Starting and running a successful small business takes careful planning and research. From costs and timelines to licenses and scalability projections, there are many factors to consider when vetting small business ideas. As an MBA graduate focused on helping entrepreneurs, I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide looking at over 100 realistic, achievable small business ideas across various industries and specialties.
In this post, you’ll find a breakdown of each idea, estimated startup costs, typical timelines, legal structures, qualifications, and scalability potential for each business concept. Whether looking for a low-investment freelance gig or a more substantial company with growth potential, you will find inspiring, actionable business ideas that align with your skills, interests, and risk tolerance.
Now, let’s get down to business!
Evaluation Overview
This extensive guide examines 100+ realistic small business ideas across 12 diverse industries. For each concept, you’ll find key factors evaluated, including:
- Startup costs range from under $500 to over $50k
- Startup timelines from under one month to over one year
- Overview of any required licensing or qualifications
- Growth potential and scalability assessments
- Optimal legal structures for each concept
Selecting the right business idea is a complex process with many variables. I aimed to provide useful benchmarks to help evaluate options based on careful research.
Startup Costs
The startup costs listed for each business idea reflect the estimated minimum expected investment to begin core operations. This includes equipment purchases, software/tools, initial inventory and supplies, marketing and advertising costs for launch, licenses and permits, insurance, and 3-6 months of operating expenses.
They are based on beginning lean (starting small) and scaling up gradually with cost-conscious choices. Startup costs can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the business model and location. According to the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the typical small business startup costs $10,000 or less.
Startup Timelines
The startup timelines represent the fastest path from the idea stage to soft launch and initial operations, assuming efficient execution. According to studies, most entrepreneurs take 6-12 months to start a business. Timelines vary widely depending on the business model.
Qualifications
Any legally required certifications, licenses, or training are listed in the qualifications. Additionally, any credentials that would be strongly preferred by customers when offering certain services are included. Qualifications range from none needed up to advanced degrees and specialized designations.
Scalability
Scalability indicates the degree to which the business can grow revenues and expand. Each business idea is assessed on a high, medium, or low scale for growth potential. Factors considered include leveraging online platforms, increasing customers with minimal added time/expense, expanding to other markets, and efficiently fulfilling higher sales volumes.
Scalability assessments are subjective but aim to set growth expectations. High scalability means the business can increase customers, sales, and geographic reach. Low scalability makes significant growth more challenging. Most micro businesses tend to have more insufficient scalability.
Legal Structure
The legal structure for each idea balances liability protection, tax considerations, and operational needs with inherent risks and startup costs. Structures like sole proprietorships involve less paperwork for more straightforward ideas, while LLCs and S-corps better shield liability for higher-risk businesses.
- Sole Proprietorship: Simplest structure for low-risk businesses run independently. Easy tax preparation.
- Freelance: For skilled services without significant assets. Minimal legal obligations.
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Provides owner liability protection while avoiding corporate double taxation.
- Corporation: Formal structure for raising investment capital or planning an IPO. Additional legal obligations.
- Partnership: Shared ownership and control without formal corporate structure.
- Online Business: For digital businesses without significant legal risks. Allows independent operation.
The goal was to match overhead and formality to each idea’s size and inherent risks. A freelance writer faces lower threats than a restaurant owner, for example.
Next, we’ll dive into the vetted small business ideas across industries!
Food & Beverage Small Business Ideas
1. Food Truck
A mobile food business where you cook and sell food from a truck, cart, or trailer.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 2-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Mobile food vendor license
- Scalability: Medium
2. Coffee Shop
Open a cafe where you serve coffee drinks and small food items like pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000+
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: Food safety training
- Scalability: Low
3. Meal Prep/Delivery Service
Prepare healthy ready-to-eat meals, and deliver them to customers’ doors.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Food safety training
- Scalability: High
4. Bakery
Open a retail bakery selling baked goods, like bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and other sweet treats.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $25,000
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: Food safety training
- Scalability: Medium
5. Catering Company
Provide food services for events and gatherings like weddings, corporate events, parties, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 -$5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Business license, food safety training
- Scalability: High
6. Personal/Private Chef
Offer private at-home dining experiences and personal meal preparation services.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Food safety training
- Scalability: Low
7. Food Tour Operator
Organize and conduct guided food-tasting tours showcasing a city’s restaurants, markets, or local food producers.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Business license
- Scalability: Medium
9. Vending Machine Operator
Purchase and manage vending machines in high-traffic locations, stocking snacks/drinks.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Food & Beverage small business ideas
- Most require a food safety certification
- Coffee shops and bakeries have low scalability, while meal delivery has high scalability potential.
- Overall this category sees medium startup costs and timelines.
Retail & Ecommerce Small Business Ideas
10. Online Store Selling Handmade Crafts/Goods
Sell homemade art, jewelry, clothing, decor, and other handcrafted items through an online store.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Online Business
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
11. Print-on-Demand Store with Custom Designs
Offer customized products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases with designs created by customers. Fulfill orders via integrated print-on-demand manufacturing.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Online Business
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
12. Print-on-Demand Service
Provide print-on-demand manufacturing and fulfillment services for businesses and designers wanting custom-decorated merchandise.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,00
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
13. Clothing Boutique
Open a small retail clothing store selling women’s, men’s, or children’s fashion and accessories.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $15,000+
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: Retailer’s License
- Scalability: Medium
14. Local Retail Shop
Open a small independent retail store selling a particular product category like books, art supplies, toys, or gifts.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $25,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Retailer’s License
- Scalability: Low
15. Flea Market Vendor
Sell products like vintage finds, handmade goods, or specialty foods from a booth at local flea markets and craft fairs.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Vendor’s License
- Scalability: Low
16. Dropshipping Business
Sell products online without needing inventory by dropshipping items directly from manufacturers to customers.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Online Business
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
17. Amazon/eBay Reseller
Purchase inventory or unwanted items and resell them for a profit on eBay, Amazon, or other online marketplaces.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Retail & Ecommerce small business ideas
- Online retail has low startup costs and high scalability.
- Physical retail requires more investment and has lower scalability.
- Retailer’s/vendor’s licenses are needed for physical stores.
Professional Services Small Business Ideas
18. Bookkeeping
Provide bookkeeping services like accounts receivable/payable, payroll, expense tracking, and financial reporting for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Accounting qualification or certification
- Scalability: Medium
19. Social Media Management
Help clients create marketing strategies and manage their social media accounts and posting.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
20. IT support/Computer Repair
Offer technology helpdesk and computer repair services for individuals or companies.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: IT certification
- Scalability: Medium
21. Graphic Design
Provide graphic design services like logo creation, branding, illustration, and layout design for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
22. Copywriting
Write marketing copy, website content, social media posts, ads, and other written content for businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
23. Virtual Assistant Services
Provide administrative support services virtually, including calendar management, data entry, email handling, and more.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
24. Consulting (in Your Specialty)
Leverage your skills and knowledge to provide advisory services in your area of expertise.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Relevant degree/certification
- Scalability: Medium
25. Commercial Cleaning
Provide office and building cleaning and maintenance services for corporate clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
26. Translation Services
Provide document, media, and website translation in various languages for businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Language fluency
- Scalability: Medium
27. AI Artist/Illustrator
Use AI generative art to create custom digital illustrations, paintings, and imagery for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: High
28. Corporate Event Planning
Plan and coordinate conventions, conferences, retreats, and parties for business clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Event planning certification
- Scalability: Medium
29. Corporate Training
Develop and deliver customized training programs, seminars, and workshops for business clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Training Certification
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Professional service small business ideas
- Low startup costs and ability to operate as a freelancer.
- Virtual assistance and consulting can have high scalability.
- Relevant qualifications are needed like certifications or degrees.
Home & Lifestyle Small Business Ideas
30. House cleaning/maid service
Provide residential cleaning services like vacuuming, bathroom/kitchen cleaning, and dusting on a recurring or one-off basis.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
31. Handyman/Repair Services
Offer general repairs and maintenance like furniture assembly, light installations, cabinetry, and more.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
32. Landscaping
Provide lawn care and landscaping services like mowing, planting, weeding, mulching, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Landscaping license (for chemical application)
- Scalability: Medium
33. Personal Organizer
Help clients organize and declutter their homes, offices, closets, etc. Provide organizing systems.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
34. Personal Shopper
Provide personal shopping services for clients like wardrobe styling, closet organization, and purchasing specific items.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
35. Errand Runner
Offer local errand running services like grocery shopping, prescription pickup, package shipping, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Driver’s License
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Home & Lifestyle small business ideas
- Many can be run as sole proprietors from home.
- Cleaning/maintenance services have higher scalability potential.
- Low startup costs but limited scalability for most.
Health & Wellness Small Business Ideas
36. Yoga Instructor
Teach yoga classes at a studio, gym, community center, or privately in clients’ homes.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Yoga teaching certification
- Scalability: Low
37. Personal Trainer
Provide personal fitness training and instruction for clients wanting to get fit or achieve goals.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Fitness/training certification
- Scalability: Medium
38. Life Coach
Help clients make positive changes and reach their full potential through coaching sessions.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Coach certification
- Scalability: Medium
39. Doula
Provide emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Doula certification
- Scalability: Low
40. Nutritionist
Offer personalized nutrition consulting and meal planning services to help clients meet health goals.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Nutrition certification
- Scalability: Medium
41. Massage Therapy
Provide therapeutic massages to clients to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Massage therapy license
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Health & Wellness small business ideas
- Certifications required for training, nutrition, therapy, etc.
- Coaching and instruction can start under $1k.
- Most have relatively low scalability.
Education Small Business Ideas
42. Tutor
Offer private tutoring services in academic subjects like math, science, language arts, test prep, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
43. Test Prep Instructor
Provide customized test preparation services to students preparing for SAT, ACT, and GRE exams.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
44. College Admissions Consultant
Guide high school students through college admissions, including applications, essays, and finding the right school fit.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
45. Resume Writing Service
Write, optimize, and format resumes and cover letters to help clients highlight their professional skills and experience.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
46. Skillshare Classes
Create and teach online classes through platforms like Skillshare on topics like photography, marketing, business skills, crafts, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Online Business
- Qualifications: Relevant skill/experience
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Education small business ideas
- Tutoring, test prep, and teaching require little startup investment.
- Admissions consulting and resume writing have higher scalability.
- Can operate independently as a freelancer.
Creative Arts Small Business Ideas
47. Photographer
Provide photography services for portraiture, weddings, events, real estate listings, headshots, and more.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
48. Videographer
Offer video production services like filming weddings, events, ads, documentaries, and more.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
49. Graphic Designer
Provide graphic design services like logo creation, branding, illustration, and layout design for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
50. Crafts Instructor
Teach arts and crafts classes in private studios, community centers, schools, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
51. Calligraphy Services
Provide hand-lettering services for events, signs, invitations, cards, and other projects.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
52. Event/Wedding Planner
Plan and coordinate events like conferences, weddings, parties, and more for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Creative arts small business ideas
- Photography and videography require more equipment.
- Most can be launched freelance with little startup costs.
- Scalability is limited for local services like calligraphy.
Transportation Small Business Ideas
53. Rideshare Driving
Provide passenger rides through apps like Uber and Lyft using your vehicle.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Driver’s License
- Scalability: Low
54. Food/Grocery Delivery
Deliver food, groceries, and other goods to customers using your vehicle or bicycle.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Driver’s License
- Scalability: Low
55. Bicycle Courier
Provide local courier and delivery services with a bicycle for envelopes, small packages, takeout food, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
56. Auto Detailing
Provide professional cleaning and restoration services for vehicles’ interiors and exteriors.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
57. Car Wash
Run a self-service, automatic, or full-service car wash, allowing customers to clean their vehicles.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: Business permit
- Scalability: Medium
58. Mobile Auto Repair
Offer mobile auto repair and maintenance services at customers’ locations.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Auto repair certification
- Scalability: Low
59. Fleet Maintenance
Manage maintenance, repairs, compliance for company vehicle fleets.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: ASE Certification
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Transportation small business ideas
- Rideshare driving, food delivery, couriers have low startup costs.
- Auto detailing and moving help require more equipment.
- Most have lower scalability potential.
Home Services Small Business Ideas
60. Pool Cleaning/Maintenance
Provide cleaning, repairs, and maintenance for residential and commercial swimming pools.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Pool operator certification
- Scalability: Medium
61. Furniture Assembly/Repair
Assemble, repair, refinish, and restore furniture and fixtures for residential and commercial clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
62. Pressure Washing Services
Use power washers to offer exterior cleaning services for homes, buildings, decks, driveways, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
63. Junk Removal/Hauling Services
Remove and transport unwanted junk and debris for residential and commercial clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Waste transport permit
- Scalability: Medium
64. House Painting
Provide interior and exterior painting services for residential and commercial clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
65. Pest Control Service
Offer pest control services like fumigation, trapping, or prevention for homes and businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Pest control license
- Scalability: Medium
66. Window Washing
Clean interior and exterior windows for homes and businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
67. Sewing/Alterations/Tailoring
Make custom clothing, do garment repairs and alterations, and provide specialty sewing services.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Home service small business ideas
- Many require minimal investment like house cleaning or pet care.
- Landscaping, auto repair require more equipment and have higher scalability.
- Certifications are needed for pools, electric, HVAC.
Home Improvement Small Business Ideas
68. Paper Shredding Service
Provide document shredding services for businesses and individuals needing to dispose of confidential papers securely.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $25,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
69. Locksmith
Provide lock installation, key cutting, lockout, and related security services for homes and businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Locksmith license
- Scalability: Low
70. Upholstery Service
Reupholster, repair, and restore furniture, automotive, marine, and aircraft upholstery.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
71. Carpet/Flooring Installation
Install and repair carpets, hardwood, tile, laminate, and other flooring options in homes and businesses.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Flooring contractor license
- Scalability: Low
72. Moving Company
Provide residential and commercial moving services, including packing, transportation, and furniture assembly/disassembly.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: DOT operating authority
- Scalability: High
73. Snow Removal/Plowing
Clear snow from driveways, parking lots, and walkways for residential and commercial clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
74. Fence Installation/Repair
Build, repair, and maintain fences made of wood, chain-link, vinyl, and other materials.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Contractor’s License
- Scalability: Low
75. Deck Construction/Restoration
Build and repair decks made of wood or composite materials for homes.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Contractor’s License
- Scalability: Low
76. Home Inspection Services
Inspect homes’ structural and mechanical systems and provide detailed inspection reports for buyers and sellers.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: State Specific Requirements (see list)
- Scalability: Low
77. Real Estate Photography
Provide professional photography services for real estate listings and agents marketing homes for sale.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 month
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
78. Residential Cleaning Service
Offer recurring house cleaning services for homes, including dusting, laundry, floor care, etc.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
79. Window Installation/Repair
Install replacement windows and repair window screens, sashes, and hardware in homes.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Contractor’s license
- Scalability: Low
80. Gutter Installation/Cleaning
Install and maintain rain gutters and provide gutter cleaning services for homes.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
81. Garage Door Repair
Provide garage door installation, repair, maintenance, and opener services.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
82. Beekeeper or Bee Removal Service
Raise bees for honey production or remove unwanted bee colonies from properties.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
83. Furniture Refinishing/Restoration
Repair damaged furniture, refinish surfaces, and restore antique pieces to their original condition.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
84. Tile Installation/Repair
Install and repair ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles on floors, walls, and countertops.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Tiling License
- Scalability: Low
85. Home Organizing Service
Help clients organize and declutter their homes, offices, closets, etc. Provide organizing systems.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
86. Closet Design/Installation
Design customized closet storage systems and install fixtures like shelves, drawers, rods in clients’ closets.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Contractor’s License
- Scalability: Low
87. Mattress Recycling/Removal
Remove and dispose of old mattresses and transport for recycling.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Hazardous Waste Permit
- Scalability: Low
88. Air Duct Cleaning Service
Clean accumulated debris and sanitize air ducts in homes and buildings.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: EPA certification
- Scalability: Low
89. Chimney Sweep
Provide chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair services for residential and commercial buildings.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $3,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Certified chimney sweep
- Scalability: Low
90. Home Energy Audit Services
Evaluate home energy efficiency and recommend improvements to save on energy costs.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Home Improvement small business ideas
- Most can operate as sole proprietors or small teams.
- Low startup costs but limited scalability in local markets.
- Some require contractor licenses and technical skills.
Hospitality Small Business Ideas
91. Vacation Rental Management
Manage vacation rental properties by listing, marketing, booking guests, and providing maintenance.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
92. Bed & Breakfast
Provide accommodations and breakfast in your home for short-term paying guests.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Corporation
- Qualifications: Hotel/lodging permit, food safety training
- Scalability: Low
93. Food/Drink Tour Operator
Offer culinary tours showcasing restaurants, breweries, wineries, or food producers in a city.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: Tour guide license
- Scalability: Medium
94. Party/Event Planning
Plan and coordinate events like weddings, corporate parties, conferences, and celebrations for clients.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Medium
Key Takeaways: Hospitality service small business ideas
- Vacation rentals, tour operators, event planning have medium startup costs.
- Bed and breakfasts require high investment.
- Event planning and tour operation have higher scalability.
Pet Services Small Business Ideas
95. Mobile Pet Grooming Service
Use a specialized vehicle to offer pet grooming services at customers’ homes or locations.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification
- Scalability: Low
96. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Take care of pets in clients’ homes when they are away or walk dogs daily.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $500
- Timeline: <1 months
- Typical Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship
- Qualifications: None
- Scalability: Low
97. Dog Training
Train dogs by teaching obedience, agility, service skills and more.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000
- Timeline: <1 month
- Typical Legal Structure: Freelance
- Qualifications: Dog training certification
- Scalability: Low
98. Pet Boarding
Provide overnight and extended stays for pets in a kennel or home-like environment.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $25,000
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications:Varies by state, Pennslyvania requirements for example
- Scalability: Low
99. Service Dog Trainer
Train dogs for service roles like guiding, hearing, medical alert, emotional support.
- Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Typical Legal Structure: LLC
- Qualifications: none
- Scalability: Low
Key Takeaways: Pet service small business ideas
- Pet sitting, walking, grooming require little startup investment.
- Boarding facilities require more significant capital and space.
- Most pet services have lower scalability.
