If you dream of being an entrepreneur, but lack the big startup bucks required by some new ventures, don't fret. With a little time and not a lot of money, you can still make your business dream a reality. A low-cost business, which requires a minimal investment for supplies and marketing, is perfect for whetting an entrepreneurial appetite if you're:
- Already employed, but looking to dabble in your own side venture
- Unemployed and looking to start your first business
- A stay-at-home parent or student who's looking for extra income
- A new "retiree" who isn't quite ready to completely retire
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find low-cost business ideas and opportunities online
Coming up with ideas for low-cost businesses is easy with simple Web searches. With just a few clicks on your keyboard, you can find business opportunities that won't break the bank.
I recommend: Find a list of low-investment business startup opportunities at BusinessNation.com and go to Entrepreneur Magazine's SmallBizBooks.com to purchase how-to guides for businesses that take less than $10,000 to launch. Work.com's Guide to Resources for Starting a Business will hook you up with all of the help you need to get going.
Personal services
You already need to run your own errands; why not run other people's, too? With a reliable vehicle and available credit you can easily do other people's shopping — for a fee, of course.
I recommend: Advertise your services at Craigslist, which allows you to post free classified ads that stay online for as long as 45 days, depending on the type of ad and the city in which you live.
eBay sales
You can make a decent living buying antiques and collectibles at garage sales or flea markets, then selling them to hungry buyers online.
I recommend: Sell your stuff online at eBay. You'll need a digital camera with which to photograph your products, which you can buy for under $150 at Best Buy or Circuit City. Or take your items to an eBay drop-off store, such as AuctionItToday, which takes professional photographs of your items, writes copy and posts it for you.
House- and pet-sitting
Give your neighbors peace of mind by taking care of their houses when they're out of town, and their pets while they're at work.
I recommend: Market your services online at HouseCarers.com, which for a small fee will let you post an ad — good for an entire year — to its searchable directory of house-sitters nationwide.
Professional organization
Everyone wants to be organized, but few people have the time. For a fee, you can save people from their own stuff.
I recommend: Join the National Association of Professional Organizers, which will connect you with customers and teach you the tools of the trade.
Clerical work
Many businesses can't afford to hire a full-time secretary. That doesn't stop the paper from piling up on their desks, however. Make a business out of doing data entry, bookkeeping and transcription for your fellow business owners.
I recommend: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 is all you'll need to do office work for other businesses; it includes all the necessary applications and will be compatible with most any client's existing software.
Tutoring
Were you a good student? If so, consider tutoring. You can help kids of any age in any subject, from young children who need help learning to read to teens who need help studying for the SAT.
I recommend: You'll need to study up on a subject yourself before you can teach it; SparkNotesTutorNation.com. offers free online study guides on a variety of topics within a number of subjects. Obtain tutor certification from
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A low-cost startup isn't likely to make you any money in its first few months. Stick with it, though, and it may just burgeon into a full-time opportunity.
- Run your business from your home to save money on rent and utilities. Doing so will save on taxes, too, because a portion of your mortgage and bills will be tax-deductible come April.
- If you're new to business, consider being a weekends-only entrepreneur until you learn the ropes of running your own company.
By Matt Alderton
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