- Small business ideas
- United States
- District of Columbia
Small business ideas in District of Columbia
Every idea with what it costs to start in District of Columbia, what owners make, and the steps and fees to start it here.
Cost to start vs. what you could make
Every idea in District of Columbia on one chart. Up and to the left: cheap to start, good money.
Reading the chart
Each bubble is an idea. The further left, the less it costs to start; the higher, the more owners make a month once they're established. The best value ideas are named.
Bubble size: how soon owners get their first customer.
Best value ideas in District of Columbia
Ranked by what owners make for what it costs to start, how soon the first customer comes and how easy it is to learn.
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1
Dog walking and pet sitting
Walk dogs and look after pets in their own homes while their owners are at work or away.
To start$365–1.1kPer month$3.5k–9.9k -
2
Tutoring
Help students with school subjects, homework and test prep, in person or online.
To start$455–889Per month$3.9k–11k -
3
Music lessons
Teach piano, guitar, voice or another instrument to children and adults, at home, in theirs or online.
To start$490–1kPer month$3.9k–12k -
4
Short-term rental cleaning
Clean and reset vacation rentals between guests, so hosts get five-star reviews.
To start$514–1.2kPer month$3.9k–13k -
5
Senior companion care
Keep older adults company and help them at home with meals, errands, light housework and outings.
To start$790–1kPer month$4k–13k -
6
Errand service
Run errands, grocery runs and local deliveries for busy families, professionals and seniors.
To start$369–1.6kPer month$2.8k–8.8k -
7
Event planning
Plan and run birthdays, showers, weddings and company events, from vendors and timelines to the big day.
To start$490–1.2kPer month$4.4k–17k -
8
House cleaning
Clean homes on a regular schedule, plus deep cleans and move-out cleans.
To start$749–3.1kPer month$5.5k–11k
What every business in District of Columbia needs
The same few steps, whatever you start. Each idea's guide adds what that business needs.
Articles of Organization (LLC)
Registers your business with the state.
$99 once · The DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)Annual report
Keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
$300 a year · The DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)Sales tax registration
Only if what you sell is taxable where you are: ask the state.
Free · The DC Office of Tax and RevenueAll ideas in District of Columbia
No ideas match. Try fewer filters.
Bookkeeping
Keep the books for small businesses: record income and spending, match the bank and send monthly reports.
Carpet cleaning
Deep-clean carpets, rugs and upholstery in customers' homes.
Catering
Cook and serve food for office lunches, parties, weddings and community events.
Coffee cart
Serve espresso drinks from a mobile cart at weddings, offices, markets and events.
DJ services
Bring the music, sound and lights to weddings, birthdays, school dances and company parties.
Dog training
Teach dogs good manners and help owners with puppies, leash pulling and problem behavior.
Dog walking and pet sitting
Walk dogs and look after pets in their own homes while their owners are at work or away.
Errand service
Run errands, grocery runs and local deliveries for busy families, professionals and seniors.
Event planning
Plan and run birthdays, showers, weddings and company events, from vendors and timelines to the big day.
Food truck
Cook and sell your food from a truck or trailer at events, breweries, offices and busy corners.
Freelance writing
Write blog posts, website pages, emails and articles for businesses and publications.
Graphic design
Design logos, flyers, social graphics and brand kits for small businesses.
Gutter cleaning
Clear gutters and downspouts so rain runs away from customers' homes.
Handmade crafts
Make and sell your own handmade goods online and at craft fairs and markets.
Handyman services
Fix, fit and repair the small jobs on homeowners' to-do lists.
Home bakery
Bake cakes, cookies and bread in your own kitchen and sell them to people near you.
House cleaning
Clean homes on a regular schedule, plus deep cleans and move-out cleans.
House painting
Paint rooms, trim and home exteriors for homeowners and landlords.
Junk removal
Haul away old furniture, appliances and clutter, then donate, recycle or dispose of it.
Lawn care
Mow, trim, edge and tidy lawns on a weekly or every-other-week route.
Meal prep and personal chef
Cook healthy meals for busy people, in their own kitchens or in a licensed kitchen for pickup and delivery.
Mobile car detailing
Clean and protect cars at your customers' homes and offices.
Mobile dog grooming
Bathe, trim and groom dogs in a van or trailer parked at their owners' door.
Mobile hair and barber services
Cut and style hair at clients' homes, offices, senior communities and weddings.
Moving help
Load and unload rental trucks and storage units, and handle small local moves.
Music lessons
Teach piano, guitar, voice or another instrument to children and adults, at home, in theirs or online.
Party rentals
Rent out bounce houses, tables, chairs and tents, delivered and set up for birthdays and events.
Personal training
Coach clients one to one or in small groups, at their homes, in parks, in a gym or online.
Photography
Take portraits, family photos, headshots and event photos for people and small businesses.
Pressure washing
Wash houses, driveways, decks and fences back to looking new.
Print-on-demand store
Sell your designs on shirts, mugs and more online, printed and shipped only when someone orders.
Senior companion care
Keep older adults company and help them at home with meals, errands, light housework and outings.
Short-term rental cleaning
Clean and reset vacation rentals between guests, so hosts get five-star reviews.
Social media management
Plan, create and post social media content for local businesses, and answer their followers.
Tutoring
Help students with school subjects, homework and test prep, in person or online.
Videography
Film and edit wedding, event and promo videos for couples, families and local businesses.
Virtual assistant
Handle email, calendars, research and admin for busy owners, all from your own desk.
Web design
Design and build websites for small businesses, then keep them up to date.
Window cleaning
Make homes sparkle by cleaning windows inside and out, with screens and tracks.
Yoga instruction
Teach yoga classes and private sessions in studios, rented rooms, parks, workplaces, homes and online.
Start your District of Columbia business with PressUp
Get a name, form your LLC with PressUp's checklist for your state, and get a website that takes bookings.