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
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!
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- Bad Credit Business Loans: Business is for Bad Credits Too
- Bad Credit Business Loans: Business is Easy With Poor Records
- Secured Business Loans – Low Rate Finance for Businesses
- Instant Business Loans - Loans for Every Business Need
- Business Loans: Offering you a Chance to Succeed
- Start Up Business Loans - Get a Jump Start in your Business
- Business Loans – a Power Shot for your Business
- Business Loans: Financing your Business




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.
Finally--survive the first year? Did the article make any mention of "full-time" businesses? No.
email me for a workbook.
affordabledallas@sbcglobal.net
What a Radio Station Needs OFF AIR
By: kristine | 04/07/2009Just like in any type of business, radio stints off air also require a planned execution of printing marketing materials. The innovative ideas matched with your station’s repertoire, to get ahead of your competitors is easy and capturing a following will happen eventually.
Resources for Professional Contractors: Build a Portfolio that Sells
By: Maria Polidoro | 03/07/2009Portfolio ideas for professional contractors.
A Conversation with Marty Neumeier
By: David Collier | 03/07/2009Marty has published three successful books and frequently gives workshops on branding, innovation in the workplace and design. In the following conversation, Marty Neumeier speaks with Studio B about the process of translating his written content to video.
Gift Shop Retailers - Personalized Vacation Memories
By: Remi Callens | 03/07/2009Is your gift shop starting to feel a little dull and drab, a little slugish on sales? Personalize your store's gifts with decorative vacation memories by utilizing the theme of your local area!
Make Money With Acme People Search & GDI
By: Tawn Smith | 02/07/2009There are many ways to make money online these days. I want to talk about affiliate programs, well actually two programs that happen to work great together. They are the Acme People Search Engine along with Global Domains International or GDI for short.
How To Bring Motivated customers from the web to your store?
By: Ann Susan | 02/07/2009Discount voucher, coupons and offers will entice qualified prospects to make their first visit to your store or site and increase the number of loyal customers who will consistently buy from you.
Supply That Special Touch with an Ornate Mirror
By: grover098 | 01/07/2009abode can be rendered an extraordinary signature by the addition of an ornate mirror. They come in a wide assortment of diverse shapes, sizes and costs to equip any decor style and any budget costing. These mirrors are more than mere looking glasses contrived to permit you to check over yourself before heading over the threshold. Ornate mirrors should be thought of as a valued part of the interior decoration of a room and in some rooms they can even be used as a focus. Such a central article of
Have A Niche Above Others With Promotional Products
By: Mark Ryan | 01/07/2009Simply starting a business is not enough to catch the attention of the buyers; you need to be more creative in promoting your business. It is only through the right promotional ideas that can help your business flourish and profitable. This article discusses about what are the things that must be considered while choosing promotional products. Read on to know more………
7 Tips on How to Write a Book
By: Carol Denbow | 14/02/2009 | WritingLearn how to write a fiction or non-fiction book with these easy book writing tips.
Virtual Book Touring – Why It’s Better
By: Carol Denbow | 20/10/2008 | Self PublishingAs long as there have been published authors, there have been book tours. Face it, books don’t often sell themselves. Strong promotion and marketing is the key to most merchandise sales and it’s no different with books.
Is Sex Stressful?
By: Carol Denbow | 07/09/2008 | SexualityShhhh! We don’t want to talk about it in our society. It is a private matter—it’s sex. But sex can be a wonderful stress reliever—it can also create stress.
How to Use Your Sense to Reduce Stress
By: Carol Denbow | 18/08/2008 | Stress ManagementPlease your senses first. What you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch make a difference in your stress level.
How our Environment Affects our Stress Levels and How to Reduce the Tension
By: Carol Denbow | 16/08/2008 | Stress ManagementWhere you live, how you eat, and what you see and hear every day of your life affects your level of stress. Your senses can have control over how positive your attitude is in your life.
How to Write and Publish Your Personal Story
By: Carol Denbow | 31/07/2008 | WritingWith proper direction, all writers have the ability to see their story in book form. Whether you have a full length novel in mind or a unique life story you want to share, book writing has become the most popular way for one to truly express himself. You’re not alone with your book idea, there are about 195,000 new titles published in the U.S. each year—is yours next?
*why Business Partnerships Don’t Work
By: Carol Denbow | 21/05/2008 | Ask an ExpertPartnerships are typically formed due to a joint business idea or the need for financial aid with business start-up expense. Either way, only about 40 percent of partnerships work out and partnership dissolution is like a divorce--it’s really ugly.
***how to Find the Best Location to Start a New Business
By: Carol Denbow | 20/05/2008 | Strategic PlanningWith some businesses, location won’t matter much. But with most, it’s location, location, and location!