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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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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.

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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 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
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