Small Business Ideas by Category
Every idea below links to a full guide. Cost ranges add up the sourced cost lines in our Startup Cost Calculator; they are planning estimates, not quotes.
Food & Drink
Food Truck
$46,906 to $89,503 estimated startup cost
Serve a short menu on the move, with lower rent than a restaurant.
Coffee Shop
$22,332 to $87,967 estimated startup cost
A neighborhood cafe built around espresso, regulars and a good location.
Home Services
Cleaning Business
$2,046 to $2,690 estimated startup cost
Residential or office cleaning you can start small and grow by crew.
Landscaping Business
$7,406 to $8,001 estimated startup cost
Design, planting and hardscape work for homes and businesses.
Lawn Care Business
$9,239 to $14,104 estimated startup cost
Mowing and seasonal lawn service on a weekly route.
Online
Dropshipping Store
$1,308 to $4,118 estimated startup cost
Sell online while a supplier stores and ships the products.
Retail
Vending Machines
$9,000 to $35,970 estimated startup cost
A route of snack or drink machines in places with steady foot traffic.
Creative
Clothing Brand
$1,664 to $4,631 estimated startup cost
Design and sell your own apparel, from small batches to print on demand.
Photography Business
$4,088 to $6,299 estimated startup cost
Portraits, events or product photos, priced by session or package.