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63 Businesses to Start for Under $10,000
http://www.azfranchising.com/63-businesses-to-start-for-under-10000/
You know you want to start something for yourself. You just need to funnel your ambition and time into an idea something that’ll earn extra cash, make you proud, and possibly lead to a full-time venture—and that amazing moment you get to say “I quit!” to your boss. But what great idea should you say “I start!” to?
From childcare, fix-it services, and party planning to business consulting, artisan manufacturing, and resume writing, there is a business for every skill level, interest and budget in our list of ideas you can start for less than $10,000. Some ideas listed here can even be started for less than $2,000!
Image credit: Shutterstock
These businesses can be started on a full- or part-time basis. Your location may be just an online presence, your clients’ homes or businesses, a work van or truck, or even a small storefront. You’ll advertise locally with fliers and coupons, cold-call potential clients, or set up shop with a website and online advertising campaign—finding customers will depend on the business idea you choose.
Each idea includes an overview of the business, a skill level recommendation needed 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 he or she is doing business with reputable organizations. Rather, these are the just first resources for your journey from idea to business ownership.
Business ideas under $2,000
Business ideas under $10,000
Under $2,000
1. Resume Service
Finding the perfect words to describe why people’s experiences, special skills, and interests make them the right candidate for a job is difficult work. 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 administration background, this idea may be the perfect opportunity for you.
One of the best aspects about the idea of starting a resume service is that you can start small, part-time, and keep costs low by working at home with your current computer. It’s the perfect opportunity for people looking to earn an extra few hundred dollars a month. In addition to resumes, other ideas include writing cover letters and thank-you notes, assisting with LinkedIn profiles, and helping clients build portfolios if their industry requires them. As a way to separate your resume service idea from competitors’, considering offering consulting on how to dress for interviews, how to handle themselves in a stressful interview situation, how to make follow-up telephone calls, how to prepare for interviews, and how to 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.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1–2
Resources:
Image credit: Shutterstock
2. Personal 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, who don’t like to shop, or who can’t get out to do their own shopping. Lots of busy and well-heeled people love the idea of hiring personal shoppers to select gifts for any number of special occasions, including birthdays, births, weddings, holidays, and anniversaries. And it’s not just new products they’re after: Personal shoppers are also hired by interior designers and collectors 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, as well as to purchase products for gift bag giveaways at special events, ceremonies and seminars. Seniors and other people who may find it difficult to get around hire personal shoppers to purchase groceries, clothing and other home and personal products. Best of all, no experience is required to get started. If you love to shop, have good taste, are creative, and don’t mind networking with business owners, corporate executives and 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+
Skill Level: 1 Resources:
3. Homebased 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 right from the convenience of a home workspace, and earn a bundle of money in the process.
Dry cleaners, fashion retailers, uniform retailers, bridal boutiques, costume shops, drapery studios, and consignment clothing shops—all are potential customers for your service. In fact, any businesses that retail or rent clothing of any sort are potential customers, and for that matter so is any person who is in need of alteration services.
Try this idea as a quick-start marketing method: put on a comfortable pair of shoes and 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 make it in to a profit center 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: $15+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
Custom Tailors and Designers Association
Sewing.org
4. Valet Parking Service
A driver’s license, the ability to obtain third-party liability insurance, and an outgoing friendly personality are the three essentials for the business idea of a special-events valet parking service. The business can be started with minimal cash, is a great part-time idea, and the profit potential is excellent, as rates for valet parking services are in the range of $50 to $70 per hour for a two-to-three person crew. And it goes almost without saying that tips can really add up!
There are many great ideas to market your valet parking services directly to consumers hosting parties and events, corporations hosting conventions and other event and wedding planners, trade show organizers, and charity groups and organizations. Uniforms worn by all staff and emblazoned with your business name and slogan, along with incredible customer service and a smile, will make a great impression on customers that is sure to secure lots of repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
ValetPark.net
5. 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. And this is a hot business idea: Parents are spending much more on their kids’ parties than they did a generation ago. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions reports that the average revenue for hosting a kid’s birthday shindig is $370. 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 whether you operate mobile or from a fixed location, duties remain the same—plan the party, decorate, provide entertainment, food, and beverages, stage games and contests, and make the event one heck of a lot of fun for 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: $15+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
6. Cake and Cupcake Bakery
Making, decorating, and selling one-of-a-kind cakes and cupcakes for occasions ranging from birthdays to weddings to anniversaries is a great business idea for the hobby baker to pursue, and one that is 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 to make sure they 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 very profitable, as ingredient costs are only about 15 to 20 percent of the retail selling price.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1–3
Resources:
Cake Appreciation Society
International Cake Decoration Societé
National Association of Wedding Professionals
7. Personal Chef
Take your pots and pans, cooking skills, and love of food, and hit the road as a personal chef for hire. Prepare gourmet meals for people hosting house parties, special occasion events such as birthdays or anniversaries, and corporate luncheons—basically anywhere there is a kitchen on-site that you can use to create your mouth-watering gourmet masterpieces.
Personal chef services are quickly becoming a popular alternative for people who do not have the budget for a full-scale catered event and for others hosting small gatherings not requiring complete catering services. The advantages for this start-up idea in comparison to a full-service catering business are apparent: low overhead and initial investment, full-time or part-time operating hours and easy management from home. That idea may appeal to people who want to slow down, but at the same time want to earn an excellent income doing something they love.
Promote your personal chef service idea by joining business associations and community social clubs to network and spread the word about your business and menu. The service can easily be supported by word-of-mouth advertising and repeat business once established, providing the food is great and the service is second-to-none. Additionally, building alliances with party planners and event coordinators is a marketing idea sure to 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: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
American Personal & Private Chef Association
United Stated Personal Chef Association
The Professional Personal Chef by Candy Wallace and Greg Forte (Wiley, 2007)
8. Artisanal Food Manufacturing
Do you have a secret recipe that makes friends salivate? A particular obsession for a certain ingredient like local honey or vanilla extract? Many entrepreneurs just like you are making 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, and fruit jellies and butters. Quality is key as consumers will expect the best local ingredients if they are paying a premium for your homemade goods. A good back story and excellent salesmanship helps, too!
First, educate yourself on local and federal laws regarding your idea of what you will be making in your kitchen and food labeling regulations. You may need to entertain the idea of 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. Then, 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
Skill Level: 2
Resources
9. Music Lessons
If you know how to sing, play guitar, piano, drums, or a wind or string instrument 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, at your home, the student’s home, a rented commercial space, or at a community facility, in conjunction with community programs, continuing education, or an 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. Alternately, if you prefer the idea of teaching music without the added work of operating a business, then subcontract your musical teaching talents to an existing music school and earn in the range of $15 to $25 per hour.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Music Teachers National Association
National Association for Music Education
National Association of Teachers of Singing
National Guild of Piano Teachers
10. Arts and Crafts Instructor
Knitting, painting, printmaking, and many other arts and crafts have gained popularity in recent years. 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 homebased studio, rented commercial space, in partnership with a 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, in community magazines and online event listings by posting fliers on community bulletin boards, and by exhibiting at arts and crafts shows. Creative entrepreneurs may even 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. The options are nearly limitless when you have a talent that other people want to learn. 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: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Craft and Hobby Association
Etsy
Image credit: Shutterstock
11. Pet Sitting
Many people have pets that cannot be boarded or left with friends or family when the need arises—pets with chronic health conditions or exotic pets that are difficult to take care of, for example. Likewise, many people prefer the idea that their dogs, cats and other pets are in the safety and familiar surroundings of home as opposed to an unfamiliar boarding environment. When these pet owners want or need to be away from home there is only one solution available: Hire a pet-sitting service to come to their homes and take care of their beloved pets while they are away.
If your idea is to work on a small scale, you can be the pet sitter. But if your intention is to operate full-time with an eye on 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 food 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: $15+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
Pet Sitters International
Start Your Own Pet Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press, 2009)
12. Gardening Consultant
If you enjoy working in the great outdoors and playing in the dirt, and know a whole lot about flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens, chances are you are the perfect candidate for the idea of 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 a decorative or productive vegetable and herb garden. During the first consultation with clients, you ask questions to determine their idea for the type of garden and landscape features they want, their budgets and time frames, and whether they want to do the work to install the garden or hire others. From this point, based on your knowledge about plants, plant placement, soil, rocks, and fertilizers, you create a garden plan in step-by-step detail suited to each client’s needs and garden criteria.
This is a terrific business idea for green-thumb entrepreneurs to stay active and fit because gardening work can be somewhat physically demanding, but at the same time earn an income in the range of $25 to $50 an hour. This is a business that will thrive on repeat customers and referrals once established. To get the ball rolling, advertise your services locally using newspaper advertisements and online. Then build a network of alliances at garden product retailers so they refer your services to their clients. You may even offer free seminars at local garden centers, churches and community center to spread the word.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
National Gardening Association
Urban Farming
13. 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-foot square garden area is large enough to support 300 seedlings, which in turn can produce approximately 150 saleable 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 a 50-, 60-, or 100-square foot seedling tree garden. 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
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
ArborDay.org
Mike’s Backyard Growing System
Mother Earth News: Starting a Backyard Nursery
14. Business Plan Service
Did you know that a recent survey of new business owners revealed that only 33 percent surveyed had a formal business plan? With 28 million small businesses in the United States, that points to fantastic market potential for a business plan service. To start such a service, you should have experience with business planning and be able to conduct the research and run the numbers a business plan requires. Market your service by attending business networking meetings and be able to explain why a business needs a business plan. Also attempt 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 also 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+
Skill Level: 2
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, 2014)
15. Online Researcher
If you like digging for information or miss spending hours in the library working on academic papers, and are looking to supplement your income, consider starting an internet research service. It’s a great way to get paid for the time you spend reading and surfing on the internet! This business was once referred to as information brokering, but the name changed as the means of obtaining information changed. The business remains the same, however, as the information that was once researched and compiled from newspapers, trade magazines, and business and industry journals can now be found online. You’ll be delving into government and business reports and perhaps even interviewing people to find the information your clients need. An internet research service operates in two fashions. First, collect data and facts relevant to a specific topic or topics, and then sell the compiled data to individuals and businesses that require the kind of information you have compiled. Second, business owners and marketers often enlist the services of an internet researcher to find specific data and facts relevant to their particular business, industry, or market. In both cases, clients pay for information they are seeking. Billing rates for the services vary, depending on how much research time is required to compile the data and related costs, but expect to charge in the area of $25 to $35 per hour.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 1–2
Resources:
16. Copywriting
If you have a talent for writing in a clear and concise manner that can build excitement and interest and motivate readers, listeners, and viewers to take the desired action, then starting a copywriting service might be just the right moneymaking opportunity for you. Copywriters prepare copy or text for websites, advertising, online and print marketing materials, press releases, TV and radio commercials, catalogs, and packaging labels. The demand for copywriting services is excellent, as most business owners, managers, and marketers do not have the time, skills, or inclination to prepare highly 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, the telephone ringing, and the email pinging. You’ll also want a well-written and designed online portfolio of your work. Copywriting fees vary greatly depending on what is being prepared and the size of the assignment, but average in the range of $50 per hour. If you have the required skills, additional income can also be earned by providing a full-complement of editing services, including proofreading, indexing, and production.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
17. Online Marketing and Social Media Consultant
When you’re running a business, you rarely have time to hop onto Twitter or Facebook to interact with customers or offer special sales. And how many business owners know how to optimize their listing on Yelp, keep up with changing algorithms on Facebook, or figure out if they need to be on the newest social media channel? This is where your expertise as a social media guru comes into play. First, ensure your own online presence and social media sites are topnotch. 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 social media 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 will only continue to grow, so your clients will be grateful you can keep them up-to-date with the changing online landscape and in front of consumers’ eyes.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Internet Marketing Association
Social Media Association
Social Media Examiner
Word-of-Mouth Marketing Association
Start Your Own Consulting Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press, 2014)
18. Search Engine Optimization & 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, but you also need that website to rank high on search engines. How does the average business owner keep up? 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 the advertising money they spend is well worth it. A background in digital marketing is required for this business, as well as the type of personality that thrives on change and new advances in their industry.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2-3
Resources:
Interactive Advertising Bureau
National Search Engine Optimization Association
SEMPO: Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization
19. Floral Designer
If you love flowers and need to earn money to supplement your retirement income, then this just might be the right opportunity for you. If you have an eye for design, you are qualified to start your own floral design business. However, formal training is an asset, and there are a number of schools and community 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 for any number of occasions—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, tape, and all kinds of containers to hold and 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: $15+
Skill Level: 1–3
Resources:
Image credit: Shutterstock
20. Fashion Accessories Designer
If you have a flair for design, then why not try your hand at designing fashion accessories? Get started by picking a fashion accessory to design, produce, and sell. It could be just about anything, including 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 numerous fashion accessory manufacturers that will manufacture your designs under your name. The options for selling fashion accessories are also numerous. You can sell your wares online on Etsy and eBay, at craft fairs and consumer shows, or host in-home fashion accessory sales parties. If you are ambitious, you can also sell your products wholesale to fashion accessory retailers.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1–3
Resources:
21. Toy Maker
Building and selling children’s toys is a great way to create cherished memories for children and to supplement your income at the same time. Just think of all of the toys that you can make—wooden toys, dollhouses, stuffed animals, dolls, antique toy replicas, and puzzles, to name just a few. In fact, handcrafted toys often become treasured family heirlooms passed down to each new generation to enjoy. Fortunately, you do not need much in the way of special skills or equipment to start making and selling handmade toys, just a workshop space outfitted with basic hand and power tools or a sewing machine, the ability and patience to learn new crafting skills, and the creativity to create unique designs. With the rising interest in handmade crafts, you’ll find a demand for handcrafted toys online, at local craft fairs and toy shows, and through consignment and wholesale at local boutiques.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1–2
Resources:
Etsy
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Toy Industry Association
Making Heirloom Toys by Jim Makowicki (Taunton Press, 1996)
22. Essential Oils and Soaps Making
Manufacturing and selling essential oils and soaps from home is a unique business opportunity that will appeal to eco-friendly entrepreneurs who love handcrafted goods. By definition, essential oils are the volatile essences extracted from aromatic plants. They are up to one hundred times more concentrated than the oils found in dried herbs and 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, or they can be applied directly to skin as a perfume. Soap is, of course, soap, but you can be incredibly creative making and selling soap products, using unique colors and scents, focusing on aromatherapy or organic ingredients, molding novelty soaps in fun shapes or with toys embedded inside, or extending your line into bath products like bath bombs and salts. You can get started making soaps and oils in your kitchen. A good setup for soap costs less than $500, but you may 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+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
23. Vintage Clothing Dealer
How do you strike it rich 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, such as hats, shoes, handbags, and scarves. While most clothing will net you a nice markup, you can also hit the jackpot if you uncover decades-old fashion from Channel, Pucci 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 may even choose to open your own retail store.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
Under $10,000
24. Image Consultant
Image consulting is an exciting business: You can get paid big bucks to help other people look and feel great. Working as an image consultant, you can help people land a new job, spruce up for an important occasion, make a great impression on others, or just feel good about the way they look and the image they project. 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 that can be used in business and social situations
Assistance in developing better communication skills through vocabulary enhancement and voice projection
Assistance in developing skills such as the perfect handshake and perfect 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 and contacts to your business. Be sure to include corporations, hair and makeup professionals, fitness trainers, and public relations consultants.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $50+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
Association of Image Consultants International
Gloria Starr Success Strategies: Image and Etiquette Consultant Training
25. Nonmedical Home Care
One of the reasons that nonmedical home care is an exploding industry is our aging population. In the United States, people 65+ accounted for 12.9% of the population in 2009. That number will grow to 19% by 2030. So the need for extra care for our aging population isn’t waning anytime soon. Generally, as people age they tend to need more personal attention. Nonmedical home-care services provide clients with a wide range of services specific to each individual’s needs. These services can 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, nonmedical home-care workers can also provide similar services for new moms, people with disabilities, and people recovering from injury or illness. People who are reliable and compassionate thrive in this field. This is an easy service to start, with minimal skill and experience requirements, although all nonmedical home-care service workers are required to carry insurance and be bonded. You can provide the care yourself or grow to become an agency with contractors or employees.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
26. Makeup Artist
There are numerous occasions when professional makeup artistry is needed, such as weddings, film or TV shoots, professional photo shoots, important job interviews, public speaking engagements, and special occasions such as parties, reunions, and weddings. Some people may 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 hair salon, day spa, or nail studio. Or you can freelance for cosmetic companies and work from retail cosmetic 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+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
International Make-Up Association
Professional Beauty Association
27. Personal Fitness Trainer
Calling all fitness gurus! The time has never been better than now to start your own personal fitness business teaching people from 5 to 95 how to live a more healthy life through exercise and nutritional programs. Although there are currently no universal certification requirements for personal trainers, anyone serious about operating this service should become certified. Contact the associations listed below for more information about certification programs offered in your area. Your target audience will include anyone who wants professional guidance. You can work one-on-one. You can specialize and train busy executives, kids, disabled people, moms-to-be, or seniors. Train at people’s offices or homes. Open your own fitness studio, and offer one-on-one and group training programs. In addition to developing exercise programs to match each client’s individual needs, personal trainers also conduct fitness assessments and provide nutritional coaching. Training in fitness clubs, community centers, retirement homes, hospitals, cruise ships, corporations, hotels, spas, resorts, camps, and schools are also other moneymaking options open to certified personal trainers.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
IDEA Health and Fitness Association
International Fitness Association
National Federation of Professional Trainers
Start Your Own Personal Training Business by Entrepreneur Press and Ciree Linsenman (Entrepreneur Press, 2012)
28. Furniture Repairs and Refinishing
If you’re handy with wood and upholstery, you can earn money repairing office and residential furniture, and refinishing antique furniture. The furniture-repair side of the business can be operated on a mobile basis working right from a fully equipped van, repairing furniture at your customer’s location. Potential customers that commonly require furniture repair services include home and office movers, business owners, property managers, restaurants, hotels, and retailers of new and used furniture. The furniture-refinishing side of the business, namely antiques refinishing, can be conveniently operated from a well-equipped home workshop. Advertise this feature of the business 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+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Professional Refinishers Group
Restoration Industry Association
The Furniture Bible by Chrisophe Pourny (Artisan, 2014)
Image credit: Shutterstock
29. Decorating Service
A myriad of popular TV shows on networks like HGTV and DIY network have fired up people’s imaginations about how they can dramatically change the look of their homes on a relatively small budget. But there is a hook: Anyone involved with the decorating makeover must have a creative flair for decorating and design, and the skills and tools necessary to pull it all together. Not all homeowners have these skills and talents, but if you do, operating a decorating service might be right up your alley. 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 wacky decorative items, recycled building materials, and unique home furnishings. A flair for sewing, painting and wood furniture repair can also help you rehab unique items. 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, online by positioning yourself as a local decorating expert on social media, and by creating colorful before-and-after brochures that showcase your decorating talents.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
American Society of Interior Designers
Certified Interior Decorators International
Interior Design Society
International Interior Design Association
30. Handyperson
Cash in on the multibillion-dollar home repair industry by starting your own handyperson service. Handyperson services require little explanation about the business opportunity. The main requirement for starting such a service is, of course, that you are handy with tools, have the required tools and equipment, and have a good working knowledge of many trades—painting, carpentry, flooring, and plumbing. Basically, you should be a jack- or jill-of-all-trades. Currently, handyperson billing rates are in the range of $25 to $40 per hour, plus materials and a markup to cover the costs associated with handling and delivery. The service can be promoted and marketed to both residential and commercial clients through the Yellow Pages, online classifieds like Angie’s List or Craigslist, fliers and door hangers, site and vehicle signage, door knocking, and home-and-garden shows. Repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals will become your main source of new business once you are established, providing you offer clients good value and excellent service.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Association of Certified Handyman Professionals
United Handyman Association
31. Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning is a booming industry, generating billions in sales annually. Commercial cleaners basically perform the same services as residential cleaners—dusting, vacuuming, and polishing, but on a larger scale and with the addition of services like replenishing paper products and soaps, washing windows, stripping floors, and emptying trash and recycling receptacles. The only real downside to commercial cleaning is that in most cases the cleaning must be performed nights and/or on weekends after the business or office closes, which is actually a positive for people who want to keep their day jobs but still be able to earn extra money working nights and weekends. Rates generally tend to be higher for commercial cleaning than residential cleaning, in the range of $20 to $30 per hour, plus paper and other special supplies. Rates are typically higher because equipment costs are more, work such as floor stripping and waxing is more specialized, and once again, the nighttime aspect of the work enables you to charge a premium. 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 is a common practice in this industry but expect to pay about three to five times the monthly value. For instance, if you want to earn $1,500 per month, this will cost you in the range of $4,500 to $7,500.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1–2
Resources:
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association
ISSA (Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association)
Start Your Own Cleaning Service by Entrepreneur Press and Jacquelyn Lynn (Entrepreneur Press, 2014)
32. Rubbish Removal
A secondhand truck or trailer, shovels, rakes, and a few garbage cans are all you need to start a rubbish removal service. Rubbish removal can be charged by the hour, by the truckload, or by quote before removing the junk. If you can offer home and business owners fast and convenient rubbish 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 such as carpet cleaners, contractors, and property managers. If you’re looking for a low-cost business start-up that requires little in the way of skills or experience, a rubbish removal service is one of the better choices. After expenses and dumping fees, you should have no problem earning in the range of $25 to $40 per hour. A smart side business is foreclosure cleanup: Some of these homes have furniture and other items left behind that you could resell.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
Junk Trash Removal Startup Advice Blog
33. Chimney Sweep
Some experience is needed to clean chimneys, which makes a franchise chimney cleaning business a good choice for entrepreneurs without experience because training and the necessary equipment is provided when you purchase the franchise. The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild also provide chimney sweep training. If you elect to work independently, you will need to purchase cleaning equipment such as ladders, roof jacks, and flue brushes, but these items are readily available at large centers and online, and are relatively inexpensive. 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 average chimney will take one to two hours to clean and rates are in the $75 to $150 range per chimney cleaned, with discounts for houses with multiple chimneys. If you also have experience in masonry repairs, you can offer services such as repointing, brick sealing, installation of new liners, chimney rebuilding, and new pots and crowns to boost revenues and profits.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
The Chimney Safety Institute of America
The Chimney Sweep News
National Chimney Sweep Guild
34. Blind Cleaning
Window blinds are a wildly popular window-covering choice for home and office owners across North America. With millions of window blinds hanging out there, all needing to be cleaned regularly, it makes a lot of sense to cash in by starting a blind-cleaning service. The most efficient way to clean window blinds is ultrasonic cleaning equipment, which is basically a tank filled with cleaning solution that gently cleans blinds ultrasonically, 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. Or, you can set up the cleaning equipment at home or in a warehouse space and offer clients free pickup, delivery, and reinstallation. In addition to homeowners, be sure to aim your marketing efforts at winning blind-cleaning contracts from schools, hospitals, hotels, institutions, corporations, and others with large numbers of window blinds.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
35. Dent Removal
Using specialized equipment, visit clients’ homes or businesses and remove small dings and dents in 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 get started with limited funds and keep your overhead low. More importantly, it gives you the ability to go to where the business is available, with no geographical limitations. Many distributors and manufacturers of dent-removal tools and equipment also provide training, which is reasonably priced and requires only a few weeks to complete. Hence, even if you have no previous auto-body repair experience, you can still start and operate this business. Extra money may be earned by offering clients paint touchup services, automobile detailing services, window chip repair, and window tinting.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
Automobile Service Association
Ding King Training School
Fender Bender Magazine
National Paintless Dent Removal Association
36. Bicycle Repair Service
A Mechanically inclined entrepreneur with an interest in cycling can earn a great income repairing bicycles right from the comfort of a homebased workshop. In addition to big profit potential, there are many other advantages to operating a bicycle repair service, including low overhead, huge demand for the service in an ever-growing sport, 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, such as those offered by United Bicycle Institute in Oregon. The key to marketing your services is to join bicycling clubs and organizations in your community, largely because members can become customers and refer other bicycling enthusiasts to your business. You can also work on a contract basis for bicycle retailers to handle their overflow work during the busy season. Likewise, advertising online in cycling forums or in your community newspaper and distributing fliers detailing the services you provide can attract new business.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
37. Event and Party Planner
If you love to plan and host parties and special events, then starting an event and party planning service will be right up your alley. Event and party planners are responsible for organizing and hosting special events such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and award ceremonies for their clients. Duties can include creating and sending out invitations, selecting event locations, decorations, arranging for entertainers and speakers, selecting caterers and menus, and just about everything else that is required to put on a special event without a hitch, including arranging clean-up after all the guests have left. To go into this industry you must be detail-oriented, well-organized, good communicators, and very creative. Networking, networking, and more networking will be your main marketing tool for attracting and keeping new business, peppered liberally with a good online presence, advertising in the Yellow Pages, and direct-mail fliers. 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 who you can rely on to supply products and services for your events promptly and on budget. They can also refer clients to you. The more reliable your team is, the more successful and profitable your event and party planning service will be.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Event Planners Association
International Special Events Society
National Association of Event Planners
Start Your Own Event Planning Business by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Cheryl Kimball (Entrepreneur Press, 2015)
Image credit: Shutterstock
38. Wedding Planner
Long gone are the days when a great shindig of a wedding could be put on for a couple thousand dollars. Now the cost of a typical wedding can easily exceed $10,000, $20,000, and even $30,000. It’s easy to see why many couples now realize that spending $1,000 to hire a professional wedding consultant is not only money wisely spent, but also a very cheap insurance policy on their substantial wedding investment. It is the duty of the wedding consultant to plan the wedding, hire caterers, screen musicians or disc jockey services, book a reception hall, find a florist and help to create table centers and bouquets, make a lot of suggestions, and fix a myriad of last-minute crises. In other words, the consultant does everything required to plan and carry out an unforgettable, perfect wedding. If you like to plan a party, are well organized, can calmly deal with stressed people, and thrive in a chaotic atmosphere, providing wedding-planning services would be right up your alley. There are more than 8,000 professional wedding planners in the United States, and needless to say, the industry is competitive. At the same time, however, more than 2.5 million people get hitched each year, so the opportunity to succeed and profit is available to those willing to get out there and make things happen.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Association of Certified Wedding Consultants
American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
Association of Bridal Consultants
The National Association of Wedding Professionals
Start Your Own Wedding Consulting Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press, 2011)
39. Bounce House Rentals
Bounce houses are inflatable amusement games that children and adults absolutely love to bounce around in (and on) and they are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and themes. Some higher-end models feature slides, mazes, obstacle courses and water areas. Renting bouncy houses is easy, and you can make incredible profits, up to $250 per day, just for delivering, setting up, and returning at the end of the day for pick-up. This is perhaps one of the best part-time business opportunities available. New inflatable amusement games cost in the range of $2,000 for small basic models, and up to $15,000 for large, fully featured models. Used ones are available for about half the cost of new. In addition to renting these inflatables for children’s birthday parties, they can also be rented to charities, sports and social clubs, and for 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, and space to store them.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
InflatableStartup.com
40. Childcare Center
The escalating cost of living has made child daycare a booming industry simply because many families require two full-time incomes to make ends meet. To start for the lowest startup costs, open a homebased daycare facility. Your growth will be limited by how many children you may 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 or in conjunction with an established business or office complex. In the United States and Canada, daycare facilities as well as childcare staff must obtain proper licensing and certification to meet minimum operating requirements. Because every state and province has its own individual licensing requirements, you will need to contact your regional municipal offices to make inquires or contact childcare associations to inquire about certification and licensing requirements in your area. Once your center is open, you will find that the problem is not finding kids to fill your facility, but having to turn down parents daily because you are at your limit. Word-of-mouth advertising is generally all the marketing that is required in this industry.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 4
Resources:
National Association for Family Childcare
National Childcare Association
Start Your Own Child-Care Service by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Jacquelyn Lynn (Entrepreneur Press, 2015)
41. Pet Photography
If you are an animal lover and a great photographer, what are you waiting for? Start a pet photography service! Owners of dogs, cats, reptiles, horses, champion livestock, birds, and even fish can all be potential customers. Full-time or part-time, you can operate the service on a mobile basis, from a homebased studio, from pet shops, or combine all to cover all the bases. Making the experience fun for pets and their owners will also go a long way toward securing repeat business and a ton of referrals, so liven things up with pet costumes, themed backdrops, and by offering pet video recording services, complete with music, titles, and special effects. Likewise, to boost profit potential, also offer a wide assortment of products that customers can have their pets’ photographic images transferred onto—key tags, greeting cards, calendars, mugs, hats, T-shirts, sports bags, and bumper stickers.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2–3
Resources:
Pet Photographers of America Alliance
Professional Photographers of America
Pet Photography by Alan Hess (Peachpit Press, 2014)
42. 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, transportation, and GMOs. To combat these problems, many are turning to urban farming to grow their own food. For people without a farming background who want to turn their yard, rooftop or even patio into an urban farm, this is where you can help. If you’ve got a green thumb for growing food, offer your services as an urban farm consultant. You can advise your clients on what plants will work well in their space and how to lay