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Starting a business as a student can be a great way to get a head start on your career. The one drawback of being a young entrepreneur is that you may lack capital or startup funds. Don’t stress. Business ownership isn’t out of reach, even if you aren’t rolling in cash. Here are some tips and tools to help you start a business with little financial resources.

Explore Low-Cost Businesses

Research cost-efficient business models to minimize your need for startup capital.

• Check out business ideas that don’t require a lot of cash, like web development or travel planning.
• Skip the cost of hiring people by pursuing solopreneurship. Possible ideas range from freelance writing to coaching.
• Avoid paying commercial rent with a home-based business model, like personal training or fixing broken electronics.

Get Creative When Finding Ways to Cut Startup Costs

Try these hacks for minimizing your financial needs as a young business owner.

• Write a business plan and create a budget to help allocate resources wisely.
• Research technology that helps your business save money, from e-commerce to communications software.
• Find ways to save on tech, like utilizing free IT support and buying cutting-edge tools on days when you’re sure to get deals, like Black Monday.

Try a Diversity of Funding Options

Traditional bank loans are just one of the many options available when it comes to financing your business. Here are some alternatives.

• Try crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to help get money.
• Use online tools to research potential investors for your business.
• Consider planning a fundraising event to get the cash you require.

Embrace Free and Low-Cost Promotional Tools

You don’t have to spend big bucks on fancy ads and marketing. Here are some affordable tools to help raise your business’s profile.

• Use low-budget marketing techniques, like social media and blogging.
• Create professional-looking marketing materials from online templates.
• Try downloading stock videos that are royalty free to save on video marketing costs.

If you’re a cash-strapped student with limited capital, starting a business might seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re using royalty-free videos to market your business or planning a fundraising event, the above guide provides some pointers to help you get your entrepreneurial journey off on the right foot, even if you aren’t rich.

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