Want to be your own boss but don’t have much startup cash? Good news—you can launch a profitable business with just $100 or less.
Here are 10 low-cost business ideas that require minimal investment but offer serious earning potential.
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
Startup Cost: $0–$50
How to Start: Sign up on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn and offer writing, editing, or proofreading services.
Why It Works:
✔ Businesses always need content.
✔ No upfront costs—just your skills.
✔ Scale by niching down (e.g., resumes, blogs, or legal editing).
2. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
Startup Cost: $0–$50
How to Start: Offer admin help—email management, scheduling, or data entry—via Fiverr, Belay, or Facebook groups.
Why It Works:
✔ Entrepreneurs and small businesses outsource these tasks.
✔ No experience needed for basic tasks.
3. Print-on-Demand Store
Startup Cost: $50–$100
How to Start: Use Printify, Redbubble, or Teespring to sell custom T-shirts, mugs, or phone cases without holding inventory.
Why It Works:
✔ No upfront printing costs—you only pay when you make a sale.
✔ Promote on Instagram, TikTok, or Etsy for free.
4. Social Media Management
Startup Cost: $0–$50
How to Start: Help small businesses post content, engage followers, and run ads.
Why It Works:
✔ Many local businesses need help with Facebook/Instagram.
✔ Learn as you go—free courses on HubSpot or YouTube.
5. Handmade Crafts or Digital Products
Startup Cost: $20–$100
How to Start: Sell handmade jewelry, printables, or stickers on Etsy, Shopify, or at local markets.
Why It Works:
✔ Low material costs (e.g., Canva for digital designs).
✔ High demand for personalized gifts.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Startup Cost: $0–$50
How to Start: Promote products (Amazon, ClickBank) via a blog, Instagram, or TikTok and earn commissions.
Why It Works:
✔ No inventory or customer service needed.
✔ Free to start—just share referral links.
7. Local Services (Cleaning, Pet Sitting, Errands)
Startup Cost: $20–$100
How to Start: Advertise on Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Facebook for dog walking, house cleaning, or grocery delivery.
Why It Works:
✔ People pay for convenience.
✔ Cash payments = quick profits.
8. Online Tutoring or Coaching
Startup Cost: $0–$50
How to Start: Teach a skill (math, language, fitness) via Zoom, Preply, or Wyzant.
Why It Works:
✔ No degree needed—just expertise.
✔ Charge $20–$100/hour.
9. Reselling Thrifted or Flipped Items
Startup Cost: $50–$100
How to Start: Buy undervalued items at thrift stores, garage sales, or Facebook Marketplace and resell on eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari.
Why It Works:
✔ High-profit margins (e.g., vintage clothes, collectibles).
✔ Learn what sells fast with free tools like Terapeak.
10. Micro SaaS or Notion Templates
Startup Cost: $50–$100
How to Start: Sell digital templates (budget planners, productivity trackers) on Gumroad or Payhip.
Why It Works:
✔ One-time creation, recurring income.
✔ Market on Twitter, Pinterest, or Reddit.
Final Tip: Start Small, Scale Fast
You don’t need thousands to launch—just action. Pick one idea, test it, and reinvest profits to grow.
Which business will you try first? Let us know in the comments!
