7 Businesses You Can Start With $100 or Less

Want to work for yourself? Good news. Starting your own business might be easier than you think. Even better news: you can start your business with a very small investment. Here’s a list of ideas that can get your entrepreneurial juices flowing.

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1. Consultant

If you are a subject matter expert, you can use your skills to build your business as a consultant. You could market yourself as the go-to person for businesses or people looking for services in your field. If you’re good with social media, know the ins and outs of getting a business to succeed on various platforms, you could also explore the option of becoming a social media consultant.

The business may require you to maintain a blog or website with your credentials and insights into the domain you want to consult in.

2. Create and sell stuff

Have your friends always complimented you on your clay art or glass jewelry? If you are the creative kind and can make cool stuff that you know people will like, why not make a business out of it? You can sell your stuff on sites like Etsy.com, Amazon.com, etc. If you make natural and organic products like candles, soaps, check out Abe’s Market. If you have good culinary skills, consider convincing your local bakery to carry your creations before you are ready to start your own personal venture.

3. Blogger/Vlogger

If you are passionate about something and have a lot to say about it, why not start a blog/vlog? (Hopefully, it’s a topic that has a target audience.) Create a niche for yourself in the field of your interest. All you need is a computer, a steady internet connection, and the ability to clearly express your thoughts. Depending on the traffic you attract, you could also earn revenue through ads, contests and giveaways. If you are an ardent YouTuber, you can easily start your own channel, make and upload videos and earn a steady profit. All you need is a camera with a good resolution. Your phone-cam could do, too!

4. Tutoring Services

If you are good at a particular subject and can stay up to date with the school curriculum, you could offer tutoring kids. Spread the word through your local neighborhood groups, friends and fliers. As a tutor, you can also learn through video podcasts and online tutoring, thus expanding your client base.

5. Errands and Delivery Service

Reliable and efficient transportation — your car will probably do — and good people skills is all you need to get into the business. You could offer help from delivering grocery to collecting dry cleaning to picking flowers, and other small errands for a very busy clientele.

6. Personal Shopper

Love shopping? This may be the business for you. This job will require you to understand others’ styles and adapt your shopping habits to suit your clients’ needs. If you are up to date on the latest sales and offerings, you may also be able to delight your customers with your savvy and cost-effective service.

7. Cleaning Service

If you’re willing to clean up other people’s messes, this is a business you could start with an almost zero investment. If eco-friendly is the way to go, check out some cost-effective cleaning products that save money and the planet.

Need more ideas? Check out 100startup.com.

To establish yourself, you will need to put in a lot of sweat equity, market your business, create buzz, follow through with great customer service, and learn and adapt based on feedback, before you take off. All the best!

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