35 Businesses You Can Start With $60k 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 $60k.
So if you're ready to take the plunge, here are some great ideas to get you started.
1. Start a petroleum tank farm servicing and maintenance business
Tank farm servicing entails cleaning and inspecting all services, including non-piggable pipelines and tank floors. According to market research, the global petroleum tank cleaning market is expected to reach $1.3 Billion in a few years.
Cleaning and inspection of tank farms after a certain period is mandatory, per the oil & gas regulations. In that regard, there is a ready market for a tank farm cleaning and servicing startup.
2. Start a perfume business
A fragrance or perfume business creates and sells products made from various ingredients, such as oils and extracts, which are mixed together to produce a pleasant smell.
And perfumes are no small business: the industry is expected to reach over $40B in the next few years.
There are a few ways to get started with creating your own perfume. You can start by choosing which ingredients you would like to use and then find recipes that will work for those ingredients. Or, you could start with a fragrance that you already love and try to recreate it as closely as possible with natural ingredients.
How much you can make: $19,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
3. Start a fruit and vegetable chips business
Are you interested in offering solutions that support change in consumer lifestyle? If yes, consider starting a business inclined towards healthy fruit and vegetables. According to experts, the global healthy fruit and vegetable chips market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% over the next few years.
The market growth results from increased awareness and preference for functional, convenient, and flavored ready-to-eat snacks. Opening a fruit and vegetable business could be a lucrative business based on the market potential.
4. Start a candle business ($188K/month)
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
5. Become a mobile makeup artist
A makeup artist is a beautician who offers general makeup services, including facial aesthetics, thorough makeup, and creating custom looks for celebrities and even actors on movie sets.
You can serve clients from their homes or offices as a makeup artist. Therefore, makeup artists avoid paying rent or paying expensive licenses. Besides, makeup artists get to meet different famous people.
To stand out as a professional makeup artist , keep up with the developments in the cosmetology industry, and focus on providing personalized customer service.
More business ideas
- 6. Start a smartphone accessories business
7. Start a mobile hair salon
With the ever-increasing number of people in the world becoming increasingly mobile, the demand for mobile hair services will also increase. Mobile hairstyling is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Making money while driving around in your car or truck may sound enticing.
Listed are the steps to start a mobile hair salon business.
- Plan your business
- Register your business
- Secure permits and licenses
- Get certificates
- Purchase needed materials and supplies.
- Connect with clients. Promote your business
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
8. Start a fresh fish shop
According to the American Heart Association, eating fish twice a week is part of a healthy diet. Fish is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it a nutritional meal supplement.
Therefore, with the increasingly health-conscious population, starting a fresh fish shop can be a rewarding business.
You need not be a fish farmer to be a successful fish monger. You can source fish from fish farmers across the country or the food hub and distribute it to your target customers.
9. Start a handmade soap bars business
Looking for a business idea that merges creativity with practicality? A handmade soap bars business might just be for you. At its core, this venture involves crafting unique, artisanal soap bars with natural ingredients.
The demand for natural and organic products is on the rise, and handmade soaps offer an eco-friendly, personalized touch that mass-produced brands can’t match.
You’ll need to invest time in perfecting your soap-making recipes, sourcing quality ingredients, and learning about essential oils and natural colorants. Setting up an online store or attending local markets can help you reach eager customers.
If you’re passionate about quality skincare and enjoy hands-on work, this could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding venture. Why settle for conventional soap when you can offer a unique, handcrafted experience?
10. Start a laser cut jewelry business
Increasing disposable income and innovative jewelry designs are some of the top factors influencing the jewelry industry's growth. Modern consumers classify jewelry as a status symbol, a trend boosting the demand for custom and unique jewelry.
According to a market research report, the jewelry industry the global jewelry market size will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% in the next decade. If you are in jewelry production, you may consider using laser technology to make unique or custom handmade jewelry pieces.
Regardless of the shape, design, or engraving you want to make, using a laser cutter makes it possible.
11. Start a forex trading information business
Navigating the complexities of foreign exchange markets can seem daunting, but a forex trading information business can simplify it for others. At its core, this business idea revolves around providing valuable insights, educational resources, and actionable strategies to help individuals and investors make informed decisions in forex trading.
Creating a forex trading information business involves producing high-quality content—think webinars, e-books, online courses, and real-time trading signals—that can cater to both beginners and seasoned traders. The goal is to demystify forex trading and offer reliable guidance to foster a robust trading education.
Foreseeing a desire for this business stems from the growing interest in financial independence and online trading. With dedication to researching markets, staying updated on global financial news, and developing clear, user-friendly content, your forex information business could help many navigate the volatile forex waters.
How much you can make: $1,200/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
12. Start an online beauty products ($125K/month)
Selling beauty products online could be your next profitable venture. The concept is straightforward: curate and offer a range of beauty items through an ecommerce store without the need for a physical retail space.
Imagine providing customers with top-quality skincare, makeup, and wellness products from the comfort of their homes. You can partner with well-known brands, or even explore dropshipping arrangements to avoid inventory hassles. With platforms like Shopify, setting up an online beauty store has never been simpler.
The global beauty market is robust, with consumers constantly seeking the next best thing in personal care. Effective social media marketing and influencer collaborations can make your brand stand out.
Starting an online beauty products business requires dedication and consistent effort. From product selection to customer service, every detail matters. But for those willing to put in the work, the rewards can be substantial in this thriving sector.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
13. Start a fashion design business ($101K/month)
Fashion design offers a unique avenue to express creativity and make an impact in an ever-evolving industry. Launching a fashion design business involves creating original clothing and accessory designs, crafting prototypes, and managing various aspects of production and sales.
At its core, this business requires vision, talent, and an understanding of market trends. You'll need to sketch designs, select fabrics, and bring your creative concepts to life, either independently or by collaborating with manufacturers.
The potential for growth is significant. You could start with a small collection of pieces, gradually expanding as you build your brand. Whether you aim to create a high-end luxury line or focus on eco-friendly, sustainable fashion, the industry is ripe with opportunities.
Starting a fashion design business isn't without its challenges, but the rewards of seeing your ideas transform into tangible products and establishing a presence in the fashion world can make it all worthwhile.
How much you can make: $150 — $525,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
14. Start a dry cleaners business ($63.3K/month)
Dry cleaning is a business that takes clothing, linens, and other fabrics and cleans them with no water. The dry cleaning process uses chemicals to clean the fabric and make it look new again. This process can remove stains, soil, and odors from your clothes.
People will always need their clothes washed so that this business model can succeed. Starting a dry cleaning business is a great way to enter the industry.
To maximize profitability, offer multiple services beyond the typical dry cleaning like wash and fold service.
How much you can make: $26,500 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
15. Start an agriculture equipment wholesale distribution business
Modern farming machinery helps ensure minimal human labor and, in turn, results in increased productivity.
According to experts, increased mechanization of agricultural operations across the agricultural value chain will boost the demand for agricultural equipment. This trend creates a massive opportunity for farm equipment wholesale distribution businesses.
Therefore, starting an equipment wholesale distribution business can be a good business.
16. Start a drain repair service
Over time, drain pipes at commercial and residences will become clogged and require regular servicing to keep the dirty water flowing. When it comes to the efficiency of drainpipes, residential and commercial property owners want to hire a reliable plumber.
To become a drain pipe specialist, you need at least a high school diploma or GED. To gain a higher skill level, you may take a degree course before joining a company for an internship to gain the necessary plumbing experience.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
17. Start a sports equipment manufacturing business
Thinking of diving into the sports world? How about starting a sports equipment manufacturing business? This venture involves designing and producing gear such as bats, balls, gloves, and other athletic essentials.
You’ll need to manage everything from sourcing raw materials to overseeing production, quality control, and distribution. It’s a challenging yet rewarding field, combining craftsmanship with innovation, and it provides a blend of physical and strategic work.
Sports never go out of fashion, and neither does quality equipment. If you have a passion for sports and the drive to create top-tier products, this industry offers ample opportunities. The demand is consistently high, ensuring a customer base from amateur enthusiasts to professional athletes.
Starting a sports equipment manufacturing business calls for dedication, but the potential to create something tangible and impactful in the sports community makes it worthwhile.
18. Become a real estate investor ($348K/month)
Real estate investment isn’t just for moguls with deep pockets. This business idea is about acquiring, managing, and selling properties to generate profit.
Start by researching market trends and property values in your chosen area. You’ll need capital to make your first purchase, often through savings or financing options. Once you’ve acquired a property, the real work begins: renovation, tenant management, and consistent market analysis to maximize your investment.
The appeal lies in the potential for significant returns—with the right properties, you can earn passive income through renting or sizeable gains through property sales. However, be prepared for the challenges of property upkeep, tenant issues, and market fluctuations.
If you have a knack for numbers and a good eye for property potential, real estate investment can slowly build substantial wealth. It’s a tangible, rewarding way to see your money grow over time.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
19. Start a freight moving business ($573K/month)
Freight moving business is something that you can make real money with if you are in the right state and have plenty of resources to access the freight, then this is something you should think about.
As a freight mover, all you have to do is pick up cargo from one place, get to its destination, and repeat.
Freight moving business requires a lot of investment but at the same time, there is a lot of profit to be made out of it.
How much you can make: $65,000 — $1,080,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
20. Start an art reselling business
One of the most direct ways to make money is by reselling artwork. You can resell art you originally bought from a gallery through another gallery where the artist is represented.
Ideally, artists retain copyright to their art pieces, so it is illegal to sell, publicize and publish a copy of artwork unless the artist has given prior permission. Therefore, you cannot resell their piece to a gallery they are not represented.
21. Start a flying school business
Do you love aviation, and are you looking for a business opportunity within the aviation industry? You may consider owning an aviation school.
To start a flight school, you must own or lease at least one aircraft. As the business grows, you can increase the number of flights and hire more flight instructors to meet the growing demand. Some flight schools also invest in a flight simulators. A flight simulator is a rare investment that helps you to increase your revenue and to decrease the cost of regular flight school operations.
Owning a flight school can be a lucrative business opportunity. However, operating a flying school business is full of good and not-so-good surprises. You must know how to wear several hats and be ready to face the challenges of investing in a flight school.
More business ideas
- 22. Start a sea food business
- 23. Start a popcorn making machine manufacturing business
- 24. Start a bead making business
- 25. Start a beverages importation business
- 26. Start a handbag design and manufacturing business
- 27. Start a postcard printing business
- 28. Start a restaurant supply business
- 29. Become a scuba diving instructor
30. Start a virtual reality arcade business
A virtual reality arcade provides an immersive experience, taking the entire gaming concept to another level. As VR display technology gets integrated into more types of amusement games, starting a VR arcade can be a profitable business.
If you own an entertainment park, converting it into a VR arcade can attract new customers, increase spending from existing customers, and increase the overall quality of experience for all customers.
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
More business ideas
- 31. Start a satellite dishes production business
- 32. Start a workwear retailer business
- 33. Start a mexican restaurant
34. Start a musical instrument sales business
Thinking about combining your passion for music and business acumen? Consider opening a musical instrument sales business. At its core, this involves sourcing a variety of instruments and related accessories for sale, either in a physical store or online.
The demand for musical instruments spans hobbyists to professionals, which means a steady customer base. You'll need to carefully select high-quality instruments, engage in effective marketing, and maintain excellent customer service. Building relationships with suppliers and staying updated with industry trends will be crucial for success.
If you've always dreamed of working with guitars, pianos, or drums, this business provides a fulfilling opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of music while generating income. It's hard work, but for music lovers, there’s nothing quite like turning your passion into a thriving business.
How much you can make: $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
More business ideas
- 35. Start a banana paper making business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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