The $100 Startup: Side Hustles That Actually Work in 2025

The $100 Startup: Side Hustles That Actually Work in 2025

More and more people are looking for ways to supplement their income without quitting their day jobs in today's rapidly changing economy. Start a side business with just $100 (or less) if you want to pay off debt, save for your dream vacation, or build financial independence. The best part? Many of these side gigs require minimal upfront investment but can scale into full-time income if managed well. Here are the most profitable $100 startup ideas that actually work in 2025, along with tips to get started.

Why Start a Side Hustle in 2025?

Before diving into the best side hustles, let’s look at why 2025 is a great year to start:

• Navigating the Rising Cost of Living – With inflation and economic uncertainties, finding ways to supplement your income has never been more important.
• Embrace the Remote Work Boom – There are plenty of side hustles you can tackle right from home or on a schedule that suits you.
• Leverage AI & Automation – Innovative tools now allow you to kickstart a business with minimal investment.
• Capitalize on Gig Economy Growth – Marketplaces like Etsy, Fiverr, and Upwork give you immediate access to a wide customer base.

Let’s dive into some great startup ideas that you can launch for $100 or less today!

1. Print-on-Demand (POD) Business

Cost of starting:50–100

A print-on-demand store is one of the easiest ways to sell custom designs without having to hold inventory if you're creative. Printing, shipping, and customer service are handled by platforms like Printify, Redbubble, and Teespring; you simply upload designs.

How to Get Started:

• Begin by exploring free resources like Canva to design items such as T-shirts, mugs, or posters.
• Launch your shop on Etsy or Shopify—both platforms offer budget-friendly options.

• Utilize social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest to promote your products and attract traffic without spending a dime.

Potential Earnings: $500– $5,000 per month (with scalability).

2.Freelance Writing or Copywriting

Startup Cost: $0–$50 (for a website portfolio)

Every business is on the lookout for engaging content—whether it’s blog posts, catchy social media captions, or persuasive sales copy. If you have a flair for writing, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn can help you find clients eager for your skills.

**How to Get Started:**

• - Develop a portfolio: Draft mock blog posts or social media content to showcase your talent.
• - Offer introductory discounts to your first clients in exchange for feedback and reviews.
• - Reach out directly to small businesses via email or on LinkedIn to present your services.

Potential Earnings:$1,000–$10,000/month (as you grow your client base).

3. AI-Powered Side Hustles

Startup Cost:$50–$100 (depending on AI tools like ChatGPT Plus or Midjourney)

With the rise of AI, numerous earning possibilities have emerged, including:

• - Creating AI-generated eBooks to sell on Amazon KDP.
• - Developing custom chatbots for various businesses using OpenAI’s API.
• - Producing AI voiceovers and offering them on platforms like Fiverr or Voices.com.

How to Start:

Here’s a rewritten version of your text with a more engaging tone:

• - Dive into free tutorials on YouTube to master AI tools.
• - Provide your AI services on gig platforms.
• - Streamline portions of your workflow to enhance your scalability.

4. Local Services (Low-Cash, High-Demand)

Startup Cost: $20 – $100

When it comes to convenience, people are ready to spend. Here are some popular local side hustles to consider:

• - Mobile car detailing
• - Pet sitting or dog walking (check out Rover or Wag)
• - Lawn care or pressure washing (advertise on Facebook Marketplace)

**How to Start:**

• - Begin by offering your services to neighbors or use platforms like Nextdoor.
• - Utilize free marketing methods such as social media and word of mouth.
• - Boost your earnings by upselling add-ons, like offering interior cleaning with car detailing.

Potential Earnings:$500 – $3,000/month (for part-time work).

5. Reselling & Thrifting Flipping

Startup Cost: $50 – $100

Finding undervalued items at thrift stores, garage sales, or on Facebook Marketplace and flipping them for profit on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari can be a lucrative venture.

**Best Items to Flip:**

• - Vintage clothing
• - Electronics (just make sure to test them first)
• - Collectibles (like sneakers, toys, or books)

**How to Start:**

• - Look for bargains at local thrift stores.
• - Check eBay’s sold listings to help you set competitive prices.
• - Capture high-quality photos to attract potential buyers.

Potential Earnings:** $300 – $3,000/month.

6. Virtual Assistant (VA) Business

Startup Cost:$0 – $50 (for a website or LinkedIn Premium)

Busy entrepreneurs and small businesses often turn to VAs to handle:

• - Email management
• - Social media scheduling
• - Customer support

**How to Start:**

• - List your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Belay.
• - To attract clients, consider offering a free trial hour.
• - It’s beneficial to specialize in a niche, such as providing VAs specifically for real estate.

Potential Earnings: $1,000 – $6,000/month. ---

7. Affiliate Marketing (Zero Inventory)

Startup Cost:$0 – $100 (for a domain & hosting)

In affiliate marketing, you can promote products from sites like Amazon or ClickBank and earn commissions without holding any inventory.

**Best Platforms:**

• - TikTok (for viral product reviews)
• - Blogging (focused on SEO-driven content)
• - YouTube (for comparison videos)

**How to Start:**

• Choose a niche, like fitness gadgets.
• Create engaging content that reviews products.
• Incorporate affiliate links to generate passive income.

Potential Earnings:$200 – $10,000+/month (with scalability).

Final Tips for Success in 2025

• Start Small, Experiment Quickly – Avoid heavy investments; ensure your idea has potential first.

• Make Use of Free Resources – Take advantage of tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social media platforms to market your venture without cost.

• Be Persistent – Remember, most side hustles take about 3 to 6 months to start gaining momentum.

• Automate and Delegate – Harness the power of AI and freelancers to help you grow your business.

Conclusion

You don’t need a huge budget to kick off a successful side hustle in 2025. With as little as $100 or even less, you can embark on a journey that could lead to a full-time income. The secret is to take action today—choose one idea, start small, and expand as you gain experience.

Which side hustle are you excited to try first? Share your thoughts in the comments!