If you have $40,000 on hand, it's not a lot of money, but there are still a variety of investment and entrepreneurial possibilities. First of all, you can consider opening a small restaurant that focuses on meeting the daily dietary needs of nearby residents or commuters, such as providing convenient breakfast services in front of an industrial area. Secondly, umbrella sales around subway stations are also a good option to capture people's temporary needs, especially during the rainy season.

For investors with a higher risk appetite, they can put some of their money into the stock market, which is both rewarding and risky, but has the potential to yield some returns through research and careful maneuvering. If you are interested in agriculture, you can try a small-scale farm and use rice straw to crush homemade feed, which is both environmentally friendly and economical. In addition, raising and selling small animals, such as pets, is also a possible direction for those with agricultural resources or knowledge of farming, especially in big cities where the pet market is more active.

Finally, if you have some business acumen and liquidity, you may consider purchasing an open-top truck and specializing in fruit retailing, especially if you choose to set up a stand in a place with a large transient population, which may provide a steady source of income. Overall, the $40,000 can be utilized flexibly, and the key is to find business opportunities that match your interests and market trends.