How to Start a Business with No Money
7 businesses under $2K + a practical zero-budget framework — 2026
Dropshipping Business ($500)
Cheapest Startup
0 businesses
Under $500
1 businesses
Under $1,000
7 businesses
Under $2,000
“No money” doesn’t mean literally $0 — it means starting with minimal upfront cash by choosing a business model that trades sweat equity for capital. The most accessible startups are service-based: you sell your time, skills, and hustle instead of buying inventory or leasing space.
The real investment is what you already own. A laptop, a smartphone, a car, a set of skills from your day job — these are startup assets that don’t show up on a balance sheet. Combine them with free software tools and a willingness to do the work yourself, and you have the foundation for a real business.
Our data backs this up: 7 business types in our database can launch for under $2,000, and 0 of those start below $500. Below, we break down exactly which businesses qualify, what the minimum budget actually covers, and a step-by-step framework for going from zero to your first paying customer.
Zero-to-Low Cost Startup Framework
1.Sell a skill you already have
Consulting, tutoring, cleaning, pet sitting, photography — these businesses monetize expertise and effort, not inventory. Your first dollar costs nothing but time.
2.Use free tools to look professional
Stripe for payments, Canva for branding, Google Workspace for email, Instagram and Facebook for marketing. The free tier of modern software replaces thousands in startup costs.
3.Get one paying client before buying anything
Your first customer validates the business. Reach out to your network, post on local groups, or offer a discounted pilot. Revenue before expenses is the safest startup strategy.
4.Reinvest first revenue into growth
Once cash is flowing, put it toward better equipment, a simple website, or targeted ads. Let the business fund its own growth instead of dipping into savings.
7 Businesses You Can Start for Under $2,000
What Does the Minimum Really Cover?
“Minimum startup cost” isn’t a magic number — it represents a bare-bones launch. Here’s what that budget actually buys for five of the cheapest businesses in our database.
| Business | Min Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Sitting | $1,000 | Business license, basic insurance, a professional profile on pet-sitting platforms, and printed business cards. |
| Tutoring Business | $1,000 | Teaching materials, a scheduling tool subscription, background check, and a basic website or landing page. |
| Consulting Business | $1,000 | Business registration, professional email, a LinkedIn premium subscription, and basic accounting software. |
| Dropshipping | $500 | E-commerce platform subscription, domain name, product samples for photography, and initial ad spend for testing. |
| Cleaning Business | $2,000 | Professional-grade supplies and chemicals, a vacuum, liability insurance, and a basic vehicle decal or magnet. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really start a business with no money?
Technically, almost every business has some cost — even if it's just a $50 business license. But our data shows 7 business types that can launch for under $2,000, and 0 of those start below $500. "No money" really means minimal upfront cash, not literally $0.
What's the cheapest business to start right now?
Based on our 2026 data, Dropshipping Business has the lowest minimum startup cost at $500. It tops the list because it requires minimal equipment and no commercial space.
How do I go from $0 to my first $1,000 in revenue?
Start by offering a service to people you already know. Clean a neighbor's house, tutor a friend's kid, or consult for a former colleague. Your first clients come from your existing network — not from ads. Once you have testimonials, expand through local Facebook groups and word-of-mouth referrals.
What free tools do I need to start a business?
At minimum: Stripe or Square for payments (no monthly fee), Google Workspace or a free email, Canva for basic design, and social media accounts for marketing. A free Carrd or Linktree page works as a landing page until you can afford a full website.
How long until a no-money business becomes profitable?
Service businesses with near-zero startup costs can be profitable from their first client, since there's almost no capital to recoup. Our data shows businesses under $2,000 in startup costs typically need 1–3 paying clients to cover their initial investment and start generating net income.