How to Start or Buy a Business with Little to No Money


Think starting a business requires a pile of cash? Think again. I’ve personally started over 50 businesses—sometimes with no money upfront. In fact, I’ve even had businesses handed to me and been paid to open stores. Sounds crazy, right? Stick around because I’m going to show you how to leverage existing opportunities and resources, like business credit cards, to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Starting a business can be thrilling, but let’s face it—it’s also exhausting and complicated. So before you dive into building a business from scratch, consider this game-changing approach: buying an existing business.

Why reinvent the wheel when you can step into a business that’s already up and running? This approach can save you time, energy, and money, especially if you use tools like high-limit business credit cards to finance the purchase. Yes, credit cards! Let me explain.


Why Business Credit Cards Are a Powerful Tool

Business credit cards aren’t just for small purchases like office supplies. When used strategically, they can finance significant business expenses, especially with perks like zero APR offers for 12 to 18 months. That’s essentially free money—if you pay it back on time.

Take the Business Platinum Card from American Express, for example. With it, you can:

  • Earn 150,000 membership rewards points after meeting the spending threshold.
  • Enjoy five times the points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through their portal.
  • Finance big-ticket items with 0% APR for an extended period.

This means you can:

  • Buy inventory.
  • Set up a website.
  • Cover equipment costs.

And yes, you can even buy an existing business with the right card.

Why Buying a Business Is Smarter Than Starting from Scratch

Starting a business from zero often involves creating systems, building brand recognition, and finding customers—all of which take time and money. But when you buy an existing business, you’re acquiring a proven system, an established customer base, and sometimes even contracts that generate income from day one.

Take small businesses like a vending machine route, a laundromat, or a painting service. These types of businesses are:

  • Low maintenance: Vending machines, for example, need restocking and occasional maintenance.
  • Stable income generators: Laundromats serve a constant demand for clean clothes.
  • Endlessly renewable: Painting businesses thrive on repeat customers and ongoing demand as paint wears out.

Financing these businesses with a high-limit business credit card lets you avoid traditional bank loans and hefty upfront costs.

Creative Financing: Seller Financing and Franchises

Don’t have cash to buy a business outright? Seller financing might be your answer. In this model, the seller acts as a lender, financing part of the purchase. It’s flexible, and the terms can be negotiated to suit both parties. This approach allows you to step into a profitable business with minimal upfront costs.

If you’re considering franchising, remember that buying an established franchise often comes with less risk than starting a new one. While initial costs like franchise fees and location setup can be high, financing options—including credit cards—can help bridge the gap.

Lower-Cost Business Models: Drop Shipping and E-Commerce

Not ready to commit to a physical business? Consider starting an online store through drop shipping. Here’s how it works:

  • You list products from suppliers on your website.
  • When a customer makes a purchase, the supplier ships the product directly to them.

This model requires little upfront investment—just the cost of setting up your online store. A business credit card can easily cover these expenses while giving you rewards and cashback.

Key Steps to Start with Business Credit Cards

  1. Choose the Right Card: Look for cards with high limits, 0% APR introductory offers, and rewards.
  2. Plan Your Expenses: Use the card for income-generating purchases like inventory or marketing.
  3. Pay Down the Balance Quickly: Your priority is to reinvest profits into paying off the card balance.

The Secret to Long-Term Success

This strategy isn’t just about getting started—it’s about sustainability. Whether you’re buying a business, setting up an online store, or investing in equipment, the key is to:

  • Leverage credit responsibly.
  • Focus on generating cash flow immediately.
  • Reinvest profits to grow your business.

Partnering for Success

I’ve been where you are—starting from scratch and building wealth multiple times over. That’s why I’ve partnered with tools like Zen Business to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow. Zen Business offers everything from LLC formation to tax and compliance guidance. Their platform simplifies the technical side of starting a business, letting you focus on what matters most—your customers.

Final Thoughts

Starting or buying a business doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By leveraging business credit cards, exploring seller financing, and considering pre-existing business models, you can fast-track your way to success.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check out the links below to access resources, free stocks, and business loans tailored to entrepreneurs like you.

Let’s build something amazing together.

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