10 Small Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $100

Let’s face it: starting a business feels daunting. But what if I told you that you could get up and running for less than $100? Not only that, but these ideas have the potential to turn into six- or even seven-figure ventures. Today, I’m diving into ten incredible small business ideas, especially for women, but anyone can do them. These opportunities didn’t even exist a couple of decades ago, and thanks to technology, they’re easier to start than ever before.

Now, if you’re thinking, “This can’t be real,” stick with me. I’ve mentored thousands of entrepreneurs, and I’m here to tell you that these ideas work. They’ve worked for people I know, and they can work for you too.

1. Postpartum Coaching and Fitness Programs

Being a parent is tough. Postpartum depression and the challenges of getting back in shape after childbirth create a demand for postpartum fitness coaching. With the global postpartum care market projected to reach $14 billion by 2030, there’s a massive opportunity here.

One of my followers, Jessica, started small by offering fitness advice to local moms on Instagram. In no time, her audience grew to over 10,000 followers, and she now makes $5,000 a month. All she needed to start was her phone, her story, and her willingness to help others.

2. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage might sound intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think. It’s the practice of buying items on clearance at places like Walmart or Big Lots and reselling them for a profit on platforms like Amazon or eBay.

When I was 15, I got my first resale permit and started buying wholesale jewelry to sell at school. It worked then, and it works now. My friend John turned retail arbitrage into a $12 million business by sourcing products from suppliers like Alibaba, branding them, and selling them online.

3. Specialty T-Shirts for Kids

There’s always a market for children’s apparel, especially when it’s unique and empowering. Parents want clothing with positive messages for their kids, and platforms like Canva make it easy to create designs.

Take Britney, for example. She started a t-shirt line called Little Heroines for young girls. From her living room, she sold over 10,000 shirts in her first year. All it took was her creativity and a platform to showcase her designs.

4. Low-Content Wedding Planner Books

Weddings are a $72 billion industry in the U.S. alone, and brides are willing to pay for anything that simplifies the planning process. A simple wedding planner book with checklists and timelines can sell for $50 or more.

I spent a decade in the wedding industry and saw firsthand how much people value these tools. With print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP, you can create and sell your book with little to no upfront cost.

5. Building a Community

Starting an online community can be incredibly rewarding and profitable. Pick a niche — motherhood, natural living, fitness — and build an audience on Instagram, YouTube, or through a blog.

Once you’ve got a solid following, you can monetize through memberships, exclusive content, or Patreon. Communities thrive on shared experiences and value, and they can generate $50,000 or even $2 million a month, depending on the audience and offerings.

6. Online Food Store

Food connects people, and specialized cuisines are in high demand. Think Caribbean, African, or Middle Eastern dishes. You don’t need a brick-and-mortar location. With shared kitchens or delivery services, you can create a menu and let others handle the logistics.

In 2021, online grocery and specialty food sales hit $100 billion in the U.S. This is a growing market, and there’s room for creative entrepreneurs to carve out a niche.

7. Calligraphy Services

Handwritten invitations and place cards add a special touch to weddings and events. People are willing to pay a premium for these personal touches, especially during peak wedding season.

Sarah, a calligrapher, charges $3 to $5 per postcard and makes over $3,000 in a single weekend during the busy season. You can learn calligraphy through free online tutorials and start offering your services almost immediately.

8. Cash Stuffing Envelopes

This budgeting method took off on social media, and people are loving it. Lucy turned her custom envelope-making hobby into a six-figure Etsy store in less than a year.

She offers themed envelopes, budget sheets, and bundles, tapping into a market of people looking for creative and practical ways to manage their finances.

9. Natural Hair Consultant

Yes, people will pay to talk about hair. Natural hair consultants charge $100 or more per session, offering specialized advice on transitioning to natural hair, choosing products, and avoiding breakage.

With a solid client base, consultants can earn $900 to $1,000 a day. It’s all about having the right knowledge and sharing it with those who need it most.

10. Selling All-Season Products

Find a product that people buy year-round — printable planners, generic gift items, or home décor. Once you’ve got your product, platforms like Etsy and Amazon make it easy to reach customers.

One seller I know made $585,000 from a single product listing, selling over 58,000 units. The key is finding a product that resonates with people and adding your unique twist.

These ideas prove that starting a business doesn’t have to break the bank. With creativity, determination, and action, you can turn $100 into a thriving venture.

Remember, none of this works unless you take that first step. Pick an idea, start small, and build from there. Your dream business is waiting — let’s make it happen!

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