Do you want to start your own business but don’t know where to begin? People often wait to start a business because they don’t have the initial investment for their business idea, but you should never wait to invest in your future. We’ll provide businesses to start with $10K or less.
We’ve prepared a list of 70 businesses you can start for under $10K to help you on your path to entrepreneurship. We’ll provide you with ideas, an estimate of the startup costs, and the profit and revenue you can expect to make.
We’ll even share links to new business resources and stories from startup businesses that have done exactly what we’re suggesting. By the end of this blog, you’ll have dozens of affordable startup ideas and know what steps to take to get going.
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Read it all or click on any of the links to jump to the section that most interests you.
- Need help finding your own business ideas?
- Best online business ideas 2024
- Small and local businesses you can start with $10,000
- Creative and crafty business ventures to start with $10K
- What business can I start with $10K that serves food?
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Keep reading for some of the best businesses to start with $10K.
Need help finding your own business ideas?
We’ve created this list of businesses to start based on the ease of getting into each industry. They fall into three main categories:
- Online businesses
- No-education-needed businesses
- Low-cost-education-needed businesses
If your business idea isn’t on the list, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve it with less than $10,000. Just keep in mind that every great business idea will need:
- A business license
- A computer (If you don’t have one, check Amazon’s open-box deals.)
- Internet
- Social media
- Marketing
Best online business ideas 2024
#1 Dropshipping: The easiest business idea to start
• Average Annual Revenue: $36K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 5%
• Startup Cost: $150-$500
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 25%
• Best For: Those who want flexibility and passive income, people with strong digital marketing and social media skills
Dropshipping is the easiest type of business under $10K to start! Just
- Set up a Shopify account.
- Connect Printful and social media accounts.
- Create a few designs.
- License the business.
- Start marketing your products for less than $1,000 upfront.
#2 Print-on-demand services
• Average Annual Revenue: $1.6M
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -5.6%
• Best For: Visual artists, graphic designers, marketing pros, people who want passive income potential
A print-on-demand online store is a great business idea if you want to sell products with a low initial investment. You don’t need to worry about buying or managing inventory—just create the designs and find customers.
POD selling also has the potential to be a very lucrative business. Heather Johnson started her print-on-demand store with about $30 as a side hustle, and today its revenue is over $15,000 in an average month.
Hear Heather’s advice on getting started in this interview:
#3 eCommerce reselling
• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best For: Thrifters, shopaholics, and antiquers with a sharp eye for value
You don’t need to come up with your own products to start an online store. Platforms like eBay make it easy to start a new business as a reseller.
eCommerce reselling is definitely a business you can start with $10,000 or less. All you really need is the initial inventory, and if you’re strapped for cash, you can even start selling things you already own.
That’s what Mike Watson did when he started Golden State Picker. Now, he has a very successful business selling on eBay and earns around $30,000 a month. Hear his story in this interview:
#4 Online business manager
• Average Annual Revenue: $363K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: Organized people with management and leadership experience
We included virtual business management on this list because it utilizes skills many people already have. You just need:
- Management experience
- A laptop
- An internet connection
If you want badges to prove your skills, check out Zippia.com’s list of certifications.
Help busy CEOs run their companies remotely and make a great living doing it!
Keep reading for more small business ideas.
#5 YouTube content creator
• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$160K
• Average Profit Margins: 8%
• Startup Cost: $100-$2K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 10.5%
• Best For: People with a compelling on-camera presence, digital marketing, and social media skills
Create original YouTube content, get enough views, and become a YouTube Channel Partner. You can earn revenue from:
- Paid ads - $0.10-$0.30 for each view of a paid ad during your videos
- Super Chats and Super Stickers - 70% of revenue from both
- Selling your own merchandise
- Premium channel memberships
- Partnering with companies using YouTube BrandConnect to earn money through sponsorships
- Creating 60-second videos and getting your share of the $100 million YouTube Shorts fund
HubSpot shares the number of subscribers you need to get in the top 100 in different YouTube categories.
Find out how Reyes the Entrepreneur makes $210K a year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-ymfCpYcQ
#6 Start a podcast
• Average Annual Revenue: $4M+
• Average Profit Margins: 27.1%
• Startup Cost: $0-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.4%
• Best For: Bloggers and content creators, people with niche expertise in popular subjects
If you like the idea of a content channel but don’t want to be on camera, you could start a podcast instead.
Podcasts can be monetized much like a YouTube channel. Revenue streams include:
- Selling ad space and episode sponsorships
- Selling related merchandise or services
- Selling online courses
- Including affiliate marketing links in your podcast description
- Offering a paid membership
You can find out how Entrepreneurs on Fire makes $150,000 a month in podcast-related revenue in this interview:
#7 Search engine optimization
• Average Annual Revenue: $415K+
• Average Profit Margins: 7.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 4.6%
• Best For: Writers, web designers, online advertising experts, systems- and data-driven entrepreneurs
You can start doing SEO with free tools to save money and build as you grow.
And there’s plenty of room for growth—top-rated SEO experts make up to $150 an hour.
Search engine optimization is focused on improving website results in search engines through:
- Keyword research
- Improving site speed
- Content marketing
- Google My Business
If small businesses don’t show up on the first page of a search engine, they need help because they aren’t getting much traffic. Once they get to the first page, their traffic skyrockets. Consider this breakdown:
- Ads: 1.2-2.1% of traffic
- 1st place organically: 39.6% of traffic
- 2nd place organically: 18.4% of traffic
- 3rd place organically: 10.1% of traffic
- 5th place organically: 5.1% of traffic
- 10th place organically: 2.1% of traffic
Master getting a page to #1, and you’ve helped a business capture 20x more traffic…and hopefully 20x more revenue.
#8 Digital marketing consultant
• Average Annual Revenue: $817K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Cost: $100-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best For: Social media marketing and online marketing pros with strong communication skills
Digital marketing consultants help businesses get more attention on social media platforms and rank higher with search engines.
There are no formal education requirements, and lots of free education is available. Check out:
Check out our interview with Jason Yormark, founder and Chief Social Officer of Socialistics, below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb1czTEK8f8
We still have more businesses to start with $10K. Keep reading!
#9 Social media management
• Average Annual Revenue: $817K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Cost: $100-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best For: Experts in social media platforms, writers and creators who are strong collaborators
Many business owners either don’t like social media or don’t know how to get the most out of it.
With a social media management business, you’ll help other small business owners connect with potential clients through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
This often means creating marketing materials and content in collaboration with the owner of the account you’re managing.
If you can do that effectively, social media management can be a very successful business to start with $10K or less.
#10 Virtual assistant
• Average Annual Revenue: $35K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 10.5%
• Startup Cost: $100-$200
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best For: Organized and system-driven entrepreneurs
Social media isn’t the only thing most business owners don’t have time for. There are tons of small tasks that go into running a business, and that’s where a virtual assistant comes into the picture.
A virtual assistant works remotely, usually handling administrative tasks like data entry or answering emails. Most set their own schedules, too, so it’s very flexible work.
This is one of the rare businesses you can start completely for free. All you need is a way to connect with potential clients, which you can do online through platforms including:
#11 Affiliate marketing business
• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$160K
• Average Profit Margins: 8%
• Startup Cost: $100-$2K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 10.5%
• Best For: Advertising and marketing professionals, content creators
Affiliate marketing is a form of online advertising where you promote products and services from other businesses. If someone buys through your site, you get a commission.
This business model is location-independent and gives you complete flexibility when it comes to your schedule. It’s also a good business to make passive income once you have content and traffic on your site.
Getting that traffic is often the hard part when it comes to starting an affiliate marketing business. Read our complete guide to affiliate marketing or hear how David Thomas Tao did it with BarBend in this interview:
#12 Domain-flipping business
• Average Annual Revenue: $239K
• Average Profit Margins: 5.30%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.40%
• Best For: Web designers and developers, people with strong sales and marketing skills
This is the best business to start with $10K if you have expertise in coding and web design.
Flipping domains is like the online version of flipping houses. You buy a website or eCommerce store, make improvements to increase its value, then sell it for a profit.
Ron Stefanski has grown a $30,000-a-month business selling websites. Hear how he got started in this interview:
#13 Sell online courses
• Average Annual Revenue: $30K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 13.10%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5%
• Best For: Educators and teachers, people with niche or in-demand skills and knowledge
Online education is a $218 billion industry, and it’s expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2030. Online courses are an affordable way to start a successful business in this niche.
The initial investment to start an online course business is minimal from a financial standpoint. It can take a lot of time and effort, though, and that’s the main impediment most face getting started.
Find out how Jacques Hopkins overcame that challenge to grow Piano in 21 Days into a $480K-a-year business in this interview:
#14 Transcription business
• Average Annual Revenue: $25K
• Average Profit Margins: 20.50%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 4.4%
• Best For: Fast typers who are excellent listeners and have strong time management skills
If you can type faster than most, you can use that skill to start a business with $10K or less as a transcriptionist.
In fact, it will probably cost much less. All you really need to get started is a computer, internet connection, and an account on a freelance platform like Fiverr, TranscribeMe, or GoTranscript.
#15 Translation business
• Average Annual Revenue: $75K-$200K
• Average Profit Margins: 12.4%
• Startup Cost: $100-$200
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: People who speak multiple languages
From advertising to entertainment to technical documents, there are lots of things that people need to have translated, and multilingual entrepreneurs can turn that demand into a lucrative business idea.
According to Indeed, the most profitable languages for translation are:
- German
- Mandarin
- Arabic
- French
- Japanese
- Hindi
- Spanish
- Italian
- Russian
- Portuguese
If you speak one or more of the above languages as well as English, then you can likely make good money in translation.
If you’re still wondering what business to start, keep reading for more affordable ways to open your own business!
Small and local businesses you can start with $10,000
#16 Vending business
• Average Annual Revenue: $182K+
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Cost: $2K-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
• Best For: People who like to drive, system-driven entrepreneurs with strong sales skills
The initial investment to start a vending business varies depending on how many machines you want. That said, you can easily get started with just a few thousand dollars.
Best of all, it’s one of the most flexible low-investment business ideas and you can make a great living working just a couple of days a week.
Adam Hill makes nearly $60K a month with his vending business and teaches others to follow in his footsteps in his Vending Bootcamp. You can also hear insights from Adam in this YouTube interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_Y-O1nosw
#17 Janitorial cleaning services
• Average Annual Revenue: $74K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.7%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$30K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills
Keeping an office space or workplace clean is a bigger concern than ever in the post-pandemic world. That means lots of opportunities to start a cleaning services business.
There are lots of ways to scale this business, too. Spruse Clean grew to more than $10M yearly revenue in just three years by expanding into their own product line. Hear how they did it in this YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2QKJaM9Mc
We’ve got more business ideas in the cleaning niche below!
#18 Airbnb cleaning service
• Average Annual Revenue: $61K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.8%
• Startup Cost: $300-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.4%
• Best For: System and detail-oriented business owners skilled in customer service
Airbnb hosting is a popular business venture in its own right—but that can take a big investment if you don’t already own property.
With Airbnb cleaning services, you help other local business owners serve their customers, and this niche offers a lot of opportunities for business growth.
Queen Bee Cleaning Services makes a lot of its revenue from Airbnb customers. Hear how founder Chris Mondragon built the business in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Iip7BHXwg
You can learn more in Chris’s 7-Figure Cleaning Business Blueprint, where he explains how to write a business plan, choose business insurance, find potential clients, and all the other steps required to start a successful cleaning business.
#19 Window blind cleaning business
• Average Annual Revenue: $64K
• Average Profit Margins: 8.8%
• Startup Cost: $200-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills
An often missed aspect of cleaning is people’s blinds. Using this business model can offer a nice spin on traditional housekeeping services.
Potential clients will be ones who value a higher level of service in the cleaning industry and are likely to pay more.
A blind cleaning service is also a great way to niche down and become known as the leading expert for a service in your area.
Keep reading even more businesses to start with $10K or less.
#20 Tutoring services
• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+
• Average Profit Margins: 13.10%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5%
• Best For: Teachers and educators, people who are strong communicators and motivators
Start tutoring for under $1,000, assuming you have:
- Computer
- Internet
- A vehicle (if you’ll be meeting clients in person)
Students consistently need help mastering subjects like math, science, history, and English. Whether you choose to do test prep or general tutoring, there is plenty of demand for local businesses offering to tutor.
You can even do it online using platforms like Upwork and TutorAround. Certifications from the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession and National Tutoring Association can help you show proof of your tutoring skills.
#21 Lawn care or landscaping business
• Average Annual Revenue: $272K+
• Average Profit Margins: 8.7%
• Startup Cost: $2K-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.1%
• Best For: People who like hands-on work and working outside
The low barrier to entry is one thing that draws small business owners to the lawn care industry. You don’t need any special skills to start, and the costs are minimal.
Trevor Kokenge started his landscaping business out of his apartment with just $300 and grew it to more than $22K a month in revenue. Hear how in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQdsCmVFPGI
#22 Start a backyard nursery
• Average Annual Revenue: $262K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.8%
• Best For: Gardeners, lovers of the outdoors, skilled planners and system-implementers
A nursery is a great business idea for people who have a green thumb. You can sell your plants and seeds directly to customers or to local stores like restaurants or flower shops.
While you will need some land to grow on, it takes less than you might think, especially if you grow things like herbs and flowers that don’t take up too much space.
#23 Real estate agents
• Average Annual Revenue: $298K+
• Average Profit Margins: 44.6%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.3%
• Best For: Outgoing and friendly people who are skilled communicators and salespeople
If you are looking for businesses you can start with less than $10,000, then you may want to consider working as a real estate agent.
Real estate agents make a great living and they set their own schedules, so it’s a smart choice if wanting flexibility is one of your reasons for starting a business.
Being a real estate agent requires mostly certifications and licensing as startup costs. You can find your state’s requirements on the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials website.
Check out our interview with Paul Balzotti to hear his tips for new real estate agents:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzgxxq_FYHY
Keep reading for more businesses to start with $10K (or less).
#24 Property management
• Average Annual Revenue: $372K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.1%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best For: Organized entrepreneurs with strong time management, communication, and customer service skills
Another way to save money and start a real estate business is to manage properties that other people own.
As with cleaning, Airbnb properties are a big opportunity to start a new business as a property manager. NICASA makes $3M a year as an Airbnb business, and a lot of that revenue is from managing other people’s properties. Find out more in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-MosXlpOE
#25 Start a moving company
• Average Annual Revenue: $1.2M+
• Average Profit Margins: 9.91%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.7%
• Best For: People who like physical work, outgoing and customer service-focused entrepreneurs
Moving is stressful and strenuous—and a lot of people would rather hire someone to do it for them than handle it themselves.
The main expense to start a moving company is the truck. If you don’t already have one, you can save money on startup costs by renting a truck at first then investing your profits into buying your own vehicle.
#26 Junk removal business
• Average Annual Revenue: $5.7M+
• Average Profit Margins: 2.9%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best For: People with high stamina who like physical work, construction and recycling pros
Speaking of hauling heavy things, junk removal is an in-demand business venture. You can make $15-$50 an hour doing it, plus what you can make selling junk to scrap yards.
If you have a truck, van, or another vehicle that can pull a trailer, help people get rid of their unwanted junk and make money doing it.
You’ll need to know:
- Your local dumps’ policies and billing rates
- Your cost per mile
- What recycling yards will purchase
- Whether you’ll charge by the pound or by the job
Kyle Landwehr is a junk removal business owner who made more than $2 million in three years. Hear his advice for starting in this interview:
#27 Tour guides
• Average Annual Revenue: $995K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.6%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.5%
• Best For: Actors and performers, extroverted entrepreneurs with good presentation and communication skills
If your location gets tourism, you could start your own business as a tour guide. Share your knowledge and help people explore:
- Favorite hiking locations
- Local restaurants
- Historical buildings and monuments
- Haunted locations
- Pub and nightclub crawls
- The business ideas are unlimited to your creativity
Keep reading for more business ideas you can start for under $10K.
#28 Green business consultant
• Average Annual Revenue: $364K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.2%
• Best For: Experts in sustainability and green business practices
If you’re passionate about sustainability, think about starting a green business consulting firm. Green business consultants need to have a firm understanding of:
- Conservation methods
- Technology available
- Calculating return on investment
- Quality, green-minded contractors for installations
Consider getting certifications from:
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- U.S. Green Building Council
- Energy Star (only for licensed PEs and Architects)
Next, we’ll look at a business venture that helps other small business owners succeed.
#29 Leadership consultant
• Average Annual Revenue: $363K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best For: People with management and leadership experience, business experts
You don’t need to lead a giant company to profit from your skills in leadership. Instead, you can help other people run a more successful business as a leadership consultant.
Leadership expert Libby Gill turned her experience as Head of Communications for Sony into a consultant business. Hear her insights here:
#30 Life coaching
• Average Annual Revenue: $63K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.5%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.5%
• Best For: People with high empathy and emotional IQ who are great communicators, problem-solvers, and motivators
Business owners aren’t the only ones who sometimes need advice and guidance. Everyday people do, too, and you can provide that as a life coach.
While you don’t need a license to be a life coach, getting a certification can help build trust with potential clients, which can grow your business faster. You can get these credentials from places like:
#31 Personal trainer
• Average Annual Revenue: $16K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.9%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.6%
• Best For: Health, fitness, and exercise experts who are great communicators and motivators
If you are fitness-minded, personal training might be a good business to start with $10K or less. Personal trainers help people achieve their health goals and improve their lives. You’ll need:
- Business licenses if required in your location
- AED and CPR certifications (Check with the Red Cross for where to get certified near you.)
- Potentially to become certified as a personal trainer through:
Pro Tip: Read about other certifications at FitnessTrainer.com
After working as a fireman and personal trainer, Jake Brog took his offerings even further and opened a gym for less than $10K. Watch him explain how he started Lab Athletics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lchlyN9RBuw
Keep reading for more business ideas under $10K.
#32 Local delivery services
• Average Annual Revenue: $131K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
• Startup Cost: $100-$9.5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best For: Organized and system-driven entrepreneurs with strong marketing skills
If you’re looking for business ideas and have a car, starting a local delivery service can be a great way to earn some extra money.
You can sign up to work with companies like Uber, GrubHub, and DoorDash, or you can create your own.
If you want to start your own service, you’ll need to:
- Create an app.
- Recruit restaurants.
- Recruit drivers.
- Hire a customer support center to handle complaints.
Find out how Trellus same-day delivery service got started in this interview:
Business growth for food delivery is the highest in the food business. If you are looking for small businesses to start, this is low-hanging fruit.
Keep reading for more small businesses to start with less than $10K.
#33 Be a personal shopper
• Average Annual Revenue: $131K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
• Startup Cost: $100-$9.5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best For: People who love shopping who are excellent listeners and great at customer service
Personal shoppers connect people with the products that they need—even if they don’t know exactly what those are before they start.
If you’re starting this kind of venture, your business plan should focus on how you’ll connect with clients, which is the most difficult part of starting a personal shopper business.
#34 Equipment rental service
• Average Annual Revenue: $444K+
• Average Profit Margins: 35-40%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.8%
• Best For: People who own rentable assets, collectors of cars, boats, or other equipment
Equipment rental services are common in a variety of fields, including:
- Construction tool rentals
- Home medical equipment rentals
- Cars, boats, and other rentals
Open Door has a great article on how to improve profits on equipment and ForConstructionPros.com has a great formula to calculate the price of a rental.
Check out how Demitri started offering charter boat rentals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bb2yRUlCkc
Pro Tip: Make sure to carry business insurance to recover the monetary value if you have high equipment costs because accidents, theft, and injuries can occur.
Still haven’t decided which businesses to start with $10K? Read on for more to choose from!
#35 Event planning business
• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+
• Average Profit Margins: 12.2%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1%
• Best For: Organized and outgoing entrepreneurs with strong communication and time management skills
If you love planning parties, you can turn that passion into a very lucrative business as an event planner.
Event planners can be generalists or focus on a specific niche. The most profitable niches for event planners include:
- Luxury wedding planners
- Destination wedding planners
- Corporate event planners
- Virtual event planning
- Festival and concert planners
The truth is, though, whatever type of event you have the passion and experience to plan, you can earn money doing it by starting a new business in this industry.
#36 Mobile locksmith services
• Average Annual Revenue: $105K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.29%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.2%
• Best For: Repair professionals, auto experts, people with strong mechanical and math skills
People lock themselves out of their cars all the time. If you offer emergency lock-out assistance, you can contract with insurance companies like AAA or attract clients independently.
#37 Telephone answering service
• Average Annual Revenue: $905K+
• Average Profit Margins: 20.50%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Friendly and outgoing people with strong customer service skills
There are a ton of companies that pay independent contractors or other businesses to handle phone and web support. To get started, apply for jobs on Indeed or freelancing sites like Upwork. If you like this idea:
- Make sure you have a computer and headset.
- Start pursuing commercial clients.
- Hire other people.
- Get office space (optional).
#38 Mobile Pet Grooming Business
• Average Annual Revenue: $72K+
• Average Profit Margins: 11.5%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best For: Animal lovers and pet experts who are patient, empathetic, and great communicators
To start a mobile pet grooming business, you’ll need:
- A van or RV
- A grooming kit
- A grooming hammock
- Sink and water supply
- Shampoo and conditioner
- A vacuum that won’t get clogged
For other business ideas involving pets, check out our blog about the number one Etsy seller in pet products.
#39 Pet sitting business
• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.7%
• Best For: Pet owners and animal lovers with strong time management and communication skills
Pet sitting is another great business idea for animal lovers to start with $10K or less. Like mobile grooming, you can start easily from your home and won’t need an office space or commercial storefront.
The easiest way to get started is to join an online community for pet sitters, like Rover or Pet Sitters International. Rover even lets you book pet sits and communicate with clients right through the app.
#40 Dog walking business
• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.7%
• Best For: Dog owners, lovers, and experts, fit entrepreneurs with high physical stamina who like working outdoors
Similar to other pet care sectors like pet grooming services or vet care, the demand for dog walkers has increased dramatically since 2020.
Nearly one in five Americans adopted a pet in 2020 and early 2021, so any business that helps people care for those new family members can be a great way for entrepreneurs to earn money. The typical cost for these services has increased with demand, and many dog walkers in urban areas charge $500-$600 a month or more per dog.
#41 Childcare services
• Average Annual Revenue: $143K+
• Average Profit Margins: 0.9%
• Startup Cost: $0-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 51.7%
• Best For: Parents, teachers, people who are patient, empathetic, and strong problem-solvers
For those who have experience caring for children, opening a nanny agency can be the most profitable business to start with $10K or less.
Just look at Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, which has grown to $11.2 million a year in revenue since it was founded in 2011. You can hear how founder Kristy Bickmeyer built the business in this interview:
#42 Security company
• Average Annual Revenue: $4.3M+
• Average Profit Margins: 9.89%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Entrepreneurs with law enforcement experience or strong observation, systemization, and problem-solving skills
There are two types of security companies you can start:
- Installation of alarms, security cameras, and key card access systems
- Security guards for events, locations, and people
Note that both require special licensing as most jurisdictions want to make sure security company offerings are actually protecting people from criminals. Check out this guide to security guard requirements by state.
Whichever you choose, a security company is one of the best businesses to start with $10K. You’ll only need:
- Licensing costs before your first sale
- Up to $150 an hour for security and bodyguard services ($1.314M per client for 24/7 year-round)
- Up to $1,600 per four-camera system
#43 Pressure washing business
• Average Annual Revenue: $64K
• Average Profit Margins: 8.8%
• Cost: $200-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Detail-focused entrepreneurs who like physical work, outdoor work, and customer service
A pressure washing business is mobile by design because you go to customers’ homes for jobs. This keeps the initial investment low—all you need to get started are a power washer, a vehicle, and some initial cleaning chemicals.
Chase Lille invested around $3,000 to start Wizard Wash as a teenager and was making about $12,000 a month in revenue by the time he finished high school. Hear his advice in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNzuP6V0UhA
Pro Tip: You can also get step-by-step guidance on how to start your own pressure washing business with UpFlip’s new 7-Figure Pressure Washing Blueprint course.
#44 Mobile car wash
• Average Annual Revenue: $73K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16.1%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best For: Car lovers, cleaning experts, people who like physical and outdoor work
If you like being outside and washing cars, a mobile detailing business might be right for you. You’ll need:
- A water tank
- A washing kit
- A mobile 3-in-1 vacuum
- A mobile waxing tool
Customers pay more for bigger cars and more services. You can choose to go for volume or big jobs.
Volume:
- Corporate offices
- Car dealerships
- Car rental companies
Higher paying jobs:
- Market to high-end neighborhoods.
- Invest in car wraps.
- Use digital marketing.
- Offer detailing services at up to $400 per car.
Offer weekly or monthly deals for either category to maximize income. Check out how Bigs Mobile started their car detailing business:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irAXgN2n0iQ
#45 Mobile car wrapping
• Average Annual Revenue: $241K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16.1%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.8%
• Best For: Graphic designers, detail-oriented and system-driven entrepreneurs
Many business owners use car wraps as marketing materials to turn their vehicles into moving billboards. People with luxury cars, meanwhile, may get them wrapped to protect the paint and extend their life.
Having multiple potential customer groups is one thing that makes mobile car wrapping a good business idea. Find out how WrapCo makes $70K a month (after starting with just a hundred bucks) in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM1wFesfapQ
#46 Handyman business
• Average Annual Revenue: $204K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7%
• Best For: Repair and construction pros, makers, fixers, and people who like working with their hands
Becoming a handyman is consistently among the best local businesses to start with $10K or less. All you need are basic tools and a way to get to your customers.
Unlike other forms of construction, you don’t need to be a licensed contractor to work as a handyman. That said, getting your General Contractor License expands the types of jobs you can take and can prompt faster business growth.
Caleb Ingraham makes about $1,000 a day with his handyman business. Find out how he built it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leUta_q_MPQ
#47 Painting business
• Average Annual Revenue: $76K+
• Average Profit Margins: 7.2%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -2%
• Best For: Artists and designers, people with contractor or construction experience
House painting is another excellent business idea for people who enjoy physical work. While having construction experience can help you build a client list, you definitely don’t need this background to get started.
This is also one of the most scalable businesses you can start with $10K. Doug Caris bought Arizona Painting Company in 2014 and has grown it to five locations with $2 million a year in revenue. Hear his advice in this interview:
#48 Research services
• Average Annual Revenue: $10M+
• Average Profit Margins: 26.88%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.2%
• Best For: Data-driven entrepreneurs with strong organization, time management, and communication skills
Business leaders often need research for information on:
- Product features
- Market share
- Competitors
- Consumer opinions
Before they spend thousands on new market research, they will often pay people or other companies to review existing available materials. If that doesn’t work, they’ll hire market research firms to get the information for them.
While the average research services company makes $10M+ annually, the average market researcher only makes $68K per year, which means you’d need at least 50 people on your team to bring in the revenue of an average research company.
That said, all you need to start offering these services is access to the internet and a reliable computer. You can grow from there.
#49 Cell phone and electronics repair
• Average Annual Revenue: $560K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
• Best For: Technology and repair pros, detail-focused and system-driven entrepreneurs
The average U.S. household had 22 connected devices in 2022. If you establish yourself as the go-to person to fix them, that’s a lot of repeat business you can secure from your customer base.
You don’t need to be an engineer to offer repair services, either. Joe of Joe’s Electronics Repair learned how to fix things by tinkering with broken items. Now, he runs a seven-figure repair shop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqce8NAZWYw
#50 Dent removal service
• Average Annual Revenue: $268K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.1%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2%
• Best For: People who like working with their hands and talking to customers
Many dents can be removed with no more than a suction cup. All you have to do is:
- Watch some YouTube videos
- Print flyers
- Put the flyers on cars with small dings
#51 Tax preparation service
• Average Annual Revenue: $1.57M
• Average Profit Margins: 18%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months (not including time training as a CPA)
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.7%
• Best For: Certified accountants and tax professionals, people who are good with math, numbers, and finances
Everyone needs to file taxes—and almost nobody likes doing it. That makes tax prep an excellent new business for folks who are mathematically inclined.
You don’t need a special license to file simple personal returns. However, you do need to be an Enrolled Agent or CPA to file business taxes or offer other, more complex services.
That exam, along with a quality accounting software program, are the main expenses of starting a tax preparation service.
#52 Job search services
• Average Annual Revenue: $2.5M+
• Average Profit Margins: 26.88%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.6%
• Best For: Recruiting and HR professionals, strong networkers and communicators
Something else just about everyone needs is employment, and most people dislike looking for a job even more than they dislike filing their taxes.
Some common business ideas related to job search services include:
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Interview preparation and practice
- Career coaching
- Personal recruiter
- Recruiting or staffing agency
Note that these companies must have multiple employees to be able to reach the average annual revenue listed above.
#53 Professional organizer
• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.6%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Neat freaks, people with strong empathy, communication, motivation, and organization skills
Being an organizer isn’t just about decluttering. These professionals also function as a kind of therapist, helping clients bring order to their thoughts and lives along with their spaces. If you have strengths in both areas, you can excel as a professional organizer.
#54 Personal stylist
• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2%
• Best For: Fashionable entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills
If you’re the type of person who always dresses for the latest trends, you can grow your own business helping others to do the same.
Social media marketing skills can be very helpful for building this kind of business. Build a reputation by offering fashion advice online to establish yourself as an expert and grow your client list.
#55 Makeup artist
• Average Annual Revenue: $51K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Beauticians and visual artists who are excellent listeners and problem-solvers
Professional makeup artists aren’t just for celebrities. They also help people get ready for photo shoots or milestones like prom or weddings.
One thing to keep in mind: You may need to obtain a license as an esthetician or cosmetologist depending on where you live and the type of makeup you plan to do.
#56 Hair cutting or styling
• Average Annual Revenue: $51K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best For: Stylists and beauticians, detail-oriented people with strong communication and customer service skills
The great thing about cutting or styling hair is that it comes with built-in repeat business if you make your customers happy.
The biggest expense for most is the physical salon space. You can save money on startup costs by offering mobile services or renting a chair from existing businesses while you save up for your own space.
Learn how Bernard Franklin grew Busy B’s Barbershop to $130K a year in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWXB8eSmqOw
#57 Massage therapy
• Average Annual Revenue: $78K+
• Average Profit Margins: 4.35%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.3%
• Best For: Empathetic people with excellent communication skills and knowledge of physiology
You need a license in all 50 states to become a massage therapist.
Along with the $200-$300 for that education, you’ll need to budget around $2,000-$2,500 for a massage table and other equipment, but those are the only startup costs if you start out of your home or as a mobile business that meets clients where they are.
#58 Tailoring and clothing alterations
• Average Annual Revenue: $27K+
• Average Profit Margins: 8.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.6%
• Best For: Detail-focused entrepreneurs, fashion and clothing experts who excel at listening and communication
Clothes are expensive, especially formal and professional attire. Tailors help people make the most of that expense by adjusting or repairing clothes to achieve a perfect fit.
The main things you’ll need to get started are:
- A sewing machine
- Work tables
- Measuring tools
- Fabric, thread, and other accessories
All told, you can get everything you need for around $1,500-$5,000.
#59 Valet parking services
• Average Annual Revenue: $1M+
• Average Profit Margins: 9.91%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 7.2%
• Best For: Excellent drivers with strong customer service skills
Valet services can be a very lucrative venture for people who live in urban areas or near event venues and tourist destinations where parking is at a premium.
Best of all, the startup costs are next to nothing. If you have a driver’s license, you can connect with local business owners to offer their customers valet service.
Creative and crafty business ventures to start with $10K
#60 Fashion designer
• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2%
• Best For: Tailors and sewing experts, fashionable and creative entrepreneurs
If you love fashion, you can start designing your own clothes and wearing them as free marketing. The sky’s the limit when it comes to earnings—the world’s richest fashion designer is worth over $10 billion!
You’ll need:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric – Find fabric at your local craft store or order from Amazon clearance rolls for savings.
- Fabric scissors – Our recommended scissors come with additional accessories including a measuring tape.
- Measuring tape
It helps to understand pattern-making. Many seamstresses offer skills classes to help people learn the basics or hone specific skills. Connect with a local seamstress if you need help gaining experience.
Afshan Abbas, the founder of Fuchsia Shoes, makes $60K a month designing sustainably made shoes. Check out our interview with her below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Iz4tTVrZE
Keep reading for more businesses to start with less than $10K.
#61 Freelance writer
• Average Annual Revenue: $712K
• Average Profit Margins: 14.6%
• Startup Cost: $100-$200
• Time to Revenue: 1 month to 3 years
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.5%
• Best For: Writers, editors, and other language experts
If you love writing, a copywriting service is one of the best online businesses to start. There’s plenty of work for a small business owner. Copywriting service is focused on:
- Writing content for businesses
- Reviewing content for grammatical errors and SEO for businesses
- Translation services if you are bilingual (or a ninja at Google Translate)
Use SurferSEO to optimize your writing for the web.
#62 Freelance editing and proofreading
• Average Annual Revenue: $25K+
• Average Profit Margins: 9%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best For: Writers and language experts with a strong eye for detail
Another way to make money from your language skills is to edit things that other people write. If you’re an expert in grammar rules and have a sharp eye for spotting small errors, then editing can be a good business option.
#63 Web design business
• Average Annual Revenue: $239K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.3%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
• Best For: Programmers, coders, and designers with strong time and task management skills
A website is a necessity for small businesses today—but most business owners aren’t web design experts.
If you are, you can build a successful online business offering web design services. You’ll be in especially high demand if you have skills like SEO-focused design, eCommerce design, or other niche expertise that can help drive more traffic to websites.
#64 Woodworking and furniture making
• Average Annual Revenue: $6.4M+
• Average Profit Margins: 8.53%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best For: Artistic entrepreneurs who like working with their hands
The woodworking industry in the U.S. is expected to surpass $291 billion in 2024, so there’s definitely a lot of profit potential for local business owners in this niche.
Woodworking equipment costs less than you might expect, too. You can get everything you need to start a business for around $3,500-$5,000.
The UpFlip blog post on how to start a woodworking business has more info on how to get started. Or you can watch this interview with Daniel Westbrook to find out how he started a $30K-a-month woodworking business:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTByJCFsr4k
Note that you’d need around 33 employees to meet the average revenue value listed above.
#65 Candle maker
• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Cost: $100-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best For: Creative people with strong sales, marketing, and customer service skills
Candle-making is super easy to start; you just need:
- 10 pounds of wax
- Pouring pitcher
- A pot to put the pitcher in to create a double boiler
- Thermometer
- Containers to hold the candles
- Scented fragrances
- Wicks
Check out how the owner of Blk Sunflower made $300K in 18 months by making and selling candles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzZ5aTbiLh0
#66 Jewelry maker
• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0%
• Best For: People who are dextrous, creative, and have strong sales skills
Six of the top 10 Etsy sellers in 2022 were jewelry makers.
That’s both good news and bad news: There’s definitely a market, but you’ll also be up against a lot of competition from existing businesses.
Finding a unique niche or target audience is one way to stand out. Some popular types of jewelry that are affordable to make include:
- Morse code bracelets
- Upcycled jewelry made from found objects
- Stone pendants and necklaces
- Beaded necklaces
- Personalized charms or pendants
#67 Decorating services
• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.6%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Artists, designers, and other creative entrepreneurs
Interior designers, Christmas light hanging companies, and prop designers are all decorating services that you can make a great living offering. These types of jobs are great for creatives.
#68 Graphic design business
• Average Annual Revenue: $123K+
• Average Profit Margins: 13.5%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2%
• Best For: Tech-savvy visual artists
Graphic designers make images for websites, social media platforms, and marketing materials—and there’s a lot of demand for these services.
This is among the best businesses to start for creative people who want flexibility. You can build a graphic design business by:
- Creating custom images for clients based on their specifications
- Selling your graphics through a marketplace like Pixabay or Creative Market
- Selling items with your designs in a print-on-demand store
Whichever way you go, the startup costs are low.
#69 Photography business
• Average Annual Revenue: $50K
• Average Profit Margins: 7.3%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$10K
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3%
• Best For: Visual artists, creative people with strong interpersonal skills
Most of the initial investment to start a photography business is buying professional cameras and camera equipment.
If you’re a hobbyist photographer and already have quality gear, you can get started for much less.
There are tons of niches in the photography industry, from portraits and art prints to ad copy photos. Choosing the right one for your skill set is the best way to set yourself up for success.
That’s how Mile High Productions built a $35K-a-month business doing drone photography for local real estate agents. See how they got started in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUcv1HAAbns
#70 Teach music lessons
• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+
• Average Profit Margins: 13.10%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• to Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5%
• Best For: Singers and musicians who are good communicators and motivators
If you know how to sing or play an instrument, you can start a business sharing that knowledge.
Most music lesson instructors charge $25-$50 for a half-hour lesson, so you can make a very good living as a music teacher if you can keep a full student list.
What business can I start with $10K that serves food?
A brick-and-mortar restaurant might be rather involved and costly, but there are other food business models that can be started for under $10K in most places. Major cities will normally have more stringent requirements that might include:
- A food handler card – Check for requirements in your area. Note that “Highly recommended” means not required.
- Health district inspections
- Additional insurance requirements
Let’s look at some attainable food businesses to start for under $10K.
#71 Start a food truck
• Average Annual Revenue: $41K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• est For: Cooks and food service pros with excellent customer service skills
A food truck is one of the most popular food business models because:
- Food trucks are less expensive than buying a restaurant.
- You don’t have to clean the dining room
- You don’t have to hire servers or hosts/hostesses
- You can go where your customers are
To keep it under $10K, you’ll need to start it with a used rig and limited menu, but it can be done.
Vet Chef started with more upfront but still has some great tips for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCnE13BaQlk
#72 Become the ice cream man
• Average Annual Revenue: $279K+
• Average Profit Margins: 3.7%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3.5M
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7%
• Best For: Customer service pros who like driving
Almost everyone recognizes the sound of the ice cream man coming around the corner. Kids run out to it in droves and parents know they are about to spend money when they hear the familiar tune.
These trucks differ from food trucks because:
- The target market is kids,
- There are more seasonal fluctuations.
- You just need a freezer on wheels.
Keep reading for more food startup businesses to start with $10K.
#73 Meal prep company
• Average Annual Revenue: $21M+
• Average Profit Margins: 2.24%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 18.8%
• Best For: System-driven chefs, cooks, and foodies
Hard-working families are often too busy to prepare their own home-cooked food. If you love cooking and want to make a great living, then start offering meal prep services.
- Create a menu.
- Market your meals.
- Buy in bulk.
- Offer pickup or delivery.
Check out Food Business Pros for information on how they make money running a food prep company.
You’ll need around 16 employees to make the average annual revenue listed above, as the revenue per employee across the industry is around $1.4 million.
Keep reading for another food idea that doesn’t cost more than $10K.
#74 Mobile food carts
• Average Annual Revenue: $41K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best For: Extroverted food pros with strong multitasking and sales skills
I’ve seen people in Las Vegas buy a rolling cooler, a bag of ice, and a 32-pack of water and then go sell it in parks, on the Strip, or on busy corners. They make their money back on the first 32-pack and then make $28 a case.
That’s the super cheap route, but you can go a more professional route by buying:
- A hot or cold mobile cart like the one pictured below
- A vehicle to transport the cart
- The food to serve
- Disposable serving utensils
Keep reading for more businesses to start with $10K!
#75 Catering
• Average Annual Revenue: $124K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.5%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best For: Cooks and chefs who are organized with strong project and time management skills
The catering industry is expected to reach $378.39 billion in 2026 with a CAGR of 8.2%.
People hire caterers for weddings, business meetings, and other events. You can get everything you need on Amazon and (depending on your area’s food-service rules and regulations) cook the food at home.
Make sure to have a great presentation because people paying for premium services expect the presentation to be exquisite.
#76 Be a baker
• Average Annual Revenue: $1.52M
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Cost: $100-$3M
• Time to Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best For: Food industry professionals who are creative, good with customers, and have strong math skills
Opening a brick-and-mortar bakery costs more than $10,000, but there are ways to get started with less.
Mignon Francois spent about $5 to start baking cupcakes. She used the profits from that first batch to make more, and grew a name doing cupcake catering until she saved up enough to open a storefront. Hear her advice in this interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmviDvmh5js
#77 Make and sell artisanal foods
• Average Annual Revenue: $278K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16.33%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time to Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.8%
• Best For: Creative foodies who are good at planning and marketing
You don’t need to open a restaurant to sell food you make to customers. Another option is to make things like candy, pickles, sauces, or other homemade foods.
The startup costs for this are lower if you don’t open a storefront right away. Instead, you can start an online store or sell in person at farmers markets and other pop-up events.
Closing
We’ve provided you with a list of 77 businesses that cost less than $10K to start.
If you want to jump in where someone else left off, look for liquidated inventory sales and going-out-of-business offers with existing businesses for sale under $10K.
We’re always looking for business owners to profile in our blogs and YouTube videos. What are some businesses you’ve seen started for under $10K?
