What business do you want to start? Some require capital and some require mostly sweat equity. If you need capital, the small business administration and the chamber of commerce are good places to start an inquiry. But before you go anywhere, you have to have a complete plan on paper with all your estimates of what, when, where, who and how. Why is out. We who have started businesses know the answer to that one - because we are cockeyed optimists! I believed that I could succeed in a city where there was a full-scale depression on. I did. Depression only means not as many peopel are working. In this town, those that still had jobs wer making money faster than they could spend it. I got me a piece to call my own!

Would like to start a remodel renovation of existing residential as that is where my expertise is. I will do as you suggest and research the small business administration and the local chamber of commerce center as you suggest. thank you for your comment. I agree with your thought on optimism and opportunities.

It seems to me Bill, that you're an expert in home renovations and what it takes to bring things up to code. Have you considered starting an online advice service for Do It Yourselfers?

With the economy what it is, many people are looking for ways to make their own repairs but don't have the know-how to keep it all legal.

Starting an online business has a virtual zero start up cost and I'd be willing to help you get started.

Hi Milt,

I am also looking for an online home based business with very little cash to invest in a company. Don't they realize the reason we are looking for a home based job is because we have little or no money and want financial freedom. Then they request $10,000 to $50,000 to join their business. Can you give me some idea on what kind of piece of the action you got into and are you really making a good living off of it? Any ideas and help is greatly appreciated.

Peace, Kashmira

Why don't you start small? With your skills, you have several options: One is being an expert and hiring out to subcontractors or doing some of the relatively easier stuff yourself. There used to be a saying that was perfect for the market of all the people who own property, need renovations (small ones ---> large ones) that fit the bill for how they dealt with them: LET GEORGE DO IT. Why not be George? Print up business cards on your computer. Post them all over the community. Advertise on Craig's List: FREE (now that is the right price). You pick and choose from among the calls that come in. As business expands, so can your advertising into markets that cost but provide you with a base of clients like the free newspapers that all communities have.

I understand your situation. I have work with many people from all sorts of backgrounds and it all boils down to a basic question: Are you willing to do what it takes to come up from where you are and succeed?

I can hear you saying "YES" who would say otherwise. Now, you are a builder and if your are open to explore other options I'm willing to share with you how I became a builder too starting from "ground zero". I build people's business teams, business organizations and business plans. If you want to learn more of what I do just send me a note.

Milt has given you the best and most specific advice so far....these are things you can do right now. I'd say, forget "online" businesses for now. Except, use the Net as a tool of your business. Start with your own contacts. But first, define what business you're going into. You're a remodel and construction guy. You know what that business needs. Define your job. Then get the word out. I like "Let George Do It." Just know what kind of work you're asking for. Make it what you do best. This is not rocket science. Nor is there any magic formula. It's wearing out shoe leather, talking to people, asking for work, finding out what people need and telling them how you can fill that need. Start talking to your contacts in the business today. Or, start asking your friends if they're planning home fixup projects or remodels...or do they know somebody who is. Think people-to-people. The Internet sounds magic, but it isn't. Don't put it between you and your potential customers. Get on the phone. Get out of the house.