The biggest issue with starting a small business is the funds needed to get things off the ground. Many who do not have sufficient capital to invest in everything they would like to tend to start small and build the company up. The issue many come across is not knowing which companies to start for small sums of cash. Keep reading to discover our list of the TOP 9 Best Businesses to Start With 10k.
To help prospective business owners facing this type of dilemma, we have outlined 9 profitable business ideas that anyone can start with less than $10,000. So if you want to start a business right away with minimal upfront costs, this post will help you resolve that issue.
Best Businesses to Start With 10k
1. Online store:
To start an online store, you will need to decide what products you want to sell and where you will source them from. You will also need to set up a website and choose a payment gateway to process transactions. Marketing your store will be important to attract customers, which can be done through social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization.
2. Freelancing:
As a freelancer, you will need to identify the services that you can offer and the target market you want to serve. You will also need to set up a website and create a portfolio to showcase your work. Marketing your services can be done through social media, networking events, and online job platforms.
3. Social media consultant:
As a social media consultant, you will help businesses develop and execute social media strategies to improve their presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You will need to have a strong understanding of social media marketing and be able to create content, engage with followers, and track metrics to measure the success of your efforts.
4. Food delivery service:
To start a food delivery service, you will need to partner with local restaurants to offer their food to customers. You will need to have a reliable vehicle and a GPS system to navigate deliveries. You may also need to consider liability insurance to protect your business in case of accidents. Marketing your service can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with restaurants.
5. Pet sitting or dog walking:
As a pet sitter or dog walker, you will need to have a love for animals and a reliable means of transportation. You may also need to consider liability insurance to protect your business. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with pet-related businesses.
6. Lawn care service:
To start a lawn care business, you will need a lawnmower and other basic gardening tools. You may also want to consider investing in a trailer to transport your equipment. Marketing your business can be done through local advertising, word of mouth, and door-to-door flyers.
7. Handmade crafts:
To sell handmade crafts, you will need to decide what types of products you want to make and where you will sell them. Online marketplaces such as Etsy (Open an Etsy shop and list your first 40 items free) and eBay are popular options for selling handmade crafts. You will also need to consider the cost of materials and labor when pricing your products. Marketing your business can be done through social media, local craft fairs, and partnerships with retail stores.
8. Virtual assistant:
As a virtual assistant, you will need to have a reliable internet connection and a home office setup to work remotely. You will also need to have strong communication and organizational skills. Marketing your services can be done through social media, online job platforms, and networking events.
9. Tutoring:
As a tutor, you will need to have expertise in a particular subject and be able to effectively communicate your knowledge to students. You can offer tutoring services in person or online. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with schools or education centers.
10. Event planning:
To start an event planning business, you will need to have strong organizational and communication skills. You will also need to have a network of vendors and suppliers, such as caterers, florists, and rental companies, to help execute events. Marketing your business can be done through social media, networking events, and partnerships with event venues.
11. Cleaning services:
To start a cleaning business, you will need a reliable vehicle and basic cleaning supplies such as mops, brooms, and cleaning solutions. You may also want to consider investing in equipment such as a pressure washer and carpet cleaner. Marketing your business can be done through local advertising, word of mouth, and partnerships with property management companies.
12. Mobile car wash:
To start a mobile car wash business, you will need a reliable vehicle, water, and cleaning supplies. You may also want to consider investing in equipment such as a pressure washer and vacuum. Marketing your business can be done through local advertising, word of mouth, and partnerships with car dealerships or repair shops.
13. Translation services:
To start a translation business, you will need to be fluent in more than one language and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will also need to have a reliable computer and internet connection to complete translations remotely. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with language schools or translation agencies.
14. Personal chef:
As a personal chef, you will need to have a background in culinary arts and be able to prepare meals in a client’s home kitchen. You will also need to have a reliable vehicle to transport groceries and equipment. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with caterers or culinary schools.
15. Personal stylist:
As a personal stylist, you will need to have a strong understanding of fashion and be able to help clients develop a personal style. You may also need to have a network of retailers and fashion resources to help clients shop for clothing and accessories. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with retailers or fashion boutiques.
16. Social media influencer:
To monetize your social media influence, you will need to have a large following and engage with your audience consistently. You can partner with brands to promote their products through sponsored content or sponsored events. You will need to have a strong understanding of social media marketing and be able to create compelling content that resonates with your followers.
17. Blogger:
To start a successful blog, you will need to have a strong writing ability and a clear niche or subject matter to focus on. You will also need to have a website and a way to monetize your blog, such as through advertising or sponsored content. Marketing your blog can be done through social media, search engine optimization, and partnerships with other bloggers or websites.
18. Graphic design:
As a graphic designer, you will need to have a strong understanding of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. You will also need to be able to effectively communicate with clients to understand their design needs and preferences. Marketing your services can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with marketing agencies or design studios.
19. Interior design:
To start an interior design business, you will need to have a strong understanding of design principles and be able to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. You will also need to have a network of vendors and suppliers, such as furniture retailers and contractors, to help execute design projects. Marketing your business can be done through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with home staging companies.
20. Home repair or handyman services:
If you have experience in home repair or handyman work, you could start a business offering services such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.
21. Personalized gift basket business:
If you have a knack for putting together unique gift baskets, you could start a business creating custom baskets for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.
22. Start A YouTube Channel
A successful YouTube channel is considered as a Businesses to Start With 10k or less. YouTube is easily the biggest streaming platform in the world, as well as the most well-known and widely used social media giant, generating billions of views every week.
Whether you are looking to reach a larger audience to entertain, a specialist who wants to help educate others about your particular profession with professionally made videos, or a business that requires a hosting location, access, and the sharing of promotional videos, getting a YouTube channel off the ground is not difficult. Better yet, the service for doing so is free.
You don’t even need fancy equipment for recording videos. All it takes is your smartphone and uploading to your platform. Most of the top-tier YouTube channels do use professional recording equipment, but they don’t all start out that way.
When they generate enough money to buy professional equipment these YouTubers purchase cameras, stands, microphones, video editing software, and lighting fixtures, along with other necessary peripherals. All of that gear, however, can be purchased for under $10,000.
So, to start a YouTube channel you need to get a niche idea first, then pick the top ideas and niche keywords you are going to make video about, you can use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to do that in few minutes. After that you will be in need for a script which you can write by yourself or get someone to do it for you from Fiverr for $5.
Now You need a voiceover for that script which you can also record it by yourself using Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC or order a gig from Fiverr. Create a great eye catching Thumbnail with the help of Canva, then start editing your videos using Filmora, or get someone professional on editing from fiverr or Upwork to do the job for you. That’s it, now Upload your video and start repeating the process.
23. Vacuum Cleaner Repairs
While the business model of vacuum repair shops is slowly becoming rarer, people still use them quite frequently, and sometimes the vacuums don’t suck dust and dirt as effectively as they once did. The shrinking of this market does make business owners who start vacuum cleaner repair businesses, increasingly likely to be successful.
Needless to say, this is not a business one should enter without any experience with fixing vacuum cleaners. Not only do you need to understand the inner workings of a vacuum, but you will also need to know how to fix various models from different brands. You can learn it by getting books on the subject, as well as watching how-to videos on YouTube. Theoretically, you can learn how to fix each vacuum as it is brought to you for service.
The thing working against repair businesses like this is that many people would rather spend money to buy a new vacuum when the old one breaks down than spend time and money on a repair shop, especially if the costs of the two are comparable. That is the core of this business model’s competition.
Therefore, as you promote your vacuum repair station, you should stress through direct mailing methods or electronic deliveries that the cost of repair would be significantly cheaper than purchasing a new unit. Customers may still have concerns about the time it takes to drive to the repair shop, so you should consider offering a mobile service. If someone will come to their house and fix their vacuum, it acts as a great detractor from spending money on a new unit.
24. Chimney Cleaning
Yes, Chimney cleaning is considered as a real Businesses to Start With 10k. The biggest hurdle in getting into the chimney cleaning business is the equipment needed to perform the job. Luckily, this can be overcome by buying a franchise, in which case all the equipment and instruction necessary for the job will be provided by the franchise headquarters.
This job requires skill and expertise, so if you are looking to run the business solo, you will need the tools that included various brushes and a ladder. This isn’t the type of job to take on if you have issues with heights (phobia, vertigo, etc.). You will also need to delineate your time accordingly as every standard job takes about 2 hours to complete, more if there are additional chimney flumes to clear. If you perform quality work, you will likely acquire repeat customers and word of mouth will get you additional jobs.
25. Window Treatments Company
If you have a good touch for home decor or even if you are just willing to learn in the area, offering window treatments is a great enterprise to dive into. For advertising, you can simply promote yourself online and offer to come out to clients’ locations for an estimate. Window treatments span a variety of textures and colors, and different ones appeal to various people differently.
Home visits are effective because they let the customer see in real life which samples work best for their home. If they like what they see, they may purchase a sample from your shop. Some window treatments can cost a lot, but some customers will be willing to spend the money to enhance the spaces in their homes. It is important to note that these are effective devices for temperature control too, which helps to reduce energy costs.
Regardless of whether your business has a physical location, a great website, stocked with professionally taken and treated photographs of various window treatments, including ones that you have done, is absolutely essential. The websites should also highlight the different brands you offer, as well as the colors and textures. If you have past experiences with clients who are willing to give you testimonials of their experience, logging those to your website is also extremely helpful as it helps to establish credibility and agency.
26. Freelance Copywriting
For starters looking to get an enterprise going off the ground, freelance copywriting is undoubtedly where it is at. Think about it from the perspective of modern-day businesses. Every company requires promotional writing, which, when paired with technical writing skills and a marketing background, so such an occupation is immensely in-demand.
Using platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, you can pitch your creative, promotional, and technical writing abilities to many clients. You can (and should) promote yourself through portfolios of your past notable work.
The best part, perhaps, is that you need only a PC and an internet connection to get started. You can purchase a laptop more than suitable for writing and online delivery of projects for a range between $350 and $800. You can then join various freelancing platforms such as Fiverr. Contena, IWriter, People Per Hour, Writer Access, and Guru to develop multiple income streams from various places.
Just make sure that you have enough time to do quality work on all fronts and that you can carefully manage your earnings for tax purposes as freelancing rules are different than standard income gigs.
27. Carpet Installation
Carpet installation is also considered as a Businesses to Start With 10k. Hardwood floors may still be popular in many residential abodes, but carpets are still essential in many locations such as flats, hotels, and restaurants. Anywhere where there is commercial real estate, carpet installation is likely needed. If you have personally done any sort of carpet installation work, you might be thinking about starting a business in that sphere.
To get started, collect some pictures and documentation of your prior work in the form of pictures, then include them in a brochure and post them to your business’s website. Then you will need to consider what tools and equipment you will require in order to perform the job. You will need basic installation tools and adequate transportation (such as a small truck) to bring the necessary materials to your place of work.
The next step is to start making contact with clients. A good place to start is by working with flooring store managers. Some employ their own staff to install carpets, but others will subcontract, which gives you a great opportunity to apply for the position. You will also want to study your competitors and learn about them through various professional organizations and trade periodicals.
You will also need to market your services through ads posted in a local newspaper, Craigslist posts, and through local media (tv and radio ads). Once you have done work for a few clients, don’t be shy in asking them to provide referrals for other work.
28. Apartment Preparation Services
Eager to make a profit on their rental properties, landlords and property managers work very hard to have the properties show and move-in ready. Because this takes a lot of energy, they see an apartment prep service as a total lifesaver.
The nicer the property looks, the more likely an interested renter or buyer would be, so they are happy to contract out various renovations and property cleaning. But the work is not limited to inside the properties. It extends to window replacements, painting, lawn care, trash collection, carpet cleaning services, and various other maintenance necessities.
If you join a landlords’ or property managers’ association or visit local real estate offices, you can offer your services across a whole spectrum of apartment prep aspects. If you are good at what you do, happy customers will promote you to others and get you in for more jobs.
You will need a vehicle to transport ladders, vacuum, and steam cleaners, as well as various other necessities to your jobs, and acquiring all of these things and a way to transport them should cost less than $10,000.
29. Personal Trainer
If you are a fitness enthusiast who enjoys helping other people feel better by getting in shape, you can enter the personal trainer business. The requirements to get into this line of work are minimal, with a personal training certificate, and a background in fitness, sports, or some type of athletics being all that is needed.
You can earn a personal training certificate in various parts of the US for anywhere between $200 and $2,000. You will likely want to also invest in certain equipment that you can bring to your clients for use such as yoga mats, med rollers, resistance bands, and a stopwatch. These and various other items of the same ilk should cost only a few hundred dollars to purchase.
Additionally, you can get a part-time gig at a gym. This saves you from spending money on equipment, and not having to pay for rent or insurance. You will likely have to deal with some very early hours as that is when a great majority of people have time to exercise.
What about Turning your expertise as a personal trainer into your own thriving business. You can design a beautiful and professional course website to upgrade your online Personal training business with the use of Thinkific
30. Self Service Gym
This is another Businesses to Start With 10k. It doesn’t get more straightforward than the idea of a self-service gym. Instead of employing personnel, you simply provide customers with a keycard that they can use the equipment with. You can start with modest space, offering basic fitness machines like cardio equipment and stationary bikes. You can even offer a deal where customers get unlimited daily access to this equipment.
If you want to grow this idea out further, you can also offer classes, such as yoga for instance. Once the clientele volume grows, you will want to relocate to a bigger space and add more machinery. You don’t even have to purchase it. You can lease it from manufacturers or buy it from resellers for discounted prices. Of course, there will be a promotional aspect to make sure people are aware of your business, but if you can keep a steady number of clients, you will have a consistent cash flow coming in.
Conclusion:
Getting an entrepreneurial venture off the ground is never a case of overnight success. There is a significant life shift involved, one that it takes a while to get used to. Once you hit your stride and begin a consistent momentum, you can begin making great money.
As far as the best businesses to start with $10,000 or less, look for something that requires the least amount of starting capital. Think about the fact that you can project great earnings, but things may not always pan out that way, so you need to be guarded when first starting out to a certain degree.
Small businesses lose business every day, and the biggest reason for it is the sheer lack of understanding about how to start one. People who do not do preliminary research about running a business or about the sphere in which they are operating tend to repeat the same foolish mistakes that many small businesses have made in the past.
If you do the legwork upfront, you can secure an inevitable future of successfully running a small business. Just remember, your business’s success is not something you are entitled to just because you open one. You have to work hard and make smart decisions to help make success happen.
Are you looking for ways to make some extra cash on the weekends? Look no further! Check out our article “How to Make Money on Weekends: Top 30 Profitable Ideas.” This comprehensive guide covers a range of options for earning money on the weekends, from starting your own business to creating a blog. Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or just want to make some extra cash on the side, you’ll find something that works for you in this list. So don’t wait, start reading now and find your perfect weekend money-making opportunity!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which enterprise is it a good idea to start?
The best business to get into is one where you already have extensive interest or experience. People who aren’t shy and have something of value to contribute can start a YouTube channel. Those who love to write can explore the possibility of freelance copywriting. If you aren’t sure, you should speak to entrepreneurs in the area and local experts for advice.
I’m Thomas, founder of Genie Dollars, a platform sharing proven strategies for making money online. With experience in affiliate marketing, print-on-demand, and freelance writing, I aim to inspire and guide others toward financial freedom through online entrepreneurship.
