The 10 Best Businesses to Start with $10k

Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind innovation, economic growth and personal fulfillment. Deciding to start a business is a bold and inspiring step that can change your life in many ways. However, only some can access significant investments to begin their incredible business journey. This is where the magic of creativity and research on business models comes into play.

Do you want to start your own business but need help figuring out where to start? People often put off starting a business because they need the initial investment to pursue their business idea, but you should never put off investing in your future. We will provide businesses with a starting amount of $10,000 or less. Here are some of the best business ideas you can start with $10,000, offering low startup costs and high-profit potential.

Online Reselling Business

The rise of e-commerce platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy has opened the door for aspiring entrepreneurs to start an online product reselling business with minimal startup costs. You can start by sourcing products from local thrift stores, garage sales, or wholesale suppliers and then sell them online for a profit. The key to success in this business is identifying products in high demand, providing excellent customer service, and mastering effective online marketing strategies.

Initial Costs:

Inventory: $3,000

Website and E-commerce Platforms: $1,000

Marketing and Advertising: $2,000

Packaging and Shipping Supplies: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,000

Expected Returns: With a well-curated inventory and effective marketing, you can expect a $20,000 to $30,000 return in the first year. 

Freelance Services

If you have a specific skill set, such as writing, graphic design, AI tool development, web development, SEO, or digital marketing, starting a freelance services business can be a great business to start with 10k. The beauty of freelancing is the low startup costs and the ability to work anywhere. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make finding clients easy and help your business grow.

Initial Costs:

Website and Portfolio: $1,000

Marketing and Advertising: $2,000

Equipment and Software: $2,000

Professional Development: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,000

Expected Returns: Depending on their skills and market demand, freelancers earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, and they enjoy many perks, such as connection-building permanent remote jobs.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

Lawn care and landscaping services are always in demand. Lawns can be treated differently in this type of business, but it is often as simple as mowing the grass. For this reason, no special knowledge is required to start this business. You’re all set if you know how to use a lawnmower or trimmer. The only thing you need to start this business is a lawn mower and some additional equipment, such as a lawnmower.

Initial Costs:

Equipment and tools: $1,000 – $3,000

Marketing: $500 – $1,000

Insurance and licensing: $500

This business offers steady work, especially during the growing season. You can build a loyal client base and expand into commercial landscaping with exemplary customer service and quality work.

Tutoring or Educational Services

Tutoring is an evergreen business. If you have expertise in a particular subject, offering tutoring or educational services can be a fulfilling and profitable business. You can conduct sessions in person or online.

Initial Costs:

Marketing and advertising: $1,000

Website development: $1,000

Educational materials: $500

Professional certifications: $500

Expected Returns: Depending on experience and subject specialisation, tutoring or educational services, freelancers earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service

Do you love dogs so much that you want to spend every day with them? If so, dog grooming may suit you, especially if you are looking for a business to start with $10. As far as financial investments go, all you need are grooming tools. You can also buy a salon for your business, although you can do it from home. However, it is essential to have nursing experience before starting a business.

Initial Costs:

Licensing and insurance: $1,000

Marketing materials: $500

Professional website: $1,000

Equipment (leashes, pet first-aid kit, etc.): $500

The pet industry is booming, and many pet owners seek trustworthy individuals to care for their furry friends. This business has low startup costs and the potential for repeat customers.

Food truck

If you are passionate about food, you should create a food cart or truck. You will need a car or cart and a vehicle to deliver food, materials, and equipment. You’ll also need the ability to organize your menu, prepare food, and keep your business running smoothly. Researching relevant rules and regulations, especially regarding food safety, is also critical.

The advantage of this type of business is that you can start with a relatively simple menu and gradually add and improve it. This is a great way to get into the restaurant and culinary business for less money. Consider moving to a more traditional physical location.

Initial Costs:

Food Truck or Cart: $5,000

Permits and Licensing: $1,000

Initial Inventory and Supplies: $2,000

Marketing and Branding: $1,000

Miscellaneous (fuel, maintenance, etc.): $1,000

Expected Returns: A well-managed food truck business to start with 10k and can generate $20,000 to $50,000 in revenue within the first year.

Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping is an attractive business model for those who want to start a business with a 10k investment. One of the great benefits of the dropshipping business is that you need not worry about holding inventory. Instead, you act as an intermediary between customers and suppliers. When a customer orders from your online store, you purchase the product from a third-party supplier, who ships it directly to the customer.

Initial Costs:

E-commerce Platform: $1,000

Marketing and Advertising: $4,000

Website Development: $1,000

Product Research Tools: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,000

Expected Returns: A well-managed dropshipping business can generate $20,000 to $50,000 in revenue within the first year.

Home Cleaning Service

A home cleaning service requires minimal investment in equipment and supplies and can quickly become profitable with a steady client base. This business is ideal for those who enjoy cleaning and are good at managing schedules and customer relationships.

Initial Costs:

Cleaning Supplies and Equipment: $2,000

Marketing and Advertising: $3,000

Insurance and Licensing: $1,000

Website Development: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,000

Expected Returns: With consistent quality service, you can expect to make $30,000 to $60,000 annually.

Personal Fitness Trainer

If you have a background in fitness and health, becoming a personal fitness trainer can be a rewarding and profitable business. Start by offering one-on-one training sessions, group classes, or online coaching.

Initial Costs:

Certification and Training: $2,000

Marketing and Advertising: $2,000

Equipment: $2,000

Insurance and Licensing: $1,000

Website Development: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,000

Expected Returns: Personal trainers earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually with dedicated clients and effective marketing.

Handyman Services

Starting a handyperson service can be profitable if you’re skilled in various home repairs and maintenance tasks. From fixing leaks to assembling furniture, there’s always something that needs fixing in homes.

Initial Costs:

Tools and equipment: $1,000 – $2,000

Marketing: $500 – $1,000

Insurance and licensing: $500

This business has low startup costs and high demand. You can quickly build a strong reputation and a steady stream of clients by offering reliable, quality services.

How to start a business with $10K

After looking at some examples of businesses that can be started with a $10,000 budget, let’s discuss the practical steps needed to achieve this goal. The exact procedure for forming a corporation will vary significantly from industry to industry. But there are a few fundamental steps that you will almost always have to do:

Determine the amount you will spend on overhead.

When you run a business, you will naturally have to consider various operating costs to produce your products or services. However, you may also have overhead expenses such as rent payments, energy bills, and insurance. You must consider all these costs to start a business with $10k capital.

Get all the necessary credentials and skills.

You must know about it before jumping headfirst into a new industry. When you start a business with $10k (or any budget), you need to know what you’re doing. To this end, take the time to acquire the necessary skills or certifications. If you try to start a consulting firm without knowing anything about your chosen industry, you will be in big trouble.

Get all supplies or inventory.

The next step is purchasing all the necessary materials. These may include the tools, equipment, or machines needed to complete the job and parts to create products. For instance, a restaurant can only serve food with the ingredients to prepare it.

Promote your business

Finally, when starting your business, be sure to promote it. This is an important step that many companies miss. Don’t buy into the idea that “if you build it, they will come”—you won’t attract clients if you don’t promote yourself. If you don’t have the resources to do it yourself, you should contact a marketing agency for professional help and to grow your business.

Conclusion

Starting a business with a $10k investment requires careful planning, strategic investment, and dedication. You can create a profitable and sustainable business by choosing a business model that matches your skills and market demand and managing your budget effectively. Whether you choose an online resale business, freelancing, dropshipping, home cleaning services or personal fitness training, the key to success lies in providing quality services and constantly adapting to market trends.