20 Affordable Businesses to Start with Less Than $100

You don’t need a lot of money to start a business. In fact, there are many ideas for small businesses that you can start without spending more than $100. Here, I’ll give you some options for starting a business this year that won’t cost you much. These ideas are also great for people who want to make money without investing a lot upfront.

Affordable Business Ideas to Start for Less Than $100

If you want to start a small business but only have $100 or less, there are plenty of industries and niches to consider. Here are some of the best local and online business ideas that you can start for under $100.

1. Dog Walking Business

If you want a simple business idea that doesn’t need much money to start, consider walking dogs for people in your neighborhood. You can put up signs or place a small ad in the newspaper to let everyone know you’re available for this service. But the really cool thing is that many of these businesses grow when satisfied customers tell their friends or when you use free websites to advertise.

2. Create Online Courses

Did you know that there are online courses for pretty much anything? Yup, you can learn about business or even how to cook online. It’s super easy to get started too. You can either make your own website or use online teaching platforms to share your lessons with students. You can make videos or create text lessons and workbooks for your students to access when they sign up. Cool, right?

3. Social Media Marketing Service

So, guess what? You can actually make money by helping businesses or influencers boost their presence on social media. It’s a win-win situation! All you need is a phone or computer and an internet connection to start your own social media business. I mean, who doesn’t already have those? But here’s the catch: you should know a thing or two about social media marketing before you dive in.

4. SEO Service

Hey there, let’s talk about search engine optimization (SEO). Many businesses are really into this stuff. It’s all about making websites more easily found when people search online. If you know your way around SEO, you can connect with business owners online and offer your services. You don’t need any fancy equipment to start an SEO business, and the best part is, you can do it from anywhere.

5. Mobile Detailing Service

If you’re a car enthusiast, here’s a business idea for you. Help drivers in your area keep their vehicles spick and span with a mobile detailing service. All you need are some basic cleaning supplies like cloths, squeegees, and automotive cleaning solutions to get started. And the best part? You can go directly to your clients to do the work, so you don’t need a physical location.

6. House Sitting: Make Money by Taking Care of Homes

When someone goes on vacation or leaves their house unattended, they need someone to watch over their home. That’s where you come in! House sitting is a simple and rewarding business idea. All you have to do is stay at or check in on a client’s house while they’re away. It’s a great opportunity, especially if you live in an area where many people go away during the summer or winter.

But don’t limit yourself to just house sitting! You can make even more money by offering additional services like pet sitting. Take care of their furry friends and earn some extra cash while you’re at it!

7. Errand Service: Helping Your Community and Earning Money

Everyone gets busy sometimes and could use a helping hand. That’s where you come in! By starting an errand service, you can assist busy people in your community with their day-to-day tasks and get paid for it. Whether it’s grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or running other errands, you’ll be the reliable helper they need.

The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment or upfront purchases to get started. The only thing you may need is reliable transportation. However, if you live in a walkable area or a city with public transportation options, you can easily offer your services without a car. So, why not lend a hand and make some extra cash?

8. House Cleaning Business: Turn Cleaning into Cash

Do you enjoy tidying up and making spaces sparkle? Then starting a house cleaning business might be the perfect choice for you! Many people are too busy to keep their homes clean, and that’s where you come in.

You can offer your cleaning services to individuals or even businesses. Whether it’s vacuuming, dusting, or scrubbing floors, you’ll be responsible for making homes and offices look their best.

Starting a house cleaning business is relatively straightforward. All you need is some basic cleaning supplies, like brooms, mops, and cleaning solutions. If you’re dedicated and provide top-notch service, you’ll soon have a loyal customer base and a profitable business.

If you want to start a house cleaning business, all you need are some basic cleaning supplies and a way to let people know about your services. Some people in this line of work place ads in newspapers or put signs up around their neighborhood. But if you already know some people who might be interested, you can just let them know and your business can grow from there.

9. Personal Training Business

A personal trainer is someone who works with people one-on-one to help them get fit. You might come up with a workout plan that is customized for each person, or you might specialize in a certain type of exercise, like weightlifting. Some personal trainers have their own gym at home, where they use weights or workout mats. Others may team up with a local gym, so that each client can have access to the equipment they need.

10. Landscaping Business

Starting a landscaping business is much easier than you might think. All you really need are a lawnmower and some basic tools for maintenance. And chances are, most homeowners already have these supplies. If you don’t, starting this business might cost a little more than $100. But don’t worry, you can always start small and gradually expand as you make enough money to buy new equipment.

More Awesome Business Ideas You Can Start with Only $100

If you’re not interested in spending a lot of money to start a business, online ideas are perfect for you. These ideas require less than $100 to get started.

11. Online Store

There are so many products you can sell online without spending a fortune upfront. For example, you can sell affordable items like t-shirts or mugs. All you need to do is buy a limited inventory and cover the costs of a website and shipping supplies.

If you’re not quite ready to start your own website yet, you can still get your eCommerce journey started on popular marketplace sites like eBay or Amazon. It’s a great way to test the waters and see if your products or services are in demand.

12. Make Money by Writing

If you enjoy writing, you can offer your services as a freelance writer to businesses and publications. Instead of worrying about creating your own website or publication, you can focus on what you love – writing. You get to choose which assignments to take and let the companies you work with handle the behind-the-scenes stuff.

Writing can be a great side gig to earn some extra cash, especially if you already have writing skills. It’s a flexible option that you can do on the weekends or alongside other projects.

13. Virtual Assistant: Making Life Easier

Did you know that as a virtual assistant, I can help business owners with a bunch of different things? I can manage their inbox, schedule their appointments, and even post on their social media accounts. And guess what? All I need is a computer and an internet connection to do it all! It’s so convenient. Plus, there are plenty of online job boards where I can advertise my services and find clients who need my help. The best part is, a lot of these job boards are totally free to use. How cool is that?

14. Making and Selling Handmade Items

When it comes to starting a handmade business, there are many different opportunities depending on what you want to sell. The great thing is, a lot of these opportunities don’t require a lot of money to start. You can find ways to use free or low-cost supplies, which makes it more affordable.

For instance, let’s say you want to start a jewelry shop. You can actually use recycled materials that you find around your own home to make your jewelry. All you really need to buy are some basic craft supplies and shipping materials. Platforms like Etsy allow you to sell your products to people all over the world with very little upfront cost. You can also sell your creations at craft fairs and flea markets in person, although some of them may charge a small fee.

15. Time to Plan Some Events!

Now, as an event planner, you have the opportunity to help people in your community with their events. Think about it. You could coordinate with vendors and help plan a beautiful wedding. Or, if you’re into business, you can design and market conferences. The possibilities are endless!

16. Consulting

Consulting is an awesome business idea for people who know a lot about something and don’t want to spend too much money to start. Just think about an area where you have a ton of knowledge or experience and figure out how you can help others who are going through the same thing.

For example, if you’ve been an entrepreneur for a while, you could offer consulting services for business or marketing. But there are also experts who focus on personal topics, like being a life coach or giving online dating advice.

Once you find your special niche, all you need is a website that explains what you offer, a way to talk to clients, and maybe some strategies to promote your services.

17. Dropshipping Business

Ever heard of a dropshipping business model? It’s a fancy way of saying that you can run an online shop without actually having to deal with inventory. Pretty cool, right? Instead, you team up with a fulfillment center that takes care of storing and shipping your products for you. Now, depending on what you sell and the service provider you choose, this method can cost you over $100.

But here’s the good news – if you’ve got low-cost items to sell, you can totally get in on this business idea. There are dropshipping providers out there that can connect you to a whole bunch of products that match your budget and interests. So you can start off small and then gradually grow your business as you start earning some moolah.

18. Bookkeeping Service

If you know a lot about money stuff, you can start a bookkeeping service where you help other business owners with their finances. All you really need is a computer and some money software or spreadsheets. There are some versions you have to pay for, but there are also free tools you can use to keep the money records safe. And the best part is, you can make ongoing relationships with your clients and keep making money for a long time.

Another idea is to offer yourself as a translator if you can speak or write in more than one language. You can work for different companies or people and help translate things like special events, audio stuff, and even books.

You don’t need much, if any, equipment to get started. So this business idea might just involve advertising or marketing your services to people who are interested online or in your local community.

20. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers are bloggers and online content creators who share affiliate links with their audiences. When someone buys something through an affiliate link, the person who shared it earns a small commission from each sale.

You can create a whole business around affiliate marketing, or you could use it as an extra way to make money with a blog or influencer business. This idea could be the best one if you want to make passive income without spending a lot of money upfront.

Strategies for Starting a Successful Business on a Tight Budget

Make the Most of Digital Tools

In today’s digital world, there are many online tools and resources that can help make your business run smoothly. By using free or low-cost digital tools for tasks like organizing, sending invoices, managing projects, and keeping track of customer relationships, you can save time and work more efficiently.

Create a Strong Online Presence

Having a strong online presence is extremely important, especially for businesses that primarily operate online. Spend some time building a professional website that looks great and is easy to find on search engines. Also, make sure to be active on social media platforms that your target customers use.

Take Advantage of Free Marketing Techniques

Let’s talk about some awesome ways to promote your business. Word-of-mouth, social media marketing, content marketing, and email newsletters are all amazing ways to get the word out about your business without breaking the bank. By regularly creating and sharing valuable content, you can attract and keep customers coming back for more.

Give Outstanding Customer Service

One of the best ways to stand out from your competitors is by providing exceptional customer service. When customers reach out to you, make sure to respond in a timely manner and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to stick around and spread the word about your business.

Find Ways to Keep Costs Low

Who doesn’t love saving money? It’s important to find ways to keep your operating costs low without compromising the quality of your products or services. This can include negotiating better rates with suppliers, streamlining your processes, or using smart and affordable marketing strategies.

Connect and Collaborate with Others

Networking with fellow business owners and professionals is super important because it can open doors to all kinds of cool opportunities, like partnerships, collaborations, or referrals. So, make sure you attend industry events, join online forums, and get involved in community activities to expand your network.

Be adaptable and keep an open mind

The business world is always changing, so it’s crucial to stay adaptable and be open to new ideas and strategies. Keep learning about your industry, market trends, and business management to keep improving your business.

Set realistic goals and track your progress

It’s important to set clear and achievable goals for your business. Regularly monitor your progress towards these goals so you can stay on track and make informed decisions about the growth and direction of your business.

Can you start your own business with less than $100?

Can you believe it? You can actually start a business for less than $100! It’s true! The only catch is that you won’t need a physical location, a bunch of equipment, or expensive inventory. Instead, you can focus on online businesses that offer services or digital products, which require very little upfront investment.

One example of a low-cost business idea is consulting or offering virtual assistant services. These types of businesses don’t require a lot of resources and can be done remotely.

So, what’s the cheapest business to start?

There are plenty of business ideas out there with low startup costs. However, if you’re looking for a business that requires next to nothing to start, you’ll want to find one that allows you to offer your services on an online platform for free. This way, you can avoid any additional costs. For instance, you can advertise your virtual assistant services on an online marketplace or offer social media management using free social accounts to connect with potential clients.

Now, here comes the exciting part – what’s the most profitable business idea you can start with low capital?

The Easiest Low-Cost Business to Start

Do you want to start a business but worry about the cost? Well, I have good news for you! There are plenty of easy and affordable business ideas that you can start right away. Let me share a few examples with you.

First, there’s the errand service. This business involves running errands for busy people who don’t have the time to do it themselves. You can offer to grocery shop, pick up dry cleaning, or even walk dogs. It’s a simple business that requires no specialized skills, just a willingness to help others.

Another low-cost business idea is a VA business. VA stands for virtual assistant. As a VA, you would provide administrative support to clients remotely. You can help with tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. All you need is a computer and internet connection, making it a convenient and flexible business to start.

Finally, you could consider starting a handmade shop. If you enjoy crafts and creating unique products, this could be the perfect business for you. You can sell your handmade goods online or at local markets. It’s a great way to turn your passion into a profitable business.

In Conclusion

Gone are the days when starting a business required a large amount of money. Now, there are plenty of low-cost business ideas that you can start with less than $100. Not only are these ideas affordable, but they also offer the opportunity for passive income. So if you dream of financial independence without a huge upfront investment, consider starting one of these low-cost businesses. The possibilities are endless!

Can you believe it? The answer to the question, Can you start your very own business for less than $100? is a resounding yes! You absolutely can kickstart a business even if you don’t have a ton of money. The key is to find a business idea that doesn’t require a physical store, expensive equipment, or a bunch of costly inventory.

There are so many online businesses out there that offer services or digital products, and the best part is, you can start them with little to no upfront cost. How cool is that?

In today’s world, everything is becoming more and more digital. And because of that, it’s easier than ever to start a business without breaking the bank. One great option is to offer consulting services. People are always looking for expert advice, and you can offer your knowledge and expertise to help them out.

Another option is to become a virtual assistant. You can provide administrative support to busy individuals or businesses, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. It’s a win-win situation!

And let’s not forget about digital marketing. With so much emphasis on online presence these days, businesses are always in need of help with marketing their products or services. You can offer your skills and knowledge in social media marketing, content creation, or search engine optimization to help businesses succeed.

I have some great ideas for small businesses that you can start without spending a lot of money upfront. Let me share them with you.

1. Dog Walking Business: Have you ever thought about walking dogs for people in your neighborhood? It’s a simple and fun venture. All you need is a love for animals and a few basic supplies. You can advertise your services to pet owners in your community and start earning money right away.

2. Online Course Creator: Do you have a passion for teaching? Why not create online courses on subjects you know well? There are plenty of online teaching platforms that make it easy to share your knowledge with others. The best part is, you don’t need a big investment to get started. Just your expertise and some creativity.

3. Social Media Marketing Service: Are you a pro at using social media? You can use your skills to help businesses and influencers boost their online presence. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can offer services like managing social media accounts, creating content, and running advertising campaigns. It’s a great way to turn your social media know-how into a profitable business.

4. SEO Service: Have you heard of search engine optimization (SEO)? It’s all about helping businesses improve their website’s visibility on search engines like Google. You can offer your expertise in this area and help businesses get more traffic to their websites. The best part is, you can do it all remotely without needing any expensive equipment.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The key is to find something you enjoy doing and turn it into a small business. With a little creativity and determination, you can be your own boss and start making money in no time.

1. Mobile Detailing Service: I specialize in bringing my car detailing services right to your doorstep. You don’t have to worry about finding a physical location or bringing your car to me. I’ll come equipped with all the necessary cleaning supplies to make your car shine.
2. House Sitting: Going on a trip and need someone reliable to watch over your house? Look no further! I offer professional house-sitting services to give you peace of mind while you’re away. If you have pets, I can also take care of them, making sure they’re fed and loved.
3. Errand Service: Are you constantly running out of time to get everything done? Let me help! I provide a convenient errand service, taking care of tasks like grocery shopping and picking up dry cleaning. All you need to do is provide me with a list, and I’ll handle the rest!
4. House Cleaning Business: Want a clean and sparkling home without the hassle? I’m here to help! I offer top-notch house cleaning services at affordable prices. You won’t have to worry about buying cleaning supplies or spending time scrubbing. Leave it to me, and I’ll make your home shine!

I have a couple of business ideas for you that are easy to start and don’t require a lot of money. First, there’s the personal training business. This involves providing one-on-one fitness training services. You can start with basic workout equipment or team up with local gyms. It’s a great way to help people get fit and healthy.

Another idea is a landscaping business. This involves offering lawn care and landscaping services. You don’t need much equipment to get started, just a lawn mower and some basic maintenance tools. It’s a great way to make outdoor spaces beautiful and enjoyable.

In addition to these ideas, there are also plenty of online businesses you can start with less than $100. For example, you could start an online store, do freelance writing, or become a virtual assistant. Other options include starting a handmade business, planning events, doing consulting work, dropshipping, bookkeeping, translation services, and affiliate marketing.

When it comes to affordability, the best businesses are often those that take advantage of free online platforms. This allows you to keep your initial expenses low and get your business off the ground without breaking the bank.

And not only that, but these types of businesses also have very few expenses. All you need is the right skills and the right connections in the industry.

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