How to Start a Balloon Business with Just $30

Dreaming of starting a balloon business but don’t have a big budget? No worries! With just $30 and a little creativity, you can launch your balloon business and start generating clients in your local community.

I started my first balloon business when I was really pregnant, in the middle of a pandemic, with less than $30.

Here’s a step-by-step action plan to help get you started:

Phase One: The Launch Plan

1. Secure a Balloon Pump

A quality balloon pump is an essential tool for any balloon business. Save your lungs and time by investing in a manual balloon pump like this one on Amazon for $16. It’s affordable, reliable, and will make your balloon projects much easier.

2. Give Away a Balloon Garland

Find a popular, friendly, local business—think coffee shops, boutiques, or bakeries—and offer to create a free balloon garland for them. Use the remaining $15 of your budget to buy basic balloons in a few coordinating colors. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and create buzz.

Pro Tip: Choose a business that’s active on social media and has a strong local following. Your garland will act as free advertising when they share it online!

3. Promote to Your Local Community

Once your garland is installed, take high-quality photos of your work. Share these photos on your own social media pages and in local community groups. Be sure to tag the business and encourage them to do the same.

Post a friendly introduction explaining your new business and include a special offer for your first clients, like a discounted rate for the next five bookings.

4. Create a Marketplace Listing

Use those photos to create a listing on Facebook Marketplace, emphasizing your affordability and custom design options. Include a clear and enticing description, like:

“Custom Balloon Garlands Starting at $50! Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, and more. Message now for a special discount on your first order!”

This will help you attract local customers who are browsing for party services.

Building Momentum: Phases 2-3

Congratulations, you’ve officially started your balloon business! From here, reinvest your profits into expanding your supplies and marketing efforts. Focus on:

Building a Portfolio: Offer small discounts in exchange for photos you can use in promotions.
Growing Your Skills: Watch online tutorials to learn advanced techniques and styles.
Expanding Your Reach: Create an Instagram or TikTok page to showcase your designs and connect with more potential clients.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business with $30 might sound impossible, but with a little hustle and resourcefulness, you can turn it into a thriving side hustle or full-time gig.

Take that first step today, and let your creativity take you far. What’s stopping you from getting started? My first balloon business completely changed the trajectory of my life.