Have a great business idea but lack startup capital? Don’t worry–your entrepreneurial journey isn’t over before it begins. There are plenty of ways to start a business with little to no money. Let’s explore how to bootstrap your business and start making money you can reinvest later on.
5 businesses you can start with no money
Some business models are more budget-friendly than others. If you’re a new entrepreneur, consider one of these fields:
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a low-investment business that doesn’t require you to hold inventory. Vendors only charge you for products when you sell them—and they’ll even ship directly to your customers. This means you can dropship from anywhere in the world.
“The beautiful thing about dropshipping is it doesn’t judge you based on where you live,” says entrepreneur Kamil Sattar, known as The Ecom King, on the Shopify Masters podcast.
To succeed with dropshipping:
- Source trending products: “TikTok is the leading indicator today to find products,” Kamil says. He recommends searching the social media app for keywords like “Amazon finds” and #tiktokmademebuyit, then sourcing five to 10 low-cost products from a dropshipping supplier that has them in stock.
- Use organic marketing strategies: Kamil recommends filming 30 days’ worth of short-form videos featuring your products before starting a new TikTok account for your business.
Print-on-demand
Print-on-demand services apply your branding and designs to private-label products, like tote bags or t-shirts, and sell them on a per-order basis. “You can create your own fashion brand right away without ordering stock,” Sattar says.
Benefits of print-on-demand:
- Minimal upfront costs
- No storage expenses
- Test product popularity before investing in manufacturing
“We started with a print-on-demand service, bringing initial operational investment to $0. Essentially, we were just a website to start off with—to validate the idea,” says Katheriin Liibert, co-founder of European clothing brand #muhoov.
Service-based business
Service-based businesses are relatively inexpensive to start because you’re selling your time and skills rather than physical products. Start as a solo entrepreneur and scale by hiring employees as demand grows.
“Since you don’t have the capital yet, start with the things that you have, like your experience, knowledge, skills, and resources you own,” says Kei Nishida, owner of Japanese Green Tea Co.
A few popular service-based business ideas include:
You can also pair services with other business models. For example, offer closet-cleanout services and run an online resale store with items your clients no longer need to make passive income.
Digital products
Create and sell digital products with little more than an internet connection. Start with a popular topic, develop helpful content, then package your ideas into digital products such as:
Digital products are highly scalable–create once, sell multiple times. Use Shopify’s Digital Downloads app to easily sell your digital products online.
Handcrafted goods
Turn your hobby into a side hustle by selling handcrafted goods through your online store and marketplaces like Etsy. While this requires more startup capital than other options, you can keep costs low by:
- Upcycling materials: Kate Sullivan of The Sage Vintage makes jewelry from vintage charms, while Suay creates patchwork clothing from discarded textiles.
How to start a business with no money
- Write a business plan
- Find your community
- Choose a business name
- Create your brand
- Launch a website
- Validate your idea
- Secure funding to grow
While the specifics may vary based on your chosen business type, the fundamental steps to start your venture are the same:
1. Write a business plan
A business plan serves as a blueprint for running and growing your business. Benefits of a business plan include:
- Anticipating potential challenges
- Providing a roadmap to keep you on track when overwhelmed by decisions
2. Find your community
Connect with other entrepreneurs to unlock valuable free advice on bootstrapping your business:
- Attending networking events
- Join virtual and in-person conferences
- Participate in online networking groups
- Seek out a business mentor
3. Choose a business name
Select a catchy, recognizable name that isn’t already taken. Remember: The name you choose will serve you through the business’s lifetime. Make sure it’s one you love—and a name that doesn’t limit your ability to scale and pivot in the future.
Once you’ve found a business name you like, secure matching online assets, including your domain name and social media handles.
4. Create your brand
Build a brand that goes beyond just a name or logo:
- Define brand values and mission statement
- Develop brand aesthetic (color palette, fonts)
- Establish photography style
- Craft brand voice and tone
- Outline hiring practices
- Tell your brand story
Use free resources like Shopify’s logo maker and brand guide template to get started.
5. Launch a website
A basic website serves as a destination for online visitors and a hub for your products and content. Build a full-featured website with professional features, such as themed product pages, a checkout, and a blog, on a plan that suits your needs. Use it to educate potential customers about your products and brand.
If you want to sell online but don’t need to build a full store, the Shopify Starter plan costs just $5 per month. It comes with enhanced selling features for TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms—as well as the ability to make sales through email, SMS, and in person.
6. Validate your idea
Don’t have the startup cash to fill a stockroom with inventory? Consider running your business using a preorder model. Taking pre-orders allows you to collect upfront cash before committing to production. It’s also an excellent launch strategy for building buzz around your new brand.
Remi Martins, founder of Natural Girl Wigs, tested this approach while working a full-time job. She created an Instagram page to showcase her product ideas. “I got feedback that people are interested in the product and there was a market for wigs specially made for natural-hair lovers,” she says.
After developing her product with a hair stylist, Remi launched through pre-orders. “We sold 50 products in the first 60 days of the business,” she says. “I eventually invested $1,000 in the business to purchase inventory and do marketing.”
7. Secure funding to grow
Remember, a business you start with no money doesn’t have to stay small. Reinvest your earnings into your business and watch your revenue grow.
Francois Mathieu, co-founder of tea company Hojicha Co, shares the brand’s approach: “Most of our profits have been reinvested in inventory and in advertising. We’re trying to grow at a healthy pace so that we don’t have to rely on outside investments.”
As you scale, you might consider these funding options:
- Capital investors: Angel investors or venture capitalists provide cash in exchange for equity.
- Small business grants: One-off lump sums for small businesses meeting specific criteria, often with no repayment required.
Alicia Ho started her photography business, Precious Ones Photography, with a $0 investment. “Friends and family took notice of my work, and I began taking on clients and making a small amount of money,” she recalls. When ready to scale, Alicia found a local non-profit offering loans and scholarships for young entrepreneurs. “It was the best step forward for my business,” she says.
How to start a business with no money FAQ
What is the easiest business to start with no money?
Dropshipping is one of the most accessible ways to start a business without upfront capital. You only pay for inventory when a customer makes a purchase, eliminating warehousing fees and large product manufacturing costs. Since it’s an online business, you can make money from home, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs starting with limited resources.
What business can I start without capital?
Print-on-demand is an excellent option for starting with minimal investment. Create custom designs using free online graphic design tools, then use services like Printful to add your designs to products. You’ll only pay manufacturing costs when an order is placed. Other low-cost business ideas include social media marketing consulting, freelance writing, and service-based business.
How much does it cost to start a business?
The cost of starting a business varies widely, depending on your chosen model. Some businesses require significant upfront investment, such as retail spaces, while others need little more than an internet connection. It’s entirely possible to launch your business with no money using models like dropshipping, print on demand, or digital product sales.
