Starting a business without a single euro in your pocket… sounds crazy, right? But hold on, because not only is it possible, more and more people are actually doing it. We know that the lack of initial capital can feel like an insurmountable barrier, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your entrepreneurial dream. If you're here, you're probably wondering how to finance a business with no money, and we’re going to answer you clearly, practically, and straight to the point.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explain the real alternatives available to launch your project without your own capital, which mistakes you should avoid, and how you can convince others to bet on you, even if your bank account is empty. And all of this without fluff. Just things that work, accessible to anyone with drive, strategy, and a solid pitch.

Is it really possible to start a business with zero investment?

The short answer is yes. But—with some nuances.

Nowadays, thanks to the internet, the sharing economy and access to free (or nearly free) resources, starting a business without money is way more feasible than it used to be. That said, you need to be creative, willing to learn everything, and above all, know how to sell your idea.

Because even if you don’t have money, you have something extremely valuable: your time, your skills, your problem-solving ability... and trust us, that can be worth more than a bank loan in many cases.

Business ideas that require little to no investment

Before you jump into fundraising, ask yourself: can I start with a lean business model? That is, without needing a physical location, inventory, or team from day one. Here are a few ideas:

• Freelance services (design, writing, programming, consulting…)

• Online education: courses, coaching, or consulting

• Infoproducts (ebooks, templates, tutorials)

• Dropshipping: you sell, someone else ships

• Affiliate marketing: earn money by recommending products

• Content creation on social media or YouTube with monetization

See where we’re going with this? You can get started with just a laptop and internet connection.

Strategies to fund your venture without your own capital

Alright, let’s dig in. What are your options for raising money for your project without investing your own? Let’s go one by one, from the most collective to the more individual options.

Crowdfunding: get collective financial support

One of the most popular options today. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Verkami let people from all over the world invest in your idea in exchange for a reward.

But be careful—this isn’t just about uploading a video and waiting. You’ll need to put together an irresistible pitch, have at least a small community, and constantly communicate the value of your project. Done right, you can raise thousands of euros without paying a cent back.

Business Angels: private investors who believe in your idea

Business Angels are people who invest their own money in startups at very early stages, and often bring experience, contacts and mentorship.

That said, to convince one, you need more than a good idea. A solid business plan, some traction and a powerful pitch are key. But if you get it right, you’ll gain not only funding, but a valuable partner as well.

Public grants and financial aid for entrepreneurs

Yes, there is public money available in Spain to support new businesses. The problem is that many people don’t apply—either out of laziness or lack of knowledge.

Some interesting options:

• Regional government grants

• Programs from SEPE or ENISA

• Support for youth, women, or people over 45

• EU funds for innovation and digitalisation

It’s not free money, but with the right guidance and a bit of paperwork, you can get a significant boost.

Loans without collateral: are they a viable option?

There are organisations and programs that offer loans without the need for personal guarantees or collateral, especially if your project is innovative or has social impact.

For example, MicroBank by La Caixa or ENISA’s participative loans don’t require collateral and have fairly reasonable terms.

The trick? Prepare your presentation thoroughly, justify your business model well, and show real commitment.

How to take advantage of free resources to launch your project

While you're looking for funding, don’t stop making progress. More than ever, there are tons of tools and spaces you can use without spending a dime (or close to it).

Free or low-cost coworking spaces

Many cities offer public coworking spaces, entrepreneur associations or business incubators that provide workspace, guidance and even initial funding at no cost.

You can also look into incubator or accelerator programs where they might even pay you to work on your project there.

Digital platforms and tools with no upfront cost

Tools like Canva, Notion, Google Workspace, WordPress or Stripe have free versions that are perfect for starting out.

Plus, there are plenty of open-source or freemium alternatives that let you build a functional digital business without spending on tech.

Tips for convincing investors when you have no money

This is key. You don’t have money, but you do have to prove you know what you're doing.

Here are some tips to pitch your idea effectively:

• Have validation: even small signs of interest help (users, downloads, surveys…)

• Clearly present the problem and how your solution improves it

• Prepare a realistic financial plan, even if it’s modest

• Speak with passion, but also with data

• And above all, make them trust you as a person. Without that, no money is enough

Common mistakes when seeking funding without prior investment

Watch out, because we see these a lot:

• Trying to raise funds without having validated anything

• Thinking an idea is worth millions without testing it

• Not knowing exactly how much you need or why

• Relying on a single funding source

• Neglecting communication or initial branding

Avoiding these mistakes can be the difference between moving forward or getting stuck.

Conclusion: Key steps to start a business with no money and succeed

Starting with no money isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. We’ve seen it time and again.

Our final tips:

1. Start lean, with the minimum viable product

2. Validate your idea as soon as possible, even manually

3. Take advantage of everything that’s free around you

4. Learn to sell—your project, your vision, and yourself

5. And if you need support, surround yourself with community, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help

And if you’re thinking of starting something in Spain and don’t know where to begin, check out Business in Spain. You’ll find inspiration, opportunities, and resources to kick off your venture the right way.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. We hope this article gave you the push you needed. Now go on—get to work!