Got $100K burning a hole in your pocket?
Wondering what business to start in Canada that’ll actually make you money?
Maybe you’re stressed about picking the wrong idea or blowing your cash on a flop.
You’re not alone—every entrepreneur feels this.
This post cuts through the noise.
We’re diving into 15+ profitable business ideas you can launch with $100K in Canada.
Each comes with real strategies to make it work.
Let’s get to it.
Why Truehost Canada Is Your Business’s Secret Weapon
Starting a business? You need a website. Period.
It’s your 24/7 storefront, brand voice, and lead magnet.
Truehost Canada is the cheapest, most reliable web hosting provider in Canada.
Their plans start dirt-cheap, with uptime that keeps your site live and fast.
Whether you’re running an e-commerce store or a service-based hustle, Truehost has your back.
A killer website on a budget? That’s how you stretch your $100K further.
Don’t sleep on this—grab hosting that won’t tank your cash flow.
Why $100K Is a Sweet Spot for Starting a Business in Canada
$100K isn’t pocket change, but it’s not millions either.
It’s enough to build something real without drowning in debt.
Canada’s economy is stable, with cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal buzzing with opportunity.
Small businesses employ nearly 5.7 million Canadians—47% of the private workforce.
Your $100K can tap into that.
Here’s how to make it count.
15+ Profitable Business Ideas to Start with $100K in Canada
1. Car Wash Service
Canadians love their cars—84% own one, and 37% have two or more.
Dirty roads and harsh winters make car washes a steady cash cow.
Startup Costs: $50K–$100K (equipment, lease, permits).
Profit Potential: $41K/year for a small self-serve wash, scaling with add-ons like detailing.
Strategies to Win:
- Location is king: Set up near high-traffic areas like malls or gas stations.
- Offer subscriptions: Monthly wash plans lock in repeat customers.
- Go mobile: Invest in a van for on-demand washes at offices or homes.
- Market online: Use Instagram Reels to show shiny before-and-afters.
Example
Mike in Calgary started with a $75K mobile car wash.
He targeted office parks, offering
He hit $10K/month in six months by offering corporate fleet packages.
Truehost Canada hosted his site for dirt-cheap, and his online bookings exploded.
2. Coffee Shop
Canadians drink 2.7 cups of coffee daily.
Small cafes thrive on community vibes and loyal customers.
Startup Costs: $50K–$100K (equipment, rent, supplies).
Profit Potential: $50K–$100K/year with a tight operation.
Strategies to Win:
- Niche down: Offer unique blends or vegan pastries to stand out.
- Host events: Open mic nights or book clubs pack the place.
- Loyalty programs: Free coffee after 10 purchases keeps ‘em coming.
- Social media: Post aesthetic latte art on Instagram to draw crowds.
Sarah opened a cozy cafe in Vancouver with $80K.
She focused on eco-friendly beans and compostable cups.
Her TikTok videos of pour-overs went viral, and now she’s pulling $120K/year.
3. Dropshipping E-Commerce
No inventory, low risk, global reach.
Startup Costs: $10K–$50K (website, ads, software).
Profit Potential: $50K–$500K/year if you nail the niche.
Strategies to Win:
- Find a hot niche: Think pet accessories or eco-friendly gadgets.
- Use Shopify: Pair it with Truehost Canada for a fast, cheap site.
- TikTok ads: Short, punchy videos drive insane traffic.
- Test fast: Launch 5–10 products, double down on winners.
Example
Kamil, aka The Ecom King, started with $20K.
He sold fitness gear via TikTok and hit $200K in sales in year one.
4. Food Truck
Raj bought a $60K food truck in Toronto.
His Indian-Mexican fusion menu blew up at summer fairs.
He’s clearing $150K/year and just added a second truck.
Why It Works?
Food trucks are a $374M industry in Canada.
Low overhead, high margins.
Startup Costs: $40K–$100K (truck, equipment, permits).
Profit Potential: Up to $500K/year for top performers.
Strategies to Win:
- Unique menu: Fusion tacos or gourmet poutine turn heads.
- Hit festivals: Food truck rallies are goldmines.
- Partner up: Team with local breweries for events.
- Track trends: Post daily specials on X for buzz.
5. Digital Marketing Agency
Every business needs online juice—SEO, ads, social media.
Low startup costs, high demand.
Startup Costs: $10K–$50K (software, website, training).
Profit Potential: $50K–$200K/year, scaling with clients.
Strategies to Win:
- Specialize: Focus on dentists or e-commerce brands.
- Show results: Case studies on your site build trust.
- Automate: Use tools like Hootsuite for efficiency.
- Network: LinkedIn outreach lands big fish.
Example
Lisa started her agency with $15K in Ottawa.
She focused on local restaurants, boosting their Google rankings.
Year one: $80K. Year two: $250K. Truehost Canada kept her site blazing fast.
6. Fitness Studio
Why It Works: Health is huge—$4.7B market in Canada.
Boutique studios are hot.
Startup Costs: $50K–$100K (space, equipment, branding).
Profit Potential: $100K–$300K/year with memberships.
Strategies to Win:
- Offer classes: Yoga, HIIT, or spin—mix it up.
- Go virtual: Stream workouts for remote clients.
- Community vibe: Host fitness challenges or BBQs.
- Upsell: Sell branded merch or nutrition plans.
7. Real Estate Investing
Canada’s property market is gold.
Flipping or rentals = steady cash.
Startup Costs: $50K–$100K (down payment, renos).
Profit Potential: $50K–$200K/year per property.
Strategies to Win:
- Start small: Buy a duplex, live in one unit, rent the other.
- Learn the market: Study up-and-coming neighborhoods.
- Hire pros: Property managers save headaches.
- Leverage: Use your $100K as a down payment for bigger deals.
8. Catering Service
Weddings, corporate gigs, parties—catering’s always in demand.
Startup Costs: $25K–$100K (kitchen, equipment, staff).
Profit Potential: $50K–$150K/year, more with scale.
Strategies to Win:
- Niche menus: Vegan, gluten-free, or ethnic cuisines.
- Book corporate: Offices love regular lunch contracts.
- Partner up: Work with event planners for steady gigs.
- Showcase: Post drool-worthy dishes on Instagram.
9. Vending Machine Business
Passive income, low maintenance.
High-traffic spots = steady cash.
Startup Costs: $20K–$80K (machines, stock, permits).
Profit Potential: $30K–$100K/year per 5–10 machines.
Strategies to Win:
- Prime spots: Airports, gyms, or colleges are ideal.
- Stock smart: Healthy snacks or tech gadgets sell fast.
- Monitor sales: Use apps to track what’s hot.
- Maintain: Quick fixes keep machines running.
10. Personal Training
Dave quit his gym job, invested $15K in gear and ads.
He trained busy execs in Vancouver, hitting $100K in 18 months.
His Truehost site ranks high for “Vancouver personal trainer.”
Fitness is a lifestyle—clients pay for results.
Low startup costs, high margins.
Startup Costs: $10K–$50K (certifications, equipment, marketing).
Profit Potential: $50K–$150K/year, more with online clients.
Strategies to Win:
- Get certified: ACE or NASM builds cred.
- Go hybrid: Train in-person and via Zoom.
- Sell plans: Nutrition guides or workout PDFs add revenue.
- Post transformations: Client results on X pull leads.
11. Cleaning Service
No office needed, low entry barrier.
Startup Costs: $10K–$50K (supplies, insurance, marketing).
Profit Potential: $40K–$120K/year, scaling with contracts.
Strategies to Win:
- Target niches: Offices, Airbnbs, or post-construction.
- Hire smart: Reliable staff = more jobs.
- Offer packages: Weekly or deep-clean bundles.
- Get reviews: Google My Business drives trust.
12. Tutoring Service
Parents spend big on kids’ education.
Online tutoring booms post-COVID.
Startup Costs: $10K–$40K (website, materials, ads).
Profit Potential: $50K–$150K/year, more with group sessions.
Strategies to Win:
- Specialize: Math, science, or SAT prep.
- Go virtual: Zoom cuts overhead.
- Offer trials: Free sessions hook clients.
- Build cred: Post student score jumps on LinkedIn.
13. Pet Services
Canadians spoil their pets—dog walking and grooming are hot.
Low startup costs, loyal clients.
Startup Costs: $10K–$50K (supplies, insurance, marketing).
Profit Potential: $30K–$100K/year, more with boarding.
Strategies to Win:
- Offer bundles: Walks, grooming, and training packages.
- Build trust: Pet pics on Instagram reassure owners.
- Go local: Flyer neighborhoods with lots of dogs.
- Upsell: Sell pet treats or toys.
14. Home Improvement Services
New homeowners need renos—kitchens, baths, decks.
Startup Costs: $50K–$100K (tools, van, insurance).
Profit Potential: $80K–$250K/year with solid crews.
Strategies to Win:
- Specialize: Focus on energy-efficient upgrades.
- Get certified: Trade licenses boost trust.
- Showcase work: Before-and-afters on your site sell.
- Quote fast: Same-day estimates win bids.
15. Event Planning
Example
Nina launched an event biz in Ottawa with $30K.
She planned tech firm galas, hitting $100K in year one.
Her Instagram reels of stunning setups seal deals.
Why It Works: Weddings, corporate events, birthdays—people pay for stress-free parties.
Startup Costs: $20K–$60K (marketing, vendor contracts, website).
Profit Potential: $50K–$150K/year, more with big gigs.
Strategies to Win:
- Niche events: Corporate retreats or cultural weddings.
- Build a network: Partner with venues and caterers.
- Portfolio power: Post event pics on Pinterest.
- All-in-one: Offer decor, catering, and DJ services.
16. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products, earn commissions—no inventory needed.
Scalable, low cost.
Startup Costs: $5K–$30K (website, content, ads).
Profit Potential: $20K–$200K/year with a hot niche.
Strategies to Win:
- Pick a niche: Tech, fitness, or baby gear.
- Content is king: Blog reviews or YouTube demos.
- SEO matters: Rank for “best [product]” terms.
- Email lists: Capture leads for repeat sales.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your $100K
Don’t burn your cash on dumb moves.
Here’s what trips up new entrepreneurs:
- Overspending early: Fancy offices or excess inventory kill cash flow.
- Skipping research: Test demand before going all-in.
- Ignoring marketing: No customers, no business. Budget 40% for ads and growth.
- Sloppy books: Use QuickBooks to track every penny.
- No plan: Write a business plan. It’s your roadmap.
Pro Tip: Start lean. Validate your idea with $10K–$20K before dumping the full $100K.
How to Stretch Your $100K for Max ROI
Your $100K is a tool, not a toy.
It’s not about spending it all—it’s about making every dollar work harder.
Burn cash on the wrong things, and you’re toast.
Use it wisely, and you’re building a machine that prints money.
Here’s how to stretch your $100K to dominate:
a). Budget like a hawk
Split your cash smart—20% for setup (equipment, licenses), 40% for operations (inventory, staff), 40% for marketing (ads, website). This keeps you lean and ready to pivot.
b). Go digital first
A website is non-negotiable.
Get a fast, cheap site with Truehost Canada—plans start at pennies but drive sales like crazy.
A $200/year site can pull in $50K in leads.
c). Outsource the small stuff
Don’t waste time on logos, bookkeeping, or social posts.
Hire freelancers on Upwork or Fiverr for $500–$2K to nail these.
Your time’s worth more.
d). Bootstrap to scale
Reinvest profits instead of taking loans. Every dollar you don’t borrow is freedom.
Start small, prove the concept, then double down.
e). Track ROI religiously
Every dollar spent should bring back more.
Use tools like Google Analytics or QuickBooks to see what’s working. Cut ads, tools, or hires that don’t pull their weight.
f). Negotiate everything
Vendors, leases, suppliers—haggle hard. Shaving 10% off a $20K equipment deal saves you $2K upfront. That’s cash for ads or inventory.
g). Test before you invest
Don’t dump $50K into inventory or a storefront day one. Spend $5K–$10K to test demand (think pop-up shops, online ads, or pre-orders). If it flops, you’ve lost pennies, not your whole stack.
h). Leverage free tools
Use Canva for graphics, Mailchimp for emails, or free trials of CRMs like HubSpot. Why pay $1K for software when free versions get you started?
i). Build a lean team
Don’t hire full-time staff yet. Contractors or part-timers cost less and scale with demand. A $15K/year virtual assistant can handle customer service for 100 clients.
j). Focus on cash flow
Profit’s nice, but cash flow keeps you alive.
Offer discounts for upfront payments or subscriptions to keep money rolling in.
A catering biz with $10K in monthly retainers is more stable than one chasing one-off gigs.
Story
John launched a vending machine biz with $60K in Toronto.
He budgeted $10K for machines, $20K for stock, and $30K for ads and prime locations.
Instead of buying 20 machines, he tested 5, tracked sales, and only bought more when profits hit $5K/month.
He outsourced bookkeeping for $1K/year and used Truehost Canada for a $150 site that ranked fast.
Year one: $80K profit. Year two: He added 10 more machines, hitting $150K.
His secret? Ruthless focus on ROI and never spending without a return.
Pro Tip: Always ask, “What’s the cheapest way to test this?”
A $2K TikTok ad campaign can tell you more than a $20K storefront lease.
Stretch your $100K by staying scrappy and data-driven.
Why Canada’s the Place to Start Your Business
Canada’s a goldmine for entrepreneurs.
Stable economy, business-friendly policies, and 1.35M small businesses thriving.
Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have massive talent pools and startup hubs.
Plus, high disposable income means customers spend.
Your $100K can go far if you play it smart.
Read also: How to Start a Business with No Money in Canada
Your Next Steps to Launch a Profitable Business
Pick one idea that fires you up.
Research your market—talk to customers, scope competitors.
Build a lean website with Truehost Canada to start cheap and fast.
Test small, then scale what works.
Don’t overthink it—just start.
The only way to lose is to sit on your $100K and do nothing.
Got questions or need a nudge?
Drop a comment or hit me on X.
Let’s make your business pop.
Read also:
- 12 Profitable Business Ideas to Start with $200K in Canada (No One Is Talking About These)
- 15+ Profitable Home-Based Businesses to Start in Canada with $50K
