Can you start up a business with no money? Lots of us have ambitions of starting our own business, running our own business. However many of us don't have the capital that we think is needed to begin. Lots of companies need a whole lot of start up capital, maybe even investors to help fund those first few months or years. However, there are lots of businesses that you can start without any cash injection. By being creative, using what you already have and tailoring your business offerings and objectives, anyone can start a business without spending any finance. Let's have a look at some of the best ideas and you could soon be getting your brand new business off the ground.
Online Tutor
The first idea and answer to the question of can you start up a business with no money, is tutor. Tutoring has always been a way to learn something new, or get kids up to where they need to be with their education. Maybe exam ready. Traditionally it was always done face to face, you'd have someone come around after school and teach you some extra maths lessons or run through English textbooks with you. However, tutoring can now be done via video chat, meaning you can teach anyone, anywhere in the world.
You'll also have less downtime between students. Offer 50 minute lessons, giving you five minutes to get ready for the next person. If you have a laptop, broadband connection and the knowledge to share, people will pay. As you have less overheads, no travel for example, you might be able to make your rate more competitive and affordable, whilst still making a decent living. Don't be put off because you don't have a school subject to teach. If you're handy with a musical instrument, this can be taught!
Photography
Do you already have some photography equipment? Perhaps you can start selling photography services. There are hundreds of kids who have missed out on school photos this year and let's be honest, they are usually a bit boring and plain aren't they. How about advertising on free local places that you can take quirky outdoors pictures? You might be surprised at just how many parents want a nice photoshoot of their kids in their uniform.
Maybe you're more into landscape photography. Have you considered selling prints? You don't have to get them printed until the customer orders, so you don't have any stock to pay for or hold until it sells. Perhaps you know a local photography area really well? That knowledge is invaluable and people will pay for you to show them around. It could be the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands or maybe somewhere near you that is extremely photogenic. Use social media to show your images, mention you can do workshops and wait for people to get in touch!
Cleaner
Did you know that many cleaners use the vacuum cleaner of the customer they are cleaning for. Even if a customer wanted you to bring your own, you probably have one at home which will work. You probably have cleaning products too. This means you can start a business, with what you have, without having to shell out any additional money. In order to gain customers you could advertise your business on local Facebook groups. A Facebook page is easy to set up and you can create a professional looking logo on Canva in just a few clicks. You could also walk around your local neighbourhood and knock on doors. Simply ask if there is any interest in having a cleaner. You might be surprised at who says yes.
There will be lonely elderly people who are just as happy to have a chat whilst their house gets cleaned. There might be new parents who could use a cleaning hand for a few weeks whilst they get their heads around such a huge life adjustment. Maybe you knock on the door of a successful business person who is so busy that they don't have time to clean. Their successful business can help you build yours! If you do a good job, word of mouth is a huge part of marketing. You might get friends of customers coming to you for one off or regular cleans.
Personal Assistant
Finally, gone are the days where personal assistants have to be stuck in an office 9 hours a day. With more business people needing help to manage their diaries, plan their trips and organise their workload, you could offer personal assistant services, virtually. This would mean logging in, liaising with clients, booking travel, replying to emails, typing notes and so much more. Everything can pretty much be done via a laptop and you will probably need to be available on a mobile phone too. In fact, calls might be diverted to your mobile, meaning you can answer wherever you are. You might be able to work with a few different clients, depending in their needs.
Perhaps a business woman needs someone for 10 hours a week and another company needs some assistance for 15 hours a week. That's two clients, adding up to decent part time hours. Spread that 25 hours over your working week and you can drop the kids off in the morning and pick them up too, fitting your work in the middle. If you already have a laptop and phone, you are half way there. Just find some clients by sending emails or calling in favours from friends and you're away on your new business!
Part time weekend jobs for students
To answer the question of can you start up a business with no money, yes, you certainly can! Furthermore, if you are thinking about setting up a company and you're in the States, look at California LLC. Many companies need investment and you might decide that after a few weeks or a couple of jobs, you need to use some of the money you have earned to help you with the foundation of the business. New products, equipment, business cards and leaflets. However the answer to the question is yes. You can start business with nothing, by simply being that little bit clever.
Don't forget you can create an active Facebook group for your business for free too!