How to Start a T-Shirt Business With No Money: A Step-by-Step Guide

Assets are valuable resources owned by an individual, a company, or a government. They allow businesses to make money, increase value, and help the organization run. In modern business, assets can refer to any item or value, from physical property and equipment to financial resources and intellectual property. In this article, we'll explore the concept of assets and define this important term. What Are Business Assets? Assets’ business definition says that a business asset is a valuable resource a company owns and further uses to generate revenue.  Businesses invest in various assets depending on their specific needs and goals, such as real estate for retail stores or proprietary technology for product development. Companies typically use their assets in some way to make revenue. Some common business assets examples are:  Physical property: Any real estate owned by the company and any equipment or machinery used in business operations. Intellectual property: Any creative or innovative products of the mind, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Human capital: The skills and knowledge of the company's employees, which are used to achieve earnings and the company’s goals.  How Do Business Assets Work?  To further define assets in business, it's important to understand the difference between assets and liabilities. Assets can be anything a company owns, while liabilities are owed. For example, a company's inventory would be considered an asset, as it can be sold to make a profit. A company's loan payments, on the other hand, would be viewed as a liability.  A balance sheet is a statement of financial position. It lists all of the company's assets and liabilities and other corporate financial data. The order in which financial assets are listed on the balance sheet is telling - the most liquid assets are listed at the top, and items at the bottom of the company asset list are considered the least liquid. Asset liquidity depends on how easily the items in question can be converted to cash.  When liquidating your assets, you should be aware of asset depreciation and market value. The value of an asset changes over time, affecting how much of its worth you can write off. If you decide to sell your business’s assets for a profit, you may end up paying capital gains tax. Types of Financial Assets There are many different types of business assets. Some of the most common include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, investments, property, vehicles, and office furniture. Here's what you need to know about different ways of classifying them:  Tangible and Intangible Assets Tangible assets are physical in nature, and intangible assets are nonphysical. Both types are vital to businesses. A tangible asset is all physical and can be used to generate revenue through the company's operations. Some tangible business assets examples include real estate, inventory, and vehicles.  On the other hand, intangible assets are nonphysical and include intellectual property, patents, or goodwill. Intangible assets do not need to be manufactured or physically built, but they can still be sold or licensed. A company can also earn intangible assets over time through unique activities or circumstances that set a business apart from its competition. Current Assets and Noncurrent Assets Current assets are fairly liquid and can be easily converted. They include cash, accounts receivable, and inventory. Current assets are used in operations or are expected to be turned into cash within a year. Noncurrent assets, also known as fixed assets or long-term assets, are things such as property and equipment that can’t easily convert to cash.  Nonoperating and Operating Assets The other way of categorizing different types of assets is by operating and nonoperating assets. Operating assets are used in the day-to-day operations of a business and include cash, inventory, and equipment. Nonoperating assets are not used in daily operations but may still be valuable to the company. They involve investments in other companies or property. Assets in business can also be classified by their usage, convertibility, and physical existence. Can the Value of Business Assets Change Over Time? The value of business assets can change over time for several reasons. For example, an increase in demand for certain products may reduce inventory levels and lead to higher values for fixed assets like machinery and equipment. Changes in technology or consumer preferences can also impact the value of both tangible and intangible business assets. As businesses evolve, it’s essential to keep track of the value of assets in business. A clear and accurate balance sheet can help make strategic decisions about how best to use and maintain resources. Ultimately, a company's success will depend on managing business assets effectively and maximizing their potential value over time. How To Determine the Value of an Asset The value of an asset is the amount for which it can be sold or exchanged. It can be determined by several methods, including the cost and market methods.  The cost method is one of the simplest ways to determine the value of company assets. It only considers what it costs to purchase or produce the asset and not any other factors such as depreciation. The market method considers factors such as supply and demand when setting the value of an asset. This method is more complex than the cost method but more accurately represents an asset's worth.

Gender equality in the workplace has improved in recent years, but women are still far less likely than men to own a business. According to most estimates, women own around 30% of businesses in the US, which is far from ideal, but a big improvement from 1972, when that figure was just 4.6%. So, if you’re asking “how do I register as a woman-owned small business?”, you’re not alone. There has arguably never been a better time for women-owned SMEs to thrive, not least because the post-pandemic era has opened new doors for small businesses. This guide will teach you about WOSB certification and how to complete your application in style. An Introduction to Woman-Owned Small Businesses The concept of a woman-owned small business isn’t difficult to understand; any SME with a female owner can be described as one. However, anyone who wants to know how to register as a woman-owned small business must consider what it means as far as the SBA is concerned. Experts at LawInsider.com define a woman-owned small business as “a business concern which is at least 51% owned by one or more women, or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock in which is owned by one or more women.” Women-owned businesses can fall into two main categories: WOSB (Women-Owned Small Businesses) and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) ventures. Any female entrepreneur(s) wanting to gain this status must apply for it, showing that they meet woman-owned business requirements. The process of gaining SBA certification for women changed in 2020 in line with the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). To become a WOSB, companies must meet the following criteria: Meet the SBA standards to be considered a small business. Have at least 51% of the company’s voting stocks held by one or more women. Have one or more women involved in managing the daily operations. Meanwhile, an EDWOSB will meet all of the above criteria while additionally: Being controlled by a woman or women with personal net worth of less than $750,000. Having no owner with personal assets amounting to $6 million or more. Having owners with no more than $350,000 in adjusted gross income averaged over the past three years. Why Apply for Woman-Owned Business Certification? Appreciating the existence of WOSB companies is one thing. However, running a company is hard work as it is, so knowing the benefits of gaining woman-owned business certification should be high on your agenda. Of course, taking part in a movement working towards female empowerment is reward enough for many entrepreneurs. But the incentives don’t end there. The federal government has set aside funds for at least 5% of all contracts to be awarded to registered WOSB companies. This is managed according to the monetary value of contracts, which means that some contracts are limited to bids exclusively from participants of the WOSB Federal Contracting program.  Moreover, a percentage of contacts is further limited to members of the EDWOSB program. The government is a huge potential client with massive budgets. As such, winning these contracts could transform the future of your business. As well as the visibility to win contracts that large organizations would have previously won, members gain access to Mentor-Protégé Program and further networking and education opportunities provided by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. Of course, this can bring leads from other clients while also generally encouraging you to change your approach to business for the better. How to Register as a Woman-Owned Business When working out how to register as a woman-owned small business, you need to answer several questions: When can I apply for WOSB certification? Do I have all the papers needed for woman-owned business applications? How much does WOSB certification cost? Do I have to do anything to keep my WOSB status? Female business owners can apply for certification so that they can gain government contracts for woman-owned business operations at any time of the year. Likewise, you can make your application as soon as you register the business and begin trading. You can gain your certification through a designated third party or through the SBA directly. While they both deliver the same outcome, the self-certification process is free. As such, many business owners prefer this route. Before applying, you should confirm that you meet the legal requirements for women-owned businesses. As well as the aforementioned features, the owners must not have been debarred or suspended from any federal entity. On top of this, the company must primarily do business in the US.  Assuming those criteria are met, the next step is to prepare all the papers needed for woman-owned business applications. You should have the items on the following checklist:  The birth certificates, valid passports, or naturalization papers of the female business owner or owners. Documentation confirming the incorporation of the business, partnership, or venture agreement. Stock certificates or a stock ledger and assumed/fictitious name certificate. Personal tax returns for each woman business owner for three years. For EDWOSBs, tax returns from the owner’s spouse must be included too. Each woman business owner’s IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Tax Transcript. Again, owners of EDWOSBs must include their spouse’s relevant information.  Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, you can submit it to the relevant organization. As well as the SBA’s direct free online certification portal, you can use the NWBOC (National Women Business Owners Corporation), the US Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council), or the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (for South-West Texan businesses). Furthermore, there’s MWBE (Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprises), which has offered certification since 1998 and has a 99.9% success rate for applicants. This is open to minority business owners, women business owners, and minority women business owners.  While underrepresented for many years, minority female business owners are now the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, and opportunities are afforded to verified businesses through the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed) grants, The Amber Grant Foundation, and the FFF (Female Founders Fund), among others. As for maintaining WOSB status, it’s necessary to complete an annual attestation that confirms your company still meets the regulations of 13 CFR Part 127. You also need to complete an assessment once every three years - this can be conducted by the SBA or a permitted third-party organization as detailed during the application process.  Extending your status in this way must be done within 30 days of expiration. Businesses can continue to apply for the appropriate contracts in their field as a result of this status for the duration of their membership. How to Champion Women-Owned Small Business Operations Whether you’ve gained women-owned business status or you’re in the process of completing your WBE certification application, you can play a big role in the community by supporting other WOSBs.  While there is still some work to go in the bid for an equal playing field, research shows that there are now nine female entrepreneurs for every 10 male ones. There are many ways you can support them: Celebrate other woman-owned businesses by leaving positive reviews, referring them to friends, and mentioning them on social media. Invest in other WOSBs and mentor up-and-coming female entrepreneurs. Join and create networking opportunities while also introducing female entrepreneurs to one another. Share your knowledge of SBA women-owned business certification to other female entrepreneurs beginning the process. Actively ask them how you can support their ventures. By playing an active role in the movement, you will continue to create new opportunities for future female entrepreneurs. Better still, the contacts you make will look to actively support your brand too. The Final Thought on Woman-Owned Business Certification At the start of this guide, you wondered “how do I register as a woman-owned small business?” By now, we hope you have the answers you were looking for. Furthermore, you should now know the legal requirements for women-owned businesses and how to prepare the appropriate documents. Of course, you’ll still need to think about administrative issues like finding the best small business bank accounts. But those are all relatively minor details. Embarking on this process means joining an amazing community of supportive female business owners while simultaneously increasing your hopes of securing lucrative contracts from the federal government’s designated WOSB-only contracts.

Introduction Setting up a new venture always requires a certain amount of investment. But it doesn’t have to be exorbitant, as there are many ways to make money through good business ideas with low startup costs. If you’re ready to become your own boss or considering a change of career, and you’re exploring easy businesses to start as a side hustle, you’ve come to the right place. In this informative guide, we’ll outline the best businesses to start with little money and share tips and tricks on how to set up this kind of venture.  Businesses With Low Startup Costs: 15 Ideas To Inspire You If you’ve ever watched Hollywood blockbusters or read articles written by business moguls who have built empires from scratch, you’ll know that it’s possible to turn low-cost business ideas into multinational corporations that generate millions of dollars in profits. Even though not every story is a success, it’s important to understand that you don’t need substantial capital to strike it rich as an entrepreneur.  If you want to be your own boss but you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s wise to consider home business ideas and focus on the cheapest businesses to start. We’ve put together a list of easy businesses to start to inspire you and get you thinking about your next professional move.  1. Blogging Do you love to write, share opinions or engage with people online? Do you have passions or hobbies that you’re keen to talk about, or do you have experience or skills that could benefit others and help you connect with like-minded souls? Blogging is one of the most popular ways to boost your income if you’re thinking about starting a business with no money. You don’t need employees, and you can work from home or on the go. Best of all, you can scale the venture as your following grows.  Studies suggest that there are currently over 600 million blogs in the world. Despite the marketplace already being saturated, blogging can still prove lucrative in 2022. To maximize your chances of making profits and attracting attention, you should focus on a niche and cover subjects that interest you. Think about your target audience, create fresh, interesting, original content, and encourage people to check out your articles and interact with you and other readers. Setting up a blog as a low-investment business rather than a hobby requires you to think about how to monetize the site. Various options to explore include affiliate marketing, paid reviews, membership schemes, and exclusive content and advertising. Browse high-profile, popular blogs, see how bloggers make their money, and use social media to build a following, drive traffic, and get people talking about your content.  2. Social media consulting If you’re a whizz when it comes to social media, you could leverage your skills to set up a new business providing services for companies or entrepreneurs whose objective is to boost sales or put their brand on the map. If you understand how social platforms work, you enjoy posting and sharing content and engaging with followers, this could be the perfect option for you. It’s one of the easiest businesses to start if you know your way around Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and you have a good grasp of the basics of social media marketing. Most big companies have dedicated teams for social media management and marketing, but small businesses don’t have the budget for such a luxury. This is where your skills could come in handy. Since it’s a cheap business to start, it could give you extra income and the opportunity to grow and expand your client base quickly.  3. Teaching and tutoring Teaching and tutoring are excellent home business ideas with low startup costs. Not only does teaching give you the opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others, but you can increase your earnings in the process. If you have qualifications in accounting, graphic design or website development, you are fluent in foreign languages, have expertise in subjects such as geography or English, or play a musical instrument, for example, you can offer your services to teach others from the comfort of your home. As far as low startup cost businesses go, this is one of the best options for those looking for a flexible venture that offers the opportunity to expand your network. If you decide that you want to teach or offer private tutoring services, advertise your business online using local SEO and post flyers in your area. Tell people about your business in local and community social media groups and spread the word via colleagues, friends, neighbors, and family members. Ask your clients to leave reviews and recommend you to others so that you can grow your business.  4. Handyman/ odd jobs Most homeowners could rattle off a list of jobs they need done around the house. They represent an excellent client base that a handyman/ odd-job service provider could cater to. It’s one of the best businesses to start with little money because you don’t need a lot of capital; you can build a client list through word of mouth and cheap marketing methods. Even though you don’t need formal qualifications to be a handyman or handywoman, it’s important that you have the necessary skills to tackle the tasks you take on and meet customer expectations.  Setting up a handyman and odd-job service is one of the cheapest businesses to start from home, but you may need to spend some money at the outset on tools, equipment, and marketing. Look for deals, compare prices, and ask to borrow more expensive items from people you know until your business grows. Rent the machines that you’ll be using occasionally instead of buying them at the outset and use cost-effective marketing techniques, such as flyers, social media, and local SEO. Of course, safety first: Don’t forget to purchase the protective gear required for the tasks you’ll be performing. 5. Creating your online store Online stores are among the most profitable small businesses. As online shopping becomes more popular and screen time increases, more and more consumers opt to buy from websites and apps rather than going to the mall. Creating your online store may not be the cheapest business to start, but it doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you have relatively low product development costs. Before you start selling, compare platforms and marketplaces, take a look at existing stores and gather ideas, research impactful design and marketing strategies, and define your target group.  If you’re looking for low-cost business ideas with high profit, think carefully about what you’re going to sell and how much you’re going to buy and sell for. You could sell products you make on platforms like Etsy, for example: clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture or pieces of art, or you could look into buying and selling through sites like eBay. It’s worth spending time on research to make sure that there is a demand for your products. Moreover, you should calculate costs and establish suitable price points based on the target customer and competitor pricing strategies to define the most profitable route to take. 6. Online courses and tuition Online education is booming. More people are learning online than ever before, and this is a trend that is set to gather pace in the months and years to come. If you’re exploring ideas for profitable businesses with low startup costs, and you have knowledge, skills, and expertise in specific areas or subjects, you could create online courses or offer tuition via video platforms and social apps. From yoga and personal training to language classes and online courses about software development, accounting, or web design, there’s scope to use your professional experience, hobbies, and interests to add to your income. This is one of the cheapest businesses to start from home, and it offers considerable flexibility, as you can schedule classes for times that suit you. What’s more, you could provide courses that people can access remotely or download. 7. Resume writer Businesses with low overheads are ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start making money without worrying about expenses. Being a resume writer is one of the most inexpensive businesses to start. Whether you decide to set up a side hustle for extra income or have grand plans to turn a solo venture into a big business in the future, you can get started straight away with minimal investment. To offer this service, you should have a firm grasp of the labor market and what makes an effective resume. In turn, this will enable you to provide a tailored service for your customers, which will help them secure roles that match their skills and level of experience. Resumes may all look similar, but they should be adjusted to ensure that the content is engaging and relevant to the role in question.  8. Social media influencing Most of us are familiar with influencers and social media users who have built up enormous followings and whose profiles and accounts rake in substantial profits. It’s not easy to create content that will earn thousands of dollars per post, and it may take time to build a following, but it’s possible to turn a low-cost business opportunity into a profitable venture.  If you like the idea of becoming an influencer, find a niche and start contacting brands so that you can post content that will resonate with your followers and become commercially viable in the process. Inspire existing followers to share your posts, and consider running giveaways to get people to follow you and take an interest. Promote products that are relevant to your personal brand, your passions, and your target customer. Interact with your followers, get to know brands, and build relationships with them, seizing all opportunities to network.  9. Freelance writing Freelancing has become increasingly popular as people seek alternatives to a traditional 9-5 job. Freelance writing is a low-budget business idea which can help you boost your earnings and establish a reputation within the industry. There are multiple paths to explore if you’re looking for low startup cost business ideas, including writing for blogs, using websites and portals to find jobs that involve writing, signing up with agencies, and writing for companies on a freelance basis.  Freelancing is not as stable and secure as conventional employment when it comes to payment and income, so it’s crucial to establish a client base and manage your money prudently. Think about how you’re going to attract clients and find work, research rates, and market your services via social media. Design a website to describe the services you offer and provide information about your qualifications and experience, sharing some pieces and showcasing your writing style.  10. Personal training Are you passionate about health and fitness? Do you want to help others reap the rewards of regular exercise or a new, targeted training regime? If so, personal training services could be a new business idea worth exploring. Being a personal trainer is rewarding and can also be quite lucrative. If you love to work out, you can use your passion for this lifestyle to motivate and guide others. It’s worth noting that you’ll need certificates and proper training to start offering services, but once you have the recommended qualifications, you can earn a lot of money in a short time.  Setting up at home is a great idea if you’re looking for the best business to start with little money, as your overheads will be low. This will help you generate profits faster. You could also run online classes and sessions or create an app or a website with a members’ community. Another option if you don’t want to rent premises or pay to use a gym is to visit clients and make use of their homes as training spaces.  11. Dog walking and sitting Did you know that there are over 76 million pet dogs in the US alone? Dogs are wonderful companions, but they need a lot of care and attention. For many families, owning a dog can be difficult due to work commitments and the desire to travel or take vacations. This is where dog walkers and house sitters come in handy. A cheap business to start, dog walking meets a market need by providing services for people who have pets but find it inconvenient to walk them during the day. By using a dog walking service, people can add a furry friend to the family without worrying if they’ll get enough exercise or become lonely while the owners are at work.  The advantage of a low capital business is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money at the outset. You can advertise via local magazines and newspapers, flyers, and social media, encourage customers to spread the word and scale your business as the demand grows. You’ll need a vehicle if you plan to travel outside of your local area. If your business becomes a success, you could consider expanding by hiring more dog walkers or adding services, such as house sitting or doggy daycare.  12. Virtual assistant As our lifestyles are becoming increasingly rushed, many people have hectic schedules and are struggling to manage their diaries. If you have strong organizational and time management skills, you can use your expertise to offer this service to those who are daunted by their to-do lists. If you’re interested in profitable businesses with low startup costs, being a virtual assistant is a marvellous idea. You can work from home, which means low overheads, and you can add clients as you go along once you start receiving more inquiries.  It’s a good idea to target people who have busy schedules, such as business owners, professionals, and working parents. You can advertise your services through social media, a website, and local press. Research the market to learn more about your target audience, establish a pricing strategy, and get to know more about how being a virtual PA works.  13. Gift ideas Do people always compliment you on the gifts you buy or come to you for advice when they need a bolt of inspiration for a birthday or wedding present? If so, have you thought about turning your talent into a business? Many people don’t have time to trawl websites or stores looking for gifts, or they just can’t come up with original, imaginative ideas. If you have a reputation for choosing fantastic presents or conjuring up inventive ideas, this is an easy business to start from scratch. You can offer customers a bespoke service to help them take the stress out of sourcing and buying gifts or organizing experiences. By hiring your business, customers can save time and effort while ensuring that the people they love will adore their gifts.  14. Proofreading Are you meticulous when it comes to grammar? Do you have an eye for detail? Do you enjoy reading and writing? If so, why not set up a proofreading business? If you have an outstanding grasp of grammar and punctuation, this is a great home business idea with low startup costs. All you need to get started is a computer. You can work at home or remotely, with compete control over your schedule and pricing strategy, choosing which jobs to take on or turn down, all while your running costs are kept at a minimum. It is critical to ensure that you have the relevant skills and knowledge to offer this service to paying clients. If you make mistakes or fail to notice and correct errors, customers may ask for refunds and may leave negative feedback. 15. Event planning Are you the go-to party planner in your circle of friends, or do your family members rely on you to manage their social schedule and organize gatherings for special occasions? Event planning is a skill in high demand. From parties, weddings, and garden gatherings to corporate events, competitions, and charity functions, there is room in the market for a wide range of services to cater to diverse clients.  To excel in this role, you need to have superb communication, organization, and time management skills. Even though it’s not one of the easiest businesses to start, it can be profitable, as clients strive to make an impact with their event and will invest substantial sums to impress their guests. Start small and build a network of contacts. As you gain more experience, you should find it easier to plan events, which will enable you to take on bigger, more valuable contracts and expand your customer base.  How To Start a Business With No Money - Top Tips Starting a business with no money is no mean feat, but it’s possible to turn a small startup into a profitable venture. If you’re looking for low-cost business ideas with high profits, here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success: Devise solutions for common problems: One of the best ways to make money through new business ideas is to identify some common issues and find solutions to address them. Think about the problems you want to solve in your life or the issues you hear friends, family members or colleagues talking about.  Play to your strengths: Think about your skills, qualifications, and experience when considering startup ideas. From language skills, cooking, playing musical instruments or singing, designing websites, bookkeeping or managing your diary to playing sports, training, marketing and building apps, there are all kinds of opportunities to make money based on your existing skillset.  Conduct research: Research is essential for any aspiring entrepreneur. Use market research methods to gauge the level of demand for the products or services you’re offering, identify competitors, define ideal buyers, and set price points.  Manage your finances: Managing your finances from the outset is vital if you’re looking for low-cost business ideas with high profit margins. Try to keep initial expenses and overheads low while building a client base and bringing sales in.  Spread the word: Running a profitable venture takes more than an ingenious low budget business idea. To make your new business work, you have to attract customers and encourage prospective clients to take the next step and actually spend money. Think of all the ways to spread the word and calculate marketing costs accordingly. Popular marketing techniques for businesses with low overheads include local SEO, social media marketing, and flyers.  Take inspiration from your passions: Your passions and interests can help you identify possible business ideas and narrow down your options. It’s possible to monetize hobbies, for example, baking, fitness, playing music, writing, and spending time on social media. If you run a business that allows you to do the things you love and help others do the same, this will not only boost your bank balance, but it should also give you a sense of satisfaction.  Summary More and more people are pursuing the dream of becoming their own boss. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you don’t have to spend a fortune getting your new venture off the ground. These low-cost business ideas can help you build a profitable business without worrying about investment sources or bills while you’re still trying to find customers. If you’re on a tight budget but still intend to set up your small business, take inspiration from this guide and explore business ideas with low startup costs!