4 answers
AuBrianna
Student
Blue Earth, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
922 views
If I am looking into starting my own business but also trying to start my writing career how am I going to get the start-up money for that when I have been applying everywhere and they are always full, and my parents won't loan me money because I have to work for it?
I need a job so I can take driver's ed, and I haven't had much luck applying to places, I live in a small town with not very many productive places for teens to work, and I am thinking about starting to look for any type of writing/English/caregiving paid internships. I am hard-working and I am the oldest of 7 kids in a range of 2 marriages. I do not have contact with my mother and I have been the main caregiver of my household. I just need a little help so I can work and gain money with the small time I have between classes, on weekends, after school, and on school breaks.
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4 answers
Rebecca Joseph
Substitute Teacher
12
Answers
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hey AuBriana,
Thank you for submitting your question to CareerVillage! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. However, it looks like you are doing your best to make good out of a very overwhelming situation. For that, you deserve a round of applause. I will say though, from my perspective that you have your eggs in too many baskets so to speak. On one hand, you're searching for internships, wanting to start a business and taking care of your brothers and sisters. It's a bit hard to tell if you're just having trouble finding work versus being old enough to work. Based on the fact that you said, you're looking for internships, I'd say you're out of high school and currently in college. If that is the case, here's what I would say:
1. You can use a bit of the (financial aid) money every month to start your driving lessons (it's about no more than $150 max per lesson and $120 per lesson per package if you include the driver's test for a few hundred dollars. You should start this first, it would give you access to more jobs if you had a license and would make transporting you and your siblings places much more easy. Look into your local driving school for information or you can ask a friend or close family member for help if applicable.
2. To find a job and or internship, you should check with your local college's career center and see if you can secure some experience in your field like childcare (you taking care of your siblings can be beneficial to employers who are looking to see your skills). You can also look into volunteer opportunities in childcare or writing to start building your resume which can open the door to a paid gig later down the line.
3. I'm not 100% certain about the path to having your own business, but maybe something like making jewelry or another hobby can be a good way to make money (especially if it is something you do regularly). It doesn't have to be anything too fancy. Also, creating a website is simple if you use WIX where you can use pre-made templates to start. I believe you can also trademark your site and business name on there as well!
I hope I helped.
Good luck,
Rebecca
Thank you for submitting your question to CareerVillage! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. However, it looks like you are doing your best to make good out of a very overwhelming situation. For that, you deserve a round of applause. I will say though, from my perspective that you have your eggs in too many baskets so to speak. On one hand, you're searching for internships, wanting to start a business and taking care of your brothers and sisters. It's a bit hard to tell if you're just having trouble finding work versus being old enough to work. Based on the fact that you said, you're looking for internships, I'd say you're out of high school and currently in college. If that is the case, here's what I would say:
1. You can use a bit of the (financial aid) money every month to start your driving lessons (it's about no more than $150 max per lesson and $120 per lesson per package if you include the driver's test for a few hundred dollars. You should start this first, it would give you access to more jobs if you had a license and would make transporting you and your siblings places much more easy. Look into your local driving school for information or you can ask a friend or close family member for help if applicable.
2. To find a job and or internship, you should check with your local college's career center and see if you can secure some experience in your field like childcare (you taking care of your siblings can be beneficial to employers who are looking to see your skills). You can also look into volunteer opportunities in childcare or writing to start building your resume which can open the door to a paid gig later down the line.
3. I'm not 100% certain about the path to having your own business, but maybe something like making jewelry or another hobby can be a good way to make money (especially if it is something you do regularly). It doesn't have to be anything too fancy. Also, creating a website is simple if you use WIX where you can use pre-made templates to start. I believe you can also trademark your site and business name on there as well!
I hope I helped.
Good luck,
Rebecca
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
666
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I was in high school, the school actually offered a driver’s ed class that you had to arrive at school early to take. Is there something like that in your area you might be able to do for free?
Otherwise, there might be some money to be had just in checking with neighbors and asking if there’s simple chores you can do. Maybe you can check on houses as people travel, feed pets, take trash out for elderly individuals, etc.
Otherwise, there might be some money to be had just in checking with neighbors and asking if there’s simple chores you can do. Maybe you can check on houses as people travel, feed pets, take trash out for elderly individuals, etc.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7217
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day AuBrianna!
Understanding Your Situation
Starting a business and pursuing a writing career simultaneously can be challenging, especially when financial resources are limited. Given your circumstances, it’s essential to explore various avenues for generating income while also seeking opportunities that align with your interests in writing and caregiving.
1. Exploring Job Opportunities
Since you live in a small town with limited job options, consider the following strategies:
Local Businesses: Approach local businesses directly, even if they aren’t advertising open positions. Sometimes, businesses may not actively seek help but would hire someone if approached by a motivated candidate.
Online Platforms: Utilize online job platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or local community boards on Facebook to find part-time jobs or gigs that can fit into your schedule.
Freelancing: Websites such as Upwork or Fiverr allow you to offer writing services. You can start small by taking on freelance writing projects that fit your skills and interests.
2. Internships and Volunteer Work
Internships can provide valuable experience and sometimes lead to paid positions:
Writing Internships: Look for remote internships in writing or content creation. Many companies offer unpaid internships that can provide experience and references for future paid positions.
Caregiving Opportunities: If you have experience caring for younger siblings, consider looking for caregiving roles in your community. This could include babysitting or working with elderly individuals who need assistance.
3. Starting Your Own Business
If you’re interested in starting a business, here are some steps to consider:
Business Idea Development: Identify what type of business aligns with your skills and interests. It could be related to writing (like blogging or self-publishing) or something else entirely.
Low-Cost Start-Up Ideas: Consider businesses that require minimal investment, such as offering tutoring services in English or creating digital products (e.g., e-books).
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can help raise funds for your business idea from friends, family, and the community.
4. Financial Assistance Options
While traditional loans may not be an option due to your age and situation, consider these alternatives:
Grants for Young Entrepreneurs: Research grants specifically aimed at young entrepreneurs or students looking to start their own businesses.
Community Resources: Check if there are local organizations that support youth entrepreneurship through mentorship programs or funding opportunities.
5. Time Management Strategies
Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities is crucial:
Schedule Planning: Create a weekly schedule that allocates specific times for work, classes, studying, and personal time. This will help you manage your commitments effectively.
Prioritization: Focus on tasks that will yield the most significant benefits first—whether that’s applying for jobs or working on writing projects that could generate income sooner rather than later.
By exploring these avenues systematically and maintaining a proactive approach toward finding opportunities aligned with your goals, you can gradually build the financial foundation needed to pursue both your business aspirations and writing career.
Probability of Correctness: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA provides comprehensive resources on starting a business including funding options available for young entrepreneurs which is crucial for understanding how to finance new ventures.
2. Indeed Career Guide
Indeed offers insights into job searching strategies tailored for teens and young adults which helps identify potential employment opportunities suitable for someone in your situation.
3. Upwork Blog
Upwork’s blog contains valuable information about freelancing opportunities specifically in writing which is relevant given your interest in starting a writing career while managing other responsibilities.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Understanding Your Situation
Starting a business and pursuing a writing career simultaneously can be challenging, especially when financial resources are limited. Given your circumstances, it’s essential to explore various avenues for generating income while also seeking opportunities that align with your interests in writing and caregiving.
1. Exploring Job Opportunities
Since you live in a small town with limited job options, consider the following strategies:
Local Businesses: Approach local businesses directly, even if they aren’t advertising open positions. Sometimes, businesses may not actively seek help but would hire someone if approached by a motivated candidate.
Online Platforms: Utilize online job platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or local community boards on Facebook to find part-time jobs or gigs that can fit into your schedule.
Freelancing: Websites such as Upwork or Fiverr allow you to offer writing services. You can start small by taking on freelance writing projects that fit your skills and interests.
2. Internships and Volunteer Work
Internships can provide valuable experience and sometimes lead to paid positions:
Writing Internships: Look for remote internships in writing or content creation. Many companies offer unpaid internships that can provide experience and references for future paid positions.
Caregiving Opportunities: If you have experience caring for younger siblings, consider looking for caregiving roles in your community. This could include babysitting or working with elderly individuals who need assistance.
3. Starting Your Own Business
If you’re interested in starting a business, here are some steps to consider:
Business Idea Development: Identify what type of business aligns with your skills and interests. It could be related to writing (like blogging or self-publishing) or something else entirely.
Low-Cost Start-Up Ideas: Consider businesses that require minimal investment, such as offering tutoring services in English or creating digital products (e.g., e-books).
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can help raise funds for your business idea from friends, family, and the community.
4. Financial Assistance Options
While traditional loans may not be an option due to your age and situation, consider these alternatives:
Grants for Young Entrepreneurs: Research grants specifically aimed at young entrepreneurs or students looking to start their own businesses.
Community Resources: Check if there are local organizations that support youth entrepreneurship through mentorship programs or funding opportunities.
5. Time Management Strategies
Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities is crucial:
Schedule Planning: Create a weekly schedule that allocates specific times for work, classes, studying, and personal time. This will help you manage your commitments effectively.
Prioritization: Focus on tasks that will yield the most significant benefits first—whether that’s applying for jobs or working on writing projects that could generate income sooner rather than later.
By exploring these avenues systematically and maintaining a proactive approach toward finding opportunities aligned with your goals, you can gradually build the financial foundation needed to pursue both your business aspirations and writing career.
Probability of Correctness: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA provides comprehensive resources on starting a business including funding options available for young entrepreneurs which is crucial for understanding how to finance new ventures.
2. Indeed Career Guide
Indeed offers insights into job searching strategies tailored for teens and young adults which helps identify potential employment opportunities suitable for someone in your situation.
3. Upwork Blog
Upwork’s blog contains valuable information about freelancing opportunities specifically in writing which is relevant given your interest in starting a writing career while managing other responsibilities.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Nathaniel McLaughlin
Training and Employment Specialist/Career Coach
3
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
Being that entrepreneurship is your goal and living in a small town limits employment opportunities, maybe a small business would work best for you. If you want to stay local try to fill a need with your small business that has little to no startup and running costs. This is usually going to mean you will provide a service since most businesses in which you are selling a product, requires higher startup and running cost. You can ask your parents what services they think might be needed on your community or if they know who you could ask. When I was in Elementary School, I bought black and white spray paint (cant do that any more unless you are 18) and some number stencils. I then went door to door and offered to Spray paint the home owners address numbers on the curb under there mailbox. I charged $2 (this was back in the late 80's, I believe I was 11 and 12 years old when I started this business). Speaking of back in the 80's, things aren't the way the used to be, so make sure that whatever business you decide on, that YOU FEEL SAFE and you have your PARENTS PERMISSION. I say this because, going door to door could be dangerous, depending on your neighborhood and other factors, such as sex offenders that have been released in your area. Always check the sex offender list in your area before working a neighborhood and avoid any areas where a sex offender lives. Please be safe whatever you decide on.
As far as door to door services, though. They are great for kids looking to earn money. You can mow lawns or rake leaves, or do household tasks like, laundry, vacuuming dusting and so forth. You can paint fences or walk dogs. Lots of different ideas that can make you money. As a young entrepreneur providing neighborhood services you will want to research what other people are charging for the service you want to provide and what folks are willing to pay and undercut the competition by a large margin. 3/4 to half the competitors price as long as you can cover your overhead (overhead is the cost/s to run a business. Such as cleaning supplies if you are doing household tasks, or gas for the lawn mower you barrowed from your parents) and folks are willing to pay you that price. You have to remember that in most cases the person purchasing the service from you is paying for what they believe to be unskilled labor, so your price needs to reflect that. Once you have established a base and your customers can see your work (make sure it is exemplary). Then you can start to raise your prices, but be cautious you don't want to loose customers.
Bellow I have typed out a simple budget. Your Startup cost are the costs you incur to start your business. For instance in the example from my childhood I purchased two cans of paint at $4 dollars each and a set of number stencils that was $6. I grabbed a cardboard box for free and cut out a rectangle the size of 5 numbers for the black background. $8 for paint, $6 dollars for stencils and a free box. The total startup cost of my business was $12. With that $12 I was able to make $58 (this $58 is my net earnings). Then I had to buy new paint which cost me another $6 (this $6 is the following months overhead). So my total profit from the first month was $40 (this $40 is my gross profit). The following month wasn't so great though because I made close to the same amount but had to buy new stencils and paint which cost me my original start up cost, reducing my profit to about $36. I did eventually run into the issue of painting myself out of business. However, with the connections I made from the Number painting business I started a lawn mowing business that was very successful. I hope this is helpful and make sure you have fun.
Being that entrepreneurship is your goal and living in a small-town limits’ employment opportunities, maybe a small business would work best for you. If you want to stay local, try to fill a need with your small business that has little to no startup and running costs. This is usually going to mean you will provide a service since most businesses in which you are selling a product, requires higher startup and running cost. You can ask your parents what services they think might be needed on your community or if they know who you could ask. When I was in Elementary School, I bought black and white spray paint (can’t do that anymore unless you are 18) and some number stencils. I then went door to door and offered to Spray paint the homeowners address numbers on the curb under their mailbox. I charged $2 (this was back in the late 80’s; I believe I was 11 and 12 years old when I started this business). Speaking of back in the 80's, things aren't the way the used to be, so make sure that whatever business you decide on, that YOU FEEL SAFE, and you have your PARENTS PERMISSION. I say this because, going door to door could be dangerous, depending on your neighborhood and other factors, such as sex offenders that have been released in your area. Always check the sex offender list in your area before working a neighborhood and avoid any areas where a sex offender lives. Please be safe whatever you decide to do.
As far as door-to-door services, though. They are great for kids looking to earn money. You can mow lawns or rake leaves, or do household tasks like, laundry, vacuuming dusting and so forth. You can paint fences or walk dogs. Lots of different ideas that can make you money. As a young entrepreneur providing neighborhood services you will want to research what other people are charging for the service you want to provide and what folks are willing to pay and undercut the competition by a large margin. 3/4 to half the competitors price as long as you can cover your overhead (overhead is the cost/s to run a business. Such as cleaning supplies if you are doing household tasks, or gas for the lawn mower you barrowed from your parents) and folks are willing to pay you that price. You have to remember that in most cases the person purchasing the service from you is paying for what they believe to be unskilled labor, so your price needs to reflect that. Once you have established a base and your customers can see your work (make sure it is exemplary). Then you can start to raise your prices but be cautious you don't want to lose customers.
Bellow I have typed out a simple budget. Your Startup cost are the costs you incur to start your business. For instance, in the example from my childhood I purchased two cans of paint at $4 dollars each and a set of number stencils that was $6. I grabbed a cardboard box for free and cut out a rectangle the size of 5 numbers for the black background. $8 for paint, $6 dollars for stencils and a free box. The total startup cost of my business was $12. With that $12 I was able to make $58 (this $58 is my net earnings). Then I had to buy new paint which cost me another $6 (this $6 is the following months overhead). So, my total profit from the first month was $40 (this $40 is my gross profit). The following month wasn't so great though because I made close to the same amount but had to buy new stencils and paint which cost me my original startup cost, reducing my profit to about $36. I did eventually run into the issue of painting myself out of business. However, with the connections I made from the Number painting business I started a lawn mowing business that was very successful. I hope this is helpful and make sure you have fun.
Startup cost - $50
Overhead for the following month - $50
Net Earnings - $200
Gross Profit - $100
Start up cost - $50
Overhead for the following month - $50
Net Earnings - $200
Gross Profit - $100
As far as door to door services, though. They are great for kids looking to earn money. You can mow lawns or rake leaves, or do household tasks like, laundry, vacuuming dusting and so forth. You can paint fences or walk dogs. Lots of different ideas that can make you money. As a young entrepreneur providing neighborhood services you will want to research what other people are charging for the service you want to provide and what folks are willing to pay and undercut the competition by a large margin. 3/4 to half the competitors price as long as you can cover your overhead (overhead is the cost/s to run a business. Such as cleaning supplies if you are doing household tasks, or gas for the lawn mower you barrowed from your parents) and folks are willing to pay you that price. You have to remember that in most cases the person purchasing the service from you is paying for what they believe to be unskilled labor, so your price needs to reflect that. Once you have established a base and your customers can see your work (make sure it is exemplary). Then you can start to raise your prices, but be cautious you don't want to loose customers.
Bellow I have typed out a simple budget. Your Startup cost are the costs you incur to start your business. For instance in the example from my childhood I purchased two cans of paint at $4 dollars each and a set of number stencils that was $6. I grabbed a cardboard box for free and cut out a rectangle the size of 5 numbers for the black background. $8 for paint, $6 dollars for stencils and a free box. The total startup cost of my business was $12. With that $12 I was able to make $58 (this $58 is my net earnings). Then I had to buy new paint which cost me another $6 (this $6 is the following months overhead). So my total profit from the first month was $40 (this $40 is my gross profit). The following month wasn't so great though because I made close to the same amount but had to buy new stencils and paint which cost me my original start up cost, reducing my profit to about $36. I did eventually run into the issue of painting myself out of business. However, with the connections I made from the Number painting business I started a lawn mowing business that was very successful. I hope this is helpful and make sure you have fun.
Being that entrepreneurship is your goal and living in a small-town limits’ employment opportunities, maybe a small business would work best for you. If you want to stay local, try to fill a need with your small business that has little to no startup and running costs. This is usually going to mean you will provide a service since most businesses in which you are selling a product, requires higher startup and running cost. You can ask your parents what services they think might be needed on your community or if they know who you could ask. When I was in Elementary School, I bought black and white spray paint (can’t do that anymore unless you are 18) and some number stencils. I then went door to door and offered to Spray paint the homeowners address numbers on the curb under their mailbox. I charged $2 (this was back in the late 80’s; I believe I was 11 and 12 years old when I started this business). Speaking of back in the 80's, things aren't the way the used to be, so make sure that whatever business you decide on, that YOU FEEL SAFE, and you have your PARENTS PERMISSION. I say this because, going door to door could be dangerous, depending on your neighborhood and other factors, such as sex offenders that have been released in your area. Always check the sex offender list in your area before working a neighborhood and avoid any areas where a sex offender lives. Please be safe whatever you decide to do.
As far as door-to-door services, though. They are great for kids looking to earn money. You can mow lawns or rake leaves, or do household tasks like, laundry, vacuuming dusting and so forth. You can paint fences or walk dogs. Lots of different ideas that can make you money. As a young entrepreneur providing neighborhood services you will want to research what other people are charging for the service you want to provide and what folks are willing to pay and undercut the competition by a large margin. 3/4 to half the competitors price as long as you can cover your overhead (overhead is the cost/s to run a business. Such as cleaning supplies if you are doing household tasks, or gas for the lawn mower you barrowed from your parents) and folks are willing to pay you that price. You have to remember that in most cases the person purchasing the service from you is paying for what they believe to be unskilled labor, so your price needs to reflect that. Once you have established a base and your customers can see your work (make sure it is exemplary). Then you can start to raise your prices but be cautious you don't want to lose customers.
Bellow I have typed out a simple budget. Your Startup cost are the costs you incur to start your business. For instance, in the example from my childhood I purchased two cans of paint at $4 dollars each and a set of number stencils that was $6. I grabbed a cardboard box for free and cut out a rectangle the size of 5 numbers for the black background. $8 for paint, $6 dollars for stencils and a free box. The total startup cost of my business was $12. With that $12 I was able to make $58 (this $58 is my net earnings). Then I had to buy new paint which cost me another $6 (this $6 is the following months overhead). So, my total profit from the first month was $40 (this $40 is my gross profit). The following month wasn't so great though because I made close to the same amount but had to buy new stencils and paint which cost me my original startup cost, reducing my profit to about $36. I did eventually run into the issue of painting myself out of business. However, with the connections I made from the Number painting business I started a lawn mowing business that was very successful. I hope this is helpful and make sure you have fun.
Startup cost - $50
Overhead for the following month - $50
Net Earnings - $200
Gross Profit - $100
Start up cost - $50
Overhead for the following month - $50
Net Earnings - $200
Gross Profit - $100