How can I start a small business with no money?

Bootstrapping a business with nary a dime in your pocket can feel like trying to build a sandcastle during a hurricane. But fear not, intrepid entrepreneur! Resourcefulness, like duct tape, can patch many a hole in your plans.

Sell what you don’t spend. Look around. Are you a dab hand at baking artisan bread? Do your friends beg you to fix their tech woes? Turn your hobbies into hustles. Remember, Marie Callender started selling pies from her home kitchen!

Leverage the freebies. From online website builders to social media platforms, the digital world is brimming with free tools to get you started. Think of it as the entrepreneur’s discount aisle.

Get scrappy with marketing. Forget billboard budgets. Network with local businesses, barter your services, and unleash your inner social media maven. Remember, Dollar Shave Club started with a viral YouTube video filmed in the founder’s bathroom.

Pre-sell, don’t pre-spend. Before investing in inventory, test the waters with pre-orders or crowdfunding campaigns. This validates your idea and brings in capital before you spend a dime.

Be a shameless borrower… of skills. Partner with friends or family who have complementary skills. A web-savvy cousin can craft your website while your design-inclined friend creates your logo. Remember, Ben & Jerry’s started with a $5 ice cream maker borrowed from a friend.

Remember, the most important capital isn’t financial; it’s your drive, creativity, and ability to hustle. So, chin up, buttercup! With a little ingenuity, you can turn your bootstrapped dream into a thriving business empire.