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10 Businesses You Can Start for $500 or Less!

Long time statistics have shown that 9 out of 10 new businesses fail in their first year. Lack of planning and financial ruin is one of the most common causes. Starting small is a way to insure minimal risk in new business. The founder of Dell computers was a college dropout on a shoe-string budget who started his business out of his garage. One in three computers sold today is a Dell.

The following is a list of just some of the businesses you can start for $500 or less.

1. Housekeeping – 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 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. Some education won’t hurt you here, but even without it, how much money did you make mowing the neighbors yard when you were young?

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.

4. Mobile food service – Requirements/ business cards – approximate cost $30. 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. 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 and state government offices to 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 business start-up ideas will require an additional two items you likely already have; an automobile and a telephone. But otherwise, they are super simple and easy to start new businesses suitable for nearly anyone wanting to become self-employed.

The key to having a successful business is to do what you would enjoy doing anyway. Make a list of the things you like to do and follow that with an extended list of ways to make money in a related business. Be creative with your business idea, there are many more options available for you than you probably realize!

Carol Denbow

Carol Denbow is a business start-up expert and the author of three books including, Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss? (2006). To learn more about this book and how to start and grow a successful business visit http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com

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1. M Correa (16:48, 09.09.2008)
This article is ridiculous! You cannot start most of these businesses on $500 as it states.

A. Want to start a daycare or be a painter? Well there are considerable fees and tests that you must pass. And to be a certified painter you must be in the industry for a number of years before the government gives you a permit.
B. Mobile food service under $500. If this is true sign me up! In order to have a food service business in many states you must be in a state licensed kitchen - and few people rent out their commercial kitchens - so that costs alot more than $500.
C. Any mention of advertising in this article? NO. And adviertising drives new businesses. Without it, you will find a difficult time finding jobs as a handyman, a painter, a daycare or a consultant.

Perhaps this article should take into account the monthly $$$ needs a company needs to survive in the first year. Then you will see that you cannot start most of these ideas under $500 like the author claims.
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2. C. Serpa (15:23, 10.09.2008)
I disagree with the last commenter. Those who start their businesses in debt, stay in debt. Daycare? Licence is only required when a provider cares for more than a certain number of children. Daycare for 3 or so children does not require a licence and can provide a starter income. Painter? Is not required to be licenced unless working commercially. For instance, if I want to paint someones house over the weekend, I am not required to get a licence. I can build a reputation and earn monies needed as I go untill I decide to go full-time (now, I need a licence). Mobile food service? Food handlers certificate= $60, besides--read the article!!! Paid advertizing??? Proven to be a true waste of money!!!!!! Think outside the box!!!!!
Finally--survive the first year? Did the article make any mention of "full-time" businesses? No.
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3. muhammad imran (07:34, 22.06.2009)
i think the servcorp is doing a great job by providing guidance regarding starting a smart business. i appreciate them.best of luck.
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4. P Willis (03:46, 23.09.2008)
These are some great ideas for starting a business for under $500.. I'd like to mention another Workshops and Seminars. You could start this with less than $500 also. You could use your church or kid's school etc., charge a small fee and you've made some money.
email me for a workbook.
affordabledallas@sbcglobal.net

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