Weekly Question | How do you start a business with little to no money?

[JasonH]

Hey everybody! 

This week, we want to challenge you with this question:

How do you start a business with little to no money?

🤑 Creative and practical answers only 😄 👇

💡 Check out this short to get inspired!

[GerWalk]

Starting a business with little to no money is all about being resourceful and focusing on what you can do without spending a fortune. One of the best approaches is to start with a minimally viable product. Use free or low-cost tools like Shopify’s free trial, social media platforms, and free website builders to get your business online. Focus on a niche you understand well and look for ways to solve real customer problems. Lean on community support, networking, and word-of-mouth to build your brand. Don’t be afraid to start small, test your ideas, and iterate based on feedback. Every step counts, and reinvesting early profits back into the business can help you grow steadily over time. Stay patient, keep learning, and use every free resource available—you’ll be surprised how far you can go! It truly makes a difference.

[JasonH]

@GerWalk @ColinSchuch @adilhassan 

I'm seeing a trend here - social media with free tools seem to be the go-to. Two tips to share with anyone who's interested in starting a business with minimum budgets: 

• Create an online store on Starter plan. This allows you to sell on social media with all required feature
• Set up an Instagram store by following How To SELL On Instagram: Set Up An Instagram Shop In 15 Minutes or Less (Youtube: Learn with Shopify).

[ColinSchuch]

Just do it!

Think outside the box and make smart use of what’s already available. Look for ways to provide value - whether through a service, reselling or digital products. Using free platforms like social media, online marketplaces or community networks. Instead of worrying about perfection, start small and refine as you go. Leverage free tools, build connections and tap into existing communities. Adaptability and persistence matter more than a big budget - many successful businesses started with nothing but an idea and a willingness to learn. And fail! Try and error is the best advice you can get after just do it. (I know... but it really is like this 😂)

[adilhassan]

Starting a business with little to no money is all about using free resources, starting small, and focusing on value. Leverage social media, online marketplaces, and free tools to test your idea. Offer services, resell, or create digital products with minimal upfront costs. Most importantly, take action, learn from feedback, and keep improving!

[JasonH]

For anyone who has noticed a problem and found some solutions with suppliers, dropshiping is a fantastic way to start a business without needing to hold inventory. Connect with suppliers and get things rolling! Check out this blog on dropshipping suppliers for more info.

Also, for all the creative folks out there, Print-on-Demand could be a game-changer! It allows you to put your designs on apparel with minimal upfront costs. So if you're into creating content, this could be a great way to monetize your work. You can find more about it here: Print-on-Demand companies.

[johnsfabela]

Starting a business with little to no money is possible if you:

1. Start with a skill or service – Use what you already know (freelancing, tutoring, consulting, etc.).
2. Use free tools – Build a free website (WordPress, Wix), market on social media, and network.
3. Sell before you spend – Pre-sell products, offer services first, or use dropshipping.
4. Leverage online platforms – Sell on Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace instead of renting a shop.
5. Partner or barter – Trade skills/services instead of paying for them.
6. Reinvest profits – Grow gradually using earnings instead of loans.

Start small, stay consistent, and scale over time!

[shahzad08]

Use free social media platforms to promote your business. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great for building an audience without a financial investment. Use free tools like Google Sheets or accounting software like Wave or FreshBooks for tracking finances.