Startup cost
$10k–$50k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Bodyguard Business
Decision Snapshot
Bodyguard
Idea Score
49
Profit margin
6%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
High
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Bodyguard business - Background
Terrorism around the world has skyrocketed since 2011, with well over 10,000 terrorist incidents occurring annually since then. People who are especially likely to be targets of terrorist acts frequently look for extra protection, and they turn to bodyguard businesses.
Bodyguard businesses may provide an array of close protection services. Some offer protection only during special events, while others offer around-the-clock protection anywhere in the world. For many that work with celebrity clients, dealing with paparazzi can also be part of the job.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Bodyguard business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a bodyguard business?
The costs to start a bodyguard business range from $10,000 to $50,000. These funds go toward:
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An office
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Equipment
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Training
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Licenses and permits
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Advertising
Business owners who have limited startup funds might be able to reduce their office and advertising costs some, but it’s difficult to save on the other expenses.
What are the ongoing expenses for a bodyguard business?
The ongoing expenses for a bodyguard business are substantial. They include rent, utilities, and employee salaries. Travel expenses and other special costs are often built into clients’ bills.
Who is the target market?
There are many people who may need close protection services. Bodyguards work for celebrities, business people, and politicians. In some areas, they also protect journalists and activists.
How does a bodyguard business make money?
A bodyguard business makes money by charging clients for the close protection services they need. Clients might want protection for a single event, a prolonged period of time, or on an ongoing and indefinite basis.
How much can you charge customers?
Hiring bodyguards isn’t cheap. In Hollywood, individual bodyguards cost between $500 and $1,000 for a day around town. Traveling to another city can increase that cost to more than $2,000 per guard, per day.
While businesses elsewhere in the United States might not command these rates, those that offer international services may be able to charge even more.
How much profit can a bodyguard business make?
Bodyguard businesses can bring in significant revenue regardless of what type of services they provide. A self-employed business owner with no employee might be able to earn between $1,000 and $2,000 a week while only protecting clients on the weekends. A company that offers services to clients while traveling might bring in $9,000 or more in one weekend.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Bodyguards can easily increase their revenue by offering additional services to clients. Selling alarm systems, firearm training sessions, and guard dog training is easy because clients are already interested in protective services and trust their bodyguards.
Bodyguards might personally offer these services for an extra fee, or they may recommend trusted partners who offer a commission.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a bodyguard business?
Bodyguards spend a lot of time in close proximity with their clients. While offering protection, they follow clients most anywhere they go. At all times, bodyguards must be ready to step in on a moment’s notice and keep their client safe.
When not providing protection for clients, business owners may be recruiting additional bodyguards, meeting with current and prospective clients, arranging training sessions for staff, and marketing their business. Most of this work is normally done from a commercial office.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bodyguard business?
Without prior experience in security, law enforcement, or the armed forces, business owners may have trouble attracting prospective clients. Few people will trust their safety to someone without experience.
In addition to experience, bodyguards may need additional training in specialized areas. Depending on their prior experience and the services they offer, business owners might also want to take martial arts, firearms, close protection, or other courses. Many local organizations offer martial arts and firearms classes. Some larger companies and associations in the industry, such as Risks Incorporated and Security Industry Authority offer close protection training.
What is the growth potential for a bodyguard business?
A bodyguard business may be a local business run by a single business owner, or it can grow into a multinational corporation with lots of employees. Security & Protective Services LLC is an example of a smaller security company that offers close protection services. Risks Incorporated is a larger company with services in 10 major cities around the world.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a bodyguard business?
When deciding which clients to take on, business owners should carefully consider prospective clients’ lifestyles. Because bodyguards go where their clients go, business owners must consider whether they’re comfortable in nightclubs, large events, international settings, combat zones, and other places. They also must decide what potentially illicit activities they’re comfortable being around (although not directly involved in).
How and when to build a team
A bodyguard business can start out as a one-person operation, but many business owners hire additional people. They might bring on board both bodyguards and support staff, which manages the office operations. Many business owners find bodyguards by working with a recruiter who has connections throughout the security industry and with several law enforcement agencies.
Part 2 - Is a Bodyguard business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Bodyguard business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Bodyguard Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Bodyguard business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.