The 10 Best Businesses to Start with $10k

Last updated: September 5, 2022
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One of the best things about startups is how innovation is rewarded. In the past, it used to cost a lot of money to start a business or a startup. However, many businesses only start with $10k and it’s more possible than ever in 2022. Ultimately, the hard part is finding them.


That’s where we come in. We’re going to take you through some of the best business ideas in 2022. We’ll cover most types of businesses and even businesses to start with $10k.


Read on to learn more below.


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    10 Businesses to Start with $10k

    Several businesses are possible to start with $10k. Depending on the business, some options are better than others. Out of the 100s of businesses to start with $10k, we’ll help you discover the 10 best options to help you save time and money.


    We list the 10 best businesses to start with $10k below.

    • Online stores
    • Affiliate marketing
    • Hauling services
    • Flipping
    • Pet care
    • Handyman Services
    • Social Media Management
    • Freelance writing
    • Graphic design
    • Home cleaning

    1. Online Store

    An online store is one of the simplest ways to start a business with $10k. Online stores have little overhead costs because there is no brick-and-mortar location. Instead, website owners only have to pay for things like website hosting, website design, and security. All-in, it costs new online store owners around $1,000 to start the business and less than $500 per year to manage the website.


    Online stores are also easy to scale. As the internet grows, so does the potential of online stores. For example, sales trends from online retailers are expected to increase by $1 trillion in 2022. In total, the industry accounts for $4 trillion of the United States GDP (gross domestic product).


    With a ton of money flowing around, it’s easy to earn money in the online space. Plus, you get the freedom to start any type of website you want. Either opt for the affiliate route or create a product and sell it from your home – all for under $10k.


    2. Affiliate Marketing

    When it comes to website design, many people choose to go the affiliate marketing route. While it’s not reserved for website design, it’s one of the most popular startups to form for less than $10k. All you need is website hosting, a good niche, and links to products you want to sell. These all cost less than $100 annually.


    That said, some people take affiliate marketing to the next level. This is how many influences make money and it’s by leveraging social media platforms. Growing followers on social media is often faster than organic growth. Plus, it’s possible to pay for cheap advertising (between $5 and $10) on social media.


    Keep in mind that this is only when you create the product reviews and blog content yourself. Hiring writers, editors, and developers will up and will push you over the $10k budget rapidly.


    3. Hauling Services

    Hauling services is another business you can start with only $10k. These services are simple and consist of you transporting goods from one location to another. Examples include furniture, food, fuel, parts, and even scrap. At the end of the day, you can haul anything you want.


    All you need to start a hauling company is a vehicle with storage space. Vehicles like trucks, vans, and even minivans are all good options to haul goods. Purchasing one of these vehicles costs between $5,000 and $100,000, so it’s important to shop around. Still, it’s possible to find a vehicle in decent condition for less than $10k.


    The trucking and hauling industry is also one that experiences consistent growth. Expect the industry to grow by around 3% annually.

    4. Flipping

    Flipping is another excellent way to start a business with less than $10k. When it comes to flipping, many people do it as a side hustle but it also becomes many people’s careers. Flipping is great because starting might cost as little as one dollar. With costs less than one dollar, almost anyone can start flipping.


    While flipping is cheap to start, the industry is inconsistent and as the company grows you’ll have to find ways to store your goods. Flipping is also tiring at first because you need to go to yard sales, scroll through eBay, and find other avenues to make money.


    If you don’t mind putting in some legwork, it’s a great way to make some extra money. In fact, some of the best flippers work their way up to flipping homes and other high-ticket items.


    5. Pet Care

    Pet care is a rewarding business to start with less than $10k. This is because pet care is flexible and can be almost anything. Pet care includes walking dogs, boarding animals, grooming animals, and even training them.


    To start a pet care business the process and cost vary based on what you plan to do. Grooming services are more expensive to start but still cost less than $10k. However, expect to pay closer to $7k to cover the cost of cleaning supplies.


    On the other hand, dog walking and pet sitting cost much less to start. To start these companies all you need is a good leash, which costs less than $50.


    When starting a pet care company, networking and marketing are important, so it’s a good idea to network through LinkedIn and other social media platforms.


    6. Handyman Services

    Handyman services and general contracting are also great businesses to start with less than $10k. These services are great to start because you only need to pass an exam and purchase tools. Depending on the exam, the startup cost is between $50 and $100. The state you live in also influences the cost of exams.


    Additionally, you’ll need to purchase tools and some other supplies to start a handyman services company. Depending on the job, you may need a truck capable of hauling materials. Fortunately, you can find vans and pickup trucks for less than $10,000.


    Also, consider the cost of tools. Depending on the work, expect to invest close to $1,000 in good tools. Avoid cheap tools because you’ll end up spending more in the long term. Handyman companies start small but it’s possible to scale them to 6-figure companies.


    7. Social Media Management Service

    Social media management is another great business to start with $10k. For this startup, all you need is a mobile phone and laptop, which cost less than $2,000 together. From there, it’s a good idea to pay for Google ads to establish a well-rounded network.


    Social media management is profitable and continues to be profitable because of social media companies. For example, Facebook has more than 4 billion active users and continues to grow each year. Companies often market in other ways, so it’s not uncommon for businesses to outsource their social media profiles.


    For social media management, many managers make upwards of $30 per hour (freelance). However, owning a firm will net you even more profits.


    8. Freelance writing

    Freelance writing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Thousands of writers enter the market each day and as more companies move online, they need blogs and sales copy. This is where freelance writers come in.


    Becoming a freelance writer is simple and it’s one of the fastest businesses to start with $10k. The initial investment is about $1,000 and some annual fees for keyword research and website hosting. It’s also a good idea to create and update a LinkedIn profile for networking.


    With low startup costs, the risk of freelance writing is lower than other businesses to start with $10k. Freelance writing has also grown into a profitable company for some writers. Writers go on to establish content marketing agencies and consulting businesses, which have high revenues.


    That said, the average freelance writer makes between $2,000 and $4,000 per month.


    9. Graphic design

    Graphic design is another great business to start with $10k. It’s useful in many industries because you can design almost anything. Plus, outsourcing creativity continues to be profitable because it’s expensive for companies to hire in-house designers.


    According to data from 2020 research, the graphic design industry is expected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2030. While growth is more limited compared to other ideas, more than 23,000 new graphic designers enter the workforce each year. With the right talent and skills, people can start a graphic design business or work in-house at a firm.


    Typically, graphic designers earn between $50 and $150 per hour. Firms will charge more and startup costs are under $10,000.


    10. Home cleaning

    Home cleaning is one of the best industries to start a business with $10k. In fact, you won’t even need $10k to start this business because you only need yourself and cleaning supplies. That said, the needs of the company will change depending on how you choose to scale the business.


    If you prefer to remain a solo home cleaner, you don’t need to worry about scaling or marketing. However, with some investments in marketing via pamphlets and online networking you can grow the business and hire employees.


    Home cleaning businesses are one of the best business ideas of 2022. The industry grows by up to 20% per year and nearly 80% of homes will use residential cleaning services in 2024.


    What are Some Other Businesses to Start with $10k?

    While we cover some of the most profitable businesses to start with 10k, it’s not always about the money. Furthermore, some other business ideas will take longer to develop.


    Below we list some other great businesses to start with $10k.

    • Resume services
    • Personal shopping
    • Valet parking services
    • Delivery jobs
    • Selling home-cooked meals
    • Personal chef
    • Music Lessons
    • Pet sitting
    • Consulting (almost any industry)
    • Dropshipping
    • Copywriting agency
    • Content marketing agency
    • Business plan services
    • SEO businesses
    • Toy maker

    Keep in mind that these are only some of the businesses you can start with 10k. There are hundreds of opportunities and you just need to be creative to find them.


    What are Some Other Business Ideas (2022)?

    While starting a business with $10k is a great idea, it’s not always suitable for everyone. Today, plenty of business ideas exist in 2022 and new and innovative markets continue to flourish.


    We’ll take you through some of the other 2022 business ideas below.

    • Online teaching
    • Medical couriers
    • App development
    • Software development
    • Digital events
    • Home health care
    • Food delivery
    • Online learning and tutoring
    • Bookkeeping online
    • Lawn care
    • Virtual assistance

    As the internet grows, so do business opportunities. Always check back to see what types of industries continue to evolve.


    Start Your Business with $10k Today

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