Starting a business with no money is possible! Even if your project requires acquiring premises or buying materials, financing solutions exist to start a business with zero euros in your pocket.
Many service professions or jobs in the IT field also make it possible to start a business without money, with only a computer as capital!
Find out now how to create your business with ease and the tips to get started in entrepreneurship with no money.
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Micro-enterprise, SASU, EURL… Not sure which status to choose? Our experts guide you to make the best choice based on your situation and ambitions.
What kind of business can you start with no investment?
From a legal point of view, no type of company ask has a mandatory minimum capital except for the SA (public limited company), which requires a minimum capital of €37,000. You can therefore create, according to your choice and needs, either an SARL, an EURL, an SAS, a micro-enterprise (also called a sole proprietorship).
The EURL (single-person limited liability company) is a legal status equivalent to that of the SARL (limited liability company) but can only be formed by a single person.
The SARL is often chosen when you want to share the investments related to starting a business of the business, it also allows the company's manager to be salaried.
The micro-enterprise is part of sole proprietorships (EI or EIRL). It is a legal form chosen by a large number of entrepreneurs businesses, notably to start a company with no money. It is the simplest format to begin with. It requires no investment and takes very little time to set up. It allows you toto be be exempt from VAT. However, you must not exceed certain revenue thresholds:
- For commercial activities, the amount is €85,800 excluding VAT
- For service providers or liberal professions, it's €34,400 excluding VAT
Another advantage of this status, it's is that you only pay social charges on what you have earned. If nothing does not count during the early stages, you have no charges to pay.
If you earned less than €5,000 in the calendar year, you will be exempt from the business property tax (CFE)
You can also opt for the withholding tax on your income (each time you declare an amount, a percentage is deducted as income tax).
Tips for starting a business with no money
Starting a business with no money may seem a little complicated. But many activities do not require investment. Here are the factors to consider to determine whether you can start your business with no money.
Create a business plan
The business plan is the founding element of your project. It is a document that will allow you to clarify everything related to your project. It will be your action plan and serve as your reference when building the company. The business plan includes:
- A market study that will allow you to examine and analyze your competition and your target audience.
- You will prepare a provisional budget. If in the first year the figures are close to 0 euros, probably that over time, you will need to set aside some amounts to grow a little more.
This document will also be required when you look for people to invest in your business, whether banks or internet users as part of crowdfunding.
Learn about possible support
If you are unemployed, you may be eligible for certain conditional grants to take over or create a business. These include:
- ARCE: advance payment of unemployment benefits
- ACRE: partial exemption from social charges
- NACRE: support for the job seeker
- CAPE: create or take over a company as a project founder
You can also turn to startup loans or financial aids of a fiscal nature such as the research tax credit, the Young Innovative Company (JEI) tax credit, or the university (JEU) tax credit.
Consider crowdfunding
Since the early 2000s there has also been a financing tool developed through internet platforms called crowdfunding. These platforms connect business creators with internet users. The idea is that internet users help finance projects which regardless of their nature (artistic, industrial, entrepreneurial…)
Love money (funding from friends and family)
Your close ones (family or friends) may wish to support you in your business. Reach out to them to help you get closer to zero euros for launching your project. Be convincing !
Training
Starting a business requires skills. If you lack them in certain areas… perhaps administration or sales, don’t hesitate to go online to follow training tutorials.
Mastering tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or software for creating e-commerce sites or websites will be a great help
If you’re launching your creative business, it’s helpful to keep in mind the different support options that freelancers can provide for a perfectly reasonable budget. Codeur.com offers solutions.
Also read: Freelancer: what are your training rights?
Grow your business with no money
Once created, your business will need to grow. That can have a cost. Start with channels that aren’t too funding-hungry like word-of-mouth and your network. Get started on social media. Creating a website is now a necessity.
To help you with this task, you can turn to freelancers for a reasonable fee. They will know how to assist to implement your site and handle its SEO. Indeed, a website that doesn’t appear on the first pages of search engines will not be of much interest. The SEO part is therefore fundamental
Here are some tips to adopt to grow your network:
Join an online community through social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram. Choose the networks that best match your needs and your target audience.
Join groups you can sign up for to meet people who share your entrepreneurial interests. In addition, joining these kinds of groups can provide valuable information about your potential clients in the future. You can also get yourself known through them.
Develop partnerships with other businesses
Place small ads, often free, on sites like Le Bon Coin, JeMePropose.com… There are platforms for every profession.
Many companies are looking to connect with people like you. You just need to reach out. The most important thing is to find an arrangement that aligns with your professional interests.
For example, you can secure a sponsored blog post in exchange for helping your supplier promote their brand using your skills.
Attend events and conferences
Beyond the Internet, you can attend events related to your business to meet new people and expand your network. You might even meet potential investors!
Prepare your business cards in advance so you're ready to hand them out.
Also read: Freelance: 8 ideas to grow your professional network
Solutions for starting a business with no money
Keep your job
Many people decide to quit their job when their first idea is born. This is especially common for those stuck in work that doesn't really inspire them. However, starting a business can be a long and costly process. In the early days, you may not be able to pay yourself a salary. If you add the stress of not being able to make ends meet to the pressure of making your project succeed, you may not hold up.
The right approach to take is to develop your business while continuing to work in parallel.
This will help you stay afloat financially and ensure you have a lifeline in case the development of your business doesn't go so well. Of course, you can always quit your job if everything goes well — that's your choice.
Switch to part-time to have time to get started
If you want to devote (almost) full-time to your new activity, switching to full-time is another viable option that many entrepreneurs choose.
This allows you to have half the week to devote to your new activity while keeping a foot in the professional world. It can bring you contacts, but above all an income to help you during the transition.
Take advantage of business start-up aid
Finally, to launch and create your business without money, you can turn to France Travail. If you had a job before starting, you can either receive unemployment benefits to help you until your activity becomes profitable, or you can withdraw all your unemployment rights at once to invest them in creating your business.
Choose a sector that requires little equipment
In the event that if you don't have money, you won't be able to invest in merchandise or equipment. Forget about selling products, unless you decide to create a dropshipping e-commerce store. In that case, you won't need to buy inventory and you can work from home. Dropshipping links three commercial parties: the buyer, the seller (you) as well as the supplier. You act as an intermediary between the buyer and the supplier. You have no upfront money to pay nor inventory to manage.
You can also choose to:
Become a freelancer to start a business with no money
Depending on your skills, you can become a web copywriter, a graphic designer, web designer, developer… anything related to the Internet is expanding and opens the door to many professions.
Offer personal/home care services
Still linked to your skills, there are traditional professions such such as home hairdressing or beauty services, but also child care, pet sitting and dog walking. The senior care market is growing significantly and opens up opportunities in service jobs (shopping, small administrative tasks…).
Become a consultant
This field is particularly aimed at people trained and experienced in the chosen field (accounting, coach sports, business creation, communication…)
The job of a sales agent is within your reach
In real estate, for example, it is increasingly developing through Internet platforms that handle the “marketing” side, leaving you the task of finding properties for sale to offer to buyers.
Health-related activities
They are often linked to the need to obtain a diploma; others require little investment. Psychologist, life coach… You can consult at home or in Video conferencing a conference.
Crafts and DIY
These are professions you can pursue without much investment. Some, however, such as a painter or plumber, will require some investment in equipment.
When you start with no money, it’s better to be confident in your business model. Unless you have an unlimited financial reserve, there will come a time when the fridge needs to be filled. In that case, it is recommended to start an activity that you can get started by yourself, that stands out and provides real added value. Yes, it’s not easy, but it’s possible!
Recycle your personal equipment
You probably have the necessary equipment to start your activity do it without money. It isn’t necessary to buy a MacBook Pro, the latest smartphone, or a new-generation tablet right away.
Your current desktop computer and your one-year-old smartphone will be more than enough to:
- Create your site
- Call prospects
- Send emails
- Manage your social media…
If you really need to buy equipment, check Le Bon Coin or visit second-hand stores. This is not the time to dip into your small savings.
Working from home
No need to want an expensive illuminated sign in front of premises on the Champs-Élysées right away. If possible, set up a small professional corner in your living room, with a small desk and a few trays for your papers to respond to freelance assignments.
In case if you absolutely want to work outside, look into coworking spaces. These are places that meet the need to get out of the house, to communicate, to learn. You share services, which can have a positive impact on your expenses. You can grow your network and exchange with other entrepreneurs to find solutions to some of your problems. You can also occupy a bar with Wi‑Fi; it will only cost you the price of a drink. There is bound to be one near you.
Our tip for starting your business with no money
We never said it was easy to start a business with no money. However, with a bit of ingenuity, you can launch the beginnings of your activity and earn your first profits.
Choose the legal status that best fits your needs. Depending on your project, the micro-entreprise (microbusiness) is often a good way to start a professional activity without any money to invest.
If you also want to start your business with no money, to find your first clients in France and from abroad, sign up on Codeur.com as a freelancer.
