With that amount at stake. Never safely.
Especially in this economic climate it would difficult to even try and do $20,000.
It wont be risky if someone starts a business in physical world with that amount as that is a quite large capital to start a good enough business outside internet, and it would be way better if someone does that as he will the manager of that money himself without any fear of losing them in a scam or something.
in fact any kind of investment or business always has risks. but the real business is more secure than in online. as you say, the real business we could manage our money. Besides the real business will surely benefit if you really know which type of investment or a profitable business. like a rented house, a restaurant with a delicious meal or other.