Top Businesses to Start in Vancouver in 2025 with $50,000

1. Mobile Car Detailing or Eco Car Wash

• Why: Vancouverites love their cars and the environment.

• Start-up Needs: Equipment ($15K), branding & website ($5K), van lease ($10K), licenses & marketing ($5K)

• Highlights: Low overhead, scalable, high demand in condos and office districts

• Bonus: Promote as a waterless or eco-friendly service

2. Home Organization & Decluttering Service

• Why: Popular with urban professionals, downsizing retirees, and busy families.

• Startup Costs: Equipment & supplies ($5K), website + ads ($5K), vehicle or transit pass ($2K), insurance & admin ($3K)

• Opportunities: Partner with realtors and staging companies

• Extras: Offer digital organization or minimalism coaching

3. Pet Care Business (Mobile Grooming, Dog Walking, or Pet Sitting)

• Why: Vancouver is extremely pet-friendly.

• Startup Budget: Marketing ($5K), licensing ($2K), equipment ($5K), website ($3K), van lease optional

• Scalability: Add grooming or training services later

• Niche Add-On: Organic or handmade pet products

4. Boutique Cleaning Business (Eco or Specialized)

• Why: High-density residential areas and eco-conscious consumers

• Start-up Budget: Cleaning kits & uniforms ($5K), insurance ($3K), website & branding ($5K), marketing ($5K)

• Niche Option: Focus on post-renovation, Airbnb, or seniors

• Scalability: Easy to grow team-based model

5. Online or Pop-up Specialty Food Business

• Examples: Vegan treats, Asian fusion snacks, gluten-free baked goods

• Startup Needs: Cottage license or commissary kitchen rental ($10K), product dev & branding ($10K), pop-up equipment ($5K)

• Where to Sell: Farmers markets, Granville Island, Instagram

• Bonus: Partner with local cafés or food delivery platforms

6. Digital Marketing Consultancy (Niche: Real Estate, Wellness, Local Retail)

• Why: High demand from small businesses with weak digital presence

• Skills Needed: SEO, social ads, Google My Business

• Startup Use: Branding + website ($5K), software tools ($5K), networking events & workspace ($3K)

• Scalable Model: Freelancer to agency model

7. Health & Wellness Coaching (Mobile or Online)

• Popular Niches: Nutritionist, fitness coach, mindfulness guide

• Budget Plan: Certifications & liability insurance ($5K), branding & client platform ($10K), ads ($5K)

• Target Market: Professionals, moms, retirees, immigrants

• Add-On Ideas: YouTube, online classes, or group workshops

8. E-commerce Retail (Locally Made, Sustainable Products)

• Popular Ideas: Home goods, fashion, wellness kits

• Startup Budget: Inventory ($15K), Shopify setup & branding ($5K), marketing & influencer budget ($5K)

• Local Strength: Market through Vancouver artisan networks

• Bonus: Add in-person booth at markets or local collabs

9. Tourism Side Hustle: Guided Experiences or Walking Tours

• Startup Focus: History, culture, architecture, photography, Indigenous tours

• Startup Budget: Permits, branding, insurance, website ($5K–8K)

• Monetization: Airbnb Experiences, TripAdvisor, direct bookings

• Low Overhead: Just your expertise and a good story

10. Artisan Crafts or Customized Products (Etsy + Vancouver Markets)

• Examples: Jewelry, laser-cut wood, handmade candles, home decor

• Startup Costs: Equipment/materials ($10K), branding & e-commerce ($5K), market fees ($3K)

• Great Fit: Vancouver’s art-friendly scene & conscious consumers

📝 Tips for Success:

• Focus on Niche: Vancouver rewards highly specialized and value-driven businesses.

• Go Local & Sustainable: BC consumers strongly prefer local, eco-conscious businesses.

• Use Free Resources: Explore Small Business BC, Launch Academy, and Futurpreneur for mentorship and funding options.