35 Business Ideas You Can Start With $100 or Less (2026)
Start your entrepreneurial journey without breaking the bank
You don't need thousands of dollars to start a business. Some of the most successful companies started with less than $100 in initial investment. These 35 business ideas prove that with creativity, hustle, and a small budget, you can launch a profitable venture today.
The myth that starting a business requires significant capital keeps many potential entrepreneurs on the sidelines. The truth? Service-based businesses, freelancing, and local services often require nothing more than your existing skills, a phone, and a willingness to work hard. These 35 ideas can be launched with $100 or less—many with $0.
Related concepts: cheap startup ideas, low cost business, minimal investment, bootstrap business, frugal entrepreneur.
Top 5 business ideas under $100
1. Social Media Management
Manage social accounts for small businesses. Startup cost: $0 (just your time and phone). Charge $300-1,500/month per client. Use free scheduling tools like Buffer or Later. Your creativity and consistency are the investment.
2. Freelance Writing
Write blog posts, articles, and web content. Startup cost: $0 if you have a computer. Create a portfolio website for free on Wix or WordPress. Earn $0.10-1.00+ per word. Start pitching clients today.
3. Virtual Assistant
Provide remote administrative support. Startup cost: $0-50 for basic software. Email management, scheduling, and research. Charge $15-40/hour. Many VAs build full businesses with no investment.
4. Tutoring
Teach subjects you know well. Startup cost: $0 (meet at library or online). In-person or virtual sessions. Charge $25-100/hour. Test prep commands premium rates. Word-of-mouth builds clientele.
5. Dog Walking
Walk dogs for busy professionals. Startup cost: $20-50 for leashes and supplies. Charge $15-30 per walk. Build up to multiple walks per day. Use Rover or build local clientele.
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6. Pet Sitting
Care for pets while owners travel. Startup cost: $0-30 for basic supplies. Charge $30-75/day for in-home visits. Overnight care earns more. Low overhead, high repeat business.
7. House Cleaning
Clean homes for busy families. Startup cost: $50-100 for supplies. Most homeowners have equipment. Charge $25-50/hour or flat rate per home. Consistent repeat business.
8. Lawn Mowing
Mow lawns for neighbors. Startup cost: $0 if you have a mower, or $50-100 used. Charge $30-75 per yard. Expand to full landscaping later. Seasonal but reliable income.
9. Errand Running
Run errands for busy people. Startup cost: $0 plus gas. Grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, deliveries. Charge $20-40/hour. Seniors especially appreciate this service.
10. Photography
Take photos for events or portraits. Startup cost: $0 if you have a smartphone (many are excellent). Basic editing on free apps. Charge $50-200 per session. Build to professional camera later.
11. Handmade Jewelry
Create and sell simple jewelry. Startup cost: $50-100 for basic supplies. Sell on Etsy, at craft fairs, or locally. Great profit margins on handmade pieces. Scale as sales grow.
12. Baked Goods
Bake and sell treats locally. Startup cost: $30-50 for ingredients. Cottage food laws allow home sales. Sell at farmers markets, to local cafes. Popular items: cookies, brownies, specialty breads.
13. Car Washing
Wash cars in driveways. Startup cost: $25-50 for supplies. Charge $15-40 per vehicle. Mobile service—you come to them. Regular clients for weekly/monthly service.
14. Moving Help
Help people move. Startup cost: $0-50 for straps and dollies. Charge $20-40/hour. List on TaskRabbit or Craigslist. Physical work but flexible scheduling.
15. Proofreading
Review documents for errors. Startup cost: $0. Use existing computer and skills. Charge $25-50/hour. Academic, business, and author clients. Detail-oriented work from home.
16. Resume Writing
Help job seekers with resumes. Startup cost: $0-20 for templates. Charge $50-200 per resume. LinkedIn optimization adds value. Your writing skills are the product.
17. Canva Design
Create graphics using Canva. Startup cost: $0 (free Canva version). Social media graphics, flyers, presentations. Charge $25-100 per project. No design software costs.
18. Bookkeeping
Manage small business finances. Startup cost: $0-100 for QuickBooks training. Charge $25-50/hour. Monthly retainers provide steady income. Certification adds credibility.
19. Personal Shopping
Shop for busy clients. Startup cost: $0. Help with groceries, gifts, or wardrobes. Charge $25-50/hour plus expenses. Seniors and executives value this service.
20. Gift Wrapping
Wrap presents during holidays. Startup cost: $30-50 for supplies. Charge $3-10 per gift. Set up at malls or take orders. Seasonal but lucrative during holidays.
21. Face Painting
Paint faces at events. Startup cost: $30-50 for face paint kit. Charge $5-10 per face or hourly. Birthday parties, fairs, events. Learn simple designs from YouTube.
22. Calligraphy
Create beautiful lettering. Startup cost: $20-40 for pens and supplies. Wedding invitations, signs, envelopes. Charge $2-5 per envelope or per project. Elegant skill in demand.
23. Laundry Service
Wash and fold laundry. Startup cost: $0 if you have washer/dryer. Charge $1-2 per pound. Pickup and delivery adds value. Consistent weekly clients.
24. Plant Care
Water and maintain plants. Startup cost: $0-20 for basic tools. Charge $20-50 per visit. Office buildings and homeowners need help. Vacation plant-sitting too.
25. Decluttering Consultant
Help people organize and declutter. Startup cost: $0 (just your expertise). Charge $30-75/hour. KonMari method popularity increased demand. Before/after photos build portfolio.
26. Crafts for Sale
Make and sell handmade items. Startup cost: $20-100 for materials. Etsy, craft fairs, or local sales. Candles, soaps, or crafts you love. Turn hobby into income.
27. Snow Shoveling
Clear driveways after snow. Startup cost: $20-40 for quality shovel. Charge $25-75 per driveway. Early morning gets customers. Seasonal but high hourly rate.
28. Gutter Cleaning
Clean gutters seasonally. Startup cost: $30-80 for ladder and tools. Charge $75-200 per house. Twice-yearly service per customer. Physically demanding but profitable.
29. Pressure Washing
Clean driveways and exteriors. Startup cost: $100 for basic pressure washer rental (buy used for more). Charge $100-300 per job. Satisfying visible results.
30. Window Cleaning
Wash windows for homes and businesses. Startup cost: $30-75 for squeegee and supplies. Charge $5-15 per window or flat rate. Repeat customers twice yearly.
31. Trash Can Cleaning
Clean residential trash cans. Startup cost: $50-100 for cleaning supplies and hose. Charge $25-50 per can quarterly. Unique service with little competition.
32. Meal Prep
Prepare healthy meals for families. Startup cost: $50-100 for containers. Charge $200-400/week per client. Cook in their kitchen or yours (check regulations). Busy families need this.
33. Personal Training
Train clients in fitness. Startup cost: $0-100 for basic certification (some free online). Train in parks or client homes. Charge $30-100/hour. Health expertise is valuable.
34. Music Lessons
Teach instruments you play. Startup cost: $0 if you have an instrument. Charge $30-75/hour. Online or in-home lessons. Students need patient teachers.
35. Language Tutoring
Teach languages you speak. Startup cost: $0-30 for materials. Charge $25-75/hour. Conversation practice, test prep, or business language. Online reaches global students.
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