Food and Beverage

Skilled home bakers who want a low-cost, flexible side business and accept the legal limits of cottage-food rules

Startup cost

$300 – $3,000

Monthly earnings

$300 – $3,000 / mo

First income

2 to 4 weeks

Skilled cooks who enjoy working directly with people and want a flexible, relationship-driven food business

Startup cost

$1,500 – $12,000

Monthly earnings

$1,000 – $8,000 / mo

First income

3 to 8 weeks

Skilled, high-stamina cooks who can run tight food-safety operations and handle relentless weekly production

Startup cost

$5,000 – $50,000

Monthly earnings

$0 – $12,000 / mo

First income

2 to 4 months

People who love hospitality and craft coffee, can work events and early mornings, and want a lower-capital alternative to a food truck or cafe

Startup cost

$6,000 – $35,000

Monthly earnings

$1,500 – $10,000 / mo

First income

1 to 3 months

Experienced cooks who can also manage logistics, deposits, and event-day labor under pressure

Startup cost

$8,000 – $50,000

Monthly earnings

$2,000 – $15,000 / mo

First income

2 to 4 months

Experienced cooks or food operators who understand unit economics and can run a tight, delivery-only menu

Startup cost

$8,000 – $60,000

Monthly earnings

$2,000 – $15,000 / mo

First income

1 to 3 months

Experienced food people who love cooking and hospitality, can stomach heavy regulation and long hours, and have capital they can afford to risk

Startup cost

$40,000 – $150,000

Monthly earnings

$2,000 – $12,000 / mo

First income

3 to 9 months