Find a business that fits your budget, your skills and the market. Start with the numbers for each industry, then filter ideas to match what you can invest.
Industries
Each profile covers market size, growth, the outlook, jobs, typical startup costs and the risks to plan for. Every figure links to its source.
- Beauty and Personal Care IndustryAbout 651,000 barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists (2024)Jobs projected +5% from 2024 to 2034
- Childcare IndustryNational average price of $13,184 a year per child (2025)Family childcare homes +1.4% in 2025; licensed centers -1%
- Cleaning Services IndustryAbout 2.4 million janitor and building cleaner jobs in the US (2024)Jobs projected +2% from 2024 to 2034
- E-commerce Industry$340.2 billion US e-commerce sales in Q2 2026+12.2% year over year (Q2 2026)
- Fitness Industry81 million US gym and studio members (2025), a record+5.2% members in 2025
- Home Services and Remodeling Industry$517 billion yearly homeowner improvement and repair spending (mid-2026)Slowing, from 2.1% to a projected 0.5% by mid-2027
- Landscaping and Lawn Care IndustryAbout 1.3 million grounds maintenance jobs in the US (2024)Jobs projected +4% from 2024 to 2034
- Pet Care Industry$158 billion US spending (2025)+3.7% in 2025
- Restaurant and Food Service Industry$1.55 trillion projected US restaurant and foodservice sales (2026)+4.8% in dollars, +1.3% after inflation (2026 forecast)
Find a business idea
Filter by how much you can invest, how you want to work and the industry that interests you.
6 ideas match
- Cottage Food Business
Sell baked goods, jams, candy and other approved foods made in your own kitchen. The lowest-risk way to test a food idea.
Startup cost: $500 to $5,000 (estimate)First revenue: 2 to 6 weeks
- Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
The cheapest way into the pet industry. Start with a few neighbors and build a weekly route of repeat clients.
Startup cost: $500 to $3,000 (estimate)First revenue: 1 to 4 weeks
- Mobile Beauty Services
Bring hair, makeup, nails or barbering to clients' homes, offices, weddings and events. Low overhead, premium pricing, but check your state's rules first.
Startup cost: $1,000 to $5,000 (estimate)First revenue: 1 to 4 weeks
- Personal Training Business
Coach clients one to one at home, outdoors, online or in a rented gym. Low startup costs, and older adults are the fastest-growing market.
Startup cost: $1,000 to $5,000 (estimate)First revenue: 2 to 6 weeks once certified
- Print-on-Demand Business
Sell your own designs on shirts, mugs, posters and more, printed and shipped only when someone orders. No inventory, low risk, but margins are thin.
Startup cost: $500 to $3,000 (estimate)First revenue: 2 to 8 weeks
- Residential Cleaning Business
Clean homes on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Start solo with a few clients, then hire and grow a team. Reliability wins customers.
Startup cost: $1,000 to $5,000 if you have a vehicle (estimate)First revenue: 1 to 3 weeks
Ready to start?
Follow the Start a Business A–Z guide from idea to first customer.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
