21 Business Ideas to Start Under $5000

Despite what many people think, you don’t need a ton of money to start a successful business. If you’re able to scrape together a few thousand dollars, you’ll have more than enough to start your own company and create your own success. 

You could get into consulting, marketing, logistics or meal prep, open a pet store or print shop or start up a taxi or towing service. Just remember that it’s not how much you spend, but how much you commit, that will likely determine your success. 

Check out our list below of business ideas under $5000.

1. Consulting Agency

If you an experience in a specific field (finance, HR, SEO, etc…), you can start a consulting agency. Research your target market and understand their needs. Renting a small office or working from home can save costs. Basic equipment includes a computer, high-speed internet, and a phone line, costing around $1000-$1500. Marketing materials like business cards and a website can cost around $800. To get started, network with potential clients, offer free initial consultations, and build a portfolio. The remaining budget can be used for legal fees, certifications, and initial marketing campaigns.

2. Tutoring

Tutoring is a flexible business idea with low start-up costs. Focus on your area of expertise, such as math or language arts. Initial costs include marketing materials and a quiet space for tutoring, which can be your home or a rented space. Equipment like a whiteboard, markers, and study materials will cost around $200-$300. Start by advertising in local schools, libraries, and online platforms. You can spend around $500 on a basic website and business cards. Use the rest of the budget for advertising and obtaining any necessary certifications.

3. Accounting

Starting an accounting business requires accounting knowledge and possibly certification. Essential equipment includes a computer, accounting software, and office supplies, costing around $2000. Renting a small office space or working from home can save costs. Marketing your services can be done through a professional website and business cards, costing about $500. Networking in local business communities and offering initial discounts can help attract clients. Allocate the remaining budget for any necessary legal fees and professional memberships.

4. Meal Prep

Meal prep services are growing in popularity, and you should capitalize on this trend. Initial costs include kitchen equipment, ingredients, packaging materials, and marketing. Renting a certified kitchen can cost around $1000 per month. Basic equipment and supplies will cost about $2000. Marketing your services can be done through a professional website and social media, costing around $500. Start by creating a menu and offering sample meals to attract customers. Use the remaining budget for initial food stock and permits.

5. Financial Coaching

If you have a financial background and years of experience in the financial industry, you can offer financial coaching services. Start-up costs include a computer, internet, and office supplies, totaling around $1500. You can work from home to save on rental costs. Marketing materials like a website and business cards will cost about $1000. Start by offering free workshops and seminars to attract clients. Networking with local businesses and offering online consultations can expand your reach. .

6. Massage Therapy

To start a massage therapy business, you would need to acquire a certification and get necessary equipment. Initial costs include a massage table, linens, oils, and a computer, costing around $3000. Renting a small office or working from home can save on costs. Marketing materials like a website and business cards will cost about $500. Start by offering discounts to first-time clients and networking with local health professionals. Use the remaining budget for licensing and additional marketing.

7. Lawn Care

Lawn care is a straightforward business with low start-up costs. Basic equipment includes a lawnmower, trimmer, and transportation, costing around $2000. Marketing materials like flyers and business cards will cost about $200. Start by offering services to neighbors and local communities. Networking with local gardening stores can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for fuel and maintenance of equipment.

8. Shaved Ice

Starting a shaved ice business requires a small kiosk or food truck, equipment, and supplies. Renting a kiosk or buying a small trailer can cost around $2000-$3000. Essential equipment includes a shaved ice machine, syrups, and cups, costing around $1000. Marketing materials like a website and signage will cost about $500. Start by setting up in high-traffic areas like parks and festivals. Use the remaining budget for initial stock and permits.

9. Printing Service

Basic equipment for starting a printing service includes a printer, computer, and software, costing around $2000. Renting a small office space or working from home can save costs. Marketing materials like a website and business cards will cost about $500. Start by offering services to local businesses and schools. Networking with local graphic designers and event planners can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for supplies and initial marketing campaigns.

10. Babysitting

Before starting a babysitting business, you need to understand child care basics and possibly get CPR certification. Initial costs include marketing materials and any certifications, totaling around $200. You can work from home or go to clients’ homes, eliminating rental costs. Promote your services through local community boards, social media, and word-of-mouth. Start by offering your services to friends and family to build a reputation. Use any remaining budget for toys, books, and educational materials to enhance your service.

11. Photobooth

A basic photobooth setup, including a camera, printer, and backdrop, can cost around $3000. Marketing materials like a website, social media ads, and business cards will cost about $500. Rent a small storage space or use a home office to save on costs. Start by offering your services at local events, parties, and weddings. Networking with event planners and venues can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for props and software.

12. Virtual Assistant

To offer virtual assistant services, you would need a computer, high-speed internet, and office supplies, costing around $1000. You can work from home, eliminating rental costs. Marketing your services through a professional website, social media, and online job boards will cost about $500. Start by offering services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn and freelancing websites can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for certifications and software tools.

13. Window Washing

There is a big demand for window cleaners among commercial and residential markets. Basic equipment that you need includes squeegees, cleaning solutions, ladders, and transportation, costing around $1000. Marketing materials like flyers, business cards, and a simple website will cost about $500. You can work from home to save on rental costs. Start by offering services to local businesses and residential areas. Networking with real estate agents and property managers can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for additional equipment and advertising.

14. Online Courses

There has never been a better time to build a business selling online courses. By 2027, the global e-learning market is estimated to reach an enormous $521.8 billion. You would need a computer, high-quality microphone, and video editing software, which will cost around $2000. Marketing materials like a website and social media ads will cost about $500. You can work from home, eliminating rental costs. Start by planning and recording your course content. Platforms like Udemy or Teachable can help you reach a wider audience. Networking with online communities and offering free webinars can attract students. Use the remaining budget for advertising and course materials.

15. Digital Marketing

In 2024, $667.6 billion are expected to be spent on digital advertising worldwide—a 10.9% jump from 2023. There’s never been a better time to start this business. Essential equipment includes a computer, high-speed internet, and marketing software, costing around $1500. You can work from home, eliminating rental costs. Marketing materials like a website, social media ads, and business cards will cost about $500. Start by offering services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events can help attract clients. Use the remaining budget for certifications and advertising.

16. Mobile Car Wash and Detailing

Mobile car wash and detailing is a service that comes to the customer’s location. Initial costs include a portable pressure washer, cleaning supplies, and a water tank, totaling around $2000. You can work from home to save on rental costs. Market your services through social media and local advertising. Start by offering services to friends and family to build a client base.

17. Pet Grooming

The pet care industry is growing year over year, with American pet owners expected to spend over $100 billion this year. Pet grooming business can be started with low start-up costs. Initial costs include grooming tools, supplies, and training, totaling around $2000. You can work from home or offer mobile services to save on rental costs. Market your services through local pet stores, veterinarians, and social media. Start by offering discounts to first-time clients and networking with local pet owners.

18. Handmade Jewelry

Starting a handmade jewelry business is a good way to make money on the side. With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can create beautiful pieces of jewelry that people will love to wear. Initial costs include materials, tools, and packaging, totaling around $1000-$1500. You can work from home, saving on rental costs. Market your jewelry through a professional website, social media, and local craft fairs. Start by creating a small collection and offering it to friends and family.

18. Yoga Instructor

If you are passionate about mental and physical health and enjoy the art of yoga, then becoming a certified yoga instructor can be a very rewarding career. You would need to complete a training course and obtain certification to become a yoga teacher. Initial costs include training, a yoga mat, and marketing materials, totaling around $2000. You can offer classes at local parks, community centers, or online to save on rental costs. Market your services through social media, local bulletin boards, and fitness communities. Start by offering free or discounted classes to attract students.

19. Elderly Care Services

The home healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing healthcare industries in the United States. Elderly care services involve helping seniors with daily tasks, companionship, and errands. Initial costs include marketing materials, insurance, and transportation, totaling around $2000-$2500. You can work from home, eliminating rental costs. Market your services through local community centers, healthcare providers, and social media. Start by offering services to neighbors and local communities.

20. Personalized Gift Baskets

To start a gift basket business from home or a storefront you need a carefully crafted business plan, a flair for creativity, and as little as a few thousand dollars. Initial costs include baskets, wrapping materials, and items to include in the baskets, totaling around $2500-$3000. You can work from home, saving on rental costs. Market your services through a professional website, social media, and local events. Start by offering your gift baskets to friends and family.

21. Custom T-Shirts

There’s a big demand for custom T-shirts. The custom t-shirt printing market sees the most money from the commercial segment. Starting a custom T-shirt business involves creating unique designs and selling them online. Initial costs include a heat press, blank T-shirts, and design software, totaling around $2000-$2500. You can work from home, saving on rental costs. Market your products through a professional website, social media, and online marketplaces. Start by offering your designs to friends and family.