plan. This service costs little to start and can be operated part-time or full-time, depending on your needs. Billing rates vary depending on the size and scope of the business plan being developed.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
- Association of Management Consulting Firms
- Bplans.com
- Institute of Management Consultants USA
- Start Your Own Consulting Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press)
Copywriting
If you have a talent for writing clear and concise copy that can build excitement, a copywriting service might be a money-making opportunity for you. Copywriters prepare the text for websites, advertising, online and print marketing materials, social media, press releases, TV and radio commercials, catalogs and packaging labels. Most business owners, managers and marketers do not have the time or skills to write effective copy. Establishing alliances with graphic designers, publishers, editors, advertising agencies and public relations firms is a good way to get your foot in the door. You'll also want a well-written and well-designed online portfolio of your work.
Copywriting fees vary greatly depending on the content being prepared and the size of the assignment, but technical writing can be the most lucrative. To earn additional income, provide editing services, including proofreading, indexing and production.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
- Editorial Freelancers Association
- Professional Writers Alliance
- Kick-Ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps by Susan Gunelius (Entrepreneur Press)
Online marketing and social media consultant
When you're running a business, you rarely have time to hop on Instagram, X or TikTok to interact with customers or offer special sales. And how many business owners know how to optimize their listing on Yelp, keep up with Facebook's changing algorithms or join the newest social media channel? Not a lot! This is where your expertise as a social media guru comes into play.
First, ensure your own online presence and social media sites are top-notch. To get experience, offer your services to local nonprofits or friends' businesses. Once you have the results in hand, market your services — including information on how you've increased the followers and online presence of other businesses — to local retailers, restaurants, personal service businesses and others. Network at local business associations and visit business owners to sell your services. The demand for social media and online marketing is only growing, so your clients will be grateful to have your expertise amid an ever-changing online landscape.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Search engine optimization and digital advertising consultant
In the old days, it was enough to take out an ad in the Yellow Pages to ensure potential customers would find your business. These days, you need a website — and you need that website to rank high on search engines. An online marketing and advertising consultant is similar to a marketing consultant in their goal — getting their clients new business — but online consultants specialize in search engine optimization (SEO) and advertising on Google, Facebook and other websites.
Your expertise in this arena can help local businesses rise to the top of search results and ensure their advertising money is well spent. A background in digital marketing and a personality that thrives on change and is invigorated by new advances in the industry is required for this business.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Cybersecurity consultant
Cybercrime cost companies and individuals more than $8 trillion globally in 2023, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development, and criminals don't just target major companies. Dentist's offices, school systems, shipping companies and hospitals have all come under attack in recent years.
With expertise in cybersecurity, you can save businesses the headache and hassle of intrusions by starting a consulting business. Shift money away from criminals and toward yourself.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $60+/hour
Resources:
Tim Robberts | Getty ImagesVirtual assistant
Whether it's customer support, website design, calendar management, travel arrangements, keyword research, bookkeeping, data entry or video and photo editing, you could offer your help to potential customers as a virtual assistant. This can also be done remotely, meaning it could be a lucrative side hustle as you build out the business.
One way to expand is to hire other virtual assistants and grow to be an agency of remote help, assisting companies and business leaders with all the little tasks they don't have time for. Word-of-mouth referrals will drive business, so good impressions are essential.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
Floral designer
If you love flowers and have an eye for design, you're qualified to start your own floral design business. Formal training is an asset, however, and there are a number of schools and continuing education programs that offer floral design classes. Floral designers select flowers, greenery and decorations to create appealing floral arrangements, such as bouquets, wreaths and table centerpieces. You can get hired for weddings, funerals, social events, restaurants and business functions.
Designers also use a variety of tools and materials to produce the desired cut and shape, as well as foam, wire and tape to showcase their designs. Market your services by establishing alliances with event planners, wedding planners, catering companies and funeral homes.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
- American Institute of Floral Designers
- International Floral Design Association
- Society of American Florists
South_agency | Getty ImagesFashion accessories designer
If you have a flair for design, why not try your hand at designing fashion accessories? Get started by picking an accessory to design, produce and sell. It could be just about anything: bridal veils, handbags, shoes, belts, belt buckles, scarves, costume jewelry, wraps or wallets. Don't worry if your sewing or tooling skills are not up to par because there are manufacturers that can produce designs under your name.
The options for selling fashion accessories are also numerous. You can sell your wares on sites like Etsy and eBay, at craft fairs and consumer shows, or you can host in-home sales parties. Ambitious entrepreneurs can also sell products wholesale to fashion accessory retailers.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
- Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association
- Start Your Own Fashion Accessories Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press)
Toy designer
Building and selling children's toys is a great way to create cherished memories for children and supplement your income at the same time. Just think of all of the toys you can make — dollhouses, stuffed animals, dolls, antique toy replicas and puzzles, just to name a few. In fact, handcrafted toys often become treasured family heirlooms passed down to each new generation.
You'll need a workshop space outfitted with basic hand and power tools and a sewing machine. This work also requires patience to learn new crafting skills and creativity to think up unique designs. With the rising interest in handmade crafts, you'll find a demand for handcrafted toys online and at local craft fairs and toy shows.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Essential oils and soap-making
Manufacturing and selling essential oils and soap from home is a unique business opportunity that will appeal to eco-friendly entrepreneurs who love handcrafted goods. Essential oils can be used as scents in a wide variety of health and beauty products, including cosmetics, body lotions, soaps, candles, aromatherapy burners, perfume and aromatic potpourri products. You can also be creative in how you make and sell soap products: use unique colors and scents, focus on aromatherapy or organic ingredients, mold novelty soaps in fun shapes or extend your line into products like bath bombs and salts.
You can start making soaps and oils in your kitchen. A good soap setup costs less than $500, but you might want to purchase a commercially manufactured distiller to create oils for about $1,000. Soaps and essential oils can be sold directly to consumers online, in local stores or at craft fairs and farmers markets. Essential oils can also be sold in bulk to companies manufacturing and selling health and beauty products.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+/hour
Resources:
Vintage clothing dealer
How do you strike riches in the vintage clothing business? You start by spending weekends at flea markets, garage sales, estate sales and auctions looking for vintage clothing and fashion accessories (think hats, shoes, handbags, scarves, etc.). Although most clothing will net you a nice markup, you can also hit the jackpot if you uncover decades-old fashion from Chanel, Gucci or another high-end designer.
Vintage clothing dealers need to be knowledgeable about the value of vintage clothing and accessories to know what to buy, how much to pay and what the resale price should be. Skill with removing stains and making small repairs (or knowing someone who can) is also a plus. The items you purchase can be resold for a profit directly to collectors and vintage clothing retailers, at antique markets held on weekends, in an antique mall booth or through vintage clothing online marketplaces and eBay. You might even choose to open your own retail store.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: Varies
Resources:
- NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals
- Vintage Fashion Guild
- Start Your Own Clothing Store and More by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis (Entrepreneur Press)
Image consulting
As an image consultant, you can make a good income by helping other people look and feel great. This could mean anything from preparing people for a job interview to sprucing up for an important occasion. Image consultants help people on many fronts, including:
- Wardrobe consulting and updating
- Current image analysis and the development of a new image program
- Etiquette training for business and social situations
- Communication skills
- Professional handshake and posture
Potential clients include corporate executives, people on the job market, politicians, people recovering from major illnesses and injuries, television and radio personalities, public speakers, sales professionals and singles in (or reentering) the dating scene. Market your services by building a strong network of alliances that can refer their clients to your business. Be sure to include corporations, hair and makeup professionals, fitness trainers and public relations consultants.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Businesses you can start for under $10,000
Non-medical home care
America's aging population is a big reason for the growth of the non-medical home care industry, the perfect space for reliable and compassionate workers. In the United States, people older than 65 accounted for 16 percent of the population in 2019. That number will grow to 21.6% percent by 2040, meaning a higher demand for care. This could include companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping duties, laundry, running errands, trips to appointments and shopping for groceries and other personal needs. In addition to seniors, non-medical home care workers can also provide similar services for new moms, people with disabilities and individuals recovering from injury or illness.
This is an easy service to start, with minimal skill and experience requirements. However, all non-medical home care service workers are required to carry insurance and be bonded. Provide the care yourself or grow to become an agency with contractors or employees.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Home Care Association of America
- Start Your Own Senior Services Business by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis (Entrepreneur Press)
Photo booth operator
All you need is a backdrop, an iPad, a printer and a ring light, and you can start booking events as a photo booth operator. Come up with some fun print designs and start selling your services to both corporate and private clients — conferences, retreats, weddings, birthdays and reunions. After all, demand is only growing: Global Market Insights valued the photo booth market at more than $600 million in 2023.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Makeup artist
There are numerous occasions when professional makeup artistry is needed, such as weddings, film or TV shoots, professional photo shoots, public speaking engagements, parties, reunions and weddings. Some people might just want a makeover and lessons to feel more confident. What makes makeup artistry such a great opportunity is the flexibility it offers. You can work on a mobile basis (full- or part-time) and travel to your client's location. You can establish an independent shop or join forces with an established salon. Or you can freelance for cosmetic companies and work from retail counters.
You will want to build working relationships with wedding planners, event planners and people in the fashion industry. Additionally, cosmetology training is recommended. Contact the associations listed below to inquire about class availability in your area.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Personal fitness trainer
If you're a fitness guru, consider teaching people of all ages how to live healthy lives through exercise and nutrition programs. Work one-on-one or in groups, training anyone from busy executives to seniors. Go to their homes or open your own fitness studio. In addition to developing exercise programs to match each client's individual needs, personal trainers also conduct fitness assessments and provide nutrition coaching.
Although there are currently no universal certification requirements to be a personal trainer, anyone serious about operating this service should become certified. Contact the associations listed below for more information about certification programs offered in your area.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America
- International Fitness Professionals Association
- National Federation of Professional Trainers
- Start Your Own Personal Training Business by Entrepreneur Press and Ciree Linsenman (Entrepreneur Press)
Furniture repairs and refinishing
If you're handy with wood and upholstery, you can earn money repairing office and residential furniture, as well as refinishing antique furniture. Operate the furniture-repair side on a mobile basis, working from a fully equipped van to repair furniture at customers' locations. Potential customers that commonly require furniture repair services include home and office movers, business owners, property managers, restaurants, hotels and furniture retailers.
The furniture-refinishing side of the business, namely antiques refinishing, can be conveniently operated from a well-equipped home workshop. Advertise this feature by building alliances with antique dealers and interior designers who can refer their clients to your service. You can earn additional money by attending auction sales and buying furniture and antiques in need of repair and refinishing. Once they have been repaired and refinished, you can sell them for a profit via Craigslist, eBay collector's shows and consignment shops.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury | Getty ImagesDecorating service
A myriad of popular TV shows on networks like HGTV and DIY Network have inspired viewers to dramatically redecorate their homes on a relatively small budget. However, to make this business work, you must have a creative flair for decorating and design and the skills and tools necessary to pull it all together.
For budget-minded clients, you can spend time at garage and estate sales, scrounge through flea markets and scan local print and online classified ads for design elements: wacky decorations, recycled building materials and unique home furnishings. All can be purchased and resold to clients at a profit as you redecorate rooms or their entire house. For well-heeled clients, stick with designer and brand-name products to transform their homes and offices into designer masterpieces. Market your service through home-and-garden shows, and build an online presence by positioning yourself as a local decorating expert on social media.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
- American Society of Interior Designers
- Certified Interior Decorators International
- Interior Design Society
- International Interior Design Association
Handyperson
Cash in on the multibillion-dollar home repair industry by starting your own handyperson service. The main requirements for starting such a service are being handy with tools, having the required equipment and bringing knowledge of many trades: painting, carpentry, flooring and plumbing, at the very least. You should be a jack- or jill-of-all-trades.
The service can be promoted and marketed to both residential and commercial clients through online classifieds like Angie's List or Yelp, fliers and door hangers, site and vehicle signage, door knocking and home-and-garden shows. Once you're established, repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals will become your main source of new business.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
Commercial cleaning
Commercial cleaners perform the same duties as residential cleaners — dusting, vacuuming and polishing — but on a larger scale and with additional services such as replenishing products (soap, paper, etc.), washing windows, stripping floors and emptying trash and recycling receptacles.
In most cases, the cleaning must be performed on nights and/or weekends after businesses close. This can be a positive for people who want to keep their day jobs and still earn extra money working nights and weekends. Landing contracts will require you to get out and knock on doors. Visit businesses in your community to learn if they need cleaning services or when their cleaning services contracts come up for renewal. You can also buy commercial cleaning contracts, which cost more upfront for entrepreneurs but are a common practice in the industry.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association
- ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association
- Start Your Own Cleaning Service by Entrepreneur Press and Jacquelyn Lynn (Entrepreneur Press)
Junk removal
A second-hand truck, shovels, rakes and a few garbage cans are all you need to start a junk removal service. Charge by the hour, by the truckload or by quote before removing the junk. If you can offer home and business owners fast and convenient removal services at competitive prices, word-of-mouth advertising will generate more work than you can handle.
Be sure to build alliances with people who can refer your business to their customers and clients; these referral brokers include real estate agents, residential and commercial cleaners, professional organizers and home service companies (think carpet cleaners, contractors and property managers). Consider looking into foreclosure cleanup, as some of these homes have furniture and other items left behind that you could resell.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Chimney sweep
Some experience is required to clean chimneys, but the profits can be lucrative for independent sweepers. And it's not too expensive to get set up with the right equipment: ladders, roof jacks, flue brushes, etc. In addition to experience and tools, another prerequisite is that you have no fear of heights, as much of your time working will be spent on rooftops and ladders.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild also provide chimney sweep training. The average chimney takes one to two hours to clean, and rates range from $75 to $150 per chimney, with discounts for houses with multiple chimneys. If you also have experience in masonry repairs, boost revenue by offering services such as repointing, brick sealing, installation of new liners, chimney rebuilding and new pots and crowns.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $75+/chimney sweep
Skill Level: 2-3
Resources:
Blind cleaning
With millions of window blinds hanging out there — all needing to be cleaned regularly — starting a blind-cleaning service makes a lot of sense. The most efficient way to clean window blinds is ultrasonic cleaning equipment, which is essentially a tank filled with a cleaning solution that gently cleans with no risk of damaging the blinds' materials or operational parts. This equipment can be mounted on a van or trailer, so you can offer blind-cleaning services on-site.
Alternatively, you can set up the cleaning equipment at home or in a warehouse and offer clients free pickup, delivery and reinstallation. In addition to homeowners, be sure to target marketing efforts at winning blind-cleaning contracts from schools, hospitals, hotels, institutions, corporations and others with many window blinds.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Dent removal
Once you have the correct equipment, you can visit clients' homes or businesses and remove small dents from their vehicles — all without the need for new paint. Potential clients include private automobile owners, automobile fleet owners, new and used car dealers and insurance companies. Operating on a mobile basis enables you to start with limited funds and keep your overhead low.
Many distributors and manufacturers of dent-removal tools also provide training, which is reasonably priced and requires only a few weeks to complete. You might earn extra money by offering clients paint touchup services, automobile detailing services, window chip repair and window tinting.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $75+/dent removal
Resources:
- Automotive Service Association
- Ding King Training School
- National Alliance of Paintless Dent Repair Technicians
Bicycle repair service
A mechanically inclined entrepreneur can earn a great income repairing bicycles from the comfort of a home workshop. In addition to big profit potential, there are other advantages to operating a bicycle repair service: low overhead, huge demand for the service (especially in warmer months) and flexible full- or part-time hours. Even if you are not experienced in bicycle repairs, there are a number of schools offering bicycle mechanic courses that take only a few weeks to complete (for example, United Bicycle Institute in Oregon).
The key to marketing your services is joining cycling clubs and organizations in your community. You can also work on a contract basis for bicycle retailers to handle their overflow work during the busy season. Likewise, you can attract new business by advertising cycling forums online, distributing fliers and building a local social media presence.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Event and party planning service
Event and party planning is for you if you love to plan and host parties and special events. As a planner, you're responsible for organizing and hosting special events such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and award ceremonies for clients. Duties can include creating and sending out invitations, selecting event locations, finding decorations, arranging for entertainers and speakers, selecting caterers and menus and arranging cleanup after the guests have left.
To thrive in this industry, you must be detail-oriented, well-organized, a good communicator and very creative. Networking will be your main marketing tool for attracting and keeping new business, in addition to a professional online presence. Get to know catering companies, event venue managers and party entertainers. You will also need to build a reliable team of contractors — the businesses and individuals you can rely on to supply products and services for your events. The more reliable your team is, the more successful and profitable your party planning service will be.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
- International Live Events Association
- National Association for Catering and Events
- Start Your Own Event Planning Business by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Cheryl Kimball (Entrepreneur Press)
Bounce house rentals
Bounce houses are inflatable amusement games that children and adults absolutely love to bounce around in (and on). Some higher-end models feature slides, mazes, obstacle courses and water areas. Renting bouncy houses is easy, and you can make huge profits delivering, setting up and packing down these inflatables.
New inflatable amusement games cost in the range of $2,000 for small basic models and up to $15,000 for large, themed models (used ones are often available at steep discounts). In addition to renting these inflatables for children's birthday parties, they can also be rented to charities, sports and social clubs, local fairs and corporate and community events. Setup is fast, taking one person approximately 30 minutes and about the same amount of time for dismantling and removal. You will need a vehicle to transport the inflatables, as well as space to store them.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $200+/rented inflatable
Resources:
Childcare center
The escalating cost of living has made child daycare a booming industry, as many families require two full-time incomes to make ends meet. For the lowest startup costs, open a home daycare facility. Your growth will be limited by how many children you can legally care for in your home, but so will your investment budget. If you choose to expand later, you can open a storefront or office location. In the United States and Canada, daycare facilities (and childcare staff) must obtain proper licensing and certification to meet minimum operating requirements.
Because every state and province has its own individual licensing requirements, contact your regional offices to inquire about local certification and licensing requirements. Once your center is open, word-of-mouth advertising can grow your client base.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $300+/week per child
Resources:
- National Association for Family Child Care
- National Child Care Association
- Start Your Own Child-Care Service by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Jacquelyn Lynn (Entrepreneur Press)
Pet photography
If you are an animal-lover and a great photographer, start snapping pet pictures for profit. Owners of dogs, cats, reptiles, horses, champion livestock, birds and even fish can all be potential customers. You can operate the service from your home or pet shops full- or part-time, and making the experience fun for pets and their owners will go a long way toward securing repeat business. Liven things up with pet costumes and themed backdrops, and offer pet video recording services complete with music, titles and special effects.
You can also offer a wide assortment of products on which customers can print their pet's photos: keychains, greeting cards, calendars, mugs, hats, T-shirts, sports bags and bumper stickers.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
Urban farm consulting
Consumers today are highly educated about the environmental and health impacts of the food they consume, including issues like water use, pesticides and GMOs. To combat these problems, many are turning to urban farming to grow their own food. If you've got a green thumb for growing food, offer your services as an urban farm consultant. You can advise clients on what plants will work well in their space and how to lay out the farm, how to set up irrigation and when to harvest.
You can also charge more to set up and maintain the farm and expand by creating and managing rooftop gardens for restaurants. Get the word out by joining local food and environmental groups, giving free seminars at libraries and community centers, partnering with garden supply stores and placing signs in your clients' gardens. Word-of-mouth — and delicious results — will be key to this business.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: Varies
Resources:
Green business consultant
Need a green idea? For business owners, going green is complicated. Although there are some simple steps a small business owner can take to reduce energy use, larger businesses might face more complex issues like regulatory compliance, alternative energy use, green building practices, telework and commuter programs, green sources for product manufacturing materials and obtaining certifications.
This field requires some training, and you can become certified through college programs or with LEED certification. Some niches of the green consulting industry, such as regulatory compliance and green building, require additional expertise. Find clients by joining organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, marketing yourself as a green business expert in local trade publications and calling local businesses to highlight your energy- and money-saving services.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
- U.S. Green Building Council
- Start Your Own Green Business by Entrepreneur Press and Rich Mintzer (Entrepreneur Press)
Drought-tolerant landscaping consultant
If you have a green thumb, an eye for landscape design and a tolerance for hard manual labor, this could be the business for you. In some areas of the United States, drought conditions are causing homeowners and businesses to rethink their green lawns. Drought-tolerant landscaping services (also called native landscaping) are in vogue as people try to reduce their water usage. You'll consult with clients, look at their current space and use your knowledge of native shrubs, herbs, flowers, succulents and bushes, as well as rocks and mulch, to redesign their outdoor space to be attractive and (just as importantly) environmentally friendly.
You can partner with a local landscaping firm to do the physical labor or work on the grounds yourself. These services cost about $3 per square foot, so depending on the size of the lawn, the total will be $2,000 to $10,000. Market your services with truck and lawn signage, flyers at local gardening centers, an online presence and local business partnerships.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
- Lawn and Landscape Magazine
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- Start Your Own Lawn Care or Landscaping Business by Entrepreneur Press and Ciree Linsenman (Entrepreneur Press)
Expense reduction consultant
Seasoned business managers, controllers, CFOs, operations managers, accountants and administrators can all greatly profit from running an expense reduction consulting service. These consultants provide clients with a multitude of services:
- Developing short- and long-term budgets
- Analyzing fixed and variable overhead
- Increasing employee productivity
- Analyzing product and service costs
- Developing expense reduction strategies to meet each client's specific needs
The objective is to uncover business costs that can be reduced or eliminated entirely while maintaining the business's overall efficiency, productivity and profitability. Many expense reduction consultants specialize in their field of expertise — manufacturing, food services or retail, for example. Expense reduction consultants generally save clients anywhere from two to 50 times their consulting fees.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
GARO | Getty ImagesMedical claims billing
Medical billing is an extremely competitive industry, but determined entrepreneurs can earn good money operating a medical claims billing service. After all, doctors bill insurance companies and Medicaid for all services performed, and the bills must be prepared to exact standards with the proper codes for each item. And although doctors might be great at treating patients, submitting this type of paperwork can be a headache. That's where you come in.
The first step is earning your certification, which is available at a variety of colleges. There, you'll learn the diagnostic and procedure coding system used by doctors and healthcare professionals on medical claim forms. Medical billing services can charge clients a percent of the collections or $2 to $6 per claim processed. You can make a good profit if you process a high volume of claims. There is a fairly steep learning curve for operating this service, and you'll need to do careful research and planning to ensure initial and continued success.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $20+/hour
Resources:
- American Medical Billing Association
- American Health Information Management Association
- Start Your Own Medical Claims Billing Service by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis (Entrepreneur Press)
Import/export service
Considering the many red-tape barriers surrounding U.S. imports and exports, it's no wonder so many businesses give up out of frustration. Smart business owners, however, don't give up. Instead, they hire an import/export specialist to guide them through the complex issues of the import/export business — legal, transportation, warehousing, distribution, marketing, employment, environmental, political and financial.
Starting an import/export consulting business requires experience in the industry or a willingness to learn. One simple way to market your services is to develop and host a free informational seminar on importing and exporting and use the event to sign up businesses and individuals who want to get started in import and export.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
- American Association of Exporters and Importers
- Small Business Exporters Association
- Start Your Own Import/Export Business by Entrepreneur Press and Krista Turner (Entrepreneur Press)
Customer service training
At some point, we've all received bad service from a store, restaurant, office or online business. The end result of such an encounter is usually a vow to never return and, perhaps, a negative online review. Rude or poorly trained employees cost companies millions of dollars each year in lost business and referral sales. However, companies that take proactive steps to improve customer service have a leg up on the competition.
You can earn a nice living by starting a consulting service that offers customer service and appreciation training programs specifically designed to meet your clients' individual needs. Start by choosing a specialty — retail, food service, receptionists, etc. Training can be based on your own expertise and the input of other customer service professionals who help create the training curriculum and manuals.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Sales trainer
Are you recognized as a top-producing sales professional who knows how to prospect for new business, win negotiations and close the sale every time? If so, why not share your sales knowledge and make huge profits by training employees, managers, small-business owners and executives?
If you don't want to rock the boat and interrupt your current sales position, you don't have to. You can train students in video calls, via email and through evening and weekend workshops and seminars. This way, you can make the transition to full-time sales training as your client list grows. Target customers include small business owners, salespeople, retail clerks, corporate managers and executives, students enrolled in business and marketing courses, professional service providers, volunteer fundraisers and real estate professionals.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Small business coach
In the United States, more than 400,000 new businesses are started each month. Combine this with the millions of small- to medium-sized businesses already operating, and the future looks very bright — and potentially profitable — for a small business coaching service. This opportunity will appeal to entrepreneurs who are past or present small business owners, business managers or corporate executives — especially those with strong marketing, administration, operations and financial forecasting skills.
Because there's a plethora of small-business training courses offered by companies and nonprofits, it's best to specialize in a specific industry, such as retail or manufacturing. Better yet, provide clients with personalized one-on-one training to differentiate yourself. Small-business coaches help new and existing business owners with any number of tasks, including business planning, marketing strategies, financial budgets, logistics issues, technology issues and expansion challenges.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Self-publishing consultant
Help people fulfill their dreams of becoming published writers by starting a self-publishing consulting business. You can assist with both nonfiction and fiction books, including development editing (helping to structure the book), proofreading, editing, design, marketing and distribution.
Potential clients include novelists hoping to make it big, activists (political, environmental or any other kind) raising awareness for a cause, corporations promoting their work and memoirists with interesting life stories. Advertise your services in online writing portals or on social media and join writing associations and build alliances with copywriters, book publishers, editors and illustrators to capitalize on word-of-mouth referrals.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- Alliance of Independent Authors
- Editorial Freelancers Association
- Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business by Entrepreneur Press and Cheryl Kimball (Entrepreneur Press)
Freelance photographer
With an eye for photography and the proper equipment, you can cash in on those camera skills by working as a freelance photographer — shooting weddings, family portraits, events, headshots and anything else a client wants to be captured. You can also contract with publishers, post photos on stock image services for royalties or specialize in event photography for individuals (engagement photos) or organizations (award dinners, industry galas).
You can charge by the hour or day and arrange for royalties depending on the type of photography you pursue. Expect to work nights and weekends (especially for weddings) and build in plenty of time for editing. Your work should speak for itself, so build a presence on Instagram and set up a website highlighting your best photos.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $30+/hour
Resources:
- National Press Photographers Association
- Professional Photographers Association
- Start Your Own Photography Business by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis (Entrepreneur Press)
Video production business
With just a few thousand dollars worth of equipment — such as a high-quality camera, lapel microphone, tripods and a small camera dolly — you can provide high-end production for businesses, individuals and organizations. Whether shooting an industry conference or a small wedding, videographers document big moments for clients to cherish forever.
You can charge for editing as well or find a partner with great video editing skills who can add effects like animated titles and appropriate music. Videographers charge $50 to $100 per hour, depending on if the setup is single or multiple cameras, and $50 per hour for editing.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
- Association of Independent Commercial Producers
- Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press)
Aerial photography and videography
Drones have revolutionized the aerial photography trade. Gone are the days of attaching cameras to helium balloons. You can buy a drone for a reasonable price (anywhere from $100 to $1,000), outfit it with cameras and start capturing images from above.
Be aware of local and federal laws, as well as local business policies, before launching your drones. Potential clients include colleges, property developers, corporations, amusement parks, golf courses, outdoor event organizers, resorts, mining and forestry sites and sporting event organizers. It takes a bit of practice to operate the equipment, and if you offer video, you'll also want to provide editing services. Rates can be competitive, as this is a highly specialized service.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Cultura RM Exclusive | Leon Sosra | Getty ImagesVacation property rental agent
If you live in a busy tourist area, consider starting a vacation rental agency. It's not uncommon for people to purchase vacation homes and condominiums by the beach or in urban areas in hopes of renting them seasonally to offset costs. Unfortunately, rental income often fails to materialize because the property owners do not understand how much time and work is involved in renting the properties: marketing, booking, cleaning, repairs and more. And some owners are hundreds — if not thousands — of miles away. As a result, many vacation properties sit vacant when not being used by the owners. This creates a terrific opportunity to handle rentals for the owners on a revenue-splitting basis.
In addition to marketing and renting the properties, you will also be responsible for cleaning and light maintenance. Start small, representing one or two vacation property owners, and run the service from home. As the business grows, so too can your time commitment until you find yourself operating a profitable, full-time business.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
Apartment preparation service
By offering a full line of services that includes painting, carpet cleaning, minor repairs and trash removal, you can help busy landlords and property managers prepare apartments for rental. Advertise your services in traditional ways by joining landlord associations, contacting property management services and calling apartment rental offices. On average, you should be able to charge in the range of $25 to $35 per hour, plus materials and markup.
The benefits to landlords are obvious: The better the condition of the apartment, the higher the rent will be. And, of course, there will be much less work for the landlords. In short, landlords will easily recoup your fees and more through higher rents. You will need to invest in suitable transportation and equipment, such as ladders, steam cleaners and vacuums, but these are all relatively inexpensive. An investment of less than $10,000 will be more than sufficient.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- Association of Certified Handyman Professionals
- National Apartment Association
- National Association of Residential Property Managers
Pet products manufacturing
Americans spend more than $130 billion every year on products for their cherished pets, and this market is open to clever entrepreneurs who design, manufacture and sell all sorts of pet-friendly products — from furniture and clothing to memorials and toys. Consider making healthful pet treats from your own kitchen. For the most part, you won't need special skills because, with a little practice, all of these products are very easy to make with basic equipment in a small home workspace.
Sell your pet products online via Etsy, eBay and your own website, as well as at pet fairs, craft shows and farmer's markets. There is also great potential to build a wholesale arm of the business by contacting pet product boutiques, pet shop retailers, veterinarians and groomers to carry your products.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
- American Pet Products Association
- Start Your Own Pet Business and More by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press)
Liquidated inventory sales
Savvy entrepreneurs can earn a bundle by buying liquidated inventory and government surplus equipment at dirt-cheap prices and reselling it at staggering markups. Retailers, distributors and manufacturers liquidate inventory for any number of reasons. Maybe the products are slow-moving, out-of-season or damaged, or the company is relocating or going out of business. Because of this, billions of dollars worth of inventory becomes available every year at fire sale prices. The best types of liquidated inventory to purchase are power and hand tools, toys, kitchen and bath accessories, fashion accessories and electronics. Stay clear of products that have limited shelf life or special warehousing and transportation requirements. Products can be resold for a profit through eBay and other online marketplaces, at weekend flea markets, and to dollar store retailers, flea market vendors and eBay sellers.
Purchasing government surplus and seized merchandise and reselling to consumers at marked-up prices can also make you a great profit. Government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Treasury Department often sell used and surplus equipment, as well as items seized for nonpayment or criminal activity. Items routinely auctioned by government agencies include computers, real estate, automobiles, machinery and tools, jewelry, furniture, electronics and boats.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: Varies
Resources:
Vending cart business
You can earn big bucks buying products such as T-shirts, crafts, art, jewelry, sunglasses, watches, souvenirs, umbrellas and hats at dirt-cheap wholesale prices, then reselling them for a profit from portable vending carts. If you plan on selling from public lands and buildings, you will need to contact your local city or municipal government to inquire about street vending opportunities. On federally owned lands or buildings, contact the U.S. General Services Administration to inquire about opportunities. In addition to a vendor's permit, you might also have to obtain liability insurance, as well as health and fire permits.
Before you decide what to sell, do your research. What are other vendors selling? Who is the busiest? Which days are the busiest? Who are their customers? Duplicating a successful business model is one of the easiest ways to eliminate or substantially reduce financial risk. Depending on your budget, you can rent, lease or purchase new and used push carts and kiosks, which come in many styles and price points. Some are motorized or pedal-powered, while others can be towed behind vehicles or placed on a trailer for transportation. Also, be sure to invest in wireless payment processing technology so you can accept credit cards and debit cards on-site. Remember, vendors are never wallflowers. You must love what you do and what you sell and be extremely comfortable talking with people.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+/hour
Resources:
3D printing service
3D printing is one of the most exciting new technologies, as it takes a multi-dimensional design and brings it to life, layer by layer. You can create anything from jewelry and toys to gadgets and machine parts. It isn't cheap, though. A 3D printer can cost thousands of dollars, so be deliberate about what printer you buy and what clients you're targeting.
You can print creations for local jewelry and toy designers or focus on business customers by creating licensed trinkets. Machine shops could prototype new parts using your service. This is a relatively new business model, so be prepared to break new ground and learn about different printers, rendering software, materials and more.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: varies
Resources:
App developer
Developers add thousands of programs to Google and Apple's app stores every day. With 90 percent of U.S. adults owning a smartphone, according to Pew Research, it's no wonder so many app developers continue to build. You can get in on this booming market regardless of whether or not you can code. If you have a background in web or software development, you should easily be able to pick up on the nuances of coding an app for Android or Apple iOS devices through books and online learning. If not, you can outsource the work, either online or to local developers in your area. App developers make money online either by selling the app for a basic price, as "freemium" — which is free but has additional features a user can purchase — or for free but supported by advertising.
What's important is the strength of your idea and marketing program. With so many new apps, your app can get lost in the crowd. Once you've developed your apps, it's key to have a marketing plan and budget in place. You want to find a niche and create a social media and public relations campaign to get people talking.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: varies
Resources:
Westend61 | Getty ImagesMarketing consultant
Let's face it: Without marketing, businesses cannot survive. So it's no surprise that marketing consultants are in high demand. Marketing consultants offer a wide range of services, including developing marketing plans, establishing marketing budgets and hiring and training salespeople. They also develop programs to meet each client's needs and budget.
Businesses might want to expand into new markets or countries, build new distribution channels or create new profit centers. Marketing consultants can help with all of this. In short, they're the jacks of all trades in terms of helping clients build their businesses, revenues and profits. Market your services through networking activities and by setting appointments with business owners and managers to sell your services.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+/hour
Resources:
Franchises you can start for under $10,000
Dream Vacations
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dream Vacations deals in travel packages such as hotels, tours, travel protection and more. The company was founded in 1991 and started franchising the following year.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Resources:
Buildingstars International
Buildingstars, a commercial cleaning company founded in 1994, is headquartered in St. Louis. The company began franchising in 2000 and now has regional offices in Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, New York and more. Services include carpet and floor care, as well as green cleaning and consulting.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Resources:
Stratus Building Solutions
Another commercial cleaner, Stratus Building Solutions provides two different franchise concepts for added flexibility. You can either become a unit franchise, which is more affordable and often home-based, or a master franchise, overseeing the unit franchises in your exclusive territory. The company also provides marketing and sales support so you can focus on the day-to-day business operations.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Resources:
Jazzercise Inc.
Jazzercise instructors teach a total-body conditioning program that gets you sweating while dancing. With franchises in more than 30 countries and nearly 9,000 locations, Jazzercise is an affordable and lucrative business opportunity for fitness enthusiasts. In more than 50 years of business, the franchise model has expanded to include yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and strength training classes.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Resources:
There's still more
If these ideas didn't spark your desire to start, check out these other articles from Entrepreneur.com:
