Starting a business is an exciting time in someone’s professional life. Taking the leap is a big undertaking, but can be so rewarding. If you’re considering starting your own business, there are things you’ll need to consider. And of course, the first is the cost of starting a business. Putting together a business is no simple thing, and can be expensive to start. And since most working folks don’t have a ton of capital to start, you may need to think outside the box. So finding a business with no startup cost is the best way to get your foot in the door. Your first business can help you build up capital and invest in other ventures, helping you become an entrepreneur.

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So what are the best ideas for a business with no startup cost? Where can you begin if you have little capital to invest? Look no further than the ideas we’ve compiled below:

Ideas for a Business With No Startup Cost

1. Event Planning Services

If you feel you have the knack for organization and creativity, event planning is a great no cost startup business. Events including weddings, parties, gatherings and meetings need event planning services. And these services can be costly, with event planning service companies capable of earning hundreds of thousands per year. You also have the option to take on as many clients as you desire. This can lead to work life balance, as well as high earning potential.

The only business costs you will need are typical business licensing fees. It’s also beneficial to invest in a website where you can share your planning services and packages. But otherwise, most clientele and branding can be incorporated in your social media. To get in to the business, you’ll need to begin generating content and establishing your brand. So it’s best to plan offering lower rates to attract more clients. But this is a business with no startup cost that will break the bank.

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2. Tutoring and Consulting

If you are passionate in a niche market or subject, your knowledge can be valuable. Consider starting a consulting firm in a specific field, or work as a tutor for those seeking help. You can also begin by doing virtual classes to expand your reach. There’s no big ticket startup costs with consulting/tutoring, other than the marketing dollars you put in to branding.

You can start by working with platforms such as LinkedIn Learning or Udemy.

3. Personal Chef

If you have a background in the culinary field, or are a particularly good home chef, consider starting your own company working as a personal chef to higher clientele. Some startup costs are expected though, such as proper tools and cookware. But not all chefs are expected to have gone through culinary school. Start by creating a social media, and posting your skills and results to your following. Once you gain a following, you can begin marketing your services to clients. With hard work, and some luck, you can end up catering meals for well off clients.

4. Resume Writer

Anyone who has worked professionally knows how important your resume is. It’s the first thing that can get you in the door for coveted positions. So if you feel like you have a knack for writing, and putting together strong resumes, your services could be valuable. This is a business with no startup cost, and is needed by many. If you really want to expand your business right away, put out content related to resume building. Share some knowledge via your blog, or just on your socials. Showing you have the knowledge and expertise can bring clients in.

If you need to learn the craft, check out resources like My Perfect Resume.

5. Affiliate Marketing

An online business with no startup cost, affiliate marketing is something almost anyone can do. Although it has high earning potential, you’ll need to work hard to build your branding and blog outreach. For affiliate marketing to be successful, you’ll need to grow your reach organically and build retention on your sites. To do this, you’ll want to pick a specific niche market that you can grow a blog for. You’ll want to pick something not too generic and competitive, but also not too niche and unknown. Once you’ve grown your sites and content, you can begin to work with advertisers. How big your reach is will determine how profitable your sites become.

Start Up Your Business Now

All in all, starting a business with no startup cost is the beginning to becoming an entrepreneur. If you have the time, and the patience, you can even start more than one of these businesses. Down the road, with their success, you can invest in bigger enterprises. You’ll need to be willing to put in the work and dedication to grow these businesses.

Good luck!