11 Simple Solopreneur Business Ideas You Can Start Under $100

Hey gorgeous! So you’re sitting there scrolling through Instagram, watching everyone else live their dream life, and thinking “I want in on this entrepreneur thing, but I don’t have thousands to throw around.” Girl, I feel you. When I started my journey, I had like $47 in my checking account and a whole lot of determination.

Here’s the thing – you don’t need a fancy MBA or a trust fund to start your own business. You just need a good idea, some hustle, and less than a hundred bucks. Yep, you read that right. Under $100.

Let me share 11 solopreneur ideas that won’t break the bank, but could absolutely change your life. And because I know you’re wondering (we all are!), I’ll give you the real talk on what you could potentially earn.

1. Virtual Assistant Services

Startup Cost: $20-50

Okay, this one is my personal favorite because it’s literally perfect for multitasking queens. You know how you’re already managing your family’s calendar, remembering everyone’s appointments, and keeping track of a million details? Well, busy entrepreneurs need exactly those skills.

You’ll need basic software like Canva (free), maybe a scheduling tool like Calendly ($8/month), and boom – you’re in business. Start by offering services like email management, social media posting, or appointment scheduling.

Expected Income: $25,000-$60,000 yearly

I know VAs personally making $50+ per hour once they get established. Start at $15-20 per hour and work your way up as you gain experience.

2. Content Writing & Copywriting

Startup Cost: $0-30

If you can write a Facebook post that gets your friends laughing, or craft emails that don’t sound like a robot wrote them, congratulations – you have marketable skills! Businesses are desperately searching for people who can write like actual humans.

All you need is a computer, internet, and maybe Grammarly Premium ($12/month). Start with blog posts, product descriptions, or social media content.

Expected Income: $30,000-$75,000 yearly

Copywriters can charge anywhere from $0.10 per word for beginners to $1+ per word for experienced pros. Even at beginner rates, that adds up fast.

3. Online Tutoring

Startup Cost: $0-25

Remember that subject you were actually good at in school? Time to dust it off! With platforms like Zoom (free basic plan) and a simple whiteboard app, you can teach kids or adults from your kitchen table.

Math, English, science, even teaching adults how to use technology – there’s demand for everything. And honestly, explaining algebra to a frustrated teenager has prepared me for way more challenging situations in life.

Expected Income: $20,000-$45,000 yearly

Tutors typically earn $15-50 per hour depending on the subject and student level. Teaching test prep or specialized subjects pays even more.

4. Social Media Management

Startup Cost: $30-80

Every small business owner knows they need to be on social media, but most of them would rather clean their garage than figure out Instagram algorithms. That’s where you come in!

You’ll need scheduling tools like Later or Buffer (around $15-25/month), some basic design skills (hello, free Canva!), and the ability to write captions that don’t make people scroll past immediately.

Expected Income: $25,000-$55,000 yearly

Most social media managers charge $300-1,500 per client per month. Even with just 3-4 small business clients, you’re looking at decent income.

5. Freelance Graphic Design

Startup Cost: $40-100

Before you say “But I’m not artistic!” – hold up. Today’s design tools are so user-friendly that my tech-challenged mom could probably create a decent logo. Canva Pro ($15/month) plus maybe Adobe Creative Suite if you want to get fancy.

Start with simple projects: social media graphics, business cards, flyers. Small businesses need this stuff constantly, and they’re tired of everything looking like it came from 1995.

Expected Income: $28,000-$65,000 yearly

Logo design alone can pay $50-500+ per project. Simple social media graphics might be $15-50 each, but they add up quickly.

6. Online Course Creation

Startup Cost: $50-100

What’s something you know how to do that others struggle with? Organizing closets? Making sourdough bread? Training puppies not to eat your shoes? There’s probably someone willing to pay to learn it.

You can start with simple video recording on your phone, upload to platforms like Teachable ($39/month), and create your first course. The beauty is once it’s made, it can earn money while you sleep.

Expected Income: $15,000-$100,000+ yearly

This one varies wildly. Some course creators make a few hundred dollars, others make six figures. It depends on your topic, marketing skills, and persistence.

7. Pet Services

Startup Cost: $25-75

If you’re an animal person (and let’s be honest, pets are better than most humans), this could be perfect. Dog walking, pet sitting, even pet photography – there are options for every comfort level.

Basic supplies, maybe a simple website or profile on Rover, and you’re set. Plus, you get paid to hang out with adorable animals. Win-win.

Expected Income: $20,000-$40,000 yearly

Dog walkers typically earn $15-25 per walk, pet sitters $25-75 per day. In busy urban areas, successful pet service providers can do quite well.

8. Freelance Bookkeeping

Startup Cost: $60-100

Okay, I know math isn’t everyone’s favorite, but hear me out. Small business owners would rather do literally anything else than deal with their books. You don’t need to be a CPA – just organized and detail-oriented.

QuickBooks Online ($25/month), maybe a basic bookkeeping course on Udemy ($20-50), and you’re ready to save small business owners from their receipt nightmares.

Expected Income: $30,000-$60,000 yearly

Bookkeepers typically charge $20-50 per hour or $200-800 per month per client, depending on the business size and complexity.

9. Etsy Shop Owner

Startup Cost: $50-100

Whether you’re crafty or just good at finding things people want, Etsy can be your friend. Handmade jewelry, digital printables, vintage finds – there’s a market for almost everything.

Materials or inventory, maybe some basic packaging supplies, and Etsy’s listing fees (small but they add up). The key is finding your niche and sticking with it.

Expected Income: $5,000-$50,000+ yearly

This varies hugely. Some Etsy sellers make pocket change, others replace their full-time income. Success depends on your products, marketing, and persistence.

10. Online Consulting

Startup Cost: $0-50

You have more expertise than you think. Seriously. That job you’ve been doing for years? There are people who need help with exactly those skills.

Career coaching, business consulting, life organization – if you’ve solved a problem in your life, you can help others solve it too. Start with a simple website builder like Squarespace ($16/month) and you’re in business.

Expected Income: $35,000-$100,000+ yearly

Consultants can charge $50-200+ per hour depending on their expertise and results they deliver to clients.

11. Meal Planning & Recipe Development

Startup Cost: $30-80

If you’re the friend everyone asks for recipes, or if you’ve mastered feeding a family on a budget, this could be your thing. Create meal plans, develop recipes, or offer personalized nutrition guidance.

A simple website, maybe some recipe development tools or apps, and your creativity. Food content is hugely popular right now, and busy families desperately need help with meal planning.

Expected Income: $20,000-$50,000 yearly

Meal planning services typically charge $50-200 per month per family. Recipe developers can earn $100-1,000+ per recipe depending on the client.

The Real Talk Part

Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was starting: not every business idea will work for every person, and that’s totally okay. Some of these might make you excited, others might make you want to run screaming. Listen to your gut.

Also, those income ranges? They’re realistic, but they assume you’re actually working at this consistently. You can’t start a business, post about it once on Facebook, and expect the money to roll in. (Trust me, I tried that approach. It doesn’t work.)

Start small, pick one thing, and focus on getting good at it before you jump to the next shiny opportunity. I’ve watched too many amazing women spread themselves too thin and burn out.

Your Next Steps

Pick one idea that made you think “hey, I could actually do that.” Just one. Don’t try to start three businesses at once – that way lies madness and empty bank accounts.

Set aside your $100 (or whatever you can manage), do some basic research, and take one small step today. Maybe it’s setting up a free Canva account, or researching what tutoring platforms exist, or just googling “how to start a virtual assistant business.”

The hardest part isn’t the technical stuff or even finding clients. It’s believing you’re capable of doing this. But here’s the thing – you absolutely are. You’ve already solved problems, helped people, and figured out complicated things in your life. This is just another puzzle to solve.

And honestly? Even if your first attempt doesn’t become the next million-dollar empire, you’ll learn something valuable. Plus, you’ll join the ranks of women who tried something new instead of wondering “what if” forever.

Now stop scrolling through other people’s success stories and go write your own. Your future self is going to thank you for starting today.

What business idea caught your attention? Drop a comment and let me know which one you’re thinking about trying – I love cheering on fellow entrepreneurs!