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31 Business Startup Ideas That Cost Less Than $100

Written by on February 15, 2017

With 2017 just starting, many hopeful entrepreneurs have their eyes set on starting their own businesses.

But when they consider the costs associated with starting a  new business, they begin to become doubtful. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many business ideas you can get started on today that require less than $100 to start.

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Let’s look at the 31 best business startup ideas that will cost you less than $100.

There are nearly limitless business ideas that revolve around computers and the internet
There are nearly limitless business ideas that revolve around computers and the internet

Youtube Vlogger

You don’t need a professional camera crew to do Youtube vlogging. The more personal, the better, and you can use your camera, smartphone or laptop to record yourself.

Essentially, the costs are very low and all it takes is time and some great topics. This is one of the best and most fun business startup ideas.

Blogger

With many free blogging sites, you can get started on creating your blog for absolutely no price. You don’t need ads, and SEO optimization and social media are practically free.

You can earn money through your blog by posting recipes, reviews, or interesting topics.

Tutor/Trainer

One of the best and relatively easiest things to do is to become a tutor in a skill that you have.

This can be anything like piano, guitar, languages (such as an ESL teacher) or many other things that people are always willing to pay for. You have everything you need (your knowledge) and y iour student will provide the rest.

Freelancer

You can hire yourself out as a bartender, cleaner, driver, or anything else that you are skilled at.

Freelancing is the heart of the new gig economy, and more people are willing to hire short-term or contract-based. This means you don’t need any money to get started.

Handyman

While bigger jobs require bigger and more expensive tools, you can still do the small jobs. After all, most handyman jobs are small jobs. You only need your basic tools that you already probably have, or that won’t cost too much.

Check out our free guide on how to get started on your new handyman career.

How to Start a Profitable Handyman Business The handyman business is ripe for new entrants in this growing economy. Check out our full guide on how to start and succeed in your new handyman business. READ MORE

House sitting

With the economy bouncing back healthily, many people are going on vacation. Instead of them worrying about the house safety or plant health, they can hire you.

This requires absolutely no investment, and you can ask your neighbors, friends and family if they need a house sitter.

Dog walking

Many full-time working pet owners have dogs that need to be walked constantly. Unfortunately, they don’t have the time for that, which is where you come in.

Little to no starting costs, and all you need is to be good with pets. Check out our full guide for more tips on how to get started in dog care.

Lawn care

With spring coming up soon, many homeowners want to have a beautiful lawn to look at. However, they won’t have the time, which is where your lawn care services can come in handy.

You’ll need a green thumb and a few basic tools for less than $100. Check out our full lawn care guide for more information.

Grocery deliverer

The delivery business is booming, but many cities and areas don’t qualify yet. You can help bridge that gap by offering your grocery delivery services. All you’ll need is a car and you’re good to go.

Making educational products

Instead of tutoring one-to-one, you can offer your knowledge in other forms. Create ebooks, online courses, or video tutorials to teach others about your specific skills.

Because of the extremely low cost of making digital copies, this is one of the most lucrative business startup ideas.

You can create and sell ebooks or other digital educational materials for very low startup costs
You can create and sell ebooks or other digital educational materials for very low startup costs

Window cleaning

Cleaning in general is one of those chores that everyone hates to do—especially window cleaning.

Most people are willing to pay to have their windows cleaned, and it only requires a few basic tools.

Programmer

Learning how to code is one of the best things you can do in the 21st century. Computers run so much of the social and business world. Companies and entrepreneurs need good programmers, and you can do it right from your own computer.

App developer

Apps are all the rage, and there’s no sign of their slowing down. Get in on the industry by creating apps for entrepreneurs and businesses.

All you need is a good computer and great skills.

Social media consultant/manager

Although social media is important for any business, most owners just don’t have the time. You can help by offering your services (remotely). Even better, you can do it at any time of the day!

Virtual assistant

Most busy people have lots of tasks that they don’t have time to complete. You can become a Virtual Assistant to help them with those tasks. Even better, it’s remote work, so you’ll never have to leave home.

How to Break into the Virtual Assistant Market The Virtual Assistant market is expected to grow by 22% within the next 6 years. How do you get started and how can you succeed? Read our guide to find out! READ MORE

Affiliate marketing

If your blog is successful and you have many engaged readers, you can start affiliate marketing. This allows you to review or use a product in your blog posts. When someone clicks on the link you put in, you’ll get a commission from the sales.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products through your ecommerce shop without ever needing to touch any inventory. The buyer buys from your site, and you place the order. Your supplier sends it directly to the buyer, and you get to keep the profits.

Snow removal

Help your neighbors, friends and family by getting rid of their snow. Of course, you’ll have to live in colder climates, but it can be really lucrative. This is especially true for snow-heavy locations.

Pet care

Many pet owners unfortunately don’t have time to fully take care of their pets. This is because they have a day job, but they are willing to pay you to do it.

All you’ll need is to have a love of pets and experience in understanding their needs.

Computer repair and maintenance

Virtually everyone you know has a computer, and more than 90% of them have a problem at one time or another. Don’t do it for free! Help them out, and get paid for it. If you’re really good and fast, it can be quite lucrative.

If you are good with computers and fixing them, you already have many business ideas you can explore for less than $100
If you are good with computers and fixing them, you already have many business ideas you can explore for less than $100

Life coaching

If you’re good at listening and helping people discover solutions to their problems, you should consider life coaching. With an average hourly rate of $229, you have lots of space for a great income.

Homemade beauty products

Did you know that you can make quality soap and beauty products with very little money? All it takes is time and skill, but if you have that touch, this is a great business startup idea.

Digital design

Digital things are famously low-cost, and digital design is another aspect. You don’t even need the fanciest software—just a great eye for detail, color and message.

Personal trainer

If you have lots of experience helping people overcome their weight or physical challenges, this one’s for you. All you need is some basic equipment (which your student may even have) and the right training.

Content creator

Many small businesses, SaaS and other companies have blogs and websites. These require great content updated on a daily or weekly basis. With amazing writing skills, you can help create fantastic content for these websites with no investment needed at all.

100 Great Business Ideas You Can Start On Today [UPDATED 2024] Want to start a business in 2017 but you have no idea where to start? Check out our list of the 100 best business ideas you can start on today! READ MORE

Small bakery

Although many bakeries have large, expensive equipment, for many everyday baking products, you just need your oven. That, and some fantastic baking skills. You can sell your cookies, biscuits, loaves, croissants and more and make a good amount of money.

Sharing economy jobs

This one absolutely requires almost no startup costs. You can use your car (for services such as Uber), your home (Airbnb) and many others. Make great money with very little investment!

Dating consultant/matchmaker

One of those businesses that will rarely go out of style. Matchmaking is always popular as many adults are often too busy for the hassle of the dating scene. Help them out and get into a wonderfully lucrative market.

Property managing

Many businesses and real estate entrepreneurs have multiple properties but no time for the daily maintenance needs. That’s where you come in. Even better, there’s no real startup investment needed.

Fashion & Crafts

With such great services as CafePress and Etsy, you can create and sell your crafts and fashion items easily. No business hassle of dealing with suppliers. Just design, sell, and get paid.

Packing service

No one likes the moving process. With very few skills needed and almost no investment, you can start a packing service soon. Just be organized, careful and detailed, and you’ll be off to a great, low-cost business.

For virtually no initial investment, you can set up a packing business
For virtually no initial investment, you can set up a packing business

The best business startup ideas…

All of these are some fantastic, low-cost business ideas that you can start on today. But the most important thing is that you start.

Once you do, you’ll see how lucrative your new business will be.

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