“7 Small Business Ideas You Can Start With $100 or Less”

Starting a business doesn’t always require a massive budget, a fancy office, or a team of employees. In fact, some of the most successful entrepreneurs began with nothing but an internet connection, a laptop, and a strong desire to create something meaningful.

If you’ve got $100 or less to invest, don’t worry — there are still plenty of legitimate small business ideas that can get you earning real income. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, here are 7 small business ideas you can start today on a shoestring budget.

1. Freelance Writing or Editing

Startup Cost: $0–$50

If you have a knack for words, you can turn that talent into cash. Businesses, blogs, and startups are constantly in need of content — whether it’s website copy, blog posts, or marketing materials.

What you need:

A free portfolio site (try Contently, WordPress, or even Medium itself)

A few samples of your writing

Optional: Grammarly Premium or Hemingway Editor for cleaner writing

Start by offering services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn. You can niche down into areas like copywriting, technical writing, or social media content as you grow.

2. Print-on-Demand T-Shirts or Merchandise

Startup Cost: $0–$50

Print-on-demand (POD) is perfect for creative minds. You design the artwork, and a third-party service handles printing, inventory, and shipping. You only pay after you make a sale.

What you need:

Free tools like Canva or Photopea for design

A POD platform like Printful, Redbubble, or TeeSpring

Basic marketing skills (social media helps!)

Many entrepreneurs use Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok to promote their products. With $100, you can even run a few test ads to boost visibility.

3. Social Media Management

Startup Cost: $0–$100

Small businesses want to be active on social media but often don’t have the time. That’s where you come in.

What you need:

Experience with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok

Free scheduling tools (like Buffer or Later)

Optional: Canva Pro for content creation

Start by managing social media for one small business or influencer. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates or offer full content packages.

4. Reselling Thrifted Items Online

Startup Cost: $20–$100

This is a great option for anyone who enjoys treasure hunting. Buy undervalued or vintage items at local thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks, and resell them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.

What you need:

An eye for valuable or trendy items

A phone with a camera for taking photos

Access to local thrift stores or yard sales

Use a portion of your $100 to build up an initial inventory. Many resellers start with clothes, shoes, or books — items that ship easily and have decent markups.

5. Virtual Assistant Services

Startup Cost: $0–$50

Virtual assistants (VAs) are in demand — especially by online business owners and entrepreneurs. Tasks might include email management, data entry, appointment scheduling, or customer service.

What you need:

Good communication and organization skills

A professional-looking résumé or portfolio

Optional: Set up a basic website with Google Sites or Carrd

With platforms like Belay, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour, it’s easier than ever to find your first client. As your experience grows, so does your earning potential.

6. Notion or Canva Template Business

Startup Cost: $0–$50

Digital products are booming, and templates are one of the easiest ways to get started. You can create productivity templates, business planners, CV designs, or content calendars — all using free tools like Notion or Canva.

What you need:

A free Canva or Notion account

Basic design and layout skills

A place to sell (like Etsy or Gumroad)

Once created, these products can sell over and over again with zero inventory or shipping hassles. Use your budget to market your product or get an Etsy listing up and running.

7. Online Tutoring or Coaching

Startup Cost: $0–$50

If you’re good at a subject or skill — math, languages, design, music, writing — you can teach it online. There’s always someone out there who wants to learn what you already know.

What you need:

Expertise in a subject or skill

A Zoom account or access to a platform like Superprof or Wyzant

Optional: A simple website or Google Doc outlining your offer

Tutoring doesn’t have to be academic either — you can coach people on mindset, productivity, resumes, or even how to use Excel or Canva. Get your first few clients through social media or local Facebook groups.

🌱 Getting Started on a Budget

Here’s how to stretch your $100 across almost any of these ideas:

$0–20: Domain name or basic landing page

$0–30: Premium Canva or writing tools

$0–50: Running small ads or boosting posts on social media

$0–50: Buying thrift items or creating first products

The key isn’t having money — it’s using what you have wisely and consistently.

🔑 Final Thoughts

A small budget shouldn’t stop you from starting a business. Most of these ideas require more time, creativity, and consistency than cash — which means the barrier to entry is super low.

You don’t need a fancy setup. You don’t need to quit your job tomorrow. Just start with what you have, pick one idea, and take action.

Who knows — that $100 hustle could be the first step toward your financial freedom.