$20,000!

[Mac...]

If you had $20K to invest and start your own business, what would it be?

Hey guys, I'm looking to start my own business and I'm looking for some ideas.
I would have about $20-25K to invest in the launch.
I thought about taxidermy work, but I would have to build my clientele before I could make the money I'd need to stop working for the man. And that would take more time away from my family which I'm not interested in.

Any and all ideas are welcome.
Just looking for something that peaks my interest and that will do good.

[Sunnylab]

Use it as a downpayment on a cash flowing rental property. Keep your job and have extra income.

Start a lawn service company.

Start some other low start up cost service company..(pool service, seamless gutters, anything construction related like tile, hardwood floors, concrete)

You are limited with that small amount of money...but there are opportunities out there. good luck.

[zanemanaggie]

first off
it must be something that you are passionate about
without that you might as well give me the money and talk about how it would have worked if only...
second $20-25K is a hobby (unless this will take up all 23 other hours in the day to build it and grow it)
if you want to stop working for the man, it has to be your every waking thought
you are going to have to out work the country you live in that is built on small business, and is extremely competitive for those dollars

[zanemanaggie]

and good luck

[cgny27]

I agree...$20k doesn't go very far...and zanemanaggie is right...if you're not living, breathing every moment for whatever you're going to do...chances are slim that it will ever develop into something of substance.

Be careful...people hear you have cash, they'll come from every nook and cranny to take it from you. Good luck my friend.

[Mike Javi Cooper]

Not much you can do with 20K as far as starting a business that'll pay you a living wage except maybe lawn service and/or handyman. Just my opinion so take it for what it cost you... I wouldn't even attempt to start any business in today's economy and business environment. If I were holding that money and wanted to stop working for wages I think I'd look at buying a rental property, then another and another until my nest egg was substantial enough to live off the income from the investments.

Whatever you decide to do.... make sure you have a plan; cause the days of flying by the seat of your pants is long gone... too many government folks with their hand out for the little profit you get.

[Texas8point]

2 business that always make money. either an Ice House or a tobacco and beer store.

May not be the most popular on the GS or in public, but have had friends that have owned both and made a killing !

[BoxKrancher]

Invest it in IRA or Precious metals, or flip vehicles

[Texas Deer Dude]

Snowball stand

[Timemachine]

I know this is going to sound Crazy but.

Start a paintball Battle field. Paintball is one of the fasting growing weekend recreation business. It can be anything from a wooded lot to an open filed. structures are scrap plywood, barrel, old tires etc. Weekend after weekend families pour into the plces. last Sunday cars were strung down the highway once the parking lot filled. Last weekend we went to another one. Boys, girls, mom's Dad' , birthday parties.....money was flowing like wine.

cgny27 is excatly right about the money not going far so it is critical that get income from day one. Paint ball will let you take in money with out selling a product.

You will need to rent a property, build some structures, by up an inventory of rental guns and mask, stock up on paintballs and get your insurance.

As you can see, I've given this lots of thought. At 61 I'm ready to retire and open a business. Let me know if you need additional info on this topic.

Best of Luck...live the American Dream my friend!

[JHT]

Vegas...

[JMAG]

Snowball stand

x2

[cgny27]

now paintball sounds fun. You would definitely have a paying customer here...love that stuff! The biggest cost there would be the land I'm guessing. and maybe the part time help (and the headache that comes with the pains of dealing with that kind of staff)...but I like the idea.

[Habanarrow]

A roach coach.

[cwbow]

x2

X3
location, location, location!