There are two kinds of businesses in the world. Those that can be bootstrapped and those that can't.
There are a lot of kinds of businesses that NEED money to get started. But oftentimes, lack of money becomes an excuse for not starting something (anything)...
My position is that, if you really want to do something, you can figure out a way to get closer to it. You can figure out a way to get started and raise the sort of profile, knowledge, and contacts that you would need to get the money down the road. Perhaps you'll even raise enough money that you don't need an investor at all...
For example: If you want to open a retail cooking supply store - that takes money. But if you don't have money, what can you do?
Well, how about starting a web site that sells specialty cooking supplies? That doesn't cost very much to get up and running... This would be a fantastic way to start to understand your market - what they want to buy - how much they'll buy it for - what language they speak. In fact, if you don't have this knowledge before you invest a ton of money into your retail outlet, you might regret it (or have to learn it the hard/expensive way).
You would probably find out, very quickly, that you can't sell everyday cooking supplies because there is no money in it. Somebody can just head over to WalMart to get the cheap stuff or Sonoma Williams to get the expensive stuff. You must move to the really niche stuff. Let's say you figure out that people can't find the proper kitchenware to make Korean BBQ, and that you can move that sort of product on EBay. Then you figure out that people are really interested in buying custom sushi sticks. Bang - you just opened an ethnic food cooking supply store online. Chances are, that would work offline as well.
Need another example? Ok...
Let's say you want to open a natural gas company to drill newly opened territory. That takes a lot of money. You say you don't have that kind of money, huh?
Well, if you have the kind of experience that would allow you to be successful in this busiess, other companies will gladly pay you for your time. You could start a consulting firm to identify natural gas deposits, or fill out government paperwork and obtain permits. This approach allows you to build alliances, create a name for yourself, and time to find investors or build a solid business plan for investment.
The point of all this is... you've gotta get out there and do it.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those that take action and those that dream of taking action.
What can you do to move closer to making your DREAM a reality today?
1. If your ideal business requires money, what portion can you implement without money? A lot of businesses can be operated on a smaller scale without nearly as much time or money investment. When you're a small business, it is ALWAYS better to take action NOW, with an imperfect plan - than to wait for the perfect time or the perfect product.
2. Can you start a consultancy? Something you could get paid to do in your spare time?
3. Can you find a mentor that is already doing something similar, whom you can help out in exchange for the experience and contacts?
The moral of the story is that, if you don't move into action you may never have the opportunity. BUT, if you get started - if you start a rock rolling downhill, it just may pick up steam and turn into an unstoppable force.
So, here it is one last time: GET IT GOING! (what are you waiting for?)