5 small business ideas you can start for under $10,000

By Emily Lil

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Have you ever dreamed of opening up your own small business but wondered where you’d find the capital to do so? It turns out that there are scores of businesses that require no more than US$10,000 to start. With such a low start-up investment, there is no excuse to wait before launching your dream business.

1.) A Cleaning Business

All you need to start your own residential cleaning business is a mop, a vacuum, and some bulk cleaning supplies. Develop a game plan and begin by cleaning residential spaces. When you’re ready, commercial clients tend to pay greater hourly rates. Cleaning services make up a billion-dollar industry. Advertise in your local newspaper or register your business with Amazon Services to help customers discover you more quickly. When business is booming, consider embracing the high-paying niches in the cleaning market, such as bio hazard cleaning and commercial janitorial services. While these jobs require more complex equipment, they could lead you to earn a six-figure salary.

2.) Gardener

If you’re an avid and successful home gardener with a wide knowledge of plants and an artistic eye, garden consulting may be the perfect start-up for you. Garden consultants are typically paid by the hour to work with home gardeners, answering questions, and guiding decisions. You may also be asked to develop a cohesive plan including what types of plants, soils, and rocks to incorporate into a garden. If you’re planning on becoming a full-time garden consultant, work on developing a portfolio, advertise in local directories, and develop meaningful contacts. You’d be surprised at how many people desire to skip traditional landscaping services for a more in-depth informative service like garden consulting.

3.) Freelance Writer

If you’re a skilled writer, you can start a home-based business with little to no start-up investment. There are countless opportunities for writing projects and they are easier than ever to access. Online testimonials can help you develop a plan of action, such as making cold pitches, starting a blog, or offering your services to local businesses. Not all attempts at becoming a freelance writer are successful, but a combination of hard work and perseverance could eventually allow you to quit your day job. With a laptop computer, an internet connection, and a few contacts, your freelance writing career will turn from a dream to a reality.

4.) Photographer

If you’re a talented photographer who has always dreamed of turning your hobby into a business, the time is now. First, develop a plan of action. This starts with the right equipment. Depending on the type of projects you intend to shoot, a professional-quality camera, a variety of lenses, and an editing program provide the fundamental backbone of your business. Develop an online portfolio and utilize free social media sites to share your successful shoots. Also, pick a specific niche, such as weddings, family portraits, or sports. Most photographers are paid by the  job, so the more work you acquire the better.

5.) Party Planner

A party planning business can be started with little to no capital or even professional background. It entails working with clients to plan their parties from start to finish. Party planners need to be extremely organized, personable, and reliable. When building your reputation, the success of previous parties and customers’ accolades are indispensable. Party planning can become a six-figure job, but you’ll probably start out putting together low-paying birthday celebrations and budget get-togethers.

In conclusion

Many people take pride in owning their own business. After all, they’re accountable for every success and failure along the way. If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss but didn’t know how you’d come up with the money to get things off the ground, the aforementioned personal businesses are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a slew of businesses that can be run from your home and become full-time ventures. .

Emily Kil is a freelance website designer and stay-at-home mother.  She previously worked as a sales rep for technology startups in the San Francisco Bay area before falling in love with an Alaskan fisherman while on an epic road trip along the Pan American Highway.  When she’s not helping her husband with his business, she’s traveling overland around the USA.  She’s driven across the United States five times and plans to drive down Latin America with her family in a few years.