53 Businesses You Can Start With $10,000 Or Less [Updated for 2024]

If you're looking to start a business on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options out there. You can start many businesses for under $10,000.

So if you're ready to take the plunge, here are some great ideas to get you started.

1. Start a sewing and alteration business ($2.57K/month)

Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.

A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.

To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.

2. Start a children's party service business ($1.2K/month)

A children’s party service takes care of organizing, managing, and servicing children’s parties.

Children's parties are a $9B industry, and it's expected to be worth more than $15B by 2026.

By being a children's party planner, you will be there every step of the way for planning, ordering materials, and making sure your customers are satisfied.

3. Become a personal chef

If you’re looking for a career that allows you to work within your own schedule, look no further. Becoming a personal chef means setting your own hours, planning your own schedule, and taking on as much or as little work as you want.

Not everyone has the time to prepare meals for themselves. If you love cooking, you can start a personal chef business in your area and earn a good income from the side gig. The side hustle can fit into your schedule easily, and you can offer delivery and pick-up or curbside options to ensure more people are buying your services.

Personal chefs can work at various locations, including their client’s homes or restaurant kitchens. They may have regular clients who call on them to prepare meals for them weekly, or they may get called in to prepare meals for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

4. Start a music lessons business ($57.5K/month)

Unlock the potential of a rewarding and creative venture with a music lessons business. Teaching music is as straightforward as it sounds: you share your expertise with budding musicians, either in-person or online.

This business involves offering one-on-one sessions or group classes aimed at different skill levels. By tailoring lessons to individual needs, you foster a deep appreciation for music while guiding students on their musical journey.

Starting a music lessons business means you'll need a solid understanding of your instrument and effective teaching strategies. Building a clientele may involve leveraging local communities or honing an online presence through marketing and social media.

If you're passionate about music and enjoy teaching, this business can be both fulfilling and profitable. The demand for personalized music education is steady, making it a viable option for those willing to put in the effort to build a reputable and engaging program.

5. Start a herb gardening business

Growing and selling herbs can be a profitable business venture. You do not need a large space to start a herb garden. In fact, you can use vertical farming technique to grow herbs in your backyard, and earn profits from your business.

6. Start a Backyard Plant Nursery

Do you have a gardening hobby and want to turn your passion into a profitable business with a minimum entry barrier?

Starting a backyard plant nursery is relatively easy, and the financial benefits can be rewarding. The secret to maximizing your profitability is specializing in plants that are in high demand, like vegetables and flowers.

To start, you can visit the nearby retail nurseries for seedlings and see what they stock and retail. To keep the startup cost low, consider using locally available materials.

7. Start a business plan writing business

A business plan writing business is a service that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners create well-structured and comprehensive business plans.

These plans serve as roadmaps for their businesses, outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections. Starting a business plan writing business involves skills in research, analysis, and writing.

You’ll work closely with clients to understand their vision and then translate it into a professional document that can be used to attract investors, secure loans, or guide their business growth.

This low-cost business idea requires minimal initial investment, mainly for marketing materials and a basic online presence, making it an accessible option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

8. Start a copywriting business ($34.9K/month)

A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.

To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.

To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.

9. Become a social media consultant ($99.2K/month)

Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.

To become a social media consultant, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.

10. Start a fashion accessories business ($53.2K/month)

If you love fashion and clothing design, you may want to start a fashion accessories business. As a fashion accessories consultant, you help clients develop and adapt personal and professional styles.

Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement one’s outfit. They include jewelry, gloves, belts, scarves, watches, sunglasses, bow ties, leggings, suspenders, and tights. To work as a professional stylist, collaborate with clients to understand their needs, and tailor styles and aesthetics to each individual’s preferences.

11. Become a toy maker ($118K/month)

The toys market is growing at a CAGR of 2.5% and will reach a market size of $103 Billion in the next few years. Toys play a critical role in a child’s growth and development. They help in brain development, enabling the kids to acquire logical and reasoning skills.

Besides, toys help kids develop spatial reasoning and social and communication skills. Therefore, starting a toy-making business today could be the best decision you are about to make.

To start your toy-making business, identify a potential niche, and focus on delivering suitable toys.

12. Start a soap making business ($10.6K/month)

Are you looking for an easy business you can start from home? Soap making is a relatively easy cottage business you can start today.

Soap is one of the products you will find in every household. Therefore, soap is a product that will remain in demand, making soap making business a lucrative idea.

To start a soap-making business from home, research the competition and choose the niche your business will focus on. You can make scented soaps mixed with essential oils or non-scented soaps for washing utensils.

Choose a business name and create a business plan indicating your entity type, mission statement, and soap marketing strategy.

13. Start a home care business ($139K/month)

Starting a home care business might be closer to your calling than you think. A home care business involves providing non-medical services to seniors or people with disabilities who prefer to stay in their homes rather than moving to a facility.

Your primary tasks include helping with daily activities like meal preparation, personal hygiene, and companionship. Importantly, it requires a dedication to delivering compassionate and professional care.

This business opportunity taps into the growing demand for at-home care services, driven by an aging population. While setting up the business requires thorough planning and certifications, the rewards—both financially and personally—can be substantial.

With the satisfaction of making a real difference in people's lives, a home care business offers a fulfilling way to combine empathy with entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever felt a pull toward caregiving, this venture could be the meaningful business you’ve been waiting for.

14. Start a makeup artistry kiosk

A makeup artistry kiosk offers general makeup services, including facial aesthetics, thorough makeup, and creating custom looks for their customers.

If you are a makeup artist, you start a makeup artistry kiosk and serve clients from the kiosk, their homes, or offices. Starting a makeup artistry kiosk is a low-cost business with a high potential to earn good profits.

To stand out as a professional makeup artist, keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.

15. Become a personal fitness trainer ($43.8K/month)

A personal trainer demonstrates exercises and routines to clients. A professional trainer takes a holistic approach to fitness and helps the clients attain a healthy lifestyle and attitude.

Personal trainers enjoy unlimited earning potential because they can work for several clients. Besides, they enjoy flexible working hours, become their own boss, and enjoy maximum job satisfaction.

16. Start a furniture polishing business

Are you looking for an easy-to-start business idea within the home improvement niche? How about starting a furniture polishing business? Professional wood polishing restores the furniture’s shiny and appealing look.

To start a furniture polishing business, you need antique restoring skills. Then, you need to research the target market to understand the estimated demand for your services. Research the competition, and decide how much to charge to attract your first customer. Once you have started getting customers to your business, focus on delivering quality results, so they recommend your service to friends, family, and colleagues.

17. Start a holiday decorating service

Holiday decorators make the interior and exterior of businesses and homes festive. While the holiday decoration business is seasonal, it is also highly profitable and requires minimal startup investments. You do not need any special training to start the holiday decorating business. However, being creative and having experience in decorating is crucial to running a successful business.

18. Start a chimney cleaning service

Don't let dirty chimneys become a fire hazard. Consider starting a chimney cleaning service. Chimney cleaning involves inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining chimneys to ensure they are free of obstructions and combustible residue.

With rising awareness about fire safety, there's a growing demand for professional chimney sweeps. This business idea is especially relevant in colder climates, where fireplaces are frequently used. You’ll need initial investment in equipment such as brushes, vacuums, and protective gear, but the returns can be promising as clients tend to book services annually for maintenance.

By offering additional services like minor repairs or even chimney cap installation, you can increase your revenue streams. Marketing your services through local advertisements and partnering with real estate agents for referrals can help you build a steady client base. Start a chimney cleaning service and tap into a niche yet essential market.

19. Start a bicycle repair service ($150K/month)

Heightened interest in environmental conservation and the surge in exercise have contributed to increasing cycling. More people prefer cycling to work over using public and private vehicles.

As the use of bikes becomes more popular, the demand for bike repair is getting higher. People will take their bikes to a repair service for a regular tune-up and keep the bicycles safe and steady throughout.

Thus, if you are mechanically inclined and are interested in cycling, you can earn good profits from a bicycle repair service. To start, you can open a workshop in your home or serve people door-to-door.

20. Become an event planner ($207K/month)

Event planners arrange the details of various events, including weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and large social gatherings.

As an event planner, you get to explore your creative vision and see an idea turn into reality from the conception stage to the execution stage.

21. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

22. Start a pet photography business

Cat photography is a growing industry, with more and more people wanting their pet cats to be photographed professionally. A cat professional will know how to take the best photos of your cat and how to make sure that they are happy during the shoot.

Professional pet photography is a growing industry. Pet owners are willing to pay top dollar for beautiful, high-quality photos of their furry companions. The most common type of cat professional photographer is the traditional pet photographer, who focuses on taking pictures of pets in natural settings.

There are three main categories:

• Portrait photography: This is when you take pictures of cats in their natural habitat, such as on the couch or in bed.
• Action shots: These are photos where the cat is doing something interesting, like eating food or playing with toys. These are great for social media posts.
• Event photography: This involves taking pictures at events like weddings or parties. You need to be able to work quickly so you don't miss any important moments!

23. Start a green business

Want to make a meaningful impact while running a profitable business? Consider launching a green business. This venture focuses on providing eco-friendly products or services aimed at reducing environmental harm.

From sustainable fashion lines to zero-waste stores, or even renewable energy consulting, green businesses stand out by making environmental responsibility their core. It's not just about profit margins—it's about creating a legacy of sustainability and conscientious consumerism.

With rising global awareness and changes in consumer preferences, the demand for green products and services is booming. If you have a passion for the environment and a knack for business, this could be your ideal venture. It requires dedication to sustainable practices, but the rewards—both financial and environmental—can be substantial.

24. Start a landscaping business ($189K/month)

A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.

For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.

Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.

25. Start a self publishing consultant business

Unleash the potential of self-publishing with a consultancy business. Becoming a self-publishing consultant means guiding aspiring authors through the labyrinth of writing, editing, publishing, and marketing their own books.

You’ll provide expertise on everything from cover design to distribution channels, ensuring their dreams of becoming published authors come true. This business doesn’t require massive upfront investment, just your industry knowledge and a knack for finding creative solutions.

Imagine working one-on-one with writers, demystifying the self-publishing process, and helping them avoid costly mistakes. With the rise of independent publishing, the demand for knowledgeable consultants is growing.

Starting a self-publishing consultancy can be rewarding both financially and personally, offering you the chance to be part of countless success stories while building a diverse client base. If you have a passion for books and a head for business, this could be a fulfilling entrepreneurial path.

26. Become a travel photographer ($394K/month)

Are you a talented creative with an ever-enduring sense of wanderlust and looking for a business to support your travel expenses? Becoming a travel photographer can be a great business opportunity!

Travel photographers focus on documenting places, animals, and sceneries on their photojournalist websites or library and selling to different clients.

For instance, you could get your photo on a national geographic cover or sell it as print art at local museums or galleries.

27. Start a freelance video production business ($40K/month)

More people prefer watching videos over reading text. This trend has led to the widespread adoption of video across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, social media platforms, and video hosting platforms.

With the increasing demand for video services, there is an excellent opportunity for Freelance videographers. If you are a videographer looking to start your new business, consider becoming a freelance video production expert.

To become a freelance videographer, you need a professional camera and video editing software. Remember that you do not need to have every piece of equipment immediately. Learn video editing and videography skills to handle the customer's requirements confidently.

28. Start a pet products brand

Launching a pet products brand could be your gateway into a booming market driven by passionate and committed pet owners.

The concept is straightforward: design and sell products tailored for pets, such as toys, accessories, and wellness items. These products cater to a wide audience that loves to pamper their furry friends, ensuring a constant demand.

Imagine creating items that not only enhance the lives of pets but also resonate with their owners. From eco-friendly materials to innovative designs, there’s ample room for creativity and differentiation.

Establishing your brand requires market research, product development, and online marketing. It demands effort, but the pet industry's growth potential makes it worthwhile. You’ll need to manage supply chains, ensure product safety, and build a strong brand presence online.

If you’re prepared to invest dedication and creativity, a pet products brand offers both the fulfillment of connecting with fellow pet lovers and the promise of financial rewards.

29. Become a music app developer ($62K/month)

The music app developer is a programmer who creates apps for mobiles for both Android and iOS devices. The music app development business targets creating various apps that give musicians and their fans a user-friendly experience.

To become a music app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.

Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and start a blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.

30. Start a marketing consulting business ($122K/month)

Marketing consulting is a business that helps other businesses and organizations improve their marketing strategies and tactics. The improvement involves conducting market research, analyzing data, developing marketing plans, and offering guidance on effectively reaching target audiences.

To start a marketing consulting business, you will need a strong understanding of marketing principles and how to apply them in a business context. Marketing consultancy requires formal education or training in marketing or a related field and experience working in the industry. You will also need strong communication and problem-solving skills to consult with clients effectively.

To operate a successful marketing consulting business, you will need to be able to effectively assess a client’s marketing needs and develop a plan to address those needs. Managing clients’ needs involve market research, analyzing data, and creating marketing materials such as brochures, websites, and social media campaigns. You will also need to be able to communicate your recommendations to clients and work with them to implement the marketing plan.

In addition to these technical skills, you will also need to be able to manage your business effectively. Managing a business involves setting fees, marketing your services to potential clients, and managing your finances.

Overall, a marketing consulting business can be a rewarding and challenging career for those passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies.

More business ideas

• 31. Start a video resume service

• 32. Start a valet parking service business

• 33. Start a wedding cake bakery

• 34. Start an arts and crafts instruction business

• 35. Start a freelance researcher

• 36. Start a social media and search engine evaluator

• 37. Start a vintage clothing business

• 38. Start a vehicle cleaning service

• 39. Start a rubbish removal business

• 40. Start a miniblind cleaning service business

41. Start a bounce house business

The bounce house business provides inflatable structures for parties and events. These structures, also known as bounce houses, are designed to provide a fun and safe space for children to play and have a good time.

To start this business, you must invest in a few bounce houses, a reliable transportation method to transport them to events, and insurance to cover any accidents or injuries. You must also market your business and reach out to potential clients to book events.

To operate this business successfully, you must ensure that your bounce houses are well-maintained, clean, and safe. You should also be reliable and provide excellent customer service to build a good reputation in the community.

More business ideas

• 42. Start a cloth diaper business

• 43. Become an expense reduction analyst

• 44. Start a medical billing service business

• 45. Start an import/export specialist business

46. Start a customer service training business

Are you good at communicating and enjoy helping others improve? Consider starting a customer service training business.

This business focuses on teaching companies the skills and techniques they need to provide exceptional customer service. From conflict resolution to effective communication, you’ll offer workshops, guided training sessions, and tailored programs to enhance customer interactions.

The demand for high-quality service is ever-growing, as businesses realize the impact it has on customer retention and satisfaction. By providing these essential training services, you’ll be helping organizations thrive and improve their reputation.

Setting up a customer service training business involves creating training materials, marketing your services, and building relationships with clients. If you’re dedicated and have a knack for teaching, this can be a rewarding path where your expertise can make a tangible difference.

More business ideas

• 47. Start a pharmacists business coaching business

• 48. Start a golf course drone video and photography business

• 49. Start a vacation property rental agent business

• 50. Start an apartment prep service business

• 51. Start an inventory liquidation business

52. Start a wine vending business

The wine industry is very profitable. As the industry grows, new business opportunities are opening up. An excellent example of a good wine business is a vending machine. You can set up a wine vending business at different locations so long as the sale of alcohol in such sites is not prohibited. Before starting a wine vending business, ensure you have met all licensing and permit requirements.

53. Start a virtual assistant business ($253K/month)

Navigating today's busy landscape, a virtual assistant business offers a flexible and in-demand service model.

In essence, a virtual assistant provides administrative support remotely, handling tasks like email management, calendar scheduling, social media updates, and other time-consuming duties. This allows businesses to delegate routine tasks, freeing them to focus on high-priority objectives.

With the rise of remote work, the demand for virtual assistants is growing. This business idea is appealing because it requires minimal startup costs and offers the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere.

For those looking to break into the market, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make it straightforward to find clients and build a reputation. Starting a virtual assistant business is a viable venture for those who are organized, detail-oriented, and eager to provide valuable support to busy professionals. It's a chance to create a fulfilling career on your own terms.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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