Currently set to Index
Currently set to Follow

29 Best Businesses To Start With $5K: Low-Cost Investments To Make Money In 2024

May 12, 2022

image of business owners

Wonder why you're always strapped for cash?

Want to unload the paycheck to paycheck lifestyle?

In 2021 a buck gets you 49.24% of what it got you in 1991.

Inflation and the cost of living are only going up.

So where does that leave you?

Want to rewrite the script and run your own show?

We hear you loud and clear.

That's why we did some digging.

What we found were the 29 best businesses to start with $5K ideas.

Low-cost investments earmarked to make you money in 2022.

But before we roll out, let me give you the lowdown on my story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I'm Ippei!

I get it because I've been there.

I did the 9-5 grind. Never having anything left over.

Then in 2014, I found this course and a way to rewrite my story.

Now I rank websites organically and get my clients free leads.

This tree site above is one I built in 2015 and haven't touched it since.

That site alone generates a passive income of $2000/month.

That's the beauty of lead generation.

The best business idea to start with $5K.

Want to learn more? Check it out here.

1. Senior Relocation Specialist

More than 54 million seniors call the United States their home.

That's 16% of the population.

But this suggestion is more than just about organizing and downsizing.

What you bring to the table is your expertise and professionalism.

Other considerations outlined in this article include things like:

01

Vetted & Experienced

02

Efficient & Empathetic

03

Mediation & Guidance

You don't need certification.

But if you want to be a step above the rest accreditation is how you do it.

You're looking at about $500 for the course.

people helping seniors

But the going rate is between $35-$80/hour.

Interested?

This article shares the 411 on how to start a senior relocation business.

2. Elder In-Home Care

The eldercare market is blowing up.

But how can you capitalize on this trend and make money in 2022?

Consider what services seniors need.

Think things found in this article like:

1

Cleaning & Home Maintenance

2

Transportation & Errands

3

Nutrition & Personal Care

For this best business to start with $5K you'll need a few certificates like:

  • CPR 
  • First Aid
  • Basic Home Care

Get yourself CCC liability insurance, an LLC or Sole Proprietorship, and some business cards.

Network and you can start getting clients right out of the gate.

This post shares some tips on how to get started.

3. House Cleaning Service

You want a business you can start with $5K.

How about one you can roll out for even less?

And that offers minimal overhead and rates of about $50/hour?

You might want to check out house cleaning.

cartoon of various cleaning supplies

An industry set to grow 6.1% from now until 2027, this market is on its way to global earnings of $468.2 billion.

The demand was sky high before COVID, but now it's like next level.

Stay current and in the know with a few trends for 2022 like the ones listed in this article including:


Responsiveness & Sustainability


Preventative Products & Contactless Payment Options


Ultra-Niche Services & Professional Employees

Profitable and scalable, start as a solo show.

As you grow your client base, hire staff to help you out.

If this lucrative start-up has your wheels turning, check out this post.

It gives the lay of the land on how to start a cleaning business.

4. House Painter

Low start-up costs and high-profit margins make starting a house painting business worth a closer look.

The beauty of this idea is that you have a couple of options:

  1. You run the show but outsource the work to subcontractors.
  2. Or roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.

Either way, you're going to need a few skills like the ones listed in this post that include:

Detail Oriented & Aesthetic Instincts

Physical Stamina & Dexterity

Time Management Skills & Networking Talents

Experience is an asset but not a make-or-break kinda deal.

Initial investment is about $2000.

Get that first job under your belt and you’ll recoup that pretty fast.

Rates are around $20-$50+/hour, with yearly salaries sitting between $33,000-$55,000+ as per this article.

image of a man and woman painting a wall in a house

Have steady hand and a keen business mind?

Check out this post highlighting how to start a house painting business.

5. Handy Person

Consider yourself a Jack or Jill of all trades?

From plumbing and basic electrical jobs-to hanging ceiling fans and cleaning gutters.

Handy people are-well-handy.

You're looking at an initial investment of around $5000 to cover costs like those found in this post, including:

  • Basic Tools & Equipment

  • Inventory & Supplies

  • Transportation & Marketing Expenses

You’re gonna need a license that is state-dependent.

But this article gives the a-z on types and corresponding links.

Average take-home pay is between $38K-$65K/year.

Think you've got the skills?

Ready to get after it?

Check out this post for all the deets on starting a handy person business.

6. Native Landscaping Business

Native landscaping uses endemic plants to create a stunning design and address water drainage/irrigation.

Becoming increasingly popular native landscaping is niche-specific.

It also offers several environmental benefits like the ones found in this post, including:

Promoting A Healthy Landscape & Habitat For Bees/Butterflies

Requires Less Mowing & Maintenance

Breaks Up Soil Allowing Water To Drain Into The Ground

Fewer Chemicals & Lower Water Usage

You need knowledge around native plants, shrubs, herbs, etc.

Start as a one-person show, and you're looking at about $5000 to get going.

image of men doing landscape design

That will cover your basic supplies and pay for a rental vehicle until you establish a steady clientele and can scale your services.

  • Have a green thumb? 
  • Environmentally conscious?

This could be the ticket.

If you're into it, check out this article for tips on how to start a landscaping company.

7. Dog Walker

Here's a best business to start with $5K idea that lets you have your cake and eat it too.

  • Looking to get in your 10,000 steps?
  • Enjoy four-legged companions?
  • Why not consider starting a dog walking business?

To set yourself up for success out of the gate, consider securing a few docs like the ones listed in this article that include:

Pet Insurance & Bonding

CPR & First Aid

Safety & Equipment

Plan on an initial investment of $5000 or less to cover basic equipment, marketing, and business costs.

The good news is that dog walkers are in high demand, so you'll recoup startup costs pretty quickly.

Ready to roll out with this suggestion?

Here's a post outlining some additional tips on how to start a dog walking business.

8. Mobile Auto Glass Repair

289.5 million.

That's the number of vehicles on the road in the USA.

When you own a car, you own a windshield.

And that opens up a host of profit potential for people in the know.

You can start a mobile glass repair business with a few simple steps and an initial investment of about $5000.

cartoon of a car getting its tires changed

Certification is encouraged, so you know what you're doing.

But there are online options like this one that allow you to become a tech super fast.

And with payouts between $34,000-$76,000+/year, there's money on the table with this suggestion.

Ready to learn more about how to get started?

Take a look at this article giving the quick on how to start a windshield repair biz.

9. Paintless Dent Removal Service

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is the ideal choice for those with an autobody background looking to be their own boss.

It's about getting rid of minor dents and dings.

But this suggestion takes knowledge, patience, and a steady hand.

You'll need some background and experience too.

Consider specified education to really rev it into high gear with this best business to start for $5K idea.

Additional must-have skills listed in this article include things like:

  • Recognize Fixable Dents 

  • The Ability To Manipulate Dents Back Into Place

  • Be Calm & Stay Focused

Going mobile slashes your startup costs significantly.

But plan on spending around $5000 to cover the costs of equipment, education, insurance, and marketing.

American's are tightening their belts with the uncertain economy, and repair rather than replace is becoming the new norm.

image of a car on an lift being repaired

Build a reputation, and you're looking at annual incomes between $45,000-$81,000+.

Have what it takes, or ready to learn the ropes?

Check out this post for additional tips on starting a dent repair business.

10. Mobile Spray Tan 

You look better with a tan.

Everybody looks better with a tan.

But who can be dealing with UV rays and wrinkles?

Enter the spray tan revolution.

A trendy way to have that sun-kissed glow all year long.

It's also a low-cost business venture that can see you cashing out between $35-$80/session.

Make even more money with upsells like the ones suggested in this article which include:

1

Pre-Sunless Spray Tan Preparation

 2

Touch-Ups & Take-Home Solutions

3

Spray Tan Aftercare

You're gonna need certification.

But here's a list of the top programs closing out 2021.

Grab insurance and make sure you have your consent forms handy.

cartoon silhouette of a woman with a spray tan gun

This suggestion takes some hustle and a good social media presence.

Build a client base, and you could be making bank with this one.

If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, take a look at this post.

It gives the rundown on how to start a mobile tanning business.

11. Teeth Whitening 

Word on the street is that a bright, white smile makes you look younger and more attractive.

Could be why the tooth whitening industry is worth global values over $6.14 billion.

The good news is you can start a mobile teeth whitening business for about $1500.

But make no mistake this is a competitive industry.

To win at this game, you need to be one step ahead of the rest.

You need to up the ante and offer things like:

Promos & Discounts

Product Upsells & Take-Home Kits

Loyalty Packages & Parties

Rates are around $100/session.

If this idea has you thinking, take a look at this post.

It gives the lowdown on how to start a mobile teeth whitening business.

12. Tutor

It's a market being described as a burgeoning entrepreneurial "education industry." 

The tutoring market is hot stuff these days with all kinds of profit potential.

Figure out your plan of attack.

  • What's your niche?
  • What subjects will you teach?
cartoon of a woman teaching children through a computer screen

Decide what business model works best for you.

The beauty of this idea is that there are options like those listed in this post, including:

Tutoring Business Models:
  • Online Tutoring

  • Travel Tutor

  • In-Home Tutoring

Start-up costs will depend on how you offer your services.

But the going rate is anywhere between $10-$30+/hour. 

Enjoy teaching? 

Looking for the best business to start with $5K that's both flexible and scalable?

You might want to take a closer look at becoming a tutor.

13. Kid-Focused Lessons

If you enjoy teaching and have the patience of a saint, why not consider teaching kid-focused classes?

You can rent space, use a park or hold classes in your home.

From coding and music lessons to arts and languages.

But for you sports fans a few popular choices for kids include things found in this post like:

01

Basketball & Football

02

Baseball-Softball & Tee Ball

03

Volleyball & Soccer

This article outlines how to start a music lessons business to give you an idea of how to pull off this suggestion.

14. In-Home Childcare

Changed my mind.

This best business to start with $5K requires the patience of a saint.

Love children and have an abundance of energy?

Then starting a childcare business from your home is one way to make some decent coin.

Start-up costs are going to set you back between $1000-$4000.

But you can charge around $800/month per child.

cartoon of a daycare setting

Every state differs around the number of children.

But they all require you to have a license, which you can learn more about here.

If you think this suggestion sounds like something you'd enjoy, take a look at this post.

It covers all the specifics on how to open an in-home daycare.

15. Photo Editing

Photo editing.

It's about making digital adjustments and tweaks to create a stunning image.

Set up shop for $2000-$5000.

Take the tips found in this article like:

  • Post Your Services On Fiverr
  • Write Tutorials For Websites
  • Create A YouTube Channel

Apply these bad boys, and you're looking at $30,000-$50,000+/year.

cartoon of a giant video camera

Make even more cash by keeping your eye on trends.

A few popular ones listed in this article include things like:

  • Clean Editing & No Filter
  • Retro & Vintage

  • High Flash & Matte Effect

  • Soft & Natural 

Have the magic touch?

Can you capture and recreate that perfect pose?

Then this best business to start with $5K is one for you.

For more info and industry trade secrets, check out this post.

16. Tax Prep

Recession-proof and can punch out earnings between $30,000-$100,000+ in 90 days or less.

This is one of the best business to start with $5K ideas around.

Tax prep is a $10.8 billion market and one riddled with opportunity.

cartoon of a computer screen showing a ledger

You're going to need some legal documents and certifications before you roll up your sleeves.

This article lists the steps on how to become a tax preparer which includes the following:

Know-How 

Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

Client Base

Want representation for extra CYA protection?

Check out this link shared by the IRS for more details on how to qualify.

If you can do the math and save people money, this suggestion might be right up your alley.

This post offers additional information on how to start a tax prep business.

17. Online Reseller

Savvy shopper with a talent for scoring the best deals?

Why not take a closer look at becoming an online reseller?

Retail arbitrage.

Fancy lingo used to describe buying stuff cheap and selling it for more than you paid to land a profit.

image of a discount store

A business you can do from home that's only going to set you back a couple hundred bucks.

There are a few pros and cons to think about before you dive in.

Some listed in this post include things like:

Pros

  • Super Low Barrier To Entry

  • Make Cash Fast

  • Build A Business On The Coattails Of Trusted Brands

Cons

  • You're At The Mercy Of Retailers

  • Scaling Is A Challenge

  • Competitive & Often Saturated Market

A far cry from a passive income stream, you need to be hustlin and shoppin all of the time.

But if you're consistent and persistent, you can make big bucks with this idea.

Here's an article sharing a beginner's guide on how to get started.

18. IT Consultant 

IT consultants are the ones in the know around stuff like the latest technology, potential threats, and databases.

From cybersecurity to troubleshooting malware, the IT support industry is booming.

Currently worth an estimated $380 million in the USA, it just keeps climbing.

vector of men working on devices

But you need skills, and you need experience.

This post gives the scoop on how to become an IT consultant.

Get your ducks in a row and you can set up a consulting business for around $5000.

IT consultants generally focus on three main categories as per this article that include things like:

01

Project Management

02

Maintenance & Repair

03

Security

You're looking at an annual salary between $27K-$142K+/year.

Into this idea?

Have the skills and education to pull it off?

Check out this post giving the 411 on how to start a consulting business.

19. Virtual Assistant

You're an independent contractor.

The person who gets the job done.

Virtual Assistants provide any number of services, from data entry to answering emails.

A few pros and cons to think about before you sign on your first client include things found in this post like:

Pros
  • Low Start-Up Costs

  • Flexible Schedule

  • No Formal Education Or Degree Required

Cons
  • Client Acquisition

  • No Employee Benefits Or Bonuses

  • Can Be Isolating

Initial investments are minimal-well under $5000-and you're looking at annual incomes between $30,000-$50,000.

Decide on your niche, get your marketing campaign ironed out, and take a read through this article.

It highlights some key points on starting a Virtual Assistant business.

20. Internet Research Firm

Enjoy scouring the internet looking for answers?

Have a knack for uncovering obscure information?

Internet research is a way to take those talents and make some money.

Low startup costs, all you need is a reliable computer and Wi-Fi.

Go after big-ticket players in niches like the ones found in this post, including:

  • Market Research & Human Resources

  • Information Technology & Taxes

  • Legal & Housing

Formal education isn't necessary.

But if you want to up the ante, consider certification.

A few options worth their salt are listed in this article.

cartoon of a computer with a variety of research tools

With the potential to bring home wages between $16-$78+/hour, this is one idea worth researching.

Interested?

Check out this post for more info on starting an internet research firm.

21. Online Business Coach

It's all about supporting, educating, and motivating business owners.

Business coaches guide individuals through the challenging labyrinth of entrepreneurship.

You need to produce tangible results that increase revenues.

Know what you're talking about and have either the education or the experience to back it up.

Figure out your niche and ideal target market.

A few options found in this article include areas like:

Teams Coaching

Performance Coaching

Executive Coaching

Leadership Coaching

Charge between $100-$1000/hour.

And you're hitting the jackpot with this best business to start with $5K suggestion.

  • Think you have the skills and the passion for helping entrepreneurs?
  • Want to be sure?
Check out this post offering a complete guide on becoming an online coach.

22. Translation Agency

It's a $7 billion market in the USA alone.

But it doesn't end there.

Translation is growing at a rate of around 7%. 

If you are bilingual, you are sitting on a craft that can earn you .12/word or more.

picture of a keyboard with different languages for keys

It's an initial investment of peanuts ($200-$1000).

Get after it and you're the owner of a lucrative best business to start with $5K in no time.

Like any industry, there are a few trends to take note of, including things found in this post like:

AI Translation 

Audio-Visual Translation Services

Machine Translation Post Editing

Closed Captioning & Subtitling

You don't need formal training or certification.

But if you want to dig into medical or legal translation, you'll need some kind of accreditation.

And you can learn more about all of the specifics here.

Ready to start?

Here's a post sharing the details on how to start a translation agency.

23. Copywriter

It's about the power of persuasion and it's everywhere.

Copywriting is all about selling individuals on a specific product or service, and it's a multi-billion dollar industry.

You don't need formal training, but you do need to be niche-specific.

And you need to be passionate and knowledgeable in whatever industry you want to write for.

cartoon of a computer and writing tools

With start-up costs around $100-$4000, all you really need is a computer and good Wi-Fi.

Add in some stealth marketing tactics, and you're rockin.

Take your business next level with a few trends like the ones in this article, including:

 1

Email Copy Is King

2

Attention-Grabbing Copy Is Indispensable

3

Long-Form Copy Continues To Dominate

Choose to freelance as a one-person show.

Or scale as you grow your client base.

Incomes range from $5000-$75,000/year, making this a suggestion worth weighing in on.

If you enjoy writing and like the sounds of this best business to start with $5K, check out this post.

It shares a guide on starting a freelance copywriting business.

24. Web Design

Web sites. Everybody has one, and if they don't have one, they want one.

Web sites are like the online door to a business.

A chance to make an impression, generate leads, and build a reputation.

Web designers are all about making that site look fantastic.

From the layout and appearance to content and user experience.

You need to be a tad creative and understand how to build a website.

If you're a beginner and interested in this best business to start with $5K.

Check out this post sharing the a-z on how to get started.

cartoon of a man with a magnifying glass checking web sites

Investment costs are next to nothing.

Get yourself a computer, some high-speed internet and start networking.

To win this game, you need to stay on your toes and be one step ahead of the trends.

Shaping the landscape for 2022 are a few things found in this article that include:

  • Memphis Design & Retro Revolution

  • Engaging Interactives & Visible Borders

  • Moving Type & Handmade Graphics

You can charge by the hour or by the project.

There's a vast range of pricing depending on the size and content of each web design.

Earnings could be anywhere from a few thousand dollars/job to $50,000+ or $20,000-$114,000+/year.

Sounds great right?

Here's a post highlighting how to start a web design business if you're up for the challenge.

25. Graphic Design

Consider yourself a creative communicator?

Can you inspire, inform and captivate an audience with imagery?

A $13 billion dollar industry in the United States, graphic designers are in demand.

A business you can do from home with start-up costs around $2000.

But like everything starting a graphic design business is not without its fair share of pros and cons.

A few found in this post include things like:

Pros:
  • Flexible & Scalable

  • Low Investment Costs & Rewarding Work

  • Minimal Overhead Costs & High-Profit Margins

Cons:
  • Saturated & Competitive Market

  • Lengthy Sales Process & Client Acquisition

  • Staying Motivated & Keeping On-Point With Trends

Salary Explorer says that graphic designers in the USA make between $28,000-$97,000+/year

You need to be in the know when it comes to software and creating graphics that wow your clients.

But if you have the skills and want more info, check out this post.

It shares a step-by-step plan on how to start a graphic design business.

26. Digital Marketing Agency

Know how to leverage online platforms?

Can you increase conversions and the bottom line for business owners?

Digital marketing might be your poison.

Your job is to utilize cost-effective solutions to reach a larger audience and make business owners more money.

cartoon of a man at a computer with leads floating around his head

A business you can do from home with an initial investment of a few hundred bucks.

Hone your skillset and dominate a few fundamentals like the ones listed in this post, including:

  • Video & Content Marketing

  • Data Analytics & SEO

  • Tech-Savvy & Persuasive Communication

Annual incomes are sitting between $11,000-$88,000+/year.

Pull this one off, and you can make a pretty sweet setup for yourself.

Ready to get started?

Looking for more information?

Check out this article to learn the ropes on starting a digital marketing agency.

27. Reputation Management Firm

Remember those gold stars you got in school when the teacher liked your work?

Man those stars were coveted.

Some things don't change, and gold stars continue to be where it's at when it comes to a business's online reputation.

Reputation management is the art of influencing people's perceptions of a brand or business.

image of stars and faces on a computer screen

Google reviews can make or break buyers' decisions, and business owners want to look their absolute best.

Enter the reputation management firm-the peeps with the ability to make stars shine.

With a minimum initial investment of $62, you can run your own show and get going with this suggestion ASAP.

Trends closing out 2021 include things found in this post like:

Harnessing Social Media

Embracing AI

Utilizing Content Moderation

Customers Representing Brands

The national average for this gig is a payout of around $75,000/year.

Into it?

Check out this article for a complete breakdown of how to start a reputation management firm.

28. Social Media Specialist

Lover of TikTok and Instagram?

Understand the power of Facebook and Snapchat?

If you're a social media bee, then becoming a social media specialist only makes sense.

Low startup costs this suggestion is more about relationships and leveraging brand power than lofty overhead expenses.

cartoon of a cell phone with social media icons in bubbles around it

But it's not just fun and games and aimlessly scrolling platforms.

You need to have a few qualifications and manage some responsibilities if you want to make money with this idea.

A few non-negotiables listed in this article include things like:

Create & Publish Content

Build Brand Awareness & Boost Sales

Track-Measure & Analyze Campaign Results

You stand to earn $23,000-$110,000+/year to rub shoulders with influencers and captivate a target audience on the socials.

If you're hanging out there anyway, why not make some money doing what you enjoy?

This post gives a quick overview of how to get started.

IMO The Best Business To Start With $5K

Lead Generation

Lead generation is all about dominating the internet.

Building websites that are like billboards for local businesses.

Get them to the top of Google, and you hold all the cards.

You have over 400 niches to choose from, so there's no shortage of options.

Lead generation is a business model you can do from anywhere in the world.

One with minimal start-up costs and maximum profit potential.

Ian Stanley 90 DTF Course Review

What Is Lead Generation?

Lead generation provides a solution for local business owners who want to grow their company and increase revenues.

This business model teaches you how to create lead gen sites that act like digital real estate.

Learn how to leverage Google to dominate niches and generate organic (read-free) leads for business owners.

Just like I did with this tree site I built in 2015. This site is one of my first lead gen properties.

Took me about 10 hours to build and rank, and I haven't had to touch it since.

This site's been making me $2000/month for the last six years and it's only one of over 80 digital properties I own.

Lansing tree service

This program shares the step-by-step process on how to build, rank and generate leads.

It's not rocket science, but it is a skill.

No experience?

No matter. 

This course is so detailed we have granddads in our program bringing home more than their 401Ks.

Lead gen model

Why Lead Generation Is The Best Business To Start With $5K

Lead generation is six simple steps. 

Follow the training exactly like it's laid out.

Once your site(s) are ranking they really don't need much in the way of maintenance.

Lead gen offers other perks too like:

  • A business model that isn't facing saturation or steep competition.

  • Every postal code represents multiple opportunities to build and rank lead gen properties. 

  • There's no ceiling on profit potential, and you can scale when and where you want.
  • Lead generation is flexible with low overhead costs.

Serious about diving into the life of an entrepreneur?

Want the best business to start with $5K

Lead generation's your answer.

Have questions about the business model? Or want more info about lead generation?

Do what the over 7000 members in our program did.

Click the link below and book your call today.

That's it. Short, sweet, and to the point.

The best business to start with $5K ideas to roll out your entrepreneurial quest in 2022.

Have a starter story? Or maybe a suggestion that didn't make the list?

Please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Follow Me
Ippei Kanehara
Founder/CEO

$52K per month providing lead generation services to small businesses

Ippei.com is for digital hustlers, industry leaders and online business owners.

His #1 online business recommendation in 2024, is to build your own lead generation business.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}