35 Best Businesses To Start With 5k [Start Today]

Are you eager to initiate a new venture but concerned about the scarcity of capital? Starting your own business might not require a significant investment. In most cases, it’s about pinpointing the right business idea, and you’ll discover the ideal businesses to start with 5k.

Launching your business with just $5,000 can be a breeze if your plan aligns with your passion and skills. Take time to explore the venture you want to pursue. There are plenty of low-investment businesses, and one of them may be perfect for you.

This article lists several small business ideas to help you embark on your journey as an entrepreneur. Let’s begin! 

35 Businesses You Could Start With 5k 

Here are 30+ businesses you could start with just 5k:

1. Blogging

Blogging is a form of online journaling where people write about their thoughts, experiences, and ideas. Typically, blogs are written more informally. They are often used to generate discussion or build a community around a topic or interest.

If you are interested in blogging, here is the step-by-step guide on how to start your own blog. For beginners, Bluehost is a cheap option and a very popular hosting platform. It’s the platform I’ve used for years building this platform. 

Using my link, you’ll get a 60% discount on Bluehost. Plus, a free domain name is included ($15 value).

Requirements: Create a website or use a blog platform, like WordPress, get a domain, and choose a blogging theme. Start writing articles and include images or videos.

Expected Income: $69,510 per year

✨ Start My Blog Today

2. Delivery Services 

Delivery service is a great business to start with 5k. 

A delivery service business delivers goods to customers. It may also deliver goods from a store or a manufacturer and offer delivery of goods to businesses.

If you want to start your delivery service business, here’s a guide on how to start a transportation business with one van.

If you’re not too keen on buying your van and building your business that way, plenty of other platforms can help you here. These are:

• DoorDash. Drive, deliver, and earn! Make money delivering food using your car or bike. You can make as much as $500 a week with DoorDash. Check our complete DoorDash review for more details.
• Postmates. This delivery app pays you for various tasks, including picking up and delivering food, drinks, and even dry cleaning for customers. Compare its driving gigs with DoorDash through our full DoorDash vs. Postmates review. 
• Instacart. You can get a gig delivering groceries via Instacart. A plus point: you get to choose your schedule. 

Requirements: Excellent organizational skills, multitasking, keen attention to detail, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record 

Expected Income: $47,399 a year

3. Dog Walker

You can start a dog-walking business. You’ll be responsible for taking care of the dog, providing exercise, and ensuring it has a good experience. 

Dog walkers typically charge by the hour and may provide other services such as feeding or bathing.

Platforms like Rover can help you start your dog-walking venture.

Requirements: Experience with dogs and be comfortable handling them

Expected Income: $28,730 per year

CHECK OUT ROVER

4. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide clients with administrative, technical, or creative assistance. You may work for individuals, businesses, or organizations remotely. 

Something that has a big demand at the moment and is relatively quick to learn is becoming a Pinterest Virtual Assistant. Kristin & Gina have a FREE webinar you can follow to get started.

This free training will teach you all the basics needed to start your Pinterest VA business.

Requirements: Excellent organizational and communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software programs.

Expected Income: $58,057 annually

FREE TRAINING -SIGN ME UP

5. Bookkeeper

Do you enjoy numbers or have some accounting experience? Bookkeeping might be a business idea for you to try. It’s a job you can do online, determine your hours, and work from anywhere you want.

Bookkeeping records financial transactions and is an integral part of any business. It helps businesses keep track of their income and expenses and ensures that their finances are in order. 

Check out this free series that shows you how to succeed as a bookkeeper!

Requirements: Organized and accurate, detail-oriented, and understanding of financial concepts.

Expected Income: $45,560 per year

Sign-up for FREE

6. Proofreader

Proofreaders are responsible for reviewing written material to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency of style. They often work with manuscripts, books, articles, and other documents. They point out errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage.

If you are serious about becoming a proofreader, a useful course would be Proofread Anywhere, a popular training by Caitlin Pyle. Caitlin made over $36,000 per year part-time as a proofreader, so this gig has some high-income potential. 

If you feel like you’re feeling stuck and would love to make some extra money, try out her completely FREE workshop. You will learn how to start proofreading and, most importantly, where to find clients. 

Requirements: Excellent eye for detail, a college degree in English, and familiarity with publication style guides. 

Expected Income: $63,350 per year

FREE WORKSHOP - SIGN ME UP

7. Real Estate

The real estate business is a process of buying, selling, or renting property. It usually involves negotiating and dealing with legal contracts. It can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

Here are the best-paying jobs in REITs if you want to have basic knowledge of the people working in the real estate industry.

Requirements: Good negotiation skills, knowledge of the legal system, and a license. 

Expected Income: $48,770 per year

8. Pet-Sitting

Pet-sitting can be a part-time business to start with 5k. It is the regular care of animals, usually in their own home. It may include feeding, watering, walking, and cleaning up after the pet. 

Requirements: Knowledge of animal behavior, problem-solving skills, and first-aid knowledge. 

Expected Income: $28,730 per year

9. Tutoring

Tutoring is supplemental instruction that provides students with additional academic support outside the classroom. It typically takes place in a one-on-one or small group setting and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students. 

Requirements: Expert in the subject you’re tutoring, bachelor’s degree, good communication skills, and patience.

Expected Income: $51,345 annually

10. YouTuber

YouTubers are people who make videos and post them online for others to watch. There are different types of YouTubers, but most YouTubers make videos about their lives, their hobbies, or something they’re interested in.

Before venturing into this, you need to know how much YouTubers really make.

Requirements: Good camera and microphone, video editing software, excellent storytelling and communication.

Expected Income: between $2 and $12 per 1,000 views

11. Childcare Services

Childcare services are necessary for working parents to ensure their children are cared for while at work. 

These services can include daycare, babysitting, and nannying. They can range from a simple babysitting service to a full daycare center. 

Requirements: At least 18 years old, high school diploma or equivalent, can provide CPR and first-aid certification.

Expected Income: $27,490 per year

12. Soap Making

You can invest your savings in a soap-making business. The best business these days is to customize soaps with different colors, aromas, textures, and much more. 

It’s a little odd job, but it’s perfect if you enjoy creating lovely smells while being creative.

Requirements: Basic equipment, chemicals, colors, understanding of soap making. 

Expected Income: $38,941 annually

13. Personal Trainer 

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who provides individualized instruction and guidance to help clients achieve their fitness goals. They work with clients in one-on-one or small group settings. 

Requirements: Certification from a nationally recognized organization like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Expected Income: $40,700 per year

14. Exercise Instructor

A fitness instructor is someone who helps people to stay healthy and active through exercise. They work in gyms, fitness centers, and other health-related facilities.

Requirements: Background knowledge in fitness or nutrition and certification from an accredited organization. 

Expected Income: $40,700 per year

15. Catering Business

A catering business is a service that provides food and drinks for special occasions or events. This small business usually operates out of a commercial kitchen, but you can run it from a home-based kitchen.

Requirements: Commercial kitchen licenses, liability insurance, and permits to operate.

Expected Income: $43,438 a year.

16. Personal Shopper

You can become a personal shopper to help your clients find and buy the necessary clothes and accessories. 

Requirements: Good fashion sense and knowledge, effective communication, vibrant personality.

Expected Income: $44,476 per year

17. DJing 

Disc jockeying or DJing is mixing music to create a unique sound, which can be done live or with pre-recorded tracks. Perfect DJing requires a lot of skill and experience and can be a gratifying hobby or profession.

Requirements: Basic equipment, such as a turntable, mixer, and headphones, strong understanding of musical theory.

Expected Income: $45,810 per year

18. Auto Detailing Services

You can start an auto detailing service business with only 5k in hand. The service usually includes thoroughly cleaning the car’s exterior and interior and polishing and waxing the paint job. 

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, driver’s license, tech training, tools, and supplies. 

Expected Income: $46,880 per annum

19. Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use touch to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues. They use their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, and knees to apply pressure and strokes. 

You can start this business from home, cutting down costs such as rent, decor, etc. 

Requirements: Understanding and relevant training in human anatomy and physiology, knowledge about massage oils and lotions. 

Expected Income: $46,910 per year

20. Event Planning

Event planners are responsible for organizing and coordinating events. They work with clients to determine the purpose and scope of the event and then develop a plan to bring it to fruition.

Requirements: Strong organizational skills, good communication, problem-solving, multitasking, and knowledge of logistics. 

Expected Income: $49,470 per year

21. Event Coordinator

An event coordinator is a professional who plans and executes special events. They work with clients to create a vision for the event and make it a reality. 

Requirements: Degree in event planning or a related field and being organized and detail-oriented. 

Expected Income: $49,470 per year

22. Graphic Designing

Graphic designing is the process of creating visual communications. A graphic designer may work with text, images, logos, and other elements to create a piece that effectively communicates a message. 

It is often used in advertising, branding, and marketing.

Requirements: Proven graphic designing experience, a keen eye for details and aesthetics, communication skills, and knowledge of software like InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. 

Expected Income: $50,710 per year

23. Candle Making

Candle making is a popular side business to start with 5k. It is a process of melting wax and pouring it into a mold to create a candle. 

There are multiple types of candles and many different methods of making them. 

Requirements: A container for the candle, different types of wax, heat source, and stirring equipment

Expected Income: $52,168 a year

24. Cake Baking and Decorating

Bake cakes from scratch or a cake mix, as cake decorating involves simple techniques like adding frosting and sprinkles or more complex techniques. You can make many different cake flavors and frostings, making it an ideal business to start with 5k.

Requirements: Baking trays, molds, spatulas, measuring cups, an attractive advertisement strategy, baking knowledge

Expected Income: $53,788 a year

25. Cleaning Business

Cleaning businesses provide cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties. They may specialize in a particular type of cleaning, such as landscaping, carpet cleaning, or construction cleanup.

Requirements: Strong marketing plan, excellent customer service, necessary supplies and equipment

Expected Income: $55,730 in a year

26. Handyman Services

Handyman service is a convenient business to start with 5k to have minor repairs and tasks completed in your home without searching for and hiring a qualified individual. Typical services include painting, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.

Requirements: Experience with tools, a basic understanding of the services that you provide

Expected Income: $57,777 a year.

27. Computer Repairing

Computer repair is fixing or restoring a computer or device to its working state. It can include removing viruses, malware, and other harmful programs and replacing or repairing damaged or broken hardware. 

Requirements: Knowledge of hardware and software, strong technical computer skills, and effective communication. 

Expected Income: $57,910 per year

28. Interior Designing

Designing interior spaces involves creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment within a structure. It may be for a home, office, or other space. 

Requirements: Creative thinking, attention to detail, and good communication skills. 

Expected Income: $60,340 per year

29. Online Media Consultant

A media consultant is responsible for helping businesses create and maintain a solid online presence. They develop and manage digital marketing campaigns, website design, and social media strategies.

Requirements: Skilled in social media marketing, copywriting, and analytics.

Expected Income: $60,591 annually

30. Freelance Writing

For a successful business to start with 5k, freelance writing is perfect. A freelancer can write articles, blog posts, or even books. 

The best part about freelance writing is choosing your hours and writing about whatever you’re passionate about. 

Requirements: Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and willingness to share work with others

Expected Income: $66,935 a year

31. Consignment Buyer

A consignment buyer is a person or company who agrees to purchase items from a seller on consignment. 

Requirements: Proof of ability to sell your items, experience in retail or wholesale, and a list of your current inventory.

Expected Income: $75,410 per year

32. Run Airbnb

Running an Airbnb is a great business to start with 5k. It enables you to rent rooms or apartments, which can be used for both short-term and long-term stays.

Requirements: Rental place, registering as an Airbnb host. 

Expected Income: $90,000 annually

33. App Development

App development creates applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The app development process typically includes conceptualization, design, development, testing, and deployment.

Requirements: Knowledge of programming languages, bachelor’s degree at least

Expected Income: $110,140 per year

34. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a form of marketing that utilizes electronic devices such as computers, the internet, and mobile phones to reach consumers.

Requirements: Understanding of digital technologies and how to use them for promoting a product or service, bachelor’s degree

Expected Income: $133,380 per year

35. Security Company

You can set up a company that provides security services, such as security guards, alarm systems, and video surveillance. 

Requirements: Liability insurance, security equipment, license, minimum 1-year experience

Expected Income: $40,000-$60,000 per security guard per year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Business to Start With 5k

How Can I Make Money with $5,000? 

You can invest this amount in starting your own business, bringing in more money over time. 

Is 5K Enough To Start a Business? 

There are multiple business options to start with 5k, including blogging, pet walking, etc. It’s more than enough to start a business these days.

What Is the Cheapest Business You Can Start? 

You can try any one of the businesses mentioned above, particularly those that do not need much capital outlay or require an investment in physical effort, technology, or skills that you already have. For instance, setting up businesses involving digital marketing, copywriting, app development, massage therapy, pet sitting, dog walking, and the like.

What Business Could I Start With 10k?

With $10,000, you can invest in businesses that need more capital outlay, such as food trucks, pet grooming, and import/export.

Conclusion – Business to Start With 5k

After deciding on what business to pursue, investing your 5k would be easy. Keep in mind that the amount of your investment is not directly proportional to your success. What matters is how you put that $5,000 to good use so you may have a profitable business. 

Whatever type of start-up you may launch, be it a home-based business, an online service, or a remote consultancy, these imperatives are constants: a solid business plan, innovativeness, determination, and hard work. 

Make it happen! 

You may find these related articles useful: 

• 22 Ways On How To Double 10k Quickly [Ultimate Guide]
• 18 Proven Ways On How To Invest And Make Money Daily 
• 40+ Best Side Hustle Ideas [Make Extra Money]