- Anahita Parishan
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Start a business less than $100: Starting a business, whether online or offline, is an achievable goal. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a significant amount of money to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Surprisingly, 69% of all U.S. entrepreneurs initiate their businesses from the comfort of their homes. The misconception that you need substantial funds often discourages individuals from taking that initial entrepreneurial leap.
The primary expenses incurred by small businesses usually fall under the advertising and marketing category. Therefore, your primary focus should be to identify a business idea that can either function without these expenses or has budget-friendly methods of promotion.
Let’s delve into 15 business ideas you can explore, even with a limited budget:
1. Consultant
Starting a consultancy business is a fantastic way to begin your entrepreneurial journey on a budget. Consultants offer their expertise and advice to clients in various fields. Your initial investment can be as low as the cost of building a professional website, typically around $60 for web hosting and domain purchase. The key to success as a consultant is leveraging your existing contacts to secure your first clients. Over time, you can expand your reach through social media, maintain a blog to showcase your knowledge, and gather references from satisfied clients. This enables your consultancy business to grow and potentially become a long-term source of income.
Consultancy businesses can evolve beyond solo operations, giving you the flexibility to hire additional consultants or even create and sell courses and eBooks to capitalize on your knowledge. The minimal startup cost makes consultancy an ideal choice for those looking to provide specialized expertise to clients.
2. Social Media Manager
With the increasing importance of digital marketing, businesses are actively seeking social media managers. The role typically involves creating and managing content on social media platforms to increase brand visibility and engagement. Most social media management positions are freelance, allowing you to work on multiple clients simultaneously. The best part is that you can start your career as a social media manager without any significant initial investment.
You can easily find freelance social media management opportunities on job boards like Indeed, FlexJobs, and UpWork. Your primary assets for this business are your creativity and communication skills, as well as your ability to learn and adapt to various social media platforms. Starting as a social media manager is an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to become their own boss.
3. Painting Contractor
Becoming a painting contractor offers a scalable business model with a relatively low entry barrier. To kickstart your career, you can start as an independent contractor, allowing you to work directly with clients and sign contracts in your name. While there are no national qualifications necessary to enter this field, you can benefit from available courses to learn the basics. Consider apprenticeships and the acquisition of necessary licenses according to your state’s requirements. As a painting contractor, you have the potential to build your own business empire over time.
This scalable business model can be initiated on a budget, especially if you choose to start as an independent contractor. As your reputation and client base grow, you can expand and invest in your business further.
4. Tour Guide
Tour guiding has become more accessible, thanks to platforms like Airbnb Experiences. If you have a deep knowledge of your city, an eye for great local spots, and a talent for photography, you can create your own experiences and list them on Airbnb. This platform simplifies the process of connecting with interested users.
The startup costs for this business are minimal, mainly revolving around creating an appealing online profile with stunning visuals and compelling descriptions. While the initial income might not be substantial, it’s a fantastic way to earn extra cash and turn your passion for your city into a profitable business.
5. Cleaning Service
Starting a cleaning service is a practical and budget-friendly business option. You can launch it as a one-person operation and gradually expand your team as your business grows. To keep your initial investment minimal, purchase basic cleaning tools available at local stores, such as Walmart. Here are some ways to save money as you begin:
- Start by relying on referrals to acquire your first clients.
- Avoid spending on unnecessary items like custom uniforms or business cards.
- Personally handle the cleaning tasks at the outset to save on labor costs.
- Focus on building a strong brand through positive client relationships and a stellar reputation.
This scalable model allows you to start small and gradually grow, making it an ideal choice for those looking to secure their financial future without a significant upfront investment.
6. Blogger
Blogging presents a highly accessible and low-cost way to start your entrepreneurial journey. If you have a passion for a particular subject or niche, you can share your knowledge and insights through a blog. The startup costs can be minimal, as little as $60 a year for web hosting and a domain name. Although blogging offers immense income potential, it’s important to understand that not all bloggers achieve full-time income. Success in blogging requires a combination of strategies and dedication.
Here are some crucial tips for aspiring bloggers:
- Focus on a profitable niche or topic.
- Implement effective link-building strategies to boost your SEO.
- Carefully choose your niche to ensure your content remains focused.
- Prioritize the reader’s interests and needs over personal stories.
While you may need to invest in services like email marketing, hosting upgrades, and other tools down the line, the initial cost is minimal, making blogging an affordable choice for budding entrepreneurs.
7. Freelancer
Freelancing is a growing and profitable business avenue. Freelancers offer their services in various industries, such as data entry, web design, content creation, marketing, and more. This approach allows you to earn a stable income while managing your hours and workload. The first step in becoming a freelancer is to invest in the necessary skills.
To kickstart your freelance career, consider:
- Taking online courses to build your skills.
- Learning how to apply for jobs effectively.
- Developing time management abilities.
Freelancing offers great potential for those looking to work independently and earn a steady income. With the flexibility to serve clients in diverse sectors, you can secure a financial foothold and even expand your freelance career into a full-fledged business.
8. WordPress Developer
As WordPress continues to power a significant portion of the internet, the demand for skilled WordPress developers remains high. If you have the expertise or a willingness to learn, you can tap into this field and take on various web development jobs. As a freelance WordPress developer, you can start small and then grow your business over time.
To become a WordPress developer, consider these initial steps:
- Invest in learning or improving your WordPress skills.
- Create a portfolio website to showcase your work.
- Explore online courses to enhance your knowledge.
- Begin with free or low-cost courses.
You can enter this field with a minimal budget, mainly for educational resources and web hosting for your portfolio site. The potential to build a thriving WordPress development business makes this a compelling choice for those with web development interests.
9. WordPress Tech Support
The growth of WordPress websites has led to a surge in demand for tech support services. This line of work often complements web development services, making it a viable business option. You can offer tech support to WordPress website owners by helping them troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and maintain their sites.
Suppose you’re already knowledgeable in WordPress and coding. In that case, you can venture into WordPress tech support with little initial investment. Learning how to provide effective tech support is crucial for building your reputation and clientele. With expertise and experience, you can expand your services and even develop tools to automate common WordPress-related tasks.
10. Tutor
The private tutoring industry is growing, with a focus on online learning and individualized education. Online platforms have witnessed an increase in student enrollment, creating an excellent opportunity for tutors. If you are an expert in a particular subject or skill, you can offer tutoring services to help students excel.
Key considerations when becoming a tutor include:
- Identifying your expertise and specialization.
- Marketing your services using your expertise.
- Building a brand and online presence to attract students.
- Creating a flexible schedule to cater to your students.
By narrowing down your tutoring niche and developing a brand, you can expand your business over time. Eventually, you can explore additional educational ventures, such as creating a learning platform or hiring other tutors.
11. Coder
Coding has become an essential skill in a technology-driven world. The job market for coders is vast, with ample opportunities for freelance work. Many companies seek coding expertise for various projects. The growing demand for coding skills makes this field highly profitable.
To start a coding business on a budget, follow these steps:
- Learn coding languages and techniques.
- Build your portfolio to showcase your coding skills.
- Explore job sites to find freelance coding opportunities.
- Consider creating a business website to attract clients.
Beginning as a freelance coder requires minimal investment, primarily for educational resources and a professional online presence. As you gain experience and build a strong client base, you can transition to running your coding business with multiple clients.
12. Start an Online Store
The e-commerce industry has seen substantial growth, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping, making it an attractive business opportunity. With platforms offering a free plan, you can launch an online store without significant upfront costs.
Key steps for starting an online store include:
- Identifying your niche and product offerings.
- Deciding how to source your products.
- Choosing a theme and e-commerce platform for your website.
- Building and customizing your online store.
Starting an online store might involve some product sourcing costs if you’re not dropshipping. However, the low entry barrier, coupled with the potential for significant profit, makes this an accessible and profitable business choice.
13. Start a Podcast
Podcasting is an increasingly popular form of content consumption. With platforms like BuzzSprout, you can start your podcast at an affordable price. The flexible nature of podcasts, combined with their rising popularity, makes podcasting a promising business venture.
To get started with your podcast, follow these steps:
- Plan your podcast content and niche.
- Invest in podcast hosting and recording equipment.
- Create engaging podcast episodes.
- Monetize your podcast through sponsorships and advertisements.
As a podcast creator, you have the potential to generate income from your show. While there may be some equipment and hosting expenses, starting a podcast is a cost-effective way to share your knowledge and entertain your audience.
14. Dog Trainer
Becoming a dog trainer is a rewarding and affordable business idea for animal lovers. You can kickstart your dog training business by offering your services within your community. Platforms like Bark allow clients to find local dog trainers easily. While building your reputation may take time, you can start small and eventually expand your services.
To begin your dog training business:
- Develop your dog training skills.
- Consider creating a professional website to showcase your services.
- Invest in basic marketing strategies to attract local clients.
- Build relationships with clients and focus on reputation-building.
The low entry cost, combined with the potential for growth, makes dog training a budget-friendly entrepreneurial path for animal enthusiasts.
15. Virtual Assistant
The demand for virtual assistants is on the rise, making it a thriving business option for those who want to work remotely and independently. Virtual assistants offer various services, such as customer support, content marketing, and more. The first step in this business is to invest in the necessary skills and education.
To become a virtual assistant, consider these key points:
- Learn essential skills for virtual assistant roles.
- Invest in an effective VA course for training.
- Develop a strong online presence and professional image.
- Apply to jobs online and manage your schedule effectively.
While there may be some initial expenses for training and online tools, becoming a virtual assistant provides a flexible and budget-friendly way to start and grow your business.
In conclusion, each of these business ideas offers a cost-effective way to begin your entrepreneurial journey, catering to different interests and skills. With dedication and smart planning, you can turn your budget-friendly startup into a successful business.
Each of these business ideas has a minimal startup cost, making them accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs. You can choose the one that aligns with your skills and interests to begin your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, the key to success lies in your passion and dedication, not the size of your initial investment. So, if you’re wondering how to start a business with limited funds, these ideas can serve as your foundation. The dream of becoming an entrepreneur is within reach, even with a budget as low as $100.
