Passionate about becoming an entrepreneur but feel you need a truckload of savings to start? We get it — funding is a legitimate concern. Luckily, today’s tools and technology have not only made setting up and running a business easier but also a lot more affordable.
Here are a few of the top business ideas that require just $100 (or less) to start. You read that right. Just one crisp $100 bill is enough to launch your entrepreneurship journey.
Don’t believe us? Let’s explore some of the best low-investment businesses for 2023 and find out how to start a business with $100.
How Can I Start a Business with $100?
Business opportunities come in all different sizes, and not all require a hefty bank balance. If you're confused about what businesses are lucrative in 2023, we’ve made a list of some easy-to-implement and affordable ideas. The best part: These business ideas are home-based and leverage your interests and existing skill sets.
We'll dive into each option, but here's a quick glimpse:
$100 Startups for 2023
At-Home Senior Caregiver (Non-Medical)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of older adults in the nation will overtake the number of children by 2034. As the population continues to go increasingly gray, their needs will increase as well.
If you’re looking for a low-cost idea, consider becoming an at-home senior caregiver. This in-demand and non-medical role is relatively easy to turn into a manageable business. Also, a typical non-medical home care provider earns around $27 an hour, so you could make up to $50,000 per year or more, depending on how you charge for your services.
Services can include doing housework, accompanying seniors to doctor appointments, or providing concierge services like personal shopping and dropping off/picking up dry cleaning. Market your services via a website, social media platform, or even using physical brochures at doctors’ offices. Remember your target market will include not only your prospective clients, but also their adult children.
One thing to pay attention to is licensing and permits, as some states might require certification for offering personal care. Here’s a full list of requirements by state.
Before getting started, make sure to research your business name and make sure it's available in your state. Use our Business Name Search Tool for guidance:
Holiday Decorator
Have a knack for designing, decorating, and spreading holiday cheer? When it comes to how to start a business with $100, becoming a holiday or party decorator might be a fun and rewarding startup. Everyone loves holiday decor, but few have the time or creativity to execute it. That’s where you come in. Here's another plus — holiday decorating doesn’t require the certification that interior design does.
Identify a decor style or niche by browsing design magazines or Pinterest. As a decorator, even your first client will want to see pictures. Therefore, start by redecorating your own home and taking before-and-after photos. Volunteer to decorate for family and friends, and don’t forget to take pictures for your portfolio.
To keep investment costs low, identify suppliers that will allow you to rent decor items. Promote your business through word of mouth, Instagram, and Facebook. Lastly, you'd also benefit from having a website and listing your business on Google My Business.
Dropshipping Business
In 2021, 17.8% of sales were made online. By 2023, that number is expected to increase to 20.8%, and by 2025, it's expected to shoot up to 23%. Clearly, online businesses — or dropshipping businesses — are extremely hot right now.
Dropshipping is an ecommerce business that doesn't require investment in inventory, so you don’t have to worry about storing, packaging, or shipping your products.
How does it work? Simply set up an online store that offers partner suppliers, and start creating your products. When a product is sold, the product will be shipped directly to the customer from the supplier. You are responsible for marketing and driving traffic to your online store.
Shopify and Amazon are some of the most popular dropshipping platforms, and you can expect to shell out between $0.99 to $40 to get started. Learn more about Amazon's commission fees.
Personal Concierge Services
Immediately thought of hotel concierge services? Well, you aren’t too far off. While a hotel concierge might be asked to help with dinner reservations, a personal concierge might be asked to help with the following:
- Filing and other organizational tasks
- Running personal errands
- Making travel arrangements
- Coordinating household chores
- Buying groceries
- Pet sitting
This business requires no specific degree, certification, or startup investment. However, relevant experience helps. If you have a background as a personal assistant, thrive on doing a variety of things, or are able to multitask, then consider this low-cost business idea.
Identify which services you want to offer, and start promoting them by building a website. To find work, list free ads on Craigslist, create a profile for yourself on Upwork and TaskRabbit, or attend your local chamber of commerce meetings.
Virtual Trainer/Coach
One of the easiest ways to start a business is to offer your own expertise, whether that’s in hairstyling, nutrition planning, or investing. For a virtual trainer or coach, the startup investment costs are close to none. All that's usually required is a computer, broadband internet, and a good pair of headphones. Depending on your area of expertise, you could offer personalized services or group consulting. Identify your niche, build a website, and start promoting your expertise via LinkedIn, your own network, or a social media platform.
Gain credibility in the market by offering free tips or suggestions via short videos or reels. You don’t even need fancy video equipment to make them — your phone will suffice. You can also join LinkedIn industry forums or Facebook groups and answer any relevant questions to further drive traffic to your business.
Home Organizational Consultant
Thanks to Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo," everyone realizes the importance of an organized home or office. However, few know how to go about it. If design and organization are your forte, you can easily start a home organizational consultant business with less than $100.
Create a free, professional website on Wix and set up a profile on Fiverr. Start building testimonials by doing some “free” work for close family and friends. Some home organizers enjoy annual earnings of $110,000. You can add additional income streams through speaking gigs, personal training, or by developing guides and books for DIYers.
While becoming a professional organizer requires no licenses, you can consider joining The National Association of Organizing and Productivity Professionals or the American Society of Professional Organizers, which offer courses and other perks to their members.
Start Your Business — Nothing is Impossible
Got your $100 ready? Great! The year 2023 is a great time to start a business. (If you've got even more saved, consider these $500 business ideas.)
But remember — starting a business with little cash doesn’t mean you can jump in recklessly. To ensure success, you'll need to select the right business entity, have a catchy business name, and secure the pertinent business licenses and permits.
For a smooth start, consider partnering with Incfile. We can help you plan, form, and even manage your new business. Incfile offers a full Business Resource Center for small businesses, including free guides and downloads to help you along the way.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Swara Ahluwalia
Swara Ahluwalia is a freelance content writer with experience in the technical, B2B and SaaS domain. She also has curated content for various lifestyle brands. In her downtime, you will most likely find Swara training for her next marathon or spending time with her two daughters.
