Starting a small business can be an excellent way to take control of your life and achieve financial independence. Although capital is an essential element, you don’t necessarily need to invest a lot of money to start your business. Low-cost businesses are excellent options for individuals with limited investment capital. Here are five small businesses you can start for under $20,000:

1. Cleaning Service
Starting a cleaning service business can be an excellent opportunity to make money, requiring minimal investment in equipment and marketing. You can start by offering services to residential or commercial clients, including offices, schools, and medical facilities. You will need to obtain business licenses and buy cleaning supplies and equipment such as a vacuum, cleaning chemicals, and a cleaning trolley.

2. Personal Chef Services
You can start your own personal chef business if you love cooking and want to make a living out of it. Hire yourself out as a chef for dinner parties, special occasions, or even weekly meal prep for clients. You will need a small amount of starting capital to buy your cooking tools, but you can charge premium prices for your services.

3. Pet Care Business
The pet care business is a lucrative market, and there are countless opportunities for starting this business with low capital. You can become a pet sitter, a dog walker, or even start your pet grooming business. Offering pet care services can also allow you to set your own hours, work in your area of expertise, and establish long-term relationships with pet owners.

4. Online Store
The rise of eCommerce platforms and digital marketing has made it easy to start an online store with minimal investment. You can start small and sell products on websites like eBay, Amazon, or even on your website. You can also sell products in your own home, such as homemade jewelry or crafts, that you can create yourself at a lower cost.

5. Social Media Management Services
If you have experience in social media marketing, this business is ideal for you. Start a social media management service, helping small businesses increase their social media presence. You will need to start by offering your services to local businesses, build a website, and create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients.

Starting a business doesn’t always have to require large investment capital. These top five small business ideas are excellent solutions for starting a business with low investment capital. If you can master these businesses, you can eventually grow and scale them into larger enterprises. What are you waiting for? Start your own business today!