29 Legit Businesses You Can Start for Less Than $100 (Ideas That Actually Work!)

Why Start a Business with Under $100?

If you’re like me and enjoy making something out of nothing, starting a business with little money and turning it into a source of regular income is just so rewarding in more ways than just financially.

Starting a business for under $100 makes perfect sense, especially if you’re like me and don’t have piles of cash lying around.

For one, the risk is way lower. If it doesn’t work out, you’re not out thousands of dollars. Plus, it’s easier to make your money back and start turning a profit faster.

These kinds of businesses are also super flexible. You don’t need a fancy office or a bunch of equipment. Most of the time, all you need is your phone, a laptop, or just your skills.

It’s perfect if you’re just getting started or want to test the waters before diving in.

Believe it or not, that is exactly how I started MoneyPantry Media LLC. All I spent on it initially was a few dollars for a domain name and $5 a month for hosting. I wrote the content myself in the beginning. Once I started making some money, I could afford to hire freelancers, get a better hosting provider, and even use paid tools and software to expand my business.

So, starting a thriving business with little to no money is possible. This very site is living proof of that.

The Investment Needed to Start a Business

Now, to start any business, you need to invest something. That something can be your time, money, or skills.

As for money, since this post is about starting a business for only $100 or less, let’s see what you need to spend your money on.

The truth is, most small businesses don’t cost much to launch, especially if you’re running things online or from home.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common startup costs:

A business plan (free)

You can print a free business plan online or you can make one for free using Google Docs or any other free tool you use to create documents.

A name for your business (free)

Obviously, this won’t cost you a dime. Just pick something catchy and easy to remember.

Domain name ($20)

Whether your business is online or offline, you need to have a website. That starts with a domain name, which you can get for under $20 a year via sites like Namecheap or GoDaddy.

Website hosting ($5 to $20)

This could cost anywhere from $10 a month to $100s for bigger sites. But starting out, you don’t need much. So a simple shared hosting account from any of the main hosting providers (like BlueHost or SiteGround) will do.

Social media accounts (free)

Make an account for your business on all the major social media sites so you can promote it for free!

Now, obviously, depending on the kind of business and your local laws, you may need a license or have to pay certain fees, but they are usually not much.

Top Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $100

To make it easier, I put similar businesses under a related category.

Product-Based Businesses

If you’re more of a hands-on, creative type, product-based businesses are a great way to turn stuff into cash.

Whether you’re making things from scratch or flipping old finds, there’s plenty of money to be made here.

Here are a few product-based businesses you can launch with less than $100.

1. Handmade Crafts

If you like to make arts and crafts and are actually good at it, you can start a low-cost startup business and make a surprisingly decent amount of money doing it.

You can sell homemade jewelry, candles, soaps, or just about anything on Etsy, local craft fairs and other sites for selling handmade crafts.

You’d be surprised how much people are willing to pay for simple handmade items on Etsy.

2. Print-on-Demand Merchandise

This is one of those side hustle businesses that anybody can do. You don’t need inventory. You don’t even have to deal with shipping and handling.

All you need to do is upload your designs to a site like Printful or Redbubble, and they’ll handle printing and shipping for you. You can put your designs on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and anything else people like to customize.

3. Upcycle Furniture

Turn old, beat-up furniture into something people will actually pay for. A bit of paint and some elbow grease can go a long way.

Don’t have old furniture laying around?

No worries, people give away free (sometimes surprisingly good condition) items on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace all the time. Just pick them up, clean and paint, then sell them on the same platforms.

Service-Based Businesses

Not big on selling stuff?

No problem.

Here are a few great service-based businesses that you can start with less than $100. Heck, some you can start with no money.

4. Freelance Writing or Editing

If you’re good with words, you can start making money from your laptop today. For a lot of people, freelancing is the first way they made their first dollar online. And for many, it is their main source of income.

What’s great about freelancing is you don’t have to invest a single dollar to get started. All you need is your skills and willingness to work hard.

Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to land your first writing or editing gigs.

5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you are like me and love animals, a pet sitting or dog walking business is a dream business.

You don’t need any fancy gear. All you need is reliability and maybe some dog treats.

Start by asking friends or posting on local Facebook groups. Start from your own neighborhood and expand as your business grows.

6. House Cleaning Services

Most of us already have basic cleaning supplies at home.

If you’re detail-oriented and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, this is a great way to make steady money. Make your first few customers happy, and you’ll soon be getting more work through word of mouth.

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

7. Painting Homes

If you are good at painting, you can start a residential painting business with around $100.

With just a few basic tools, like paint brushes, rollers, and a few tarps (most of us already have these in our garage or shed), you can offer interior or exterior painting services in your local area.

8. Consulting

If you’ve got experience in a specific field, like marketing, finance, HR, or even parenting, you can actually make good money offering your advice to people and companies as a consultant.

9. Window Cleaning Business

One of the oldest and still among the most profitable businesses around, window cleaning services have high demand.

Plus, it’s also an excellent option to consider for those just out of a job or looking for something to establish a business with.

10. Lawn Mowing

Ok, so this one is very easy and one of the first ways most of us made money as kids and teens.

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.

Digital Businesses

If you like the idea of working from home in your PJs, a digital business is perfect for you.

Here are a few easy digital businesses you can start for under $100.

11. Blogging

Start a blog with budget-friendly hosting (like Bluehost or SiteGround), then make money through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links. It takes time, but the payoff can be big.

Don’t know how to start?

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

12. Online Courses or Tutoring

Good at something?

Teach it!

Use platforms like Teachable or Outschool to create your own course or tutor students online.

13. Social Media Management

Lots of small businesses know they need social media, but they either don’t know how to do it or don’t have the time for it. So they are willing to pay someone to do it for them.

If you use social media and know the ins and outs of using it to draw attention, you could launch a small social media management business with less than $100.

To get your first few clients, stop by a few local small businesses and offer them your service at a discount.

14. Virtual Assistant

If you’re organized and good at managing tasks, becoming a virtual assistant is a solid way to make money from home.

You can help business owners or entrepreneurs with things like email, scheduling, or social media.

All you need is a laptop and the internet.

To get started, use platforms like Belay, Time Etc., and Boldly to find virtual assistant jobs.

Gig Economy Opportunities

Don’t want to commit to one thing full-time? The gig economy gives you the freedom to earn on your own schedule, with very little upfront cost.

Using the gig economy, anybody can start a small business without needing a lot of financial investment. You may not even need $100 to start your business.

15. Rideshare Driving

We all know about rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. If you aren’t already using them as a side hustle, this can be a great way to make money.

All you need is your car and a clean record. Then sign up with apps like Uber or Lyft to get going.

16. Delivery Services

Another easy-to-start side business that costs not even a hundred dollars to launch.

In fact, you don’t even need to spend a dime to start a delivery business thanks to apps like DoorDash, Instacart, and Postmates that let you deliver food, groceries, packages, and more.

17. Task-Based Platforms

If you are handy and find yourself fixing things around your house, you could start a small handyman business.

In the old days, you had to do everything yourself, like finding clients, billing, and all the rest. But now, thanks to apps like TaskRabbit, you can get paid to help people with things like moving, furniture assembly, or even waiting in line without having to spend time finding clients.

More Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $100

If you’re looking for even more ways to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, there are plenty of options that require little to no upfront investment.

Here are a few more ideas you can consider:

18. Personal Trainer
19. Dropshipper
20. Personal Chef
21. Photography
22. Affiliate Marketing
23. Caregiver
24. Event Management
25. Lawncare
26. Mobile Detailing
27. Personal Concierge
28. Babysitter
29. Professional Organizer

These are just a few examples of businesses you can start with under $100. The key is to find one that fits your skills and passion, and take that first step toward starting your own business.

Final Thoughts on $100 Businesses

As you can see, there are a lot of businesses you can start with $100 or less.

The key is to pick something that fits your skills, interests, and lifestyle. Once you find that, don’t overthink it, just take the first step and get going.

You can treat them either as a side hustle business that makes you extra cash whenever you have free time or your full-time business that becomes your primary source of income.

Either way, you can start any of these businesses with less than $100!