Top 15 Business Ideas to Start with 100 Dollars In 2025

The scaling tips to turn $100 into income

If you’re searching for business ideas to start with 100 dollars, this guide gives you 15 practical, low-risk business models you can launch in 2025 with clear step-by-step actions, exact startup cost breakdowns, and marketing moves so your $100 doesn’t just sit in a wallet ~ it becomes the seed of a real income stream. Read one idea all the way through, pick one that fits your skills, and you’ll have a launch plan by tonight.

How to use this guide

1. Read the short idea descriptions and cost breakdowns.
2. Pick 1–2 ideas that match skills & local demand.
3. Follow the step-by-step launch plan for the idea you choose.
4. Use the scaling tips and the low-budget marketing tactics to grow fast.

1) Freelance micro-services (writing, design, voiceover)

Why it works: You sell time and skills ~ near-zero material costs. If you already have a smartphone or laptop, $100 is mostly for a few paid listings, a clean logo, or a premium gig photo.

Startup budget (example):

• Domain/portfolio (optional): $12 (domain) + $3 for cheap hosting trial = $15
• Logo/cover design (Fiverr/Canva Pro style assets): $20
• Premium gig/photo mockup: $10
• Total ≈ $45 (keeps under $100)

Step-by-step launch (fast):

1. Pick a niche (e.g., 300-word landing pages, LinkedIn bios, 30-sec voiceovers).
2. Create three gig/service packages (basic, standard, premium).
3. Build a one-page portfolio (use free Carrd, or a cheap domain + template).
4. List services on Fiverr/Upwork/PeoplePerHour and on Instagram/LinkedIn.
5. Deliver 5-star service, ask for reviews, reinvest earnings into promoted gigs.

Marketing: DM local businesses, post before/after samples on social, and ask friends for referrals.

Scaling: Raise prices, create retainer packages, hire subcontractors later.

👉 READ ALSO: If I Have to Start With 0 Dollars, This Is Exactly What I Will Do

2) Reselling & thrift flipping (clothes, electronics)

Why it works: Buy low, sell higher on marketplaces ~ knowledge + an eye for value wins.

Startup budget:

• Initial inventory (thrift finds/garage sales): $60
• Cleaning/supplies and listing materials: $15
• Transport/packaging: $15
• Total = $90

Step-by-step launch:

1. Research hot resale niches (brand tees, vintage denim, small electronics).
2. Spend $60 sourcing 5–10 items with resale margin (e.g., buy at $5–$20, aim to resell at $30–$80).
3. Clean/repair items, photograph with natural light, write honest listings.
4. List on Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local marketplaces.
5. Reinvest profits into better inventory.

Marketing: Use clear photos, keyword-rich titles (include brand, size, condition), and cross-list.

Scaling: Build a brand store, bulk-source via flea markets, or open a simple Shopify store later.

3) Print-on-demand (POD) merch — T-shirts & mugs

Why it works: No inventory, you design and provider prints/ships per order.

Startup budget:

• Basic design tools/presets or Canva Pro monthly: $12 (or free Canva)
• 5 mockups and sample prints: $40
• Shopify/marketplace trial or Etsy listing fees: $10–$20
• Total ≈ $62

Step-by-step launch:

1. Pick a niche (local slang, hobby jokes, micro-niche fandoms).
2. Create 5 winning designs using free templates or low-cost freelancers.
3. Set up a POD storefront on Etsy, Shopify + Printful, or Redbubble.
4. Create SEO-optimized product titles and descriptions with niche keywords.
5. Promote via Instagram reels or TikTok showing the mockups in context.

Marketing: Use organic short video content and micro-influencers for low-cost promotions.

Scaling: Add seasonal designs, test ads, and add variants (hoodies, phone cases).

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4) Handmade crafts (candles, soaps, jewelry)

Why it works: High perceived value, repeat customers, local markets.

Startup budget:

• Raw materials for first batch (wax, molds, essential oils) or beads/wire: $55
• Labels & packaging: $20
• Farmers market/market stall listing or promo: $25
• Total = $100

Step-by-step launch:

1. Choose one product to perfect (e.g., soy candles with two scents).
2. Make 10–20 units, refine quality and packaging.
3. Photograph products for listings and Instagram.
4. Sell via Etsy, local markets, and neighborhood WhatsApp groups.
5. Collect reviews and offer a subscription/refill program.

Marketing: Local pop-ups, giveaway collaborations with micro-influencers.

Scaling: Wholesale to boutiques, add seasonal/limited editions.

5) Digital products (templates, eBooks, planners)

Why it works: Create once, sell many times ~ huge margins.

Startup budget:

• Design templates (Canva Pro optional): $12 (monthly) or free Canva + premium assets $20
• Marketplaces or simple shop setup: $10
• Total ≈ $32–$42

Step-by-step launch:

1. Pick a high-demand digital product: Instagram templates, budget spreadsheet, ebook on micro-skills.
2. Create a polished product using Canva or Google Sheets.
3. Price competitively ($5–$30).
4. Sell on Gumroad, Etsy, or a simple landing page.
5. Upsell bundles or offer a paid newsletter.

Marketing: Share free samples on LinkedIn/Twitter to build trust.

Scaling: Expand product line, create bundles and license rights for agencies.

6) Social media management for local businesses

Why it works: Many small shops need presence but not full-time staff.

Startup budget:

• Branded pitch deck/template: $10 (template)
• Simple scheduling tool subscription (first month): $12
• Ads or printed flyers for outreach: $30
• Total ≈ $52

Step-by-step launch:

1. Offer a 30-day growth package (content calendar, 12 posts, 2 boosted posts).
2. Create templates to speed production.
3. Pitch 10 local businesses via email, DM, or in-person.
4. Do a low-cost pilot and collect testimonials.
5. Move clients to monthly retainers.

Marketing: Offer a free audit, show before/after metrics.

Scaling: Hire a content creator and manage multiple clients as a small agency.

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7) Virtual Assistant (VA) services

Why it works: Wide demand — admin, email management, booking, research.

Startup budget:

• Upwork/Fiverr fees for initial listing & small sample tasks: $20
• Branded proposal template & minimal ads: $30
• Total = $50

Step-by-step launch:

1. Define 3 core VA services (email triage, calendar, travel booking).
2. Create a clear pricing table (hourly & retainer).
3. Pitch solopreneurs, podcasters, and consultants.
4. Use time-tracking and deliverables to build trust.
5. Upsell specialized services (social media scheduling, CRM setup).

Marketing: Leverage LinkedIn outreach for remote founders; offer a 2-hour trial.

Scaling: Build a small VA team and sell packages.

8) Online tutoring & micro-courses

Why it works: Teach a skill you know — language, Excel, coding fundamentals.

Startup budget:

• Basic mic or webcam upgrade: $30
• Course landing page or Gumroad setup: $10
• Ads or boosted social post: $30
• Total ≈ $70

Step-by-step launch:

1. Define a 4-session micro-course (e.g., “Excel for Small Businesses ~ 4 Days”).
2. Record short lessons or host live sessions via Zoom.
3. Price for fast value (e.g., $25–$100 per student).
4. Collect testimonials, then create an evergreen version.
5. Offer 1-on-1 coaching for premium pricing.

Marketing: Use local community groups, schools, and targeted Facebook ads.

Scaling: Package into recorded courses and sell evergreen.

9) Mobile car wash & detailing service

Why it works: Low overhead, recurring customers, immediate cash flow.

Startup budget:

• Basic cleaning kit (soap, microfiber towels, bucket): $40
• Portable vacuum or attachments: $40
• Printed flyers & local ads: $20
• Total = $100

Step-by-step launch:

1. Practice a professional 30-minute exterior wash and interior vacuum.
2. Offer a launch special to neighbors and parking lots.
3. Use WhatsApp groups and Facebook Marketplace for bookings.
4. Ask each satisfied customer for referrals and repeat bookings.
5. Add premium services (wax, interior shampoo).

Marketing: Post before/after shots; incentivize referrals.

Scaling: Hire 1 helper, take corporate parking contracts.

👉 READ ALSO: How I Earned $2,500/Month with Whop Clipping & Content Rewards

10) Pet care & dog walking

Why it works: Always in demand ~ low startup costs, steady clients.

Startup budget:

• Leashes, waste bags, basic first-aid kit: $25
• Branded flyers & local posts: $25
• Insurance/registration (optional first month savings): $50
• Total = $100

Step-by-step launch:

1. Offer dog walks, pet sitting, and drop-in visits.
2. Get references and do a free meet-and-greet.
3. Use Rover, local Facebook groups, and neighborhood apps.
4. Offer packages/weekly plans for steady income.
5. Collect photos and testimonials to build trust.

Marketing: Share cute dog photos with owner permission; partner with local vets/groomers.

Scaling: Hire walkers or offer daycare.

11) Low-budget dropshipping (test products)

Why it works: No inventory, test multiple products with small ad spend.

Startup budget:

• Domain + basic Shopify trial: $29 (monthly) or use free marketplace alternative: $0–$30
• Product sample (one product to test quality): $20
• Small ad test budget (Facebook/Instagram): $50
• Total ≈ $99

Step-by-step launch:

1. Find a product with proven demand on AliExpress or a supplier.
2. Order 1 sample to verify quality.
3. Create a niche landing page with strong product photos and copy.
4. Run very small ad tests ($5–$10/day) to validate demand.
5. If converting, scale ad spend and add similar SKUs.

Marketing: Use UGC-style short videos & influencer barter deals.

Scaling: Move to hybrid model with stock of winning SKUs.

12) Affiliate micro-niche blog or newsletter

Why it works: Passive income potential ~ start on a free platform, scale with SEO.

Startup budget:

• Domain + basic hosting: $15 (optional) or use free Substack/Medium: $0
• Content promotion (boosting best post): $30
• Keyword research tool trial or template: $20
• Total ≈ $65

Step-by-step launch:

1. Pick a tight micro-niche (e.g., “budget travel for Lagos commuters” or “cheap home office gear”).
2. Publish 10 well-optimized posts or newsletter issues.
3. Add affiliate links to quality products (Amazon, ShareASale, local affiliates).
4. Promote via social and niche forums.
5. Optimize top posts for search and expand content.

Marketing: Email-first strategy ~ collect emails on day one.

Scaling: Hire writers, expand to YouTube/shorts for traffic diversification.

13) Micro-consulting / paid discovery calls

Why it works: Charge for your expertise ~ pocket high hourly rates for short sessions.

Startup budget:

• Branded booking page (Calendly Pro month): $15
• Minimal LinkedIn outreach automation credit or ads: $45
• Professional photo or profile polish: $40
• Total = $100

Step-by-step launch:

1. Package a 60-minute paid discovery call ($50–$150) solving one specific problem.
2. List benefits and outcomes, be concrete (e.g., “I’ll audit your funnel and give 3 fixes”).
3. Promote on LinkedIn and to your past network.
4. Deliver massive value and offer paid follow-up engagements.
5. Convert satisfied callers into retainer clients.

Marketing: Share case studies and one free micro-tip post to drive trust.

Scaling: Productize the audit into a paid downloadable report.

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14) No-code automation & Zapier/Airtable setups

Why it works: Small businesses pay to automate repetitive tasks; you need knowledge not heavy dev costs.

Startup budget:

• Zapier or Make subscription (1st month): $20
• Small ad or LinkedIn outreach: $30
• Template building assets: $20
• Total = $70

Step-by-step launch:

1. Learn common automations (lead capture → CRM → Slack → Google Sheets).
2. Create 3 turnkey templates you can sell/implement quickly.
3. Pitch local service businesses (real estate agents, restaurants) with live demos.
4. Charge a setup fee + monthly maintenance.
5. Offer training to the client’s team.

Marketing: Publish short demo videos showing time saved (e.g., “From 2 hours → 5 minutes”).

Scaling: Create a marketplace of templates and white-label offerings.

15) Event photography & photo editing (mobile-first)

Why it works: Photos are always needed and clients pay per event; start with phone photography + editing.

Startup budget:

• Softbox/portable lighting or clip-on lens: $40
• Basic editing app subscription or presets: $20
• Flyers / online listing: $30
• Total = $90

Step-by-step launch:

1. Build a small portfolio (ask friends/family for free shoots).
2. Offer event mini-packages (30-min coverage + 20 edited photos).
3. Use Instagram and local groups to show before/after edits.
4. Deliver fast and include a printed mini-album upsell.
5. Reinvest into a better lens or second-hand camera when earnings allow.

Marketing: Target local event planners and churches; offer trial discounts.

Common low-budget marketing tactics (works for every idea)

• Short-form video (TikTok/Reels) showing the process — this builds trust quickly.
• Local Facebook/WhatsApp groups and neighborhood marketplaces.
• Partnerships with complementary local businesses (barter promotions).
• Offer first-customer discounts and referral rewards.
• Reinvest 20–30% of first profits into paid ads or better tools.

Quick 30-day action plan (one-page checklist)

1. Choose ONE idea from the list.
2. Create a one-page offer: what, who for, price.
3. Make three social posts showing product/service or proof.
4. Speak to 10 potential customers (DMs, calls, in-person).
5. Close at least one sale.
6. Deliver and ask for a testimonial.
7. Reinvest profit into marketing or equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (short)

Q: Can I really start with just $100?
A: Yes ~ many service & digital models rely on skills, not capital. Use the $100 to validate demand and buy one or two essential items (samples, listing fees, ad test).

Q: Which idea is fastest to get paying customers?
A: Freelance microservices, VA work, reselling, and tutoring often lead to first sales within days.

Q: How do I know which idea fits me?
A: Pick something you can deliver confidently and that has local or online demand. If unsure, test 3 quick offers and see which gets traction.

Final thoughts & next steps

This guide gave you 15 tested business ideas to start with 100 dollars plus exact steps and budgets. The fastest path to success is picking one idea, shipping a simple offer, and getting the first paying customer. Want help choosing the best idea for your skills or a ready-made launch checklist for one specific idea? Tell me which idea you liked and I’ll draft a 7-day launch plan you can follow step-by-step.

Quick resources (recommended reading)

• U.S. Small Business Administration — starting & financing basics:
• Shopify blog — starting a business with little money:
• Forbes — small business ideas & trends: