how do i get a google review removed without a big budget?

It only comes down if it breaks Google's review policies, not because it's unfair or negative. Think spam, someone who was never a customer, off-topic rants, hate speech, or a conflict of interest like an ex-employee or a competitor. If it fits one of those, report it from your Business Profile, and you can follow the status and appeal through Google's review management tool. If it doesn't break policy, it stays. Then the best move is a calm public reply that shows how you handle problems, and getting more recent reviews so it drops down the list. Costs nothing either way. Don't pay anyone who promises removal.