101 Business Ideas Under $5,000
Ideas that need more than pocket money but less than a loan: $1,000–$5,000 buys the equipment, inventory or certification that keeps competition thin.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Costs in USD
| # | Idea | Startup cost | Revenue | First $ | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Backyard Beekeeping and Honey BusinessFood & Beverage | $1.2k–$8k | $300–$4k/mo | 6–14 months | Medium |
| 02 | Real Estate Photography BusinessFreelance & Agency | $1.5k–$5k | $2k–$7k/mo | 3–6 weeks | Medium |
| 03 | Mobile Spray Tan BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$5k | $1.5k–$7k/mo | 2–4 weeks | Easy |
| 04 | Freelance Makeup Artist BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$6k | $2k–$9k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 05 | Mobile Bike Repair BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$8k | $2k–$6.5k/mo | 2–4 weeks | Medium |
| 06 | Farmers Market Packaged Foods BoothFood & Beverage | $1.5k–$8k | $800–$5.5k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 07 | Handyman BusinessHome & Property | $1.5k–$10k | $3k–$12k/mo | 1–2 weeks | Medium |
| 08 | Online BoutiqueE-commerce | $1.5k–$10k | $1k–$15k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 09 | Lactation Consulting PracticeHealth & Wellness | $1.5k–$12k | $1.5k–$8k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
| 10 | Small Engine Repair BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$12k | $1.5k–$7k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 11 | Cut Flower FarmLocal Services | $1.5k–$12k | $500–$7k/mo | 3–6 months | Medium |
| 12 | Phone Repair BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$15k | $3k–$12k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 13 | Windshield Repair BusinessLocal Services | $1.5k–$15k | $2.5k–$14k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Easy |
| 14 | Parents’ Night Out Event BusinessEvents & Travel | $1.5k–$15k | $800–$9k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 15 | Small Seed CompanyE-commerce | $1.5k–$20k | $400–$9k/mo | 6–12 months | Medium |
| 16 | Maple Syrup BusinessFood & Beverage | $1.5k–$25k | $300–$8k/mo | 3–12 months | Medium |
| 17 | Drone Photography and Videography BusinessFreelance & Agency | $2k–$8k | $1.5k–$7k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 18 | Eyelash Extension BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$8k | $3.5k–$9k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 19 | Permanent Jewelry BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$8k | $2k–$10k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Easy |
| 20 | Pressure Washing BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$10k | $3k–$10k/mo | 1–2 weeks | Easy |
| 21 | Event DJ BusinessEvents & Travel | $2k–$10k | $1.5k–$10k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 22 | Photo Booth Rental BusinessEvents & Travel | $2k–$12k | $1.5k–$8k/mo | 1–2 months | Easy |
| 23 | Real Estate Agent BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$12k | $0–$25k/mo | 3–6 months | Hard |
| 24 | Hot Sauce BusinessFood & Beverage | $2k–$15k | $1k–$10k/mo | 2–4 months | Medium |
| 25 | Pool Cleaning Service BusinessHome & Property | $2k–$15k | $2k–$12k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 26 | Wig and Hair Extension BusinessE-commerce | $2k–$15k | $2.5k–$15k/mo | 1–2 months | Medium |
| 27 | Teeth Whitening BusinessHealth & Wellness | $2k–$15k | $2k–$9k/mo | 1–2 months | Medium |
| 28 | App Development AgencyFreelance & Agency | $2k–$15k | $6k–$50k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
| 29 | Private Investigator BusinessFreelance & Agency | $2k–$15k | $2k–$12k/mo | 1–4 months | Hard |
| 30 | Commercial Cleaning CompanyLocal Services | $2k–$15k | $3k–$30k/mo | 3–8 weeks | Medium |
| 31 | Pastured Poultry FarmFood & Beverage | $2k–$15k | $500–$6k/mo | 3–5 months | Medium |
| 32 | Nanny AgencyLocal Services | $2k–$15k | $2k–$20k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 33 | Meal Prep Delivery BusinessFood & Beverage | $2k–$20k | $3k–$15k/mo | 3–8 weeks | Medium |
| 34 | Lawn Care BusinessHome & Property | $2k–$20k | $3k–$15k/mo | 1–2 weeks | Easy |
| 35 | Firewood Delivery BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$20k | $1k–$6.5k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 36 | House Painting BusinessHome & Property | $2k–$20k | $3k–$15k/mo | 1–4 weeks | Medium |
| 37 | Insurance AgencyLocal Services | $2k–$20k | $1k–$25k/mo | 2–5 months | Medium |
| 38 | Accounting FirmFreelance & Agency | $2k–$20k | $3k–$40k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 39 | Farmers Market Organizer BusinessEvents & Travel | $2k–$20k | $500–$8k/mo | 2–4 months | Medium |
| 40 | Wedding Florist BusinessEvents & Travel | $2k–$25k | $1.5k–$14k/mo | 1–4 months | Medium |
| 41 | Bounce House RentalEvents & Travel | $2k–$25k | $1k–$12k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Easy |
| 42 | Courier and Last-Mile Delivery BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$40k | $3k–$25k/mo | 1–3 weeks | Medium |
| 43 | Community Garden Plot Rental BusinessLocal Services | $2k–$40k | $300–$6k/mo | 2–5 months | Medium |
| 44 | Mobile Car Detailing BusinessLocal Services | $2.5k–$12k | $3k–$9k/mo | 1–3 weeks | Easy |
| 45 | Wedding Photography BusinessFreelance & Agency | $3k–$12k | $2k–$10k/mo | 2–6 months | Hard |
| 46 | Amazon Private Label ProductE-commerce | $3k–$15k | $500–$15k/mo | 2–5 months | Hard |
| 47 | Senior Meal Delivery BusinessFood & Beverage | $3k–$20k | $1.5k–$9k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 48 | Property Management CompanyLocal Services | $3k–$20k | $3k–$25k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 49 | Mobile Drug Testing BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$20k | $2k–$15k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 50 | Holiday Light Installation BusinessHome & Property | $3k–$25k | $2k–$20k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 51 | Brow Bar and Microblading BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$25k | $3k–$12k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 52 | ATM BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$25k | $200–$5k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 53 | Roadside Assistance BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$25k | $2k–$14k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 54 | Catering BusinessFood & Beverage | $3k–$30k | $3k–$20k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 55 | Gourmet Mushroom Farm BusinessFood & Beverage | $3k–$30k | $1.5k–$9k/mo | 2–4 months | Hard |
| 56 | Carpet Cleaning BusinessHome & Property | $3k–$30k | $2.5k–$10k/mo | 2–4 weeks | Easy |
| 57 | Beef Jerky BrandFood & Beverage | $3k–$30k | $800–$12k/mo | 2–5 months | Medium |
| 58 | Car Flipping BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$30k | $1k–$10k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 59 | Summer Day Camp BusinessEducation & Coaching | $3k–$30k | $3k–$25k/mo | 3–6 months | Hard |
| 60 | Medical Courier BusinessLocal Services | $3k–$35k | $4k–$25k/mo | 3–8 weeks | Medium |
| 61 | Custom Closet Design BusinessHome & Property | $3k–$40k | $3k–$20k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 62 | Hydroponic Lettuce and GreensFood & Beverage | $3k–$40k | $800–$9k/mo | 2–4 months | Medium |
| 63 | Farm Stand and U-PickFood & Beverage | $3k–$40k | $500–$12k/mo | 2–12 months | Medium |
| 64 | Pet Food and Treat ManufacturingE-commerce | $3k–$50k | $800–$15k/mo | 2–6 months | Hard |
| 65 | Compost and Soil ProductsLocal Services | $3k–$60k | $800–$12k/mo | 2–6 months | Medium |
| 66 | Home Inspection BusinessLocal Services | $4k–$15k | $3k–$15k/mo | 2–5 months | Medium |
| 67 | Trash Can Cleaning BusinessHome & Property | $4k–$20k | $1.5k–$9k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Easy |
| 68 | Vending Machine Route BusinessLocal Services | $4k–$25k | $800–$4.5k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 69 | Perfume BrandE-commerce | $4k–$25k | $1k–$15k/mo | 3–8 months | Hard |
| 70 | Flooring Installation BusinessLocal Services | $4k–$30k | $6k–$35k/mo | 1–4 weeks | Medium |
| 71 | Locksmith BusinessLocal Services | $4k–$30k | $3k–$18k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 72 | Custom Furniture and WoodworkingE-commerce | $4k–$40k | $1k–$12k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 73 | Esthetician Skincare StudioHealth & Wellness | $5k–$25k | $3.5k–$12k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 74 | Driving School BusinessEducation & Coaching | $5k–$30k | $2.5k–$9k/mo | 2–6 months | Hard |
| 75 | Garage Floor Epoxy Coating BusinessHome & Property | $5k–$30k | $4k–$20k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 76 | Landscaping BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$30k | $4k–$25k/mo | 1–4 weeks | Medium |
| 77 | Pest Control BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$30k | $5k–$35k/mo | 3–8 weeks | Medium |
| 78 | Garage Door Repair BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$30k | $6k–$35k/mo | 1–4 weeks | Medium |
| 79 | Skincare BrandE-commerce | $5k–$30k | $1.5k–$20k/mo | 3–8 months | Hard |
| 80 | Short-Term Rental Arbitrage BusinessHome & Property | $5k–$30k | $500–$8k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
| 81 | Coffee Cart BusinessFood & Beverage | $5k–$40k | $2.5k–$12k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 82 | Ghost Kitchen Delivery BrandFood & Beverage | $5k–$40k | $3k–$25k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
| 83 | Mobile Mechanic BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$40k | $5k–$25k/mo | 1–3 weeks | Medium |
| 84 | Goat FarmFood & Beverage | $5k–$40k | $500–$7k/mo | 8–14 months | Medium |
| 85 | Freight Brokerage BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$40k | $3k–$40k/mo | 2–5 months | Hard |
| 86 | Kayak and Paddleboard Rental BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$40k | $2k–$18k/mo | 3–8 weeks | Easy |
| 87 | Window Tint and Paint Protection Film BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$40k | $3k–$30k/mo | 1–2 months | Medium |
| 88 | After-School Program BusinessEducation & Coaching | $5k–$40k | $3k–$20k/mo | 3–6 months | Hard |
| 89 | Party Rental BusinessEvents & Travel | $5k–$50k | $2k–$15k/mo | 1–2 months | Medium |
| 90 | Christmas Tree FarmLocal Services | $5k–$50k | $0–$12k/mo | 6–10 years | Hard |
| 91 | Tool and Equipment Rental BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$50k | $2k–$18k/mo | 2–6 weeks | Medium |
| 92 | Bail Bonds BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$50k | $2k–$30k/mo | 2–6 months | Hard |
| 93 | Aquaponics and Small Fish FarmFood & Beverage | $5k–$60k | $500–$8k/mo | 5–9 months | Hard |
| 94 | Frozen Food BrandFood & Beverage | $5k–$60k | $1k–$20k/mo | 2–5 months | Medium |
| 95 | Private Label Cosmetics MakerE-commerce | $5k–$60k | $1.5k–$20k/mo | 2–5 months | Hard |
| 96 | Micro-Acquisitions of Small Online BusinessesSaaS & Software | $5k–$60k | $500–$8k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
| 97 | Print ShopLocal Services | $5k–$75k | $2.5k–$30k/mo | 1–3 months | Medium |
| 98 | Kombucha BrandFood & Beverage | $5k–$80k | $1k–$20k/mo | 2–6 months | Medium |
| 99 | Car Rental BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$150k | $1.5k–$30k/mo | 1–4 weeks | Medium |
| 100 | Cupcake and Dessert ShopFood & Beverage | $5k–$150k | $3k–$35k/mo | 1–6 months | Hard |
| 101 | Rideshare Fleet or Taxi BusinessLocal Services | $5k–$150k | $2k–$30k/mo | 1–3 months | Hard |
Top 30 in detail
- 1
Backyard Beekeeping and Honey Business
Keep a few hives and sell local raw honey, wax products and pollination services
A backyard beekeeping business manages honey bee hives to sell local honey, beeswax products and sometimes hive rental for pollination. Buyers value local honey and gift-ready jars. It works well as a slow-growth rural or suburban business where space and zoning allow hives.
- Cost
- $1.2k–$8k
- Revenue
- $300–$4k/mo
- First $
- 6–14 months
- 2
Real Estate Photography Business
Shoot listing photos for agents who need fast, consistent images
A real estate photography business shoots interior and exterior photos of homes for agents and short-term rental hosts, typically for a flat fee per listing. Agents pay because strong images help listings get noticed online, and they want reliable turnaround within a day or two. It is a repeat-client business where a handful of busy agents can fill your calendar.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$5k
- Revenue
- $2k–$7k/mo
- First $
- 3–6 weeks
- 3
Mobile Spray Tan Business
Bring custom sunless tans to homes, events and wedding parties
A mobile spray tan business applies sunless tanning solution at clients’ homes and events using a portable tent and sprayer. Startup is typically $1,500 to $5,000, and requirements vary by state, with some regulating spray tanning under cosmetology or esthetics rules. Revenue comes from per-session fees and group event packages.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$5k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$7k/mo
- First $
- 2–4 weeks
- 4
Freelance Makeup Artist Business
Book brides, shoots and events with a kit and a strong portfolio
A freelance makeup artist is hired by the job for weddings, photo shoots, proms and events, and earns most from bridal packages. Licensing rules depend on the state: some require a cosmetology or esthetician license for paid makeup application. A kit and marketing can be assembled for $1,500 to $6,000.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$6k
- Revenue
- $2k–$9k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 5
Mobile Bike Repair Business
Fix and tune bikes at customers’ homes, offices, and events
A mobile bike repair business comes to cyclists with tools and common parts to perform tune-ups, flat repairs, and basic overhauls. It serves commuters, families, and employees who would rather not drop a bike at a shop. A van, cargo bike, or trailer with a work stand is enough to start.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$8k
- Revenue
- $2k–$6.5k/mo
- First $
- 2–4 weeks
- 6
Farmers Market Packaged Foods Booth
Sell shelf-stable jams, granola, sauces or baked mixes at weekend farmers markets
A farmers market booth lets you sell packaged foods like granola, jams, spice blends or dry mixes directly to shoppers each weekend. Market customers are used to paying more for local, handmade products and often become regular buyers. It is a low-risk way to test a recipe before pursuing grocery stores or online sales.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$8k
- Revenue
- $800–$5.5k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 7
Handyman Business
Fix the small stuff around homes and earn repeat work by the hour
A handyman business handles small repairs and installations such as drywall patching, fixture swaps, door adjustments, and furniture assembly. Customers need reliable people for jobs too small for contractors. Licensing rules limit the work you can do in many areas, so scope and local requirements matter.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$10k
- Revenue
- $3k–$12k/mo
- First $
- 1–2 weeks
- 8
Online Boutique
Curate fashion and accessories on a Shopify store without a lease
An online boutique is a web store that curates apparel and accessories from wholesalers, then sells to a tight audience through social media and email. You can start for $2,000 to $10,000, most of it in opening inventory. It works best for owners who can build an audience before buying deep.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$10k
- Revenue
- $1k–$15k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 9
Lactation Consulting Practice
Support new parents with feeding guidance at home or by video
A lactation consulting practice offers feeding support, latch assessments, and education to new parents through home visits or video sessions. Families pay for expert help during a vulnerable time. Practitioners typically complete specialized training or certification, and scope of practice depends on credentials.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$12k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$8k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 10
Small Engine Repair Business
Fix mowers, trimmers, chainsaws and generators from your garage
A small engine repair business services lawn mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, snowblowers, generators and pressure washers for homeowners and landscapers. Customers pay because dealers have long backlogs and many people would rather repair than replace. You can run it from a garage with hand tools and a modest parts budget.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$12k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$7k/mo
- First $
- 2–6 weeks
- 11
Cut Flower Farm
Grow seasonal flowers on a small plot and sell bouquets, subscriptions and wedding flowers
A cut flower farm grows seasonal blooms on a small plot and sells bouquets at markets, through weekly subscriptions and for weddings and events. Because flowers are high value per square foot, a small farm can earn real money from a half acre or less. The work is seasonal and weather dependent, and you need good planning to avoid gluts and gaps.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$12k
- Revenue
- $500–$7k/mo
- First $
- 3–6 months
- 12
Phone Repair Business
Fix cracked screens and dead batteries for a growing base of phone owners
A phone repair business replaces screens, batteries, and charging ports on smartphones and tablets, either from a small shop, a kiosk, or as a mobile service. Parts are widely available and repairs often take under an hour. Repeat and referral business comes from reliable quality and fast turnaround.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$15k
- Revenue
- $3k–$12k/mo
- First $
- 2–6 weeks
- 13
Windshield Repair Business
Fix chips and cracks on-site with resin injection and bill insurers or customers directly
A windshield repair business fixes stone chips and short cracks by injecting resin, usually at the customer’s home or workplace, and often bills the customer’s insurance company directly. Repairs are quick and cheap to perform, so one mobile technician can complete several per day, and many owners add full replacement through partnerships once they have a customer base.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$15k
- Revenue
- $2.5k–$14k/mo
- First $
- 2–6 weeks
- 14
Parents’ Night Out Event Business
Supervised evening play events that give parents a few hours off
A parents’ night out business hosts supervised evening events for children, usually in a rented gym, studio or community room, where kids play games, watch movies and eat pizza while parents go out. Parents pay a flat fee per child for a safe, fun evening. It uses the same skills as camps and childcare but runs only a few hours at a time, so startup costs are lower.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$15k
- Revenue
- $800–$9k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 15
Small Seed Company
Grow, pack and sell seeds to gardeners through your own online store
A small seed company grows, harvests, tests and packs seeds, then sells packets online and through local shops. Seeds are lightweight and shipped easily, and gardeners tend to buy again every season. The work involves careful seed saving, germination testing and compliance with state seed labeling laws.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$20k
- Revenue
- $400–$9k/mo
- First $
- 6–12 months
- 16
Maple Syrup Business
Tap maple trees each late winter and sell small-batch syrup and maple products
A maple syrup business taps maple trees in late winter, boils sap into syrup and sells it in bottles and value-added products. It requires access to a stand of sugar maples or a neighbor’s trees, a cold-winter climate, and a good deal of firewood or fuel. Income is limited to a short season, so many producers add maple candy, tours and gift packs.
- Cost
- $1.5k–$25k
- Revenue
- $300–$8k/mo
- First $
- 3–12 months
- 17
Drone Photography and Videography Business
Offer aerial footage to real estate, construction, and event clients
A drone photography and videography business sells aerial photos and video to real estate agents, contractors, farms, and event hosts, usually on a per-job fee. Clients pay for perspective that is hard to get otherwise, such as property boundaries or construction progress. You need a pilot certification where required, insurance, and the discipline to follow airspace rules.
- Cost
- $2k–$8k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$7k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 18
Eyelash Extension Business
Rent a suite or work from a studio room and fill a calendar with lash refills
An eyelash extension business applies synthetic lashes one by one and earns repeat revenue from refills every two to three weeks. You need training, usually a cosmetology or esthetician license (rules differ by state), and a clean, private room. A solo lash artist can start for roughly $2,000 to $8,000 and build a loyal client list quickly.
- Cost
- $2k–$8k
- Revenue
- $3.5k–$9k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 19
Permanent Jewelry Business
Weld chain bracelets and anklets on the spot at pop-ups and parties
A permanent jewelry business uses a small welder to fit and seal fine chain bracelets, anklets and necklaces on clients, often at pop-ups and parties. Startup runs roughly $2,000 to $8,000 for a welder, chain stock and display. Pricing per piece covers the chain, charm and welding experience.
- Cost
- $2k–$8k
- Revenue
- $2k–$10k/mo
- First $
- 2–6 weeks
- 20
Pressure Washing Business
Clean driveways, siding, and decks for homeowners and businesses
A pressure washing business cleans exterior surfaces such as driveways, siding, decks, and storefronts using commercial pressure washers and surface cleaners. It is one of the most accessible small business ideas because equipment is affordable and results are visibly dramatic. Customers include homeowners, landlords, and commercial property managers.
- Cost
- $2k–$10k
- Revenue
- $3k–$10k/mo
- First $
- 1–2 weeks
- 21
Event DJ Business
Play music and run the dance floor at weddings and parties
An event DJ business provides music, sound equipment, and emcee services for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Equipment is a moderate investment, and bookings come from referrals and wedding vendor networks. Reading a crowd and running a smooth timeline matter as much as music skills.
- Cost
- $2k–$10k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$10k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 22
Photo Booth Rental Business
Rent photo booths to weddings, corporate events, and parties
A photo booth rental business places a booth, open-air setup, or mirror booth at events and charges by the hour. Equipment is the main cost, and one machine can be rented multiple times per weekend. Differentiation comes from design, props, and service quality.
- Cost
- $2k–$12k
- Revenue
- $1.5k–$8k/mo
- First $
- 1–2 months
- 23
Real Estate Agent Business
Run a real estate practice as a business, then grow it into a team
A real estate agent business earns commission by representing buyers and sellers, and can grow into a team where an experienced agent hires assistants and buyer’s agents. You must hold a state license and work under a sponsoring brokerage, and income depends heavily on lead generation. Treat it as a marketing and relationship business with a license attached.
- Cost
- $2k–$12k
- Revenue
- $0–$25k/mo
- First $
- 3–6 months
- 24
Hot Sauce Business
Turn a signature recipe into a bottled brand sold online and in local shops
A hot sauce business produces and bottles small-batch sauces to sell at markets, in local shops, and online. Shelf-stable products make shipping and retail easier than most food ideas. Success depends on a distinctive flavor, compliant labeling, and strong branding.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $1k–$10k/mo
- First $
- 2–4 months
- 25
Pool Cleaning Service Business
Service residential pools weekly with chemical balancing and skimming
A pool cleaning service visits homes weekly to skim debris, brush surfaces, test and balance chemicals and keep equipment running. Pool owners pay monthly for recurring service, which makes this one of the steadier home service routes. It works best in warm regions with long swim seasons.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $2k–$12k/mo
- First $
- 2–6 weeks
- 26
Wig and Hair Extension Business
Sell bundles, lace wigs and custom installs to a loyal beauty audience
A wig and hair extension business sells bundles, closures and lace wigs online or in person, often adding custom styling and installation. Startup costs are typically $2,000 to $15,000, mostly inventory. Margins depend on sourcing quality and building a repeat customer base.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $2.5k–$15k/mo
- First $
- 1–2 months
- 27
Teeth Whitening Business
Cosmetic whitening sessions in a studio or mobile setup, where rules allow
A teeth whitening business offers cosmetic whitening sessions or kits, usually at studios, salons or events. Rules differ widely: in many states, applying whitening to another person is considered the practice of dentistry or restricted, so check your state dental board first. Startup costs can be $2,000 to $15,000 where operation is permitted.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $2k–$9k/mo
- First $
- 1–2 months
- 28
App Development Agency
Build mobile and web apps for founders and companies on fixed-scope projects
An app development agency designs, builds and ships mobile or web applications for clients who have an idea or a workflow problem but no engineering team. Revenue comes from scoped projects and ongoing maintenance retainers. The strongest agencies focus on a platform or industry and are disciplined about scope, because open-ended builds are where money is lost.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $6k–$50k/mo
- First $
- 1–3 months
- 29
Private Investigator Business
Offer lawful investigations to attorneys, insurers and individuals
A private investigator business performs lawful investigative work such as background checks, surveillance, locating witnesses and gathering evidence, usually for attorneys, insurance companies and businesses. Most states require a PI license with experience or training requirements, and the work must follow privacy and evidence laws. Repeat clients like law firms are the foundation of a steady practice.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $2k–$12k/mo
- First $
- 1–4 months
- 30
Commercial Cleaning Company
Win recurring janitorial contracts with offices, clinics and retail spaces
A commercial cleaning company provides janitorial services to offices, medical practices, gyms and other businesses, typically on monthly contracts with nightly or weekly visits. It differs from residential cleaning because customers are businesses, schedules run after hours and accounts renew for years. Margin comes from tight routing, reliable staff and winning contracts at a price that covers labor and supplies.
- Cost
- $2k–$15k
- Revenue
- $3k–$30k/mo
- First $
- 3–8 weeks