Your alarm clock rings, and an all-too-familiar feeling of dread comes over you. You can’t bear the idea of going through another day at your 9-to-5. You’re ready to become your own employer.
You’re not the only one who feels this way. Research shows that in 2021, Americans filed 1.4 million new business applications — a record amount, during the COVID pandemic.
The problem is, you have only $10,000 to start your business. Fortunately, that’s more than enough to execute several winning business ideas.
Here’s a rundown on the top small business ideas you can start with just $10,000.
Let’s jump in!

Meal Preparation Service
Individuals who work lengthy hours appreciate getting a helping hand with preparing home-cooked meals. Likewise, people who have special diets may need help with their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
These are needs you can easily fill by creating your own meal preparation service.
To launch this type of business, you’ll want to start developing your own sample menus. Then, you can offer delivery and market your meals on your own website or on social media.
Over time, you could even focus on preparing lunches for companies each day.
By purchasing your food items in bulk online or at a warehouse store, you should be able to manage this business for less than $10,000 starting out. 
 
App Development
Yet another business idea that won’t cost you more than $10,000 is to develop your own smartphone application.
Research indicates that most Americans — 97% — currently own cellphones. This means that if you create an app, it has the potential to reach millions of people in the United States.
What’s great about launching an app development business is that you don’t need to be a perfect coder to do this. All it takes is some knowledge of software or web development. With this background, you should have no problem with learning coding for Android and iOS.
Once you’ve created your app, you can sell it for a relatively low price. Alternatively, you may make the app free and simply support it with advertising.
To keep your app within the $10,000 range, aim to create a simple one with basic app features, like password restoration, profile editing, and messaging.
 
Soap Making
If you enjoy homemade and unique soaps, consider creating ones that you can sell to people who are just like you. This creative job can be rewarding for those who have good design ideas coupled with a great sense for scents.
To get this business going, you’ll need to purchase a few supplies, like soap molds, a soap cutter, essential oils, and a steel container for mixing water and lye. These supplies should be easy to buy for less than $10,000.
Once you’ve mastered your desired scent mixes, you should be able to create several bards in a handful of hours. Then, you can sell your soap online or even at a local farmer’s market, artisan shop, or flea market.
 
Furniture Flipping
Are you passionate about turning old furniture into fresh pieces? Consider starting a furniture flipping business.
To start this business, look for some old furniture pieces at an estate sale, a yard sale, or even along a curb. Then, refurbish these pieces in your home workshop and sell them online.
You can also sell some of your new furnishings to local businesses or retail shops that can resell them. An antique store may also allow you to sell your products there.
The supplies needed to restore furniture, ranging from sandpaper to varnish and primer, can easily be attained for less than $10,000.
 
Retail Reselling Business
If you’re a master at finding excellent deals and you have $10,000 to spend, launching a reselling business may be a smart move.
Start by searching for excellent deals on various products. Then, buy these products and sell them at higher price tags on sites like Amazon and eBay.
Keep in mind that searching for wonderful deals can take hours, so patience is key to making this business work for you. The great news is that your customer supply will virtually be never ending depending on what you are selling. Students, handymen, and parents can all benefit from the products you resell.
Some of the best places to look for stellar deals include warehouse stores. Buy in bulk in these stores, and then, set up your own shops for reselling your purchases.
 
Photography
Finally, if you have an eye for good pictures, consider purchasing a camera, a computer, and photo editing software for under $10,000. Then, use these tools to start your own photography business.
As a professional photographer, you can personally shoot special events ranging from parties to weddings. Other events you could be hired to photograph include wedding engagements and seasonal family sessions.
Be sure to carve out several hours to shoot your events and then edit your photos afterward.
You could also take nature photos and sell your work at local festivals in your area.
 
How We Can Help You to Execute Your Favorite Business Ideas
If you’re wanting to break away from your day job, a wide range of business ideas can help you to make that happen for less than $10,000. From photography to meal preparation, you can easily begin your foray into small business ownership this year.
At ParkeBank, we take pride in offering business funding to aspiring small business owners. Get in touch with us to learn more about our financing options and start your dream business today!