Can I start a business with no money?  

Dear Startup Ma,

The members of my church choir think that I make, pardon the expression, “One helluva cupcake!” I know, it sounds funny to hear those words coming from church folk, but it got me thinking about maybe trying to sell cupcakes for a living.  I’m a stay at home mom, with a 2 year old girl who is quite a handful, it really is true what they say about the terrible twos.  In addition, I have a limited income, which I guess is really a nice way of saying that I’m broke, but who isn’t these days? Anyway, I really do enjoy baking cupcakes as a hobby and one my fellow choir members wants to pay me to bake a few dozen cupcakes for her daughter’s birthday party.  What do you think?  Can I start a business with no money?   Thanks!! Emily. PS.  I’m thinking about calling it, Helluva Cupcake!

Dear Emily,

My Grandpa was fond of saying, “It’s not how well the dancing bear dances, it’s the fact that the bear dances at all!”  So, whether you call your business, “Helluva Cupcake!” or “Emily’s Cupcakes,” or something else, it sounds to me like you’re in business already.  

When you start a business with no money, you’ll need to start out small by using the tools which you already own.  Emily, you probably have a mixer or two, bowls and a stove already.  Once the cash flows in from cupcake orders, you might want to consider buying a larger mixer or better stove for your baking, but for now, make do with what you have.  

Meanwhile, because you’ve decided to start a business with no money, you won’t be able to rent a storefront for “Helluva Cupcake!” just yet. Instead, use your home’s kitchen space to bake your cupcakes.  

Being a small business owner with no money means that best way to advertise your cupcake business, no pun intended, is by word of mouth. After you deliver the cupcakes for the birthday party, remember to ask your customer, the choir member, to refer you to one or two friends. Remember, word of mouth is free!  

Another way to get the word out about your small business is to join local business groups as these organizations give you plenty of opportunity to network and talk about your business.  Perhaps, you might want to host a cupcake tasting party as a way of generating more referrals. 

Moreover, Emily, don’t be afraid to talk up your small business with friends, family and new people you meet.  Remember, before Mrs. Fields became a famous cookie maker, she was Debbi Fields, a woman who liked to bake homemade cookies in her kitchen.  Good Luck with your small business.  All the best, Startup Ma.  PS. I'm craving cupcakes now and it's all your fault!

Got a small business question? 

Need small business advice? 

Work at home mom issues?    

Contact Startup Ma for an answer.  Send her an email at startupma@startupma.com

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