Small Business Ideas That Require Little or No Money

Small Business Ideas That Require Little or No Money - Being an entrepreneur does not have to break the bank. Since laptops, Internet connections and e-commerce have become commonplace, considering a small business operated from home is easier than ever, according to the experts at Entrepreneur Magazine. Sit back, sip a cup of coffee and start a small business with existing capital and less than $1,500 in savings. After all, 20 percent of small-business ventures begin in the home.

Use talents and hobbies as foundations for a small business.

Accountant and Tax Preparer

• If calculators and number crunching create a smile, become a home-based accountant and tax preparer. Use the old accounting degree to prepare tax returns for individuals. Accountants can also reconcile the books for small businesses and prepare annual reports for busy independent contractors. A reliable Internet-connected computer, accounting software and a fax machine enables most accounting-based business transactions.

Cleaning Services

• Make clients happy by cleaning up after them. Invest in basic cleaning supplies, research reliable cleaning methods and market your cleaning services for reasonable rates. Posting fliers at grocery stores, daycare centers, church bulletin boards and in school lobbies will garner the attention of busy parents that could use some tidying around the house.

Repair Service

• Being handy can make you money. Having the ability to troubleshoot electronics, shore up old fences or repair junior's bicycle can turn a hobby into a business. Prepare to spend a little cash on an ad in the local phone book. Follow up by building a tool bag (possibly from existing tools) and advertising for free on Internet discussion boards and social networking sites.

Selling Online

• Make a profession out of recycling used treasures and selling them online. After creating accounts with several online auction websites, clean the house. Collect unused items, antiques and unopened gifts to re-sell. On the weekends head to rummage sales, yard sales and auctions to purchase bargains for re-sale on the Internet. Start-up costs include postage, website fees, Internet connection fees and money to go shopping for items.

Event Planning

• If planning the annual holiday gathering rates low on the personal stress-o-meter, start a business in event planning. Brides, family reunion hosts and children preparing for their parent's anniversary celebration could all use a little help. Planning meals, finding event locations and creating unique decoration ideas top the list of a home-based event planner. Before opening an event planning business gather local resources, make contacts with caterers and venues, and invest in an electronic organizer. ( ehow.com )