Starting a business with no money may seem impossible. However, many entrepreneurs launch their business each year with a very limited budget, or even without any personal contribution.
This is particularly the case for freelancers, consultants and even service companies, who can start with a simple computer and an Internet connection.
Even if certain projects require an initial investment, today there are many solutions to reduce costs: business creation assistance, crowdfunding, free tools or even platforms allowing you to quickly find your first clients.
Find out how to start a business without money, what legal forms to favor and what are the best strategies to develop your business without putting your finances at risk.
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Micro-enterprise, SASU, EURL… You don’t know which status to choose? Our experts will guide you to make the best choice based on your situation and your ambitions.
Can you really start a business with 0€?
Yes… but it all depends on your activity.
In France, most legal forms do not require any minimum share capital. You can therefore create a micro-enterprisean EURL, a SARL or a SASU with only a few euros of capital if you wish.
On the other hand, starting a business with no money does not mean starting a business without any costs. You will sometimes need to plan:
- administrative costs depending on your activity
- professional insurance
- a professional bank account when required by regulations
- a domain name and a website
- some essential digital tools
The good strategy therefore consists of limiting expenses to what is strictly necessary until you generate your first income.
Which status should you choose when you start without money?
The choice of legal status directly influences your procedures, your expenses and your future development.
The micro-enterprise: the simplest solution
For a service or freelance activity, the micro-enterprise often remains the best entry point.
It has several advantages:
- quick creation
- simplified formalities
- lean accounting
- contributions calculated only on the turnover achieved
In other words, if you invoice nothing during the first months, you do not pay social security contributions on a non-existent turnover.
This status is ideal for testing an activity before creating a larger company.
SASU
The SASU is interesting if you want to quickly develop your business, welcome long-term investors or clearly separate your personal assets from that of your company.
It requires more formalities but offers great operating flexibility.
The EURL
The EURL constitutes a good alternative for doing business alone while benefiting from the legal framework of the SARL.
It is often chosen when the project requires more credibility or when the entrepreneur plans an evolution towards an SARL with several partners.
Aid to create a business without contribution
Even without savings, several mechanisms can make it easier to launch your business.
The ACRE allows, under certain conditions, to benefit from a partial exemption from social security contributions during the start-up of your activity.
If you are registered with France Travail and benefit from unemployment rights, you can request payment of part of your benefits in the form of capital in order to finance your project.
- Maintaining benefits
Depending on your situation, it is also possible to continue to receive part of your unemployment benefits while gradually developing your business.
- Crowdfunding
THE crowdfunding allows you to finance a project thanks to contributions from individuals.
This solution is particularly suitable for innovative, creative projects or projects with a strong community dimension.
- Loans and local aid
Many regions, communities or support networks also offer honorary loans, grants or personalized support. Ask your Chamber of Commerce or Chamber of Trades for more information.
Prepare a business plan, even without investment
Creating a business without money does not exempt you from preparing your project.
A business plan will allow you to answer several essential questions:
- Who are your future customers?
- How are you going to make money?
- Who are your competitors?
- What will your costs be in the coming months?
Even if your initial expenses are low, a forecast budget will help you anticipate your financing needs when your business grows.
Reduce your expenses as much as possible
When you start without a budget, every expense counts. Before investing in new equipment or expensive subscriptions, ask yourself if they are really essential.
You probably already have:
- a computer
- a smartphone
- an Internet connection.
This equipment is generally sufficient to launch a service activity.
Also favor free tools or their freemium versions to manage your activity: office suite, graphic design, videoconferencing, project management or invoicing.
Finally, if your business allows it, work from home for the first few months to avoid the cost of renting an office.
What businesses can you start without money?
Some activities require very little investment at start-up.
Become a freelancer
Developer, graphic designer, web editor, translator, community manager, SEO or consultant: all these professions can be practiced with a computer and a good Internet connection.
Create a service agency
You can start alone and then bring in other freelancers as you grow.
This solution allows you to quickly develop an activity without immediately recruiting employees.
Become a consultant or coach
If you have expertise in a particular field (marketing, finance, HR, sport, communication, etc.), you can offer consulting services with a very limited investment.
Personal services
Childcare, help for seniors, academic support, administrative assistance or pet walking require little material investment.
Stockless e-commerce
Dropshipping or print on demand allow you to sell products without purchasing goods in advance.
The supplier is directly responsible for manufacturing and shipping the orders.
How to find your first customers?
Starting your business is an important step. Finding your first customers is often the real challenge.
To quickly develop your business, rely on several levers:
- mobilize your personal and professional network
- publish regularly on LinkedIn or social networks adapted to your target
- ask your first clients for recommendations
- participate in professional events
- create a website to improve your visibility
You can also use a freelance platform to quickly respond to assignments and develop your client portfolio.