30 Businesses You Can Start for Under $100 in 2026

When I started MoneyPantry, I spent a few bucks on a domain and about $5 a month on hosting. I wrote everything myself. No big team. No fancy tools. As it made money, I slowly upgraded things. That’s how it grew.

So yeah… starting a business with almost no money is not some fantasy. It’s how a lot of people actually do it.

Why Start a Business With Under $100?

First, the risk is low.

If it doesn’t work out, you’re not out thousands of dollars. You’re out maybe a couple grocery runs. That makes it a lot easier to try things and not freeze up.

Second, you can get profitable faster.

When you only spent $50 or $100 to start, it doesn’t take much to break even. A few sales and you’re already in the green.

Third, these businesses are flexible.

Most of them don’t need an office, a warehouse, or expensive equipment. A laptop, a phone, or just your skills is enough to get going.

It’s perfect if you want to test the waters without jumping in with both feet.

What Problems Do People Run Into When Starting a Business with Under $100?

Starting one of those businesses you can start for under $100 sounds great, but it’s not all sunshine.

You won’t have much money to fall back on, things can grow slower than you’d like, you’ll probably be doing most of the work yourself, and you’ll be competing with a lot of other people doing something similar.

That’s just part of the game.

The way you get past it is by being smart with what you’ve got. Keep your costs low and don’t waste money on stuff that doesn’t actually help you make sales.

Don’t stress about growing fast. Steady growth is how most real businesses survive. Focus on the few things that actually bring in money instead of trying to do everything at once.

And when it comes to standing out, you don’t need a big budget. Be easy to work with. Be helpful. Pick a smaller niche instead of trying to serve everyone.

And get a little creative with how you get the word out. A good idea and good service will take you a lot farther than throwing money at ads.

What You Actually Need to Spend Money On

To start any business, you’ll invest something. Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes it’s time. Most of the time, it’s both.

Since we’re talking about businesses you can start for under $100, here’s where that money usually goes:

• A business plan (free) – You don’t need anything fancy. Just write what you’re doing, who it’s for, and how you’ll make money.
• A business name (free) – Pick something simple and easy to remember. Don’t overthink it.
• A domain name ($10–$20 per year) – Even if your business is local, having a website makes you look legit.
• Website hosting ($5–$15 a month or free) – Cheap shared hosting works fine when you’re starting out. You can even use a free site builder.
• Social media (free) – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more. All free ways to promote what you’re doing.

Depending on where you live and what you’re doing, you might need a small license or registration. A lot of one-person businesses don’t, but it’s always smart to check.

Small Businesses You Can Start for Less Than $100

To make it easy to find your perfect fit, I’ve categorized these budget-friendly businesses you can start for under $100.

Product-Based Businesses

If you’re a hands-on, creative type, product-based businesses are a fantastic way to turn your skills into cash. Whether you’re crafting unique items or giving new life to old finds, there’s significant earning potential here, all launched for less than $100.

1. Handmade Crafts (e.g., Jewelry, Candles, Soaps)

Start with minimal material investment and sell unique items that people actually want. Focus on a few samples to showcase your work.

• Startup Cost: $30–$80 for materials
• Income Potential: $50–$500+ per month depending on volume, pricing, and marketing
• What You Need: Crafting skills, attention to detail, basic photography (phone works), Canva for product images, Instagram/Facebook for promotion, Etsy account
• Where to Sell: Etsy, Instagram, Facebook, local craft fairs

Check out this post for a list of best places to sell crafts online.

2. Print-on-Demand Merchandise

Sell shirts, mugs, or phone cases without holding inventory. You only pay when someone orders, so risk is minimal.

• Startup Cost: $0–$20 for design software/templates
• Income Potential: $20–$100s/month casually, up to $1000s+ for popular designs/stores
• What You Need: Basic design skills, Canva or GIMP for creating designs, Printful/Redbubble accounts, social media for promotion
• Where to Sell: Printful, Redbubble, Etsy, Shopify

3. Upcycle Furniture / Recycling Business

Turn old or discarded furniture into something valuable. Small fixes, a little paint, and creativity can go a long way.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for basic tools (sandpaper, brushes, paint)
• Income Potential: $100–$800+ per month depending on pieces restored
• What You Need: Basic carpentry/painting skills, creative vision, phone for photos, Facebook Marketplace/Nextdoor for selling
• Where to Sell: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Nextdoor

Real-World Success Story: Chris, a MoneyPantry reader, shared how he started a pallet recycling business with virtually no upfront money. He started by renting a U-Haul trailer for about $35/day, collecting 250-700 free pallets from construction sites and large businesses, and then selling them to local “mom and pop” businesses for $3.50-$15 each. Within 6 months, he was making $400-$800 a week in profit! His key tip? “Go by construction sites and talk to the foreman or the builder himself, also look at big business with a ton of pallets in the back go speak to the manager and tell them you will take them off your hands each week.“

Service-Based Businesses

Not keen on selling physical products? Service-based businesses let you make money using skills you already have. Most cost very little to start and can grow quickly.

4. Freelance Writing or Editing

Use your writing skills to help businesses, blogs, or online shops. You don’t need a degree — just clear, engaging writing.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for domain or basic website (optional)
• Income Potential: $15-$30/hr for beginners, $50-$100+/hr for experienced writers; $500-$2000+/month
• What You Need: Computer, internet, writing/editing skills, ChatGPT for drafts/outlines, Google Docs, Grammarly (free version)
• Where to Find Clients: Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, cold emails to small businesses

5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, this is an easy business to start. Minimal startup costs and high demand in most neighborhoods.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for leashes, treats, and simple marketing
• Income Potential: $15-$30 per walk/visit; $300-$1000+/month depending on clients
• What You Need: Love for animals, reliability, basic pet care knowledge, simple calendar app, social media promotion
• Where to Offer Services: Rover, Wag!, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor

Read my guide for how to start a dog walking business.

6. House Cleaning Services

Offer cleaning services to friends, neighbors, or small businesses. You likely already own the basic supplies.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for cleaning supplies
• Income Potential: $25-$50+/hr; $500-$1500+/month depending on clients
• What You Need: Attention to detail, efficiency, reliability, local advertising
• Where to Offer Services: Local Facebook groups, flyers, word-of-mouth

Read my guide on how to start a cleaning business for more detail.

7. Painting Homes (Interior/Exterior)

Provide interior or exterior painting services. Start small and build a local reputation.

• Startup Cost: $0–$100 for brushes, rollers, and drop cloths
• Income Potential: $20-$40+/hr; $400-$2000+/month depending on projects
• What You Need: Basic painting skills, physical stamina, reliability, phone/camera for portfolio
• Where to Offer Services: Local community boards, Facebook Marketplace, flyers

8. Consulting

Leverage your expertise in a field like marketing, fitness, finance, or parenting. Your knowledge is your product.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for a simple website/landing page (optional)
• Income Potential: $50-$200+/hr; $500-$3000+/month
• What You Need: Deep knowledge, communication, Zoom/Google Meet for meetings, LinkedIn, simple website (Carrd/Google Sites)
• Where to Offer Services: LinkedIn, personal network, Zoom/Google Meet

9. Window Cleaning Business

Clean windows for homes or small offices. Low startup costs and repeat clients are common.

• Startup Cost: $20-$50 for squeegees, buckets, soap
• Income Potential: $20-$40+/hr; $400-$1200+/month depending on client volume
• What You Need: Attention to detail, reliability, basic window cleaning kit
• Where to Offer Services: Local community boards, word-of-mouth, Facebook groups

10. Lawn Mowing / Yard Work

Provide yard services like mowing, weeding, raking, or hedge trimming. Borrow or rent equipment initially if needed.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for manual tools; optional mower rental
• Income Potential: $20-$40/hr; $300-$800+/month during peak seasons
• What You Need: Basic gardening skills, physical stamina, reliability, manual tools
• Where to Offer Services: Neighbors, Nextdoor, local Facebook groups

Note:  I know a lawn mower costs an arm and a leg (hopefully not literally!), but I listed it as a business you can start with less than $100 because I’m assuming you already own a lawn mower for mowing your own lawn.

But if you don’t own one, this would be more appropriate for under $5000 business ideas.

11. Personal Trainer

Use your fitness knowledge to coach friends, family, or local clients. Start small before formal certification if desired.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for basic materials or online certification (optional)
• Income Potential: $25-$75+/hour; $400-$2000+/month
• What You Need: Fitness expertise, communication skills, Instagram/Facebook for promotion, Zoom/Google Meet for online sessions, simple workout tracker
• Where to Offer Services: Social media, local clients, online coaching platforms

12. Personal Chef / Meal Prep Service

Cook for clients using your existing kitchen skills. Start small with friends or neighbors to build testimonials.

• Startup Cost: $20-$50 for containers or ingredients
• Income Potential: $30-$70+/hour; $150-$500+ per client/week; $500-$2000+/month
• What You Need: Cooking expertise, meal planning skills, local advertising, Canva/ChatGPT for menus and social posts
• Where to Offer Services: Local Facebook groups, flyers, word-of-mouth

13. Caregiver / Senior Companion

Offer companionship or care for seniors. Low startup costs — mostly background checks or optional training.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for optional training or background check
• Income Potential: $15-$25+/hour; $400-$1500+/month depending on clients
• What You Need: Empathy, patience, communication skills, local community boards
• Where to Offer Services: Neighbors, community centers, word-of-mouth

14. Event Management (Small Scale)

Organize small events like birthday parties or community gatherings. Focus on organization and your local network.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for marketing materials
• Income Potential: $100-$500+/event; $300-$1500+/month
• What You Need: Organization, creativity, problem-solving, Google Sheets for planning
• Where to Offer Services: Friends/family, local vendors, community groups

15. Mobile Detailing (Car Cleaning)

Provide car cleaning at clients’ homes or workplaces. Focus on attention to detail and convenience.

• Startup Cost: $0-$80 for basic car cleaning kit
• Income Potential: $50-$150+/car; $400-$1500+/month
• What You Need: Cleaning supplies, water source, attention to detail, local advertising
• Where to Offer Services: Local social media, flyers, word-of-mouth

16. Babysitter / Nanny Service

Care for children. Start with family or friends and build a reputation. Optional first-aid certification can help.

• Startup Cost: $0-$100 for first-aid certification (optional)
• Income Potential: $15-$30+/hour; $300-$1000+/month
• What You Need: Patience, responsibility, child knowledge, first-aid skills, local parenting groups
• Where to Offer Services: Care.com, local Facebook parenting groups, word-of-mouth

17. Professional Organizer

Help people declutter and organize spaces. Low startup cost; mostly marketing and tools provided by clients.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for bins/labels (often paid by client)
• Income Potential: $30-$70+/hour; $500-$2000+/month
• What You Need: Organization skills, empathy, discretion, phone/camera for before & after photos
• Where to Offer Services: Local advertising, word-of-mouth, referrals

18. Personal Concierge / Errand Service

Run errands or provide assistance to busy people. Low startup cost, high flexibility.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for marketing materials
• Income Potential: $20-$40+/hour; $300-$1200+/month
• What You Need: Organization, reliability, local knowledge, phone, calendar app
• Where to Offer Services: Neighbors, small businesses, local community boards

19. Photography

Use your smartphone or camera to take photos for families, events, or local businesses. You don’t need fancy equipment to get started, just a good eye and some practice.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for basic props or editing software (optional)
• Income Potential: $50–$200+/session depending on type of shoot
• What You Need: Camera or smartphone, photography skills, phone for editing/photos, social media for promotion
• Where to Offer Services: Local Facebook groups, Instagram, word-of-mouth referrals

Digital Businesses

Dreaming of working from home in your PJs? Digital businesses let you reach a global audience with very little upfront cost. Most only require a laptop and internet.

20. Proofreading

Check documents for errors and polish content for students, bloggers, or small businesses. This is a low-cost, high-demand service you can do from home.

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 for Grammarly premium or optional website (optional)
• Income Potential: $15–$35/hour; $200–$1000+/month depending on clients
• What You Need: Strong attention to detail, good grammar skills, computer, internet
• Where to Find Clients: Upwork, Fiverr, local businesses, students, social media

21. Blogging

Create a blog around a niche you love and share helpful content. You can monetize with ads, affiliate links, or sponsorships.

• Startup Cost: $10-$50 for hosting and domain (Bluehost/Hostinger)
• Income Potential: $50-$500/month for beginners; $1000s+ for established blogs
• What You Need: Writing skills, basic SEO knowledge, WordPress, Canva for graphics, ChatGPT for content ideas/outlines
• Where to Publish: WordPress, Medium, social media promotion

Read my “How to Start a Blog for Free and Make Money” guide.

22. Virtual Assistant (VA)

Offer administrative support remotely. Tasks can include email management, scheduling, data entry, or social media support.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50
• Income Potential: $20-$40+/hour; $500-$2500+/month depending on clients
• What You Need: Organizational skills, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail), Zoom for meetings, Trello/Asana (free), ChatGPT for repetitive tasks
• Where to Find Clients: Upwork, Fiverr, VA agencies (Belay, Time Etc., Boldly)

23. Dropshipper

Sell products without holding inventory. Your main costs are a basic online store setup and small marketing budget.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for Shopify trial/basic theme or free WordPress e-commerce plugins
• Income Potential: $100s to $1000s+/month depending on product popularity
• What You Need: Product research, marketing skills, customer service, Shopify/AliExpress/WordPress, Facebook Ads for promotion
• Where to Sell: Shopify, WordPress, social media

24. Social Media Influencer (Micro-Niche)

Build an engaged following around a niche you love. Monetize with sponsorships and affiliate links.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for basic tools or social media promotions
• Income Potential: $50-$500+/sponsored post or affiliate sale
• What You Need: Smartphone, content creation skills, Canva for graphics, Instagram/TikTok/YouTube Shorts
• Where to Promote: Social media platforms, affiliate programs

25. Affiliate Marketing

Promote other people’s products and earn commissions without handling inventory.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for a website or social media setup
• Income Potential: $50-$500+/month; potential for much higher with traffic
• What You Need: Marketing, content creation, audience building, WordPress.com or social media, affiliate networks, ChatGPT for content ideas
• Where to Promote: Blog, YouTube, Instagram, email newsletters

26. Social Media Management

Help small businesses grow online by managing their social media accounts, posting content, and engaging with followers.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50
• Income Potential: $200-$1000+/client/month; scalable to $500-$3000+
• What You Need: Knowledge of platforms, Canva for graphics, Facebook Business Suite/Creator Studio for scheduling, basic content creation skills
• Where to Find Clients: Local businesses, Instagram, Facebook

27. Online Courses or Tutoring

Teach a subject or skill online. Courses are scalable, tutoring gives immediate hourly income.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for webcam/microphone if needed
• Income Potential: $20-$100+/hour for tutoring; $100-$1000s/month for courses
• What You Need: Expertise in a subject, Zoom/Google Meet, Teachable/Outschool, ChatGPT for lesson plans
• Where to Offer Services: Teachable, Outschool, social media promotion

Flexible Side Hustles with Business Potential

Don’t want to commit full-time? The gig economy lets you earn on your own schedule with minimal upfront costs. These can be short-term gigs or grow into full-fledged businesses.

28. Rideshare Driving

Drive people using your own car. Sign-up is free, and you can work whenever you want.

• Startup Cost: $0 if you already have a car; gas and maintenance apply
• Income Potential: $15-$25+/hour; $300-$1000+/month depending on hours
• What You Need: Safe driving skills, navigation apps (Google Maps/Waze), Uber/Lyft driver app
• Where to Work: Uber, Lyft

29. Delivery Services

Deliver food or groceries using a car, bike, or scooter. Flexible hours and immediate earning potential.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for transportation maintenance or insulated bags
• Income Potential: $15-$25+/hour including tips; $200-$800+/month
• What You Need: Navigation skills, efficiency, phone, DoorDash/Uber Eats/Instacart app
• Where to Work: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Postmates

30. Task-Based Platforms (Handyman, Errands)

Leverage skills for tasks like furniture assembly, moving, cleaning, or errands. Minimal tools required for many tasks.

• Startup Cost: $0-$50 for basic tools
• Income Potential: $20-$50+/hour; $300-$1000+/month depending on availability
• What You Need: Practical skills, reliability, TaskRabbit app, local community groups
• Where to Offer Services: TaskRabbit, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor

Tools & Platforms You’ll Need

Here’s a handy list of the tools and platforms you might use.

• Etsy – sell handmade crafts or print-on-demand items
• Printful – print-on-demand merchandise
• Redbubble – alternative POD platform
• Canva – create graphics, social media posts, or designs
• GIMP / Lightroom Mobile – free image editing software
• Upwork – freelance writing, virtual assistant, graphic design, social media
• Fiverr – freelance services marketplace
• TaskRabbit – task-based gigs (handyman, errands)
• Bluehost / Hostinger – hosting for blogs and websites
• WordPress – content management system
• Teachable – online courses
• Outschool – tutoring platform
• Zoom / Google Meet – online sessions, tutoring, coaching
• Bluehost – optional hosting for niche sites/blogs
• Rev / TranscribeMe – transcription and data entry work
• Voice123 – voice acting platform
• Fiverr (again for voice acting, graphic design, microtasks)
• Rover / Wag! – dog walking and pet services
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube Shorts – social media promotion and influencer work
• DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart – delivery services
• Uber / Lyft – rideshare driving
• Google Maps / Waze – navigation for delivery, rideshare, or errands
• Local Facebook Groups / Nextdoor – local advertising, promotions, and gig work
• Gumroad / Payhip – sell digital products like eBooks or templates
• AliExpress / SaleHoo – dropshipping suppliers
• Canva AI / ChatGPT – generate sales copy, social posts, designs quickly
• Basic tools for hands-on work – e.g., sandpaper, paintbrushes, rollers, cleaning supplies, gardening tools, kitchen containers, phone camera

This list covers nearly everything you’ll need across all business types mentioned in this article. You only need the tools relevant to the business you pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a lot of businesses you can start with $100 or less. You just need to pick something that matches your skills and take that first step.

Whether you want a side hustle for extra cash or a full-time business, these ideas prove you can start for under $100. The hardest part is just getting started.

Pick one idea from this list. Set up your first profile, make your first product, or tell a friend about it. That’s how every successful business starts, with one small action.