Six Real Businesses You Can Start Today (With Zero Dollars)
Before you get overwhelmed with all the options, here’s a simple question:
Do you want to work online, or locally?
Will you need social media, or do you want to avoid it altogether?
No matter your answer, there’s a way forward. Here are six proven business models that don’t cost a thing to start:
1. Freelance Services
If you can write, design, organize, edit videos, manage social media, or help someone stay on top of their inbox—you’ve already got a marketable skill.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and even LinkedIn are great places to land your first client.
2. Content Creation
Start a blog. Launch a YouTube channel. Host a podcast.
You don’t need a full studio or fancy camera—your phone works.
Monetization can come later through ads, affiliate links, and sponsorships.
3. Online Courses or Tutoring
If people ask you how to do something—bake sourdough, edit videos, help with math—teach it.
Use platforms like Teachable or Udemy, or simply offer sessions over Zoom.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Recommend products you love (Amazon, Canva, your favorite books or tools), and earn commission when someone buys through your link.
Most affiliate programs are free to join—and if you already post on social media or in forums, you’re halfway there.
5. Local Service-Based Businesses
Think babysitting, dog walking, house cleaning, or yard care.
These don’t require much more than time, energy, and a willingness to start.
Start by posting in local Facebook groups or printing a few flyers for your neighborhood.
6. Consulting or Coaching
You don’t need to be an “expert.”
Have you lost weight, planned a wedding on a budget, or recovered from burnout?
If you’ve done something hard and learned along the way—you can help others do the same.
Yes, This Is Possible: Real People, Real Results
Still skeptical? Let me share a few real stories:
Sarah Randel – Freelance Social Media Manager
Sarah started by helping her husband with his business’s social media. She didn’t have any formal experience—but she learned online and built her portfolio one client at a time. Now she’s running a freelance business from home.
Read her story
Theo – Founder of StudentCircle Tutoring
Theo posted a simple ad on Craigslist offering tutoring in subjects he loved. That one ad turned into a full business with a team of tutors in multiple cities.
See his journey
Ashley Tyrner – Founder of Farmbox Direct
Ashley, a single mom on food stamps, saw a problem: people in food deserts couldn’t get fresh produce. She launched Farmbox Direct, and today it’s a multimillion-dollar business fighting food insecurity.
Learn more
The point?
It’s not about what you don’t have. It’s about the skills and passion you already do.
Your Step-by-Step Game Plan
Now let’s get practical. If you want to start something this week, here’s your roadmap:
Step 1: Identify your skills.
Write down 3 things people ask you for help with—organizing, tech stuff, crafting, writing, parenting tips—anything.
Step 2: Look for demand.
Search Upwork, YouTube, Facebook groups—where are people already asking for help with those things?
Step 3: Pick one simple offer.
Don’t overthink it. You’re just testing. Pick one thing you could help with.
Step 4: Create a free sample.
This could be a simple Google Doc, a short how-to video, or a sample project in Canva.
Step 5: Reach out to your HOT 25.
This is a list of 25 people in your life—friends, family, neighbors—who might know someone who needs your help. Send a short personal message.
Step 6: Post publicly.
This is where the magic happens. Share what you’re offering on Instagram, Facebook, even Craigslist. Yes, it’s scary. But you’ve got to start.
Step 7: Build consistency, not perfection.
Set aside 20 minutes after bedtime. One hour on a Friday night. It doesn’t have to be all-consuming—you just need to keep going.
Want all these steps in a printable version?
Grab it for free on my Free Stuff page at reneeclancy.com.
My Favorite Free Tools to Help You Start
Here’s a quick toolkit of free resources you can use right now:
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Canva – Design social posts, guides, and samples (start with the free version).
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Google Docs & Sheets – Perfect for creating proposals, checklists, or digital downloads.
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Zoom/Skype – Great for virtual meetings, coaching, or lessons.
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Trello or Notion – Keep yourself organized and plan your weekly goals.
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Mailchimp (Free tier) – Start growing your email list right from the beginning.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait
Let me be real with you.
There’s no “right time” to start. You won’t suddenly wake up with more energy, more time, or the perfect setup.
But here’s what I do know:
When you start with nothing, you learn how to be resourceful.
And that skill? It’s priceless.
Take the first step.
Then take the next.
Then keep going.
Let’s Talk!
What’s one business idea you’d love to start—even if you’ve got zero dollars right now?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on or share a resource to help you out.
And if you want more real-world, no-fluff advice for building a business around your talents (even with no time and no money)?
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You’ve got this.