Are you looking for simple, low-cost business ideas that can help you make $100,000 or more per year?
You’re in the right place! After scouring the internet and analyzing real-world examples, I’ve compiled a list of 12 proven businesses that are easy to start and highly profitable.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time venture, these ideas can help you achieve your financial goals.
Let’s dive into the 12 easiest ways to make $100,000+ per year👇
1. Dog Poop Removal Business
Yes, you read that right! Dog poop removal is a booming business. Solo entrepreneurs are making over $100,000 per year by offering this simple service.
How it works: You charge 40 per visit to clean up dog poop in clients’ yards.
Examples:Koopin’ Poopin’ in Michigan makes over $100,000/year.
Scoop Scoop Pooper Scooper Services generates $200,000/month in revenue.
Startup costs: Less than $200 (flyers, bags, and basic tools).
Marketing: Hand out flyers, post on local Facebook groups, and rely on word-of-mouth.
This business requires no employees, minimal skills, and almost no upfront investment.
If you’re looking for a simple, hands-on business, dog poop removal might be your golden ticket.
2. Trash Valet Service for Apartment Complexes
Trash valet services are in high demand at apartment complexes. Residents pay a monthly fee to have their trash picked up from their door and taken to the dumpster.
How it works: Charge 50/month per unit.Example: One entrepreneur makes $23,000/month with just a few large apartment complexes.
Startup costs: Minimal—no truck or expensive equipment needed.
This is a low-effort, high-reward business that can scale quickly with a few contracts.
3. Local Community Newsletter
Local newsletters are a hidden gem for making money through advertising.
How it works: Create a free newsletter highlighting local events, businesses, and news. Monetize through ads.Example: Ryan Snedden of Naptown Scoop makes $200,000/year with 18,000 subscribers.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and basic marketing.
This is a great option if you enjoy writing and want to serve your community while making money.
4. Remote Home Service Business
You can run a home service business (like cleaning or junk removal) remotely by outsourcing the work to subcontractors.
How it works: Customers book online, and you send subcontractors to do the job. You keep a percentage of the revenue.Example: Think Maids generates $60,000/month in revenue.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and marketing.
This model allows you to scale without doing the physical work yourself.
5. Niche Flipping Business
Buy underpriced items and resell them for a profit.
How it works: Focus on a niche like furniture, electronics, or clothing. Buy low, clean up, and sell high.Example: A 20-year-old makes $100,000/year flipping used furniture.
Startup costs: Varies—start small with items from garage sales or online marketplaces.
Flipping is a simple way to make money if you have an eye for deals.
6. Porch Decorating Service
Seasonal porch decorating is a high-ticket service with huge profit potential.
How it works: Charge 1,325 per package to decorate porches for fall, Christmas, or other seasons.- Startup costs: Low—just decorations and marketing materials.
This business is perfect for creative individuals who enjoy design.
7. Vending Machine Business
Vending machines are a passive income goldmine.
How it works:
Place machines in high-traffic locations like schools, offices, and malls.
Example: One company makes $588,000/month with vending
machines.
Startup costs: 3,000–5,000 per machine.
Marketing:
Call businesses and pitch the convenience of your machines.
With the right locations, you can make 2,000 per machine per month.
8. Dumpster Rental Business
Renting out dumpsters is a high-profit, low-effort business.
How it works: Charge $450 for a 3-day rental.Example: One entrepreneur makes $188,000/month with just 20 dumpsters.
Startup costs: Moderate—dumpsters and a hooklift truck.
This business is ideal for those who want consistent, high-ticket revenue.
9. Parking Lot Cleaning Service
Cleaning parking lots is a simple, repeatable business.
How it works: Offer cleaning services to medium-sized businesses and shopping centers.Example: Brian Winch of Clean Lots makes $650,000/year.
Startup costs: Low—basic cleaning equipment.
This is a great side hustle that can be done early mornings or evenings.
10. Modern-Day Affiliate Marketing
Promote products on social media and earn commissions.
How it works: Create content around a niche (e.g., baby products, fitness gear) and link to affiliate products.Example: Some affiliate marketers make millions per year.
Startup costs: None—just a social media account.
Affiliate marketing is a hands-off way to make money online.
11. Build a Community
Create a paid community around a topic you’re passionate about.
How it works: Charge 300/month for access to your community.Startup costs: Low—use platforms like Slack or Facebook Groups.
This is a great way to turn your passion into profit.
12. Craigslist Labor Services
Connect customers with subcontractors for simple labor jobs.
How it works: Advertise on Craigslist and charge a fee for connecting customers with workers.Example: Community Labor Partnership makes $700,000/year profit.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and marketing.
This model can be applied to various industries, from moving to handyman services.
Final Thoughts
These 12 business ideas prove that you don’t need a huge investment or complex skills to make $100,000+ per year.
Whether you’re scooping dog poop, running a vending machine route, or building a community, there’s a simple business model out there for you.
Which of these ideas excites you the most? Let me know in the comments..