Event business ideas for startup budgets over $20,000
32 ideas
A bigger budget opens up event businesses that depend on equipment, space or specialist crews. This page lists 32 ideas, including an event tent rental company with a small crew, a barn or backyard venue for weddings and gatherings, and an AV rental business with setup and tech support.
Wedding dress rental boutique
Open a small boutique where brides try on and rent gowns and accessories for their big day.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Multi-week Christmas market series
Run a larger holiday market across several weekends in a rented venue, with 50+ vendors, food trucks, music and sponsors.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small rentable event space for parties and meetings
Lease a hall, loft or storefront and rent it by the hour or day for parties, showers, workshops and small gatherings.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Barn or backyard venue for weddings and gatherings
Turn land, a barn or a large yard you already have access to into a seasonal venue for weddings and outdoor events.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Stage lighting rental for events and shows
Rent out stage lights and controllers to bands, churches, schools and event planners, delivered to the venue.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Event tent rental company with a yard
Rent large frame and pole tents with flooring and lighting to weddings, festivals and businesses, with a small crew.
- $30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small banquet hall in a leased space
Lease a large room and rent it by the event for weddings, parties and dinners, with caterers you approve.
- $20k-100k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Event hall on land or a building you own
Turn a barn, outbuilding or large hall on your own property into a rentable venue for weddings and celebrations.
- $15k-75k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Ticketed music or beer festival
Plan a ticketed festival at a rented venue, earning from tickets, vendor fees and sponsors.
- $20k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Audio equipment rental shop
Run a small unit stocked with PA systems, mixers and mics for venues, event companies and touring performers.
- $25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small wedding venue on your own land
Turn a barn, garden or large property you already own into a venue for weddings and receptions.
- $15k-75k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Leased wedding and event space in town
Lease a hall, loft or warehouse and run it as an intimate wedding venue with other events in the off-season.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-service party and tent rental with a small warehouse
Rent tents, tables, chairs, linens and dance floors for weddings and large events from a rented unit.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Inflatable and party rental company
Run a full-time rental business with a bigger inventory, a small crew and a storage unit serving parties, schools and events.
- $60k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Tours and attractions ticket desk
Run a small walk-in desk or kiosk selling tour, show and attraction tickets for commission in a busy visitor area.
- $5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small dedicated comedy club
Open your own intimate club with a stage, seating and a bar, hosting stand-up shows several nights a week.
- $60k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Event furniture rental (lounge and party)
Rent sofas, tables and chairs to weddings, parties and pop-ups, delivered from a storage unit.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Portable toilet rental and servicing route
Rent portable toilets to job sites and events, and service them yourself with a vacuum truck.
- $20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Costume rental shop with a fitting area
Open a small storefront or unit where customers try on and rent costumes for events, shows and parties.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time photo booth rental company
Run several booths for weddings, corporate events and parties, with part-time attendants covering busy weekends.
- $20k-50k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Formal wear rental boutique
Open a small shop renting tuxedos, suits and gowns for weddings, proms and formal events.
- $25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile arcade rental for parties and events
Bring arcade cabinets and pinball to birthday parties, school fairs, weddings and corporate events on a rental basis.
- $5k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
AV rental with setup and event tech support
Supply and run sound, screens and projectors for conferences, school events and corporate meetings.
- $10k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Indoor RC car track and play center
Rent a small unit, build a supervised RC car track and charge for track time, car hire and parties.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
They suit people who can fund inventory, vehicles, a lease or insurance up front and who are comfortable carrying that risk. Before you pick one, think about demand in your area, how seasonal the work is, and where you will store or house your assets. Also work out how many bookings you need each month to cover fixed costs. Talk to local event planners, caterers and venues to test interest before you commit your money.
More ideas
- Local fireworks display company
- Stage and film pyrotechnic effects
- Kids' play and party space
- Indoor soft play center
- Pop-up toddler soft play sessions
- Custom booths, props and stage builds
- Pop-up haunted house in a rented building
- Custom and modular exhibit builder
Questions
What should I check before spending over $20,000 on an event business?
Check local demand by speaking with planners, venues and potential customers. Price out equipment, storage, vehicles and insurance, and estimate how many bookings cover your fixed costs. Also see how seasonal the work is, and whether you have cash to cover slow months.
Do I need licenses or permits to run an event business in the US?
Often yes, but requirements vary by state, county and city. Check for a business license, sales tax registration, zoning approval, event or occupancy permits, and any rules for specialized work like fireworks or alcohol. Your local city or county office is a good first stop.
Should I rent or buy equipment and space when starting out?
Compare both options. Buying gives you control and may cost less over time, but ties up cash. Leasing or renting keeps upfront costs lower and offers flexibility. Check lease terms, financing options, maintenance costs and whether bookings can realistically cover the payments.