When I graduated from university, I was convinced that launching a business required heaps of cash, endless planning, and more time than I ever had. Turns out, I was completely wrong. These days, starting a business can be quick, affordable, and far simpler than most of us imagine. All it takes is a spare weekend and a crisp $100 note.
Curious? I thought so. Here are six clever business ideas anyone can kick off immediately—no massive budget required.
1. Start an Etsy printables shop
Ever browsed Etsy and wondered how people make money selling digital prints? Me too—until I realized just how easy it was to get started. All you really need is a creative spark, a free design tool like Canva, and some inspiration.
Spend your weekend designing motivational quotes, planners, or wall art. Canva’s free version offers plenty of stylish templates. Upload your creations to Etsy for just $0.20 per listing, and voila! You’ve got yourself a small, scalable business. No overhead, no shipping logistics—just pure, digital profit.
Are you already spending too much time scrolling Instagram and Twitter? Why not turn this habit into something profitable? Businesses everywhere need help maintaining their social media presence but can’t afford a full-time specialist.
I once helped a friend manage her café’s Instagram, posting a few photos, engaging with followers, and scheduling content. She happily paid me $200 monthly, and it took just a few hours per week. Use your $100 to set up a simple website on Wix or Squarespace and start reaching out to local businesses.
3. Offer local walking tours
Live in a city full of hidden gems or fascinating history? Share your insider knowledge by hosting local walking tours. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences allow you to advertise and handle bookings effortlessly.
My husband and I did this in Manchester one weekend, highlighting music history sites. Our initial costs? Printing flyers and buying some coffee to hand out during breaks—less than $50. It was fun, profitable, and connected us with interesting people from around the globe.
4. Try house or pet-sitting
If you love animals or simply enjoy spending quiet weekends in new environments, house or pet-sitting could be ideal. Set yourself up on Rover or TrustedHousesitters for a small fee, and start making connections.
A close friend turned this into her primary weekend gig, earning hundreds per month simply by hanging out with adorable pets and watering plants. All you need is a professional-looking profile and a bit of charisma.
5. Flip thrift-store finds
Ever watch those satisfying thrift-flip videos on TikTok or YouTube? Thrifting and reselling unique finds online can be surprisingly lucrative. With your $100, hit local thrift shops, garage sales, or flea markets, searching for undervalued gems like vintage clothes or quirky decor.
A friend of mine once found a vintage camera at a thrift shop for $10 and resold it online for $120. Platforms like eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace make selling straightforward. Spend the weekend treasure hunting, and you could easily double your initial investment.
6. Create a freelance writing service
As someone who transitioned from traditional journalism to freelancing, I know firsthand how straightforward it can be to get started writing online. Sites like Fiverr or Upwork are great places to offer writing services, from blog posts to copywriting.
Your initial investment? Practically nothing. Spend your $100 on a website or a premium Grammarly subscription to polish your work. Once you have a few positive reviews, the clients—and money—will start flowing.
Final thoughts
Launching your own business doesn’t have to be intimidating or costly. Each of these ideas proves you can start right now, using minimal funds and a spare weekend. The key is to pick something you genuinely enjoy, so it feels less like work and more like a rewarding hobby.
And who knows? Today’s side hustle could be tomorrow’s thriving business empire. All you need to start is determination, $100, and a bit of free time. What are you waiting for?
