Event business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
38 ideas
This page collects 39 event business ideas with startup costs up to $20,000. They suit people who like hands-on work, can handle weekend schedules and want to own equipment or a creative skill rather than rent a storefront.
Wedding and event florist
Design flowers for weddings and events, from bridal bouquets to ceremony and table arrangements.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
Online wedding dress rental
Rent out a curated range of wedding dresses by mail, with video or home try-on appointments.
- $4.5k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Event AV rental and on-site operator
Bring speakers, mics, projectors and screens to local events, set them up and run them on the day.
- $3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Live streaming for events and hybrid meetings
Livestream conferences, talks and ceremonies with cameras, a switcher and a reliable internet setup.
- $2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pedicab for weddings and events
Offer pedicab rides at weddings, festivals, brewery crawls and corporate events, booked in advance.
- $3.5k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Monthly pop-up night market
Run an evening market in a lot or plaza, with local food, craft and goods vendors paying for a spot.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Wedding and private event band
Offer a polished live band for weddings, parties and corporate events, booked well in advance.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event videographer
Film conferences, weddings, parties and community events, then deliver edited highlight videos.
- $3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event security guard company
Supply licensed guards for local parties, festivals and venues, hired by the event rather than on long contracts.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
One-day food and makers festival
Run a free-entry local festival in a park or lot, paid for by vendor fees and sponsors.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Party and band sound system rental
Rent speakers, mixers and mics from your garage, delivered and set up for parties, small events and local bands.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly neighborhood farmers' market
Run a seasonal weekly market where local growers and makers rent stalls and shoppers buy direct.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Backyard party tent and table rental
Rent pop-up and small frame tents, tables and chairs for backyard parties, graduations and showers.
- $4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Table, chair and decor rental from home
Rent tables, chairs, linens and backdrops for birthdays and showers, stored in your garage and delivered by you.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Bounce house and inflatable rental
Own a few bounce houses and deliver, set up and collect them at kids' parties and school events.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bounce house rentals for backyard parties
Own a few bounce houses and deliver, set up and collect them for local birthday parties on weekends.
- $3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fan trip packages for big games
Sell all-in trips for fans to games, bowls and tournaments: travel, hotel and tickets in one package.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Full-time wedding and events DJ company
Run a busy DJ business for weddings and corporate events, with extra gear and DJs as you grow.
- $5k-20k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Pop-up outdoor movie nights
Run ticketed movie nights in parks, farms and vineyards with portable screen, projector and sound.
- $2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Backyard and private event movie nights
Bring the screen, sound and setup to backyards, weddings and school events for a flat fee.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding and event DJ company
Run a full DJ business for weddings and corporate events, with packages, MC work and a proper sound and lighting setup.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Wedding and event photographer
Cover weddings, parties and corporate events, and deliver edited galleries to couples and organizers.
- $3k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event portable toilet and handwash rental
Own a small stock of toilets and handwash stations for local events, with a licensed hauler doing the pumping.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based costume rental by appointment
Rent out a curated costume collection from home to party-goers, schools and community theaters.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
About these ideas
You could begin with a balloon decor studio for weddings and events, add backyard party tent and table rental, or build technical skills with event AV rental and on-site operator. Before choosing, think about where you will store gear, how you will transport it and whether your local market has steady demand for parties, weddings or corporate events. Check insurance needs, permit rules for public spaces and how you will handle damage or cancellations. Start with the ideas that fit your budget, your vehicle and your calendar.
More ideas
- Corporate event management company
- Home-based formal wear rental studio
- Online formal wear rental by mail
- Small AV equipment rental with delivery
- Balloon decor studio for weddings and events
- Full-service party planning business
- Karaoke package for events, with a host
- Wedding décor rental and setup
- Pop-up RC car track for parties and events
- Weekly rock club night in a rented room
- Pop-up play sessions in rented halls
- Pop-up lesbian bar nights
- Market stall and pop-up shop builder
- Trade show booth install and dismantle crew
Questions
Which event businesses tend to need the least equipment?
Service-led ideas such as party planning or live streaming usually need less gear than rentals. Compare what each idea requires to start, including storage and transport, and check whether you could begin small and add inventory as bookings come in.
What should I check before renting equipment to customers?
Look into liability insurance, rental agreements, damage and cleaning policies, and any safety rules for items like inflatables or tents. Ask your insurer and local authorities what applies in your state and city before taking your first booking.
Do I need permits to run events or pop-ups in my area?
It often depends on the location and activity. Check with your city or county about business licenses, special event permits, food rules, and permission to use parks or private venues. Requirements vary, so confirm them before you advertise.