10 Businesses You Can Start for $500 or Less!

Statistically speaking, 9 out of 10 businesses fail withing the first year. With those numbers, a reasonable amount of aspiring entrepreneurs would rather spend a lot starting a business. Or maybe you don’t have a lot to start with but want to start a small business that you can grow. Michael Saul Dell started his business in his garage. Now Dell is one of the leading personal computer providers. He amassed a fortune starting small and growing his business. Here a few idea for small businesses. You may no make it to be dell, buy you can start towards your entrepreneurial dreams.

1. Cleaning Service
Requirements – household cleaners, mop, broom, vacuum, towels, bucket, business cards – approximate cost $150. Molly Maids is a multi-million dollar business started with a broom, a mop, and quality and reliable service. I can 100% guarantee you that the CEO of Molly Maids doesn’t clean houses any longer.

2. Gardening or landscaping
Requirements/ mower, edger, blower, rake, shovel, clippers,business cards – approximate cost $450.
You don’t need a lot of training if you are just offering a weekly services. As a kid you may have cut grass on Saturday mornings. But thinking efficiently, you can always cover more ground and market better because you Mom will not let you leave your neighborhood ?

3. Internet sales
Requirements – computer – approximate cost $500.
It’s likely you already have a computer at home so this just might be the cheapest and easiest business to start. It has been estimated that by the year 2020, nearly all retail purchases will be done over the World Wide Web. Getting on the bandwagon now may set you up for a prosperous internet business in the near future. Look into working with “drop ship” companies to avoid up front expense and storage fees. You can also try online garage sales and start out using eBay.

4. Food Delivery Service
Requirements -business cards/fliers – approximate cost $150.
With a half hour lunch break, employees at many companies have little time to leave work and order lunch. Providing a morning menu for lunchtime delivery can be helpful to these people and provide a good source of income for you. Your job? Call in the order, pick it up, and deliver it; for a fee of course. Delivering 15 lunches to one company at $3 to $5 profit apiece can add up quick. Or how about a hot dog cart at special events?

5. Pool service
Requirements/ pool cleaning supplies, start-up chemicals, brush, net, hose, business cards – Approximate cost $400.
States with warmer climates have many homes with swimming pools needing weekly care. Service to numerous homes in the same area can net you a small fortune. Business cards on the door or mailbox lets the homeowner know you are available. Also contact real estate agencies because with the foreclosure market in full effect, a lot of pools have went unattended and create a health risk. You may be able to convince them to pick up your service for aesthetic, resale vale, and liability reasons. It may take some time to get a solid clientele, but be patient; established pool service routes can be very valuable if and when you decide to call it quits.

6. Consulting service
Requirements – know-how, business cards – Approximate cost $30.
What do you know that might be of monetary value to others? Sell your smarts!

7. Delivery service
Requirements – the car, scooter, or bicycle you may already have business cards – Approximate cost $30.
A great business within large city limits. Corporations, small businesses, restaurants, etc. may be in need of delivery services. Whether it is paper documents, payrolls, food, or other items, delivery services can be a steady and profitable business.

8. Painter
Requirements/ brushes, rollers, edger’s, towels, tarps, business cards – Approximate cost $200.
Visit local hardware stores to let them know you are available for work and will purchase paint through their stores. Their referrals may keep you busy for months at a time.

9. Handyman
Requirements/ basic tools, business cards – Approximate cost $500.
Depending on they type of jobs you acquire in this business, a contractors license may eventually be required. Check with your local or state governments before you start determine at what point you will need one.

10. Daycare
Requirements/ toys, educational materials, bedding, a safe and clean home, love – Approximate cost $300.
This business requires patience and child care experience. If you care for more than three children at one time, it’s likely you will be required to be licensed. Check with your local and state government offices for restrictions and requirements.

Most of these take for granted that you already have the essentials, like a telephone. You also need to make sure your business is properly licensed so that you will be able to operate without getting into any legal trouble. Different cities and states have different requirements so check first. Its always better to ask than assume.