Business opportunities with little or nothing down

27 business types and example scenarios, each with itemized costs, risks and sources. Want them ranked for you? Use the matcher.

Skill-Based Businesses

Bookkeeping services

Estimate

Record transactions, reconcile accounts and produce simple monthly reports for small businesses. Bookkeeping itself needs no license, but preparing tax returns for pay requires an IRS PTIN.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Freelance or consulting
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Reliable internet
Key risks and sources
  • Errors in a client’s books can lead to tax penalties or bad decisions and liability claims.
  • Handling client bank and tax data makes you a target for fraud and data breaches.

Sources: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: buy an established local service business and pay part of the price over time through a note to the seller. Seller financing is negotiated case by case and is never guaranteed to be offered. Even a deal marketed as "no money down" still needs cash for closing costs, working capital and reserves.

Cash to start
$10,000–$27,000 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Usually 30+ hrs/wk
Model
Existing business acquisition
Equipment or requirements
Whatever equipment and vehicles are included in the sale (inspect each item) · Bookkeeping system
Key risks and sources
  • Revenue tied to the previous owner’s relationships can leave when the owner does.
  • Seller-provided financials may overstate cash flow; numbers that do not match tax returns and bank deposits are a red flag.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: buy an existing website, newsletter or small online store instead of starting from zero. Smaller online deals are often paid in full at closing; seller financing or a deferred payment is sometimes negotiated but never guaranteed. The biggest risk is buying traffic or revenue that was overstated or that disappears after the transfer.

Cash to start
$10,600–$21,500 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~10 hrs/wk
Model
Existing business acquisition
Equipment or requirements
Computer and internet connection
Key risks and sources
  • Traffic or revenue shown in screenshots can be faked or cherry-picked; verify directly in analytics and payment accounts.
  • A search engine algorithm change, platform policy change or lost affiliate program can cut revenue quickly.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: buy an operating franchise unit from a franchisee who wants out, rather than opening a new one. You get existing customers and an operating history to check, but the franchisor must approve you, usually charges a transfer fee, and may require you to sign its current franchise agreement and upgrade the business.

Cash to start
$8,000–$24,000 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Usually 40+ hrs/wk
Model
Franchise
Equipment or requirements
Equipment included in the sale (inspect it) · Franchisor-required systems and software
Key risks and sources
  • The location may be for sale because it underperforms; verify why the owner is leaving.
  • The franchisor can reject you, delaying or killing the deal after you have paid for due diligence.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Federal Trade Commission · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: buy a set of vending machines already placed in host locations and restock them on a schedule. This category has a long history of overstated revenue and weak location agreements, so verification matters more than price. Sellers covered by the FTC Business Opportunity Rule must give you a written disclosure document before you sign or pay.

Cash to start
$15,500–$16,500 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Existing business acquisition
Equipment or requirements
The machines included in the sale · Vehicle that can carry stock
Key risks and sources
  • Seller revenue figures are often overstated; insist on records you can check, such as telemetry reports, bank deposits and supplier invoices.
  • Location agreements may be verbal, short-term or non-transferable, so hosts can remove machines after the sale.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Federal Trade Commission · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Estimate

Design and sell downloadable templates such as planners, spreadsheets, resumes, social media layouts or worksheets. No inventory, but crowded marketplaces make standing out the hard part.

Cash to start
$0–$20 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~3 hrs/wk
Model
Online business
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Design or spreadsheet software
Key risks and sources
  • Marketplaces are saturated; many listings never sell.
  • Buyers copy and redistribute files, and others may copy your designs.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Skill-Based Businesses

Freelance writing

Estimate

Write articles, web copy, newsletters or marketing materials for businesses and publications. Startup cash is minimal; clips, reliability and a clear niche matter more.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Freelance or consulting
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Reliable internet
Key risks and sources
  • Rates are under pressure from AI-generated content and large freelance marketplaces.
  • Late or missing payments, especially without a written agreement.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Handyman services

Estimate

Handle small home repairs and odd jobs such as patching drywall, hanging fixtures, assembling furniture and fixing doors. Licensing rules decide which jobs you can legally take.

Cash to start
$100–$800 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$20–$80 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Hand tools · Cordless drill/driver
Key risks and sources
  • Doing work that requires a license you do not hold can bring fines and void your ability to collect payment in some states.
  • Mistakes on someone’s home (leaks, damaged finishes) can turn into costly claims.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Estimate

Bake breads, cookies or other lower-risk foods in your home kitchen and sell them directly to customers. Your state’s cottage food law decides what you may sell, where and how much.

Cash to start
$80–$300 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Product business
Equipment or requirements
Home kitchen and oven · Bakeware
Key risks and sources
  • Selling foods or using sales channels your state does not allow can bring fines or shutdown.
  • Allergen mistakes or mislabeling can make someone seriously ill.

Sources: University of Nevada, Reno Extension (report by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund), University of Nevada, Reno Extension (article by the National Agricultural Law Center) · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Independent personal training

Estimate

Coach clients one-on-one or in small groups at their homes, in parks, online or in a gym that allows independent trainers. A recognized certification is the practical entry ticket.

Cash to start
$50–$250 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Recognized personal trainer certification · Resistance bands · Exercise mat
Key risks and sources
  • Client injuries can lead to liability claims; screening, documentation and insurance matter.
  • Training outside your scope (medical conditions, rehab, diet plans) creates legal and safety risk.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Junk removal and hauling

Estimate

Haul away unwanted furniture, yard debris and household clutter, then donate, recycle or dispose of it. Requires access to a pickup truck or trailer, and disposal fees are a real per-job cost.

Cash to start
$160–$490 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Access to a pickup truck or trailer · Valid driver’s license · Pickup truck or trailer · Dolly and straps
Key risks and sources
  • Heavy lifting carries back injury and strain risk.
  • Disposal fees can exceed your quote if you misjudge weight or material.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Lawn care and mowing service

Estimate

Mow, trim and edge lawns for nearby homeowners, usually on a weekly or biweekly route during the growing season. Many people start with a mower they already own.

Cash to start
$180–$550 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$30–$100 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Mower · String trimmer
Key risks and sources
  • Seasonal demand: work drops sharply in winter in most of the country.
  • Weather cancels or delays scheduled visits.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: run an existing business for an owner who wants to step back, under a written agreement that gives you the right to buy it over time at an agreed price or formula. You learn the business before you own it, but the option is only as good as the contract, and the owner is never obliged to offer one.

Cash to start
Not verified
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Usually 40+ hrs/wk
Model
Partnership
Equipment or requirements
Whatever the business already uses
Key risks and sources
  • The owner can change their mind, sell to someone else or die without a clear written option and succession terms.
  • Your work can raise the business’s value and therefore the price you pay, unless the price formula is fixed in advance.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Mobile car detailing

Estimate

Clean and detail vehicles inside and out at the customer’s home or workplace. Starts with hand tools and supplies; water access and runoff rules shape how you work.

Cash to start
$190–$580 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$40–$120 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Detailing chemicals and microfiber towels · Shop vacuum
Key risks and sources
  • Wrong products or technique can scratch paint or damage interior surfaces, leading to claims.
  • Runoff into storm drains can break local stormwater rules.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Online Businesses

Niche email newsletter

Estimate

Publish a regular email newsletter on a focused topic and earn from paid subscriptions, sponsorships or your own products once an audience exists. Cheap to start, slow to build.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~3 hrs/wk
Model
Online business
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Reliable internet
Key risks and sources
  • Audience growth is usually slow; many newsletters never reach a size sponsors will pay for.
  • Burnout from keeping a regular publishing schedule.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Federal Trade Commission · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing or recommendation of any brand: buy the right to run a franchised service business (such as cleaning, lawn care or handyman work) from home or a vehicle instead of a storefront. You get a brand and a system, but you pay fees whether or not you profit. Every franchisor must give you a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that lists the actual costs.

Cash to start
Not verified
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Usually 30+ hrs/wk
Model
Franchise
Equipment or requirements
Equipment package specified by the franchisor · Vehicle (often wrapped with branding)
Key risks and sources
  • Royalties and advertising fees are owed on revenue, not profit, so a slow start can mean losses while fees continue.
  • Advertised "low-cost" totals may leave out working capital, vehicle costs or your living expenses.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Federal Trade Commission · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: someone else puts in the money or the existing business, and you put in the day-to-day work in exchange for an ownership stake that you earn over time. It can lower the cash you need, but the written agreement decides almost everything, and poorly drafted deals often end in disputes.

Cash to start
Not verified
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Usually 20+ hrs/wk
Model
Partnership
Equipment or requirements
Depends on the business
Key risks and sources
  • Dilution: later investment rounds or capital calls can shrink your percentage if the agreement allows it.
  • Disputes over effort, money or direction are common between partners and expensive to resolve.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Pet sitting and dog walking

Estimate

Walk dogs and care for pets in clients’ homes while owners work or travel. Startup gear is minimal; trust, reliability and insurance matter most.

Cash to start
$30–$100 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$10–$40 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~3 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Leashes and waste bags · Pet first-aid kit
Key risks and sources
  • Dog bites, dog fights or a pet escaping can lead to injury, vet bills and liability claims.
  • Holding clients’ keys and entering homes alone raises theft and damage accusations; insurance and clear records help.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Skill-Based Businesses

Pre-sold skill workshops

Estimate

Teach a practical skill you already have in a small group class, and collect registrations before you book a venue or buy materials. If too few people sign up, you refund and spend almost nothing.

Cash to start
Not verified
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~2 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Teaching materials for your skill · Registration and payment tool
Key risks and sources
  • Too few registrations means cancelling and refunding; set a minimum and a decision date up front.
  • Venue cancellation or deposit terms can cost money if you book before you have enough sign-ups.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Trade Commission · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Pressure washing service

Estimate

Clean driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences and siding with a pressure washer. Jobs are usually one-time or seasonal, and local wash-water rules apply.

Cash to start
$410–$1,250 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$30–$100 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Pressure washer · Hoses and nozzles
Key risks and sources
  • Too much pressure can etch concrete, strip paint, splinter wood or force water behind siding, leading to damage claims.
  • Letting wash water reach storm drains can violate local stormwater rules.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, City of San Diego · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Estimate

Buy underpriced used items at thrift stores, yard sales and estate sales, then resell them online or locally. You can test it by selling things you already own before buying inventory.

Cash to start
$20–$380 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$10–$50 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Online business
Equipment or requirements
Smartphone with camera · Shipping supplies
Key risks and sources
  • Inventory that does not sell ties up cash and space.
  • Buying counterfeit or recalled items can lead to refunds, account bans or legal trouble.

Sources: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Low-Cost Service Businesses

Residential cleaning service

Estimate

Clean homes on a recurring or one-time basis using your own supplies. Customers usually pay per visit, and recurring clients make scheduling predictable.

Cash to start
$200–$600 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
$30–$100 + unverified items
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Cleaning supplies · Vacuum or access to clients’ equipment
Key risks and sources
  • Physically demanding work with injury risk.
  • Clients cancel or churn; income can be uneven.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Skill-Based Businesses

Social media management

Estimate

Plan, create and post content and answer messages on social platforms for small businesses. Clients usually pay a monthly fee for a set number of posts and platforms.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~4 hrs/wk
Model
Freelance or consulting
Equipment or requirements
Smartphone with a good camera · Computer
Key risks and sources
  • Platform algorithm and policy changes can cut reach overnight, and clients may blame you.
  • Clients expect sales results that are hard to attribute to social posts.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Example scenarioEstimate

An illustrative pathway, not a listing: buy the client list or "book of business" of a solo operator who is retiring (for example a bookkeeper, lawn care operator or cleaner), paying a small amount up front and the rest as an earn-out tied to the revenue you actually keep. Earn-outs are negotiated deal by deal and are never guaranteed to be offered.

Cash to start
$2,000–$5,000 + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~20 hrs/wk
Model
Existing business acquisition
Equipment or requirements
Tools or software needed for the trade · Client records transferred with proper consent
Key risks and sources
  • Clients may leave once the person they trusted retires, even with a warm introduction.
  • Vague earn-out definitions ("retained revenue", "clients transferred") lead to disputes with the seller.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Skill-Based Businesses

Tutoring

Estimate

Teach students one-on-one or in small groups, in person or by video, in a subject or test you know well. Startup costs are low; subject knowledge and trust with parents matter most.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~2 hrs/wk
Model
Local service business
Equipment or requirements
Computer with camera and microphone (for online sessions) · Subject materials
Key risks and sources
  • Demand is seasonal, rising around exams and dropping over summer.
  • Working with minors carries safety and accusation risks; keep sessions visible and documented.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Estimate

Handle email, scheduling, data entry, customer messages and other admin tasks remotely for busy owners and professionals. Most people start with a computer they already own.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Freelance or consulting
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Reliable internet
Key risks and sources
  • Global freelance marketplaces create strong price competition.
  • Access to clients’ email and accounts makes security mistakes costly.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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Skill-Based Businesses

Web design for local businesses

Estimate

Build and maintain simple websites for nearby restaurants, trades and shops, usually on a website builder or template. Clients pay per project and often for ongoing updates.

Cash to start
Little or nothing down + unverified items
Ongoing / month
Not verified
Part-time?
Yes, from ~5 hrs/wk
Model
Freelance or consulting
Equipment or requirements
Computer · Reliable internet
Key risks and sources
  • Low-cost do-it-yourself website builders compete for the simplest projects.
  • Unclear scope leads to endless revision rounds and unpaid work.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed Oct 18, 2026

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