You don’t need thousands of dollars to launch a profitable business. Many successful entrepreneurs started with less than $100—using just their skills, creativity, and hustle.
In this guide, we’ll break down 5 real businesses you can start today for $100 or less, including:
✔ Exact startup costs
✔ Step-by-step how to begin
✔ Real income examples
1. Print-on-Demand Store (0–0–50 Startup)
How It Works:
- Design T-shirts, mugs, or posters
- Sell via Printify, Redbubble, or Teespring (no inventory needed)
Startup Costs:
- $0 (free platforms)
- $50 for paid designs (optional)
How to Start:
- Use Canva for designs
- Upload to Redbubble
- Promote on Pinterest/Instagram
Earning Potential:
- 300–300–5,000/month (scales with sales)
2. Freelance Writing ($0 Startup)
How It Works:
- Write blog posts, emails, or web copy for businesses
Startup Costs:
- $0 (just a laptop + internet)
How to Start:
- Sign up on Upwork/Fiverr
- Pitch 10 businesses/day
- Charge 50–50–500/article
Earning Potential:
- 1,000–1,000–10,000/month (with 5–10 clients)
3. Reselling Thrift Store Finds (50–50–100 Startup)
How It Works:
- Buy undervalued items at thrift stores
- Resell on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace
Startup Costs:
- 50–50–100 for initial inventory
How to Start:
- Hunt for brand-name clothes, books, or electronics
- List with professional photos
- Price 2–5x purchase cost
Earning Potential:
- 500–500–3,000/month (part-time)
4. Social Media Management ($0 Startup)
How It Works:
- Manage Instagram/TikTok for small businesses
Startup Costs:
- $0 (just your phone)
How to Start:
- Offer free trial to a local business
- Charge 300–300–1,000/month per client
Earning Potential:
- $1,500+/month (with 3–5 clients)
5. AI-Powered Side Hustles (20–20–100 Startup)
How It Works:
- Use AI tools to create logos, videos, or eBooks
Startup Costs:
- $20/month (ChatGPT Plus)
- $50 for Canva Pro
How to Start:
- Generate AI content (eBooks, templates)
- Sell on Etsy/Gumroad
Earning Potential:
- 500–500–5,000/month (passive income)
Which Business Should You Choose?
| Business | Startup Cost | Time to $1K/Month | Passive? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print-on-Demand | 0–0–50 | 3–6 months | ✅ Yes |
| Freelance Writing | $0 | 1–3 months | ❌ No |
| Reselling | 50–50–100 | 1–2 months | ❌ No |
| Social Media Mgmt | $0 | 1–2 months | ❌ No |
| AI Side Hustles | 20–20–100 | 1–3 months | ✅ Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Start today—no need to overthink
- Reinvest profits to grow faster
- Scale with systems (outsource tasks)
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”