Small Budget, Big Potential: Your $100 Startup Starts Here
Starting a business in 2025 doesn’t have to mean taking out a loan or maxing out your credit card. Some of the best online businesses you can start with little money are sitting right in front of you, and all you really need is internet, creativity, and under $100.
So if you’re ready to make money on your own terms without breaking the bank, here’s your cheat sheet to getting started.
How One $100 Hustle Became a Full-Time Business
Two years ago, a friend of mine was juggling two jobs, barely making rent, and feeling stuck. She had no investors, no marketing degree, just a knack for organizing and a laptop.
She did her research on online businesses you can start with little money, and decided to try virtual assistant work. She spent her last $100 on:
A Canva Pro account for a branded portfolio
A domain and one-page website
A $15 Facebook ad to promote her offer in local groups
That was it.
Within 10 days, she landed her first client. By month three, she had five recurring clients and quit her day job. Today, she runs her own agency, and still uses some of the same tools she started with.
The lesson? Most online businesses you can start with little money won’t feel fancy at first. But if you’re consistent, responsive, and just a little resourceful, that $100 can go a long, long way.
1. Freelancing Services
This is one of the easiest online businesses you can start with little money. Offer a skill you already have, design, writing, bookkeeping, admin support, to people who need it.
Startup Costs:
Website domain + hosting: $30–50
Portfolio setup (Google Drive or Canva): Free
Fiverr/Upwork profiles: Free
Check out how we build websites for freelancers
2. Print-on-Demand Products
With platforms like Printful or Printify, you can design T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags without buying inventory upfront. They print and ship everything, you just market the shop.
Startup Costs:
Etsy shop fees: ~$10
Logo design or branding kit: ~$25
Canva (free or Pro trial): $0
3. Digital Templates & Downloadables
Create simple planners, templates, or workbooks using Canva and sell them on Etsy or Gumroad. These are great passive income streams with almost no overhead.
Startup Costs:
Canva Pro (optional): $0–$15
Etsy listing fees: ~$5–10
Basic mockup tool: Free
4. Social Media Management
Local businesses need help with posts, reels, and replying to comments. If you’re already decent at Instagram or TikTok, offer to manage it for them, no storefront needed.
Startup Costs:
Logo or portfolio template: ~$20
Scheduling tool (Later, Buffer): Free
Website or booking link: Free with Linktree
5. Affiliate Blogging or Product Reviews
Start a niche blog or YouTube channel and review products. You earn a cut from every sale made through your links. Great for tech, fashion, kitchen gadgets, and more.
Startup Costs:
Domain + hosting: ~$50
Blog template or theme: Free or ~$25
Amazon Associates or affiliate signups: Free
Tips to Make That $100 Work Hard
You don’t need fancy tools to get started -> just smart ones:
Use free trials (Canva, scheduling tools, Linktree)
Skip branding at first if you need to
Focus on selling before scaling
Watch tutorials, not Netflix
These online businesses you can start with little money work best when you just get going, not when you overthink everything.
Final Thoughts
$100 might not seem like a lot. But paired with time, effort, and the right idea, it can launch something real.
The truth is, most successful entrepreneurs didn’t start with money. They started with a solution and a little guts.
So stop scrolling. Pick one idea. And take the first step. Your future customers are out there, you just need to show up.
Further Reading
Get deeper insights into which online businesses you can start with little money:
Have any questions?
All it takes is $100 and the right idea - Start your online business today.
