Best small businesses to start in 2027

Fix leaks, clogs, water heaters, and fixtures, then grow into remodels or new installations.

How owners usually charge

Flat-rate pricing for common repairs, trip or diagnostic fees, and quoted installations.

Where first customers often come from

Property managers, landlords, and home inspectors who see repairs before homeowners call anyone.

Check before you start

Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed.

What the startup estimate covers

Drain machine, pipe and press tools, hand tools, license fees, and liability insurance.

BLS data used

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, SOC 47-2152. 510,600 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "much faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent, plus an apprenticeship.

Install and repair wiring, panels, lighting, and outlets, often starting with residential service calls.

How owners usually charge

Hourly service-call rates with a minimum, flat prices for common jobs like fixture or outlet installs, and written quotes for larger projects.

Where first customers often come from

General contractors, remodelers, and handymen who need a licensed electrician for work they cannot do themselves.

Check before you start

Most states require electricians to be licensed. Requirements vary by state.

What the startup estimate covers

Meters and testers, power tools, ladders, license and permit fees, liability insurance, and bonding where required.

BLS data used

Electricians, SOC 47-2111. 821,000 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "much faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent, plus an apprenticeship.

Plan and run weddings, parties, or small corporate events, from vendor booking to day-of coordination.

How owners usually charge

Flat packages by event type, day-of coordination fees, or a percentage of the event budget.

Where first customers often come from

Venues and caterers that get asked for planner referrals, plus your own network for a first portfolio event.

Check before you start

BLS lists no occupational license. Employers typically hire planners with a bachelor's degree, which an owner-operator does not need.

What the startup estimate covers

Website, contract templates, liability insurance, planning software, and a small portfolio shoot.

BLS data used

Meeting, convention, and event planners, SOC 13-1121. 172,100 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: bachelor's degree is typical for employees.

Repair, maintain, and replace heating and cooling systems for homes and small commercial buildings.

How owners usually charge

Flat diagnostic or trip fees, flat-rate repairs, seasonal maintenance plans, and quoted installations.

Where first customers often come from

Seasonal tune-up offers to neighbors, property managers, and real estate agents who need fast inspections.

Check before you start

The EPA requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified in refrigerant handling. Some states and localities also require a license.

What the startup estimate covers

Gauges, vacuum pump, refrigerant recovery machine, leak detector, hand and power tools, certification and license fees, and liability insurance.

BLS data used

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, SOC 49-9021. 440,900 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "much faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.

Offer mobile or studio massage sessions, often specializing in sports, prenatal, or relaxation work.

How owners usually charge

Per-session prices by length, prepaid session packages, and travel fees for mobile visits.

Where first customers often come from

Gyms, running clubs, and chiropractors whose clients already ask for massage referrals.

Check before you start

Most states regulate massage therapy and require a license or certification.

What the startup estimate covers

Portable table, linens, oils, liability insurance, and license fees. Excludes school tuition.

BLS data used

Massage therapists, SOC 31-9011. 155,400 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "much faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: postsecondary nondegree award.

Keep the books for local small businesses: categorize transactions, reconcile accounts, and prepare monthly reports.

How owners usually charge

Monthly retainers by transaction volume, plus one-time cleanup projects for messy books.

Where first customers often come from

Service businesses in their first two years, and tax preparers who want clients to arrive with clean books.

Check before you start

BLS says certification is not usually required, though some bookkeepers earn one to show competency.

What the startup estimate covers

Accounting software, a secure file-sharing setup, professional liability insurance, and an optional certification.

BLS data used

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, SOC 43-3031. 1,532,400 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "decline." Typical entry education for employees: some college, no degree.

BLS projects employee jobs in this occupation to decline, so plan to compete on service and niche expertise.

Do maintenance and common repairs at the customer's home or workplace: brakes, batteries, fluids, and diagnostics.

How owners usually charge

Flat prices for common jobs, an hourly labor rate for diagnostics, and parts billed with a disclosed markup.

Where first customers often come from

Commuters and small fleets, like landscapers or contractors, who lose money when a vehicle sits at a shop.

Check before you start

Certification may be required, and EPA rules require technicians who handle refrigerants to be certified.

What the startup estimate covers

Hand and power tools, diagnostic scanner, jacks and stands, fluids, and liability insurance.

BLS data used

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, SOC 49-3023. 825,800 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: postsecondary nondegree award.

Handle small repairs and installs that larger contractors skip: mounting, assembly, patching, and punch lists.

How owners usually charge

Hourly rates with a minimum visit, or flat prices for repeatable jobs like TV mounting.

Where first customers often come from

Real estate agents preparing listings, landlords between tenants, and neighbors with a to-do list.

Check before you start

Licensing varies by state and locality. Electrical or plumbing work may require a license in that specialty.

What the startup estimate covers

Hand and power tools, ladders, fasteners, liability insurance, and contractor registration where required.

BLS data used

Maintenance and repair workers, general, SOC 49-9071. 1,621,800 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "as fast as average." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.

BLS has no handyman occupation. This row uses general maintenance and repair workers, most of whom work for building owners.

Paint interiors, exteriors, cabinets, or fences for homeowners and property managers.

How owners usually charge

Quoted per room or per project from measured square footage, with prep and materials listed separately.

Where first customers often come from

Homes being listed for sale, rental turnovers, and neighbors who see a finished exterior.

Check before you start

The EPA certifies lead paint abatement, and some states require licensing for lead paint removal.

What the startup estimate covers

Sprayer, brushes and rollers, ladders, drop cloths, liability insurance, and lead-safe training for older homes.

BLS data used

Painters, construction and maintenance, SOC 47-2141. 326,900 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "as fast as average." Typical entry education for employees: no formal educational credential.

Coach clients one-on-one or in small groups at a gym, in homes, outdoors, or online.

How owners usually charge

Per-session rates, monthly packages, and small-group sessions that spread one hour across several clients.

Where first customers often come from

Friends who already ask for advice, local run and sports clubs, and workplaces that run wellness programs.

Check before you start

Most fitness trainers have a certification in their specialty, and employers usually prefer it.

What the startup estimate covers

Certification exam, CPR training, liability insurance, and portable equipment.

BLS data used

Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors, SOC 39-9031. 388,400 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "much faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.

Inspect for and treat insects and rodents in homes and small businesses, often on recurring service plans.

How owners usually charge

One-time treatment fees plus quarterly or monthly prevention plans.

Where first customers often come from

Restaurants and property managers that need documented service, and homeowners after a first infestation.

Check before you start

State laws require pest control workers to be licensed. Requirements vary by state.

What the startup estimate covers

Sprayers and dusters, protective equipment, product inventory, license exams, and liability insurance.

BLS data used

Pest control workers, SOC 37-2021. 108,700 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "faster than average." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.

Shoot portraits, events, real estate, or product photos for local clients.

How owners usually charge

Session fees with a set number of edited images, event packages by hours, and per-property real estate rates.

Where first customers often come from

Real estate agents, small brands that need product photos, and families booking seasonal portraits.

Check before you start

BLS lists no license. Commercial drone photography requires an FAA remote pilot certificate.

What the startup estimate covers

Camera body, two lenses, editing software, backup storage, and equipment insurance.

BLS data used

Photographers, SOC 27-4021. 145,000 people worked in this occupation in 2025. BLS rates its outlook "decline." Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.

Most photographers are self-employed, so the employee median describes a minority of the field.

Teach a subject or test prep one-on-one or in small groups, in person or online.

How owners usually charge

Hourly sessions, prepaid packages, and fixed-length test prep programs.

Where first customers often come from

Parents in school groups, teachers who refer struggling students, and students you have helped informally.

Check before you start

BLS lists no license. Schools and families often ask for a background check, especially for work with minors.

What the startup estimate covers

Teaching materials, a reliable video setup for online sessions, a background check, and a booking page.

BLS data used

Tutors, SOC 25-3041. 208,400 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: some college, no degree.

Teach obedience, puppy basics, or behavior work through private lessons or group classes.

How owners usually charge

Private lessons, multi-week packages, and group classes priced per dog.

Where first customers often come from

New puppy owners referred by breeders, shelters, groomers, and veterinary clinics.

Check before you start

BLS notes that many states require self-employed animal care and service workers to have a business license.

What the startup estimate covers

Leashes and training gear, an optional certification, liability insurance, and a booking page.

BLS data used

Animal trainers, SOC 39-2011. 47,800 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.

Mow, edge, and clean up yards on a recurring route, adding seasonal work like leaf removal and mulching.

How owners usually charge

Per-visit prices by lot size, weekly or biweekly plans, and quoted seasonal cleanups.

Where first customers often come from

One dense neighborhood, so visits cluster on a short route, plus older homeowners and busy families.

Check before you start

BLS lists no license for mowing and upkeep. Check whether your state licenses pesticide or herbicide application before offering it.

What the startup estimate covers

Mower, trimmer, blower, hand tools, fuel, and liability insurance. Assumes you already have a vehicle that can haul equipment.

BLS data used

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers, SOC 37-3011. 1,188,600 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: no formal educational credential.

Cut and style hair from a rented chair, a private suite, or a mobile setup.

How owners usually charge

Per-service prices, add-ons like beard work, and memberships for regular cuts.

Where first customers often come from

Your existing clients if you already cut hair, plus nearby offices and schools with regular schedules.

Check before you start

Every state requires barbers to be licensed, usually after a state-approved program and an exam.

What the startup estimate covers

Clippers and shears, a chair rental or suite deposit, sanitation supplies, and license fees. Excludes school tuition.

BLS data used

Barbers, SOC 39-5011. 75,800 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: postsecondary nondegree award.

About 80% of barbers were self-employed in 2025, so the employee median describes a small share of barbers.

Clean and protect vehicles at the customer's home or office, from interior details to paint correction.

How owners usually charge

Packages by vehicle size and service level, add-ons like pet hair removal, and monthly maintenance washes.

Where first customers often come from

Busy commuters, dealerships that need overflow help, and people preparing a car for sale.

Check before you start

BLS lists no license. Some cities limit wash water runoff, so check local rules for mobile washing.

What the startup estimate covers

Vacuum and extractor, polisher, chemicals and towels, a water tank or access plan, and liability insurance.

BLS data used

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment, SOC 53-7061. 419,500 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: no formal educational credential.

BLS has no detailer occupation. This row uses cleaners of vehicles and equipment, which includes car wash attendants.

Clean homes on a recurring schedule, with deep cleans and move-out cleans as higher-priced jobs.

How owners usually charge

Flat prices by home size and frequency, with deep and move-out cleans quoted higher.

Where first customers often come from

Busy households near you, realtors and landlords who need move-out cleans, and referrals from first clients.

Check before you start

BLS lists no occupational license. Clients often ask whether you are insured or bonded.

What the startup estimate covers

Cleaning supplies, a vacuum, microfiber cloths, and liability insurance or a bond.

BLS data used

Maids and housekeeping cleaners, SOC 37-2012. 1,332,100 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: no formal educational credential.

The BLS wage excludes household workers, so cleaners paid directly by families are not in this median.

Walk dogs, check on pets during workdays, and care for them while owners travel.

How owners usually charge

Per-walk or per-visit rates, overnight sitting rates, and weekly walking packages.

Where first customers often come from

Neighbors with dogs and long workdays, apartment buildings that allow flyers, and local vet or groomer referrals.

Check before you start

BLS notes that many states require self-employed animal care and service workers to have a business license.

What the startup estimate covers

Pet care insurance or a bond, leashes and supplies, a background check, and a booking page.

BLS data used

Animal caretakers, SOC 39-2021. 365,300 people worked in this occupation in 2025. Typical entry education for employees: high school diploma or equivalent.