My mother worked the line at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, and on her lunch breaks she sold handmade crafts and home-cooked food to her coworkers. When a supervisor threatened to report her side hustle, she reminded him that he was one of her best customers. My hustle looks different today, but I got it honestly.

This episode is for anyone whose nine to five is ready to finance a five to nine. These are lean times, so I kept the list approachable: ten businesses you can start and run for about twenty-five thousand dollars. Some feed people, like a food truck or a neighborhood coffee shop. Some keep the neighborhood looking good, like lawn care, mobile car detailing and home repair. Others ride the wave of how we live now, from e-commerce to pet grooming. For each one I talk about startup costs, why it works, and the first steps to take.

There is a bonus, too, and it is the one that gets me most excited. A box truck costs more to start, but it can plug a small business owner straight into the delivery networks of some of the largest companies in America. I explain the licenses, insurance and budget, and why a well-maintained truck is an asset you can sell if you ever decide to move on. You will also hear about my friend Tim Burt, who once drove up to my house in half a truck and turned it into one of the best deals I have ever seen.

Whichever path you choose, choose it because you love the work, write a real business plan, and keep your outflow below your inflow. Then send this to the friend who keeps saying they want to be their own boss.

🎧 Listen now — wherever you get your podcasts, or simply click below.

Prefer to watch? The full episode is on YouTube.