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Best 75 Businesses To Start With 10K in 2024

March 18, 2024

What is you could step off the hamster wheel? Live life your way and become an entrepreneur. 

Finances are a significant deterrent, and one that often discourages individuals from following their dreams.

But what if you could start something for under $10,000? Would you do it?

We've done some digging and come up with the best 86 businesses to start with 10K in 2024.

Breaking down start-up costs, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and potential gross and net profit margins so you understand what you're getting yourself into.

But before we get after it let me give you the Reader's Digest version of my story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I'm Ippei!

With a $10,000 investment there are entrepreneurial options that give you the ability to not only say good-bye to your 9-5, but offer you the opportunity to challenge and produce an amazing sense of fulfillment. 

This kind of journey can take you anywhere you want it to or lead you to places you never thought possible. 

I’m speaking from personal – and professional – experience as I’ve already launched my 6 figure online lead gen company, where I feed more customers to small businesses in local markets. 

Leveraging free traffic is both an art and a skill, but it is certainly a profitable method of working from home – especially if it means having a portable business where I can take my laptop with me anywhere that I’d like to travel while working.  Our lead gen coaching program shows you how.

Sector 1

Health & Wellness

Consumers are obsessed with getting their health on track, from making sure they're eating nutritious foods to taking care of their bodies properly.

This industry is seeing massive growth each and every year and was valued at a whopping $4.2 trillion as recently as October 2021-- and the momentum doesn't appear to be waning anytime soon.

With a continuous growth rate of nearly 6.5%, it's clear that this sector is ripe for entrepreneurial opportunities.

1. Essential Oils & Soaps Business

This business idea might seem a little far-fetched, but you’d be surprised at how profitable it can be. Research essential oils, and you’ll discover that people have built seven-figure businesses with this product. An increasing number of people are utilizing essential oils for more than just the scent.

Implemented into household cleaning products, personal hygiene, and health and wellness, this industry is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.9% and is valued at over $1 billion.

picture of bathing supplies

The beauty is that they’re incredibly easy to make – especially essential oils. Commercial grade distillers only cost about $1000, and soaps are also simple to manufacture and remarkably inexpensive. 

The majority of soap makers have it down to a science and can keep costs for raw materials below $2/bar as per this post.

You should plan to invest a little over $2000 for the necessary equipment, materials, and initial packaging. This article offers insight on costs associated with starting a soap making business.

It is feasible to generate a gross profit margin of 50%, but your revenue will be at the mercy of your sales. There are numerous platforms available to sell your homemade concoctions, including AmazonEtsyeBay, and Facebook Marketplace.

Design your own e-commerce website and market your products. Check out this publication for tips on how to sell your goods. 

It is advisable to have the necessary licensing and insurance before you start. This article has additional contact information and step by step instructions to ensure yourself and your business are protected.

2. Personal Trainer

The fitness industry is valued at over $32 billion, with personal training comprising $10 billion of this statistic.

The industry is projected to see a growth margin of 1.6% in 2021. Americans are beginning to take notice of health and wellness and turning to professionals to coach them in achieving their goals making this an optimal time to enter the market.

Certification is an absolute must, but with numerous online and classes available, you can expect to dedicate 8-12 weeks to study and practical elements of the course. 

Here is an article sharing specific details and data on how to become a personal trainer. Plan on investing approximately $400-$600 for an entry-level certification. 

cartoon of a personal trainer and a client lifting weights

Specialized training and master certifications are also available and run between $500-$2000 as per this publication.

With an average income for entry-level trainers equating to roughly $17/hour, the average salary for personal trainers falls between $42,00-$76,000+ per annual

The reality is this industry is uber-competitive. Do your research and consider the following:

  • Who will be your target market-pre-natal-fitness classes-boot camp-1:1 training?
  • What will your rates be?
  • Where will you seek employment-box gym-fitness boutique-independent?
  • How will you market yourself and your brand?
  • What will you offer to set you apart from the competition?

You can offer in-home personal training for minimal start-up costs-the price tag of liability insurance ($500-$1000/year) and licensing costs ($50-$400/year). 

This article provides additional instructions on how to start a personal training business.

3. Men’s Telehealth Advice Platform

Gone are the days where the only option for a consultation with a doctor is an in-office visit. Welcome to the technology of 2021.

Now, men can simply chat with their doctors through digital health clinics-- or online web platforms that facilitate the connection between doctor and patient.

Telehealth platforms continue to expand, which just makes sense in the current tech climate.

And it looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot of new innovations made in the next decade, with the American Medical Association claiming that telehealth services could safely reduce close to 75% of all doctor, urgent care and emergency room visits.

You can already find some of the earliest platforms of this type out on the web, such as this one that helps men resolve daily health issues and receive various treatments through online consultation with a doctor.

Budding entrepreneurs can create a similar service addressing women’s health or pediatrics. Most of your initial investment will go towards making your website look as professional and credible as possible.

Some important questions to consider:

  • What type of patients/ issues will my platform focus on treating?
  • How can I distinguish my platform from general health advice forums?
  • How will you facilitate connections between patients and doctors?

4. White Labeled Fitness Supplements

Sometimes you need that extra boost of energy to fuel a grueling workout and fitness supplements serve this exact purpose.

They come in a variety of forms such as pills, bars, shakes, and powders to accommodate many personal preferences.

Locate suppliers for your Amazon FBA supplements and nutrition products

Young people overwhelmingly consume fitness supplements, with The National Institutes of Health finding that 66% of college-aged students take them.

To stand out from the thousands of brands on the market, it’s imperative to identify a trusted and certified manufacturer and work with a reputed designer to create an eye-catching logo and label for your company.

5. Meal Prep Company

Not many people want to chop, measure, cook, bake, and wait for a healthy meal after a long work day.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a huge desire many people have, yet their current lifestyles are preventing them from making that commitment.

That’s why so many people are willing to pay for reliable meal prep services.

Your biggest expenses will be renting kitchen space and purchasing all of your food and supplies.

It’s wise to cook all meals once or twice per week to maximize freshness but also save money on hourly kitchen rentals which can run between $75-$200 per hour.

The next main focus is online marketing to generate orders and increase your company’s awareness and social presence. Plan to set aside around $2,500.

Here’s an interview with the founder of a meal prep delivery company with more information about the start-up process for those interested in this best business to start with 10K in 2021 idea.

6. Massage Therapy

Getting a good massage isn’t always about just treating yourself.

In fact, many people turn to outside service providers like massage therapists for pain relief and muscle recovery.

You’ll want to check to see whether your state requires you to obtain massage therapy certification.

Rent out a chair in a salon for $1,000 or so, you can travel to client’s homes or offices directly with your equipment to lower expenses.

Consider offering gift certificates and referral promotions to bolster your clientele while you build your online marketing presence.

cartoon of marijuana cigarettes

7. CBD Products

The CBD craze is in full force with US News finding that 1 in 7 American adults utilizes CBD products to treat pain, stress, and insomnia. CBD products can come in multiple forms, such as creams, oils, snacks, lotions, and vapes.

The industry is still very new and growing at a staggering rate of nearly 44% yearly, so this opportunity is green for hungry entrepreneurs.

There are several ways you can run your CBD business which include:

1

Starting your own CBD line from scratch

2

Selling quality products from a supplier/wholesaler

3

Selling CBD products through an MLM company

As always, brush up on your state’s laws regarding CBD/marijuana products before doing anything.

8. Medication Delivery Services

If you’ve ever been forced to go there, then you know firsthand that pharmacies can be stressful and overcrowded with crushing wait times.

Plus, most pharmacies have operating hours that conflict with many people’s work schedules.

The demand for delivery services is an all-time high as consumers opt for delivery of food, drinks, groceries, and even marijuana. 

You’ll want to focus on independent pharmacies with smaller operations in locations with high demand for delivery services.

It’s also important to ensure your operation complies with HIPAA regulations which can be discussed with the pharmacy owner.

Having a professionally designed website will increase visibility for your business and help you stand out among competitors.

So the bulk of your investment should focus on your website and marketing. And if you’ve already got a car, you’re halfway there!

9. Home Medical Equipment Rentals

Opting for home medical treatments and in-home care are both popular options for seniors and disabled folks with limited mobility. 

With the US 65+ population continuing to grow larger, the demand for home health care services is predicted to actually exceed the industry growth rate.

With a medical equipment rental service, you can expand your client base to include those requiring temporary home medical set-up.

Add in one-time equipment rentals, and long-term rentals for both individuals and local clinics, health centers, nursing homes, and hospice facilities.

You can offer delivery and set-up at client locations to minimize startup costs. Though a storefront isn’t required, you’ll definitely need a storage location for your equipment. 

To simplify costs, it may be best to specialize in only providing a certain type of medical equipment.

10. Healthy Snacks Business

Americans are on the go now more than ever and often skip meals due to a day’s chaos. When they do so, they’re increasingly turning to snacks not just as meal fillers but also as nutritious and healthy substitutes, according to CSP.

Consumers on specialized diets such as paleo, keto, or Whole 30 also crave snacks they can quickly enjoy on-the-go and still stick to the plan.

Before you start cooking you’ll need to secure a licensed kitchen to produce your healthy treats, with daily rental costs somewhere around $30 hourly.

A food vendor’s license is also required in most states and ranges from $200-$1,000+.

If your snacks hit it big with health-crazed consumers, profit potentials could be in the millions. Check out this success story.

11. Mobile Personal Training

Mobile personal training is an innovative fitness service where trainers offer personalized workout sessions at clients' preferred locations, such as homes, offices, or local parks. This business model caters to clients seeking convenience, privacy, and customized fitness plans without the need to visit a gym. Mobile trainers bring necessary equipment, provide one-on-one attention, and design workouts based on individual fitness levels and goals, making fitness more accessible and personalized.

According to FinModelsLab, mobile personal training services in the US boast an average profit margin of 30% to 50%. It reflects their financial viability and the growing demand for personalized fitness solutions. The startup costs for a mobile personal training business vary, but generally, an initial investment of around $1,000 to $5,000 is required. This covers expenses such as basic fitness equipment, transportation, marketing, and possibly certification or insurance. It makes it a relatively low-cost venture with substantial potential for profitability.

12. Yoga or Pilates Instructor

A Yoga or Pilates instructor specializes in leading classes that focus on improving flexibility, strength, and mental well-being through a series of exercises and poses. Yoga, with its origins in ancient India, emphasizes physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It caters to a diverse audience seeking physical health and spiritual balance. Pilates, on the other hand, is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility.

According to Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, the growing global interest in holistic health practices, by 2022, there are expected to be over 300 million yoga practitioners worldwide, with about 36 million regular practitioners in the United States alone. It nearly doubling in the last decade.

Starting a career as a Yoga or Pilates instructor typically requires an investment ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. It covers certification courses, insurance, and possibly studio rental for classes. This initial investment opens the door to a rewarding profession in a thriving wellness industry that not only promotes physical fitness but also mental and emotional health.

Sector 2

B2B Services

Businesses to start with 10k in 2021 in this sector put all of their focus into servicing other established businesses rather than everyday consumers.

The services provided range from production of goods to managing the entire back-end of a thriving operation. 

Businesses rely on B2B companies to take care of essential operations while they focus on fine-tuning and scaling.

With the sector evolving to encompass a mix of digital and physical services, business entry only requires ingenious thought combined with value-driven action.

13. Green Business Consultant

From small businesses to giant corporations, everyone’s trying to “go green” these days, which means a complete overhaul of their business practices from the ground up.

A Green Consultant advises companies on the what and how of implementing green technology.

With the introduction of new legislation and a heightened focus on green energy and sustainability, the projected growth rate of this industry is expected to reach 19% by the end of 2020.

Businesses are being encouraged to reexamine the way they dispose of waste and how they use natural resources.

Regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and for many business owners, they do not possess the knowledge to comply with standards, so they look to outsource the work to a Green Business Consultant or Sustainability Consultant.

For this position you require a Bachelor of Arts Degree at a minimum and experience is an asset.

This publication offers a list of necessary credentials, and how and where to acquire the required accreditation's.

If you do not have the recommended educational qualifications, consider starting a business, and outsourcing projects to trained consultants for a flat fee or commission percentage based on each job you secure.

If you are already qualified, there are options to freelance as a contractor for existing consulting firms such as this one.

If you choose to complete the educational requirements and start your own firm, you are looking at an initial investment of around $10,000.

This article offers pertinent information and considerations before commencing with this business proposal. 

Green Business Consultants-or Sustainability Consultants-earn roughly $24/hour, and the annual wage is between $47,000-$159,000+, making this one of the best businesses to start with 10K in 2021

14. Valet Services

Hospitals, stadiums, high-end restaurants-- these establishments all want to serve their clients to the nines and that includes providing some snazzy valet service.

I mean, during rush hour who really wants to spend time scouring every square inch for a decent parking space? 

Take advantage of this upscale demand and start a valet business of your own. 

cartoon of a parked car

You don’t need much at all to get started, just a few pieces of equipment like parking display signs, things to set your office space up, and some biz insurance.

You can find a detailed guide here which also includes information on hiring your employees and setting up a tips system.

Perhaps one of the best things about starting this business model is that barrier to entry is low, meaning franchising opportunities are far and few in between according to Profitable Venture. 

Get suited up and start collecting those key rings with this best business to start with 10K in 2021 suggestion.

15. Blind Cleaning Service

If your window isn’t covered by curtains, most likely they’re draped by blinds.

Both homeowners and business owners struggle with the upkeep of their blinds, so this is definitely a much-needed service.

$10K is a great starting point for funding this business, but there are 2 ways you can choose to go about it, which is covered in more detail here.

The first way involves using the vehicle you already own, transporting the detached blinds, and cleaning them at home.

The other method is more lucrative yet requires a good chunk of most of the $10K-- you would be operating as a mobile service and cleaning your client’s blinds on-site using a specialized ultrasonic machine (these run from $3,500-$7,000).

This means you may need a larger vehicle in order to transport everything you need.

Either route you decide to take, the cleaning industry continues to climb over 10%+ per year with an estimated $50B industry valuation by 2023.

16. Start a Copywriting Business

Starting a copywriting business can be relatively low-cost, often requiring an initial investment of just $500 to $2,000. This budget would typically cover a professional website, marketing tools, and software subscriptions necessary for a freelance copywriting venture, making it an accessible and potentially lucrative business option. Copywriting business involves offering writing services that focus on creating compelling promotional materials, blog posts, product descriptions, and other content that engages and persuades audiences. As a copywriter, the goal is to craft content that resonates with a target audience, drives sales, and enhances brand awareness.

The demand for skilled copywriters is significant, with over 29% of companies frequently seeking their expertise in various written content, as noted by Gitnux. Furthermore, about 65% of businesses allocate part of their digital marketing budget to copywriting. It shows a substantial market for these services.

17. Promotional Products Business

People love free swag like pens, hats, and keychains because it makes them feel appreciated as loyal customers. 

Plus as any reputable company knows, a happy customer is a loyal one and a loyal customer can provide high lifetime value .

Once you find a reputable supplier for your products, they’ll design, invoice, and ship the merch directly to your customer, making this a potentially passive income source once you scale.

There are 3 main ways you could work this business model which I cover in this article

The earning potential is entirely up to you. Ashley Rybar, who runs a course through our lead gen coaching program earned over $300,000 in just 2019.

18. Security Business

We live in a far from perfect world which makes additional security a necessary deterrence from criminal activity.

Security is needed in most public areas from parking garages to movie theaters, so there are thousands of businesses to search for your first customer.

Initial expenses are minimal (around $7,500-$10K), though in states like California you need to have security experience or hire an experienced manager to start a security company.

You can check out a detailed list of expenses here.

Purchasing an existing franchise is another option to consider, though this option is much more expensive. For reference, AmeriCop requires an investment between $49,000 to $63,750 to open.

19. Start a Public Relations (PR) agency

Starting a Public Relations (PR) agency involves managing and enhancing the public image and relationships of clients. It can range from individuals and small businesses to large corporations. A PR agency's services typically include media relations, crisis management, event coordination, and content creation.

To start a PR agency, an initial investment of about $5,000 to $10,000 is generally required. This cost covers essential needs such as office space (if not operating remotely), professional website development, marketing tools, and initial operating expenses.

The demand for PR specialists is on an upward trend, with Statista predicting a growth of about 6% by 2032 in the United States. This growth reflects a global trend where businesses increasingly recognize the importance of reputation and seek competitive advantages through effective public relations. 

20. Carpet Cleaning

A clean carpet can make all the difference in a space-- just ask anyone who has a business, kids, or pets!

The demand for carpet cleaning services tends to rise alongside improving economic conditions and the past few years have been very lucrative for carpet cleaning businesses, with Cleanfax reporting that 25% of these companies gross over $500,000 in yearly revenue.

foreclosure-cleaning-business-header-min

Carpet cleaning companies typically operate on a mobile basis to serve more clients per day, making equipment one of the most important considerations.

Here is a full list of the various pieces of equipment (totaling roughly $8,500) most companies use, though whether you need everything will largely depend on the size of your operation.

21. Collection Agency

Debt will follow you anywhere, no matter how badly you wish to be rid of it.

The data is depressing. According to this article, most American families possess $15,000 or more in credit card debt or roughly $29,000 in student loans.

As a debt collector, your job is to enforce payment terms and amounts by contacting the debtor in the hopes of receiving full payment.

cartoon of a man stressing over debt

One of the best parts of starting a collections agency is the extremely low overhead. You can start this business from the comfort of your home with some basic office equipment.

Payment structures in this business model are mostly commission-based, with commissions ranging as low as 18% in low risk cases to as high as 70% for older debts.

Keep in mind that the payout amount you’ll receive will vary greatly as certain debts are greater in monetary value than others.

22. Sales Training

Sales skills are crucial to have in nearly every industry in order to attract and retain a solid profitable client base.

Many experts and entrepreneurs consider the salesperson to be the most important member of the team due to their high ability to communicate value and directly sustain the business with the cash flow they generate.

It can take years to develop confidence and experience sufficient to make you into a master salesperson. So if you already possess this knowledge, why not train others how to get there faster?

cartoon of a sales funnel

You won’t need much to run the daily functions of this business since you’ll be traveling to client locations directly, save for office supplies/equipment, marketing, and vehicle expenses.

Bizfluent put together this incredibly informational article you should check out to learn more about how to set up your company, distinguish your expertise from your competition, and even begin hiring more members of your sales team.

23. Local Delivery Service

You might think that this business model is now obsolete thanks to companies like Uber and Postmates

However, on-demand delivery services continue to attract customers of all ages due to their convenience and ease of use and are one of the best businesses to start with 10K in 2021.

The sharp uptick in consumer use of local delivery services reached a whopping $75.7 billion in 2017 alone, with this figure climbing higher each year.

cartoon of men delivery household items

Whether you want to offer your services via an app or website, your company branding and image go a long way in building your client base so you’ll want to invest most of your $10K in these areas.

The niche you enter is entirely up to your imagination. Check out this list which has some interesting niche examples, from on-demand yardwork to delivering dry-cleaning.

24. Start Digital Marketing Agency

Starting a digital marketing agency involves creating a business that specializes in offering online marketing services to clients. This includes a range of strategies like SEO, social media management, content creation, and PPC advertising, tailored to enhance a client's online presence and reach their target audience effectively. It is essential to success are a deep understanding of digital marketing trends, strong client relationship management skills, and the ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

To start a digital marketing agency, you typically need an initial investment of around $2,000 to $5,000. It covers essential expenses, such as website development, software tools, and initial marketing efforts.

25. Freelancer Agency

Technology has changed everything, from the way we shop and pay bills to the way we perform work. 

You’ll gather a shortlist of qualified freelancers in different specialties and connect them with potential clients seeking help in these areas.

You can either pocket a percentage of fees assessed for work or subcontract freelancers under your company where you pay agreed-upon subcontractor rates.

Keep in mind that you’re not only marketing your agency to client prospects but you’re also trying to attract the attention of skilled freelancers.

This means hiring web design and branding services to establish a cohesive and professional image for your agency alongside effective marketing tactics.

Securing a physical office location to rent also further legitimizes your agency. This article gives you more of a deeper look into setting your agency up for success.

26. Equipment Rental Services

Investing in equipment is a significant expense that budding entrepreneurs, hobbyists, or one-off users may not have the funds to secure just yet.

Equipment rental services address this need by bringing both convenience and accessibility to customers of all backgrounds.

Whatever industry you can think of, therein lies the opportunity to create a rental company. You can invest in cooking and kitchen gadgets, auto detail tools, and the like.

The total amount you’ll spend will largely depend on the type of specialty equipment your company carries, but expect to invest most of your $10K with around $1-2K left for marketing. 

This article provides more information about how to get started with this best business to start with 10K idea.

27. Online Business Manager

Got killer admin, management, and online business skills? You can get paid a decent wage for being the right-hand man/woman to a stressed-out business owner.

Most OBM’s (the industry abbreviation) possess years of similar work experience or work as virtual assistants in the field before taking the leap. But there really exists no formal educational or occupational requirements to get started.

The Virtual Savvy created this awesome blog post to educate more about this profession and its role in the business world.

The yearly earnings for a self-employed OBM hover from $35,000+ with income dependent on the number of clients an OBM has or the rate packages they use.

Other than licensing and marketing, the biggest expenses will be office supplies, equipment, and specialty tools/programs you need to use for each client.

Once you’re established monthly overhead is extremely low, around $500 per month or less. Plus, you can run this business from home!

28. Virtual Assistant Agency

Good customer service is essential to the survival of any business and when done wrong, businesses lose somewhere around $75 billion per YEAR.

Just one bad interaction causes over 67% of consumers to switch brands/companies completely, according to Forbes.

Depending on an outside customer service firm can help businesses save on employment costs and also reap the benefits of increased customer focus. 

So many businesses disregard customer service across a variety of channels (live chat, email, etc.) and your agency can help fill these gaps to provide an unmatched overall customer experience.

You can operate your agency from your home or a rented office space, cutting down costs even further if using your existing office supplies and equipment.

The bulk of expenses will be the creation of a well-designed website to attract clients and pay subcontractor rates. 

For reference, hourly rates for entry-level customer service agents in California start around $13+ while more experienced agents can command rates of $20+

29. Port-A-Potty Rentals

We’ve all got to go and for locations without proper plumbing, portable toilets are essential. 

Though not exactly a glamorous industry to be in, there’s definitely money to made with this best business to start with 10K in 2021 suggestion.

Some of the places where portable toilets are in high demand include parks, beaches, busy city centers, construction sites, and temporary events.

Your location is everything in this business, as larger cities with more people have more events and construction.

Flushing money down the toilet

The purchase price for a portable toilet is between $500-$1,000. You can store remaining inventory in your garage or storage space without the need for renting a warehouse or storefront. 

Keep in mind you’ll also need to factor in transport of the portable toilets, which can be outsourced to a moving company so you won’t need to purchase a truck right away.

30. Research Services

We’re in the information age after all!

Companies, governmental agencies, and academics analyze research data to make informed decisions and present such information to the public.

Depending on what you consider your expertise in, you can utilize the internet, surveys, peer-reviews, and other data sources to find the data you need.

It definitely helps to have some sort of research background so you know which avenues to take with this best business to start with 10K idea.

Landing clients can be difficult without connections or a vast network, so it’s a smart decision to focus your spending on increasing credibility and awareness through a professional website and online advertising.

31. Paid Ads Specialist

Online advertising is now far outpacing traditional methods as consumers spend more time shopping and interacting via the web. Statista estimates that by 2021, more than 330 billion dollars will be spent on digital advertising.

Every good marketer knows to go where your audience frequents, yet many companies can’t seem to get past the learning curve of running online ads.

You can even gain all of the knowledge you need to start this business model by first investing in a Facebook advertising course to learn the ins and outs.

cartoon of google ads logo

Your digital marketing expertise can help small businesses and entrepreneurs gain desired exposure and attract targeted, high-quality leads.

You don’t have to be a master of all-- you can choose to focus on Facebook and Instagram ads, Google ads, Yelp, or a combination of other platforms out there.

Get a professional agency website complete with your own branding and purchase the tools and resources you need to successfully run your business. 

32. Airplane Cleaning

You’ve heard the stories and seen the photos-- airplanes are some of the filthiest places to be!

Regular detailing is needed to properly sanitize and maintain the cleanliness of an aircraft, as there are many areas that require constant upkeep.

Your company can step in and provide the impeccable service that airlines need to exceed guest expectations.

picture of people sitting in an airplane

Your biggest expense will be your manpower, since a single aircraft requires 2-4 workers. The average salary for aircraft cleaners starts around $13 per hour, though you can also opt for a pay-per-plan model.

If you would like more information about starting an airplane cleaning business, check this article out.

33. Telephone Answering Service

If you enjoy being bubbly over the telephone and providing excellent customer service, you can help small businesses scale efficiently.

Most local businesses simply don’t have the budget or availability to field large call volumes, though they desperately need the business.

Your services will allow them to focus on providing excellent quality and prioritizing business growth.

cartoon of a woman on a headset

Plan to spend around $2,500 for proper linkage of your phone line and client management system along with your computer. For team setups, budget closer to $6,000.

You can bill clients per hour or per package deal, such as charging $200 per month for a certain number of calls.

Here’s a great resource for those interested in this best business to start with 10K in 2021 idea.

Sector 3

Direct Customer Services

To put it bluntly- consumers are needy. There are tons of services they depend on to get through the day or survive another month.

From fixing a leaky faucet to getting ready for a big event, people turn to businesses they trust to assist them best.

This generation's on-the-go lifestyle and digital prowess has further contributed to the domination of mobile consumer services.

Keep this at the front of your mind when considering best businesses to start with 10K ideas in this sector.

34. Personal Chef and Meal Prep Service

Personal chef and meal prep service offer customized meal solutions for busy individuals and families. It tapa into the growing demand for convenient and healthy dining options. With an estimated 10,000 personal chefs operating in the United States, according to the American Personal and Private Chef Association, this service sector caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences and culinary needs.

To initiate a Personal Chef and Meal Prep Service, a startup investment of around $5,000 to $10,000 is typically required, covering expenses such as kitchen equipment, marketing materials, licenses, and initial ingredient purchases.

35. Errand and Delivery Service

An errand and delivery service fills a vital need in today's fast-paced world by offering convenient solutions for individuals and businesses seeking assistance with tasks and deliveries. According to a survey by Upgraded Points, 78.8% of participants reported using delivery services occasionally, highlighting the widespread demand for such services. With just 21.2% indicating they never order delivery, there is a clear market opportunity for businesses offering efficient and reliable errand and delivery solutions. 

Startup costs for launching an errand and delivery service typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. It covers expenses such as vehicle maintenance, insurance, marketing, and operational overhead. By providing prompt and professional delivery services for groceries, packages, documents, and various other items, this business model caters to individuals and businesses seeking time-saving solutions in their daily lives.

36. Mobile Locksmith Services

Getting locked out of your car or house really, really, really sucks. In these unfortunate situations, the only solution is to call a locksmith.

If you’ve got a bootstrapped budget and know your way around locks, a mobile locksmith operation could be just the business model you’re looking for.

cartoon of a locksmith

Some of the various services you can offer include emergency lock-out assistance, key cutting, and more.

24/7 operations enable you to mark up your prices for late-night and weekend service, often as high as $250 for a single job that would typically cost $50-$150 during regular hours.

There is very little overhead with a mobile locksmith business, so most of what you make is pure profit with the average yearly earnings falling somewhere around $50,000.

37. Window Tinting

Nowadays, people tint everything from their car to the windows of their commercial business. Not only do tinted windows look pretty cool, but they also help protect you and your family from harmful UV rays.

Industry experts highly suggest aspiring window tinters practice and perfect the entire tinting technique before marketing their services to clients.

cartoon of a car

Aside from acquiring the appropriate business licenses, there are a number of tools you’re going to need to purchase. You can view a sample list here.

The profit potentials for a small 1 or 2 man team are super lucrative with the average job costing anywhere between $99-$400 depending on the vehicle size and tint materials.

image of subscription options

You can charge members a monthly subscription fee to retain access to the course, partake in coaching calls, and receive access to an exclusive mastermind and mentorship group.

You’re going to want to spend most of your money on building the components of your course and making it look as professional as possible as well as marketing through various online channels.

38. Mobile Car Wash

Though deemed environmentally unsustainable, the car wash business hasn’t faltered in growth. This $12.6 billion dollar industry is experiencing a nearly 3% growth rate annually and that number is expected to increase into 2024.

cartoon of a man washing a car

A mobile car wash service is more cost-effective than a physical storefront, with total expenses hovering around $9,000.

A reliable van is a necessity in this business, but you don’t need anything fancy. You can find a used vehicle for $3,000-$6,000.

Providing high quality auto detailing is paramount to the survival of your business, so ensure you gain the skills necessary to get the job done.

When done right, this best business to start with 10K can bring in annual profits starting around $50,000+.

39. Esthetician

An esthetician can be considered the go-to beauty person for all things skincare and make-up related. Training is needed before going into the field, with 600-hour programs ranging from $3,000-$5,500.

Once certified, you can operate on a mobile basis or directly from your home to both cut down costs and meet client demands. Some of the services you can offer to clients include:

 1

Chemical Peels

3

Waxing & Threading

2

Make-up Application

 4

Facials

In this field, niching down is recommended to maximize profits.

Certain services in extremely high demand like hydra facials rejuvenate skin health and thus, take more care and time justifying higher price tags.

40. Mobile Nail Salon

Women love getting pampered but sometimes maintaining bi-weekly nail appointments isn’t exactly feasible. Go to where your customers need you and offer your nail services on-the-go.

Starting on a mobile basis is great for bootstrapped entrepreneurs who can cut down costs if they already own a vehicle and possess a small social following online to utilize in lieu of hardcore marketing.

There’s no need to rent a chair if this model works best for you either!

cartoon of ladies getting their nails done at a salon

Becoming a certified nail technician is the first step and each state has its own requirements, this website is a great resource to check out for those getting started or looking to move.

Some states require completion of a certified program which can run up to $5,000 including supplies.

Setting competitive prices to stay in business can be difficult, but consider your local area as a starting research point.

This guide is especially useful for newbie nail techs to look over when finalizing pricing for services.

41. Eyelash Extensions

Forget the dreaded raccoon eyes and all that sticky eyelash glue. Having the appearance of long envious lashes is all the rage for women today, who have pushed the growth of this industry up 8.3% between 2017 and 2018.

Getting certified is the first step in most states, with costs and supplies ranging from $500+. 

You can build up your clientele by practicing on family and friends and utilizing various social media channels.

While you can run this best business to start with 10K from your home or on-the-go, consider renting out a chair in a salon to expand your client base and build a trustworthy reputation.

Profits are very lucrative in this business model with prices depending on location, expertise, and lash material.

Beauty Garde put together this helpful guide for both customers and new lash professionals to help you figure out your pricing.

42. Dog Walking & Sitting

A dog walking and dog sitting business can be an exceptionally lucrative business. The pet industry is arguably one of the fastest-growing sectors in America, and the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that revenue is over $65 billion.

The market size of the dog walking service industry is growing at a projected rate of 3.7%, implying that this is an ideal time to consider entering this industry.

cartoon of a woman walking dogs

Dog owners consider their pets to be valued members of the family. They are willing to pay the bucks to ensure that their needs are met-especially when the family is forced to leave poor Fido behind to go on vacation.

There are two schools of thought with this suggestion:

  1. Establish your own business 
  2. Or affiliate yourself with an online platform offering services

Sites such as RoverDogtopia, and Fetch! handle all of the behind scenes details from insurance and licensing to connecting you with potential clients and addressing client questions/dissatisfaction.

The catch is that you then pay them a percentage of your wage-typically around 20%.

Average earnings for dog walking services are around $11/hour, and dog sitting is between $35-$65+/night.

Check out this article for supplementary costs associated with these sites.

cartoon of pets lined up front and back poses

The flip side is to start your own business, which can be done for under $10,000 as per this publication.

You will need a website or landing page with a booking platform, a marketing strategy, and the required licensing and insurance dependent on state legislation where you reside.

Most jurisdictions do not require licensing specific to dog walking, but expect the owner to have a business license that you can learn more about here.

Insurance is offered through numerous services and this article outlines costs and data for a number of companies.

The more dogs you walk or 'sit', the more money you earn. The average salary for a busy dog walker is more than $55,000 per annual.

This article provides additional information on how to start your own dog walking and sitting company.

43. Daycare

cartoon of a daycare

Child care in the United States is comprised of commercial facilities and nonprofit organizations totaling a market value of $27 billion.

With a projected growth rate of 2% for 2021, daycare services are becoming an increasingly instrumental service for American parents employed out of the home on a full-time basis.

If you have patience and a love of children, then operating a daycare could be your cash cow.

cartoon of painted hands waving

Plan on an initial investment of around $10,000 to open an in-home daycare. This includes the cost of insurance and essentials.

This article offers some recommendations on how to commence this business startup. Ensure that you comply with government regulations, which you can read more about here

With the ability to charge between $600-$650/month per child as per this post, your net profit margin will be in align with the number of children you serve.

The average in-home daycare owner makes between $25,000-$30,000/year, but it's paramount that you do your research. Ascertain if there is a need for this service in your area. Analyze the competition and determine your target market.

Word of mouth referrals definitely go a long way, however, you need to be prepared to market yourself and your services to obtain clientele.

Here is a publication outlining further how to become successful with this business proposition.

44. Car Dent Removal

The average in-home daycare owner makes between $25,000-$30,000/year. It is paramount that you do your research. 

Word of mouth referrals definitely go a long way, however, you need to be prepared to market yourself and your services to obtain clientele. 

Here is a publication outlining further how to become successful with this business proposition.

There is a definitive learning curve associated with dent removal-especially paintless dent repair which you can learn more about here.

cartoon of a man buffing out a dent in a car

If you are up for a challenge, you stand to earn between $70,000-$200,000+/yearThis article provides some additional facts on how to launch a dent removal service.

By offering great prices and unbeatable customer service, car owners will come to you instead of going to the mechanic. You might also consider the benefits of a mobile service.

Just throw your tools in a truck, head over to your customers, and fix their car while they watch. 

With numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, you will need to perform your due diligence.

1

Scope out the competition and ascertain what prices you will charge. 

2

Is there a market for this service in your area?

3

How will you advertise yourself?

This publication should give you a leg up on some additional information to consider if this business venture appeals to your mechanically inclined mind.

Sector 4

Retail

Retail purchases make the world go 'round and keep the economy alive and booming. Every single person on this planet needs to buy something in order to survive.

Not only are there daily necessities like toothpaste, food, and gas, but there are also a wide range of goods you're required to buy for your career, family, and even personal enjoyment.

This demand for goods of all types has contributed to the retail sector's 42 million jobs and steady 3% CAGR rate. With those numbers, starting a business in this sector is a no-brainer.

45. Small Pet Supply Store

A small pet supply store offers a range of products catering to the needs of pet owners, including food, toys, grooming supplies, accessories, and healthcare products. With approximately 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) owning pets, there's a significant market demand for pet-related goods and services. Dogs rank as the most popular pet in the U.S., with 65.1 million households owning a dog, followed by cats (46.5 million households) and freshwater fish (11.1 million households), according to data from the American Pet Products Association.

To start a Pet Supply Store, you'll need to consider various factors, including inventory sourcing, store location, and marketing strategies. Initial investment costs typically costs $5,000 - $10,000. It includes leasing or purchasing a retail space, stocking inventory, store signage, fixtures, and marketing efforts. 

46. Plant Nursery

A plant nursery provides a variety of plants for gardening and landscaping projects, catering to the 55% of American households engaged in gardening, with Millennials representing 29% of this demographic, according to Garden Pals. 

To start a Plant Nursery, an initial investment of up to $10,000 is typically needed, covering expenses like location setup, plant inventory, basic equipment, and marketing. With a focus on quality products and customer service, a Plant Nursery can effectively serve gardening enthusiasts and landscaping professionals, thriving in urban and suburban markets.

47. Jewelry & Accessories Business

The only thing that completes an outfit is the perfect fashion accessory.

Men and women often wear belts, watches, rings, and other items to spruce up their wardrobe. 

You can either design and source your own jewelry and accessories or strike a deal with a wholesaler or online vendor. 

Keep in mind that designing your own accessories will eat up the majority of your $10K for materials and design costs.

An online e-commerce store selling your accessories is the most logical and lucrative option for this business model, forsaking the need for a physical storefront or physical product storage.

In fact, Shopify estimates in its fashion industry report that the fashion e-commerce industry will topple around $712.9 billion by 2022.

Ensure you complete market research to determine the level of demand for the accessories you decide to sell.

48. Import-Export Business

Trade makes the world go ‘round. Each and every day, millions of products are imported for national consumption and exported to other countries.

You can focus on either trade function if one is more preferable to you or act as a trade broker for products you source.

From there, it’s all about deciding which products you’re going with and the costs of doing business in this arena.

There are so many product niches you can get into, with this article listing some ideas for you to consider.

cartoon of import/export ship

As always, the most crucial point in achieving success with this type of business model is constant research and testing. 

You lose the most money when you blindly put your faith in a product hoping it will sell instead of performing your due diligence from the get-go.

It’s more than doable to use your initial $10K to purchase samples and run marketing campaigns, but what matters most is finding products that sell CONSISTENTLY with high demand.

49. Food Truck

The food industry is currently one of the fastest-growing sectors and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% between 2020-2025.

These statistics are encouraging smart investors to get involved while they still can.

Food trucks are a less costly constitution than their restaurant counterparts, and with a gross profit margin averaging $300,000, this business venture is riddled with potential.

It doesn't take a tremendous amount of startup cash to get rolling in the food industry.

Your most significant investment will be the cost of the truck, which could run you between $20,000-$40,000. Don't get discouraged-we promised business ideas for $10,000, and we deliver on our word.

cartoon of a food truck

There are numerous lease opportunities and cart options available, which you can learn more about here.

A food truck has a much lower failure rate than a brick and mortar restaurant, and with a projected growth rate of 5.4% versus the 4.3% of restaurants the only issue slowing the industry down for 2021 is some 'legal bottle necking' which you can learn more about in this publication.

There's a reason why food trucks are popping up all over the place – it's a solid choice for a new business with net profit margins between $116,000-$160,00+/year, but do your research thoroughly before you begin.

Understand your target market, choose your niche with care, and be prepared to put in some long hours.

This article offers additional statistics and information on how to open a food truck if this business venture is of interest to you.

50. Online Reseller

Retail Arbitrage is a straightforward concept, and you'd be surprised how much money you can make with this strategy for virtually no initial investment.

The premise is to purchase products for cheap and sell them for a profit. That's virtually all there is to it!

Contrary to popular belief, this income-generating ploy is far from dead. Amazon's share of the e-commerce market is expected to hit 50% by 2021 as per this article, which also provides valuable information on how to sell as an Amazon Affiliate and achieve significant profit margins.

buy and sell for profit

Currently most people resell items on platforms like Shopify and eBay, but there are also platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. You can learn more about flipping items online here

The reality is if you are frugal with your product finds, have a savvy business mind, do the research, and commit the time, you can create a profit margin higher than the average 9-5 job.

With annual net profits of $26,000-$810,000, this is one of the best businesses to start with under $10k.

51. Amazon FBA

Although it seems like everybody and their mothers are hopping onto this trendy new business model, it’s still very profitable in 2021 and not quite saturated enough to stifle new entrants.

Amazon FBA entails connecting products you source from trusted suppliers to interested customers via your Amazon product listings. Your products will ship directly from your supplier to an Amazon fulfillment center to be stored.

From there, if the customer is interested in buying your product, Amazon will package, ship, and handle everything on the back-end.

Amazon Storage fees

Though it sounds like a lot, $10K is plenty to get off the ground running. Jungle Scout found that the average startup cost was somewhere around $3,836, with only 22% of Amazon sellers starting off with more than $10K.

It takes a while to get established, but once you see traction the earning potential is in the millions for motivated sellers.

But first, you want to set yourself up for success and my ultimate guide to Amazon FBA is the best place to start.

52. Liquidated Inventory Sales

In retail, it’s out with the old and in with the new!

To make room for new products in the warehouse, retailers need to find a way to clear out unsold, unwanted, and out-of-season merchandise. 

Useless inventory overburdens retailers and contributes to the staggering $1.1 trillion inventory loss accumulated by retailers worldwide according to Conveyco.

You can sell your merchandise on various platforms like ShopifyeBay, and Amazon.

That’s where your liquidation business comes in!

You’ll partner with various retailers and purchase their liquidated inventory at heavily discounted prices to resell to other liquidators or directly to customers.

53. 3D Printing

3D printing is all the rage! From prosthetics to dental products, there are no limits to what you can create.

The 3D printers themselves range from $200-$4,000+, so the bulk of your expenses will be this initial purchase.

You won’t have to worry about renting a shop space as you can start off running this business from home and eventually expanding once your business grows.

cartoon of 3D printer

Niching down is recommended in the long run to help improve the quality of your product and focus on marketing to your intended client base.

You can also work this business from another angle and sell the 3D printers to directly to customers and commercial clients through an ecommerce platform.

This is the exact model that Jeremy Simon of 3D Universe utilized to grow his 3D printing business to over $300,000 in monthly revenue.

54. Candle Making

Perfecting the art of candle making will take a bit of time, but once you’ve got it down you’re sitting on a money-making venture.

Starting off with a decent sized budget to factor in various expenses is smart, as it can be hard to pinpoint an exact figure.

Candles are made in bulk and total expenses vary depending on the materials, design, and size that you use. 

cartoon of candles

Keep in mind that candles are typically marked up 25-50% more than their cost of production, giving you a reasonable estimate for how much profit you can make.

The logistics behind costs and pricing for candles is detailed in this helpful guide.

To showcase just how much money there is to be made by individuals in this 3 billion dollar industry, check out this interview with the founder of a successful candle company.

55. Apparel Line

Clothing is one of the most popular items purchased online. From flowy scarves to plus-sized jumpsuits, you can find everything you’re looking for with just the click of a mouse.

Compared to dropshipping or selling pre-printed articles of clothing, there’s a lot more time , personalization, and money that goes into designing your own clothing line. 

Narrowing down what types of clothing you want to sell is the most important part to reduce costs and waste.

cartoon of a man designing clothing

The most cost-effective method for those starting out is private labeling which runs roughly around $2,500+.

Marketing your new brand effectively through social media and paid advertising will eat up the rest of your start-up budget.

Consider influencer marketing as an affordable way to increase brand awareness and recognition initially, through the issuance of promotional codes and affiliate partnerships.  

This article walks you through the process of finding the right influencers and pricing accordingly.

56. Food & Beverage Stand

Wherever the public congregates, there will undoubtedly be a demand for food and refreshments. Enter a simple food and beverage stand.

Location is one of the most important factors to consider with this best business to start with 10K in 2021 idea.

Profits are determined by food production costs and the way you price your products, which this article covers in more detail.

cartoon of fast food joint

What you plan to sell is equally important. Whether you have a juice business or a taco stand, your niche will either make or break your success. Consider these simple yet lucrative menu ideas.

Plan to spend around $1000 monthly to rent out a designated space and $6000+ for equipment and food costs. You’ll save more by using your own kitchen wares.

57. Ice Cream Truck

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Believe it or not, your neighborhood ice cream truck turns some seriously icy profits--somewhere to the tune of $300-$1,000+ per day.

Of course, your location matters immensely as warmer areas may not deal with seasonality issues like an area that experiences freezing winter months.

Your truck complete with a proper freezer unit  is your biggest investment, however you can find a used one for $2500+

Surprisingly, you can strike great wholesale deals on ice cream that shouldn’t cost more than $1,000 to fully stock your initial supply.

58. Vending Machines

Most public places have a vending machine of some sort, whether they’re filled with rainbow-colored balls or yummy treats. 

What’s surprising is just how lucrative these little machines really are, making this an 8 billion dollar venture.

A single vending machine will run you $1,500-$5,000 with buying used a viable bootstrapping option.

cartoon of people purchasing items from vending machines

Sodas and snacks are among the most popular vending machine items sold, though you don’t need to stick to the status quo to find success.

Consider selling cool trinkets, handy office supplies, or items you think people would buy in your immediate location.

You’ll need to stay diligent about collecting the money and updating your product inventory. For a complete guide on getting started, check out this article.

59. Reusable Goods

Sustainability is in and wastefulness is so out!

Consumers and businesses alike are more environmentally conscious, especially as climate predictions continue to be grim.

You can work with a wholesaler to private label your own product line or drop-ship products sourced from trusted suppliers.

Some of the products you can sell include:

Reusable grocery bags

Decorated mason jars

T-shirts & sweatshirts

Personally designed water bottles & containers

The success rate for the reusable goods industry looks promising and lucrative, as AP News highlights in this article.

60. Dropshipping

Your timeline might be saturated with self-proclaimed gurus, but all signs still point to dropshipping being one of the best businesses to start with 10K in 2021.

I personally generated $48K in a single month dropshipping shark onesies after testing like crazy.

Where most people bomb in dropshipping is in their niche selection and failure to test continuously and consistently.

It takes tons of trial and error to find a winning product and even more work to maintain high consumer demand.

For additional guidance and direction for dropshipping, here are 8 courses I recommend to jump-start your success.

cartoon of a hand paying for products with a card

Though it’s possible to get started with much less, I always recommend to start off with your cushions padded as much as possible for this reason.

$10K should be sufficient to help you test out and build a high authority dropshipping store in your intended niche.

61. Storage Container Sales

Shipping containers are an essential component of global trade to get products from point A to point B. So it makes sense that investing in shipping containers can be very lucrative.

cartoon of men in a storage warehouse

While there are various shipping container business models, the most simple involves renting them out on a monthly basis to shipping companies.

You can buy shipping containers in a multitude of conditions, with used and worn shipping containers going for less than $1500 compared to $3,000-$5,000 for brand new ones.

Navigating potential companies to partner with can be difficult, which is why many bring on a freight broker with experience. The cost to bring on a broker varies by location but expect to delegate a 25-30% fee per load.

62. Refurbished Electronics

Cracked screens, water damage, non-functioning buttons--- accidents happen right?

As the costs of these precious devices we depend so much on continue to soar, refurbished electronics have become an increasingly popular option for consumers looking to save money. 

cartoon of hands repairing the inside of a computer

This business can be operated from home, a rented kiosk/stand, or a retail storefront with the former the most money-saving option. You’ll also need to file and pay for an electronics repair license and a bond for around $3,500, with the process differing state-by-state.

The parts and components for individual electronics vary widely in cost, so it’s best to focus on a smaller subset of electronics when first starting.

You can choose any of the major ecommerce platforms to sell electronics you’ve worked on for a hefty profit.

63. Activewear Line

Working out is in style-- literally!

Consumers are not only working out, but they also want to look good doing it. The activewear industry is estimated to be worth nearly $100 billion by 2023.

The quality of your material is important to compete with the millions of other activewear brands being promoted on social media.

Finalize your branding and make your designs as unique as possible to avoid being labeled as just another ‘copycat’ brand.

cartoon of a man in a muscle shirt

You have the choice between crafting your clothing brand from scratch or working with a wholesale supplier to private label your designs, with the former being the more costly option. 

Use brands like GymShark as inspiration for current trends, styles, and designs.

Social media advertising will be your primary form of marketing to attract a following, run paid ads, and engage with influencers to promote your launch.

64. Skincare/Beauty Products

Entering the $530 billion beauty industry isn’t as trying as you may think, though distinguishing your brand above others can pose a challenge.

Consider your favorite beauty and skincare brands and think about the many reasons they appeal to you. This will help you get a feel for what your product should resemble and improve upon what’s already being done.

cartoon of women beside giant make up products

The bulk of your finances will go towards your product’s development --researching ingredients, testing with samples, and finalizing the finished creation for an estimated $5,000+.

Sector 5

Entertainment

Human beings are wired to seek satisfaction through activities and interaction--in other words, we get bored.

The entertainment sector addresses this need and brings fulfillment to consumers by offering fun things to see and do.

By 2023, experts estimate the entertainment industry to be worth nearly $3 Trillion. 

Here are a few businesses to start with 10K in 2021 in the entertainment industry to consider.

65. Mobile DJ Services

Mobile DJ services offer entertainment for various events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. With approximately 4,400 projected openings for announcers and DJs annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there's a consistent demand for skilled professionals in this field. Mobile DJs provide a wide range of music genres tailored to the client's preferences, along with sound and lighting equipment to create an engaging atmosphere.

Starting a mobile DJ business requires an initial investment ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on factors like equipment quality and marketing expenses. This investment typically covers the purchase of DJ equipment including speakers, mixers, microphones, and lighting fixtures, as well as transportation costs and promotional materials.

66. Pop-up Cinema

Pop-up cinemas offer a unique and immersive movie-watching experience by transforming unconventional spaces into temporary movie theaters. With 37% of respondents reporting that they watch at least one movie each month, according to Cutting Room Music, there's a consistent audience for cinematic entertainment. Pop-up cinemas capitalize on this demand by providing screenings of popular films in outdoor settings, rooftops, or other unconventional venues.

Starting a pop-up cinema business requires an estimated investment ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on factors like equipment quality, licensing fees, and promotional expenses. This investment typically covers the acquisition of projection and sound equipment, seating arrangements, venue rental costs, and marketing materials. 

67. Outdoor Adventures

Valued at over $538.3 billion worldwide, adventure tourism is projected to reach a CAGR of 13% by 2026.

These statistics equate to an industry market appraised at roughly $1.627 billion suggesting that now is an ideal time to capitalize on your love of the great outdoors and cater to your inner charlatan.

cartoon of people doing a ropes course

Before commencing with an outdoor adventure business, you should consider the following:

  • What is your niche?
  • Who is your target market?
  • What is the competition?
  • How will you market yourself and your business?
  • What will your tour include, and what are the rates?

It doesn’t take much to start an awesome outdoor adventure business if you possess a ton of outdoor experience, knowledge of the best local areas, and a great attitude towards challenges.

Costs are minimal and will be dependent on the type of adventures you choose to offer, but you need to calculate for equipment costs, marketing expenditures, licensing, etc.

This article provides suggestions on things to consider before embarking on this quest.

Like a lot of the businesses mentioned in this article, you don’t need a physical business space to make this successful. You’ll probably need some outdoor equipment.

image of a man with a telescope looking at the valley below

Maybe a few kayaks or snowshoes, and perhaps a van to transport all your customers to their next adventure spot.

That’s pretty much it! People love being outdoors and living the “extreme” life.

With gross profit margins amounting to between 15%-35+%, it is imperative that you understand your fixed costs and what the markup on your services will be.

Check out this publication for some tips on being successful in the outdoor adventure space.

68. Inflatables Rentals

Is it really a party if there’s not some sort of inflatable for people to pounce on?

Getting into the inflatables business doesn’t require an insane amount of effort or money on your part.

You can purchase inflatables online for anywhere from $450 to $3,000+ depending on the size and design. 

Many retailers like this one also give you the option to finance monthly.

Since the average rental cost of an inflatable is around $75-$100 per day per this article, you can easily recoup your initial investment after a month or two of weekend events (of course, this will depend on how many jumpers you buy).

With birthday parties, graduations, company parties, and various events throughout the year, your business is sure to remain steady.

69. Photo Booth Rentals

Hold up your props and say cheese!

Photo booths are some of the hottest sources of entertainment you can have for a party or event. The photos are super fun to take and also great mementos to keep.

Investing in a single photo booth can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $7,500+, depending on the features and functionalities.

Many photo booth manufacturers offer financing options as well.

cartoon of photo booth

Making back your investment with a photo booth can be done quickly once you’ve booked a few events.

Photo booth rates for corporate events range from $400-$700 per hour while all other events range from $250-$500 per hour.

You can find a step-by-step guide for getting this business off the ground from a couple who successfully did it themselves here.

70. Portable Charging Station

We’ve all been there-- you’re out in public, your phone’s low on juice, and there’s absolutely NO OUTLET to be found. Talk about disaster.

Surprisingly, so many businesses fail to take advantage of this need which spells opportunity for another crafty entrepreneur.

A good option to consider to save money and maximize profit is to diversify the models you own to give clients more options in more retail locations.

cartoon of a car charging station

The purchase price of a charging station varies depending on the model you go with, ranging from $550-$2500+.

It’s recommended to have 3-5 charging stations when you first start out to expand your potential client base.

71. Event Planning

People love to find any excuse to celebrate and have a good time! Those with a knack for coordinating every last detail of an event can put their skills to the test by planning different event types.

You don’t need prior professional experience to perform this line of work, but having a specialty or any number of event planning certifications will definitely set you apart from your competition.

For a detailed start-up guide, read this recent post by.

cartoon of a virtual event

This business can be run from a home office stocked with office equipment, your computer, and the software programs you’ll use.

Since you’ll be traveling to client sites, you’ll also need a personal vehicle or budget for travel costs. 

In total, expect to spend close to $5,000 with the remainder put towards marketing and branding.

Capterra

Sector 6

Home Improvement & Maintenance

In a thriving economy, consumers are not just in the market to purchase new homes, they're also looking to spend money to spruce up them up. Jumping into this sector isn't easy by any means and requires tons of research, but the payoff is definitely rewarding once you're established.

72. Painting Services

Painting services offer an essential solution for both residential and commercial properties that caters to the need for aesthetic enhancement and structural maintenance. This business involves providing professional painting services for interiors and exteriors, which can include homes, offices, public buildings, and other structures.

The equipment list typically includes ladders, brushes, rollers, tarps, and a reliable vehicle for transportation. Marketing expenses would include costs for creating a website, business cards, and local advertising. While the exact startup costs can vary based on location and scale of operations, a general estimate for launching a small-scale painting business could range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Starting a painting business requires an understanding of both the craft and the market. According to a survey by Sherwin-Williams, about 50% of people prefer hiring professional painters, particularly for hard-to-reach spaces, while 41% believe painting is a job best left to experts. This highlights a significant market opportunity for skilled painters. Additionally, 40% of respondents indicated a lack of time to undertake painting projects themselves, further underscoring the demand for these services. 

73. Landscaping and Lawn Care Services

Landscaping and lawn care services are in high demand, with around 40% of Americans hiring professionals for these tasks, as reported by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. This industry offers services ranging from basic lawn maintenance to complex landscape design, catering to both residential and commercial clients.

Startinga landscaping or lawn care business typically requires an investment of $5,000 to $10,000. This covers the cost of necessary equipment like lawn mowers and trimmers, a vehicle for transport, business licensing, insurance, and initial marketing efforts like a website and local ads. 

74. Furniture Repair & Refinishing

Furniture like couches and dining room tables wear down over time.

Rather than drop dough on a brand new piece, it’s simply more popular to refinish furniture to maintain longevity and preserve appearance.

Refinishing saves homeowners serious money in lieu of purchasing new furniture, with the average refinishing job ranging from $329-$871 according to Home Advisor.

cartoon of a woman with two chairs

The industry experts all highly suggest gaining experience in carpentry or refinishing before undertaking this venture. Yet there’s always the option of outsourcing the actual handiwork to a contractor.

This article breaks down further information about experience, startup costs, and more for you to consider.

Operating the business from your home also cuts down costs substantially, though you may need to look into renting craft or storage space once you get busy.

75. Deck/Outdoor Furniture Building

The economy on the upswing means more money in consumer’s pockets to spend on home improvement projects.

While clothing retailers continue to shutter, home improvement stores and businesses are seeing their best numbers yet-- Home Advisor reported a 17% increase in spending in the home improvement sector in 2021.

As months get warmer, consumers will look to overhauling the backyard areas of their homes and redoing wooden patios, decks, and furniture.

Power tools and equipment tend to run around $2,000 to purchase. You can also expect to drop around $8,000 for supplies and materials, a cost that can be off set by the customer.

Startup Jungle breaks down more detailed industry figures in this article, but this is a one business to start with 10K in 2021 as it boasts 25%+ ROI.

76. Home Staging

Real Estate is a tough gig, and success isn’t guaranteed. But you don’t need to flip houses to make a fortune in this industry.

One excellent business to start with 10K is a home staging business. There are no formal educational requirements in the USA, and with an average salary between $30,000-$95,000/year, there is potential for this business idea to generate a sustainable income.

cartoon of people sitting around and working

With the housing market off to a formidable start in 2021 and a predicted 3% growth rate for the fiscal year, Americans continue to invest in real estate.

The number of homeowners opting to enlist the services of a home stager is also on the rise-between 10-40%

Statistics advise that a staged home will sell for 17% more than a non-staged home and that 95% of staged homes sell in under two weeks.

This publication reports some additional statistics that are interesting for those considering this business opportunity.

You’ll need some expert interior decorating skills and a strong marketing strategy. Know your value and price your services accordingly.

This article offers further insight on how to launch a successful home staging business.

cartoon of a man designing a landscape

77. Landscaping

If you love the outdoors and don’t mind getting sweaty, landscaping can be a rewarding business opportunity.

Though many landscaping business owners started off working in the field before branching out on their own, you don’t necessarily need ample experience.

With so many different landscaping services, narrowing down the ones you want to offer is up to you.  Just a few examples of various services you can offer:

 3

Landscape Design & Lawn Mowing 

 2

Gardening & Planting


4

Tree & Pruning Services

The biggest drain on your nest egg will be equipment procure and maintenance.

To cut costs significantly, you can start off renting the equipment you need directly from sites like Home Depot for around $3,000+.

With the amount of labor required to get the job done, it’s important for you to price your services reasonably for both you and your customers.

Service Autopilot put together this informative guide to help you finalize your services and pricing.

cartoon of a giant hand putting money into a building

78. Real Estate Investing

You may think you need hundreds of thousands of dollars to start your real estate investment portfolio, but you can actually make headway with just $10K.

There are several ways you can put your money to use wisely and turn a profit which include:

  • Investing in below market value properties
  • Real estate crowdfunding
  • Residential and commercial REIT’s
  • Real estate wholesaling

This article is an awesome resource to help you decide which approach you want to take.

79. Appliance Repair & Maintenance

You rely on many household appliances to get you through a typical day and now and then, they go ker-plunk!

Those more mechanically inclined can find joy in the handiwork required of an appliance repair business.

If you’ve got a good repertoire of tools in your garage, even better!

cartoon of a man repairing a dryer

All you’ll really need to focus on buying is a reliable vehicle (this can be your commuter car), registering your business legally in your state, and marketing in your area. Expect expenses to hover around $6,000.

While some appliances need special certifications to repair, you can stick with what you know to make your business profitable!

For more information about getting this business model off the ground with a smaller $10K budget, check out this article

80. Handyman Services

If you’re not afraid of a little hard work, you can pack up your tools and help out local homeowners with their leaky faucets and unstable TV mounts.

You can save a heap of money by using your own household tools, though you may need to purchase new pieces of equipment as projects require.

Your target market should be comprised of real estate agents, commercial office buildings, and property management companies when starting out as these groups are often on the hunt for reliable handyman services for their clients. 

vector of a man cleaning a room

There are so many options for the services you could offer: plumbing, painting, electrical, woodworking, etc.

Plan to invest at least $2,500 towards marketing costs, especially for business cards and online advertising.

81. Home Inspection Business

The real estate market is definitely making a comeback since the 2008 market crash, with home ownership increasing steadily among Americans 25-40.

And it’s going to get even better, with the Washington Post describing an 11 percent increase in new home sales that’s actually creating somewhat of a housing shortage.

vector of a house with money coming out of the roof

That means business will be booming for those looking to enter the home inspection business.

The process to become a home inspector varies by state (you can view your state’s requirements here) and the states that require completion of a certification program run from $1,000-$3,500.

To distinguish yourself from your competitors and protect your business assets, invest in a combination of general liability and errors and omissions insurance, which can be $2,000+ per year.

If you’re not well established in the industry already, it’s also a good idea to consider getting a few nationally recognized home inspection certificates.

Sector 7

Creatives & Visual Arts

A passion for creativity can still get you far in life, despite bleak outlooks.

As the power of social media and aesthetic visuals permeates throughout society, more and more businesses are turning their focus to digital advertising-- and they need the expertise of the artistically inclined.

Whether video or photo is more your specialty, there is room for your talents within this sector and all kinds of best businesses to start with 10K ideas.

82. Video Production

The power of video is often understated. Think about how much more you connect with an interesting and attention-grabbing video than a block of text or a single image.

The bottom line? Video is a must for the majority of businesses.

The shift to digital platforms is prominent in 2021, with eMarketer predicting that mobile digital platforms will command more minutes from viewers than the television.

And making back your investment definitely won’t be a problem as you can expect to earn an average of $800-$1200 per project according to data from Thumbtack.

cartoon of giant video projector

Use your videography talents to provide this much-needed service to business owners, YouTubers, and for special events like weddings and graduations.

Acquiring the necessary equipment is going to eat up most of your investment income, with average costs ranging from $7,500-$10,000.

83. Drone Photography & Videography

These little flying robots equipped with cameras are paving the way for an industrial boom. 

Drones are being utilized not just for capturing aerial content, but also for surveying land and serving as military decoys.

Yet, the utility of drones is still so untapped and they’re incredibly versatile for multiple purposes, with Business Insider listing several of them in a fairly recent article.

image of drones and 5G

Before you purchase your first drone, it’s important to factor in legal and insurance fees which is on the higher side, typically around $5000+ to start.

Here is a sample breakdown of the miscellaneous start-up costs for any drone business model. The drone itself can range anywhere from $500-$4,000+.

84. Niche Magazine

Print copies are somewhat a thing of the past; consumers now prefer to flip through content on-the-go via their mobile devices. 

Deciding on your niche is the most important part of the process to assess popularity and interest.

Advertisers are going to factor in perceived interest and the possibility of high ad conversions before partnering with your magazine. 

The best part is that there are thousands of unique and creative niches to select from. Take a look at some of the top digital magazines for reference.

image of social media icons

Advertisements and customer subscriptions make up the bulk of magazine profits while expenses include costs such as graphic design, writing, photography, and editing.

After all is said and done, you can see ROI’s ranging from 25-40%+.

NPR interviewed the purveyor of a general digital magazine on the financials of running his operation which is especially helpful for those considering doing the same.

85. Self-Publishing

Becoming a published author is a dream for many, yet few understand what it takes to get a completed manuscript out on the shelves.

Kindle Publishing

While the majority of those starting out on a shoe-string budget opt for self-publishing an eBook through Amazon, turning a profit can be more difficult due to high competition and less freedom when it comes to distribution.

There are numerous costs associated with self-publishing a print book and these include:

1

Editing: ranges from $600-$1200

3

Formatting: ranges from $500-$1500

 2

Cover design: ranges from $300-$1500

4

Marketing: ranges from $50-$500

You can save money by working with novice professionals looking to build their portfolio and using offset printing methods. 

However, spending more for higher quality is beneficial for selling and differentiating your book from the competition.

 For more information about self publishing, check out this article.

86. Portrait Studio

You don’t need a huge budget to make your dreams of owning a photography studio a reality. Take that 10K and get started now!

While your ultimate goal is branching out into a physical studio space, you can convert a spare room of your garage into a studio space. 

What matters most is securing the equipment and lighting you need to produce amazing works of art for your clients which can cost you upwards of $5,000.

picture of a camera

However, you can always rent out your equipment initially or purchase lower end models.

There are so many other factors you need to consider when it comes to the set-up and lay-out of your studio, all of which this article helps address.

As far as profits go, the first-year profit for a home-based photography studio remained between 25-41% ROI.

IMO The Best Business To Start With 10K in 2021

Lead Generation

You're looking for the best businesses to start with 10K in 2021 ideas, and you have some options.

But the most flexible business model-and my personal recommendation-is local lead generation.

Flexible and scalable, this business model is six simple steps.

Follow the process, and you're looking at a semi-passive income stream hitting your bank account every month.

What Is Lead Generation?

Let’s go back to the beginning. Lead generation is about leveraging Google.

Building and ranking websites that are like billboards for local businesses.

Think of your sites like digital real estate that generates monthly profits. The sites and the leads belong to you.

And once they begin generating leads, you sell those leads to companies looking to expand.

Like I did with this tree site below. One of my first lead gen properties, I built this site in 2015, and it's been making me $2000/month for the last six years.

local lead generation example

Why This Business Model Works:

You have over 400 niches to choose from anywhere in the world.

And every single postal code offers a multitude of opportunities.

Build your sites the way it's shown in this training, and once they're ranking, they're pretty much hands-off.

Connect with a business owner and sell your leads for a monthly fee, commission-based, pay-per-lead-whatever.

There's no wrong way. And your reward is mailbox money every month and the chance to create financial freedom.

Lead generation takes hustle. So if you were hoping for a get rich quick method, sorry to disappoint.

But if you're willing to do the work, there's no limit to your earning potential with this business model.

You don't need experience.

No worries if you're not a web developer or an SEO master.

We have over 7000 members in our program.

People from all over the world. Some had all kinds of knowledge-others not so much.

But the one common denominator was a willingness to trust the process. Commit to the training and do the work to learn the skills that pay their bills.

If you're curious or maybe have questions about lead generation. Or you're just interested in getting some more information.

Click the link below and schedule a call today.

Entrepreneurship is all about taking risks, and there’s no way to tell whether any of these businesses will succeed or not. 

But here are 75 best businesses to start with 10K in 2021 ideas that will hopefully get your wheels turning.

If you have a suggestion that didn't make the list, please feel free to leave it in the comment section below.

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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.

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    1. Hi Amber! Glad you enjoyed the article, and thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your kind words. Did you have a favorite idea from the list, or maybe something you think I should add?

    1. Hey Winston! Thanks for taking the time to comment and pleased to hear you enjoyed the article. Any business idea stand out to you-a favorite maybe?

  1. You can definitely see your skills within the work you write.
    The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid
    to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

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