25 Business Ideas Under $5K
Cleaning Business
Everyone wants to have a clean home but has no time to do it. Find the people who have the money to pay you to clean their homes!
Landscaper
Got the green thumb and don’t mind some manual labor? Start a landscaping business.
Daycare Owner
Start an at-home daycare business, but only if you love kids. J
Photographer
Charge people to take professional photos of them or photograph special occasions such as weddings, maternity shoots, baby showers, etc.
Videographer (Video Production)
People pay for pictures as well as for videos. If you’re really experienced you can extend your services to music videos, commercials, trailers, etc., as even corporations hire videographers.
Airbnb
Have an extra bedroom or house around? Rent it out!
Senior Care Home
Not a fan of the kiddies but love the old-timers? Start an at-home senior care residence.
Bakery
Have a love and skill for baking? You can bake from your kitchen and sell online (and to your friends, family, and whoever else isn’t on a diet that week).
Massage Therapist
I took a few classes on this and found it to be quite relaxing.
Bed & Breakfast
Love to have company over and have the extra space? Having a bed and breakfast is the same as having family over for the holidays (minus the drama). Create a warm, inviting space with “food” and people will come.
Home-based Alterations Service
Can you sew? I just popped a string off one of my favorite dresses and am looking for a home-based seamstress.
Moon Bounces
You won’t believe the investment return on these!
Floral Designer
Yup, this is a real thing. Offices, homeowners, hell, women . . . we love a good flower design. Earn money designing flowers or even fruit baskets.
Toy Maker
This is a little more complex than your average startup, but hey, if you have the skills and interest in it, get to it! The toy business is huge!
Furniture Designer/Maker
Who doesn’t love an old rustic piece?!
Oils & Soap Maker
All-natural with no chemicals? Yes please!
Vintage Clothes Shopper
There is a special market for this that will pay top dollar.
Image Consultant
Do you enjoy giving people makeovers? Become an image consultant and get paid for it.
Customer Service Training
Train people on customer service skills needed for work and in life.
Sales Trainer
Train upcoming salesmen how to close those deals.
Online Pet Boutique
Pet owners spend just as much as new moms.
Coffee Shop
Keep it hot . . . Love coffee and desserts? Start a coffee shop. Test the market first with pop-ups and if you’re successful, find a location.
Internet Café
Wi-Fi is a must. If you’re in a fast-paced city you can rent a 700-square-foot space, offer just Wi-Fi, and people will come running. Don’t believe me? Throw in a place to charge your iPhone and you would swear it was a flash mob.
Bartender
Sex on the beach . . . the perfect cosmo—can you make them alongside a dirty martini? Umm hello, I don’t need to tell you this—sell yourself as a bartender.
Vending Cart
Ice cream or food? You decide. Push it through the city.
Related Article: Grow Your Business by Asking for Help