Specifically the US but I guess this could be asked anywhere.
I am not of the assumption it is actually possible for any normal person that doesn’t already have millions. The days of an honest mom and pop seem long dead (since at least the 90s, maybe 80s). Or if there are any, they are struggling to even stay afloat.
Like many, I thought I’d always want to start some sort of good business that actually serves a need. I now see that as impossible. I know people who made small niche software in the 80s, ended up making it a decent size company and retired with millions. I do not think anyone could do that today, especially with how tech is now.
I see plenty of scammy tech startups. This isnt what I’m talking about. Imagine a CNC shop starting today. They largely dont exist because no one does engine work anymore and most things are throwaway. Similar thing for any type of repair, none exist because its all throwaway. The only businesses I ever see are reselling things made by slaves in China. No one makes anything (other than 3d printed junk).
I’d be quite surprised if anyone is living decently off a real, honest business that they didnt get millions from their parents to start and that doesn’t exploit the hell out of others.
There are tons of service oriented small businesses that are honest. Because they don’t generally pay a high overhead for things like retail space they can be very profitable as well.
I suppose mowing lawns or cleaning gutters is viable. But I’d need insurance. I do have a truck and trailer, old and shitty, but still.
You can usually get licensed and bonded pretty cheaply and some states have specific statutes that allow for handyman type work.
I had a good friend who was a window washer. All he used was his little truck, dawn soap, a bucket, and squeegees (some with extendable poles for high places). He had a ladder as well but rarely used it unless it had windows on the top like a partial sunroom.
He showed me the technique and you could do a window in less than a minute once you got good at it. He generally did commercial buildings so all he would do is the outside of the windows.
I bet its cheap in my state. Never thought to look. I cleaned some gutters once and couldn’t believe how easy it was and how happy folks were to pay for it. Its a little dangerous though.
Also good ideas!