7 Low-Cost Business Ideas to Make Over $10,000 a Month

Digital Mirai
5 min readAug 23, 2024
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Are you dreaming of financial freedom but struggling with the initial capital to start your journey? You’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs find themselves caught between their desire to start a business and the lack of cash to do so. However, there are several high ROI (Return on Investment), low-cash businesses you can start today that could potentially earn you more than $10,000 a month. In this article, we’ll explore seven business ideas that fit these criteria and how you can get started.

1. Remote Window Cleaning Company

Startup Costs: Approximately $1,800
Earnings Potential: $100 to $500 per job

Starting a window cleaning business is surprisingly affordable and profitable. All you need is some basic equipment: a ladder, a hose, cleaning solution, and accessories. You can easily cover these costs within the first few jobs. One unique approach is using subcontractors to do the actual cleaning while you focus on getting clients. This method, known as employee arbitrage, allows you to scale the business without being bogged down by the operational side.

How to Get Started:

  • Purchase basic window cleaning equipment.
  • Learn the basics of Google Ads and local SEO to attract clients.
  • Partner with existing window cleaners and subcontract the work.

2. Real Estate Listing Video Editor

Startup Costs: Under $100
Earnings Potential: Up to $100,000 annually

The real estate market is always in need of compelling visuals to attract buyers. By offering a video editing service specifically for real estate listings, you can tap into a lucrative niche. You don’t need to be a professional video editor; even basic skills can suffice. The key is to offer a compelling service to real estate agents who want to enhance their listings with high-quality videos.

How to Get Started:

  • Spend a week learning basic video editing skills.
  • Create sample videos using real estate listing footage.
  • Reach out to real estate agents via Zillow or Redfin and offer your services.

3. Microgreens Farming

Startup Costs: Less than $1,000
Earnings Potential: Up to $60,000 in the first year

Microgreens are one of the most profitable crops you can grow. They are in high demand at local farmers’ markets, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer sales. You can start with a simple setup in a small indoor space using grow racks and LED lights. The initial investment is low, and you can scale quickly as demand grows.

How to Get Started:

  • Set up a growing area with racks and LED lights.
  • Purchase seeds and start with popular microgreens like basil, kale, or lettuce.
  • Market your products through local farmers’ markets and Facebook Marketplace.

4. Wedding Arch and Decor Rentals

Startup Costs: Around $1,100 to $3,000
Earnings Potential: $1,500 per rental; up to $180,000 annually

Weddings are big business, and the demand for unique decor is constant. By investing in a few high-quality wedding arches and decorative items, you can rent them out for multiple weddings and special events. This business model allows for high returns with a relatively low initial investment, especially during wedding seasons.

How to Get Started:

  • Invest in a few versatile wedding arches and decorative items.
  • Build relationships with local wedding planners and venues.
  • Promote your rental service through a simple website and social media.

5. Handyman Services

Startup Costs: Minimal, often under $500
Earnings Potential: $500 to $1,500 per job

There is always a demand for handyman services, especially for small repairs and odd jobs. With a few basic tools and some skills, you can start a handyman business in your local area. This business is easy to start and requires little to no initial investment beyond the tools you likely already own.

How to Get Started:

  • Create a simple website using Leadpages and list your services .
  • Use local SEO strategies to rank on Google.
  • Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews to build your reputation.

6. Virtual Assistant (VA) Company

Startup Costs: Very low
Earnings Potential: $1,500 to $10,000 per month

Virtual assistants are in high demand as businesses seek to outsource administrative and repetitive tasks. By starting a VA company, you can act as a middleman, connecting businesses with virtual assistants. This business requires very little startup capital, mainly your time and effort in finding both clients and capable VAs.

How to Get Started:

  • Reach out to potential clients who might need VA services.
  • Use platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find qualified virtual assistants.
  • Offer competitive pricing and build long-term client relationships.

7. Productized Service Business

Startup Costs: Under $500
Earnings Potential: Up to $1.3 million annually

The idea behind a productized service business is to offer a specific service on a subscription basis. One example is offering graphic design as a subscription service, where clients pay a monthly fee for unlimited design requests. This model ensures a steady stream of revenue and allows you to scale quickly by outsourcing the work.

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a digital service you can productize (e.g., graphic design, video editing, SEO).
  • Set up a simple subscription model on your website.
  • Market your service through social media and freelance platforms like Upwork.

Conclusion

Each of these business ideas requires a low initial investment and offers a high potential return. The key is to choose a business that aligns with your skills and interests, leverage digital tools to maximize your reach, and focus on delivering excellent service to your clients. With dedication and smart strategies, you can build a business that not only meets your financial goals but also gives you the freedom to live life on your terms.

Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Pick one of these ideas and take your first step today!

Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leadpages

This article is brought to you by Leadpages, the leading platform for creating high-converting landing pages and websites. Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to grow your online presence, Leadpages provides the tools you need to capture leads and drive sales. Start building your landing pages today and take your business to the next level!

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Digital Mirai
Digital Mirai

Written by Digital Mirai

Your source for technology news, startup insights and venture capital trends.

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