23 Business Ideas to Start with $100K

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial nest egg of around $100,000, you’ve got a ton of great options for your next business venture. You could start a bakery, brewery or restaurant, get into construction, manufacturing, solar power, healthcare, travel bookings or house flipping.

The wise move is to follow your interests — get into something that appeals to you. Also, do some research and see markets are growing and offer the best potential for growth. 

But first, check out our list of brilliant $100,000 business ideas below to jumpstart your thinking.

1. Coffee Shop

For a coffee shop, your biggest expense will likely be the location. Renting in a high-traffic area can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, depending on your city. Purchasing equipment like espresso machines, grinders, and ovens might run around $20,000 to $30,000. You’ll also need to budget for initial supplies such as coffee beans and pastries, which could be around $3,000. Setting up a cozy, inviting space will require some additional funds for furniture and decor. For software, a point-of-sale system is essential and might cost around $1,000, plus a monthly fee. Don’t forget about the website and online ordering setup, which might run about $2,000 to get started professionally.

2. Car Repair Shop

Starting a car repair shop mainly involves investment in a location and tools. Renting a garage space will cost about $3,000 to $6,000 per month. You’ll need to invest heavily in high-quality tools and car lifts, which could be around $50,000. The supplies, including oils and parts, will add about $5,000 to your initial costs. Software for managing bookings and inventory is crucial, with systems typically costing $1,000 to purchase, plus ongoing subscriptions. Setting up a basic website for your business will likely be around $1,000.

3. Cryptocurrency

Starting a business in cryptocurrency, like a trading platform, involves less in physical infrastructure and more in technology. You won’t need a physical location, but you will need robust software to handle trading, which can cost upwards of $10,000 to $50,000 for a secure, user-friendly platform. Your major costs will come from technology development and security infrastructure. Additionally, marketing your platform online will be crucial; expect to spend $5,000 to $10,000 on a professional website and digital marketing to reach your audience.

4. Taxi

For a taxi service, your primary expense will be vehicles. Purchasing a few cars can cost you approximately $20,000 to $30,000 each, depending on the make and model. Renting is also an option to reduce upfront costs. You’ll also need a dispatch system, which can range from $500 for a basic setup to $5,000 for more advanced software. Insurance will be another significant expense. Setting up a website and app for bookings might cost around $3,000 to start.

5. Bakery

Opening a bakery involves costs like renting a retail space, which can be around $2,000 to $4,000 per month. The equipment, such as ovens, mixers, and display cases, will likely cost around $30,000. Initial supplies for baking, including ingredients and packaging, can be approximately $2,000. Software for inventory and sales management might cost about $1,000 initially. A professional website, important for showcasing your goods, could be set up for around $2,000.

6. Food Trailer

A food trailer is a more budget-friendly option compared to a permanent location. Purchasing a well-equipped trailer might cost around $25,000 to $50,000. You’ll also need a vehicle capable of towing it, if you don’t already own one. Supplies for the kitchen and initial stock of food will cost about $3,000. While you don’t need a fixed location, consider the fees for parking and permits in various locations. Software needs are minimal, perhaps just a sales tracking app. A basic website and social media setup for promotion could be around $1,000.

7. Digital Marketing Agency

Starting a digital marketing agency mainly requires a modest office space or a home office setup, which could be around $500 to $2,000 per month for rent if not working from home. Your major investment will be in high-performance computers and software for graphic design, SEO, and data analytics, costing about $10,000. Marketing your own agency online is crucial, so budget around $3,000 for a professional website, SEO, and initial advertising campaigns. Tools for project management and customer relations might cost another $1,000 for setup and subscriptions.

8. Hair Salon

Starting a hair salon primarily involves costs associated with leasing a location, which might run from $1,500 to $4,000 monthly, depending on the area. You’ll need salon chairs, washing stations, and styling tools, costing around $20,000 for basic quality. Initial supplies such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products may be around $2,000. A salon management software system, which can help with appointments and inventory, could cost about $1,000 initially. Establishing a website to book appointments online is also crucial, likely around $1,500.

9. Car Wash

For a car wash, securing a location with good visibility and traffic will be your main expense, possibly around $3,000 to $5,000 monthly to rent. Equipment costs for high-pressure washers, vacuums, and conveyors can be up to $50,000. You’ll also need cleaning supplies, which might start around $1,000. Consider a basic POS system for around $500 and a few hundred dollars more for a website to attract customers and offer promotions.

10. App Development Business

An app development business can be started with minimal physical assets. You’ll need high-end computers and software for development, which might cost around $15,000. The major investment will be skilled personnel unless you’re developing solo. Software for project management and communication is essential, with costs around $1,000 annually. A professional website showcasing your portfolio will help attract clients and might cost about $2,000 to design and launch.

11. SEO Agency

Starting an SEO agency requires a small office or a home office setup costing $500 to $2,000 monthly if renting. Your primary investments will be in SEO tools and software for analytics, which can cost around $5,000 annually for subscriptions. You’ll also need to spend on a robust website and online marketing tools to showcase your expertise, around $3,000 initially. Additional costs include computers and office equipment, likely around $5,000.

12. Ecommerce Business

An ecommerce business involves setting up an online store, which means inventory will be your largest cost, potentially $40,000 to $60,000 depending on your product lines. A professional ecommerce platform setup might cost around $5,000, including the design and initial SEO. Ongoing marketing expenses are critical for attracting customers. Stock storage can be managed from home or a rented space, costing around $500 to $1,000 monthly.

13. Bookkeeping

Starting a bookkeeping service is relatively low-cost, primarily needing a computer, bookkeeping software, and a secure internet connection, totaling around $3,000. Renting office space is optional, depending on whether you choose to work remotely or face-to-face, costing $500 to $1,500 monthly. Setting up a professional website for your services might cost about $1,000. Networking and software subscriptions will also be a part of your ongoing expenses.

14. Event Planning

For an event planning business, starting costs are mostly related to marketing and networking. Renting an office can cost about $500 to $1,500 per month. You might spend around $2,000 on a high-quality website and digital marketing to showcase your services. Initial supplies like planning software or event materials can be around $1,000. The key expense will be travel and attending events to build connections.

15. Pet Store

A pet store requires a suitable retail space, which might cost $2,000 to $4,000 monthly to rent. Stocking the store with pets and supplies could easily run $20,000 to $30,000. Additional costs include cages, food, and care equipment. A POS system and inventory management software are essential, potentially costing $1,000 upfront. Consider also an additional $1,500 for a basic website to list available pets and supplies.

16. Delivery Service

Launching a delivery service means vehicles are your biggest expense—buying or leasing delivery vans can cost $20,000 to $30,000 each. A dispatch and routing software system is critical, likely around $2,000 for a basic setup. You’ll also need a reliable GPS system for each vehicle, costing about $100 per unit. Setting up a website with tracking capabilities for customers might be around $3,000. Fuel, maintenance, and insurance are ongoing costs to factor in.

17. IT Consulting

Starting an IT consulting firm mainly requires a reliable computer setup and software, costing about $5,000. While you can operate remotely, renting a small office space for meetings might cost $500 to $1,500 monthly. Investing in professional software for network analysis, security testing, and other IT services could run around $3,000 annually. You should also budget approximately $2,000 for a professional website and online marketing to establish your presence and attract clients.

18. Personal Chef

For a personal chef business, the major expenses are high-quality kitchen tools and portable cooking equipment, which might total around $3,000. Marketing yourself effectively is essential, so invest about $1,500 in a professional website and social media marketing. Transportation costs depend on your vehicle and travel needs; consider this in your initial budget. Purchasing initial supplies for several events might cost about $500. No need for a physical location, as services are performed in clients’ homes.

19. Accounting Firm

Launching an accounting firm requires investment in high-quality accounting software, which might cost up to $2,000 for a professional suite. Renting office space can be between $1,000 and $2,000 monthly, depending on your location. Other initial costs include office furniture and computers, totaling around $5,000. A professional website and online marketing efforts to attract clients will likely cost about $2,000.

20. Cooking Class

To start a cooking class, you’ll need a space that can accommodate cooking stations and students, which might cost $2,000 to $3,000 monthly to rent. Initial equipment and supplies for the kitchen can be around $10,000. Promoting your classes is key, so invest about $1,500 in a website and local advertising. Additionally, insurance and permits might cost another $1,000 to ensure compliance with local health regulations.

21. Donut Shop

Opening a donut shop involves renting a space suitable for food service and customer seating, costing about $2,000 to $4,000 per month. Equipment like fryers, dough mixers, and display cases will likely cost around $15,000. Initial ingredients and packaging might add another $2,000. Setting up a sales system and a simple website for online orders will cost about $1,500. Don’t forget about local health permits and insurance.

22. Shirt Printing

Starting a shirt printing business involves purchasing a high-quality printer and press, which could cost around $10,000. Renting a small workspace might be around $1,000 monthly. Initial supplies like shirts and inks will likely be around $2,000. Setting up a website to take orders online, along with some digital marketing to reach potential customers, might cost another $2,000. This business can be scaled by investing in more sophisticated printing equipment as demand increases.

23. Dollar Store

For a dollar store, securing a retail location is crucial and could cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per month depending on size and location. Stocking the store with a diverse range of products might initially require an investment of $20,000 to $30,000. Additional expenses include shelving, checkout counters, and a POS system, potentially costing another $5,000. A basic website to list store products and promotions might cost around $1,500 to set up.