Guides
Start with the real numbers
Guides for opening a small business in the U.S., computed from Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data — not rounded guesses. Updated October 12, 2026.
How to start
Step-by-step guides with costs, licenses, break-even and where the businesses are.
Food truck
How to Start a Food Truck Business
$70,000–$218,000 typical cost to open
Cleaning business
How to Start a Cleaning Business
$2,000–$13,000 typical cost to open
Landscaping business
How to Start a Landscaping Business
$33,000–$66,000 typical cost to open
Junk removal business
How to Start a Junk Removal Business
$32,000–$90,000 typical cost to open
Vending machine business
How to Start a Vending Machine Business
$15,000–$56,000 typical cost to open
Costs and earnings
What it costs to open and what the businesses take in, by state.
Food truck
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Food Truck?
$70,000–$218,000 typical cost to open
Cleaning business
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Cleaning Business?
$2,000–$13,000 typical cost to open
Landscaping business
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business?
$33,000–$66,000 typical cost to open
Food truck
How Much Does a Food Truck Make?
$297,317 avg. yearly sales, with employees
Vending machine business
How Much Does a Vending Machine Make? Profit Data
$33,785 avg. yearly receipts, self-employed
Plan and finance
Write a plan a lender will read, with a free outline and calculator.
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Main Street Plans is not affiliated with the SBA or any government agency. Guides are general information, not legal or tax advice.