200 Businesses You Can Start

Problem: Driveways, patios, fences, and siding collect dirt, algae, and stains that make a property look neglected. Homeowners may own a small washer but lack the time or skill to use it correctly.

Solution: Budget $900 for a pressure washer, surface cleaner, hoses, tips, safety glasses, and cleaning solution. Price a driveway at $150 - $300 and add separate rates for patios or fences. Get the first customer by washing one highly visible surface for a discounted rate in exchange for photos and a review.

Result: A few weekend jobs can produce several hundred dollars in revenue while building a portfolio that supports higher prices.

#3: Window Cleaning

Problem: Exterior windows become dusty, streaked, and difficult to reach, especially on two-story homes and small storefronts. Customers want clear glass without spending half a day on ladders.

Solution: Start for about $250 with a squeegee set, extension pole, bucket, scraper, microfiber cloths, ladder, and basic insurance. Charge $150 - $300 for a typical home or price storefronts by window. Walk through small business districts, introduce yourself to owners, and offer a first-cleaning rate.

Result: Repeat residential work every three to six months and regular storefront accounts can turn a simple tool kit into steady route income.

#4: Lawn Mowing

Problem: Busy homeowners and landlords need grass cut on schedule, not when a provider happens to have time. Missed mowing can violate neighborhood rules and make a property look vacant.

Solution: Use about $1,200 for a dependable mower, trimmer, blower, fuel container, and basic hand tools. Charge $40 - $80 per residential visit based on lawn size. Start with nearby homes, leave door hangers, and offer a weekly or every-other-week schedule.

Result: Ten weekly lawns at $55 create roughly $2,200 in monthly sales before expenses. Tight routes reduce driving time and improve profit.

#5: Shrub and Hedge Trimming

Problem: Overgrown shrubs block windows, sidewalks, and signs. Many homeowners need seasonal trimming but do not own a hedge trimmer or want to handle branches and cleanup.

Solution: Invest about $600 in a hedge trimmer, pole pruner, hand shears, tarp, rake, and safety gear. Charge $100 - $350 per job, including removal of small clippings. Contact lawn-mowing customers first, then show trimmed sections in local posts.

Result: Adding trimming to mowing visits raises the value of each stop without requiring a separate customer route.

#6: Leaf Cleanup

Problem: Fallen leaves clog drains, smother grass, and create slippery walkways. Customers often need fast cleanup after one major storm rather than a long-term landscaping contract.

Solution: Start around $450 with a leaf blower, rake, tarp, bags, and a small trailer or vehicle space. Charge $100 - $300 per property, with disposal priced separately when needed. Watch weather forecasts, then post same-day availability in neighborhood groups.

Result: A concentrated fall schedule can produce strong short-term cash flow, especially when you combine blowing, bagging, and haul-away.

#7: Snow Shoveling and Salting

Problem: Snow and ice make driveways and walkways unsafe, while missed clearing can prevent workers, tenants, or customers from reaching a property. Demand arrives quickly after a storm.

Solution: Spend about $300 on ergonomic shovels, a snow pusher, ice scraper, salt spreader, and traction gear. Charge $50 - $150 per residential visit and quote commercial walkways separately. Build a contact list before winter and text customers as soon as snowfall is forecast.

Result: Pre-booked routes let you serve multiple nearby properties efficiently and create repeat storm income without heavy machinery.

#8: Junk Removal

Problem: Garages, basements, and rental units fill with unwanted furniture and boxes. Customers may have no truck, no disposal plan, or no time to make several trips.

Solution: Begin with about $1,500 for a utility trailer, moving blankets, straps, gloves, and a hand truck; confirm local disposal fees before quoting. Charge $100 - $500 based on volume, labor, and dump costs. Find first customers through real estate agents, landlords, and estate-sale organizers.

Result: Clear pricing and careful sorting can produce profitable jobs, especially when reusable items are donated or resold legally.

#9: Furniture Assembly

Problem: Flat-pack furniture can take hours to assemble, and a mistake can damage panels or leave a piece unsafe. New residents, landlords, and offices often need help immediately.

Solution: Spend about $200 on a drill, driver bits, hex keys, level, stud finder, clamps, and protective floor covering. Charge $75 - $250 per item or quote larger rooms by the project. List the service on local marketplaces and respond quickly to furniture delivery posts.

Result: Low material costs create strong margins, and customers often add wall mounting or additional assembly work.

#10: Picture and Mirror Hanging

Problem: Heavy mirrors and art can damage drywall or fall when mounted with the wrong hardware. Customers want straight, secure installation without guessing where studs are located.

Solution: Start for $180 with a drill, level, stud finder, anchors, measuring tools, and assorted hanging hardware. Charge $60 - $150 for a small installation and quote gallery walls by count. Partner with interior designers, movers, and real estate stagers for referrals.

Result: A short appointment can generate reliable hourly earnings while leading to repeat work in the same home.

#11: TV Mounting

Problem: A poorly mounted television can sit crooked, hide unsafe cables, or pull out of the wall. Customers often buy the television and mount but still need installation.

Solution: Budget $300 for a drill, stud finder, level, socket set, cable covers, and protective supplies. Charge $125 - $250 per installation, with masonry or concealment work priced separately. Advertise a clear package: mount, level, secure, and connect basic cables.

Result: Two or three jobs can repay the equipment cost, and customers may request soundbar installation or additional mounting.

#12: Handyman Punch-List Service

Problem: Small repairs - loose handles, damaged caulk, sticking doors, and missing shelves - often remain unfinished because contractors prefer larger projects. Homeowners want several minor tasks handled in one visit.

Solution: Start around $500 with a drill, hand tools, levels, caulk gun, fasteners, and a compact ladder. Charge $75 - $125 per hour or offer a two-hour minimum. Ask customers to send photos before quoting, and group nearby appointments to reduce travel.

Result: A punch-list visit can produce more revenue than a single repair while making your service useful to landlords and property managers.

#13: Drywall Patch Repair

Problem: Door handles, moving accidents, and plumbing work leave holes that make rooms look unfinished. Small patches are too minor for many drywall contractors but still matter before a sale or move-out.

Solution: Spend about $250 on a drywall saw, utility knife, sanding block, joint compound, mesh tape, drop cloths, and matching tools. Charge $100 - $300 per repair, depending on drying and texture work. Contact painters, movers, and property managers who regularly see damaged walls.

Result: A clean patch and paint-ready finish can earn repeat turnover work without the overhead of a full remodeling business.

#14: Interior Touch-Up Painting

Problem: Scuffed walls, chipped trim, and nail holes make otherwise clean homes look worn. Customers may not want to repaint an entire room to fix a few visible marks.

Solution: Launch for $300 with brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, sanding supplies, caulk, and sample containers. Charge $150 - $400 for a small touch-up visit, with paint supplied by the customer or billed separately. Offer the service to landlords and home sellers preparing for inspection.

Result: Short jobs have limited material use and can fit between larger appointments, improving daily revenue.

#15: Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning

Problem: Tenants need deposits protected, while landlords need units ready for the next occupant. Regular cleaning is not enough when cabinets, appliances, baseboards, and bathrooms need detailed attention.

Solution: Spend about $400 on a vacuum, mop system, microfiber cloths, brushes, buckets, gloves, and labeled cleaning products. Charge $200 - $500 per unit based on size and condition. Build first customers through apartment managers, real estate agents, and moving companies.

Result: A documented checklist and consistent photos can win repeat turnover accounts and reduce disputes about completed work.

#16: Airbnb Turnover Service

Problem: Short-term rental hosts may have only a few hours between checkout and the next guest. Missed linens, supplies, or damage can lead to poor reviews and lost bookings.

Solution: Start around $350 with cleaning supplies, spare linens, a handheld vacuum, restocking bins, and a phone-based photo checklist. Charge $75 - $200 per turnover, plus laundry or restocking fees. Contact local hosts and offer a trial turnover with timestamped completion photos.

Result: Reliable same-day service can create recurring bookings, especially when you manage cleaning, linen changes, and basic supply checks together.

#17: Pet Waste Removal

Problem: Dog waste builds up quickly in yards, creates odor, and makes outdoor areas unpleasant. Many owners will pay for a weekly solution rather than handle the task themselves.

Solution: Invest about $250 in scoops, buckets, bags, sanitizer, gloves, boots, and a simple route-management app. Charge $15 - $30 per weekly visit or set a monthly plan. Start by targeting homes with visible dogs and offer a discounted first cleanup.

Result: Recurring routes create predictable revenue, and compact service areas keep fuel costs low.

#18: Mobile Car Detailing

Problem: Vehicles collect crumbs, stains, pet hair, and road film, but owners may not have time to visit a detailing shop. A clean interior is especially valuable before a sale or lease return.

Solution: Begin with about $1,000 for a wet/dry vacuum, extractor, shop towels, brushes, buckets, interior cleaner, and portable power options. Charge $100 - $250 for an interior-focused package and quote larger vehicles separately. Get first customers through apartment communities, offices, and used-car sellers.

Result: A well-organized mobile setup can serve several vehicles in one location and produce strong per-appointment revenue.

#19: Home Organization

Problem: Cluttered closets, pantries, garages, and home offices waste space and make daily tasks harder. Customers often know what they want removed but need help sorting and setting up a system.

Solution: Start for $200 with labels, bins, measuring tools, shelves hardware, bags, and a folding step stool. Charge $50 - $100 per hour or quote a defined space such as a pantry or closet. Show simple before-and-after photos, and ask movers and real estate agents for referrals.

Result: Customers pay for visible progress, while add-on purchasing and light installation can increase the value of each project.

#20: Rental Property Inspection Service

Problem: Absentee landlords may not notice leaks, broken fixtures, damage, or neglected yards until a tenant complaint or expensive repair appears. They need timely eyes on the property, not a full property-management company.

Solution: Spend about $300 on a flashlight, moisture meter, measuring tape, phone tripod, inspection checklist, and transportation supplies. Charge $75 - $200 per inspection, with photo reports and urgent follow-ups priced separately. Contact landlords, real estate investors, and property managers, and offer a sample report using a vacant property with permission.

Result: Recurring monthly or quarterly inspections can create dependable service revenue and generate repair referrals without performing regulated trade work.

Across these 20 options, the pattern is simple: choose one narrow problem, buy only the equipment needed to solve it, and sell a clearly defined first visit. During your seven-day launch, use this sequence:

1. Day 1: Choose one service and one customer type. 2. Day 2: Price equipment, insurance, disposal, and travel. 3. Day 3: Create a one-page offer with three prices. 4. Day 4: Contact 20 local prospects or referral partners. 5. Day 5: Complete a practice job and photograph the result. 6. Day 6: Publish the offer with service-area limits. 7. Day 7: Follow up, book the first appointment, and request a review.

What Comes Next

The next chapter moves from hands-on local work to AI businesses that use inexpensive software to deliver services faster. Bring the same rule with you: start with a specific customer problem, not a long list of tools.

End of chapter one. 9 more chapters in the full book.