# How do I start a business with no money?

Start with a service you can sell using skills and tools you already own, keep fixed costs near zero, and reinvest early income before buying better gear. Some costs are free: an EIN from the IRS costs nothing, and the SBA says registration usually totals under $300. ProfitDrawer's startup guides show low-cost starts, such as a solo cleaning business with an example budget from about $550 using your own car.

**Steps that keep cash needs low:**

1. **Pick a service, not inventory.** Cleaning, lawn care with your own mower, dog walking or tutoring need little upfront.
2. **Use what you own:** your car, phone, computer and basic tools.
3. **Get first customers from people you know** and ask for payment on completion.
4. **Register only what is required.** A sole proprietorship using your legal name needs no state filing; check city and county licenses.
5. **Put a share of each payment back into the business** and buy equipment as steady clients justify it.
6. **Track every dollar** so you know when you can afford the next step.

**Funding options the SBA describes:**

- **Self-funding:** you keep full control but carry all the risk; do not spend more than you can afford to lose.
- **Crowdfunding:** backers usually get a perk or product, not ownership.
- **SBA-guaranteed loans and microloans** through participating lenders, once you have a plan and numbers.
- **Investors:** usually take an ownership share and a say in the business.

Some businesses, like food trucks, are hard to start with nothing because permits and insurance come first.

- Source: [Fund your business (U.S. Small Business Administration)](https://www.sba.gov/counseling/plan-your-business/#fund-business)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Start a business
- Canonical: https://profitdrawer.com/answers/how-do-i-start-a-business-with-no-money.html
- Publisher: ProfitDrawer (https://profitdrawer.com)