We all have those weekends that slip by without much to show for them beyond binge-watching a new series or scrolling social media.
Yet there’s something exciting about the idea that, with just one of those weekends (and not much cash), you could get a small business up and running.
You don’t need a massive bank loan or a fancy office—just a hundred bucks, a dash of creativity, and some good old-fashioned hustle.
What follows are eight suggestions that can be launched with minimal resources. They won’t necessarily make you a millionaire overnight, but if you’re willing to grind a little, they just might turn into a reliable income stream—or at least a fun and profitable side hustle.
Let’s dive in.
1. Social media content creation
If you’re anything like me, you spend more time scrolling Instagram or TikTok than you probably care to admit. Why not turn that into a money-making venture?
Plenty of small businesses struggle to create engaging social media content but don’t have the budget to hire a big agency. That’s where you step in with affordable content packages they can’t resist.
Your biggest cost here might be upgrading to a more robust design tool or a simple tripod and phone mount—easily under $100.
If you’ve got an eye for design or a knack for witty captions, you’re already halfway there. Spend your weekend drafting content plans, building a small portfolio (even if it’s just mock-ups), and reaching out to local businesses or online communities.
Whether it’s short Reels, infographic posts, or snappy tweets, your services can stand out if you position yourself as the cost-friendly, hands-on solution for mom-and-pop shops or solo entrepreneurs.
2. Pet-sitting or dog walking
For pet lovers, this can be both a therapeutic and profitable gig.
I can still remember helping a friend with his dog-sitting side business, and you’d be amazed at how many people need reliable, caring hands to look after their furry companions. A lot of busy owners don’t have time for long walks or can’t find suitable overnight care for their pets.
With $100, you can cover the basics: maybe print a few flyers, get a comfy leash or two, and invest in simple online ads (like social media boosts).
Take your weekend to set up a quick website or social page, list your services on neighborhood apps, and spread the word among your own network.
The overhead here is practically nonexistent—your real investment is time and genuine love for animals. If you deliver on that, word of mouth will travel fast, and you might find your hands full before you know it.
3. Freelance writing or editing
If you’ve got a way with words, why not put it to work for you? You’d be surprised how many blogs, websites, or small publications are hungry for fresh content.
Sure, there’s a ton of competition out there, but many businesses prefer working with writers who can adopt a conversational tone, meet deadlines, and understand their brand voice—basics that too many freelancers still overlook.
All you really need is a decent laptop and an internet connection, both of which you likely already have.
Use that free weekend to build a simple portfolio: craft three to five writing samples that showcase different styles (informative blog post, product description, social media copy, maybe even an opinion piece).
Your only major expense might be paying for a website domain or hosting if you really want to set up a personal webpage, but you could also use free platforms.
I’ve mentioned this before in a previous post on side hustles: your first gigs might be small, but as you gather client testimonials, your credibility (and rates) can grow quickly.
4. Print-on-demand merch
If you have even a sliver of design talent or a good sense of what’s trending, print-on-demand can be a neat way to launch a mini brand over a single weekend.
Websites like Teespring and Printful let you upload designs that can be printed on T-shirts, mugs, and more—without you stocking inventory.
You only pay when someone places an order, making your upfront cost practically zero.
Invest that $100 wisely. Maybe you purchase a professional-looking domain and connect it to a simple store on Shopify (or even a free Etsy store, though that comes with listing fees).
Once your shop is set, spend your weekend creating social media posts, teasing your designs, and planning an affordable ad strategy for Monday morning.
If any design flops, no worries—just pivot and try something else without being stuck with boxes of unsold inventory.
5. Weekend cleaning or organizing service
Who likes cleaning on their day off? Not many of us, which is precisely why this can be a money-maker.
Consider offering a “weekend declutter blitz” where you show up on a Saturday or Sunday, transform someone’s messy garage or spare room, and walk away a few hours later with a tidy sum in your pocket.
Especially if you have a knack for efficiency and an eye for detail, people are more than willing to pay for that relief.
Beyond basic cleaning supplies—some of which your clients might provide—you won’t need much else. You could spend a small part of your $100 on small organizational tools (like bins or boxes) to present as optional upsells.
Use your downtime to snap before-and-after photos for your online portfolio. That visual proof will hook your next clients instantly.
Remember, time is money, but so is a clutter-free house for a lot of people.
6. Handmade crafts or baking
If you’re the creative type who’s always crocheting scarves or experimenting with cupcake recipes, consider turning your hobby into a revenue stream.
Sites like Etsy or local farmers’ markets can help you reach customers who appreciate handmade items or homemade treats.
Your initial outlay could be for materials—yarn, baking supplies, packaging, etc.—but keep a close eye on costs so you stay under budget.
Spend your free weekend refining a couple of your best products, photographing them well (use natural light and a simple backdrop for that pro look), and setting up your online shop or booking a stall at a market.
Don’t underestimate the power of social sharing, either. Many crafters and bakers go viral on Instagram or TikTok simply by showcasing their process in short videos.
People love seeing how items are made, and it might just be the thing that sets you apart in a crowded online marketplace.
7. Basic tech setup or repair
Many folks get tripped up when setting up a new printer, configuring a Wi-Fi network, or fixing that annoying laptop glitch.
If you’re tech-savvy, offering weekend house calls for basic tech assistance could be right up your alley.
I’ve seen people desperately posting “Help me, my new router won’t connect!” on local community boards, ready to pay someone who knows what they’re doing.
A set of basic tech tools and maybe some signage or online ads could be your biggest cost. Keep it simple: focus on common issues that people face—like virus removal, hardware upgrades, or software installs.
Plan a quick tutorial to show clients how to avoid the same problem in the future (that added value can lead to word-of-mouth referrals).
Even if you’re not a total whiz, as long as you know more than your average neighbor, you have a solid opportunity to earn extra cash without a huge time commitment.
8. Pop-up photo shoots
Ever notice how many families, couples, or new entrepreneurs want professional-looking photos but aren’t keen on paying hundreds of dollars for a full session?
If you’ve got a decent camera (or even a high-quality smartphone) and a bit of an eye for photography, consider offering quick, budget-friendly photo sessions on weekends.
Your $100 might go toward some simple backdrops, props, or photo-editing apps. You can keep it lean—no need for a full-blown studio. Parks, city squares, or even a well-lit room can be enough for a mini-shoot.
By booking multiple sessions in one location, you minimize travel time and make the most of your weekend.
Once you deliver crisp, well-edited photos, your clients could become your best marketers, sharing them across their social networks and tagging you as the photographer. That’s free promotion, right there.
Wrapping up
Each of these ideas starts with a free weekend and a modest hundred bucks, but the real spark comes from your willingness to take a risk—no matter how small.
Whether you’re helping businesses create social media content or snapping family portraits in the local park, you’re offering a service people genuinely need.
The beauty here lies in the simplicity and low barrier to entry. A couple of days spent setting up, a little money for essentials, and you’ve got the foundation of a venture that can grow if you put your mind to it.
Sure, not every idea will pan out, but that’s the nature of entrepreneurship—try, learn, adjust, and move forward.
Most importantly, don’t wait for the elusive “perfect time.” There’s something oddly satisfying about investing a weekend and a small sum to create something that might just change your financial future. Give it a go, and see where it leads.
Until next time, friends.
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