How to start a business with no money?
It’s not easy to start your own business with no money.
If you have a solid business idea and are willing to put in the work to make it happen, you can achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
Here are nine ways how to start a business with no money.
There is lots of help out there to bring your business ideas to life. Become your own boss and have your own business today.
It’s not easy to start a business with no money.
It takes certain qualities, such as determination, business ideas, savvy and the ability to reach out to others, as well as a solid business plan.
If you already have these qualities, we offer suggestions for how to start a business with no money.
Start your own business with zero money
It is a smart idea to think about what skills you already have and how you can make money from them to become your own boss.
A variety of jobs could fall within this category, including but not limited to:
- Consultant
- Tutor
- Dog walker
- Gardener
- Cleaner
- Handyman
Do you want to keep your day job?
This may not be the best option for all businesses. It also depends on what you are allowed to do within your current full-time job.
If you have a full-time job, it might be smart to keep it and start your business as a part-time venture. This could include evenings and weekends.
It would be possible to continue to receive money so that you can increase your savings and possibly take a chance.
Even if you don’t see immediate success, you will still have your income and your job to support you until you can relaunch your plans and cover upfront costs.
Get feedback about your business idea
It is important to seek objective feedback from market experts on your business idea. Trialing your product, free trials, reaching out to your target customer, and asking for feedback can provide valuable feedback and make you a successful entrepreneur.
Is it useful, welcomed, or a positive addition? You could be onto something. You might want to think about it more.
To get their feedback, you might consider running a pilot program among your customers. This information could be valuable over the long term, as it will give you insight into what works and what doesn’t.
Understanding your market
What is it that makes your business idea different to an existing business? What is it that makes your product or services different from the rest? What would it take for a competitor with more money to copy your product and repackage it? Know which cities are offering good opportunities in your region and be aware of them.
To learn more, read our guide to the best UK cities for starting a business.
You should identify the trends and issues by doing market research on the market that you are trying to enter.
Next, plan how your company will address these issues to ensure that it remains profitable.
Have a growth mindset
People with a growth mindset believe that talents and abilities can be developed and improved upon. They are open to learning, have an interest in learning new skills and concepts and refuse to consider setbacks to be ‘failures’. They are not afraid to change their mind if necessary. It is easy to see why aspiring entrepreneurs would benefit from a growth mindset. If this is you, continue on.
What are you eligible to get for free?
Sometimes, it is easier to see opportunities than obstacles. It can be daunting to start a business without any money. But, take a moment to think about what resources I already have. I don’t have to spend any money on my resources.
Take advantage of social media channels, social media marketing, internet connection, free resources, free tools, and free alternatives, and make a basic website. A business with no money needs to take any opportunity it can.
Equipment
Sell online, clothes you no longer wear, things around the house. Facebook, eBay and Gumtree allow you to sell unwanted equipment.
If you need equipment as a startup capital you may be able to get them for free on platforms like Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace.
Freecycle is an excellent grassroots non-profit platform that allows people to recycle unwanted possessions and pass them on to others who will appreciate them more.
Marketing
If you are willing to spend some time researching a business model, the internet can be a great resource. Canva allows you to create your content marketing materials. A simple Facebook page might be enough to start trading locally for small business owners. Facebook is great for new businesses to spread the word to family members, your target audience and other businesses.
If you are interested in owning your own site, or online business website, Wix is a great place to start. You might be shocked at the amount of trade that you can generate through social media posts.
Networking
A key part of building a successful business is networking. Meetup and the National Enterprise Network often offer free business development and creative events.
The British Library Business and IP Centre offer unrivalled resources and events for start-ups in the UK.
Save for your expenses
Although it is natural to be nervous about the idea of taking out your savings, this practice is common among entrepreneurs.
Be honest about your expectations and realistic expenses when creating your business plan. Also, consider how long it will take for the revenue to begin rolling in. Each business is unique, but you can save a few months of your living expenses and work expenses to allow you to devote yourself to your startup without worrying about financial worries.
Search for funding
In the first years of a new business, one of its biggest problems is a lack of funding. You might think about funding your business if you have a tight budget. There are many options.
Apply for a Business Loan
A small-business loan is available for nearly any purpose. It can be used to purchase equipment, fund premises, buy stock, and even pay for training. You can apply for a small-business loan through a bank or an online lender.
A start-up loan is a loan that you can access even if you are unable to obtain a traditional loan for your business. If your business is brand new or has not had much trading history, this might be the best option.
Borrowing from family and friends
Remember that you are not asking for charity, and you are not asking your closest and dearest to help fund a half-cooked, harebrained scheme. Demonstrate to them how important your business is to you and how solid your plan is. Others will take your plans seriously if you take them seriously. Encourage their feedback and practice your sales pitches with them.
Seek help from others to get you started once you are ready. Asking for help is something we all need from time to time. Your family and friends will be proud of you and what you are trying to accomplish.
Borrowing from family and friends is not always possible. You might consider looking for other funding options if this is the case.
Grants for small businesses
Grants are the most popular form of funding, as you don’t need to repay them. Grants are usually given for specific purposes or projects, such as expansion, job creation, or property improvements. They can be from any source, including local, regional, national, or continental.
Each small business grant has its own eligibility criteria and guidelines. Some grants have long application processes due to the high level of competition. You don’t have to be convinced of your business’s profitability to be considered a candidate.
We have compiled a list of over 200 small-business grants that are available in the UK to help budding entrepreneurs. This is a great place to start looking for funding.
Crowdfund
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have revolutionized capital raising. The public can now invest in businesses for future buy-ins or other rewards.
The crowdfunding process allows budding entrepreneurs to appeal directly to their potential customers and to see their business thrive through the power of community spirit.
Get a credit line
Many banks and credit institutions offer credit lines to start-ups. This is a type of borrowing that could aid in growth during the early stages of a company’s development.
A line of credit is not a loan that gives you a lump sum of money like a traditional loan. Credit can be used to pay for things that are financially impossible.
It works in the same way as a credit card. Keep your purchases low, or you could end up in debt.
Angel investor
Angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest capital in start-ups. They are often the first to invest outside of the company.
An angel investor invests their personal wealth to fund venture capitalists or outside firms.
Many of them are entrepreneurs or former entrepreneurs and make great mentors. Think Peter Jones and his fellow “dragons”.
Think about accelerators and business incubators
A business incubator can provide funding for start-ups if your business plan is ready and solid. Some incubators also offer shared administrative services or serviced office space. Many incubators are supported by colleges and universities.
Others are sponsored by regional or local economic development organizations.
In that it can offer funding, a business accelerator is very similar to an incubator. An accelerator expects to receive a quick response to its investment, as the name implies. An accelerator is for established companies, while an incubator aims to assist at a later stage.
Only consider a business accelerator if your business is ready for the next step.
It is possible to start a business without any money
Your attitude is more important than how much money you have.
You start with what you have to make the best business. To grow a successful business, a business plan is only as good as your determination, hard work, and creative thinking.
Double down on your efforts, increase your cash reserves and grow your network.
It may take some time before you are able to make your payments but think about the pride and satisfaction you will feel when you do.
Contact today for financial advice, a small loan, and help to set up a business with no money.