Is there a low-investment business I could start? -

I don t have much money, but would like to start a business. I am 18 years old, and my talents include writing, creativity, and I m great with kids. I am willing to put in a lot of work and effort, but am lacking in funds. Any suggestions?

What do you mean by start a business ? Many people seem to use this phrase to mean that they intend to work a few hours a day at something they love, and they expect it to support them, starting from the first day.For a full time business, expect for the business to hemorrhage money for at least the first couple of years, and keep losing money for another couple, and maybe it will break even by the fifth year, if you re lucky. This means that you must have money to support yourself AND the business for at least five years. Many businesses continue to lose money even after the five year mark, and some never turn a profit. Most businesses flop before five years. Generally, this is because the business was underfunded to start with, and because the owner had no idea what s/he was doing.My suggestions are to first, figure out what sort of business you d like to be in. Then, go work for someone else in that business, so that you can learn it. During this time, you should be living as frugally as possible, and setting aside every spare penny to start your own business, and to keep it running for those first years. You should also take college level courses in any applicable field. If you want to write kids books, for instance, edit a newsletter that s put out for kids (or their parents), and take college courses in writing. College courses don t have to be at four year universities, there are quite a number of two year colleges that offer a variety of courses, and they ll let you take one or two courses per semester. If you want to design children s clothing, then work in that field, while taking courses in design and fashion.Starting your own business, if it s a full time business, is very hard, and it takes a huge financial commitment. If you just want a sideline business, then you don t have to put as much into it financially, but it s still very hard work.You shouldn t even try to start a business until you know exactly what sort of business you want to be in, and until you ve proven that you have the skills. Going bankrupt, or nearly bankrupt, before you re 30 is no fun. Well, it s never fun, really.