How do I get more customers into my retail store?

We use the Zenith Method™ to help you increase visibility, attract the right foot traffic, and turn browsers into buyers. Most of our clients see an increase in traffic within weeks of implementing the strategy.

What kind of retailers do you work with?

I coach independent retailers across the UK — from gift shops and clothing boutiques to lifestyle stores and homeware brands. If you run a physical store or sell in-person and want more sales, I can help.

Do I need a big budget to grow my retail business?

No. Most of my clients grow without spending heavily on ads. We focus on connection, storytelling, customer experience, and systems that increase sales organically and sustainably.

What makes Samuel Chapman different from other business coaches?

I’ve built and sold multiple six-figure businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, and I specialise in real-world retail, not theory. My coaching is personal, practical, and proven — rooted in results, not fluff.

If I Was Broke, Here’s How I Would Start a Small Business

Start a Business with No Money, Low-Cost Business Ideas

If I Was Broke, Here’s How I Would Start a Small Business

Starting a business with little to no money might seem impossible, but the truth is, many successful businesses started with nothing but creativity, persistence, and a smart strategy. If I had to start over today with no money, here’s exactly what I would do to build a profitable small business from scratch.

I'm Samuel Chapman – Small Business Coach, and I help aspiring entrepreneurs and product-based business owners launch and grow sustainable, profitable businesses, no matter their starting point. In this guide, I’ll share my step-by-step plan for starting a business when you’re broke.

How to Start a Business With No Money

1. Choose a Business Model That Requires Little to No Investment

Service-Based Business: No product costs, just your time (freelancing, consulting, coaching).
Reselling & Flipping: Buy second-hand products cheaply and sell them for a profit.
Dropshipping or Print-on-Demand: Sell products online without holding inventory.
Handmade Products: Use skills like sewing, candle-making, or art to create unique products.

2. Sell What You Already Have

Look around your home for unused items you can sell on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Depop.
Use the profits to reinvest into your new business.

3. Use Free Online Platforms to Sell & Market Your Products

Create a free Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook page to showcase your business.
Sell on Etsy, eBay, Amazon, or Vinted—no website required.
Start a free website on Shopify’s trial or use Gumroad for digital products.

4. Leverage Your Skills & Offer a Service

If you have skills in design, marketing, tutoring, photography, or writing, start offering services immediately.
Use Fiverr, Upwork, or social media to find clients.

5. Barter or Trade Services Instead of Paying for Help

If you need a logo, website, or product photography, trade skills with another entrepreneur.
Find Facebook groups where business owners help each other out for free.

6. Use Free Marketing Strategies to Get Customers Fast

Social Media Marketing: Post valuable content and engage with potential customers.
Word-of-Mouth & Networking: Tell everyone you know and ask for referrals.
Join Local Facebook & Business Groups: Promote your products and services.

7. Pre-Sell Before You Buy Inventory

Take pre-orders for a new product before investing money.
Use Kickstarter or Indiegogo to crowdfund your idea.
Sell digital products (e-books, guides, courses) that require no upfront cost.

Need a plan to start your business from zero? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

The Best Small Business Ideas When You’re Broke

E-Commerce Business Ideas

Dropshipping: Sell trending products without holding inventory.
Print-on-Demand: Sell custom T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags online.
Reselling & Flipping: Buy and resell products on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Handmade & DIY Business Ideas

Jewellery Making: Start with low-cost materials and sell on Etsy.
Candle & Soap Making: Simple to start with basic ingredients.
Personalised Gifts: Monogrammed or engraved products are in high demand.

Service-Based Business Ideas

Freelance Writing & Social Media Management: No startup cost, just your skills.
Photography & Graphic Design: Use a free design tool like Canva to start.
Cleaning or Errand Services: No investment, just effort and time.

In-Person Business Ideas

Market Stall Selling: Sell handmade crafts, food, or thrifted items.
Tutoring or Teaching a Skill: If you’re good at something, teach it!
Car Washing & Mobile Services: Start with basic supplies and grow from there.

Need help choosing the right business idea? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

Common Questions About Starting a Business with No Money

1. Can I Start a Business Without Any Money?

Yes! Many businesses require zero upfront investment.
Start with services, digital products, or reselling.

2. What’s the Fastest Way to Make Money with a Business?

Flipping & reselling items is one of the fastest ways to generate cash.
Selling a service (graphic design, social media, writing) gets cash in immediately.

3. Should I Get a Loan to Start My Business?

No! If you’re broke, start with low-risk, no-cost business ideas first.
Build cash flow before investing in inventory, ads, or a website.

4. How Can I Market My Business for Free?

Use organic social media marketing to attract customers.
Leverage SEO and content marketing for long-term sales.
Engage in Facebook groups, networking, and word-of-mouth referrals.

Need guidance on starting a business with no money? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

Who is Samuel Chapman?

Samuel Chapman is a leading business coach for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping e-commerce sellers, retail store owners, and market stall sellers start and grow profitable businesses—even on a tight budget. Having built his own businesses from scratch to six figures, he now teaches others how to start small, scale smart, and achieve financial freedom.

If you want expert coaching to start your business with little to no money, book a free discovery call today.

Book Your Free Discovery Call Here

Claim Your Extra FREE Resources

Discover Samuel's Book Here

If I Was Broke, Here’s How I Would Start a Small Business

If I Was Broke, Here’s How I Would Start a Small Business

How to Start a Business With No Money

1. Choose a Business Model That Requires Little to No Investment

2. Sell What You Already Have

3. Use Free Online Platforms to Sell & Market Your Products

4. Leverage Your Skills & Offer a Service

5. Barter or Trade Services Instead of Paying for Help

6. Use Free Marketing Strategies to Get Customers Fast

7. Pre-Sell Before You Buy Inventory

The Best Small Business Ideas When You’re Broke

E-Commerce Business Ideas

Handmade & DIY Business Ideas

Service-Based Business Ideas

In-Person Business Ideas

Common Questions About Starting a Business with No Money

1. Can I Start a Business Without Any Money?

2. What’s the Fastest Way to Make Money with a Business?

3. Should I Get a Loan to Start My Business?

4. How Can I Market My Business for Free?

Who is Samuel Chapman?

Want More Customers Without More Overwhelm?

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