60 Businesses You Can Start With Under $70k [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 $70k.

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

1. Start an air cargo business

There is a high demand for air cargo services, but according to IATA, the capacity is constrained. The reason being there aren’t enough airplanes to meet the demand for air cargo transportation.

Therefore, starting your air cargo transportation business is a viable idea. You will need freight-forwarding skills and acquire the necessary licenses and certification, among other requirements to offer the service.

Air cargo is a more lucrative and profitable industry than people think. With the right idea, supplies, equipment, and resources air cargo businesses can be a profitable venture for any aspiring entrepreneur.

2. Start a bed and breakfast business

Bed and breakfasts have been around for a long time. Owners interact with customers while they benefit from affordable lodging.

Travelers nowadays have a high interest in experiencing local culture, ready to take on the adventure of meeting and interacting with others from different backgrounds and perspectives in order to get a unique taste of how a small town or even neighborhood might live.

The great thing about starting at home B&B is that you don’t need a degree in business. You only need enough capital to purchase essential items needed to open your very first one.

Listed are the steps to start a bed and breakfast business.

• Plan your business plan
• Secure needed permits, licenses, and certifications
• Hire Staff
• Open a bank account for business transactions
• Prepare your business for operation -Promote your business

3. Start a boat transportation business

Global recreational boating marketing is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5%. Given the projected growth, and boat hauling service is another profitable opportunity for trucking companies.

Boat transportation service targets boat owners within the tourism and fishing industries. If you want a promising trucking business idea, hauling boats for money is a great opportunity.

4. Start a child development subscription box business

Looking for a unique business idea with a meaningful impact? Consider starting a child development subscription box service. This business revolves around curating and delivering educational and developmental toys, books, and activities directly to parents' doorsteps on a monthly basis.

You'll need to source high-quality, developmental-appropriate products and design engaging themes that promote various aspects of child growth, such as cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and physical coordination. It's a blend of educational expertise and creative entrepreneurship.

Parents are always on the lookout for enriching experiences for their children, and a subscription box offers a convenient solution. With the subscription model, you’ll secure recurring revenue, providing a more predictable financial outlook.

For those passionate about child development and eager to combine it with a structured business model, this concept holds significant promise. Create a lasting impact on young minds while building a steady, scalable business.

5. Start an embroidery business ($8.25K/month)

Demand for embroidery supplies is growing globally, so starting an embroidery business in 2024 can be a great opportunity. The industry is experiencing a boom, and it has never been the best time to start your own embroidery business.

Before starting the business, weigh whether you have the right skills and knowledge of different fabrics and stitching. The size of embroidery equipment will depend on the size of the business you are looking to set up and how much you are expecting to grow.

Popular items within the embroidery business include:

• Caps
• T-shirts
• Polo shirts
• Shirts
• Jackets
• Sweatshirts

When choosing the items to stock up on, consider the types of customers always looking for embroidered goods and factor in the market size.

6. Start a day spa business ($154K/month)

A luxury day spa offers skin and body care, hair removal, makeup, and other body pampering treatments.

Luxury day spas have boomed over the past few years, and the trend will not stop anytime soon. Millions of people worldwide schedule to visit a day spa where they can relax, feel pampered and unwind. If you love helping people relax, starting a luxury day spa can be a rewarding business. It is fun and profitable if you have a good business plan and find an excellent location for your spa.

7. Start a demolition service business ($28K/month)

Ready to transform empty buildings into opportunities? A demolition service business focuses on the careful dismantling of structures, making way for new development. This isn't just about knocking things down—it's about orchestrating a precise, safe, and efficient teardown.

The process involves planning, obtaining necessary permits, and employing specialized equipment to execute each project. This business requires a keen eye for detail, thorough knowledge of safety regulations, and strong project management skills.

With urban renewal and construction on the rise, there's a growing demand for experienced demolition experts. If you're detail-oriented and enjoy hands-on work, this could be both a rewarding and lucrative venture. You'll need to invest in heavy machinery, safety gear, and a knowledgeable team, but the payoff could be substantial, given the industry's steady demand for skilled services.

8. Start a mobile drug testing business

A mobile drug testing business provides on-site drug testing services for individuals or organizations. This means you'll travel to clients' locations, like workplaces or events, to conduct drug tests.

To start this business on a budget, you'll need essential supplies like drug testing kits, paperwork, and a reliable mode of transportation. You should also research local regulations and obtain the necessary licenses or certifications.

Marketing your services to local businesses, schools, or event organizers will be crucial in building a client base.

9. 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.

10. Start a fitness equipment manufacturer

Are you searching for a new business opportunity that will enable you to utilize your design and construction skills? Perhaps you should consider starting a business that manufactures fitness equipment. The main requirements for succeeding in this manufacturing business are a well-equipped workshop, design and construction experience, and good marketing skills.

The fitness equipment manufactured can include weight benches, weight stands, and squat stands, just to mention a few. Once the fitness equipment is constructed, selling can be wholesale to national and specialty retailers or directly to the public via a factory direct showroom or the Internet.

11. Start a framing service ($25.2K/month)

Preserve memories and add a touch of elegance with a framing service. This business involves creating custom frames for valuable pieces like artwork, photographs, and memorabilia.

If you have an eye for design and an appreciation for craftsmanship, framing services offer a meaningful way to help others showcase their cherished items. You can work directly with customers to select materials that best complement their pieces, tailoring each project to suit their unique tastes and needs.

Setting up a framing shop requires some initial investment in tools, materials, and workspace. However, the demand for personalized, high-quality framing services means there's ample opportunity for business growth.

Whether you're crafting bespoke frames for galleries or providing convenient mobile services for individuals, a framing business allows you to blend creativity with practical skills, making it a fulfilling venture for the artisan entrepreneur.

12. Start a mcdonald's franchise business

Starting a McDonald's franchise offers a compelling opportunity to run a well-established and globally recognized fast-food restaurant.

As a franchisee, you'll benefit from McDonald's robust support system, including training, marketing, and supply chain management. With a proven business model and a strong brand, you can tap into a vast customer base and potential for growth in the fast food industry.

13. Start a leakage detection business

Got a knack for pinpointing issues before they become disasters? A leakage detection business might be your calling. This venture focuses on identifying and diagnosing leaks in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

In simple terms, you'll use high-tech equipment like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to find leaks that aren't visible to the naked eye. Your service helps clients avoid costly repairs and save on water bills, making their lives easier in the process.

This field is ripe with opportunity due to increasing concerns over water conservation and infrastructure aging. Building strong relationships with property managers, homeowners, and businesses can give you a steady client base.

Starting a leakage detection business demands investment in advanced detection tools and some training, but the payoff can be substantial. For those keen on offering a necessary service with tangible benefits, this venture offers a meaningful and profitable path.

14. Start a machinery components business ($450K/month)

In an industry that keeps the world moving, a machinery components business proves to be a substantial endeavor. This business focuses on manufacturing and supplying essential parts for various machines, spanning industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Starting involves securing reliable suppliers or setting up manufacturing processes to produce high-quality components. You'll need to understand regulations and build relationships with B2B customers who require these parts for their operations.

There's a constant demand for machinery components, owing to the continuous upkeep and expansion of equipment in numerous sectors. This consistent need translates into steady revenue potential for your business.

For those intrigued by engineering and mechanics, this idea offers a satisfying way to apply technical skills while filling a critical niche in the market. Embark on this journey to create a dependable supply chain that supports industries and drives progress.

15. Start an interactive map business

Interactive mapping involves using maps that allow zooming in and out, panning around, identifying specific features, and querying underlying data using visualizing select information in the map.

Businesses create interactive maps to import real-time business data from multiple files.

16. Start a golf course business ($502K/month)

If you are a golfer, it is easier to fall in love with owning a golf course. A golf course business can be a passive idea and a great retirement plan.

To start, you can purchase a ready golf course. Alternatively, if you own a piece of land, you can do your golf course. The golf course is a passive source of income and similar to real estate, and its value increases over time. Therefore, the golf course business idea can be a profitable and secure investment.

17. 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.

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.

19. 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.

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 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.

22. 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.

23. Sell stock photos

Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.

Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.

Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.

24. Start a home storage solutions business

Cluttered homes can disrupt daily routines and cause unnecessary stress. A home storage solutions business focuses on providing customized organizational systems to make living spaces efficient and clutter-free.

This venture involves designing, sourcing, and installing various storage products like shelving units, closet organizers, and multipurpose furniture tailored to individual needs. The market is ripe with opportunities as more people seek practical yet stylish ways to maximize their home space.

Starting this business doesn't require a huge upfront investment, just a keen eye for design and practical problem-solving skills. Whether you're a home renovation expert or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll be able to cater to diverse client needs. Grow your business by setting up a portfolio, leveraging social media for marketing, and perhaps even partnering with local home goods stores.

If you're passionate about creating functional living spaces, a home storage solutions business could be the perfect blend of creativity and utility.

25. Start a taxi cab business

If you are an experienced driver and know your city well, starting a taxi cab business can be a very lucrative side hustle.

Here are the steps on how to start a taxi cab business.

• Secure your business licenses
• Secure financing and purchasing equipment
• Purchase a commercial insurance

26. Become an used car dealer

Thinking about diving into the world of used cars to generate revenue? Starting a used car dealership might be the road to success you're looking for.

In essence, this business involves sourcing pre-owned vehicles, giving them a bit of TLC, and selling them for a profit. Your daily activities will range from inspecting cars for quality, negotiating deals with sellers, marketing your inventory, and handling customer relations.

The appeal of a used car dealership lies in its evergreen demand; people are always in the market for affordable, reliable vehicles. It’s a business that allows for growth by building a reputation for trustworthiness and quality.

While there’s a significant time and financial investment, including a lot of legwork, the payoff can be substantial. For those willing to put in the effort, it offers a rewarding way to combine a love of automobiles with entrepreneurial aspirations.

27. Start a video production company ($156K/month)

A video production company (VPC) also known as a video production agency or film production company, creates videos for clients to use in their marketing strategies. These videos can be commercials, online ads, product showcases, corporate videos, and employee training videos.

28. Start a weight loss clinic ($72.5K/month)

The modern lifestyle puts us at the risk of becoming obese. Health-conscious people are looking for weight loss clinics to help them stay healthy.

A weight loss clinic provides exercise planning and weight and body measurement services. Providing weight loss advice and coaching people on dietary behavior can be fun and profitable. If you are passionate about helping people through the weight-loss journey, start your own weight loss business. It can be a medical weight loss program or a non-medical one.

To start, you must decide whether an independent weight loss clinic or a franchise option is right for you.

29. Become a chocolate wholesaler

Looking for a sweet business opportunity? Consider becoming a chocolate wholesaler.

In simple terms, you'll be buying bulk quantities of chocolate from manufacturers and reselling them to retailers, bakers, and other businesses that use chocolate in their products. This business thrives on forming solid relationships with suppliers and clients, ensuring quality control, and managing logistics.

With the growing demand for premium and specialty chocolates, this venture can be both lucrative and fulfilling. You won't just be moving chocolate; you'll be a crucial link in the supply chain of countless other businesses.

It's a business that requires diligence in sourcing high-quality products and negotiating deals, but for those who are organized and passionate about the industry, the rewards can be substantial.

30. Start a gaming arcade business

Imagine modern entertainment wrapped in a nostalgic package—welcome to the world of gaming arcades. A gaming arcade business offers a space filled with classic pinball machines, retro video games, and even modern VR setups.

Easy to conceptualize but demanding to implement, this enterprise requires securing a location, sourcing machines, and strategizing marketing to attract gamers of all ages. The formula, however, is undeniably effective: a bustling hub for fun, competition, and social interaction.

This isn’t merely a business; it’s a cultural revival and social hotspot. A gaming arcade can breathe new life into a community, providing a timeless yet trendy escape. For those with a passion for gaming and community building, it’s not just a business opportunity—it’s a dream grounded in reality.

31. Start a product assembly service

Fulfilling orders in an e-commerce business often presents a challenge due to the assembly process. An efficient solution? Starting a product assembly service. This venture involves precisely that - assembling orders for businesses that don't have the time or resources.

The concept is simple: businesses ship you their products, assemble them as required, and then either store finished goods in a warehouse or dispatch them for shipment. It’s a hassle-free process for businesses, making this service incredibly valuable. Your expertise could save them hours of manual work, allowing them to focus on their core operations.

A product assembly service also presents an extra appeal in the era of online shopping. Especially for ecommerce businesses, your service could be the difference between customer satisfaction and total chaos. Starting this venture would not only offer solutions to businesses but also steer the retail landscape towards higher efficiency.

32. Start an audiobooks business

The growing popularity of audiobooks presents a captivating business opportunity. Picture this: turning written words into captivating audio experiences that people can enjoy anywhere.

Starting an audiobook business involves converting books to audio formats. You'll need a quiet recording space, quality equipment, and editing software. Talent-wise, voice actors and skilled editors are essential. The work includes securing rights to the books, recording, editing, and distributing via platforms like Audible or your own website.

Audiobooks cater to busy lifestyles, offering a way to enjoy stories and learning on the go, making this venture promising. With commitment and a love for literature, transforming texts into audio tales can be both rewarding and profitable.

More business ideas

• 33. Start an automotive parts manufacturing

• 34. Start a bamboo beer and wine production business

• 35. Start a canoe business

36. Start a car wash business

Cars are everywhere, and they all need cleaning. Starting a car wash business is a practical way to tap into a continually demanding market.

In essence, a car wash business offers professional cleaning services for cars, including exterior washes, interior cleaning, waxing, and more. By providing these services, you fulfill a basic need that virtually every car owner has.

Operating a car wash can be both rewarding and challenging. You’ll need a good location with high traffic, reliable equipment, and a focus on customer satisfaction. This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it venture; attention to detail and consistent quality service are crucial to retaining customers and building a reputation.

Imagine being a key part of your community, providing convenience and care for something people use every day. If you're passionate about cars and enjoy hands-on work, a car wash business could be a fulfilling and prosperous endeavor.

37. Start a self-service laundry business

A self-service laundry business is a coin-operated laundry facility where customers can wash and dry their own clothes using the machines provided.

To start this business on a budget, you'll need to find a suitable location with enough space for washing machines, dryers, and a seating area.

Next, acquire the necessary equipment, such as washing machines, dryers, change machines, and seating.

Additionally, make sure to set up a simple payment system, maintain the machines regularly, and create a clean and inviting atmosphere for customers. Finally, promote your business through local advertising and word-of-mouth to attract customers to your self-service laundry.

More business ideas

• 38. Start a farm equipment broker business

39. Become a packing supply distributor ($83.8K/month)

Consider a business where your service is foundational to the success of others. Starting a packing supply distributorship does just that. Essentially, you would procure and distribute a range of products such as boxes, bubble wraps, tapes, tags, and other packing materials to businesses.

Whether it's a blooming ecommerce brand or a bustling warehouse, businesses are always in need of quality packing supplies, making this market both vital and practical. Not only do you cater to existing businesses, but also ride on the success wave of emerging ones.

Sourcing materials from reliable manufacturers and providing them promptly to businesses, you would become a critical cog in the enterprise chain. And as green initiatives continue to grow, venturing into eco-friendly packing materials can further elevate your business impact. There's an undeniable, silent charm to being indispensable, and this business idea offers just that. Indispensability.

More business ideas

• 40. Start a fiber optics business

• 41. Become a trade show producer

42. Start a borehole drilling business

In most areas of the world, construction companies always look for their own source of water during a project. At times they may hire the services of a tanker driver to aid them in the delivery of water. If the local government gives you the authority to do so, you can drill your own borehole yourself.

So if you have an interest in starting this business as a civil engineer in countries like Nigeria where you can drill boreholes as you desire, you can go into the business and enjoy lots of profit.

43. Start a health club business

A health club business can be a rewarding venture that promotes wellness and community. In simple terms, it's about creating a space equipped with exercise machines, fitness classes, and wellness programs where people come to improve their health and fitness.

The appeal lies in serving the ever-growing need for physical fitness and well-being. You'll be managing facilities, hiring knowledgeable staff, and curating an inviting atmosphere that motivates members to achieve their fitness goals. But it’s not just about physical space; think beyond the gym – personal training, nutrition counseling, and online classes can diversify your offerings.

Wellness is a priority for many, and starting a health club harnesses this fact while helping people live healthier lives. If you're passionate about fitness and have a knack for business management, this could be the ideal venture to consider.

More business ideas

• 44. Start a health care services

• 45. Start a long distance errand services business

• 46. Start a mailboxes business

• 47. Start a licensed arms dealer business

• 48. Start a western apparel retail kiosk business

• 49. Start a washi tape business

• 50. Start a messenger service

51. 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.

52. 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.

More business ideas

• 53. Become a scuba diving instructor

• 54. Start a mexican restaurant

• 55. Start a restaurant supply business

• 56. Start a workwear retailer business

• 57. Start a satellite dishes production business

• 58. Start a banana paper making business

• 59. Start a sports team uniform service business

• 60. Start a vehicle inspection service

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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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